IT'S ABOUT 'TIME'
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"
"Time lost, is time lost forever. You cannot buy it back."
- Bryce's Law
Are the problems we are having in membership related to money
(e.g., dues and charitable contributions)? Probably not. I haven't
found participation in Freemasonry to be too unreasonable. No, its
about "time" (or the lack thereof). The average working stiff today is
faced with many organizations vying for our participation; for example:
- Professional Societies - associations directly related to our jobs.
For example, with me its the various computer and management societies. And
let us not forget unions and employee groups.
- Volunteer Groups - homeowner/condo associations, school groups (PTA/SAC),
youth sports (Little League, soccer, High School booster clubs, etc.),
church organizations, political/special interest groups, college alumni
organizations, hospitals, etc.
- Hobbies - sports (golf, tennis, bowling, fishing, hunting, boating) and
games (cards), special interest, and arts and crafts.
- Civic service associations - chamber of commerce, Jaycees, Kiwanis,
Lions, Red Cross, Scouting, etc.
- Other fraternal/veteran associations - Elks, Moose, Knights of Columbus, VFW,
American Legion, etc.
- Masonic Organizations - Craft Lodge, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine,
Eastern Star, High 12, etc.
All of these organizations demand time and we can be easily consumed by
any one of them if we are so inclined. The reality is that unless a person
is retired or single, there isn't much time in the week to devote to
more than one of these groups. So what distinguishes Freemasonry? How
are we being positioned? What is the "compelling reason" for joining? As
something cryptic or "old-fashioned" that will consume an inordinate amount
of personal time or something else? I see Freemasonry, particularly the
Craft Lodge, as a vehicle for the betterment of mankind, including
ourselves (self development). How many times have we heard the adage,
"Freemasonry makes a good man better"? If we lose sight of our purpose
and fail to distinguish ourselves from others, than we have missed the boat.
Let's take it a step further.
I'm proud to say that I am a third degree Mason (actually a 4th degree
Mason since I am a Past Master). My grandfather was a 32nd degree Mason
and I have been encouraged by many to seek further light in Masonry
by advancing in the degrees in both the Scottish Rite and York
Rite bodies but have balked at it for the time being.
Let me play Devil's Advocate for a moment. By now, I think I
understand what Masonic degree work is and what it entails. But I
fail to see how I will benefit from learning all 32 degrees. In
other words, the Scottish Rite & York Rite haven't made their case
for me yet. I don't see the "compelling" reason to join. I am most
definitely not saying they are irrelevant organizations;
they simply haven't made their case for me yet. What do they
represent? What do they offer that the Blue Lodge doesn't?
Some might argue, that I would learn more about the history of the
fraternity and more Masonic secrets. Possibly. But let's not forget
that not too long along, people joined these bodies simply to get to the
Shrine (there are many Shriners out there who are card-carrying members
of the Scottish Rite & York Rite who haven't been back ever since they were
initiated). Since the Shrine changed their rules for initiation
a couple of years ago (allowing 3rd Degree Masons to join), the Scottish
Rite & York Rite bodies have been struggling with their numbers. Their
one-day classes are inviting but again, what's the "compelling" reason
for joining? What do they offer other than degree work? A different
social venue? A different charity? Do I have to wear some strange new
costume? Will I end up in a chair right after I'm initiated? What?
When I was Worshipful Master of my Lodge I was never approached
by anyone from the allied and appendant bodies to give a presentation
in our Lodge as to the purpose and activities of their respective
groups. Evidently this is not uncommon at the Craft Lodge level. Since
the Craft Lodge represents their prospective members, this is a greatly
missed opportunity.
Obviously I am talking about marketing. All Masonic bodies are
fraternal/service organizations who until recently waited for people
to knock on our doors to join. Fortunately, the rules have changed
at the Craft Lodge level in some jurisdictions, and we can now approach
suitable candidates to join the fraternity. Beyond that, little has
been done about educating Blue Lodge Masons on the activities of
the Scottish Rite & York Rite, and their numbers continue to dwindle.
As I see it, the allied and appendant bodies have to reposition themselves
and take a proactive approach to promoting membership. They should be
actively involved with every Craft Lodge in their jurisdiction,
possibly by appointing a Craft Lodge delegate/liaison. They should
first help the Craft Lodges get more Brothers into the fraternity;
Second, educate Craft Lodge members as to the benefits of their
organization. But even before this, they have to do some soul-searching
and ask, "What's the compelling reason for joining our organization?"
If they truly have nothing special to offer, their story is told.
Think about this: If I am having a problem wrestling with this
question, what are our junior members thinking?
Keep the Faith.
NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not
necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction
or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein,
please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic
web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:
Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com
Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.
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Copyright © 2007 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
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