Written by Past Master Matthew Wagstaff (36)
Ah, Lodge meetings — the time each month that every Mason anticipates with enthusiasm and excitement. Who doesn’t like a good lodge meeting? It ’ s the place where Masons engage in meaningful conversation and make decisions that will alter the course of history. While this example is an exaggeration, many of us believe this will be the case as we are advancing through the initiatory degrees. In reality, many lodge meetings are the same as many non-lodge meetings, where there is no agenda, grandstanding, and minimally impactful outcomes. As a result, many lodges see fewer brothers attend meetings and often struggle to have enough brothers to open. This leads the remaining brothers to ask, "Why on Earth should I continue to grace these gatherings with my presence?"
Whether you are a newly raised Master Mason or have been in the Craft for almost 20 years like I have, there will come a time when it is the day of the lodge meeting and you think to yourself, “do I really need to go to this meeting?” I have wrestled w ith this question on numerous occasions and, even as a Worshipful Master, I have had to remind myself of the value of having and attending lodge meetings. It is a blessing that wisdom truly does dwell in contemplation. I know that many Masons have asked this question to themselves and to other Masons. As a Mason, you are taught the value of time and also given tools to help you manage your time. Even with these tools at our disposal, the reality is that we are trying to prioritize the important aspects of our life on a daily basis. We want to be as intentional as possible about how and where we spend our time. The significance of lodge meetings extends far beyond routine gatherings. These assemblies, when attended with purpose, contribute profoundly to the cohesion and growth of our fraternity. Poorly attended lodge meetings can lead to a decline in overall member engagement and potentially the ultimate demise of a lodge. This writing aims to shed light on the tangible benefits I have derived from regular participation in lodge meetings. As we explore eight compelling reasons to prioritize these gatherings, let us embark on a journey grounded in facts, emphasizing the pivotal role each member plays in shaping the destiny of our lodges and Masonic community. As a Mason hailing from the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of the state of New York, let’s start by reviewing an excerpt from the Constitution and Statues of this jurisdiction. Here, it outlines the order of business to be conducted within a lodge meeting. This outlined agenda serves as a factual basis and framework for the reasons to attend lodge meetings.
Prince Hall Sentinel May 2024 Page | 62
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