When I was attending the Warden's training, one exercise stirred great imagination.  If you had unlimited funds and infinite membership what would you do with your lodge as Master.  Some people found it a great challenge.  Another concept that was made clear (at least to me) was as Master, it's your Lodge.  Follow the Washington Grand Lodge code and your bylaws and you can do anything you want....  As MWB John McNab's  Deputy I have attended some Grand Lodge functions and hung out with our G.L. elected officers.  The message is still there.  Grand Lodge is not just the state's Lodge's government, but rather the greatest of what we can accomplish.  I am impressed by the expertise that these fine Brothers can emulate.

I have found from visiting different Lodges that each one has a personality.  This personality changes from year to year as the line officers change. There will be times when membership is low and the old members are tired of doing the same thing over and over.  That is what we call tradition.  Tradition is just that.  It is not a rule to follow.  It is an attempt to replay an action that at one time gave pleasure.  Traditions are not bad and neither are reruns.  I really like Gilligan 's Island. 

There is a point. I have been asked how it is that Doric Lodge is so successful with attracting new, young, enthusiastic Masons and other Lodges in the same area don't.  There is no one answer, there are many.  If you have a big problem, break it down to smaller problems and solve them one at a time.  If you plant a crop with the smallest seeds every season, you will have a small yield year after year.  My personal challenge to each Master this year is simple.  Pick one project, anything, it can be holding a stated meeting under the stars on the roof of your building or entering a Masonic car in the full contact racing event at Skagit County raceway.  Perhaps you could brainstorm with your Brothers after a stated meeting.  Any task can be accomplished if two or more people work in harmony.  Make this project GRAND.  Once you have done that you will find that it will Command attention and upstanding men will want to join your group.