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VWB Greg Stewart Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 2003-2005 Mailto: underthetable@earthlink.net 13316 3rd NE |
Deputy's Report, District 4 - Feb. 7, 2004 (April 2004)
It has been an honor to serve this District as Deputy these past few months. When Worshipful Brother Bob Jensen first suggested that I would be considered for this position I was beside myself. Was I was up to such a task? Like many Past Masters, I looked back on my year and thought of so many things I would do differently given the chance. I knew my wife was with child and we were purchasing our first home. I had to consider whether I had time to do a proper job and I asked around to see what kind of support I would have from those around me. As you can see with the help of a loving family and the assistance of my Brothers I have been able to get this far. I will continue to perform to the best of my ability. I would like to thank Most Worshipful John McNab for appointing me to this position. I have made friends that I would not have otherwise, and have gained anew respect for the task of our Grand Lodge.
Now for the numbers:
As a whole our membership is slowly declining. Out of the six Lodges in this District, one does no degree work. Walter F. Meier Lodge of Research No. 281 is a Lodge of instruction and the members are from other Lodges in the State. I have not included them in the statistics. In 2003 we did 31 First degrees, 25 Second degrees, 23 Third degrees and made 23 new Brothers proficient in the Craft. This has been offset by 57 deaths. The true sign of trouble is that we have had 10 Brothers dropped for non-payment of dues. This, in my opinion, is a wake-up call and should be the current focus for our leadership. What are we doing that would disenchant 10 Brothers to the point where they simply no longer wish to be members? It is my hope that our Worshipful Masters can work with the upcoming leaders to discover the problems and find innovative ways to retain our members. The good news is our Grand Master John McNab has chosen mentoring as the year's focus and it seems to be working. In 2002 we dropped 18 Brothers for non-payment of dues, almost twice as many as 2003. If we keep on this track and pay attention to this trend we will be able to stop this from happening.
Numbers do not always indicate the health of a Lodge and that is where my being the eyes and ears of the Grand Master comes into play. The Lodge with the lowest numbers is not necessarily in the most trouble. They have recognized the need to change and have moved officers to leadership positions to get the best results. What they need now are a couple of petitions from men in the neighborhood and word will get out. There is one Lodge with impressive numbers. They have a line of elected officers with only one Past Master as Secretary. They have so many new members there are not enough mentors to provide guidance. This is dangerous as the Masonic teachings so greatly depend on character and example.
We have two Lodges rich in traditions currently being led by new Masters. This is a good combination as the general health is stable and new ideas can be implemented. All Lodges are having fun and are full of new ideas. Occidental has family movie night with their big screen and LCD projector. Doric has hockey night and a Saturday breakfast every month. Green Lake is making plans for their 100th birthday, which will include the neighborhood. Maritime meets every other month and uses the alternate month for family outings and activities with their ladies. Greenwood has a game night, which is an-excellent time to bring a friend to learn about Masons. Walter F. Meier recently had their crab feed which was well attended by friends, family, members, and a few Grand Lodge officers.
In conclusion, District Four is doing well. Numbers are cold and the Brothers are warm. Despite having only six Lodges it is difficult to plan an event that does not conflict with a neighboring Lodge. I have yet to attend a meeting that left anyone bitter and I am always treated as if I was a king and shown proper honors for my office.
Thanks to both the Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them. The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA. Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.