There's still time to check out Outside the Lodge Room
Grand Lodge Committees and Programs
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Marlborough

Come join us for a better understanding of the Grand Lodge Committees and Programs. Hear what they do, the programs they offer, and how you can get involved.

This event is ideal for lodge officers and committee members, in-coming Masters looking to plan their year, and those brothers looking to get more involved in Grand Lodge committees.

8:00 am - Registration, Coffee and Pastry
8:30 m - 12:00 noon - Program
Marlborough Masonic Building, 8 Newton Street, Marlborough

For more information, contact: R.W. Kenneth Sprague

• R.W. George Bibilos, Grand Lodge Membership Committee

• R.W. Graeme Marsden, Rural Lodge, Quincy - Lodge Problems, Lodge Solutions

• Wor. Ken Sprauge, Converse Lodge, Malden  - Generating Excitement around Freemasonry

"Over the past three years, between raising new candidates and affiliations, we have increased our membership by almost sixty brothers."

• RW Truman Hix, Montgomery Lodge, Milford - Re-Engaging the Brethren both Young and Old

"We really stretched capacity and came up with a project that would require help from all the brethren, and their families and non-masons also. The involvement of non-masons resulted in a very substantial number of applications for membership, and a rejuvination of our nearby DeMolay Chapter."

•  Bro. Joe Curran, Thomas Talbot Lodge, Billerica - Turning around a Lodge with declining membership and limited involvement

"Our membership is increasing dramatically – we routinely have 10+ candidates per rotation. The monthly Service Committee meetings is attended by at least 30 members. The last Lodge of Instruction had 43 Thomas Talbot members in attendance At the last Widows function (BBQ) we had 35 Widows & 75 Brothers, families & friends"

• Wor. Rob Jessee, United Brethren Lodge, Marlborough - Combing new Brothers and experienced with Grand Lodge assistance to spark new ideas.

"An easy measure of success is the number of members on hand for meetings, particularly special meetings for things like funerals and degree work. The last few cycles of degree work have required additional meetings for candidates, and one idea used has been Saturday morning 3rddegrees. On average 25-35 members have attended these events, and this number includes an even mix of newer members as well as longer-term members."

• Wor. Joe Denicola, Old Colony Lodge, Hingham - Turning around a Lodge about to "Go Dark"

"We have rebuilt the Lodge room, installed new heating system, refurbished the lower apartments and commenced the handicapped access.  But because of the activity ‘in and around the several apartments’ of the Temple; it has helped inspire the Membership to participate in all Lodge activities, begin new ones, work the “Square & Compasses Day”.  Brothers are proud of their Lodge again; old members have returned, many new Brothers have joined.  This pride shows in the Ritual and attendance at lodge and District functions.  Were we were lucky to have 12 -15 Brothers in attendance; it is not uncommon to the 60+.  Four times in the past 2 ½ years we have had over 100 present. Affiliations are now quite common.  Meals are held before the meeting (rather than at a break) to shorten the evening.  Meals are Very Good and a value, thus encouraging participation."