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For Masonic Research
Article and Papers
Study on the Present Conditions of Freemasonry in the World
A snapshot of Freemasonry taken at the end of 2015
By Bro. Vincent Lombardo, PM.
The purpose of this research is to form a snapshot of the Present Conditions of Masonry in the world, as compared to the past, and draw from it lessons that may help us Masons work to address present issues, recognize successes or failures, and find solutions for the better future of our Craft. My research was structured in a list of 35 questions intended to cover all significant aspects of today's vitality of Freemasonry. The data and opinions collected are reported below according to this list.
From the very beginning, I was told by several brethren that my project was too ambitious, far-reaching, time-consuming beyond practical, and the data collected would be too difficult to analyze and be of any use. For these very reasons I will not reproduce here all the pages of information I have collected, but sift through it and share in extract only what, to my best judgment, maybe of some use to lodges, or Grand Lodges, concerned with their declining membership; and also, to those lodges or Grand Lodges which enjoy prosperity — so they do not fall into the errors of others. The information I have received might, in some cases, be not strictly factual, but just the opinions based on someone's personal experience or information.
I was also told that "hundreds of similar studies have been conducted in the past, looking for the reasons behind the decline of Freemasonry all over the places; that books have been written about the subject; that Internet forums and blogs are littered with the same; that we all pay a certain amount of lip service to those opinions, as many of us have seen those things happening right in front of us. However, at the end of the day, it's all gossip." One respondent also noted: "As we know however from observation, bodies die when the soul is weak, or the spirit has left." Wherefore I asked myself: is this the "why" we had paid lip service to those opinions, and done nothing, or ineffectually, or foolishly? Is the body of Masonry dying? Has its spirit (principles and purpose) left us?
It was also suggested that a lot of my questions would be best answered by Grand Secretaries because members are likely to supply guesses rather than facts; that I was asking too many questions, appearing to make an undue claim on these secretaries' time. Indeed, I knew this already when I started this project, and I was also aware that asking my Grand Secretary to contact on my behalf the 467 *1) Grand Lodges in the world would have been too much to ask of him, and without hope; so I decided to write directly to the Grand Lodges, starting with the Grand Lodges in my own country, and with some other jurisdictions in North America. Apparently, a great number of those Grand Lodges I had contacted complained to my Grand Lodge (for breach of protocol); thus followed the injunction of my Grand Master: not to contact by letter or email any Grand Lodge outside my own, under the penalty of suspension (or expulsion) — because it would take them too much time and effort to find the answers to my questions, time and effort the Grand Secretaries cannot afford. I suppose that is the reason even my own Grand Lodge declined to give me the information I was looking for, and also declined to address my questions to a person in its jurisdiction who could answer them, which was my original request to my Grand Secretary and to all other Grand Secretaries I had contacted.
Fortunately, a small number of those Grand Lodges I had originally contacted weren't stuck on protocol, and generously either gave me detailed and useful information, or referred my questions to knowledgeable people in their jurisdictions, who also asked me to share with them the results of my research when completed.
Someone suggested a simple letter of introduction sent with a few clicks of the mouse by my Grand Secretary to all his counterparts in all jurisdictions in amity with my Grand Lodge would have opened to me the door to more accurate information. Probably so but, my Grand Secretary had already told me that my Grand Lodge did not support my Study, therefore nothing was left to me other than reach out to as many brethren I had corresponded with in the past, and to reach out to other brethren wherever dispersed upon the face of the earth by whatever means possible. Thus I made my request to the secretaries of individual lodges and of research lodges, and of other masonic bodies (not part of my Grand Master's injunction) I could find on the Web (worldwide), and also, with the same intent, I joined a few forums dealing in masonic matters. I also looked into some of those "hundreds of similar studies… conducted in the past," *2) using their statistics to corroborate the information given to me by individuals. As for my own Grand Lodge, I found the little pertinent information available on the Website of Brock University, Proceedings: Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario - 2014, authored by my very own Grand Secretary and other Grand Officials, (see in this publication: CONDITION OF MASONRY, pp. 31- 34, and GRAND SECRETARY'S REPORT, pp. 92 - 93.) I deem this information reliable and accurate, and I have included it in my Study.
According to my Grand Lodge's Website, (2016), there are 3.2 Million Masons across the world. I take that number at face value, since I have no means to verify it, and the number itself is not material to my research, but rather its variations in time and place, and the reasons for such variations. I also went by the assumption that these 3.2 Million Masons are members of "regular" Grand Jurisdictions in amity with my Grand Lodge, and recognized by the UGLE. The information I have so far received relates to 1,677,000 such Masons in 21,079 Lodges, under the jurisdiction of 70 such Grand Lodges on 5 continents. That represents approximately 52% of the ideal target I had set to canvass, and I am satisfied the information I now have is sufficient to realize that snapshot I intended to form, and I report it below, referencing material information to its sources, when I deem it necessary, and at the same time keeping the promise of anonymity I made to my informants. This "Study" does not include any Prince Hall Jurisdictions, since all my attempts to get in touch with several of their individual lodges have not succeeded.
Addendum. In January 2023, wanting to take another snapshot of the Conditions of Freemasonry in the World, using the same parameters and sources used in 2015, I found that most of those sources are no longer available on the internet; statistics, studies and other pertinent information once found on Grand Lodges' websites have become inaccessible to the public, — perhaps deleted or forever lost. Most of the links to the material used in 2015 Study now lead, regrettably, nowhere.
These are my Findings
1. Membership. The total number of members in the 70 Grand Lodges/Grand Orients reported stands presently at 1,677,000.
1.1 To the question whether this number is up or down, compared to 10 - 20 years ago, the answer varies from region to region, but is generally negative for 19,185 of the lodges reported. Only 1,894 lodges, with a combined membership of 83,500 members (5% of the total sample) have reported an increase in membership in the past 10 years, Italy showing thegreatest increase (40%):
With the exception of the Grand Lodges of Continental Europe and Southeast Asia, whose membership has on average experienced a steady increase over the past ten years (30 to 40%), and the Gran Logia de Cuba, whose membership in the same period has slightly increased from 30,000 to 32,000 members, the membership in all other Grand Jurisdictions (Australia, Canada, England, and U.S.A.) has experienced an average steady decline of 2.8% per year. Membership in my own Jurisdiction (Ontario, Canada) has decreased from 54,837 members in 2005 to approximately 40,000 in 2015, a loss of 14,837 members (27%) in ten years. Telling are the statistics published by the Masonic Service Association of North America and others (see note 2),) where the U.S. membership total is shown to have declined from its highest point of 4,103,161 members (in 1959) to 1,211,183 members in 2014 (70% decline). There is a small spark of hope with the Grand Lodge of North Dakota, whose membership from 2013 to 2014 has increased by 28 members (1%) to 2,913.*
2. On the whole, are lodges prospering or declining?
This question was poorly worded. "On the whole" should have been more clearly defined; however, the answers of many respondents, which cannot be quantified and only be taken as "personal opinions," are noteworthy. For example:
- One respondent for Italy, the most prosperous in number upswing (40%), the strictest in the admission of new members, generally better educated, and the richest in candidates education, *3) reported that the Italian lodges are "prospering, but the education's level is mostly unsatisfactory." [This is quite astonishing, when compared with the widespread, acknowledged, and documented ignorance (of Masonry) on the part of North American Masons, the worst in the (Masonic) world, who are typically required to memorize just a few lines of the ritual, in order to advance from one degree to the next, and they do it in a very short time!]
- Our lodges are definitely prospering. [Central Europe.]
- The respondent for Cuba, though admitting a modest increase in membership, laments the general decline in lodge vitality,especially when a Master of little Masonic experience is elected to the Chair, causing conflicts and divisions within the lodge.
Typical for all lodges in the declining Jurisdiction is the answer given by two Canadian sources, quoted here word for word:
- "Freemasonry in this jurisdiction is in a great deal of trouble and over the next five years is going to be greatly diminished from what it is now with far fewer lodges." [This source has requested to remain anonymous.]
- GRAND LODGE OF A.F. & A.M. OF CANADA in the Province of Ontario, Proceedings, July 16th, A.D. 2014, CONDITION OF MASONRY, page 32:
"Although last year, we took time to celebrate the arrival of 1,366 new members to our Craft, we must also be vigilant in our effort to gain a clearer understanding of the membership trends over the past couple of decades.
3. What are the causes of this prosperity, or decline?*
In the prospering regions, the success and prosperity of lodges are attributed generally to:
- Masonic experience and longer tenure of the W. Master (re-elected for several terms), bringing stability, harmony, and the carrying out of long-term programs.
- The influx of many young people hoping to find in Masonry their values, because they are deluded by politics and religion; to get an opportunity to study Masonic history, symbolism, philosophy, ethics, laws, and traditions together with like-minded people.
- Vibrant membership, supported by periodical get-togethers outside the lodge stated meetings, such as dinners, festivities, cultural and other events, where families participate, and the brethren truly treat each other like brothers.
- Our population is basically very group-oriented. We like hanging out and socializing. Joining Masonry is one way of socializing.
In the declining jurisdictions, typically:
- Many new, younger members initially show up at meetings and then no longer attend, because either they do not find what they were looking for, or are bored. Some feel their absence won't be noticed or missed.
- Reported in one jurisdiction: Internal conflicts, "the struggles for power on the part of new Masters, making them dictators, authoritarian, omnipotent and all powerful, violators of [Masonic] laws and imposing their will above all; this phenomenon now occurs quite often, and is widespread, threatening prosperity."
- There seems to be a lack of knowledge/awareness in the general community regarding Freemasonry. *4)
- Masonry is perceived by the general public as irrelevant. *5)
- Many of the younger generations lack time for fraternal activities, such as lodges. *6)
- Travel time between home and work has increased. Work itself is taking increasing amounts of time, including having to keep up with ever changing technology.
- Failure to attract new members, and exhaustion of the leaders. *7)
- Reported by one jurisdiction: "This was in part due to the ethnic makeup [of the local population], which precluded membership among Roman Catholic men."
- The passing away of the soldiers returning from WWII, who joined the fraternity in the thousands.
This last reason is the consolation for many leaders in the fraternity — it is unavoidable, they say — and therefore nothing can be done about it, and little or nothing is done. The Marquess of Northampton, then Pro Grand Master, in an article based on an Address to the Cornerstone Society in June 2015, disproved this reason: "Our recent losses are often blamed on the fact that we consecrated 1,000 Lodges in the five years following the Second World War to accommodate men returning from active service and wanting to join a fraternity. But that is not the whole story as most of those brethren have long since passed away and we have continued to shrink at the rate of between 2-3% every year." *8)
Very pertinent to this Study, and instructive, is an article written by M.W. Bro. Dwight L. Smith, P.G.M., of the Grand Lodge of Indiana in 1962, titled "Whither are we traveling?" and reproduced by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon on its Website in 1963. *9) I strongly recommend to any Mason, who is passionate about the well-being and future of his lodge, to read it attentively, and to bring it to the attention of his brethren in his lodge, especially the younger members, and to act upon it, for Bro. Smith's observations (1962) are not obsolete — but even more actual and pressing today.
4. Which sectors of the population/professions constitute the membership in your area?
In the prospering regions membership includes in great part university level professionals, graduates, teachers, middle-class white-collar workers, civil servants, policemen, soldiers, lawyers, some students, and a few blue collars workers. In the declining regions, membership appears to include all classes, but in most of these jurisdictions, this information is not tracked.
In my own jurisdiction, in an article titled "A Personal Note to a Potential Candidate from an Old Past Master" *10) published in 2014, the late M.W. Bro. Raymond S. J. Daniels, PGM, qualified our new candidates as "serious-minded, well-educated, well-read young men … thoughtful and with superior intelligence." Bro. Daniels also stated that "Each year about 1300 candidates are initiated in Ontario." It is a shame they don't stick around, in some cases known to me leaving the Craft even before receiving their Master Mason degree, which is not difficult in this jurisdiction, and possibly with a small effort, often lasting as little as 3 months or three lodge meetings.
5. What is the average age now found among the members? Has the age average changed (up or down) as compared to the past?
In the prospering regions:
- Central America: 25 to 30, as compared to 15 years ago, when the majority of members were over 40.
- Southeast Asia: 40, and younger men are now joining up.
- Continental Europe (North and Central): 60 - 65, trending down; (South): 50, trending down to 40.
Where there is membership decline:
- USA and Canada reported 65 to 70, trending up.
- Many jurisdictions, according to my sources, do not track this information.*
6. What is the average membership size of your Lodges?
This varies from lodge to lodge and in all regions. In the prospering regions, however, the size of lodges is generally smaller (25 to 65); whereas, in the declining regions, there are lodges with hundreds and even 1,000 members in its urban centers, and as low as 13 in rural areas. (See note 7, page 18, Lodge Jordan #148.)
While socio-demographic factors may explain the existence of a lodge with 13 members, and foretell its demise either by going dark or by amalgamation, both contributing to the general decline of its jurisdiction, lodges with several hundreds of members are, in the words of M.W. Bro. Dwight L. Smith, nothing more than "an impersonal aggregation of strangers" (see note 9, page 35, point 4) contributing nothing to the vitality and future of Masonry in their jurisdiction. *
7. What percentage of the membership is usually present at the lodge meetings?
The contrast between the prospering and the declining jurisdictions is striking:
- In the prospering regions 50 - 60% of members regularly attend lodge.
- In all the declining regions 5 to 10% is the norm, with Pennsylvania faring a bit better (15 - 20%) and New Brunswick 20%.
8. How often do members meet, in lodge or socially, each month?
Not just the frequency of meetings appears to be a definite factor in the prosperity or decline of Masonry in the jurisdictions reported, but the quality (style and content) of the meetings may explain such prosperity or decline. For example:
In the prospering regions:
- Cuba: lodges meet weekly, rarely socially, due to economic constraints.
- Germany: meetings are held usually once a week, plus 3 - 4 get-togethers monthly, variously to discuss and plan the affairs of the lodge, to present papers and discussion or to attend cultural events or concerts, with the participation of seekers as guests.
- Italy: Twice a month, usually with presentation of papers and discussion.
In the declining regions:
- California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania: 3 - 4 times monthly, variously for practices, social or family dinners, fundraising.
- New Brunswick: only once a month. A few of its lodges hold social events, but they are not monthly.
- In all other jurisdictions, [the majority] reported that members meet only once a month, and no social activities have been reported.
9. Do your lodges meet in the summer months?
With the exception of Cuba, Denmark, and Germany, where lodges meet weekly and recess in the summer only for one or two weeks, and California and Philippines, where there is no recess, some lodges (in some jurisdictions) do occasionally meet in the summer once or twice. All other lodges in all other jurisdictions (all with declining membership) do not meet in the summer months.*
10. With the exception of members who cannot attend the meetings, due to illness or distance, a) what remedies or sanctions are enforced against the defaulting members (e.g., complaint, summons to appear and to justify their absence, expulsion or other …); b) how common are these cases?
This question caught the special attention of most of the respondents. I deem it useful to the purpose of this Study to report verbatim the most telling answers:
- California: No sanctions. They are welcome back anytime — no question asked.
- Cuba: These cases are frequent; a lot of brothers do not show up in lodge for long periods of time without justification. They are then visited and summoned to appear (in lodge) and explain the reasons for their absence. Yet, many do not comply, and they are terminated according to law. Most never return.
- Germany: One who does not attend lodge for one year without justification is morally reprimanded, and could be expelled.
- Illinois: None.
- Italy: Expulsion after 6 consecutive months of (unjustified) absence, or misbehavior, or non-payment of dues over 12 months in arrears. *11) Not very common. Brethren are urged to demit.
- New Brunswick: None.
- Pennsylvania: a) Telephone calls, letters; after a certain amount of time, members are suspended for non-payment of dues.According to my "assistants" on this project, Dan and Mike, each lodge has a "hospitaller" who keeps in touch with especially sick members and gives a report to the lodge and asks the brothers if they know of anyone who needs help. b) How common are these cases? Very, especially given the average age of members.
- Victoria: Default, as in dues? (The question could be clearer). Automatic exclusion after 3 years of non-payment.
- Philippines: A member must attend 3 meetings a year to avoid suspension. This is very common but the lodges usually do not implement this suspension on the members. Almost all lodges have sunshine committees who visit and reach out to non-attending members.
11. Are the temple buildings generally the property of a lodge, co-owned with other lodges, or rented from others (commercial enterprises)?
Lodge Building Ownership or Rental varies in all regions. Temples are mostly owned by a lodge and are rented out to other lodges. Typical is the account reported by Pennsylvania:
- "All three: Many Pennsylvania cities e.g., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading have Masonic centers (co-owned by several lodges. Those that meet in the Masonic Temple pay rent, as the Grand Lodge owns the Temple). Lodges in small towns rent from commercial enterprises or have their own lodge buildings (maybe with more than one lodge meeting there — who owns, who pays rent is up to the lodge — to my knowledge). Other Masonic bodies have their own similar arrangements."
Somewhat curious is the situation in Havana, where the Masonic Temple is (apparently) owned by the Gran Logia de Cuba, but several floors of the building are occupied by State Agencies, paying no rent or any form of compensation.
12. Are the membership fees sufficient to pay for the maintenance [upkeep] of the Temple, or are some of the Temple facilities rented to the public, to balance income and expenses?
On this subject we have fallen far from our former glory. For the purpose of this Study, I reproduce here verbatim some of the most salient answers:
- California: No. A large fraction of the income comes from trust fund proceeds and the profit from building rentals. The lifemembership fund does not see even interest withdrawals. The combination of building rental profits and trust fund proceeds puts our lodge far above the majority of lodges for income.
- Cuba: [translated] "Although we have increased the amount of several fees, they are still insufficient for making various repairs to the Temples, since the prices for labor and materials have increased a lot and very quickly in recent times. What a year ago would have cost 10 [Cuban] pesos now cost up to 50 times as much, and by consequence we have to impose extra levies on the brethren in order to solve some of the problems. Some lodges have been fortunate to be visited by brethren from other jurisdictions, who have made their donations in USD, allowing them to repair their temples and buy other necessary equipment, fans, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. … Moreover, our personal finances are not very good, and the collections of our sacos de
beneficencia [a bag or pouch passed around the lodge at the closing of every meeting to collect money for charity] are quite poor.Generally there are more expenses than income, our treasuries are depleting rather than growing, preventing us from helping those brethren who are going through hardship."
- Germany: Barely.
- Illinois: Varies by location. My own lodge's holding company rents part of the building to a public agency. Some rent to non-Masonic fraternal organizations. Since alcohol generally cannot be served, rental opportunities are limited.
- Italy: They are sufficient. Fully paid by membership fees.
- New Brunswick: Generally speaking, lodge dues are far too low in this jurisdiction. The Masonic Temple in XXX has commercial properties on the ground floor of the building.
- Pennsylvania: Often not enough. Many (including the Masonic Temple in Philadelphia) rent to the public.
- Philippines: Membership fees are not sufficient to maintain the temple unless it is a residential type of bungalow building. Those in the commercial areas usually have their lodge room on the second floor and rent out the ground floor for commercial use.
Pertinent to this study, by extension, is the practice of one lodge and of one temple in my jurisdiction. This lodge has for many years assisted several Cuban lodges bringing to them money, medicines, office equipment for the use of these lodges, and medical equipment for individuals, the value of which would be immaterial if donated to a charity in my jurisdiction, but of incredibly great value to the Cuban brethren. The temple, 10 years ago hosting 23 lodges, is now the home of only nine lodges, all shareholders in the temple, one of them having the majority vote. These lodges meet in it once a month for their regular (stated) meetings but meet elsewhere (private homes, pubs, public libraries, other temples) for their other meetings — because the fee charged for extra meetings is for the majority of these lodges unaffordable. So, this temple remains unoccupied and dark for two-thirds of the time, with a very spacious empty parking lot facing the street, bearing witness to the present vitality and glory of Freemasonry in this part of the world.*
13. What is the average cost of admission (Initiation), [13.1] and the annual fees (proportionally to the average daily earning from employment in your country)? [13.2] Are there additional fees charged for each degree?
These fees vary greatly from lodge to lodge, but most significantly from region to region. It appears the cost of belonging to the Craft is a factor in the success or decline of lodges. These fees are highest in the prospering jurisdictions, lower and lowest in the declining ones.
The samples illustrated below are the highest and lowest reported as average or range converted from the currency of the Jurisdiction into Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) expressed in USD *12) divided by 364 (days), and expressed in days of work needed to pay for the fee, based on median individual income, in descending order.
InitiationAnnual FeesDegree Fees
Philippines *13)400 (21 days)70 - 140 (4 - 7 days)none
Italy 500 - 800 (9 - 15 days)500 (9 days)250 - 270 (4 - 5 days)
Germany 150 - 200 (2 - 3 days)300 - 600 (4 - 8 days)none
Cuba 100 (5 days)180 (9 days)yes, but not specified
Pennsylvania300 - 600 (2.4 - 4.8 days)100 (0.8 day)none
Illinois150 - 1000 (1.2 - 8 days)50 - 150 (0.4 - 1.2 days)none
Australia250 (1.5 days)not reportednone
New Brunswick75 - 250 (0.5 - 1.7 days)60 - 150 (0.4 - 1.0 day)none
14. What are the most common reasons today in your Grand Jurisdiction that entice a petitioner to join a Lodge?
Most lodges and Grand Lodges do not track this information. Some of the opinions expressed by my informants, which I report below either verbatim or translated, may be useful for the purpose of this Study:
- To be a better man, in every respect. The quest of spirituality, free from dogmas, plays a significant role; too, even if not for the majority of petitioners, good culture, and interest in our traditions.
- Generally, they are attracted to the Craft because are related to a mason; others do it because they see in us persons of honor and respect; we behave differently from the rest of the population and we are always ready to offer our help and do charity no matter whom we help; and to a lesser extent, by simple vanity.
- It appears to be reading about us on the web and a search for meaning in one's life. Many already know someone, such as a relative or friend, who is a member. For the most part this seems to be an unknown. [I have discussed this with new members that I have worked with as an "intender" (trainer) and seldom received a good answer.] Probably many expect some sort of financial or social status gain.
- The Fraternity's good repute, and because of our charitable programs: children, youth, veterans… High opinion of the order.
- The main reason for joining masonry now in my jurisdiction is camaraderie and networking. I believe very few now join because they want to explore and learn the mystery of the fraternity. But once they become a member, most brethren become interested and started learning and exploring. This is why most of our brethren are very proficient in the degree works and are active in the lodges.
15. Must the Petitioner be known to one or more members of the Lodge?
Generally yes, but some of the answers [reproduced here verbatim] are revealing:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Yes. A Brother must sign his petition, too, vouching for him. But it is not indispensable, though preferred. If unknown, the time required for acceptance is longer. [See note 3) below.]
- The Petitioner is introduced to the lodge by two Master Masons who are members. Must supply 6 photos necktie and jacket, and a certification that he has no criminal record.
- An applicant need not be known, but is checked [examined] at length through discussions during several preceding attendances to "Guest Evenings", so to become known to the members.
- Yes, but we also entertain walk-ins. Even if the petitioner is known to a member, it takes at least 1 year (average is 2 years) before a lodge accepts and processes his application form. This is not a Grand Lodge rule but rather a tradition among lodges. The reason
is to know the person and see how determined a knocker (as we call them) is in joining masonry. He is expected to be in the
temple in every stated meeting as well as join us in the fellowship. On average it takes about 2 years to become a MM.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- No at all.
- In theory, yes. In practice if you pull out a petition pens start pointing at you immediately.
- No. They can be proposed by GL via dispensation. It is becoming common. It's helping us build membership. They are still interviewed and some declined.
- In theory he must be known to three Masons including at least one from the lodge that he petitions for membership. However, he can come to a few before meeting dinners and get acquainted before submitting a petition. (Our online petition form still says three from the lodge that he is petitioning.)
- Yes. Ideally, one must ask a member to become a member. The potential Candidate should be known at least to someone in lodge for about a year. However, "walk-ins" are given a petition to sign on the spot, and two Brethren are asked to sign the petition as "Sponsors" even if they do not know the Applicant.
16. What investigations about the Applicant for membership are conducted by the lodge after receiving an application for membership — how thorough are these investigations?
This varies in thoroughness and length from lodge to lodge, and from Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction. Here are some of the most telling answers:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Usually, three Brethren have a chat with him, trying to understand the true reasons for his request. Then an investigation follows in the workplace, and an investigation on family behavior. Then … [See note 3).]
- Before the application of a seeker is considered, several interviews take place in order to ascertain the Applicant is "a free man" [he has the freedom of his time and is able to regularly participate in the works of the lodge], that he is of good reputation. "Regular Income" is an important factor.
- The W. Master appoints two Master Masons who are responsible for investigating the Applicant in his place of residence and in the place where he works, to see if it really meets the requirements for admission into the Order, the investigations are aimed primarily to ascertain he is a good son, a good husband, a good brother, of good manners, of good prestige among the other citizens, in short everything related to moral qualities and ethical principles.
- The investigating committee will visit the petitioner in his home and get the approval of his immediate family. Police and court clearances are required.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- A cursory investigation takes place.
- They are interviewed in person or by telephone.
- In theory, three members of a committee are to interview the petitioner at his home. If he is married, his wife should be present.Frequently he is just asked a few questions over dinner before lodge. The investigations are not very thorough in most lodges ofwhich I am familiar with. This is in contrast to the local Prince Hall lodges, which have very thorough investigations.
- The big problem with these investigations is that sometimes are not carried out thoroughly, and Applicants, who do not meet the real requirements, are accepted due to the negligence of the investigating Brethren.
- A committee of three goes to the house of the Applicant and, preferably in the presence of the spouse, explains what the Fraternity is, and what commitment is expected in time and money on the part of its members, and tells them what they might expect as (intangible!) benefits. Nowadays, the fraternity does a criminal background check on the Applicant.
17. Are Applicants ever rejected — What are usually the reasons for rejection?
Here are some of the answers:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Yes, when from the reports of the investigating Brethren the Applicant is found to have "problems" in his neighborhood or workplace; or is known by a brother for being a liar, or an immoral man, with bad behavior at home, to be not good with his
parents, beats his wife, for neglecting his children, living apart from them, etc.
- No, it is not. Some 10% are rejected due to bad information from the Brethren, for not believing in GADU (Great Architect of the Universe) …, a petitioner is rejected if he appears to be neither a free man [financially, and master of his time] nor of good report.
- Unstable home life, disapproval by the man's spouse; of course, he's rejected if the background check isn't good or they sense that he wants to come in for all the wrong reasons.
- Yes. Applicants with criminal records are always rejected.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Rejection of an applicant is a very rare occurrence in this jurisdiction.
- It is unusual to reject a candidate.
- I have only heard of one recent rejection for new membership and one for affiliation throughout my jurisdiction. The one for new membership was because the petitioner was looking for a weird esoteric experience. I am not 100% sure why the one for affiliation was rejected, but suppose it is because he is openly gay. Since these rejections are not generally discussed, there could be more.
- GL does not keep statistics on how many are rejected.
18. How does an Apprentice qualify for the next level; and the Fellowcraft for the Master's degree? How long does it take for these qualifications as a rule?
Here are some of the most telling answers:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- It depends on the lodge. Some lodges require his regular attendance as well. The lapse of time between each degree is one year, but in some lodges is longer. The behavior of the Apprentice and Fellow in the Lodge and outside the Lodge is a factor. For the Fellow Craft also the quality of the papers he presents in the Lodge is also a factor. Typically, it takes 3 years from Apprentice to Fellowcraft, 1 to 2 from Fellowcraft to Master. [See also note 3), point 4)]
- The qualification for the next level is an internal matter of each lodge, usually one year.
- There is a statutory time [attendance to 20 meetings of the lodge or a minimum of six months] before an Apprentice can be
advanced to the next level; a Fellow may be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason after a year, in addition of having shown a dignified conduct and having performed fraternal work, visiting sister Lodges, brethren in sickness or distress. For each degree, before advancement, he is examined in his ability in the rituals, steps and signs, grips, and knowledge of Masonic law. These examinations are rigorous, but never intended to disrespect the Brother, and he is even helped when he is uncertain.
- A candidate must be proficient in the exams before going to the next degree. At least 1 month before he is allowed to take the next degree.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- In this jurisdiction there is a proficiency requirement consisting of an examination and, in some lodges, reciting the obligation is also required. All our lodges, with the exception of one (my lodge, XXX No. X) employ the 3x3 rule, three degrees in three months. In my lodge there is a minimum of three months between degrees.
- There is a memorized proficiency of a few lines to be delivered in tiled lodge between EA and FC, between FC and MM. Often this is down [memorized] before the next meeting.
- Proficiency exams for each degree, before going on to the next. How long does it take for this qualification as a rule? About a month each time, sometimes longer.
- There must be a wait of either one meeting or one month. In theory he must learn some basic information on Freemasonry and pass a test on some portions of the ritual and the means of recognition. The "Intender" or person conducting the training can certify to this knowledge, but there probably is at least a short form examination in open lodge to placate older brethren who went through a more rigid long ritual examination years ago. I have taught candidates what they need to know within a month.
- EA to FC, not less than 12 weeks. EA to MM, not less than 52 weeks. They must undertake education courses as an EA before advancing to each degree.
19. Is a Candidate required to present in lodge one or more Papers (Lectures, Essays) to qualify for the next level?
In the prospering Jurisdictions, typically:
- Yes, three for each degree, out of a list of 15 subjects.
- Yes, most lodges ask for the presentation of one or more papers.
- The candidate must basically have presented or have performed [ritual] work, essays, toasts, lectures, etc.
In the declining Jurisdictions none is required, with the exception of one lodge reporting:
- "There is only one lodge in this jurisdiction that has that requirement and that is my lodge."
20. Are apprentices permitted to speak in Lodge?
Common in the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Not at all! Unless so required by the W. M.
- In earlier times Apprentices were forbidden to speak; today they may speak only when asked by the W.M.
- Apprentices are not allowed to speak in Lodge, but they have the right and duty to vote. They can make requests and petitions through the Junior Warden, who is the one who represents and teaches them.
- No. We open on the 3rd degree. EA.s and Fellowcrafts are not allowed in the lodge meeting but they are required to be in the temple while we are meeting.
In the declining Jurisdictions the answers are typical:
- Yes, but he cannot vote.
- Yes, and he can also vote.
21. Is the belief in a "Creator" an indispensable condition for the admission of an applicant?
The answer to this question is uniform in all jurisdictions: Yes. Noteworthy is, however, that given by one of the most prosperous jurisdictions: No. The sense of transcendence is sufficient. *
22. Are any believers of other (not mainstream) faiths excluded from membership?
Again, with very few exceptions, all jurisdictions appear to be very liberal in respect of faith, as long there is a belief in some kind of a "Supreme Being" in whatever form the petitioner intends it. These exceptions (all within the declining jurisdictions) are:
- Roman Catholics have been excluded until recent times
- Unitarian-Universalists are not admitted
- Only Protestant Christians are admitted
23. Is the belief that the Scriptures (of any religion) constitute the will of God — a determining factor for the approval of an applicant?
Here also, with the exception of two jurisdictions, the answer to this question is uniformly: No
24. Universality and Tolerance. — As an example, would a just, righteous, and reputable North American Indian (a true believer in its traditional spirituality) be admitted in a lodge of your Grand Jurisdiction? — such an Indian having no Bible or equivalent Holy Scriptures, but his spirituality and his faithfulness is represented by the Eagle Feather, holding which he swears and feels bound by it. You will find the reasons for this strange question here: The Eagle Feather
This question caught by surprise all the respondents, especially those in regions where such an occurrence has never taken place or will not likely occur. Their answers, however, are revealing the degree of Tolerance and the understanding of the term "Universality" that is perceived in their Jurisdictions and in their lodges. I report here some of the most interesting answers, which, understandably, are opinions and not facts, except for my own Grand Lodge (one of those in decline), where the question arose not too long ago and was ruled negatively. Here are those answers, reproduced verbatim:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Yes, there is nothing in the const. prohibiting such an initiation. I would support such an applicant.
- Yes, absolutely.
- Yes. The Great Spirit is most acceptable! — I don't know, but I would be delightfully surprised if the Grand Lodge of XXX
permitted the Eagle Feather (Wow! I didn't know of this deeper significance of the Eagle Feather!). The next time I see XXX, I may ask one of the Grand Line, who would understand and take the question seriously. I fear that those ahead of him in the Line would say "Huh?!" or "Nah!" or at least look at me as if I had two heads …
- Yes, that American Indian, if he were to decide to reside permanently in our country, had met all our mandates, and meets the requirements of our laws and ancient limits, if he were a free and decent man, good son, good father, good husband, of goodrepute, of high moral and believe in the existence of a supreme being, even if he had no Bible, and were to revere the feathers of birds, as we revere our Bible, we would accept him as a brother and initiate him as a Mason. [Translated]
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Good question. Not sure what the response would be in this jurisdiction.
- If he wants to bring his own VSL it would have to be a book. The book would have to be approved by a vote of the lodge
members at the initiation. The GL publishes a list of pre-approved VSLs of numerous well-known faiths. Some lodge members might prefer the book to be vetted by members of Lodge of Research. I know that a book on Scientology has been declined by local vote at one point. Putting a feather into the book would not be an issue.
- The American Indians that I have known probably all took their obligations on a King James Bible. It might depend on the Grand Master at the time. [I think that the XXX Grand Lodge in a search for members might be liberal on this point, but we manymembers who would strongly object.]
- In our Jurisdiction is the Bible and nothing but the Bible, no feather, no "white book" or anything else. [Translated]
- We don't have any experience of this as most of our members are Christian and Muslim. I believe he can be admitted as long as he is willing to take the obligation upon the VSL. *14)
25. Besides the Bible, what other holy writings are permitted to be displayed on the altar of the Lodges in your Grand Jurisdiction?
Here are some typical answers:
- The Bible and nothing else.
- Normally none.
- Sofar we only have the Koran but the Bible must also be open.
- ALTERNATE HOLY WRITINGS - When an alternate Holy Writings is used during a degree, a closed Holy Bible of any size must be on the altar.
- The Koran and the Tanach are available from our Grand Lodge, but may be obtained elsewhere. A Ghita was used for a Hindu in my lodge. Except for conferral of degrees, there is usually only a King James Bible on the altar.
- They are not regulated.
- Only the Holy Bible, but the petitioner may ask to take his Oath and Obligation on a Koran, Torah, Vedas … a Volume of the Sacred Law. It is put on the altar for the duration of the degree only. See above about whether that could be stretched to include the Eagle Feather.
- Besides the VOSL of the Jewish faith I am not sure that any other VOSLs are in use at the current time. We did have a Muslim member in my lodge but he has moved west. During his time in lodge the Koran was opened on the altar. *15)
26. Except for the conferral of degrees (Rituals), what other activities are usually undertaken by the lodge?*
Here are verbatim some of the most telling answers:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Discussion on lectures delivered by Brethren regarding a big variety of subjects, except those regarding Politics and Religion. All the Brothers (except Apprentices) are encouraged to comment on the presentation.
- Monthly: lodge of instruction, officers planning meetings, theatre nights (concerts and plays), Christmas festivities, guest evenings, lectures open to profane guests, open-ended evenings among brethren, presentation and discussion of books, picnics, etc. etc.
- [Translated] - In our lodges we only gather once a week to address administrative lodge matters, to confer degrees and practice rituals, but we usually conduct conversations on important issues of historical, philosophical, and educational nature. Outside the lodge meetings we hold conferences on issues of significant importance, both Masonic and professional, and of ethical and cultural interest involving our families and friends; we organize tours, parties, construction work to help brothers who are building their homes and have limited financial resources to pay for labor. All our work is aimed to the progress of humanity and to the progress of the community in general: we visit terminally ill children in hospitals and bring them toys, magicians, clowns to brighten a bit their short life; in case of necessity, we do all we can to provide to them drugs or anything else they need; we also do other work of much more human value, as we do with our elderly at the National Masonic Home, we visit them, we share with them cultural moments, we give them birthday parties, we work on the repairing and upkeep of their premises to make their stay more pleasant and feel happy and cared for in the last years of their lives, to the extent of our limited possibilities, we make donations to help support their main needs, toiletries, food, medicines, etc.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Not much.
- Some of our lodges have been making an effort to include some form of Masonic education as part of their programming. In the case of my lodge and one other we hold several Agapes each year.
- Talks, socials, fundraising.
- Business meeting, program (which may be done by outside speakers.) Sometimes lodges schedule special visits to the Masonic Temple in XXX, the Masonic Villages, or have "outings": golf, district- or even state-wide events.
- Social events. Charity fundraisers. District meetings don't always teach the ritual. Regional conferences generally don't include rituals.
- I can only give mine as an example. Business meetings, dinners before meetings, frequent dinner events at restaurants with wives and other guests, ladies' nights at the lodge, monthly Saturday breakfast, Past Masters recognition, Awards Night with financial grants given to students. Open Installation, Picnic, and Pizza Party for Children at Masonic home. Some other lodges have Masonic education nights, dinners for active military personnel, local charity events.
27. What public activities for the benefit of the community do the lodges carry on?
I include here verbatim some of the typical answers.
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Conventions open to the public. We do charity work both at the central level (Grand Lodge) and at the local level, based on the economic capabilities of the lodges and of the regional district. We help individuals, and we also have institutions for helping homeless and poor people.
- Donations for charitable purposes, participation in GL charities, lately fundraising and involvement with refugee resettlement.
- Almost all lodges do charity work in their community once a year. Examples are dental or medical mission, visit to orphanage and hospital, food distribution etc.
- [Translated] For the past few years we have been able to make known our Masonic work outside our temples; infrequently and in a simple way we have appeared in television spots, where it is spoken of our charitable work; some books have been published on the subject of Masonic work, and some of our events have been mentioned in the press; at least we have been recognized as an institution, allowing us certain freedoms that years ago were not permitted.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- [Generally] None.
- Some volunteer events like painting a school. Blood drives at the district level.
- Various local charitable activity, holiday meal for service members, and ID program for children, facility for civic functions.
- Charitable work in their neighborhoods, e.g. breakfasts (to benefit the lodge or a charity) building playgrounds, maybe something like a wheelchair ramp for a family.
- The primary activity in this Jurisdiction is fundraising efforts for Camp Goodtime, a yearly weeklong camp for children afflicted with Cancer that is put on by the XXX Cancer Society. This camp is fully funded by the Masons of XXX through our charitable arm the XXX Masonic Charities and Housing.
- Food banks, charitable donations; scholarships; sub for Santa.*
28. What is the perception of Freemasonry by the general public in your area? (City, State, Province or Country.)
Again, a few samples, verbatim.
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Masons are morally upright people.
- [Translated] Over the years, since the first Lodges were founded in our country, the profanes have always seen Freemasonry as a prestigious institution within our society, we are very loved and respected by all the people who see in us men of high culture, excellent manners, of exemplary behavior both in the family and in the community where we live, in the workplace we are example of thoughtfulness, with a great sense of belonging, so that the opinion of the profane world towards Freemasonry has always been one of the best compared with other Institutions and Fraternities.
- Bad. Here, the Catholic Church, the Fascism and then the Communist Parties have demonized Freemasonry as a secret society with unclear targets. But the Grand Lodge is actively pursuing the target to change this sentiment through transparency, good beavior and public activities.
- The perception of FM in this country is rather low. [Translated]
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Very high in XXX [U.S.A.]
- Everything from the brother of Satanism/Anti-Christ to great respect. Most are neutral.
- It seems to be little known in the overall Caucasian community in the XXX area but is highly respected in the Afro-American
community. It is probably respected in the smaller communities in the rest of the state.
- Not sure that the general public is all that aware of Freemasonry in this Area and further to that not all that sure that they want to be. The general public really does not care as to whether we exist or not.
- Many people have never heard of Freemasonry. *16)
29. Does the assertion: "Masonry is not only the most ancient, but the most moral human institution that ever existed" sound true to your members?
30. Does this assertion sound true to the general (profane) public in your area?
The text in the previous two questions is quoted from the ritual of the first degree practiced in the lodges under the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario. It appears, with three exceptions, none of the respondents in all other regions are familiar with this assertion, and therefore the few answers received are omitted here.
31. Is any activity of the lodge made public in the media?
The answers to this question were unexpected.
In the prospering Jurisdictions the answer is typically:
- No, rarely; or:
- Very seldom but we usually have banners when doing these activities.
- The activities of the lodges are made public, but not all the activities are identified.
Some typical answers in the declining Jurisdictions:
- Our charity fundraising events are listed in the local newspaper. Rental events at our building are often listed [advertised?] in the local building.
- Yes, in the smaller communities where it is considered newsworthy. It is not of interest to the major city papers.
- Yes, open days, open socials, open installations.
- Yes, especially in local newspapers or online. Such activities might include participation in (patriotic) parades, Masonic awards, open installations of Grand and Blue Lodge officers.
- On a very limited basis the answer is yes. Certainly, the amount of press that Freemasonry receives is greatly diminished from what it was years ago.
32. Do lodges advertise on their Website or in the media, to entice new candidates to join the lodge? (To join Freemasonry.)
Generally in all regions this is limited to the "2B1ASK1" or similar tags, and /or links to "How can I join?" posted on almost all Lodges and Grand Lodge Websites. The following are a few exceptions:
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- No. We don't entice new candidates.
- Advertisement for new members is definitely not done.
- Lodges usually do not do any advertisement in order to attract new recruits, they come on their own free will or attracted by the actions of its members or by what they know of the Order.
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Yes.
- Our GL has a published PR program with camera-ready artwork. No lodge I know of has ever used the material.
- Yes, but not all lodges. Our Grand Lodge does, and my own lodge does. [I am the webmaster for my lodge and post information of our public activity on the site. There is a link to send a message to the secretary for more information.]
- Our Grand Lodge web site has a section on how to join as do the Websites of the few lodges that utilize this technology. There are frequent inquiries to our webmaster from individuals who are interested in joining. Our webmaster forwards those inquiries to a lodge closest to the individual who has made the inquiry.
33. After a Brother has completed his term as Master of the Lodge, does he keep his W. Bro. title, or is addressed simply as Brother?
Here is quite remarkable the contrast of what is practiced in different regions.
In the prospering Jurisdictions, with one exception, at the end of his term the retired Master is addressed simply as Brother. In some of these jurisdictions his name may be followed by the suffix: P.M. or Past Master. One respondent aptly answered: "In our Jurisdiction, after he has been Worshipful Master, no one is Worshipful anything." The exception:
- He keeps his title. A common custom among the lodges is to appoint the immediate Past Master as Tyler. This is for him to practice humility after being a WM. We do not have the role of the IPM in our lodges.
In the declining Jurisdictions the rank is retained at both the lodge and the Grand Lodge level and the Brother is addressed as Worshipful, Very Worshipful, Right Worshipful, Most Worshipful, as the case may be, for life. *17)
34. How common is the resignation (Demit, Renunciation, withdrawal from the Order) of a brother? — What are usually the reasons for resigning?
Again, very telling is what has been reported. A few replies are included here for your consideration.
In the prospering Jurisdictions:
- Resignations or departures approximately 3%, due to expectations that did not materialize.
- It is uncommon (2 to 3%). A Brother resigns if he does not find what he had sought. Some people look for political aid, some others for occult mental powers, others hope to facilitate their business.
- It is not very common. Usually, the root cause is due to lack of communication between the Master and his Officers with the dissatisfied Brother. In recent times, Masters of lodges are young, inexperienced, and begin to want to impose their will or the will of a small group that put them in power, and this results in divisions and disagreements in the lodge, and then to disengagement and resignation of members. Masters usually do not resign, they make such mistakes resulting in Masonic charges brought against them, are prosecuted and they are mostly expelled from the fraternity [Translated].
In the declining Jurisdictions:
- Never happen. They just don't pay their dues.
- Very few actually resign. They usually just stop paying dues and get suspended. I can only guess, but it appears that most just did not find whatever they were looking for or did not have the time to be active. Some, maybe many, were curious as to what Freemasonry was and only experienced what appeared to be some strange ritual. Others join hoping for some financial benefit, such as business contacts or promotions at work.
- It depends, but very few formally resign. What are generally the reasons for this? They are usually suspended for non-payment of dues. Lodges will remit dues for financially strapped members, but some are too proud to ask … Some drift away also, because of lack of interest …
- By resignation, I assume that you are referring to taking a demit. In this jurisdiction we are seeing approximately 2.5% of our membership requesting and taking a demit each year. There has been a significant increase in the yearly number of demits since 2007. Not sure why.
[From the author: See M.W.Bro. Dwight L. Smith's "The Level of Leadership" in his paper titled Whither are we traveling, page 34, published in 1963.]
35. Is there any other information about the present practice of Masonry in your Grand Jurisdiction that would render this study more complete and useful?
Two samples may be useful here, both from the declining Jurisdictions:
- I could go on for hours and hours on this subject. Certainly, it is far too long to type out and I am not sure that I would want it recorded for posterity anyway. Freemasonry in this jurisdiction is in a great deal of trouble and over the next five years is going to be greatly diminished from what it is now with far fewer lodges.
- The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of XXX has been promoting something known as the Intender Program that is not always accepted by lodges and their Masters. If this program is followed, a new brother is guided through by an experienced brother who gives him some idea what to expect and sticks with him for a year or two after being raised. This is supposed to start as soon as his petition is accepted, and he is visited by a member of the investigation committee. [I can supply more information regarding this.]
[From the author: On this subject, please see note 3), point 4.]
What can be learned from this information?
I have spent six months soliciting, collecting, sifting through, and categorizing an enormous volume of information, including studies and surveys conducted by various Masonic bodies in the past. I am of limited education, and by no stretch of the imagination can I be viewed as a professional researcher. No one is paying me for this work, and the product of my work cannot be purchased: it is free for anyone who wants to read it. Therefore, I leave it up to the reader to decide whether in what I have reported there are lessons or information useful to his lodge, and/or to use them as he wishes.
My conclusions:
Membership. The most important factor (but not exclusive) determining the prosperity or decline of membership and attendance in lodges is the time men have available for fraternal associations. The second most important factor is the quality of our activities and practices which, if rich in content and exclusive to our Art, that is to say, not found in other associations, will induce those men to join a lodge, and those who have joined, to attend as many of its meetings as their time makes possible. I will deal with the factor of quality shortly. Now let us look at time.
As found in the Phase I Research, Masonic Renewal Task Force, conducted by the Masonic Service Association of the U.S. in 1988, page 13, the free time the majority of prospective members in the age group under 40 to 54 have available for a fraternal association is limited to 5 hours monthly (their spouses set this limit even lower: 3 hours). This holds true generally for all regions, and, from 1988 to the present, this situation has certainly not gotten any better, but worsened, as the demands on the time of these young men, especially of the "thinking" kind we (Masonry) need to attract in order to replace in our lodges the older members who naturally pass to the Grand Lodge Above, demands imposed by their profession, commuting to and from work, and family have steadily increased. I know from experience, however, and anyone reading these pages can confirm that, if there is anything one desires really badly to have or do, he will find the time to get or do it — especially if this young man is good and upright, and is looking for a social, intellectual and cultural society where he can "be made better" and no other association is like it.
Free by Birth, in most Jurisdictions a requirement for being admitted into Masonry, can probably be claimed by most people in the world; but the freedom to dispose at will of one's own time is generally a rarity in all regions. We ought, therefore, to cultivate and make our Masonry as close as possible to the model offered by the lodges in the prospering Jurisdictions (questions 3, 7, 8, 14, 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, openness, tolerance, etc.) so to make of our institution that Thing that will entice those young men to want to have and to join, even at a substantial cost, and at the expense of their precious little time of rest.
Quality of Activities and Practices. What can or should we offer to the prospective or newly admitted members, in order for them to feel their limited spare time is well spent with us in our lodges, and so satisfying and rewarding that they will look forward to our next meeting and do all they can not to miss it?
The comments made by M.W. Bro. Dwight L. Smith in 1962, on page 34, FAULTY DIAGNOSIS, points (a) and (b), have been ignored all this time. Even now the portrayal of Freemasonry published on our lodges and Grand Lodges Websites paint a glorious past and an ambitious promise, that falls far short in the actuality and irrelevant works of lodges in the declining regions. The boring Reading of the Minutes, the debates over puny expenses, the day-in and day-out repeated and rushed incomprehensible rituals with no further explanation or study regarding history, symbolism, philosophy, ethics, law, or tradition of them; the pompous enunciation of titles within and outside the lodge flying in the face of our most cherished principle — Equality; the giving of Grand Honors (as they are known in my Jurisdiction); childish games (masonic football, masonic family feud-type games and similar exercises) promoted by District Deputies Grand Masters who have exhausted or never had any sense of true Masonic work, which would prove wrong our ancient Bro. Fichte in his denial of childish play. Protocol and Etiquette publications and workshops, advertised by those DDGMs and my Grand Lodge as "daily advancement" in Masonic Knowledge, (certainly necessary for the harmonious unfolding of our works in lodge and at the banquet hour, but by no means the Alpha and Omega of Masonic Knowledge) will not entice today's better-educated young men — to cut down their limited time for rest in joining — or the existing non-attending members to return to lodge. Soon they go dormant, never to be seen again in the lodge, and demit or are suspended for non-payment of dues.
Desperate and ignorant of the practices that had made our Institution great, as a lodge or district we follow our leaders in the occasional emulation of other institutions dedicated to a single specific purpose, in which they are good at it; worthy causes, indeed, but to which a Mason would and can contribute personally and according to his taste, without going to lodge; whereas, as a lodge or district, such endeavors result puny and inconsequential. (See on this Bro. Daniel Gardiner, The Montana Freemason, August 2015, page 13, "Throwing Money At It."
If we want to attract and retain these better-educated young men, the practices and activities of the prospering lodges (questions 2, 3, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18, 19, 26, 27, 33) should become the model to all lodges now caught in the terminal spiral of decline.
Fees and Dues. More than 50 years ago here too Bro. Dwight Smith sounded the alarm, on page 35, paragraph 3, and page 38 et seq., in his "Pearl of Great Price": Masonry ought to be had at a significant cost in order to be valuable and valued. Memberships costing one of two hours of employment earnings are cheap, and disposable. We applauded him then, we paid lip service to his words, and we kept our foolish practices. According to the Masonic Service Association of North America, Membership Totals since 1924 has declined in his region (U.S.A.) from 1962 to 2014 by 70% (from 4,063,563 to 1,211,183 members). It cannot be claimed that cheap fees are the ONLY cause of decline; but this is a factor common in all the declining regions, in contrast with the more expensive, prospering regions. (See question 13.)
Frequency of Meetings. One meeting a month for a fraternity practicing "brotherly love, relief and truth" and claiming to be engaged in "researching the hidden mysteries of nature and science" in order to make a "good man better" is absurd, insignificant and like an afterthought, especially when nothing of importance or uplifting ever occurs at its meetings, which are readily forgotten and easily replaced by the football game on TV. Meeting once a month leads to chronic and pervasive absence from lodge, as the answers to questions 7 and 8 indicate.
Lodge Size. (See question 6.) A lodge with 700 or 1,000 members is not conducive to close fraternal intercourse — a 13 members lodge is a bleak experience, and ought to amalgamate with a more prosperous lodge without delay. Compelled by financial constraints we relaxed our standards for admission and made it easier, cheaper and faster to join. Here too pertinent, are the words of Bro. Daniel Gardiner, in "Saving Masonry", page 12, point 1. and also those of Bro. Dwight Smith, The Closed Corporation at page 40.
Inactive Members. The contrast between the attendance in the prospering and that in the declining jurisdictions is striking. (See questions 7.) The observations of the authors I have quoted above are sufficient explanation of this phenomenon.
What can we do about it? For a start, let us follow the example in activities and practices of the lodges in the prospering jurisdictions, so to entice the existing able members to resume their participation in the lodge (see question 26.) We can then also pay heed to Bro. Daniel Gardiner's observations in "The 10-20% Who Show Up", page 15, — to maintain constant contact with the absent members by phone or letter, announcing our "new and improved" programs, which may draw them back to the lodge and make them feel still part of the family. This constant contact should be maintained also with the dues-paying brethren who are no longer able to attend lodge, due to infirmity or distance. We should also purge from our ranks (see question 10) the defaulting members, either for non-attendance or for non-payment of dues, as they are useless to the lodge, and do not portray a good image of our Institution, and their example will certainly not bring us new members. What do we have to lose? The loss of income to the lodge (annual dues) and to the District and to Grand Lodge (capitations)? We, as "the most ancient, and the most moral human institution that ever existed" (as we boast in the ritual of my Grand Jurisdiction) should not even consider this question — it's immoral — like Esau selling his inheritance for a bowl of lentils, or we our soul, for thirty pieces of silver, or even less (see question 13).
Moreover, our Grand Lodges should make readily accessible to their members, and to the public as well, free of charge, all the books, papers, and research material they have in electronic form, (now often hidden behind a member's password). What do we have to hide? Is our purpose and mandate not the education and betterment of the whole of mankind? And if our libraries are a pitiful pretense of a Library, with only half a dozen titles, let's make our librarians and webmasters earn their title, by collecting and publishing on our Websites the hundreds of free books and papers available on the net from open sources and private members. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon is an admirable example to follow.
Secrecy. Most of GL Websites and some lodges advertise on their home page the greatness of the institution and how to join it; but the content of their website, however rich or poor, or ridiculous in some cases, of great value or little or no value to the inquiring eyes of today's young men and prospective members — is hidden behind a "Members Only" door. Is this a subterfuge intended to trick the gullible into joining, in the expectation of purchasing into something arcane, powerful, and wonderful, to which only a member has entitlement? Is the purpose of Masonry not — the betterment of mankind, one good man at a time? So, let's give these good and upright young men all the information we have, except the "secrets" pertaining to the rituals, so their decision to join is an educated one, and, having joined with open eyes, they will not quit disappointed after their initiation, or after attending a few meetings. The discerning young man, on the other hand, may see in this "Members Only" feature a ruse, and moves on, amused.
Secrecy, except for the secrets pertaining to our initiatory rites, has been throughout all of our history the source of great troubles, persecutions, suspicions, and lost opportunities: the conscious young man, upright and of good repute, will shy away from what is shaded and not upfront. Bro. Karl Christian Friedrich Krause 200 years ago, here and also here, spoke sensibly and well about (against) our secrecy, once justified when practiced by our operative forefathers to protect their trade secrets, but completely out of place, absurd and counterproductive today in our enlightened, gentle Craft.
Irrelevance. (See question 28.) In many regions, our existence, principles, and purposes are now hardly known. (See the Masonic Renewal Task Force, page 35; and the Kansas Masonic Foundation, page 8, 9. The little we do publicly (in the declining jurisdictions) is competing with other organizations whose reason to be is exclusively and totally their declared mandate, which we try to copy in a very small measure and with little effect. Let them do their job, as they are good at it, and let us do ours, after we become good at it again, as we originally were.
What's next then?
To the prospering lodges I express my gratitude for disclosing the "secrets" of their success, and I encourage them to get ever better at what they are doing.
To the faltering lodges, I dare to suggest to consider attentively what has been reported above about the successful lodges and to what and how they do it within the lodge room, and with their families and guests outside the tiled lodge. To also consider what the Arts & Science Lodge No. 792 (Ohio) is attempting to do, and to follow their example. Our ancient brethren joined Freemasonry not to play games, or in the pursuit of bombastic titles — but to extend their researches into the hidden mysteries of nature and science, as equals among equals, brothers among brethren. Chances are, this is what attracted to the fraternity the better-educated young men of those times, and very likely will attract to our lodges the better-educated young men of our time. Remember: a 1,000-member lodge is not a fraternity, but an impersonal aggregation of strangers. Also: we have nothing to hide, or to be ashamed of — our mission is (should be) to bring light to the world, — not to hide our light under a bushel.
One last consideration: I hope the fruits of this work, however imperfect, will prove helpful and timesaving to any Grand Secretary who may be faced by an inquisitive young man asking the same 35 questions posed here.
I express my sincere thanks to the Brethren who have helped me in this Study. Not perfunctorily I must also state: I could not have done it without their help.
Finally, I close with the words of an illustrious Brother, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, printed two centuries ago in his Letters to Constant, (last paragraph):
"One, who in viewing the deficiency in human relations, the perverseness, the corruption among men, drops his hands and complains of evil times, is no man. Just in this that you are capable of seeing men as deficient, lies upon you a holy calling to make them better. If everything was already what it ought to be, there would be no need of you in the world and you would as well have remained in the womb of nothingness. Rejoice that all is not yet as it ought to be, so that you may find work and can be useful toward something."
Bro. Vincent Lombardo, PM.
February 2016
*Notes:
1) Counted 467 Masonic Grand Jurisdictions in: Wikipedia*
2) - Bessel statistics: International Masonic Statistics- Masonic Service Association of North America: Membership Totals since 1924- U.S. Grand Lodges Membership: 2017 - 2020- Canadian Grand Lodges Membership: 2013 - 2014- Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario (2014) Grand Secretary's Report, page 92 et seq.- Grande Oriente d'Italia: Chi siamo (Who we are).*
3) In this Jurisdiction the application for membership must also include the curriculum vitae of the Applicant; certificate of residence; Police clearance certificate; a number of photos (this number varies depending on the place of residence); all the information, including the photo and the scheduled dates for the ballots (2 ballots are taken), is transmitted to the district and to GL; an office in charge of these matters then distributes this information to all lodges in the Jurisdiction. Many other steps follow, but for the purpose of this study, I put forward four most peculiar: 1) the first ballot is taken in lodge at the date announced in the circulation of information mentioned above; the second ballot is taken on the following regular meeting of the lodge. 2) Visitors can and must cast their ballots on the Applicant. 3) In this Jurisdiction one is and can be a member of only one lodge. 4) The preparation (education) of a candidate is executed by weekly study sessions conducted by 3 M.M.s with the candidate, covering a large amount of material contained in books issued by the GL; the Apprentice Manual is 195 pages long; the Craftsman's 170 pages; the Master's 270 pages.*
4) Awareness: - Masonic Service Association MASONIC RENEWAL TASK FORCE REPORTS, page 35- KANSAS MASONS RESEARCH PROJECT: Awareness of the Masonic Order, page 8.*
5) Irrelevance: - Masonic Service Association MASONIC RENEWAL TASK FORCE REPORTS, page 14.*
6) Lack of time: - Masonic Service Association MASONIC RENEWAL TASK FORCE REPORTS, page 13, 17, 18, 55.*
7) Exhaustion: - Montana Freemason, August 2015 This is the program that will save Masonry! by Daniel Gardiner*
8) Pro Grand Master Northampton: Whither directing our course? - fourth paragraph.*
9) M.W. Bro. Dwight L. Smith, P.G.M.: Whither are we travelling? - page 34.*
10) M.W. Bro. Raymond S. J. Daniels, P.G.M.: A Personal Note to a Potential Candidate*
11) Grande Oriente d' Italia, Constitution: Art. 12 - page 3.*
12) OECD statistics: List of countries by average wage.*
13) Philippines - Average admission fee is 20,000 pesos, equivalent to $600cad. Annual dues is about 100-200cad. No additional fee for each degree but the candidate usually provides at his expenses food and drinks for the fellowship hour, after receiving a degree, especially after the 3rd degree.*
14) Tolerance "… as long as he is willing to take the obligation upon the VSL." Every fair-minded and tolerant Mason should read what Bro. Karl Christian Friedrich Krause wrote in 1820 in his book "Die drei ältesten Kunsturkunden der Freimaurerbrüderschaft", note 141: "No one can demand of a non-Christian to answer this 144th question as it is canonically and inalterably [according to rule and inalterable] answered here, for he should then lie and feign." (Read that 144th question here)*
15) Only one (out of 21,079) lodges has reported having on the altar at all times the Bible, Tanach, and Koran, and, on one occasion, also the Eagle Feather. Another lodge reported that at the Initiation, Passing, and Raising of one of its members the Eagle Feather was displayed at the altar, together with the Bible.*
16) "Many people have never heard of Freemasonry." See the Masonic Renewal TaskForce Reports - page 35.*
17) Spiritualization of the term "Equality" and of the name "Brother"
