THE MASONIC MANIFESTO
by Tim Bryce MPS
"People can be divided into three groups:
- those who make things happen,
- those who watch things happen,
- and those who wonder what happened."
INTRODUCTION
For
a moment, imagine what it would be like to live In a utopian world of
Freemasonry: Our ranks would swell with quality men, Lodges would proliferate,
and peace and harmony would reign throughout the world. But, as we all know, the
state of Freemasonry is far from this; our numbers have diminished, we are
struggling financially, members are apathetic, and our image with the public is
tarnished and lacks credibility. Why? Because we have failed miserably to adapt
to changing times. How can we expect the world to take Freemasonry seriously if
we do not take ourselves seriously? If we truly want to make the world a better
place, we must first get our own house in order.
Whenever I consider the state of Freemasonry I am reminded of the movie "No Time
for Sergeants" (1958, starring Andy Griffith) where Will Stockdale (Griffith)
confounds Sergeant King (Myron McCormick), a "lifer" pleased with the ease and
repetition of his path, who inevitably counters with the line, "Don't Make
Waves." Frankly, the Sgt. Kings of the fraternity have lulled us to sleep
and seem to be more concerned with chasing their next apron as opposed to
solving the problems of Freemasonry.
Back
in the 1970's, Bro. Gerald Ford was the last U.S. President who had the courage
to go before the nation in his state of the Union address and say in effect,
"My fellow Americans, I am afraid to tell you the State of the Union is not very
good." It was honest, it was candid. But it ultimately cost him his
re-election
The
lesson here is that people do not want to hear the truth. They do not want to
face reality. They cannot deal with it. However, as Masons I would like to
believe we are strong enough to accept the truth. And the truth is, the state of
the fraternity is not very good. If we can accept this, we can then seek
remedies to correct it. After all, you cannot treat a patient if he doesn't know
he is sick. Attacking symptoms with band-aid solutions is simply not going to
hack it anymore. I am afraid we need to perform some surgery.
I
chose the name "Masonic Manifesto" carefully, because it grabs your attention,
and accurately reflects what I propose to describe. A "Manifesto" is simply a
public declaration of intention or of principles; things that should be
accomplished if we want to move forward.
I am
not one to criticize for the sake of criticism. In fact, one of the things I
preach in my consulting practice is not to criticize unless you can offer some
sort of alternative. In other words, "Put up or shut up." I don't believe
in destructive criticism; I believe in constructive criticism. As Brother
Winston Churchill once said, "Any idiot can see what's wrong with something;
but can you see what's right?"
For
example, I do not believe you have the right to criticize your country if you do
not exercise your basic right to vote. If you are not willing to go down to the
polling station and cast your vote, don't come whining to me about this country.
The
Masonic Manifesto is simply a list of ideas for how to improve the fraternity in
no particular order. Some items you might like, some you will probably hate.
This is based on my observations as a Mason (both here in Florida and with all
of the other jurisdictions I am in touch with). It is also based on my
experiences as a management consultant, and as someone who has participated on
over 30 Board of Directors for various non-profit organizations. None of the
items are designed to violate the basic tenets of Freemasonry. In anything, they
would enhance our purpose if implemented.
1.
THINK OF FREEMASONRY ON A GLOBAL BASIS
Masons have been meeting upon the level and parting on the square well before
the formation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717. The invention of the Grand
Lodge system was inevitable as it afforded Masons a means to administer
Freemasonry on a consistent basis to suit local geographical and cultural
requirements. Establishing Grand jurisdictions to conform with political
boundaries makes sense in that it allows Masons to legally operate under the
particular laws of the state they are living. But where do we ultimately owe our
allegiance; to the Grand Lodge where we took our obligation or to the
Brotherhood overall? Although there is probably as many interpretations of
Masonic ritual as there are jurisdictions, all support the basic tenets of
Freemasonry: Friendship, Morality and Brotherly Love. It is this basic
underlying philosophy that is too often forgotten. Instead, we have become too
territorial in nature and have trouble thinking of Freemasonry for what it truly
is, a universal Brotherhood.
I am
baffled by those Brothers who cannot think of Freemasonry beyond the four walls
of their Lodge room, or beyond a district or Grand jurisdiction. Are we too old
or set in our ways that we cannot learn a thing or two from our neighbors, or
they from us? Is there some Masonic law prohibiting cooperation towards a common
endeavor? I think not.
Freemasonry is a special society separated by jurisdictional walls which we have
built ourselves. Now is the time for us to find ways to work together in a
concerted effort as opposed to autonomous units. Our strength lies in our unity,
not our division.
Devices such as "traveling gavels" are nice for promoting visitations and
understanding between jurisdictions, but we need to think bigger, much bigger.
We should aspire to lead the world towards peace and prosperity, but this can
only happen if we think globally as opposed to locally.
2.
CREATE A WORLD CONGRESS OF FREEMASONRY
In
today's global society, where communications and transportation are no longer
obstacles as they were for our forefathers, the concept of establishing a forum
for grand jurisdictions to meet and work together is the next logical step
towards unifying the fraternity.
A
"World Congress of Freemasonry" should be organized along the lines of the
League of Nations or the United Nations. True, there are elements of this
present, such as the upcoming World Conference of Masonic Grand Lodges to be
held in November in Sydney, but I am talking about establishing a more formal
organization that meets more frequently and routinely.
Such
a Congress would have no direct authority over a jurisdiction or Grand Master.
In fact, the Grand Master of the Jurisdiction would appoint a formal
representative to serve in this Congress, a body that would do such things as:
-
Establish standards for such things as maintaining Masonic records, the
preparation of financial reports, and degree work.
-
Establish the criteria for Grand Lodge recognition. Further, any Grand Lodge
participating in this forum would have to recognize all member Grand Lodges.
-
Help reconcile disputes between Grand Lodges.
-
Design an overall framework to promote charity and world peace, not world
domination. Each Grand Lodge has its own local charities, but, instead, a
global and centralized relief effort would be able to more effectively
support relief efforts such as the tsunami disaster of last year. This would
be akin to something like the Masonic Service Association of North America,
but on a global scale.
Bottom-line, the intent here is to establish a voting body to help formulate
global policy and support member Grand Lodges.
3.
DEVELOP A GLOBAL INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR FREEMASONRY
As a
systems consultant, I am appalled at what I see in the administration of Grand
Lodges and Blue Lodges. Not only are our information systems horribly
antiquated, they lack consistency from Blue Lodge-to-Blue Lodge, Blue
Lodge-to-Grand Lodge, and Grand Lodge-to-Grand Lodge. Instead of devising a
standard and consistent system that can be universally applied, Grand Lodges
keep reinventing the wheel at incredible costs. It doesn't take a rocket
scientist to figure out the administration of our Lodges, Grand or Blue; we need
to know about:
-
Grand Lodges - jurisdiction, contact and address data, legal governmental
definition, officers, areas/zones/districts, local Masonic laws, history.
-
Grand Lodge administration - payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable,
inventory, membership, banking/investments, budgeting, charities,
home/hospital administration, etc.
-
Blue Lodges - jurisdiction, contact and address data, officers, legal
governmental definition, bylaws, history, dues, inventory,
banking/investments, budgeting.
-
Members - status, contact and address data, events (e.g., degrees, offices
held, awards, etc.), skills inventory.
-
Miscellaneous - news, schedules, projects, charities, job portal.
Not
only would such a system reduce our administrative burdens, it would be viewed
as a vital communications link between Grand Lodges, Blue Lodges, members, and
the outside world. Of course, security/privacy precautions would have to be
implemented to safeguard unauthorized access to data, but this is simple to do.
Even the Shrine has a central location for such processing.
Imagine: the ability to verify a member's status regardless of the jurisdiction;
to communicate between jurisdictions; to report sickness and distress wherever
it occurs; to have a common and consistent approach shared by all; quite simply,
it would be mind-boggling. It would greatly reduce the financial burden for
administering records at both the Grand Lodge and Blue Lodge level, yet bring a
level of consistency never dreamt possible.
It
is certainly feasible to do all of this. Establishing a universal system
architecture shouldn't be too hard to figure out. There is also some slick
technology now available to make all of this happen. What makes this viable
though is for us, as Freemasons, to implement it on a global basis. Allowing our
lodges to work more productively can have a dramatic effect on our ability to
act as Freemasons.
4.
IMPROVE COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE WORLD
To
improve publicity and public relations we have to move from a reactive position
of communicating to a pro-active approach. Only in this way, can we begin to
overcome the misconceptions of the fraternity, enlighten the public, and attract
new members. Although there are instances where it is necessary to protect the
anonymity of our membership, a lot of our work is certainly newsworthy. And we
cannot be leaders if the world doesn't know anything about us. To this end, I
propose a centralized Masonic news agency who can plug into the world news
outlets and spread our word. I am not talking about a global newspaper/magazine,
although I am sure this wouldn't hurt, but rather a news organization that
gathers and distributes news and announcements in the same manner as the
Associated Press or United Press International (which we should join as well).
A
standard and consistent approach for distributing news could greatly dispel the
myths surrounding us, and provide the press with a single outlet to obtain news
on the fraternity.
5.
IMPROVE IMAGE WITH THE PUBLIC
The
distribution of Masonic news can certainly help in public relations, but a more
personal touch is needed for people to see Freemasons up close and personal and
to dispel any misconceptions about our intentions. To this end, I propose that
every Blue Lodge ally itself with at least one non-profit organization and take
an "active" role in that organization, be it a school, or civic/volunteer
organization (such as a local chamber of commerce, Little League, library,
scouting, meals on wheels, etc.). I am not suggesting engaging in local
government or politics, but rather to select a high profile cause that would
give us visibility. This would demonstrate our leadership abilities and help
spread the word of Masons.
I
also have no problem with performing joint ventures with like-minded
organizations, such as the Oddfellows, Knights of Columbus, Rotary, Lions, Elks,
Jaycees, etc. Again, this would help dispel misconceptions about Freemasonry
while performing some much needed work.
6.
IMPROVE FINANCIAL REPORTING
Grand Lodge officers have a fiduciary responsibility to its membership to
accurately report all income and expenses in a consistent and timely manner.
Such reporting must come with the approval of an audit committee, either
in-house or independent. This is no different than how a corporation has to
report to its shareholders. Failure to do so, only casts suspicions on our Grand
Lodge officers.
7.
EMPOWER THE BLUE LODGE
I am
a firm believer that the Blue Lodge should be allowed to make more decisions at
the local level. For example, although I am not necessarily a fan of it, I
believe the decision for holding a one-day class is the responsibility of the
Blue Lodge, not the Grand Lodge. As long as the Blue Lodge doesn't violate any
governmental laws, rules or regulations, I have no problem with the Blue Lodge
soliciting funds from the public or serving alcohol on its premises.
Many
Lodges feel paralyzed because they live in fear of the Grand Lodge. Such
gridlock frustrates and inhibits Freemasons and is the root cause for creating
apathy. Instead, the emphasis should be on simplifying Blue Lodge life as
opposed to creating overhead or other burdens.
In
other words, I believe it is time we got the Grand Lodge off the back of the
Blue Lodges (Gee, I guess I sound a little like Ronald Reagan here). We need
fewer bureaucratic rules and more Freemasonry.
I do
not suggest the Grand Lodge's role is insignificant, far from it. It is
important but I believe we have gone overboard. I see the Grand Lodge's role as
one of providing administrative support; as well as guidance and leadership. To
illustrate, I believe the lion's share of proposed legislation should come from
those who are more intimate with such things as charity, finances, membership,
etc. If our Grand Lodge officers are only going to administer what we currently
have and lack the foresight of where we should be going, then we have some
serious leadership problems.
8.
PROMOTE BROTHERHOOD OR "HELP A BROTHER"
A
couple of years ago, there was a fine article written in the "Empire State
Mason" by the Grand Secretary describing how we, as Masons, have to learn to
take care of ourselves; that charity begins at home. Good point. Such
initiatives as the Florida Skills Inventory, and the Freemasons Job and Service
Portal are small steps in the right direction. The more we can help our Brothers
succeed in life, the more they will be able to help the fraternity in return.
But
let's take it another step forward; how about establishing a general fund to
help Brothers in distress? Further, if we organized ourselves properly, we could
also establish insurance plans for our members and a credit union. Again, our
strength is in our numbers and such devices can only be created if we pool our
resources on a global basis.
9.
REVAMP OUR ELECTORAL PROCESS
Anyone who believes there are no politics in Freemasonry is taking it in the
arm. In fact, we have the worst kind of politics: gossip, rumor mills, and good
old fashioned arm twisting. So much so, I believe our approach to electing
officers is detrimental to the fraternity. It should come as no surprise that
many Grand jurisdictions now suffer from political machines where the cream
doesn't necessarily rise to the top. Consequently, the talented men we
desperately need to lead us are going elsewhere. I am not a believer of the
concept of "progressing through the chairs." Only the most qualified should
progress.
Our
electoral process doesn't have to be this way. Some simple, common-sense
solutions are available to change this and help put the right men in the right
chairs. For example, nominations, position papers, debates, questions and
answers, proficiency tests, etc. should be included in our electoral process at
both the Blue Lodge and Grand Lodge levels. Without such processes, we are left
with political machines, certainly not an intelligent way for electing officers.
One
area I would have a problem with though is expending money on campaign
advertising (e.g., published ads, buttons, pins, etc.); frankly, I think we can
make better use of our money helping the needy, than spending it on campaign
advertising.
10.
LODGE MERGERS/CONSOLIDATIONS
If
your Lodge has less than 300 members AND if your average attendance is less than
10% of your membership, then your Lodge is probably recycling Past Masters, your
membership is declining, and your meetings are about as interesting as watching
grass grow. If this scenario is true, some serious thought should be given to
either merging your Lodge with another or consolidating into another Lodge
(sharing quarters). Your only other alternative is electroshock therapy to wake
people up which, in all likelihood, is beyond rejuvenation.
Many Masons resist the concept of mergers simply due to the longevity and heritage of
their Lodge. But as one Brother pointed out to me, "What is more important, our
allegiance to the fraternity or to our Lodge?" Good point. Sure we don't like to
lose our charters, but if our Lodge is in decline, it would make more sense to
merge with another than to painfully watch it die a slow death. As any
businessman will tell you, if a franchise is suffering, you cut your losses and
merge it with another.
11.
MAKE THE BLUE LODGE FUN AND INTERESTING
Blue
Lodges too often fall prey to the tedium of repetition. If a Blue Lodge does
nothing more than open, read the minutes and bills, and little else, it should
come as no surprise to see our sidelines empty. After all, most people have an
aversion to watching reruns.
Are
we too steeped in tradition or too rigid to try something new? In order to make
Lodge meetings meaningful, they have to be fun and interesting. True, the
business of the Lodge has to be discussed, but this should be done as
expeditiously as possible and give way to other programs, such as a guest
speaker, a presentation, or Masonic Education. Masonic speakers are interesting
as are outsiders who might describe some local program or activity of interest
to the Lodge. Even a simple change in clothing can make a difference. Instead of
tuxedoes, I know of a Georgia Lodge that has a night where members are
encouraged to wear the jersey of their favorite team to mark the start of the
football season.
As
we have mentioned in past issues, music can play a significant role in the
liveliness of a Lodge meeting. Instead of an organist or piano player, why not
try someone who plays another instrument, such as a guitar or something else?
Don't have a musician? Try a CD player, tape recorder, iPod, or computer.
I am
a big believer in promoting Masonic Education, either through presentations or
written exams. This helps raise the consciousness of the Craft as well as
providing for a stimulating meeting. We should always aspire to learn and
improve ourselves, our communities, and our world.
Want
to bolster attendance at degrees? Try a different venue, such as an outdoor
degree or at another Lodge (a joint degree). Themes are also useful, such as a
"Black-Light" degree where the ritual is performed under black-lights. Amelia
Lodge No. 47 F.& A.M. in Fernandina Beach holds an annual "Fort Clinch" degree
in a Civil War fort that is always well attended. The degree team is dressed in
both Union and Confederate clothing. I would also love to see South Florida's
legendary "Gator Degree" held at an alligator farm.
Also
key to attendance is refreshment. You might be pleasantly surprised to see what
effect a good sit-down meal, either before or after a meeting, has on
attendance. Sutherland Lodge No. 174 F.& A.M. in Palm Harbor has an annual "Spam
Fest" cooking competition that has generated considerable interest.
Perhaps the best piece of advice that can be offered to anyone aspiring to be
Worshipful Master is the old adage, "If you tried to do something and failed,
you are vastly better off than if you tried to do nothing and succeeded." A
Lodge should not discourage new ideas and innovation but, rather, embrace them.
Creating the proper culture to adopt new ideas is essential to a Lodge's
survival.
But
above all else, create a hospitable environment where every member and visitor
is warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. A firm handshake and some simple
conversation can go a long way to improving attendance.
Bottom-line, you want to make the Lodge a place where Brothers WANT to come to,
not avoid. If Lodges are boring and repetitious, this simply will not happen.
12.
INTRODUCE A RECERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Periodically, professionals such as doctors, lawyers and contractors must attend
special programs to bring them up to date on the latest developments and renew
their certification. This keeps them abreast of developments and renews their
commitment to their profession. I do not see why Freemasonry should be any
different.
We
have too many card-carrying members who do nothing more than pay their annual
dues and little else. Freemasonry is not your typical "club" or civic
organization. If we truly believe in the purpose of the fraternity and are
interested in perpetuating it, it might not be a bad idea to establish a similar
program to recertify our members, thereby recommitting themselves to its ideals.
I am therefore proposing an international program to be held in a variety of
venues where Masons are brought up-to-date of the state on the fraternity, and
Masonic Education is taught (not Masonic catechisms).
Attendance at such a recertification program should be considered a requirement
for being a Mason and be periodically renewed, such as every three years.
Re-certification would stimulate the Craft, overcome apathy, and renew their
commitment to the fraternity.
13.
RUN FREEMASONRY LIKE A BUSINESS
People cringe whenever I mention this; not just Masons but other non-profit
organizations as well. However, the fact remains that Lodges are legal entities
recognized by the State and must conform to its laws, rules and regulations.
Further, consider the sizeable sums of monies managed by the Grand Lodges.
Consequently, we should organize ourselves and behave like the major
corporations that we are. Obviously, we do not want to lose our Brotherly touch
for humanity, but it is time we acted more professionally in our business
affairs. It is the only logical way to survive in the years ahead.
CONCLUSION
Behind all of this is a deep-seated belief that Freemasonry was once a noble
society who helped forge countries and nourished the needy. But our image has
tarnished and our effectiveness weakened with the passing of time. Do we believe
more in the strength of the universality of the fraternity or the rules and
regulations of a particular jurisdiction?
In
order for us to return to glory we need to get out of the apathetic rut we are
in. It is time for a fresh perspective. What worked for our forefathers years
ago doesn't necessarily work in today's world. I am certainly not suggesting we
abandon our past; far from it. But I am contesting our organization and
effectiveness in today's world. Do we want to be viewed as "custodian's of
the past" or as a vibrant organization who plays a vital role on the world's
stage? I know our younger Brothers and potential candidates are interested in
the latter.
Bottom-line, the Masonic Manifesto is saying "Shapeth up and geteth thine act
together" for we will inevitably perish if we do not. Frankly, I do not
believe we are up to the task of implementing a fraction of what I have proposed
herein. But I do know this: we are beyond the point of making superficial
changes; radical decisions and changes in policy are inevitable if we are going
to survive. As any surgeon will tell you, do not try to apply a band-aid when a
tourniquet is required to stop the bleeding. Let's move away from a reactive
mode of operating to a pro-active philosophy with visionaries who want to see
the fraternity evolve into a higher level of effectiveness.
Let
me leave you with one of my favorite quotes; something I have framed and hangs
in my office. It is from President Calvin Coolidge who said:
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not;
nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not;
unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of
educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The
slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human
race."
EPILOGUE
If
this paper did nothing more than act as a catalyst to stimulate thinking and
engage discussion in the welfare of the fraternity, then it has served its
purpose. Want to discuss this further?
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