Article Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges 12aug2020
Article Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges 12aug2020
Article Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges 12aug2020
Inspired by Stephen Covey’s self-help and management book, “Seven habits of highly
effective people”, my “Seven habits of highly successful Lodges” list my observations of the
key features most commonly found in successful Lodges. By successful I mean strong,
happy, healthy and attractive Lodges that have good future prospects.
We currently have just over 7,000 Lodges in the English constitution, with an average
membership of 33. Many of these Lodges are “struggling”. Without a strong pool of diverse
members, of varying ages and skills, Lodges struggle to find able and willing brethren to
occupy the key offices to keep the Lodge active and successful.
However, many other Lodges have far more members, are attracting new ones and retaining
existing ones. They seem to be thriving. So, what are they doing and what can the rest of us
learn from them?
All the meaning of Freemasonry is in the ritual. Well delivered flowing ritual allows that
meaning to be communicated clearly and more easily interpreted.
Well delivered does not imply perfect ritual. Most of us are not Shakespearean actors.
Our ritual should be focussed on instructing the candidate. It should not be a theatrical
performance to impress the audience.
2. Efficient administration
The administrative elements of Lodge meetings are important, but they are not the
reason we meet. They should occupy the least amount of time necessary. This can be
achieved by advance planning and use of communication technology, which eliminates
the need to wait until meetings to deliver messages.
UGLE’s Hermes system will simplify the Lodge’s administrative work. We should see less
meeting time consumed by administration and more time give to labour and
refreshment; that is to ceremony, ritual and social intercourse.
Nationally, one in every five new members resigns before receiving his Grand Lodge
certificate. Many of them cite a lack of understanding or involvement, although rarely do
they explain this to their Lodge.
The Members’ Pathway provides guidance for planned mentoring, so it need not be left
to chance.
Members’ expectations now can be very different from even a few years ago. Many
want their voice to be heard and their talents used. Finding a way to involve all members
is key to retaining their interest and enthusiasm. This can be helping with social events,
communications, membership, fundraising and other Lodge tasks.
Past Masters can lose interest if they don’t have a role. Passing on key offices to recent
Past Masters keeps the Lodge refreshed and ensures there are competent people to run
it. A Lodge’s future is threatened if offices do not pass to newer members while there
are still others around to support them.
Ancient and traditional institutions such as the Monarchy, the City of London and our
oldest universities recognise that they must evolve to connect with future “members”
and the world in which they live. Freemasonry has been evolving and changing
throughout its history and our oldest Lodges are still with us because they have adapted.
Evolution allows Lodges to stay fresh, attractive and relevant.
6. Harmony
Harmony binds a Lodge together and sets us apart from other organisations. New
members will soon leave a Lodge that is not practicing its principles of harmony.
Consultation is essential for harmony. It gives everyone a chance to have their say, be
heard and to work together for the collective good.
Our system balances the fresh approaches of the new with continuity from the past.
The managers in the Lodge are the heads of the administration team (Secretary), the
ceremonial team (Director of Ceremonies) and the care team (the Almoner or Mentor).
These officers need to work together so that the leader – the current Master – can shine.
None of these seven habits are new and none should come as a surprise. However, if your
Lodge is struggling this list might help you think afresh about your way forward.
If your Lodge is struggling or in decline, please use the Members’ Pathway. Step 1 helps you
review your Lodge and its practices, to agree a Lodge plan. Other Steps help you attract,
introduce and retain members. The Members’ Pathway can be found online at
https://b.UGLE.org.uk/membership.
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Permission to reproduce
W Bro. Tony Harvey (A.D.G. Harvey) asserts his right to be identified as the author of this
work.
If person or body wishes to reproduce extracts from this paper, they are asked to seek W
Bro. Harvey’s written permission in advance. He may be contacted through his Masonic
website, https://prestonian2012.org.uk/.