Comments on: Dues: A Formula for Freemasonry. http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/ Masonic Thinking and Working Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:49:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.1 By: Makers Mark http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-3257 Makers Mark Sat, 03 Nov 2007 08:39:46 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-3257 Those Seattle Brethren are very sharp! Here in Arizona, adjusted for inflation, we charge less than we did 100 years ago. At this rate we should be able to cheapen ourselves into extinction within the next 10 to 20 years. Of course we can't raise dues or Grand Lodge per capita 'cause too many are on a "fixed income". Of course if they didn't get an inflation adjustment to that fixed income every year they would scream bloody murder! Those Seattle Brethren are very sharp! Here in Arizona, adjusted for inflation, we charge less than we did 100 years ago. At this rate we should be able to cheapen ourselves into extinction within the next 10 to 20 years.
Of course we can’t raise dues or Grand Lodge per capita ’cause too many are on a “fixed income”. Of course if they didn’t get an inflation adjustment to that fixed income every year they would scream bloody murder!

]]> By: VW CoeTug Morgan, secretary http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-2713 VW CoeTug Morgan, secretary Sat, 20 Oct 2007 15:22:51 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-2713 In 1973 when I was Master of Daylight Lodge No. 232 here in Seattle we changed our by-laws to add Grand Lodge dues/fees/assessment on top our our dues and also set our Lodge dues based on the Minimum Wage. They adjust each year accordingly. There are two levels, those under 65 - 16 times mimimum wage, those 65 and older - 8 times. The Petition fee is the same way. 2008 dues are $142.00 and $77.00. $10.00 a month for full dues. Pretty cheap considering a good beer at the restaurant next door during our Festiveboard is $6.00. In 1973 when I was Master of Daylight Lodge No. 232 here in Seattle we changed our by-laws to add Grand Lodge dues/fees/assessment on top our our dues and also set our Lodge dues based on the Minimum Wage. They adjust each year accordingly. There are two levels, those under 65 - 16 times mimimum wage, those 65 and older - 8 times. The Petition fee is the same way. 2008 dues are $142.00 and $77.00. $10.00 a month for full dues. Pretty cheap considering a good beer at the restaurant next door during our Festiveboard is $6.00.

]]> By: Leo http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-891 Leo Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:22:00 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-891 Dear Brother aedifico42, Although I liked your blog and would agree with some sort of an increase in dues, especialy to purchase some of the neccessary things a newly raised brother needs. I do not how ever agree with your opinion that we should not have bake sales or appreaciation night dinners or any type of social event and not tell anyone that we are Masons. These are the times we can get togeather and show the public any other potential future Mason who we are and what we do. Part of being a Mason is to set an example to non Masons by expressing our brotherly love to all. We cannot do that if we close our selves off to our communities. I wish you well brother. Hope to read more of your thoughts. Dear Brother aedifico42, Although I liked your blog and would agree with some sort of an increase in dues, especialy to purchase some of the neccessary things a newly raised brother needs. I do not how ever agree with your opinion that we should not have bake sales or appreaciation night dinners or any type of social event and not tell anyone that we are Masons. These are the times we can get togeather and show the public any other potential future Mason who we are and what we do. Part of being a Mason is to set an example to non Masons by expressing our brotherly love to all. We cannot do that if we close our selves off to our communities. I wish you well brother. Hope to read more of your thoughts.

]]> By: aedifico42 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-747 aedifico42 Sat, 01 Sep 2007 19:09:03 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-747 Brother Mike, Your sentiment is not unusual. Many Masons care about what the outside world thinks. In this age where celebrity=credibility and the media dominates, it is natural and easy to fall into that trap. I, on the other hand, do not give a crap. I let my quiet resolve and good acts speak for me and my Craft. People are attracted to me because of my character, not because of my clothes. When people ask, I am happy to share. But unlike many, I do not promote my Craft actively. I refuse to "compete" in a marketplace where I believe Freemasonry does not belong. I will not sell my Craft. I think it is wrong to pretend that our fraternity is in competition with Television or Sports or anything else. To think that is to downgrade the Craft and set it on a level with the vulgar aspects of our media-driven lives. No, my brother, I refuse to allow the easy analysis to cloud my judgment. Selling brownies to raise money is for little girls. If a man is not big enough to dish-out a few more dollars for something that is supposedly so important to him, then his motives may be in question. Publicity stunts (like helping little kids) for the sake of good publicity is a lie. Just go buy an ad in the newspaper...that would be more honest. If your Lodge really wants to help those kids...do it...and don't tell anyone you're Masons. Lastly, as with so many issues, it is important that we address them in a cool and rational manner. I respect your differing opinion Mike. Frankly, I may be wrong about this topic. But I will not concede the point. I will only thank you for sharing your opinion, and for your willingness to contribute to the conversation. Safe travels my brother. Brother Mike,
Your sentiment is not unusual. Many Masons care about what the outside world thinks. In this age where celebrity=credibility and the media dominates, it is natural and easy to fall into that trap.

I, on the other hand, do not give a crap. I let my quiet resolve and good acts speak for me and my Craft. People are attracted to me because of my character, not because of my clothes. When people ask, I am happy to share. But unlike many, I do not promote my Craft actively. I refuse to “compete” in a marketplace where I believe Freemasonry does not belong. I will not sell my Craft. I think it is wrong to pretend that our fraternity is in competition with Television or Sports or anything else. To think that is to downgrade the Craft and set it on a level with the vulgar aspects of our media-driven lives.

No, my brother, I refuse to allow the easy analysis to cloud my judgment. Selling brownies to raise money is for little girls. If a man is not big enough to dish-out a few more dollars for something that is supposedly so important to him, then his motives may be in question.

Publicity stunts (like helping little kids) for the sake of good publicity is a lie. Just go buy an ad in the newspaper…that would be more honest. If your Lodge really wants to help those kids…do it…and don’t tell anyone you’re Masons.

Lastly, as with so many issues, it is important that we address them in a cool and rational manner. I respect your differing opinion Mike. Frankly, I may be wrong about this topic. But I will not concede the point. I will only thank you for sharing your opinion, and for your willingness to contribute to the conversation.

Safe travels my brother.

]]> By: Mike http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-680 Mike Sat, 01 Sep 2007 05:28:17 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-680 I give a crap, not what the outside world thinks, but how we present ourselves to the world, both as individuals and as an organization. I give a crap, not what the outside world thinks, but how we present ourselves to the world, both as individuals and as an organization.

]]> By: AEdifico http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-645 AEdifico Fri, 31 Aug 2007 21:10:09 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-645 Mike, My proposal is not one size fits all. It is a suggestion for the establishment of fair dues based on some sensible economic factors. Perhaps the rural Lodges in your state can make it a 75%, 25% split of the median income. It makes no difference. The point is, as has been illustrated by the other comments, that Lodges make bad economic choices because we base them in emotion...not in business sense. Lastly, if we raised dues, we could concentrate on building better brothers. And really...who gives a crap about what the outside world thinks...(see a previous blog on this site about Public Service from Private Sources). Mike,
My proposal is not one size fits all. It is a suggestion for the establishment of fair dues based on some sensible economic factors. Perhaps the rural Lodges in your state can make it a 75%, 25% split of the median income. It makes no difference.

The point is, as has been illustrated by the other comments, that Lodges make bad economic choices because we base them in emotion…not in business sense.

Lastly, if we raised dues, we could concentrate on building better brothers. And really…who gives a crap about what the outside world thinks…(see a previous blog on this site about Public Service from Private Sources).

]]> By: Mr. Ed http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-641 Mr. Ed Fri, 31 Aug 2007 17:34:51 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-641 We had a battle in my lodge over dues. It was quite bitter. When it came time to vote, a modest dues increase passed with a better than 80% majority. The very vocal group that seemed to dominate the discussions carried little weight. 2 or 3 quit. I guess masonry wasn't that important to them. We had a battle in my lodge over dues. It was quite bitter. When it came time to vote, a modest dues increase passed with a better than 80% majority. The very vocal group that seemed to dominate the discussions carried little weight. 2 or 3 quit. I guess masonry wasn’t that important to them.

]]> By: Tom Accuosti http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-637 Tom Accuosti Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:59:49 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-637 One of these days I have to blog about this. Last year, I was both WM <i>and </i> president of the building corporation, and after eight months I was able, but cajoling, threatening, and sheer force of will, actually get the brothers to agree to a... ready?... <i>ten dollar per year</i> increase. Next on my agenda: To plug the hole in that dike with my finger. One of these days I have to blog about this. Last year, I was both WM and president of the building corporation, and after eight months I was able, but cajoling, threatening, and sheer force of will, actually get the brothers to agree to a… ready?… ten dollar per year increase.

Next on my agenda: To plug the hole in that dike with my finger.

]]> By: Mike http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-634 Mike Fri, 31 Aug 2007 11:39:40 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-634 I'd caution you that a "one size fits all" philosophy would be problematic. Rural lodges generally need lower dues than urban lodges. And what would raising dues sharply in blue lodge do to membership in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, and so on? BTW, "time-wasting" fundraisers for scholarships and the like are a good way of letting people know we exist. I’d caution you that a “one size fits all” philosophy would be problematic. Rural lodges generally need lower dues than urban lodges. And what would raising dues sharply in blue lodge do to membership in the York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shrine, and so on?

BTW, “time-wasting” fundraisers for scholarships and the like are a good way of letting people know we exist.

]]> By: Mr. Ed http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-614 Mr. Ed Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:48:16 +0000 http://masonicminute.com/blog/2007/08/30/dues-a-formula-for-freemasonry/#comment-614 One of my favorite topics. One of my favorite topics.

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