 |
|
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
The Grand Master's Message |
|
||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
Brethren: |
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
Key words stand out in my messages and the words of the Grand Lodge team that define commitment and direction designed to drive Freemasonry in Pennsylvania positively and confidently to the doorstep of the 21st century.
"Faith, Family, Fraternity, and Community" encircling the square and compasses on the Grand Master's medallion sets forth my vision and direction for Freemasonry in Pennsylvania. It is more than a slogan; it is a doctrine for action.
We have the "Faith." Masons always put their own "Families" first and involve the "Family of Freemasonry" in their activities, programs, and projects. We must rebuild the "Fraternity" in our lodges and in the appendant bodies. And, we need to serve the "Community" -- each lodge reaching out to serve their fellow men and being known for its deeds in its own hometown.
"A Perfect Match" is a perfect term that Past Grand Master Samuel C. Williamson tagged to the Matching Charity Grants Program. Across the state, this program of benevolence matches the lodge with the community; the lodge charity with community needs; the Mason with his neighbor; and the vitality of Freemasonry with the welfare of mankind. It is marvelous that this worthwhile program has gained such strong, immediate interest, and support.
As a fraternity, we want to continue our good works -- to make good men better and serve our fellow men and our communities. The only way we can do that is with a stable and progressive membership.
Accordingly, Membership Development and Retention has to be the highest priority; therefore, "NET ZERO for 1998" are key words. That is my realistic membership goal. By that I mean, we will attract at least as many new members as those we lose through death and unavoidable suspensions or resignations.
Masons attract good men to Masonry. You represent Masonry for some good and worthy men -- your sons or other relative, a good friend or neighbor, a coworker, or a church or civic associate. Knowing them to be of the finest character, tell them about the heritage and good works of Freemasonry and be sure that each of them knows that those who desire membership must seek it. They have to ask.
Rather than ask a few brethren to do a lot, I am asking all brethren in this jurisdiction to do ONE THING: REPLACE YOURSELF. I'm asking each Mason to be the recommender of at least one worthy man to join you in lodge. If each Mason does that, we will not only meet our goal of NET ZERO, we will surpass it.
That makes "Overture" and "Conductor" key words in 1998 and 1999. "Overture" is the comprehensive membership development and leadership training program to be conducted at eight locations across the state. The District Chairmen already have been trained for the 1998 Overture portion that targets membership development techniques. Sessions for lodge leaders will begin next month. The Conductor series in the fall of 1998 will teach leadership and lodge organization, management, and programming skills.
"Cooperation, Communication, and Customer Service" is another set of key words that comprise more than a slogan throughout the Grand Lodge. They define responsibilities and accountabilities.
Masonry is in the people business, and anyone who is in business knows that to be successful, "Customer Service" is the name of the game. In this Fraternity, our members are our customers, so you will find that every facet of the organization has been tailored to provide service. I have defined the operating philosophy this way: "It is not what you can do for Grand Lodge; it's what Grand Lodge can do for you."
We are on the right track, but we must remember what Brother Will Rogers once said: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just stand there." We will not stand still. I know we can turn the tide of membership decline.
Words are wonderful when they communicate action. All of our key words emanate from "Faith, Family, Fraternity, and Community." With teamwork they'll spell "Pennsylvania Freemasonry growing toward the 21st century."
Sincerely and fraternally, |
||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | |
