|
||||
|
Incorporated in the inaugural remarks of R.W. Grand Master Robert L. Dluge, Jr. last Dec. 27 was the message that the Fraternity will progress into the new millennium by building upon the successes of the old and incorporating the promises of new ideas and 21st century technologies. Implicit in that message is a charge for the leadership of the lodges to assess and modernize their lodge halls and lodge buildings to assure that they are equipped to provide the services, appearances, and conveniences for the Masons of today.
In recent years, nearly two dozen lodges have completed or are in the process of updating their facilities, building new lodge halls, or acquiring and renovating existing buildings to meet their needs within the guidelines and requirements of the Grand Lodge. Building for an era of prosperity is a major undertaking for a lodge; but, a lodge is not without expert guidance and support because the Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Temples, Halls and Lodge Rooms is there to help get the job done.
Historically, Masonic lodges were located in prime downtown locations. Often the lodge rooms were on the second or third floors, which today poses a difficult problem for handicapped members and aging brethren. One answer is to install chair lifts or elevators, which are expensive to install and must be maintained. Maintenance of older buildings is not just expensive, it is extremely burdensome. For many, air conditioning has become more than a comfort; now it's almost a necessity. Not too many decades ago, parking was less in demand. Today, nearly everyone drives to the lodge.
Carl R. Flohr, P.M., George Washington Lodge No. 143, Chambersburg, Chairman of the Committee, said that the needs are obvious and the problems widespread. The time for action is now! But, he added, the solutions are many and the Committee on Masonic Halls, Temples and Lodge Rooms is ready and willing to help every lodge by providing information so that the officers and members can make the right decisions and get the job done.
A new lodge hall is one option, either building on vacant land or on redevelopment property where there is an ample parking area. Sometimes an existing building can be purchased and remodeled. For instance, a church congregation may move to larger facilities, or congregations may merge and a building may become available. Warehouses or newer retail spaces frequently become available and may be purchased at a competitive price and adapted to lodge needs.
Renovating and upgrading the existing lodge building must be considered. No matter what the circumstances are, it is in the best interest of the Fraternity, the lodge, all of the members, and the community to make the meeting place totally accessible and visually attractive.
Bro. Flohr emphasized that all options should be explored and only through an honest assessment of those options can a lodge determine the best way to proceed. There must be open discussion to build a consensus early. When a decision is reached, all of the members need to support it. The Grand Lodge Committee is there to help. It should be involved early and continue to be involved until the project is completed. All that the officers of a lodge have to do is ask.
Every project, except for cosmetic changes, has to be approved by the Grand Master. The Committee, working with a lodge committee, first recommends approval, then the District Deputy Grand Master's approval is required for submission to the Grand Master.
Five brethren serve with Chairman Flohr on the Committee on Masonic Temples, Halls and Lodge Rooms. They are: Kim W. Jeffreys, P.D.D.G.M., Western Star Lodge No. 304, Albion; Eugene G. Painter, P.D.D.G.M., Richard Vaux Lodge No. 454, Burgettstown; Elliott D. Bufford, Tioga Lodge No. 373; Donald W. Jenkins, Union Lodge No. 291, Scranton; and William M. Jones, Chartiers Lodge No. 297, Canonsburg.
Read related article |
||||
|
||||