The Resolution to amend the Ahiman Rezon to provide for an increase in the individual membership dues from the Subordinate Lodges to the Grand Lodge will be presented for a vote at the Quarterly Communication on Dec. 3. The result of the vote will be of historical significance for the future of the Fraternal operations of Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.

"Focus on Facts" that follows is a condensed case study designed to provide every member with the information to answer most questions that each Mason needs to have answered to determine his responsible position regarding the Resolution. The input to create the case study resulted from sessions of two focus groups comprising of a cross-section of Masons held late in August.

Focus on Dues and Their Value

It is the purpose and responsibility of the Grand Lodge to govern and lead the administration of the Masonic Fraternity in Pennsylvania harmoniously and provide and assure the continuity of services that enable the Subordinate Lodges to operate. The income from the dues and fees from the Subordinate Lodges pays for more than 82 percent of those fraternal operating costs of the Grand Lodge. (See the "Source of Income" and "Allocation of Expenses" pie charts below.)

For years, the annual Grand Lodge dues were $2. They were raised to $4 in 1955 and then to $8 in 1987. They were set at the present $12 in 1991. Approval of the Resolution to increase the dues by $8 in December would set them at $20.

Subordinate Lodges are permitted to pass along to the Members the amount of Grand Lodge dues in their respective Lodge membership dues. (If the proposed resolution is adopted, the increase could be included in Lodge dues without further approval from Grand Lodge. However, a Lodge may assess a higher amount, but only with the approval of Grand Lodge.) Every dues-paying Mason in Pennsylvania has an interest and shares in the responsibility for maintaining the financial stability of the Fraternity. Approximately one-quarter of the Masons in Pennsylvania pay no dues, either to their Lodges or to the Grand Lodge through the Subordinate Lodges. Fifty-year members do not pay dues, nor do those whose dues are remitted by their Lodges for bona fide reasons.

Grand Lodge fraternal operations encompass, but are not limited to: The Office of the Grand Master, including the District Deputies' functions; the Offices of the Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary; the direction, administration, and support of the Subordinate Lodge Secretaries; the Ritual and Ritualistic Work; the Schools of Instruction; and operations and activities of fraternally-related committees and programs.

Because of the continually declining membership and the loss of investment income, there will not be sufficient cash flow to carry forth the established fraternal operations, functions, and programs. Without the infusion of funds that a dues increase would bring, Grand Lodge would have to cut the services to the Lodges and the Brethren, borrow money, and look for another fund-raising effort.

Is there a surviving business that hasn't increased its rates or prices in ten years? The "business" of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania hasn't had an increase in its "rates" since 1991. In those 12 years, the Masonic Fraternity in Pennsylvania has done an exemplary job in serving the Subordinate Lodges, the Members of the Craft, the communities, and mankind -- all with a reduced income at 1991 "rates."

Forecast for 2004

Because of the lack of return on investments, the "Returns, Gains on Investments - 16%" will be eliminated. Therefore, Dues and Fees will have to provide as much as 98% of the Grand Lodge fraternal operations for the 2004 budget.

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