Image Problem?

Sir,
    I read Andrew Hicks’ article The Image Problem with interest, but there are certain observations that need to be stated.
    Freemasonry is an Ancient and Honourable Institution. It demands of its membership high standards both in terms of discipline and codes of conduct. Standards of dress, an acceptance of protocol and ceremonial are features that, I suggest, actually attract men to our Order.
    If a potential candidate cannot accept these criteria he would be better considering other organisations or social clubs. Relax these standards and you are at risk of losing older members. I fail to understand why a Freemason should find a problem in wearing a white shirt and dark suit to work. How many young masons are required to wear striped trousers or waistcoats?
    The question of lodge meeting-times and the standard of catering are under the sole jurisdiction of the lodge and can be changed if the membership find them unacceptable. Bro Hicks challenges the necessity for salutations and certain festive board procedures. Again we come back to discipline and a preservation of the Ancient Landmarks of the Order. Yes, it is important and I would maintain that the majority of brethren, of every age group, find no problem with the requirement and would be very critical if it was not applied. Freemasonry is a structured organisation and senior appointments are subject to satisfying various criteria such as merit, experience and ability, in the same way that appointments to Bro Hicks’ Management Executive at Nomura International are determined. I am not convinced that altering the present system would improve ‘the image’.
    On the general theme of the article, whilst recruitment may be a problem for some lodges, retention of younger members presents a far greater challenge. With a positive approach this can be tackled by applying different initiatives. In this Province we have implemented a very successful mentoring programme, whereby a lodge appoints an experienced mason to chaperone and instruct each candidate, at every phase, particularly during his first year. A Provincial Masonic Road-show, lectures, open forums and demonstrations all contribute to the stimulation of our new members’ interest in the Craft.
    The Lodge Almoner also has a vital role to play. Is he pro-active? Does he establish a reason for a Brother’s absence after two successive meetings? If this procedure is followed, the new member will quickly realise that we are a caring organisation, that he is important and will be proud to be a Brother among masons. Of greater significance, the lodge will have fulfilled its objective to secure its future.
    John E Churches PAGDC, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Provincial Grand Lodge of Gloucestershire.

There follows a representative selection of extracts from the many letters received in response to Bro Hicks’ article.. Ed.

I applaud the article, for here’s a serious minded young mason ruffling my comfortable masonic life, and it’s a pity it didn’t happen before. Having been in the Craft for some 30 years, I see myself, as a result of this article, being one of its many members who has comfortably settled into those Meeting habits and customs he is now telling me are just the ones that are turning young people away. Firstly I say to myself ‘What a pity, for I do like them.’, secondly, I say ‘Well, if he’s right, then we have to do something about it.’, and finally I ask, ‘How do the young people know so much about Freemasonry anyway, to the extent that they are turned away?’ If I, and other older masons, many very influential, do not know answers to today’s real questions about our image, then there is little hope of seeing the necessary change come about that it is hoped will re-invigorate Masonry. Come on younger members, you tell us where we are getting it wrong in your non-masons contemporaries’ eyes, and I bet there will be more of us older members who will sit up and take notice, and be not unwilling to support you too.
    Peter Evans, Crayford Lodge No 6336, Province of West Kent.

I agree with remarks made by Andrew Hicks. It is true to say Freemasonry needs to change its approach in the future to attract new members and it is time senior members gave more thought and consideration to new members and potential candidates by looking into the way their lodges are run. Consider the following: No normal lodge to open before 6.30pm. Lodge business to be concluded by 7.45pm. Lodges to finish by 10pm, enabling those who wish to return home to do so at a reasonable hour. Minutes to be circulated to brethren, saving the necessity to read them. At the festive board, as soon as the meal is completed, toasts could be started immediately with no long pauses between responses; responses short and to the point - one visitor to reply. Brethren below the Chair should be encouraged to participate in the ceremonies by presenting tools &c with a separate evening for, say, six of these brethren to present lectures to Past Masters of the lodge. Senior offices should rotate on a regular basis. Such changes will help to keep members interested, but should be in the hands of Past Masters of lodges.
    W Bro AR Bingham, PPrSGW. High Peak Lodge No 1952, Derbyshire.

I disagree with certain points expressed by Andrew Hicks. I suggest that we are, in part, victims of our success, in part the victims of media attacks and in part the victims of the success of our own policy of openness. At one time it was ‘Join the Masons, my boy, if you want to get on in life’, and many did. The great numbers in lodges were often the result of many members who were only seen at annual Installations, or the Christmas meeting, paid their dues, but did not pay anything else. Now we have shown that joining the Masons does not help you to ‘get on’ in life, indeed, in the present climate, it may even work against you. Then the cry was: ‘We are losing young members because they are not involved.’ So it was suggested that the work be shared. It was, and those interested seized the chance of working with worthwhile results. But we still lose members.
    No, Andrew, the image is not bad. It simply does not exist. It has been destroyed actively by the press and passively by our own openness, which I fully support. There is no radical reform needed. The image must simply be rebuilt. What is needed is for each of us to be sure that we personally have a good image and that we let the world know that we draw our strength from the precepts of Masonry. We need to be sure that our lodge has a good image by the work we do in the community. To support that we need a continuing process of openness from the central authorities of whatever constitution we belong to. Continue the openness. Show by example the pleasure Masonry can bring to the individual, his family and his neighbours.
    Ian Harris PJGW. Keys of Münster Lodge No 881, Borken, Germany.

The Image Problem was a truly excellent piece. I agree wholeheartedly with the views expressed. Later this month, Raglan Lodge 8915 of which I am Secretary, hold their AGM, and I have placed on the agenda an item, Raglan Lodge in the 21st Century, during which debate I hope to persuade some of the doubters of the need to modernise ourselves in our approach to the Craft, though not necessarily the ritual itself. Some of our members are fully behind me, some I know are less than eager.
    John Staples.

Three cheers for Bro Hicks and his first class article on Masonry’s image. He has put his well-directed finger on many of today’s problems and out-dated practices that still pervade our organisation. I should like two issues to be considered: 1. Not everyone is gifted enough to repeat long passages from memory. This is why some members do not go forward for office. 2. Interrupting the festive board with repeated toasts could be reduced to only four without causing offence.
    Frederick H Lawrence. Lodge of St Martin No. 7986.

I feel prompted to respond to Andrew Hicks’ sweeping piece. I feel it was a shame that he took this platform to make sweeping generalisations rather than constructive argument. Yes, the food in town is generally poor and over-priced. Yes, we seem to have a system of gongs and badges. Yes, we have politics and back-scratching. Yes, we have an image problem. Yes, lodges are closing and numbers are down. Yes, the ritual is difficult for some of us to learn. There will be arguments for and against all these issues. But let’s use the channels available to broaden the argument. We are brothers united in the act…we’re here to raise money for charity. Let’s remember that and start shouting about it from the roof-tops. Let’s be proud of what we do and not be ashamed.
    Steve Cannell (age 35).

If the Women’s Institute can pose in the nude to improve their image (The Times, 13 April), what can Masons do to improve theirs?
    Tony Fayers, Lodge No. 5534.

As a young fogey of 33, I agree wholeheartedly with the sentiment expressed by Andrew Hicks. He has indeed identified a genuine area of concern within the Craft. However, many of his suggested resolutions would alienate the majority of brethren whilst some would change forever the structure that seeks to protect those ideals which he identifies as the lifeblood of Freemasonry. To coin a phrase, evolution not revolution is required. Turning the established order into a fully democratic, elected body will not happen in our lifetimes - even if it were deemed to be a productive way forward. The vast majority of Freemasons are conservative with a small ‘c’. That is to say that many of us take delight in the pomposity and established customs of the Craft and would not welcome such radical change. Regarding the ‘younger generation’, perhaps there is room for a British equivalent of de Molay.
    Adrian Butcher. Horsham, Sussex.

Dear Bro Hicks, I was interested to read your article and agree that a more open public attitude is long overdue. I am not a young mason, in fact I am almost twice your age and have been involved in the Craft since before you were born - in the UK, USA and South Africa. I sympathise with your comments on a need for a more democratic system involving younger masons and I agree that some hallowed attitudes, if not traditions, could well change with the times to improve our public image. I cannot but feel, however, that your London environment shows through and quite understandably colours your attitude. It is not typical of the Craft across the country - nor the world. You talk of striped trousers, 5pm starts and second-rate cheap food. Most of the lodges in both my local Provinces of Somerset and Gloucestershire are 6.45 starts; ‘dark suit’ is the order of the day - sometimes DJs - and the food is often first class and reasonably priced. Nevertheless, I would encourage you to continue in pressing for even greater openness than we have seen to date, and such openness must be led from the top.
    Keith S Gardner. Backwell, North Somerset.

I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one deeply frustrated with certain aspects of Freemasonry but there is one factor none of your correspondents have mentioned. It is probably the most important and, the most difficult to address. The problem comes with the age of members receiving honours. It is called clinical depression, the main symptoms of which are Automatic Negative Thoughts. Sufferers from this ailment are quite incapable of changing anything because they can only ever see the down side. They are some of the most enthusiastic supporters of Freemasonry; they could not exist without it. At the same time, they can be incredibly ignorant and pass on that ignorance to younger members.
    Noel French. Cranbrook, Kent.

Stuffiness at lodge meetings is down to the Master and how he conducts lodge proceedings. I have seen some who make it boring and others who do the very same ritual and make it exciting and vibrant. Even saluting Grand Officers can be tackled with humour and conviviality - and I daresay they would feel more at home if that were more often the case. Bro Hicks suggests we radically change Freemasonry so that we do not end up like a beached whale caught by a receding tide. Tides do go both ways. To change ‘with the fashions’ would in my view be the fastest way to destroy Freemasonry. For fashion is a fickle mistress. The whole structure of the Craft and Grand Lodge is the rock upon which we are built. Do not destroy that without sound ideas of what you would put in its place - it has lasted almost 300 years, and should go on that long and longer. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, as someone wisely said. I am actually quite positive and optimistic about Freemasonry, despite all the doom and gloom merchants these days.
    Alex Lewis. Oswestry, Salop.

As a 65-year old Past Provincial Junior Grand Somebody-or-other, may I say that I entirely agree with much of Andrew Hicks’ analysis, though his remedy is curiously banal - I do not believe for a moment that ‘extending the franchise’ will do anything at all to help. Julian Rees is perhaps more focused when he discusses the spirit of the Order. Of course, part of the answer is, as John Cranage points out, patient use of good publicity, but this should not blind us to the need to put our own house in order - perhaps we are still too complacent.
    Roger Marjoribanks. Guildford, Surrey.

So what can we do now to stop the rot and find ourselves a new direction? Initially it is time to establish modernisation committees centrally and in the provinces to canvas opinion from the membership, collect suggestions and develop a strategy for growth. External help may well be required to prevent us from continuing to be too introspective. The cost is irrelevant if it means the difference between continued survival and a slow lingering death. Now is the time to act and I for one would be pleased to help in any way I can. I wonder why it is that I have so little faith in anything happening.
    Peter Hogarth. PM Marquis of Titchfield Lodge No 3550. Nottingham.

It has been said that real Masonry takes place round the dining table. If that is so, then why do we not have round tables of up to ten? The Worshipful Master on one, the Wardens on one other each and the Past Masters, Officers and brethren mixed round each table. One man talks and nine others listen. What a change for those who sit at the Top Table and how lonely it is for them when they only have one person on either side to speak to. As a Past Master with some 33 years of Masonry tucked under my belt, I find that as DC, I sit on the Top Table only for expediency in reaching the WM. The newest members who have been well and worthily recommended to me to be my brother in the lodge, sit at the opposite end of the lodge room. I never get to know them, yet they are my brothers! All too often I have heard that a Grand Officer insists upon being seated on the Top Table, or the Provincial Officers must have a Robing Room to themselves. Why? Surely this is a symptom of too much dignity and self importance and not enough Masonry.
    JS Wilton PProvAGDC, Warwickshire.

Let’s not use openness as an excuse to change traditions which have endured for many years. In some lodges there seems to be an overwhelming desire to change the individual traditions of a lodge and rationalise the working. In a lodge which is 100 or 200 years old this is a travesty and I hope it soon stops. My attraction to Freemasonry lies in its age-old traditions (my lodge is 86 years old) and I believe many visitors are attracted to other lodges by the ‘differences’. I sincerely hope that this trend stops soon.
    John Gilmore LGR, PPrAGDC, Bicester, Oxon.

Lodge Organists

Sir,
    Is the art of playing the piano/organ truly dying out, or is it just that the ones who can do it just do not wish to play for lodges, or even perhaps consider their standard of playing to be not good enough?
    I will not deny that a small amount of talent is required, but it is probably not as high as some of you might think. The ability to play two hymn tunes, two pieces of music to move in and out of the lodge to, the National Anthem and So Mote it Be, together with a knowledge of what comes where, and when, is enough to get started. I personally guarantee that I could teach anyone to play these in three months or less (No Fees of course) as long as they have their own organ indoors on which to practice, and a willingness to learn.
    I am not advocating a lessening of standards, but I firmly believe that simple music, simply but correctly played, will enhance any masonic meeting. If there is any Brother (preferably at least a Master Mason) who feels that he would like to give it a go, then I would be delighted to hear from him on 0171 720 4754 at any time.
    Phil Merritt. PM Brixistane Lodge No. 7069, Lodge Organist.

Sir,
    Music always plays an important part in Freemasonry and it is refreshing when one comes across a new piece of music for lodge use. May I draw the attention of readers of your splendid magazine to a brand new music composition entitled ‘So Mote it Be’, written especially for use in our lodges today? It is a marching song, composed by W Bro Harry F Baxter with masonic words written by W Bro Frank Marvell, the well-respected Organist of this lodge.
    I understand that the composition and a cassette tape are available by cheque for £8 to MB Music Services, 5 Mitre Close, Bedford MK41 OSR. I do not understand much about masonic music but feel that that both Bros Baxter and Marvell are to be congratulated on this composition, the words of which encompass the meaning and the strength in our Craft and are ideal for performance in any masonic meeting.
    Reg Bishop. Royal Alfred Lodge No 777, Surrey.

Ireland

Sir,
    I was recently re-reading your interview with the Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ireland (Autumn ’98), particularly his observation concerning the decimation of Jewish lodges there due to emigration to Israel.
    During a trip to Dublin some years ago, I met an acquaintance who asked me if I should care to visit his lodge. What a wonderful evening I had! Both the ritual ceremony and festive board were most enjoyable. At the latter I was asked to explain the differences between my ritual and theirs. I must say there were many, but I did my best. It was only when leaving that my friend told me I had been in a mainly Jewish lodge!
    Since then, I have been a few times to Irish lodges and say to any Brother, “a warm welcome awaits you”. Incidentally, I came across the following inscribed on a tablet in Dublin’s Protestant Cathedral of S.Patrick :
    To the memory of John Boardman Esq who for 23 years held the office of Grand Treasurer of the Freemasons of Ireland with consummate knowledge, rigid integrity and unexampled zeal. He died in London on 29 May 1814 whilst on a mission to the United Grand Lodge. This monument tablet was erected by the Grand Lodge to commemorate their gratitude for his service, their sense of his virtue and their sorrow at his loss.
    Appended to the dedication were the names of the Grand Secretary, Wardens, Deputy GM and the Grand Master, Augustus Frederick, Duke of Leinster.
    Tom Rhynehart. Beverley, E.Yorkshire.

Granpop Series

Sir,
    I have five comic postcards of Lawson Woods ‘Granpop Series’, depicting monkeys and pigs in masonic situations. Can any of your readers tell me how many there are in the set?
    John Holman. Sheringham, Norfolk.

Consolation

Sir,
    I found the following notice in a copy of the Cheltenham Chronicle, dated 26 October 1813:
    “We have been informed that a Masonic Lodge will shortly be established in this town. Those who view Masonry through the medium of a correct judgement and unprejudiced mind will felicitate themselves on reading this notification. For what in point of fact is Masonry?
    “It is an ancient and honourable institution that presents an assemblage of objects in every respect worthy of the attention of mankind. An institution in which curiosity can never want a motive; where the innocent may find enjoyment; the unhappy, consolation; and the despairing, hope. Its placid principles calm the feelings, its great ones, exalt them.”
    Stuart Wilton. Province of Warwickshire.

Miami Nice

Sir,
    I recently attended two meetings during a three week stay in Miami, Florida, which may interest readers. The first (an Installation) was held at Luz de America No 255, a Spanish-speaking lodge, built like a church, but for the large square and compasses dominating its portal. Inside, men, women and children chattered away in Spanish. My English-speaking Bro Virgil N Salisbury showed me round and introduced me to many, including the District GM Jacque Couture, a most jovial personality.
    Firstly, dinner was served (without alcohol). Many brethren were accompanied by ladies who, after dinner, entered the lodge beside their men folk. Only officers participating in the ceremony wore regalia. Other brethren wore anything from lounge suits with any colour tie to tee-shirts. Though similar to our own, the lodge layout had its differences. There was the emblem with the rays extending from the letter ‘G’ emblazoned above the Master’s chair in depiction of the GAOTU. There were no candles. The raising and lowering of the columns was identical to ours. There was no banner or standard present. The ritual - in Spanish - was derived from the York Rite.
    Towards the end of the meeting, ladies and children were asked to leave and all remaining donned their regalia and duly swore in the new Master, W Bro Eduardo Jaime by a derivation of our ‘inner workings’. At one point, the outgoing Master placed his hat upon the head of his successor (one English Brother told me that he had seen a similar thing in Texas, where the hat was a stetson!). However strange the proceedings were to me, the one thing which was overwhelmingly prevalent was the powerful feeling of warmth, kindness and camaraderie which I, coming in as a complete foreigner, became a part of.
    The second Installation I attended was that of North Shore Lodge No 277, an English-speaking lodge meeting in the Hialeah area of Miami. The incoming Master was W Bro Armando Aquino, a most amiable young man. While the words of Installation were very similar to our own, it was again interesting to see wives present in the lodge until the point when Past Masters donned regalia to bring in Bro Aquino.
    To sum up, I met some lovely people, forged some wonderful friendships and had a most memorable time, a time which I owe to being a Freemason and the warmth and friendship of our American Brothers.
    Gerry Benson. Harrow, London.

Debt of Honour

Sir,
    Looking back through Issue 4 of your superb magazine, the letter headed Lessons of Conflict caught my eye.
    I too lived close by an RAF airfield, Burn, near Selby in Yorkshire, and we would watch the Halifax bombers of 578 Squadron take off - sadly, many for the last time - to carry out attacks on the enemy from 1943 to close to the end of the war.
    On the evening that I became a joining member of Anchor Lodge No. 1337 in Northallerton, a George Patterson was initiated. Having spent 30 years in the RAF myself, subsequent conversation with Bro George soon revealed that he had been a member of those gallant Halifax crew-members who had flown right over my house so many times, so many years ago.
    How proud I was then in 1992, to install Bro George as my successor in the Chair of Anchor Lodge where we are now serving as Almoner and Charity Steward respectively.
    I am of the continued firm opinion that our debt to those gallant lads will never be properly repaid.
    G Hutchinson. Northallerton, North Yorkshire.