By: W. John Barling – Secretary of Hyde Park Lodge 370
Now that we’ve talked about how to engage in Freemasonry and the vital importance of guarding the West Gate, it’s time to turn our attention to something just as critical: making sure that once a man joins, he stays, and not just stays, but grows, thrives, and finds real meaning in the Craft.
Freemasonry doesn’t lose good men because they suddenly stop believing in our principles. We lose them because their experience in Lodge doesn’t live up to the promise. It’s our responsibility to ensure that what happens inside our walls matches the Light we speak of.
Here are five ways to make the Lodge experience truly meaningful for every Brother who walks through our doors.
1. Ritual with Purpose and Precision
Ritual is not mere theater; it is the spiritual and symbolic heartbeat of our Fraternity. When performed with care, accuracy, and understanding, it doesn’t just move the candidate—it uplifts everyone in the room.
We owe it to the Craft, and to ourselves, to know our parts, rehearse regularly, and approach every degree like it’s a life-changing moment—because often, it is.
Set personal and collective goals for ritual excellence. Earn your Proficiency Cards. Create your own degree team (like Brother Jonathan Greene and I have). Challenge your Lodge to become a beacon of ritual mastery. As your skills grow, other Lodges will begin to call on you for assistance and that’s when the real magic happens. Excellence spreads. The standard rises. And the entire Craft is enriched by the shared pursuit of Light.
2. Create Opportunities for Real Connection
True Brotherhood is forged in both labor and refreshment. It lives in the quiet, consistent gestures that build trust and affection over time. Whether it’s sharing a meal before or after Lodge, sitting with a Brother in distress, or simply making a phone call to check in. These small, sincere actions are what turn acquaintances into Brothers.
Look for ways to build bonds beyond the tiled room. Start a small, unofficial group around shared interests(a poker night, a chess club, a lunch group, etc) Keep it inclusive. Make space for friendship to flourish.
Let’s not just pass each other in the hallway—let’s know one another. We are not merely Brothers in title; we are bound by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection. But that bond requires effort. Walk up to the Brother you don’t know. Introduce yourself. Sit down and learn his story. Being a good Brother means taking action….not just saying the words.
3. Make Education a Priority
Masonic education shouldn’t end with the degrees, that’s when it should truly begin.
Offer short presentations. Host study groups. Invite guest speakers. Dive deeper into the ritual and symbolism that often go undiscussed in open Lodge. Encourage Brothers to pursue their Proficiency Cards and complete the Masonic Leadership Training (MLT), Master Mason I, II, and III, and the Lodge Officers Training Course (LOTC). The more active you become, the more you’ll gain from the world’s greatest fraternity.
In my home district, most Lodges include Masonic Education at every Stated Communication. But this isn’t not just a box to check, make it meaningful. Use that time to explore topics that genuinely interest your Brothers and inspire them to seek more Light.
At every EA degree I attend, I tell the new candidate: “You get from Masonry threefold what you put into it.” I believe that wholeheartedly—especially when it comes to education. The more you seek, the more you shall find. And the spiritual, mental, and emotional rewards are returned to you many times over.
As we often say in the 8th and 9th Masonic Districts: “An educated Mason is a dedicated Mason.” And it’s true, because a Brother who feels enriched is a Brother who stays engaged.
4. Empower Younger and Newer Members
Don’t wait five or ten years before a Brother is “allowed” to contribute. If he shows initiative, give him a role. Let him help with a dinner, work with a committee, or even sit in the East for a degree. Participation fuels ownership. And when a Brother feels that he matters, the Lodge starts to matter more to him. My personal Masonic journey is a testament to the truth of this concept.
Of course, this must be balanced with proper guidance. A strong mentorship culture ensures they don’t just participate, but grow in the right way.
5. Be a Lodge Worth Belonging To
This may be the most important, and perhaps the most challenging, principle of all: the Lodge must be a place where Masons want to be.
That means:
- Meetings that are organized, purposeful, and respectful of everyone’s time.
- Fellowship that is warm, inclusive, and authentic.
- Leadership that is transparent, approachable, and guided by humility.
- A culture that lives and breathes Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Not just during ritual, but in every interaction.
When a Brother walks out of Lodge at night, he should feel uplifted,not drained, dismissed, or disheartened. Let us build Lodges that fill the cup, not empty it.
Culture building is one of the most powerful tools we have at the Blue Lodge level and it’s completely within our control. Culture isn’t created by Grand Lodge edicts; it’s created, nurtured, and lived out by us, the Brothers, in each individual Lodge.
If something’s lacking, be the change you want to see. Show up. Set the tone. Build the culture. The future of our great Fraternity doesn’t rest in a building or a title. It lives in the hearts and habits of each of us.
We’ve all seen Lodges that struggle to retain members. The truth is, retention isn’t a numbers problem, it’s a value problem. Men stay where they feel valued, inspired, and involved. They drift away when the experience no longer serves their growth.
The good news? Every Worshipful Master, officer, and active Brother has the power to make a difference. You don’t need to fix everything overnight, just make sure that tonight’s meeting matters to someone. And keep doing that, one meeting at a time.
Thank you again for joining me on this journey. If you’ve read this far, you’re part of the solution. Let’s keep building Lodges that reflect the greatness of our principles.
Next up in this series: Masonic Briefs: Chapter 4 – The Art of Masonic Mentorship
Humbly and fraternally yours,
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