Greetings from the Grand Secretary

Where’s Sam
Getting ready for the Annual Communication.
 
Budget
The Grand Lodge Operations Budget is nearly complete, and Brethren, you are not going to like the results.  The bottom line is this: Membership is down and so is the income that is based on the number of memberships. This will not come as a surprise, but costs are up!

The Deputy Grand Master and every member of the Committee on Finance have gone through the numbers. Right this very minute, we are currently under 11,000 Master Masons. While some Lodges are seeing new petitions, that number, as well as advancing candidates, is also down. Like so many of our Lodges, drastic and long-term measures will have to be taken. The Finance Committee is preparing several Grand Master Recommendations for the Communication in June.
 
MRC
The Buyer is as committed as ever and has been working with the City and neighbors to push the sale to closing. The feedback from the recent open house was nearly 100% positive. The city appreciates that the buyers have a proven track record of similar projects and the neighbors like the idea that the front of the building remains the same while the front lawn becomes a city park.
 
Civility
Social Media. Too many people think it is OK to say anything about anyone on social media. There are two things one should know before posting something mean, untrue or an unfounded opinion.  First, NOTHING ever goes away on social media. Server farms with unlimited storage keep every byte and can recall it whenever. Second, our landmarks prohibit Masons from discussing Religion or Politics in Lodge and the Freemason should never talk about them anywhere else.

There are three topics that bring a persons’ passions to the surface and have led to open war.  Women (remember Helen of Troy), religion and politics. If you are identified as a Freemason (or affiliated) on any social media site, perhaps the landmark prohibitions should be your guide. If you are anonymous and feel a need to comment on one of the BIG THREE, then do so, but always remember that being a Freemason is 24/7. Factual, logical and civil dialogue is always better than showing a lack of education and social graces and reverting to foul and vulgar language, innuendos and cheap shots. Besides, keeping it nice and clean always makes ‘em mad.
 
Civility Quote
When having the last word, make sure that it leaves a lasting smile.
 
Grand View
The super vast majority of the Lodges have given the new database system a thumbs up.  We are still uncovering wrong or missing data, but are working our way through it.
 
Insurance
The Grand Lodge provides $1,000,000 of general liability coverage for the Lodge for Masonic Events. Proof of insurance is often required for parades, renting space, etc. This proof of insurance is available through PayneWest Insurance at 877-455-6767. This general liability covers bodily injury and property damage to a third party, personal injury, and medical. Also provided is $5,000 coverage for Lodge property; items that are Masonic in nature. There is a $500 deductible.

Temple Boards and building associations are not a part of this program and need to purchase their own general liability coverage as the building owner. (ps: They should also require a proof of insurance from their renters.)

Public Relations
‘Becoming a Mason doesn’t make you a better person.  Oh wait, yes it does!’

According to a recent survey, there are 53 MILLION men who might consider Masonry, IF…. Some are not aware that there are Freemasons; others have heard about Masons, but don’t know who or what we are; some are surprised that Masons still exist; a few know that Shriners are Masons, but don’t know who to ask or how to join. Here is a sample of questions a Mason (you) might ask of a well-qualified and worthy man. “How important is Honesty and Integrity to you?” “Would you rather associate with people that are well known for being honest and who’s word and a handshake is still their bond?” “Did you know that Freemasons, a 300-year-old Fraternity of men, have the same commitment to being honest and upstanding in all their dealings with society?” “Have you ever thought about being a Freemason?”

Then… 6 step (or 7 or 8 or 9 step) or whatever it takes to get to know that man as a Brother as evidenced by his family, friends and environment. Mentor as a Mason and coach as a friend, that he will never (ever) regret stepping into a Lodge room or Lodge meeting. Ensure that he is not just a man, but a Mason and proud to be one.
 
Island Time
Ever dreamed about living on an Island and living the quiet life?  Your Grand Lodge can help.  Located on Anderson Island in Puget Sound off the coast of Steilacoom, this secluded wooded lot would make a great weekend getaway. This lot will be sold this year to the best offer. Call Clint in the Grand Lodge Office for the details.
 
Suggestions for the Annual Communication

• “Reserve seats near the speakers for those that are hearing impaired.”

• “Put a flyer in our Grand Lodge packets that tell us some information about our youth groups such as: How many members they have, what projects they are doing, what percentage of them go into our adult groups?”

An invitation to the adult leaders of each group to provide pertinent information has been sent.
 
Ideas from around the Jurisdiction
Increase awareness of your Lodge and Masonry in your community – Contact your local Blood Bank and host a Blood Draw in your Lodge.  There is no cost to the Lodge and it helps the Blood Bank and everyone in your community that they serve.

Increase Attendance – Contact a local Tupperware, Chef or Scrapbook agent for a “public” party at the Lodge during your next Stated Meeting. Invite the Ladies and their friends. Involve a fun activity for the Lodge ladies who will bring their men, while you’re paying bills!
 
A Hot Topic
Annual Communication is June 8^th and 9^th. There are several Resolutions and recommendations that merit your due consideration. As these will have far-reaching impacts on the Masons in this Jurisdiction, it would be a good idea to read, discuss and understand the legislation being presented.

Personal Note to Chantal,
There is no way to tell you how much you will be missed. The work and attention to the smallest detail have made the Annual Communication and the Lodge Leadership Retreat a success every year. Your support for the Lodges and the office has resulted in new,  more efficient processes and better information for all. We wish you every success in your new position and ask that you not forget us.

- Sam and the gang