What do we really know about our members’ expectations, and how well do we manage them?
Over the past two years, I’ve often asked new Brethren at mentoring sessions two simple questions:
❓ What were your expectations before joining?
❓ How have we, as a Lodge, failed to meet them?
Their answers have been honest and eye-opening. They remind us that enthusiasm fades when expectations go unheard.
by Andrew Prescott
Brethren, immerse yourselves in a fascinating journey back to early 18th-century London with Professor Andrew Prescott, a leading authority in Digital Humanities and Freemasonry history. In this compelling lecture, Professor Prescott explores the vibrant, bohemian world of Covent Garden, a place of creativity, danger, and intrigue, where the seeds of modern Freemasonry were sown.
Covent Garden was no ordinary district; it was a melting pot of artists, writers, freethinkers, and yes, even rogues. It was here, at the Apple Tree Tavern on Charles Street, that four London lodges are traditionally said to have met in 1716, setting the stage for the historic 1717 feast at the Goose and Gridiron and the election of the first Grand Master, the birth of the Grand Lodge and modern Freemasonry.
But how much of this story is fact, and how much is legend? Drawing on meticulous research and historical records, Professor…
Many of us in the Craft have heard the phrase “the Liberal Arts and Sciences” countless times. Yet if we are honest with ourselves, how many could name all seven without hesitation? Fewer still could clearly explain their meanings, let alone place them in their proper Masonic and esoteric context, or describe their role in shaping a well-rounded mind.
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars.”
Proverbs 9:1
Over the next seven weeks, I invite you to join me in revisiting these “seven pillars” one by one. Together we will explore not only their historical and symbolic place in the Craft, but also their practical value in life today. Along the way, I encourage you to share your own reflections: anecdotes from Lodge or life, favourite quotations, or curious insights from your personal study.
Hi David. Thanks mate. Trying to find other ways to engage.
Master Mason
Master Mason
Master Mason
Thanks for this WBro Alex. I agree that we need to form plans for meeting expectations, and have two observations: 1. The PDF seems, to me, to be geared toward lodge logistics and increasing membership. Although the advice in forming and executing strategy is broadly applicable, it doesn't explicitly bring out that point. 2. It seems that expectations vary widely. Some are here for fellowship/drinking, others networking, charity, ritual and a smaller group hoping for self-improvement. Whatever someone is looking for, outside of fellowship via the festive board (that the JW does, nothing seems organised at the lodge or district level. Even if there is a large enough group they seem to have no way to easily connect.
A possible solution may be a district directory, with names, titles, jobs and contact details so that self-organization would be easier. Even better if district would provide some infrastructure for things, like mailing list, websites, etc.
Basically, it just feels we're too fragmented to achieve much in the way of helping each other meet expectations.