The Masters and Wardens Association put on a banquet for R.W. Reg Daigle, D.D.G.M. Sudbury-Manitoulin District on the evening of Friday, September 29th, 2017. The Eastern Star prepared a fabulous meal.
Brethren
Welcome all and thank you for your show
of support by your attendance. I was sitting on my dock at camp on one of the
nicest days in September and thought to myself this is the best day we had so
far this year and what should I talk about in my speeches to the brethren.
Our
numbers are slowly decreasing every year. There are talks of Lodges going dark
and of others amalgamating to survive. We are not retaining most of the new
members. Perhaps we should change the way we interview the prospect? Also the
ones who do stay barely attend. How can we make it more interesting for them,
so that they want to attend Lodge and progress through the different degrees
and perhaps through the chairs? Therefore, most of my speeches will be to try
to come up with suggestions to encourage and support them.
One of these suggestions
is simple participation, get them involved in the degree work. Give them a part
to do instead of sitting on the sidelines watching the same ritual all the
time. I attended a few Lodges recently and observed an entered apprentice
taking part in the degree. GREAT. He was proud in doing so and enjoyed it, he
was taking part in bringing in another member.
Perhaps we should embrace some
of the Grand Lodge's Programs that are available to us. They are there to aid
and assist us.
Also, your District Chairmen were picked by myself because of
their commitment and love of the craft. Get your Lodge chairman to set up
different events. With the aid of your District chairman there are plenty of
resources out there to aid and assist you.
Get your entered apprentices and
fellowcrafts involved and take part. We are not looking for perfection and they
should be encouraged and not critiqued for stepping up and learning instead of
sitting on the sidelines. It’s my belief that when they learn a lecture or a
small part they actually get a better chance of understanding the lessons taught.
Get your Lodge mentors to set up a pizza evening with them to answer any
questions and instruct them.
Nothing is more discouraging and also embarrassing
to a new member when he is asked to exit the Lodge and he doesn't know how.
Have an experienced Brother go with him at the altar to assist him. They will
feel more comfortable and learn from repeating it. After repeating it several
times it will come naturally to them.
So, in conclusion Brethren, take care of
your new members; encourage them and support them. We were all there once.
Thank you
R.W. Reg Daigle
R.W. Reg Daigle
D.D.G.M. Sudbury-Manitoulin District
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