Last meeting I was given the great honour of being installed as the Master of Emulation 67 Lodge for the next twelve months.
I would like to follow the great work my predecessor has done, this can be summed up as “more of the same but even better”. We should always be looking to improve the environment of our lodge, the experience it offers, – and ourselves.
Lack of Candidates is often a problem for lodges – but I would say with two EA’s, one FC and two further applications for men to become Freemasons – we don’t have those problems. However our challenge will be to ensure we embrace our new members, including joining members, with brotherhood, affability, pride and enjoyment.
The brethren that come from the UK to our Saturday meetings are a great example of the brotherhood that I have mentioned. We should follow their steps, visit more lodges & enjoy sharing our works with the brethren of other lodges.
I have told the Wardens, and the Almoner, it is our job to look after the brethren, and I want the lodge to embrace that, for friendships are the engines of lodges. Let’s make sure none of our members, old or new, “fall through the cracks” and that we continue to be builders of success.
One of the hallmarks tha I have set myself is the willingness to listen to all members and meet their needs as a group. To meet challenges with enthusiasm and flexibility and a willingness to experiment, embrace suggestions and try new experiences. These do not always have to be big changes, but small things like trying something or some place new for dinner, a trip away, some entertainment or activity we have not done before – variety being the spice of life. Most things get old and stale if you do it over and over – they become repetitive rather than enjoyable.