Feature Article February 2021 Edition

Just a thought… !

With the lockdown seemingly going on forever, it makes me wonder what our masonry will look like on our return to (dare I use the word?) ‘normality’.

My lodge is lucky in that we have a number of young active master masons and a number of candidates waiting to be initiated, some having waited over a year. So, theoretically, we will have all the officers’ posts filled.

But when do we initiate them? Do we, as others have done, initiate them once a minimum number (previously six) can meet inside?  Or is that just employing a “got them” logic, and will it be enough to satisfy them when they have paid £100+ to join our Fraternity? Just a thought. . . !

Thinking back to my own initiation, part of the impact was seeing a large group of like-minded men all supporting me at this special event. Rushing to get them initiated coild detract from the ceremony and also the uniqueness of the evening. Does the same apply when more then one candidate is initiated? Just a thought. . . !

I see a lot of Facebook and Twitter of other Provinces being active in providing food and assistance to the elderly, needy, vulnerable and the homeless. Is this type of support going on in our province? Is so, why is it not being made public? Why don’t we sing our own praises? Not for the kudos, but to demonstrate our commitment in following the tenets of the Craft. Just a thought. . . !

At the recent PGM’s “meet the troops” Zoom meeting, James said we all needed to consider how we can raise more money for the 2022 Oxfordshire MCF Festival and also how we can awaken our Masonic activity. For the Festival, could each of the masonic centres organize an inter-lodge competition based around pub style games and then expand this to an inter-centre competition? Just a thought. . . !

With regards to reviving our activities, it strikes me that some lodges may struggle for brethren to attend. Perhaps the more fortunate lodges could look to set up a “raiding party” of brethren to visit other lodges and then other lodges reciprocate. This will assist any Lodges struggling as visiting brethren could help out in ceremonies and also make the numbers up for dining. Just a thought. . . !