NEWSLETTER 36 Repro - Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

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NEWSLETTER 36 Repro 11/5/07 11:45 AM Page 8 YORKSHIRE WR FREEMASONRY Today and Tomorrow R W Bro John K Clayton recently celebrated his second anniversary as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent. SO, what has changed in the last two years? Well, quite a lot, which may be surprising because my predecessor was speaking about declining membership, resignations, Charity and the Royal Arch some 11 years ago! It is, therefore, interesting that problems facing Yorkshire, West Riding are virtually the same as for all other Provinces. Just for once, we are not unique. What can we make of membership figures? The Provincial Grand Registrar told us at the annual meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge, the net loss to membership for the year ending 31st December 2005 was 83, compared with 177 in 2004. However, last year we experienced an increase in Initiates and a reduction in resignations, exclusions and deaths. Indeed, if the 51 Founders of the Rugby Football Lodge are removed from the figures of 2005, then we are in positive balance for the first time in a good many years. At 31 December 2006, we had 7711 members compared with 7739, which includes the 51 Founders mentioned above in 2005. There is, however, no room for complacency. Some 28% of resignations from the 6 R W Bro John K Clayton, Provincial Grand Master Craft occur in the first five years and we must ask ourselves why members resign so early in their Masonic careers? Reasons could include ill preparation of prospective candidates and lack of preparation for the commitment they make and the time involved. Also, I believe there is a tendency to be more interested in increasing our numbers than selecting quality gentlemen known to both proposer and seconder. Adverse responses to communications are sometimes disregarded. Do we do enough to maintain a new Brother’s interest but at the same time are we careful not to give him too much to do too early in his Masonic career? Do we fully recognise lifestyle changes in the last 20 or even 10 years, not forgetting to consider the independence of our ladies – often they do not take kindly to a regular evening commitment by husbands/partners. Equally, it is much more difficult in some circles for a young man to absent himself from work on a regular basis than 20 years ago. In the 100 years ago minutes of the recently amalgamated Lodge of Prudence No 2069, it states: "Only 16 attended the August Lodge. The Committee decided that a Brother’s first priority was his Lodge and his attention should be drawn to that responsibility." I have the feeling that none of us would get away with that view today. So, how can we address the problems of membership and what is the place of the Candidate’s proposer and seconder? It is important that in his introduction to a Lodge, members get to know a candidate and feel comfortable with him. At this time it should be outlined what his commitments and responsibilities will be, both in time and finance, and he should be made aware of our basic principles. Alas, we may fulfil the above but all too often that seems to be where the proposer and seconder feel their responsibility ends and we are sadly lacking in the education of our new Mason. We must all bear some responsibility for this. However, in the belief that our trend in an upward direction will continue, I sincerely hope that the number of early resignations will diminish. And in support of this, I have introduced a mentorship scheme across the Province. This was initially piloted in the Royal Arch and followed soon afterwards by rolling out the scheme to the Craft Province-wide. I cannot, of course, force any Lodge to introduce such a system but I believe that every candidate should be given the opportunity of having such a "friend" and mentor. I would ask for everyone’s support in the venture, which is outlined in further detail by my deputy in the Craft, V W Bro Jack Pigott, on the previous page. I am indebted to W Bros Garry Brown and David Loy of De Maulay Lodge No 6358 and St George’s Lodge No 242 respectively for the work they have done on my behalf. Last year, I asked Assistant PGM W Bro Michael Green to look at the statistics and reasons for resignations. He sent 262 letters to Brethren who had resigned in the previous 12 months, accompanied by an anonymous short questionnaire and amazingly, there was a 39% return – unheard of for such an exercise. Some 26% of those resigning had been a member for five years or less.
NEWSLETTER 36 Repro 11/5/07 11:45 AM Page 9 Reasons given included • Lost interest - Why? • Family commitments • Pressure of work • Ill health • Left the district • Cost of subscriptions • Transport problems I found these comments the most interesting, illuminating and worrying part of the survey. It was obvious, too, that those resigning with a "grudge" had not discussed their problems with the Lodge’s Liaison Officer who, after all, is appointed to provide just such a sympathetic ear when required. We can do nothing about deaths or Brethren moving to other parts of the country, prompting their resignation, but we can do something about resignations for disillusionment and loss of interest and indeed exclusions. This latter topic may be addressed by exercising caution in the selection process. Don’t let us get carried away by the attraction of numbers in favour of quality Brethren. Quality rather than quantity is the order of the day. We won’t always get it right but at least we can exercise greater care, making sure that both the proposer and seconder know the would-be candidate and we should also take notice of any unfavourable response to enquiries. Masonic Premises THE thorny issue of Masonic premises is not within my remit unless a move from one building to another is requested. However, it is worth noting that we have 60 Masonic Halls to house 209 Lodges – an average of 3.5 Lodges per rooms. If the premises which house five or more Lodges are removed from the equation, then 100 Lodges practise their Freemasonry in 48 Masonic Halls – an average of just over two Lodges in those rooms. Indeed, there are 16 buildings where only two Lodges meet and 15 where there is only one. And I have to ask is this economic sense? I would suggest that there must be room for rationalisation of premises, putting aside the understandable loyalties that Brethren have for one set of rooms or another. We should not overspend on rooms that are unsalvageable for sentimental reasons and if it will help those who wish to address potential problems, I have appointed an advisory committee, which will provide support, advice and professional expertise, if requested to do so. The Royal Arch I MAKE no secret of my great affection for this delightful Order. Around 42% of our Craft members are Royal Arch Masons – commendable in comparison with the figures for other Provinces, but how I would like to see the numbers soar to 50% plus. I would ask all Brethren to become ambassadors for the Royal Arch. Anyone who wears a RA jewel should advertise his beliefs and feel free to approach those who do not wear such a jewel. I do not, however, feel that Brethren should be coerced into joining any additional Order unless or until he is happy to do so. Royal Arch membership figures are just as promising as those of the Craft. There has been an increase in newly Exalted Companions and a reduction in resignations and deaths At the last count, there were 3266 Royal Arch Masons in our province, an increase of one over the 2005 figure. Yes, only one, but this is a step in the right direction and again, the first time we have been in positive balance for a good many years. Charity CAN I reiterate the magnificent figure of £5,000,000-plus announced at our special evening at the Royal Armouries in Leeds was the largest sum the Grand Charity has ever received from a Festival. I must also repeat my thanks to everyone concerned, Brethren and their families, for the tremendous efforts and overwhelming generosity these past seven years. This is a truly wonderful result and one for which this Province should feel justifiably very proud. For the immediate future all our charitable giving will be directed to building up the Provincial Grand Master’s Fund and in a new initiative we expect to be able to consider requests for at least two larger grants each year, in addition to the existing work to support deserving causes in our communities. At a recent meeting, the fund committee distributed just over £40,000 to local charities. In conclusion, I was pleased with an attendance of 956 at our Provincial meeting at Harrogate in May when the Alms collection realised £4,435.90. I was disappointed, however, that of the 315 appointments and promotions, there were 46 apologies. Even more disconcerting was the vast majority of Master Masons invited to attend did not even see fit to respond, let alone attend. They don’t know what they missed! Not to be too disheartened, I shall try again next year, but possibly with certain adjustments. However, with minor exceptions, I know the Province is in good heart. Let us strive to keep it that way. 7
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NEWSLETTER 36 Repro - Masonic Province of Yorkshire, West Riding

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