It was refreshing to see that the Ohio Lodge (Halcyon Lodge No. 498) has entered the 21 Century with new
modern use ideas.
Our Masonic Temple in Ontario, Canada, is governed by a Temple Board Corporation made up of members from three Lodges as well as representatives from appendent bodies such as OES, York Rite and Scottish Rite.
Our portion of the rent has been increasing greatly and the Temple Board in their wisdom decided that the facility should be rented out to non members.
My Lodge occupies the Temple facility at most two (02) times a month for about nine (09) hours in total. Our rent is about $1200.00 every three (03)months.
Members have suggested that rather than allowing non members to rent the Masonic Temple for weddings, parties, dances etc. We should first be allowed to open the facility to the members for events such as viewing (on a large screen) soccer, hockey, baseball etc. as well as morning coffee club, lunches, dinners etc.
Many members feel that the Masonic Temple and Lodge is sacred and fear that non members will not respect the facility and may destroy wall hangings, plaques, furniture, memorabilia etc.
All comments, advice, suggestions and experiences will be welcome.