roughashlar

Brethren,

We had our first Stated Communication of 2008 last Thursday. A total of 7 Brethren showed up, including a Grand Lodge officer. That compares with 6 last January. My Lodge has been in decline for quite some time (like 20 or so years) so any step forward is a huge positive one.

One of my goals for this Masonic year is to "reintroduce" the Lodge to the community. As such I have planned two Open Houses, one in the Spring and one in the Fall. But it has been so long since my Lodge has done this (the last one was long before I joined) that no one quite remembers what exactly took place.

As a Mason, what would you want to show the community?

As a community member, who and/or what would you want to see?

The open house is scheduled for the last Saturday in March so I have planty of time to ask questions and get input.

Thanks in advance for your help.

--RoughAshlar
a humble W:.M:.

NY Mason

Worshipful Master;

Perhaps a kiosk on display and video on tracing the history of Masonry from its origins to today might be in order, plus a well-versed Brother on hand to answer questions on the history that the public may have....Likewise having information available to hand out containing questions and answers regarding freemasonry...If your Grand Lodge has a Child ID program, having a booth set up where parents can bring in their children to have ID pictures and information taken would most likely generate plenty of interest in attending your open house; plus publicizing Charitable work and contributions that Masons do for society will undoubtedly leave people with a good feeling inside regarding Freemasonry.

Finally, getting the message out that by becoming a Mason, you can make a positive difference in your life and society in general.

Hope this helps.

cemab4y

If you have an open house, do it right!

Get a listing of all the males in your area (zip code) that are between 21-50. You can get it from a junk mail service.

get a 4th class mailing permit

get invitations printed up on post cards announcing the date/time/location of your open house.

Get coffee and pastries.

On the night of the open house, give a talk about masonry, show a video, and hand out literature. Have plenty of petitions available..

===============

Our lodge in KY, hosts a George Washington birthday dinner once a year. each mason is encouraged to bring men with him, who are not masons.

After the dinner, a talk is given about Masonry, and how to join etc. Literature and brochures, and video tapes are available.

We usually get 10 or more petitions submitted every year.

cookslc

I would recommend you contact Br. John Liley, Grand Orator, GLofUtah, who has conducted several such open houses. johnlileyatgmaildotcom.

Glen Cook