R:.W:. Yannetti shared the following excerpts from an article by Bro. Rob Linn, Past Master and Secretary of Bethel Lodge No. 358 in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. I thought it was important enough to pass on to the Craft. To read the full article, click here.
“An observation on why we stopped showing up: not just to Masonic Lodges, but to each other.
"A Scene from Tuesday Night.
Seven men sit in a room built for one hundred. The youngest is fifty-three. The oldest, eighty-seven, struggles with the Tyler's sword that once felt light in his hands. Between them, they carry 312 years of Masonic membership, though you wouldn't know it from the energy in the room.
"They're arguing about the heating bill again. This scene plays out in lodges, churches, VFW halls, and community centers across America. The specific organization doesn't matter. The pattern is universal: aging members, empty chairs, and discussions about money replacing discussions about meaning.
"But here's what interests me: We all see this happening. We all lament it. Yet we rarely ask the deeper question: not 'how do
we fix it?' but 'what does this pattern reveal about who we've become?'
"The Curious Case of Selective Decline.
Robert Putnam documented this phenomenon in Bowling Alone twenty-five years ago, yet we still act surprised. What's fascinating isn't that civic participation collapsed: it's how unevenly it collapsed.
"Consider the data:
MRotary Clubs declined 25% since 1995
MElks Lodges dropped 50% since 1980
MFreemasonry plummeted 75% since 1959
MMeanwhile, youth sports leagues grew 300%
MGym memberships increased 500%
MOnline gaming communities exploded by orders of magnitude.
"This isn't random. There's a pattern here that reveals something profound about modern life. Organizations requiring contemplative time, sustained relationships, and intellectual investment died fastest.
"Those offering immediate gratification, measurable results, or escapist entertainment thrived. We didn't stop joining things: we stopped joining things that require us to be present with each other in uncomfortable ways.”
Our officers are looking at a By-Laws change that would change our Stated Meeting time to 1230 with lunch at 1130. This will hopefully free up some time on Monday afternoon for those who have to go off to other events or get home to watch the Golden Girls. We will be making a proposal to the Craft, and hopefully you will support.
Please let me know in advance if you have any opposition to this.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, 10 January 2026 for our open Installation at our Lodge. The plan right now is a light brunch at 11:00 am with the Installation at Hig12. The DDGM will be the Installing Officer, so I hope we have a great turn-out.
Once again, it takes the entire Lodge Team to be successful, so please don’t hesitate to provide any input to make OUR Lodge better. If you would like to get in the Line or fill a chair for the upcoming year. Please let me know.
Fraternally,
Bruce Ferri, Senior Warden, bruce@ferricapital.com (559) 287-8332
