JUST ONE THING
by W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Palm Harbor, Florida, USA
"A Foot Soldier for Freemasonry"

In Billy Crystal's movie, "City Slickers," Curley (Jack Palance) tells Billy's character the meaning of life involves "Just One Thing" which we must all figure out for ourselves. In terms of Freemasonry, I think I have figured it out. Let me explain.
The real problem in Freemasonry is not declining membership or increasing costs. These are just symptoms. The real problem is the apathy of the Craft. As many of you know, I participate in many Masonic Internet Discussion Groups, and I have been reading about several cancellations of Masonic events, such as picnics, cookouts, Easter egg hunts, chili cookoffs, blood drives, etc. The authors of these notices have been expressing great frustration in terms of the participation of the Craft, both in these events as well as attendance at regular communications.

I used to maintain a "Mason of the Year" program whereby Brothers accumulated points for participating in Masonic functions, either at the Lodge or another. As a by-product of this program, at the end of the year I receive a complete listing of all of the Brothers in our Lodge who have participated in some way during the year. My Lodge averaged approximately 33% participation and I feel we were probably no different than any other Lodge. The other 66% do not participate either because they currently live far away from the Lodge or they simply do not care to join in. I find this lack of participation most disturbing, as I am sure many of you do as well. I am at a loss as to why a Mason does not participate in any manner, shape, or form. Why then are we Masons? To wear a ring? To use it as part of our professional resume? If so, this is rather shallow thinking.

If all Masons did "Just One Thing" for the Lodge, it would be a better place. I am not suggesting we do anything extremely labor intensive; perhaps it is something as simple as being a greeter at the door, pushing a broom around, attending a meeting or Lodge function, helping with a catechism, or just helping out in some way. If we all did "Just One Thing," Freemasonry and the world would be a better place.

Perhaps what is needed is some legislation whereby all Masons must perform at least one function during the year for their Lodge. If they do not, they face suspension. "What about those Brothers who live far away?" you might ask. The last time I looked, there are Masonic Lodges spread throughout the world and, as such, let them do "Just One Thing" for the local Lodge. Of course, some Brothers could be exempt due to medical reasons, but think what this would mean if we could get greater participation. As I said, it would be good for the fraternity and, in turn, good for the world.

Something else bothers we in this regard, where is it written that the Lodge Officers must do all of the work? Sure, they have many responsibilities, but it is the officers job to "set the Craft to work with proper instruction for their labor." I am amazed by those Brothers who come to Lodge are not happy with this or that. For example, how often have you seen a Brother criticize the Lodge, yet make no attempt to lift a finger to help out? We have developed into a generation of "takers" as opposed to "givers." Before you criticize next time, figure out how YOU are going to help solve the problem. Do not be part of the problem, be part of the solution. I guess the following quote sums it up:

"People can be divided into three groups: those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened."
- John W. Newbern

It is up to us as Freemasons to each share in the responsibility of making the fraternity a success. If we all did "JUST ONE THING", think how far ahead we will be.

Keep the Faith.

Article reprinted with permission of the author and "FreeMason Information"