One day we will be like that in Texas
Brother, I do not belong to any European Concept or TO Lodges -- or whatever they might be called -- but I see no harm in their approach or concept. If a lodge of brothers decide that black tie is the outfit for THAT lodge, that decision should be left up to those brothers. If that lodge decides that they want to have a banquet six times a year, a Festive Board, complete with toasts and a Masonic speaker.... again it is up to that lodge. As long as they make a special point of informing any possible visitors that this what the Lodge expects and wants. A small lodge that has close relations is what I think historically Masonry was. Our older brothers met in taverns and ale houses (Green Dragon). I think the problem comes when a certain -- for lack of a better word -- "type" of Mason starts thinking he's better than another "type" of Mason. At the GM Conferences, the speaker gave a presentation on the types of members there are from the "check writing" Mason to the "obsessed" Mason (which I think could be applied to guys like us who take the time to post on fraternal message boards, serve our lodges, teach men, preach to the choir, etc. etc.). He said that we need the check writer as much as the obsessed Mason. I think he is right. If a Brother feels best sitting in a tuxedo, making toasts and being with other brothers like him... more power to him. If a Brother feels best fryin up fish, raising money for scholarships, reading to kids in school, etc., more power to him. If a Brother wants to read dusty old tomes for philosophy and rhetoric, more power to him. If a Brother wants to be perfect in his ritual and spend hours practicing, more power to him. There is room in the Fraternity for all of these Brothers.... and more! Masonry is about making good men better. For each of us, how the Fraternity makes us better is an inside job. Where we land and find comfort is where we should be. Me.... I dig all of it... fish frys, dusty old books, ritual, teaching, dressing up, dressing down (for a cave degree), having a Scotch with a brother at home after a meeting, giving 50 year pins and seeing the wet in the corner of their eyes when they have not sat in lodge for years but feel welcomed.... There, done with my meander.
