The 2009 Grand Lodge Year
OVERVIEW OF THE 2009 GRAND LODGE YEAR THEME
The theme for the year is “Freemasonry, Today and Tomorrow”. It draws our attention to the fact that everything we do and say creates the foundation on which future endeavors are based. The quality of our membership, the attractiveness of our buildings, and the efforts we make in our communities will determine the status of our fraternity for generations.
PIN
The Grand Master’s pin combines mainly the elements of the Entered Apprentice Degree with the theme of the year. The center of the pin is the familiar Square and Compasses surrounding the letter G. This symbol indicates that it is a Masonic pin. This symbol is placed upon the Mosaic Pavement which adorned the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple. This reminds us that our lives are always in flux, being influenced constantly by good and evil events. The word “Freemasonry” is at the top of the Mosaic Pavement. That word purposely can barely be seen. It reinforces our belief that Freemasonry, while sometimes opaque, always influences our lives. On both sides of the pin are the two pillars which adorned King Solomon’s Temple, thus enabling strength and establishment to contain the influences of good and evil within them. On the pillars are the words, “Today and Tomorrow”, a visible reminder that everything we do today affects our fraternity tomorrow.
TIE
The Grand Master’s tie complements the pin. It has alternating squares of the Mosaic Pavement on one and the two columns on the other. From a distance, the Mosaic Pavement motif is replicated. On formal occasions, the staff will wear a bowtie of the same material.
STAFF UNIFORM
The staff uniform this year is, for the first time, a suit. It’s a black suit with a subtle pin stripe through the material. It is appropriate for office wear and looks very elegant. It combines well with the staff tie. Both can be worn in a business setting very appropriately. A plain white shirt and black shoes complete the ensemble.
CHARITIES
The Grand Master of New Jersey plays a unique role. While he is the leader of the Craft as the presiding officer of the Grand Lodge, he is also the Chairman of the Board of the Masonic Charity Foundation. In that role, he is charged and encouraged to promote the Masonic Home and raise funds for it. That will be done this year, particularly during the current level of need.
As the Grand Master, charitable funds are raised and distributed for a number of good causes, such as the CHIP program, DeMolay, and Rainbow Girls. Some Grand Masters have in the past designated other community based charities as “their charities” during their terms of office, such as D.A.R.E. and the Equestrian Camp for Children with Special Needs. This year, that “special charity” will be the Hero Scholarship Fund. It is a 501c3 tax exempt entity that provides scholarships for the children of police, fire fighters, and E.M.S. personnel killed or severely injured in the line of duty. The Eastern Star will hold a walk-a-thon in October to support this cause. Also, the Grand Master’s Pistol Shoot in June will benefit this very worthwhile organization.
FUNDRAISING
There will be three solicitations for support for the Masonic Home from the Development Office during the year. That is the regular schedule of mailings to every Mason. In addition, there will be three mail solicitations to support the Grand Master’s Charities. This number is less than the number of solicitations in some of the recent years.
In May, every Mason will receive a letter containing two window decals:
There will be no demand for payment for the decals but it is hoped that every Mason who receives the letter will make a free will donation to the Grand Master’s charities.
If the donation is at least $50, the brother will receive a specially crafted, collectible medallion coaster with display stand:
The medallion proudly displays the Grand Master’s logo for all to see.
MEMBERSHIP
Our Grand Lodge continues to lose members, whether through death, non-payment of dues, or demits. We are not unique in this vein. All “service” organizations and fraternities are experiencing the same phenomenon. It is encouraging, however, to see that the numbers are stabilizing and, in a significant percentage of our lodges, there is actual growth in their membership.
In recognition of the need to “make Masons”, there will be a Collegiate One Day Class on January 23, 2010. It will be a special one day class in that we will be focusing on young men between the ages of 21 and 25 who are attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick along with any man attending a four year college that can petition a lodge of his choice. We will also accept any college professor, administrator or other staff member of college, focusing specifically on Rutgers University in New Brunswick. This is modeled on the successful “Harvard Club” on that prestigious campus. W.B. Howard Dumhart is the chairman of this effort. He, with his committee, has worked very hard to establish a rapport with the students and administration at Rutgers. The response has been very positive. With the assistance and support of the DDGM of the 12th Masonic District, the brethren of Union Lodge, which will be the home of these new Masons, and Philo Lodge, which will open its doors on January 23rd to host the One Day Class petitioners, these men will be experience a very fine introduction into Freemasonry. It is very encouraging to see so many young men express an interest in joining our Craft.
In addition, there will be a recognition program available to all Masons who are the first line signer of three or more petitions for initiation and membership in their lodges. The petitioners must complete their degree work and Master Mason Exam by April 1, 2010. If all three (or more) complete their work in the prescribed time, the brother who signed the petitions will receive a hand signed letter of recognition from the Grand Master and a crystal memento containing a holograph of the Grand Master’s logo. The crystal will be supported by a three LED, lit stand.
It makes for a singularly unique and attractive expression of one’s proud membership in our fraternity and an acknowledgment that he has been instrumental in bringing a number of good men into his lodge during the year.
LODGE STABILITY
A study was completed recently to determine the financial and membership status of the lodges in our Grand Jurisdiction. The results of that study were alarming. Fully 15% of our lodges annually spend more than they bring in, including investments and dues. Most of these lodges have their own buildings, with all of the related expenses ownership entails.
In addition, there are at least a dozen lodges that haven’t raised their dues for at least 25 years, in some cases 50 years. It is hoped that the hard lesson we learned from not raising the per capita assessment for the Masonic Home in 60 years will demonstrate to the lodges that financial crises can develop overnight and that there is a need to increase dues incrementally so that the members of the lodges are not subjected to a significant increase all at once.
After all, how can a lodge do the work necessary to be charitable, community involved, and an attractive and safe place to meet if there is a constant struggle just to pay the utility bills?
The DDGMs have been working with these lodges since January and will submit written action plans they have developed with the lodges’ leadership teams to address these critical financial issues. These reports are due by May 1st for review by the Deputy Grand Master.
BUSINESS OF THE GRAND LODGE
The Grand Master’s schedule is very limited in the number of events he will attend, in order that the business of the Grand Lodge can be attended to without delay. Almost every Wednesday and Friday night has been left open on the Grand Master’s schedule to accommodate meetings with the elected line and brethren to deal with issues confronting lodges, districts, and the Grand Lodge. This will ensure a prompt response to critical issues confronting the Grand Lodge.
EVENTS
During the course of the Masonic year, there are a number of unique events, which are detailed below:
DDGM and DRI Education Seminar - April 25, 2009
Both offices are among the most important in the Grand Lodge. Nothing can be accomplished within the districts without the support and encouragement of the DDGMs. They are the brethren who work with the lodge officers and who are responsible for the operation and success of the lodges under their supervision. There are at least one third of the DDGM and DRI corps that are new to their office this year. In recognition of the special skills it takes to be a successful DDGM, an education seminar will be held at the Fellowship Center on April 25th. A curriculum developed under the guidance of R.W. Glenn C. Wilson, Grand Orator, will benefit every DDGM in the state. The instructors are all PDDGMs. The Grand Master desired no input into the subjects that will be presented. PDDGMs alone coordinated and constructed the sessions for the day. It is hoped that with the attendance of the DRIs also, they will gain an understanding of the demands that confront their partners in the administration of their districts.
Grand Master’s Golf Outing - June 1, 2009
All proceeds from the outing will go to the Masonic Home. For the first time ever, the outing will be held at Sea Oaks Country Club in Little Egg Harbor. The Chairman, R.W. Joseph T. Mezzina, has created a number of unique components to the outing. Every golfer will receive a specially crafted gift box containing a hat, golf balls, tees, divot tools, and magnetic cap marker embossed with the Grand Master’s logo.
Grand Master’s Pistol Shoot - June 13, 2009
To be held at the Square Circle Sportsman’s Club in Gibbsboro, NJ, this will be an opportunity to raise monies for the Hero Scholarship Fund. R.W. Richard Goldrick and W.B. James Gaull have planned a fun filled day where brethren and police officers can bring their revolvers and pistols for competitive events.
Feast of Sts. John - December 5, 2009
The speaker this year is Honorable Seamus B. McCaffrey, Associate Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Ill. Bro. McCaffrey is a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is a two tour, combat veteran of the Vietnam War, a former Philadelphia P.D. Homicide Detective, and former Municipal Court Judge in Philadelphia. He is famously known for being the judge at Veterans Stadium during Eagles games, where disorderly fans would be brought before him in the basement of the stadium for his decisions. He is a highly skilled and entertaining speaker whose life experiences will transfix all who attend the Feast.
Chairman’s Ball - March 20, 2010
The theme will be a “Disco Cruise”. The reason for this is that the Grand Master wanted a disco theme and his wife wanted a cruise theme. Every married man will see the wisdom in combining the two. The music for the night will be provided by the “Kenny I Orchestra”, which has entertained Masons at M.W. Bro. Policastro’s Annual Communication Banquet and the Valley of Southern New Jersey’s “Ball of Balls”. The orchestra plays all kinds of music and keeps everyone energized and dancing. Don’t forget to dig out your leisure suits and platform shoes for this terrific event.
Grand Master’s Stag Golf Trip to Myrtle Beach - March 22 to 24, 2010
This golf trip is for men only. There were ten foursomes available and only five foursomes remain. We will stay four nights in the Sea Mist Resort. There will be three rounds of golf, four breakfasts, and four nights of open bar hospitality, all for $399 per person (based on double occupancy). Information for this trip is available from the Chairman, R.W. Michael Aaron, at shrine.pp@verizon.net
In summary, we must encourage the lodges to look at themselves as businesses, with a responsibility to the shareholders (members). Firm financial footing with long term strategies for community involvement, officer growth, and interesting meetings are critical to their very existence.
The lodges must be a place of peace and harmony where brethren can disagree without being disagreeable.
We must respect the good works of our forebears while constantly seeking new and innovative ways for us to grow as Masons and men.
We will continue in the direction of transparency and cooperation that M.W. John M. Colligas so wisely showed us. With the blessing of the Supreme Master of the Universe,
Freemasonry will accomplish much today that will ensure a solid future for all of our tomorrows.