Greetings Brethren,
Because of this pandemic situation the membership of our fraternity has been negatively impacted. As Masons we are obligated to take measures to correct these problems. To accomplish this will require the cooperation and efforts of all Masons. It will be necessary for us to get back to grass roots Masonry, we don’t need to reinvent the wheel, we just need to kickstart our great Fraternity.
I’ve considered and now suggest a few areas we need to concentrate on. We owe it to the fraternity to replace ourselves annually and whenever possible. We must contact our members to promote and restart Masonry again. One way to do this would be to give our line officers a list of members to contact, both to check on their well being as well as to encourage lodge attendance. Another method could be to establish Scottish Rite Ambassadors in each Blue Lodge to promote Scottish Rite Masonry.
Whatever methods taken will require action. Action from our Brothers, action from our fraternity, action from ourselves.
If any Brother would like to join me in getting this great Fraternity back in gear, please contact Bro. Larry Burbidge, or myself, to be a part of the Membership Committee or to become a Scottish Rite Ambassador.
We will succeed, together!
S&F,
Ill. Duane Hugulet, 33°
Chairman, Orient of Oregon Membership Committee
Greetings Brethren,
Our leadership has asked Brother Duane Hugulet and myself to put our energies into building our Portland Valley attendance and membership. This is no small endeavor and will require a committed TEAM to accomplish. Who’s ready to join with us?
So far, our conversations have been about making phone calls to encourage current members to attend meetings, degrees, reunions, and other events. Remember, there is enormous value to be attained by attending each degree and even more by volunteering to be a cast or crew member. Also, we will be recruiting “Ambassadors” to visit lodges within our jurisdiction and spread the word about the opportunities to be found in Scottish Rite Masonry. We are encouraging feedback, comments, suggestions, and enthusiastic clamoring to join the TEAM!
At this point we are in the brainstorming phase, so all ideas will be appreciated and considered; snide comments come much later in the process.
Remember brothers, our fraternity is old and rich with history, tradition, opportunity, and fellowship. As we look back into our history, we observe countless examples of men growing into better men through selflessness and service. I believe that we can again build the Rite into a force in Masonry where Masons can come together, learn, grow, and enjoy the process.
Don’t forget that Duane and I are a couple of the old guys, and we will need an abundance of assistance with this project, so please do not hesitate to contact us with your enthusiastic ideas and HELP!
Have Fun Today,
Bro. Larry Burbidge, 32°