Brethren:

After attending the program put on by the several Masonic Assistance bureaus in March, I learned a tremendous amount of information about the various programs for which we, as Masons, qualify.

However, it also became clear to me how vitally important it is to pay our dues in a timely manner. I can’t lie, I’ve been late paying mine in the past, and, like many businessmen, I have put off certain bills past their due date, especially when I know that follow-up or consequences are lenient. However, there is nothing more sad to hear than the stories of new widows who want to have a service for their departed Mason who are denied the privilege because the brother was suspended for not paying dues. Or, worse, when a Mason needs support from the Homes, or the other assistance programs, only to be denied because their membership lapsed for a period of time in the past.

To qualify for most of the programs, you must have been in good standing for at least 5 years. Like getting a traffic ticket, all it takes is one mistake to damage your record for several years. Even after 40 years of dutifully paying dues, a member can still be suspended and denied privileges if there is a lapse.

Also, like traffic violations, if you’re suspended in one lodge, it can automatically suspend you in other lodges you might be a member of.

Please, please, please don’t fall into these traps.

If you have trouble paying your dues, please just contact us and let us know. The Lodge can help. We won’t let you get suspended if we can assist you. But, we can’t help if we don’t know your circumstances. Please just contact myself, either of the wardens, or the secretary, and let us know what is happening. Together we can work it out.

If there’s another reason for not paying, please consider the consequences. If you are frustrated with something going on in Lodge, please let me know how I can change things for the better. I hate when any members leave Hollywood Lodge, but I’d much rather a brother leave and join a Lodge that suits his needs better than lose his privileges as a Mason because he didn’t understand the consequences of not paying dues.

All in all, please communicate with us. Together, we can handle any problem.

Fraternally,

David Sylvester
Master

slyman007@aol.com