My dear brethren and ladies:
I was quite surprised to learn a few statistics about our level of contributions to the Masonic homes, and I thought I’d share them with you.
Out of 346 active lodges in California, Hollywood-West Valley Lodge ranked 254th in participation of members contributing to the homes, and ranked 216th in overall contributions per member.
I was stunned that we ranked so low, especially seeing how we have one of the largest memberships in the state, and are fortunate enough to have a successful lodge with an active body of members.
I mean to neither chastise nor solicit, but merely to inform and encourage.
Personally, I am overcome with pride at the accomplishments, camaraderie, and generous spirit of our Lodge. I think displaying that same generosity toward the Homes is a reflection of the pride we have for our Lodge and the charities we support, as well as a way of telling both the Masonic community and the public community how committed we are to making a difference in the world. In turn, others seeing and remarking upon our Lodge’s extraordinary generosity will only encourage a renewed vigor in other lodges’ participation, and that type of healthy competition and charitable work is what attracts like-minded people to our organization. What better way to make a statement? And, what better way to be known? If someone is to remark on Hollywood-West Valley Lodge, let it be for our remarkable charity.
And, if you are not able to donate cash, that’s fine. There are many ways to contribute. Contribute by asking your fellow masons if they have given lately. Contribute by supporting the events we have at the Lodge which encourage the participation of new members, or the giving of monies to the homes. Let people in your community know about the good works we do: the Child ID program; our college scholarship program; and tell them about what type of a generous organization is willing to take care of our own, as we do with the Homes. Only when the community knows about us, will it be able to support us.
As we each give in our own way, and up to the limit we can, we will find ourselves renown for that which makes our organization truly great: our brotherly love, our charity, and our generosity.
David Sylvester
Junior Warden