Dear Masonic Brethren and Family:
I was having an interesting conversation with a brother recently, regarding the financial aspects of becoming a Mason. I thought I'd share some of my ruminations.
I have recently had some slow months in my business, and cash flow has been tight. I noticed some interesting side effects of this. I was unable to give charitably to the jug at our stated meeting as I usually do. I was late in paying my dues, and unable to buy a life membership at the incredibly reduced rate. Worst of all, I found myself being irritable, and even guilty at not being able to take care of myself, and having to put off my responsibilities as a citizen and a Mason.
This led me to contemplate my Masonic journey. It is expected of a Mason to be able to take care of himself and his family. And, it is also expected of him to be able to be charitable, and improve his community. None of these are possible without sufficient financial means.
We say that it is the internal (not the external) qualities which make a man a Mason, and yet, we also desire only to admit men who are at a point in their life where they are ready to take on the rigorous intellectual, philosophical, and spiritual journey that awaits them in Masonry. This implies a certain level of financial responsibility and sufficiency. It seems the two are at odds.
Likewise, we are in the process of considering raising the cost to become a Mason. $325 can be a lot of money for some men, even men with good and true hearts, and could be a barrier for entry for them. However, compared to the cost of entry 200 years ago, where men were expected to pay the equivalent of several months wages, or several thousand dollars in today's dollars, todays number seems trivial. The amount should be one that represents the value and worth of an organization as ours. And, it should be enough to make one stop and consider if this jouney is right for him. Where is the balance point?
Lastly, we often hear that we take good men and make them better. I now see room in this in the financial arena, as well. And, I see how Masonry could have gotten its reputation for schmoozing ground for business and political leaders. It's not that we join in order to network, and it's not that we promote that (because we don't). But, perhaps it is our duty to encourage, stimulate, and facilitate the growth of our brethren, as human beings; because it does take growth to go from someone who has little to someone who has much, not only financially, but spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Perhaps it is our duty to promote development in all these areas. For, if one is lacking, it is a burden on the development of the other areas.
Fraternally,
David Sylvester
Senior Warden