I’s easy to dismiss the needs of ‘Past Masters’, but just put yourself in their shoes for a moment. . . Consider a Master recently out of the Chair and currently serving his Lodge as IPM. Freemasonry loses a huge proportion of talented individuals soon after they have completed the ‘Chair of King Solomon’,
so, what’s going wrong?
‘Just two more years’
Some may have said to their loved ones whilst serving as Warden “I just have to complete these two years and then I can spend more time with my family.” If this is the case, then he has made clear his Masonic commitments and his family lovingly made allowances for him. This is a perfect balance of commitments and his Brethren should now be encouraging him to spend more time with his family.
BUT if he starts to miss too many consecutive meetings, it might feel awkward for him to return, so it’s VITAL that his Brethren organised by the Membership Officer or Almoner remain in contact with him and encourage him to attend the occasional meeting. Maybe something special where they can make fuss of him and make sure he knows he’s welcome to remain part of the Fraternity. Some day, his circumstances at work or home will change and he will once again value the Brotherhood he felt when completing the offices.
‘I’ve done my bit’
Some may actually consider themselves less useful once they complete their year as IPM. If they have the capacity to attend regularly, make sure they know they are valued. Consider an office for them so they feel they continue to be part of the lodge. If you have an active Lodge and all of the major offices are filled, consider appointing them “Chief Dining Steward” and they can make sure the Festive Board is run like clockwork. Alternatively, appoint them a ‘Assistant Mentor’ and give them a few Brethren to look after and encourage. Another role for consideration is Assistant Almoner. The widows always appreciate some contact and non-attending Brethren also like to hear about the progress of their Lodge. They may even consider attending the odd meeting if transport can be arranged. If they DO attend, it is PARAMOUNT that everyone knows to make an effort to speak with them or introduce themselves if they have never met the Brothers.
‘What now?’
Succession planning is imperative in every Lodge, but some Lodges are not fortunate enough to have successors for all offices and Brethren end up retaining posts for more than the suggested seven years with Brethren occasionally serving up to twenty years in post as Secretary or DC. A Brother that has served his Lodge for many years in one post, then finding a successor, training him up and finally handing over is VERY likely to feel like he then has little to offer the Lodge and he is VERY likely to miss the next couple of meetings and that leads to the difficulty of returning which in time might lead to his resignation. The Mentor or Membership Officer must be aware of this and make sure he still attends the meetings.
Changes?
Sometimes the Lodge changes, or they do. New faces or a different energy can create a quiet disconnect. Instead of making a noise, they simply step back without formally leaving.
