1. Rebuilding the West Gate
Grand Lodge, Royal York Hotel
July 16th, 2008

2. Our Journey So Far V.W. Bro. Garry Fitzpatrick W. Bro. Martin Skulnick
Bro. Stephen Brash
Bro. Graeme Boyce
Started in January 2007
Early on decided that we were not about saving Lodges from going dark.
Focused on vitality
Vitality survey done from Oct – Jan 2008
Workshops on Lodge vitality
Assumptions were challenged
The journey has just begun

3. A- C+ C+ Brotherly Love Relief Truth B B- C+ B+ Temples Festive Boards
Vitality Survey A-
Brotherly Love
Relief
Truth C+ C+ B
Temples
Festive Boards
Communication
Lodge Management B- C+ B+

4. Freemasonry’s Relevance in the 21st Century
In order for Freemasonry in Ontario to thrive and grow over the next 25 years, it is critical that we comes to terms with our relevancy in modern society.
We need to define and embrace our “Raison d'être”
Important to ask ourselves both ‘why’ and ‘how’.
If we are to make the Craft relevant to a new generation of Freemasons then we need to understand the world they live in and the challenges they face.
“Strong organizations are motivated by dynamic purposes; lesser ones exist on wishes and inclinations.”
Kenneth Hildebrand

5. Modern Society is Accelerating

6. Life for Many is in Perpetual “Fast Forward”

7. Where are the Answers to Life’s Questions ?

8. Modern Man is Overwhelmed
What is the meaning of manhood ?
What values and virtues should I live my life by ?
How do I become a good man ?
Do ‘role models’ still exist ?

9. “The search after the great man is the dream of youth and the most serious occupation of manhood.… Man can paint, or make, or think, nothing but man.
He believes that the great material elements had their origin from his thought.… Other men are lenses through which we read our own minds.
Each man seeks those of different quality from his own, and such as are good of his kind; that is, he seeks other men.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson

10. What is the PURPOSE of a Masonic Lodge?
Our Purpose ?
What is the PURPOSE of a Masonic Lodge?
To host annual Ladies nights ?
To provide a succession of officers through the chairs ?
To encourage memorization of the ritual ?
To sit on committees ?
To eat delicious Roast Beef dinners with friends?

11. Think back to your initiation… What were you most excited about?
What were you Expecting ?
Think back to your initiation…
What were you most excited about?

12. WHY DO MASONIC LODGES EXIST: HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS:
The Masonic Lodge’s “Raison d'être”.
WHY DO MASONIC LODGES EXIST:
To make good men better.
HOW DO WE ACCOMPLISH THIS:
Through a beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory, illustrated by symbols.

13. From Darkness to Light
Freemasonry exists first and foremost to transform men.
Transformation takes place because one is initiated into a fellowship of men.
Within that fellowship that he is introduced to his own path of self improvement — a journey which enables him to harmonize his personal need for fulfillment within a collective well-being.
This pathway is nothing less than the road to mature masculinity.
Robert G. Davis 33°

14. Making Vitality Happen in Your Lodge
Lodge Vitality
Making Vitality Happen in Your Lodge

15. MEMBERSHIP

16. MEMBERSHIP
EXISTING
MEMBERSHIP

17. MEMBERSHIP
NEW MEMBERS
EXISTING
MEMBERSHIP

18. MEMBERSHIP
NEW MEMBERS
EXISTING
MEMBERSHIP
EXTENDED MEMBERSHIP

20. CRAFT STEWARDSHIP

21. MEMBERSHIP
MECHANICS OF
THE WORK

22. MEMBERSHIP
CRAFT HISTORY
MECHANICS OF
THE WORK

23. MEMBERSHIP
TRUTH
CRAFT HISTORY
MECHANICS OF
THE WORK

25. LODGE MANAGEMENT

26. LODGE MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL
MANAGMENT

27. LODGE MANAGEMENT
FINANCIAL
MANAGMENT
COMMUNICATION

28. ADMINISTRATION STRATEGY & GOAL SETTING FINANCIAL MANAGMENT
COMMUNICATION

30. COMMUNITY

31. COMMUNITY
OUR TEMPLES

32. COMMUNITY
OUR MONEY
OUR TEMPLES

33. COMMUNITY
OUR TIME
OUR MONEY
OUR TEMPLES

35. Vitality
Achieved

36. Objectives “Achieved” !
LRPC
Sponsored
Education
LRPC
Sponsored
Publicity Event
Masonic Vitality Program (MVP)
(Circa 2007)
LRPC
Sponsored
Trip
LRPC
Newsletter/
Magazine
SHORT-TERM TACTICAL LRPC PUBLICITY FOCUSED EVENTS
LRPC sponsored
New Mason Night
LRPC STRATEGIC PLAN DEVELOPMENT
Develop the framework and
tools for a Lodge Health check and Masonic Vibrancy Program (MVP)
Testing, revision and application of Health Check and MVP with 2-3 lodges within the District
Role out the completed MVP to the District and beyond (2-10 years)
DESIGN PHASE
6-9 Months
TESTING & REVISION PHASE
12-24 Months
PRODUCTION
PHASE
24-36 Months
Ongoing

37. 9-Step Logic Tree Framework
Can you measure the vitality of your Lodge ?
Do you know what your Lodges root-cause problem is ?
What are you currently doing to address it ?
Do you have a solution ?
Do you have the desire and determination to execute the plan?
Do you have the time needed to execute the plan?
Do you have the right team and skills to execute the plan?
Do you have sufficient funds to execute the plan?

38. Vitality is up to YOU and your Lodge Make it happen
Closing Thoughts
Vitality is up to YOU and your Lodge
Make it happen
There is no journey without a destination