Lodge Dues We Pay
Most Brethren understand that a lodge is a certain number of Brethren with a charter or warrant, and when assembled, set to work. Likewise they know that lodge dues are the fees required to remain an active member of the fraternity, but there is more to consider with lodge dues than a simple fee.
With our Ancient Brethren it is doubtful that dues were required since there was not a structure bonding lodges and no permanence in lodges. For operative masons lodges were set up on site and existed for the duration of the construction. Even with the advent of grand lodges and speculative masonry in the early 1700’s dues were generally not required or considered. It is in the late 1700’s that lodges developed fees and a dues structure to support lodge operations, particularly with the construction of lodge buildings, charities, and degree fees.
For the average Mason dues are simply the annual assessment to maintain their membership, with a portion going to the Grand Lodge, a portion for charitable purposes, and a portion for their local lodge. It is most important that the new Mason understand that dues are a part of his membership and he is fully informed as to the distribution and use of the funds. Financial integrity is paramount to lodge operation, trust, and continued membership.
There is little question that Masonic membership has rights and privileges, but the “dues†carry “responsibilitiesâ€. Failure to pay dues can result in suspension or expulsion. The “right†to attend or visit a lodge is coupled with the “responsibility†to attend or visit. Beyond the fellowship, attendance at one’s home lodge when at labor should be recognized as a responsibility. Understanding Lodge operations, supporting its charities, and participating in its activities are the “dues†of an active member.
For the inactive, “duesâ€, once paid and acknowledged with a dues card placed in their billfold, allow them to move on as usual and remain inactive. As the adage goes, “they have paid their dues†and simply belong to a lodge.
Occasionally at forty or fifty-year recognitions the recipient will apologize for lack of attendance and participation. They openly state they should have been more active in the lodge, but were not. Likewise some officers will be very involved until they have “paid their dues†and finished their terms. Fortunately this is not the case for the majority, for many Past Masters are truly the backbones of most lodges. They understand that masonry is a lifetime commitment.
So, beyond the cash fees, dues should include attendance, support, and involvement. The active member attends to gain Light, know what is happening in his Lodge, and the state of his Brothers. He is supportive of the officers, their efforts to advance Masonry, the projects of the Lodge in relieving the distress of the widows and orphans, and needs of the community. He is involved in the projects and in the primary mission of the Lodge, namely making Masons.
Monetary dues may maintain the structure of Freemasonry, but dues paid in time and action maintains the character of Freemasonry. Each Brother chooses to become a Mason and through the efforts of his Brothers may be raised to be a Master. His “lodge dues†are to be committed and devoted to the Craft. Those Brothers, who went before, gave much and ask little. We should do the same.
Brother Robert Northcutt
Grand Lodge of Texas Masonic Education and Services Committee
http://grandlodgeoftexas.org/node/2686
Most Brethren understand that a lodge is a certain number of Brethren with a charter or warrant, and when assembled, set to work. Likewise they know that lodge dues are the fees required to remain an active member of the fraternity, but there is more to consider with lodge dues than a simple fee.
With our Ancient Brethren it is doubtful that dues were required since there was not a structure bonding lodges and no permanence in lodges. For operative masons lodges were set up on site and existed for the duration of the construction. Even with the advent of grand lodges and speculative masonry in the early 1700’s dues were generally not required or considered. It is in the late 1700’s that lodges developed fees and a dues structure to support lodge operations, particularly with the construction of lodge buildings, charities, and degree fees.
For the average Mason dues are simply the annual assessment to maintain their membership, with a portion going to the Grand Lodge, a portion for charitable purposes, and a portion for their local lodge. It is most important that the new Mason understand that dues are a part of his membership and he is fully informed as to the distribution and use of the funds. Financial integrity is paramount to lodge operation, trust, and continued membership.
There is little question that Masonic membership has rights and privileges, but the “dues†carry “responsibilitiesâ€. Failure to pay dues can result in suspension or expulsion. The “right†to attend or visit a lodge is coupled with the “responsibility†to attend or visit. Beyond the fellowship, attendance at one’s home lodge when at labor should be recognized as a responsibility. Understanding Lodge operations, supporting its charities, and participating in its activities are the “dues†of an active member.
For the inactive, “duesâ€, once paid and acknowledged with a dues card placed in their billfold, allow them to move on as usual and remain inactive. As the adage goes, “they have paid their dues†and simply belong to a lodge.
Occasionally at forty or fifty-year recognitions the recipient will apologize for lack of attendance and participation. They openly state they should have been more active in the lodge, but were not. Likewise some officers will be very involved until they have “paid their dues†and finished their terms. Fortunately this is not the case for the majority, for many Past Masters are truly the backbones of most lodges. They understand that masonry is a lifetime commitment.
So, beyond the cash fees, dues should include attendance, support, and involvement. The active member attends to gain Light, know what is happening in his Lodge, and the state of his Brothers. He is supportive of the officers, their efforts to advance Masonry, the projects of the Lodge in relieving the distress of the widows and orphans, and needs of the community. He is involved in the projects and in the primary mission of the Lodge, namely making Masons.
Monetary dues may maintain the structure of Freemasonry, but dues paid in time and action maintains the character of Freemasonry. Each Brother chooses to become a Mason and through the efforts of his Brothers may be raised to be a Master. His “lodge dues†are to be committed and devoted to the Craft. Those Brothers, who went before, gave much and ask little. We should do the same.
Brother Robert Northcutt
Grand Lodge of Texas Masonic Education and Services Committee
http://grandlodgeoftexas.org/node/2686