GLSA’s Rapid Response to Covid-19

3 GLSA’s Rapid Response to Covid-19

The shock of the national lockdown presented an opportunity for Freemasons to reinvent the way we perform our duties.

By Wor Bro evangelos Doucas anD Bro enrico calanDro

We are living in interesting times indeed. A new virus, reported for the first time in Wuhan in China in December 2019, hit South African shores on 5 March 2020, forcing drastic, unprecedented social and economic adjustments witnessed by all people and industries of the country and its economy. In response to the National State of Disaster announced on 15 March 2020, the GLSA was also forced into a historical drastic measure. With a communication issued by the Grand Master on 22 March 2020 all active/physical Masonic activities related to the GLSA were suspended. Our lives in our Order were drawn to a temporary halt. This, however, became an opportunity for us to reinvent ourselves and the way we performed our duties as Freemasons.

The GLSA has for a number of years been keeping up with the latest technological trends. In 2016 its Grand Committee implemented a sophisticated database system, GrandView, to keep in order all records of our Grand Lodge and to communicate more effectively with our members. This was formally introduced in 2018. With an eye towards the future, our Chain’s Conference in Bloemfontein in March 2020 discussed the extended use of digital platforms for remote meetings and online communication systems. This came in handy a few days later with the advent of Covid-19.

In response to the lawful lockdown, which prohibited public gatherings and more, we witnessed, very successfully, the commencement of Board of Management meetings online. The way was paved by such Lodges as Koh-I-Noor and De Goede Hoop, both using the online platform Zoom. Also, using the same platform, Lodge de Goede Hoop held an online Wake in which we recalled stories related to a late Past Worshipful Master, Wor Bro Ron Kessler. There were a number of other online events around the country, including educational evenings and discussions, and regular International Masonic Town Hall meetings facilitated by Lodge Cape Town.

It must be stressed, though, that the digital technology underpinning our activities cannot be embraced without due precautions. Our Order is based on Secrets that allow us to recognise each other and to progress towards higher Degrees. The digitalisation and uncritical sharing of our Rituals can lessen the candidate’s experience and place both our Order and our Brethren at risk of misunderstanding or stigmatisation by the profane world. The Grand Committee decided, therefore, that there would be no online degree workings of any sort whatsoever.

They say that in times of crisis and chaos, opportunities come about. What we see here is a great opportunity to witness our Order grow from strength to strength by showing that it is a caring organisation for its members.

It is a privilege to see our Order maturing even further and bravely embracing change, adapting to society and remaining in the forefront and relevant to us as Freemasons and the world at large; our ‘guide and friend’ through these most challenging and trying times; our support system and foundation in our quest for deeper self knowledge as more mature men.