Flattening the Curve

by PJ Roup, 33˚, Editor, Active for Pennsylvania

Last year, we became all too familiar with the phrase flattening the curve as the Coronavirus pandemic swept across the nation. We were forced to shut down our in-person gatherings and envision new ways of meeting in a world where we could not actually meet.

Your Supreme Council was on the cutting edge of that innovation. We pioneered the concept of the Virtual Reunion, came into your homes through Thursday Night at the Rite, and continued to provide resources to our Valleys to help get us all through to the other side of this surreal existence.

The result? We are seeing a flattening of the curve. Not a curve that has anything to do with Coronavirus, hospitalizations, or vaccines but rather the membership curve. It is no secret that churches, lodges, and a plethora of other civic organizations have seen their membership decline over the last quarter-century. But for the first time in a long time, we can say that in the Scottish Rite, NMJ, more members have been initiated and restored than have been suspended and demitted. That, of course, does not take the passing of our Brothers into account, but it is a heartening trend—especially given the current state of the world.

This issue of The Northern Light is dedicated to our membership. “Here We Go. Here We Grow!” (p.26) looks at the benefits of membership as well as some interesting and surprising membership numbers. “The Value of Being a Scottish Rite Mason: A Zillennial’s Perspective” (p.30) highlights some of the reasons younger men are choosing to join.

As we move toward a return to normalcy, may we continue to innovate, inspire, and invigorate so that the curve continues to flatten.

Here we grow!