Here We Go. Here We Grow!

by Linda Patch, Director of Marketing and Communications

For years, Masons have been hearing about the slow decline of membership in Blue Lodge and in the Scottish Rite. Since the launch of The Path Forward program, we’ve seen the tide begin to turn for both. The result of this growth and energy can be seen most vividly in our own Northern Masonic Jurisdiction.

Thanks to innovations such as Thursday Night at the Rite and our Virtual Reunions, we have continued to initiate new members during the pandemic. These programs have also provided a spike in our restorations as members sought meaningful Masonic connections during quarantine. In fact, 10 states have seen an increase in percentage of Scottish Rite membership vs. Masonic membership per state. Additionally, 46 of our Valleys have seen an increase in initiates over the previous year.

This is trend-defying and something we haven’t seen in a while.

This membership section examines the reinvigoration of our membership program. We’ll take a look at how we are bringing new members into our ranks, and how we continue to service and care for Brothers who have been with us for decades. From membership benefits, to education, to Valley success stories, there’s lots to tell.

It All Started in 2017

In 2017, the NMJ compiled the most complete survey of the state of Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite that had been done in more than 20 years. The results from our own members prompted the Supreme Council to take a look at the member experience from top to bottom. We listened and worked diligently to create new ways for Brothers to connect and to add value to their experience.

The paradox is that the dry, sterile numbers of the survey led us to create rich programming and outreach opportunities for the Brethen.

Sovereign Grand Commander David A. Glattly explains the initiative that came to be known as “The Path Forward” this way:

Caring for each other is one of the most important of our Masonic values. When we examined the survey results, we knew it was imperative that we heed the words and wishes of our members—our very existence as an organization depends on doing so. It would have been a considerable misstep not to follow the very clear directions given by our Brethren about what would enrich and enliven their membership experience.

Members wanted us to focus on compassion, the fraternal bond, and education—the deep rewards Freemasonry promised to all of us when we first joined. Through Supreme Council and Valley programming, the increased use of technology, and many nights on the road traveling throughout the jurisdiction, we’re creating a deeper and more personal connection with our members.

The job is far from done. In fact, working to energize and revitalize our fraternity is extremely gratifying for me and my staff. It’s work that should never end.

And it hasn’t.

TOP 10 Increase In Scottish Rite to Blue Lodge Membership—2020

1. Rhode Island.......... 2.04% 2. Massachusetts......... 1.61% 3. New Jersey............. 0.95% 4. Connecticut............ 0.88% 5. Delaware.................. 0.75% 6. Ohio.......................... 0.33% 7. Pennsylvania.......... 0.32% 8. New York.................. 0.18% 9. Vermont................... 0.08% 10. Indiana..................... 0.04%

What We Learned: Members Want MORE!

Scottish Rite member feedback was clear. In summary, we gained these primary insights:

1. Members of the Scottish Rite want more of everything:

• More interaction with leadership

• More engagement with one another

• More education to dive deeper into the Craft

2. Members of the Scottish Rite want modern communication tools. Though they do not see technology as a replacement for gathering together in person, they do see it as a way to enhance and augment the member experience.

You Asked. We Acted.

Connection with Scottish Rite Leadership

Connection with leadership is more open and frequent. The Sovereign Grand Commander and Lady Monica spent many weeks on the road in 2019-20 meeting and connecting with members throughout the jurisdiction in Valleys large and small. Here are some of the other ways we fostered those relationships:

State of the Rite

A regular series of “State of the Rite” broadcasts brings you up to date on Supreme Council activities, offerings, and future plans.

Membership Team

A dedicated membership department was established at Supreme Council. George T. Taylor, IV, Director of Valley Relations and Brennan P. Parken, Director of Membership serve full-time, working with members and Valleys directly to continue to transform the member experience and expand outreach.

Leadership Resource Center

A new leadership resource area for all members is now live in the Member Center on the NMJ website. The Supreme Council constitutions, handbooks, ready-made leadership presentations, and talking points for Valley presentations are all there for you to access and use.

More Technology, Please

You made clear that the use of technology is no replacement for gathering together in fraternity and fellowship. BUT…it was clear the membership is very open to the idea of online programming as a way to enhance and augment the member experience. The use of technology has allowed us to create greater connection between Brothers throughout the NMJ as well as make it easier for Master Masons to join.

Rite on the Road

Designed to bring the Scottish Rite experience closer to home, Rite on the Road provides Valley officers with the tools necessary to initiate members anytime and almost anywhere in a meaningful way, all while ensuring proper protocols are followed. Learn more about the Rite on the Road program in the Leadership Resource Center on the website.

Thursday Night at the Rite

Each broadcast of Thursday Night at the Rite attracts, literally, thousands of members for degrees and conversation. By adding a 4th degree joining opportunity this past season, we were able to welcome new Master Masons into our ranks when it was convenient for them. These new members started their Scottish Rite journey in a truly unique way, yet rich in connection, degrees, and learning.

Virtual Reunions

The outstanding quality of our Virtual Reunions give us another opportunity to welcome select, worthy Master Masons into our ranks in a full and gorgeously produced reunion experience.

Social Media

Our very active Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn presence bring our Brethren together from far and wide. If you’re not following us on social media, we welcome you to the conversation any time! The scholarship reveals how our Brothers are affected by the Scottish Rite lessons and values and how they exemplify them in their own lives.

The Ritual Committee

Each issue of The Northern Light also presents an in-depth piece on one of the degrees written by a member of the Ritual Committee (p.22). We hope these articles will inspire personal reflection but also spur friendly and fraternal discussion between Brethren.

Valley Events

During the trying times, Valleys picked up the pace, offering a number of quality educational programs online for members. See the facing page for some great examples.

Blog

The blog is extremely rich with content: news announcements from Supreme Council, scholarly articles, Masonic travel tips, and book reviews. On average, more than 10,000 unique visitors read the blog on our website each month! Be sure to check it out if you haven’t already.

Educational Livestreams

Video discussions also bring our tenets and teachings alive through a series of livestreams enjoyed by thousands. Here are a few topics, with more to come:

• How Fraternalism Transforms Character

• Do Nice Guys Really Finish Last?

• Masonry Through the Generations

You can find these and other topical videos on our YouTube and Vimeo channels.

Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library

From online exhibitions to scholarly and informative blog posts, the Museum & Library website is rich in Masonic and fraternal educational resources. You can also find historical and academic articles by Museum & Library staff in each issue of The Northern Light.

The Adventure Has Only Just Begun

Circling back to Commander Glattly’s words: The work to energize and reinvigorate our fraternity should never end. And it won’t. Stay tuned for the next phase—it’s big and bold—coming to the Scottish Rite, NMJ in summer 2021.

Valley Events

Here is just a small sample of the educational and entertainment opportunities that Valleys have offered to enrich your Scottish Rite membership experience.

VALLEY OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY On February 9, Commander Glattly was the special guest for a Q&A following the meeting of the Rose Croix line. He addressed questions encompassing his life, Masonic Journey, and of course, the Rite.

VALLEY OF LANCASTER In February, the Valley of Lancaster hosted a “fireside chat” with Commander Glattly for their officers and members. All in attendance enjoyed a great small group discussion of the Rite.

VALLEY OF MICHIGAN Valley of Michigan brought education and entertainment together when they hosted “An Evening with Brother George Washington” with a GeorgeWashington reenactor.

VALLEY OF ROCHESTER The Valley of Rochester has embraced the virtual landscape by planning educational events, joining opportunities, and even degrees online!

VALLEY OF DAYTON Starting in the summer of 2020, the Valley of Dayton has been hosting virtual speakers on a regular basis. This helps to not only bring Brothers together but also offer an outlet for Masonic education. These events are open to all Master Masons.