Spotlight (September 2007)

Networking with LOIs

Does your lodge struggle to get members to the Lodge of Instruction, especially when there is no candidate? Then now is the time to show a little imagination with some lateral thinking.

There is an old saying that we need to get more masonry into men, rather than more men into masonry. It should be noted that the “I” in LOI stands for “Instruction” – it is not called an LOR – Lodge of Ritual. An LOI is NOT a place to test how well you have learned the words of the role you are to play at the next meeting, but to ensure the floorwork goes like clockwork and everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet.
Indeed, apart from the DC and (possibly) the IPM, the little blue (or red) book should not be seen in the hands of any other brother!

Now to that bit about “Instruction” – a little communication with other lodges at your Masonic meeting place would not be amiss. Networking is the name of the game. Many brethren are members of more than one lodge, and it should be a simple matter to know what other lodges are doing. Why not find out which lodges do not have a candidate at their next meeting and arrange a joint LOI. Masonic halls have noticeboards – what about using them to advertise the joint LOI plan? After all, LOIs are open to anyone, and if it is for general instruction, then new members – Entered Apprentices and Fellowcrafts – can join in the session without having to be asked to leave at some point while rehearsing a ceremony.

Members could be canvassed as to what they would like to discuss at such meetings. Perhaps it will be about the origin of the various offices, a short history of the Craft, or some aspect of the various degrees. Question and answer sessions could follow a short talk, with the floor open to everyone in which any subject can be discussed.
The Bucks Lodge for Masonic Research is prepared to send a speaker – or more than one – to assist such special LOIs, which they have done in the past, and very successful such evenings have been.

Moreover, why not arrange a dinner during the Masonic season to which all members of the lodges concerned can get together, inviting the ladies and other non-masons to the evening’s festivities. Perhaps it will encourage more brethren to attend LOI. After all, one of the strengths of freemasonry is inviting Masons to visit other lodges. Why leave it there – why not invite them to the joint LOI and the annual LOI dinner? The LOI can then achieve communication, networking and social activity involving family and friends.