RWB William R Logan THE 4 "Ms" of LODGE MANAGEMENT
All businesses must be properly managed in order to be successful and profitable for its owners or shareholders. Recent statistics show that eight out of ten new businesses started in the United States fail in the first year due to improper management.
Our Lodges fall under the category of a business and the task of proper management falls upon the management team, i.e. the Master, Wardens, Secretary and Treasurer. How they perform their various duties and their interaction with the other officers and members in general have a direct effect on the success or failure of a Lodge.
The make-up of the Membership must be understood in order for the Lodge to fulfill their needs, desires and their ability to participate. The management team should know the number of members in their Lodge, the number of 40-year members and the names and number of those who are unable to attend due to health reasons. It is the Master's duty to keep abreast of those who are in need of a visit and to work with the Chaplain as he ministers to those in need.
Money is an indispensable part of Lodge management. If a Lodge does not plan and prepare a budget, it is like going on a road trip without a destination in mind. How will you know when you get there? Most Lodges have fund raisers to provide money to give back to their community. If a Lodge has to depend on fund raisers to have enough money to operate, they should consider increasing their dues to cover operating expenses.
The dictionary defines Morale as the mental condition in regard to courage, confidence or enthusiasm. Morale or esprit de corps in a Lodge manifest itself in a show of intense loyalty, devotion and enthusiasm of its members. When this sense of union and common interest exist, it has a profound effect on what a Lodge is and can do. One of the best ways to increase morale in a Lodge is by its members working together whether it is a fund raiser, Lodge upgrade or a project to help or benefit someone in the community. The comradery generated with members working together will spill over into the Lodge and its meetings in a positive manner and everyone will benefit.
Memories are important and those made in the Lodge are some of the "special" ones. Do you remember the night you were raised? How about a moving speech or presentation by our Grand Master or the time you were able to participate in the degree work for your son or a family member? These are the important things we remember and they bring us back into the warm fellowship of our Lodge time after time.
Membership, Money, Morale and Memories are important to us and to the success of our Lodges. Let's manage for success.
Sincerely and fraternally,
William R. Logan, Senior Grand Warden
Chairman, Masonic Education Committee
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