Shiloh Lodge #327
July-August 2004
 Trestleboard

From the East

RAISING MEMBERSHIP DUES

As Masons, we are obligated to come to the relief of our distressed Brethren, yet we seldom consider the financial distress of the institution of Masonry itself.  Right now we have Lodges, Appendent Bodies, and even Grand Lodges facing severe cost-cutting measures just to survive on their limited incomes.

The costs of keeping the Lodge open are forever rising, yet members are reluctant to meet the challenge out of their own pockets.  As a result, Masonic Bodies resort to holding pancake breakfasts, yard sales, and spaghetti dinners to raise money, not for the purpose of funding our charitable works but rather just to provide for the cost of operation.  The answer to these financial problems is to be found within Lodge walls, not outside them.  Masons must be willing to make the financial commitment to keep the Craft strong!

The answer to the questions is simple but a difficult one to make.  We need to raise our membership dues in order to support our Masonic home.  The burning question is how much of an increase will the Brethren accept.  Some members are on fixed incomes - some members have younger families.  At July’s business meeting there was a motion made by a Past-Master to raise our membership dues to $70 plus Grand Lodge Per capita.  As Master of Shiloh Lodge it is my duty to inform the Brothers and give everyone a chance to voice their opinion.

At the August Business meeting we will hold an education meeting to discuss this proposal and all the expenses that has brought about the crisis.  I will open the floor for discussion on raising the membership dues and then at the September Business meeting there will be brief discussion on raising the dues and we will vote.  I suggest all members should attend both meetings.  If you have any questions or concerns please call me.  

Fraternally Yours,

Cleo M. Miller, Sr.

Worshipful Master-2004

Perpetual

Membership

Program

Want to avoid that whole “dues increase” issue?  Now is the time to seriously consider a Perpetual Membership.

The Perpetual Membership Program provides a method where a member may pay one lump sum today and never pay annual dues again.  This lump sum becomes an endowment for the lodge and the principal balance may never be spent.  The lodge receives interest from this endowment on an annual basis thereafter in perpetuity (forever!).

If you submit your application and payment for perpetual membership prior to the September 1, 2004 business meeting, the lump sum amount will be calculated using the current annual dues of $51.50. 

After September 1, 2004, the lump sum amount would be calculated using the annual dues voted into effect that night.

The lump sum is twenty (20) times the current annual dues (i.e., $51.50 x 20 = $1,030).  One year’s interest must accumulate before it can be paid to the lodge, so the program does require that you pay one additional year of dues after submitting your lump sum and application for Perpetual Membership. 

We would like to provide support to our brethren in times of distress and celebrate with them in times of gladness. Please immediately inform any of your lodge officers of such information regarding yourself or a brother.