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Most Worshipful the Grand Master had
in his address after his Installation on 28th October
2006 spelt out his Vision for Freemasonry in India as
follows:
Bring about Masonic Liberalization
in the country · Check Drop-outs by vigorous
steps at the Lodge Level · Adopt "Each One
Bring One" as a slogan and start practicing it,
so that we not only have more men in Freemasonry, but
also ensure that more men will have more Freemasonry
in them · Instil more Freemasonry in Men, by
spreading the message and philosophy of Freemasonry
as widely as possible · Last but not the least,
constantly endeavour to make Freemasonry more vibrant
and dynamic in the country.
In order to give shape to the above
Vision it is suggested that Regional Grand Masters and
the Lodges in their jurisdiction may adopt the following
steps:
1. Masonic LiberaIization
- Continuously dispel the prevailing notion that Freemasonry
is a Secret Society.
- Involve family members of brethren in Masonic Events
and Charitable Projects.
- Encourage holding of Open Session and Divine Service
as per presecribed procedure, involving the public,
particularly on the occasions of visit by M.W.the
G.M., or on other suitable occasions, with Media coverage,
Press Conferences, or by any other mode as may be
desirable.
2. Check Drop-outs
- Improve Ritual Working so that Initiations, Passings
and Raisings make an impact on the candidates.
- Senior members of the Lodge should make it a point
to interact as much as possible, with younger brethren
to keep up ~heir interest.
- Involve as many younger brethren as possible in
Ritual Working and encourage healthy competition amongst
them.
- Senior brethren should encourage them with constructive
suggestions for improving their performance.
- Habitual and frequent absentees must be identified
and a suitable Committee of Senior brethren should
be formed, to contact such brethren personally, to
ascertain the reasons for their absence and/or their
loss of interest, for taking suitable remedial action,
for sustaining their interest in Lodge activities
and report the same to the Reigning Master.
- Likewise, defaulters in payment of dues may also
be contacted to revive their interest.
- Constant efforts may be made to ascertain the welfare
of the brethren and their families who remain absent,
to see whether they require any assistance.
3. Adopt "Each One Bring One"
as a slogan"
- Every member should recall how he became a Freemason
and follow the same procedure with his close circle
of acquaintances, to identify potential Freemasons
amongst them and freely discuss the aims and objectives
of Freemasonry, if and when they ask questions about
it. Such persons who show interest may also be invited
suitably to participate in the Festive Board, or other
Lodge Events to interact with other Senior brethren
of the Lodge, to learn more about Freemasonry and
its objectives and what Freemasons stands for.
- PampWets regarding Freemasonry may also be made
available to them.
Particular stress may be made to create interest among
younger persons who may also be encouraged to visit
our Website for more information. A sincere attempt
in this regard may be made by all members of the Lodge
without recourse to canvassing, which is prohibited.
- Lodges having websites may also provide cross links
to the Grand Lodge and other websites and contact
over Webmaster, W.Bro.Shyam Wadhwani at shyam@yahoo.com
for any assistance in this regard.
4. Spreading the message and Pbllosophyof Freemasonry
and making Freemasonry more vibrant and dynamic in.
the country
- Worshipful Masters of Lodges should take the charge
given to them at the time of their Installation of
asking the brethren to practice outside the Lodge,
what they are taught in it, more seriously_
- Occasions like Open House Session and Divine Service
may be used to spread the Message and Philosophy of
Freemasonry.
- Apart from large Masonic Projects. taken up centrally
by the Regions for which support is needed from all
Lodges within the Region, every Lodge should also
implement suitable Charitable Projects within the
limits of their capacity on their level locally, so
that such projects may make an impact on society at
that level and help in making Freemasonry and its
objectives understood more widely than at present.
Occasions like Universal Brotherhood Day etc. may
be observed widely with involvement of the public
to the extent possible, particularly through suitable
Charitable Projects, commemorating the occasion.
Suitable Periodical feed back may please be given by
the Regional Grand Masters regarding the steps taken
on the above lines to implement the Grand Master's Vision.
Practical and constructive suggestions if any in this
regard are also most welcome.
Please arrange to have this circular read out at the
next meeting of the Lodges.
With greetings,
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