THRIVING IN THE MASONIC LANDSCAPE OF UPPER CANADA

As I was reading about the changes happening within my Masonic community I had an 'aha" moment. Upper Canada is a large land area. Long ago in our history, as communities grew, warrants were issued and access to Freemasonry was made possible  where good men were getting on with building and raising.  Fast forward until today, that land mass is still enormous, but the distribution of communities and masonry has followed opportunity.  Often, these communities were small enough to support a single masonic lodge. In a way, the lodge was a symbol indistinguishable from the community itself.    Even with the passage of a few generations, progress and opportunity were the main landmarks. Between our borders 7,000km apart, young men and families travelled away to education and job opportunities. Canada is a developed nation that has been swinging above its weight class from the beginning. It is one of the favoured countries renowed for quality of life and enjoyment. Through 17th, 18th 19th and 20th centuries, ambitious people arrived to find the rewards of secure balanced life.  Ontario became the most populous province. Cities have gained international status. Urbanization has changed the way we link.

Across the jurisdiction lodges that have fulfilled their purpose are going dark. It is as if we are loosing a family member. We are shedding members and our growth model is flexing under a strain. While this is happening, there are lodges that audaciously continue to grow and thrive.  Maybe there is a common reason for this diversity. Maybe it is as simple as messaging.  Grand Lodge has provided concerned oversight and offered resources.  Is it possible that lodges who listened, are doing better than those that chose another path?  This is not a comment about the nature of the programs but maybe they are an important litmus test. Time will tell.