August 2023:
A Flood is Coming
It’s no secret that over the past few years, the Masons of California have made a concerted effort to share information about the fraternity more broadly—and people are noticing. Just this past month, the #IAMason campaign proved a massive success, with participating posts reaching nearly three times as many people as did last year’s campaign (see below for more details). With this greater reach comes (hopefully) a greater interest in Freemasonry, and (hopefully) a greater number of inquiries. And that’s something lodges need to prepare for, and fast.
July marked the second annual #ImAMason campaign, our now-yearly social media effort to highlight the fraternity and the incredible meaning our members get from belonging. While we were primarily broadcasting to those in California, the effort garnered significant attention in foreign jurisdictions. This year, lodges from as far away as Kuala Lumpur and England participated. From simple Facebook status updates to videos and selfies, these posts got nearly 20,000 people engaging in discussion around the hashtag online. In total, these reached more than 6 million people worldwide.
How does that stack up to last year’s reach? Well, 2023 saw more than 3x the numbers of people engaging in the campaign, which resulted in 3x the impact compared to last year’s campaign. Great work all who participated!
DeMolay Charter with Sean Merrill’s son listed as a Charter Member!! Hear all about it on Episode 98: Masonry with Friends!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
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Being part of a brother’s journey is a powerful way to express gratitude for being a mason. I’m humbled to have shared in your Raising, brother of solomon’s Staircase lodge no 357 #masonsofca #masonsofcalifornia #gml372 #fyp #imamason #freemasonry #followers #gml372represent #noimbyat
🕯️ 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 presents: “𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘨𝘦”
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⫸ You won’t want to miss this one❗️
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⨳ 𝘿𝙤𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙏𝙖𝙥 👆if you liked this post ♥️
👉 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 ⨳ 𝙁𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤𝙬 ⨳ 𝙏𝙖𝙜 ⨳ 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 👈
🗓️ 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙄𝙣-𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣 𝙑𝙞𝙨𝙞𝙩 📧
🔗 [𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐈𝐧] 🅱️ℹ️0️⃣
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#claremontmasons #masoniclodge #education #knowledge #imamason #whenyoubondyoubuild #freemasonry #masonic #lodge #2b1ask1 #freemasons #fellowship #ritual #brotherhood #hope #charity #love #virtues #knock #values #symbols #history #philosophy #degrees #tradition #wisdom #allegory #square #compass
Author, WB Austin Shifrin is our guest on the show talking bout his brand new book that is out!! Give it a listen - Episode 92: Black Ink, Farther Stars!!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
Black Ink, Farther Stars https://a.co/d/btWvK5z
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#podcast #ImAMason #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #podcasting #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #travelingman #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #eastpalestine417 #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #podcastaddict #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
Today is Labor Day, a day set aside to honor the dedication and contributions of the American workforce.
I find it fitting to reflect on the industrious spirit that has long been the bedrock of our nation’s achievements.
This holiday celebrated on the first Monday of September, serves as a powerful reminder of the collective effort that has built the United States, brick by brick, through the hands of countless laborers.
In many ways, the values celebrated on Labor Day resonate deeply with the principles of Freemasonry.
Our fraternity has always held in high esteem the virtues of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence.
Just as the skilled craftsman meticulously carves stone, transforming raw material into a masterpiece, so have American workers shaped the nation with their hands, minds, and hearts.
Through this relentless dedication to craft and industry, great things are built, be they towering cathedrals or a thriving society.
Within our Masonic traditions, the symbolism of the working tools, the Square, the Compasses, and the Trowel remind us that our labors, when guided by wisdom and virtue, contribute to the betterment of humanity.
As we celebrate Labor Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to these enduring principles.
May we continue to build, not only with stone and mortar but with the values that guide us:
integrity, brotherhood, and a tireless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.
Through this collective labor, much like the efforts of those we honor on this day, we lay the foundation for a better future.
Wishing you a reflective and happy Labor Day.
www.PointLomaMasonicLodge.com
#ImAMason
#Freemasonry
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Gardena Moneta Brethren- By embodying the principles of Freemasonry, we not only honor our legacy but also pave the way for a radiant tomorrow, demonstrating the profound impact of our united efforts. thank you brothers. I’m really proud of you all! #masonsofca #masonsofcalifornia #gml372 #imamason #fyp #freemasonry #followers #lodgebeautification #lodgepainting
Success is not a destination; it`s a journey. Embrace the challenges, learn from your failures, and keep moving forward.
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#eastpalestine417 #ThisIsOhioFreemasonry #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #love #brotherlylove #faith #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #easternstar #goodvibes #scottishrite #freemasons
Success is not a destination; it`s a journey. Embrace the challenges, learn from your failures, and keep moving forward.
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#eastpalestine417 #ThisIsOhioFreemasonry #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #love #brotherlylove #faith #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #easternstar #goodvibes #scottishrite #freemasons
WB Austin Shifrin visiting Plum Creek Monroeville Lodge No. 799! Hear all about his journey and his newest book on Episode 92: Black Ink, Farther Stars!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
Black Ink, Farther Stars https://a.co/d/btWvK5z
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#podcast #ImAMason #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #podcasting #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #travelingman #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #eastpalestine417 #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #podcastaddict #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
A little Masonic Coffee in the morning??
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#Freemasonry #NotJustAManAMason
#eastpalestine417 #ThisIsOhioFreemasonry #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #BeLegendary #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
The Brethren of Gardena Moneta Lodge no 372 offer their heartfelt felicitations to the deserving Torrance University lodge Mason - Wbro. Francisco C. De Dios upon receiving the prestigious Hiram award, embodying a Master Mason of outstanding distinction. #masonsofca #masonsofcalifornia #gml372 #imamason #fyp #freemasonry #freemasonry #followers #tul394 #hiram2024 #hiram
Jordan Yelinek, the assistant grand secretary and director of member services, is bullish on what efforts like this mean for the membership going forward. “We’re going to see a significant influx in prospects and lodges need to be prepared for it,” Yelinek says. Over the past two years, the Grand Lodge of California has built a team of three “member advisors” whose job is to greet and vet prospects that make inquiries through the Grand Lodge (mostly online). Last year alone, more than 5,000 such prospects reached out through freemason.org. “We get people from all over the world reaching out to us,” Yelinek says. “And for those who live outside our state, we do our part to direct them to their own jurisdiction.” But for the most part, the people who contact Grand Lodge live here in California—and that’s when the real work begins. “Our team screens these prospects to make sure they’re eligible for membership, and out of those 5,000+ inquiries last year, we passed along around 4,200 prospective members to our lodges.”
That’s an average of around 10 prospects per lodge—not an insignificant number and certainly enough to overwhelm a lodge that’s not prepared to handle it. When asked what a lodge can do to handle prospects, Yelinek recommends a version of the “Take 5 Method.”
In this method, one prospect should have two hosts, who should welcome the prospect to three “get-to-know-you” meetings, which should be followed by inviting the prospect to a minimum of four lodge events. The whole process should take five months. Got that?
- One prospect
- Two hosts
- Three meetings
- Four lodge events
- Five months
The purpose of having two hosts is to provide redundancy in case one of the hosts is unable to attend one of the meetings. These hosts should be a part of a larger “welcoming committee” whose job it is to make first contact with a prospect following the Grand Lodge referral (or whenever someone approaches the lodge directly). Members of the welcoming committee should participate in the “get-to-know-you” meetings so that by the time the prospect attends a lodge event, they’ll be able to recognize three or four people and feel more at home.
“Lodges shouldn’t feel that they have to follow this exact model,” Yelinek says. “Feel free to adapt as necessary.” But at the end of the day, lodges need to have some model for handling prospects in place, because, according to Yelinek, our outreach efforts “have only just scratched the surface.”
Meet Justin Ortega, New Member Services Rep
The Grand Lodge Membership Services department is growing—and that’s good news for lodges everywhere. With more capacity to receive and direct online prospects toward the lodges nearest (or most convenient) to them, we’ll make significant strides toward increasing membership statewide. Here, get to know our newest addition to the team, Justin Ortega.
THE LEADER: Welcome, Justin. Can you tell us a little about yourself? What’s your connection to Freemasonry?
JUSTIN ORTEGA: I was raised a Master Mason in 2022 after having my petition on hold since 2020 due to COVID-19, when my mother lodge was not conferring degrees. I’m currently a member of Surfside Lodge No. 112 in Oceanside, near San Diego, under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of California, as well as a member of Mt. Moriah No. 4 Holy Royal Arch Chapter. This year, I’ve been appointed assistant secretary of my lodge. I’ve been blessed to learn about the office of the secretary and from a very experienced past master of our lodge with a tremendous amount of knowledge and wisdom. He teaches me something new every day and epitomizes the phrase “making good men better.”
THE LEADER: And how do you describe your job here with the Grand Lodge of California?
JUSTIN ORTEGA: I’m now a membership advisor for the Masons of California, which I started just this past month. Prior to this job, I was on active-duty in the Marine Corps, where I deployed over 10 times to Iraq, Afghanistan, Malaysia, North Africa, Georgia, Japan, and Korea. After 22 years, I retired from the military and got my degree in human resource management and worked as an HR manager at a private security company before getting this fantastic opportunity working for the Masons of California.
THE LEADER: What has been the most surprising (or interesting or exciting) thing you’ve discovered in your time working for GL?
If your lodge's Hall Association is considering or preparing to undergo repairs or improvements, it's important to dot all your I's and cross your Ts. Here, the Grand Lodge Real Estate team has compiled some helpful reminders to help you avoid common mistakes.
- Obtain at least two or three similar and competitive bids on the same written scope of work.
- Scope of work must be comprehensive and indicate the specifications on materials, equipment, etc.
- For complex renovation projects, explore engaging professionals to produce design drawings, structural engineering reports, termite reports, and other pertinent building inspections as part of your due diligence.
- Make sure all bid/contract documents reference the hall association and not the lodge as "customer" or "client."
- Bid/contract documents must clearly define a project completion timeline and warranty information
- Bid/contract document must contain progressive payment terms with the down payment not exceeding 10% of total project cost or $1,000, whichever is the lesser of the two.
- Select a contractor using several criteria, including cost, competency, professionalism, and reputation, and ensure that contractor is licensed and adequately insured.
- Obtain, or have the contractor obtain the required city and/or county permits for the project at hand.
- Formalize contractor selection at a Hall Association board meeting, which should be reflected in the board meeting minutes.
- Solicit input and buy-in from various disciplines from within the lodge and the Hall Association, and obtain approval for funding from the owner lodge at a lodge stated meeting, with the lodge’s investment account and building designated fund being the most common funding sources for improvements projects.
- Obtain proper written approval from the Grand Lodge Masonic Properties Committee for improvements/repairs projects greater than the $25,000 threshold, as required by the California Masonic Code (CMC).
- Before any work commences, obtain a certificate of liability insurance (COI) from each contractor, naming the Hall Association as additional insured and certificate holder for the general liability insurance coverage; the COI must also include worker’s comp and auto liability insurance coverage for contractors utilizing employees and vehicles on hall premises.
If your hall association has any questions on these due diligence tips and requirements for a complete improvements application packet, please email realestate@freemason.org
For Your Trestleboard
Use this content to spread the word about resources provided by the California Masonic Foundation, the Masonic Homes of California, and more.
Masonic Health Services:
Services at MCYAF Across the Lifespan
The Pavilion at the Masonic Homes
Masonic Homes of California Resources
Masonic Philanthropy:
Stay on track of lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here’s your August checklist.
Executive Committee
- Make plans for your lodge master, wardens, or other representatives to attend the Annual Communication this October.
Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee
- Identify and approach members for 2024 open elected and appointed officer positions.
- Urge presumptive master, wardens, and senior deacon to perform their Master Mason’s proficiency soon, if not already completed.
- Urge respective officers to answer the master, senior warden, and junior warden questions early.
- Identify and approach members for the 2024 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
- Set calendar for 2024 and identify event leaders.
- Continue preparing 2024 budget.
- Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain.
- Review all candidates’ progress toward advancement.
- Introduce and vote on the Membership Restoration Campaign at a stated meeting to invite suspended members back into the fold.
Junior Warden
- Continue tracking 100 percent officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs.
- Introduce and vote on the Membership Restoration Campaign at a stated meeting to invite suspended members back into the fold.
Secretary
- Pay lodge per capita.
- Prepare semi-annual report of membership activity, due in August.
- Introduce and vote on the Membership Restoration Campaign at a stated meeting to invite suspended members back into the fold.
Treasurer
- Pay lodge per capita.
- Prepare semi-annual report of membership activity, due in August.
- If your lodge has employees, file quarterly federal payroll tax form 941 (unless IRS has approved an annual filing of form 944, due in February),
- If your lodge has employees, file quarterly state payroll tax form DE9/DE9C and deposit form DE88.
- Using the Paychex Payroll system? Paychex will complete and file the above quarterly payroll tax returns for you.Make sure to process your payroll in the Paychex Payroll system on a monthly/regular basis.
- Begin preparing semi-annual financial report, due in August. Using Intacct? The report is available and auto-generated from the Intacct system. If you need assistance to update your financial records in Intacct. please contact financial services, Tel: 415-292-9170, financialservices@freemason.org.
Hall Association
- Present semi-annual report, due in August.
Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.
Last month, we asked has your lodge seen an increase in prospects over the past year?
- 69% - Yes
- 31% - No
