May 2024:
Once More, With Feeling! Let’s Tell the World: #ImAMason
For the past two summers, we’ve run social media campaigns to encourage members to tell the world that #ImAMason. This month, we’re bringing it back—with the hopes of starting a worldwide trend!
Last summer, #ImAMason posts reached more than 6 million people—helping us spread the word about Freemasonry and promoting positive public awareness.
So, from May 1–14, we’re asking California Masons to post a message explaining why their membership is so important to them on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok (follow our new channel @CaliforniaMasons) with the hashtag #ImAMason. (It’s important you use the hashtag so we can see and share it!) This can be a simple written message, a photo, a selfie—whatever you like! Either way, by talking about Freemasonry and our membership with the people around us, we can inspire the next generation of would-be Masons to take that first step and knock on the door.
In fact, we know from studies that 91 percent of current members first learned about Masonry through a family member, friend, or coworker. Despite that, a whopping 63 percent of members don’t openly discuss Freemasonry with those around them—often out of an erroneous belief that they’re not allowed to, or that they have to wait until they’re asked directly. That isn’t true!
As Masons, we are able—and indeed encouraged—to talk about Freemasonry and what we get out of it with the people around us. That’s what the #ImAMason campaign is all about. Don’t know what to say? DOWNLOAD OUR NEW BOOKLET, titled Opening the Door, for some helpful and simple answers to common questions about Freemasonry. Or check out our brand-new webpage, WHAT IS FREEMASONRY, meant to give newcomers a basic sense of things. These are a starting point to help members discuss the fraternity in general and how it works. But the best explanations will come from real members discussing the real things they get out of it.
We can’t wait to see what you post!
Will Farrell would like to know why you haven’t signed up for East Palestine Lodge’s Golf Outing on June 1st yet?? You’re running out of time!!
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#BeLegendary
#Freemasonry #NotJustAManAMason
#eastpalestine417 #ThisIsOhioFreemasonry #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #chapter #commandary #shriner #grotto #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
Listen as Bobbi Schickler along with Samantha Loy & DeAnna Kinney talk about what the Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center provides on Episode 110: The Resource Center!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
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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 #selfie #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
🕯️𝐑𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧.
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🙌 Thanks to everyone at claremont_masons, the brethren from ontariomasoniclodge301 and Upland/MtBaldy that came to make my Degree as special as it was‼️
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#imamason #freemasonry #raised #master #mason #claremontlodge436 #whenyoubondyoubuild #masonic #life #brotherhood #third #degree #growing #learning #2n1ask1 #get2it #knowledge #ancient #fraternity #love #charity #hope #faith
The ongoing #ImAMason campaign on social media is extending by another week! Here`s your chance to share why you`re proud to be a Mason!
To participate, please post a short message or video on your social media explaining why Freemasonry is important to you—and include the hashtag #ImAMason in your caption. Already posted? You`re always welcome to share more photos of your favorite moments with your lodge!
By showing the people around us what Freemasonry means to us, we can help a curious prospect take the first step to knocking. Our research shows that a vast majority of new members joined the fraternity because someone close to them was already a member.
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
Today, only five California lodges that launched from 1970 to 2000 are still in existence, however, in the time since then, a whopping 36 new lodges have opened up (including two #ResearchLodges), along with four more #UnderDispensation. What has this lodge-building boom meant for the fraternity?
In this issue of #CaliforniaFreemason, we`re exploring what it takes to get these lodges off the ground. Ethnically diverse, culturally attuned, sometimes proudly eccentric, these groups show that while building a lodge is no easy feat, it’s also worth the reward.
Read more in our ✨NEWLY REDESIGNED
#MasonsofCA #Freemasonry #ImAMason
“The best thing in the world is to give from the heart. To give to something you care about, whatever it is. Donate your time, whether it’s to a children’s hospital or rescuing birds and cats. This country wouldn’t be what it is if it weren’t for people who get out there and help.” Read more from #CaliforniaFreemason William Lovie
From now until May 14, we`re asking all Masons to post a message or a short video on social media saying why they`re a Freemason and to include the hashtag #ImAMason in the caption!
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
What really is #Freemasonry about? We asked real #Freemasons to debunk the myths. From now until May 14, we`re asking all Masons to post a message or a short video on social media saying why they`re a Freemason and to include the hashtag #ImAMason in the caption!
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
All sorts of things going on in this epic shot, and that’s just one way to say #ImAMason! 😁⚔️ This month, we’re asking all Masons to post a message or a short video on social media saying why they’re a Freemason and to include the hashtag #ImAMason in the caption!
#MasonsofCA
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W Bro James Dalton at the Science Fiction and Fantasy Lodge demonstrating some of their unique ways of working. Hear about it on Episode 85: Podcasts, Masons, & Friends!
www.TravelingManPodcast.com
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#freemason_world #ImAMason #freemason #freemasonry #2b1ask1 #masonic #bluelodge #mastermason #square #compass #squareandcompass #UGLE #warwickshire #grandlodgeofohio #grandlodge #love #brotherlylove #freemasonsofamerica #ImAMason #brother #yorkrite #princehall #eastpalestine417 #commandary #shriner #grotto #masons #mason #scottishrite #freemasons
The craft lodges of Masonry, where Masons begin their journey through Freemasonry, have three degrees, similar to ranks.
Degree names are taken from craft guilds: In the Middle Ages, to become a stonemason, a man would first be apprenticed. As an apprentice, he learned the tools and skills of the trade. When he had proved his skills, he became a “fellow of the craft,” and when he gained exceptional ability, he was known as a “master of the craft” or Master Mason.
From now until May 14, we`re inviting all Masons to post a short message or video on social media saying why Freemasonry is important to them and to include the hashtag #ImAMason.
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
#Freemasonry #Masonic #MasonicDegrees
#EnteredApprentice #FellowCraft #MasterMason
Painting by Angel Millar
We all know George Washington was a #Freemason, but did you know the list of famous #Freemasons is long and varied, from actors and celebrities to artists and politicians
From now until May 14, we`re asking all Masons to post a message or a short video on social media saying why they`re a Freemason and to include the hashtag #ImAMason.
#MasonsofCA #ImAMason
#Freemasonry #Masonic
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 May checklist.
Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- Identify and approach members for 2025 open elected and appointed officer positions
- Identify and approach members for the 2025 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees.
- Set calendar for 2025 and identify event leaders.
- Continue preparing 2025 budget.
- Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain
- Review all candidates’ progress toward advancement.
Junior Warden
- If you haven’t already, register for the final 2024 Master and Wardens Leadership retreat in Palm Springs.
- 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.
Secretary
- Send list of members with late dues to the Retention Committee.
- Send any suspension notices via certified mail.
- Provide necessary information so Charity Committee can consider remissions.
- Begin reviewing roster for accuracy in preparation for the end of the Grand Lodge membership year, June 30.
Treasurer
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199 (unless your lodge has previously agreed to have Grand Lodge prepare and file these forms). Please contact financial services at (415) 292-9170 for any questions.
- Lodges not using Intacct should submit their annual financial statements to Grand Lodge by May 15.
Hall Association
- Important: By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199.
- Important: By May 15, submit form 200 to Grand Lodge. In iMember 2.0, download form 200 from the Hall Resources section of the Resources tile, and then upload the completed form to the lodge vault or submit to memberservices@freemason.org or financialservices@freemason.org
- Pay insurance premium.
Questions? Contact Member Services at memberservices@freemason.org or (415) 776-7000.
Last month, we asked whether your lodge has considered launching a TikTok channel. Of those who replied….
- 84% - No
- 12% - Never
- 4% - It has not been brought up at the Lodge
- 0% - Yes
