I am a new Brother to Masonry and to Matthew John Whittall Lodge. I joined Masonry after several years of reflection on my life; including where I was at that time and what I wanted the rest of my life to say about who I am. I chose Masonry over all the other Fraternal and social organizations after careful research, and consideration. I wanted an organization that would challenge me, benefit my local community, and expand my circle of friends. After talking with many Brothers, something or someone inspired each of us to be involved in more than the “day to day”, which brought us ALL to Freemasonry.

I first “asked to be one” about two years ago. Since then, I would estimate that I have met, or seen, less than 30 Brothers of Matthew John Whittall Lodge. I know we currently have more than 210 members. On a regular business meeting night we average 12 Brothers, including officers, less than ten percent. On degree nights, we are lucky to have enough on the sidelines to bare whiteness that the event occurred at all. Where is everyone?

Our numbers, like so many organizations, are slowly dwindling. Yes, our “modern” lives are busier than our forefathers, our grandfathers, and even our own ten years ago. Time is premium. But it ALWAYS has been. What keeps you away? Is it because the Tenets of Masonry no longer fit in your life? I doubt that very much, because you are still paying dues. Is it is because you have moved and are now affiliating with another Lodge, great, drop us a line and tell us a little bit about your new Lodge. Is it is because you and some other Brother never seamed to see eye to eye on things, come on back, chances are darn good that he isn’t showing up either. I could go on with excuses forever…

So I ask my Brothers; “Can You Be A Ten Percenter”? Can you be the Brother that makes our attendance ten percent of the total Brotherhood? Can you be the one who contacts another Brother, reminds him of a meeting, or a degree? Can you be the inspiration for another “lost” Brother to attend; a new applicant to “ask”, a family tradition to be continued to the next generation? Can you be one to help OUR Lodge to THRIVE?

We have some new Brothers in the Lodge that I am sure you would like to meet, myself included. Remember when you were first Raised? Yes that enthusiasm, that excitement that desire was in all of you at one time, and it is in many of the new members. I..., WE want to meet you, learn from you, BE Brothers.

Being a Mason, is more than ritual, more than paying dues, more than a sticker on your car, a lapel pin, ring or in my case a tattoo on my arm. Being a Mason comes from inside. It is a want, a desire, to do a little more than the ordinary. It is giving back in so many ways beyond writing a check. It is giving a little back by being involved. So I ask you to think about your Fe Crs Obligation, is it “wi th le of my ca-to”? I hope to meet all my Brothers soon. Welcome back ten percenter.