20^th Masonic District
of the Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio

I have a Masonic friend in Austin TX whom I compare notes with regarding Lodge activities and approaches we use to complete an objective. One of the more interesting items he has described to me was how they conduct their Lodge meetings.

Before getting into this I need to state that in previous discussions it appears that the format - and obstacles - of assemblies in TX is very similar to what I have experienced in OH. Meetings are typically held on a week night, new membership is a neverending issue, overall degree work is taken seriously by some - not so much by others, everyone active in Blue is also active in other bodies with time stretched to its limits, etc. I think you get the picture.

This brother then went on to explain how his Lodge is run. They typically meet once a month or so. Lodge is held on a weekend afternoon. Lodge attire is always black tie, with white gloves, and not just officers only. Typically degree work is performed. After the Lodge meeting, the Craft retire to a local restaurant for dinner. The dinner includes toasting ceremonies and a talk, usually 20 min or so, on a Masonically related topic. About 2 or 3 times a year spouses or significant others are also invited to attend, all still in formal wear.

While I thought the general manner was interesting enough this Brother went on to expound about membership and their dinner talks and how these are related. By rule the discussions at dinner need to be masonically oriented. They are not to be used as a forum for promoting particular charities or personal agendas. On many occasions they may detail a perspective that may not be the concensus of the entire group promoting general discussion afterward. Some topics expressed to me included mysticism in Masonry, the origin and use of Symbology, the role of God in Masonry, and Masonry from a Buddist perspective.

As you can imagine, some people may not enjoy or appreciate either the direction or limits that some of these topics. This is understood by the group and plays a role in membership. Membership to this Lodge is not taken lightly. It is a requirement that the individual attend at least 3 separate dinners prior to receiving their petition. If the applicant is a Mason, they are expected to also attend - and participate - in the Lodge meetings prior to the dinner. If the individual finds the topics presented at the dinner offensive, or the time taken for the fellowship to be too much it is strongly recommended that they pursue other Lodges in the area to satisfy their Masonic desires. It seems the primary objectives of membership are to associate those who can best work and best agree taking on a unique perspective of quality vs quantity.

If my understanding is correct this Lodge was an 1800's established Lodge that went dark but was never dissolved. They have been active in the manner described above for 5 or 6 years now. It has become interesting that as membership grows they have more attendance at the dinner than they do their meetings. I'm sure that while they promote interest in both, as time has gone on exceptions and other factors have degenerated the original premise of involvement though the attire and Lodge participation are still considered predominant desires of the group.