Freemasonry is going through an interesting period in the UK. Whilst we do create many websites for Lodges outside of the UK, we are based in the UK, and have seen the pace of modernisation of freemasonry rapidly increase over the last few years.
This isn’t designed to be a pro or anti modernisation piece. Just some thoughts on both sides of the argument. The general theme from United Grand Lodge of England over the last few years is for modernisation, with some quite radical suggestions. There are some suggestions that affect us as Freemasons, and particularly at MasonicWebsite that are worth looking at further. It’s also worth noting that overall the modernisation of Freemasonry is directly benefitting us here at Masonic Website. We generate lots of enquiries about website design for Freemasonry Lodges is there is a significant push across the provinces to update the public facing image of Freemasonry. This message filters down to the individual Lodges, and they then get in touch with us to design or update a Lodge website. We certainly don’t want to bite the hand that (indirectly) feeds us, but there are elements of the modernisation process that we don’t feel need to be implemented on a blanket basis.
Meeting Streamlining
If you are unaware of Project Streamline, it was essentially a list of ways that Lodges could reduce the length of time taken for a Lodge meeting. This can include the electronic circulation of the minutes, Almoners and Charity Stewards reports, all of which we believe on the whole is a good idea.
We understand that some, and particularly younger Masons, find it difficult to get time off work to attend a 3pm Tyle for example. However rather than a headlong rush to alter ritual that has been well established for hundred’s of years, a discussion with a prospective candidate at the interview stage should make the time requirements clear. Should the Lodge have to alter its working practices because newer members may have underestimated the time and timings involved? Maybe it would be better for those candidates to join weekend Lodges, or those that Tyle much later in the day. Finding a new member is great, and we specialise in helping Lodges do that here at MasonicWebsite. However it is a waste of everyones time if in a year or two they leave because they are unable to attend.
Streamlining meetings does feel as though it could undermine the importance of the appeal of the Historical aspect of Masonry. It is important to many Masons to be part of something that has essentially remained unchanged for hundreds of years. Let’s not get too far away from that.
