
                   LODGE BUILDING - The Matanuska Plan

                    W. Ronald Briggs, P.G.M. of Nevada
                Member of Matanuska Lodge #7, F&AM, Palmer

           From February 1994 The North Star, Grand Lodge of Alaska

              The following report is not intended to suggest a conclusive
      answer to the serious problem of declining Masonic membership.
      However, it does indicate what can be accomplished when a body of
      Masons develops public awareness and gains civic respect and good will
      by putting Masonic principles to practical use.

              My Alaska lodge in the City of Palmer is thriving!  In the
      past two years they have conferred over 60 degrees and have raised 21
      new members to Master Mason.  What are they doing to make Masonry so
      attractive?  The answer is simple; active community involvement and
      appealing, family oriented, lodge programs.

              It began with a new Worshipful Master who believed they
      could reverse the loss of more brothers to death and NPD than they
      were gaining through new members.  This Master was convinced that
      Masonry should be exciting and rewarding for all the members and a
      viable, effective and useful influence in the community.

              He began by forming a "Cornerstone Club" with the aim of
      providing needed services to deserving individuals and public
      institutions in his lodges's jurisdiction.  His plan was initiated by
      only a few members of the lodge, and participation in the club's
      activities is always on a strictly volunteer basis.  They have
      performed home repairs and other chores for the elderly, disabled and
      needy who could not afford professional help.  They have made
      improvements at the Palmer Senior Center and in parks, playgrounds and
      other public areas in their district.  They have completely renovated
      their own Masonic Temple and made it something which the entire
      community can take pride in.

               With the approval and cooperation of local school
       authorities, this lodge has established an awards program to recognize
       honor students at all Matanuska-Susitna High Schools.  Developed with
       the help and input of the students, it has been enthusiastically
       received by the recipients, parents and faculty alike.  The students
       are proud of their award, the parents are proud of their children and
       the school staff believes it encourages better study habits.
       Furthermore, this program provides another excellent opportunity to
       display the good work of Freemasonry before the public.

               In addition to forming the Cornerstone Club and establishing
       the awards program, this Master also sought to foster closer family
       ties with the lodge, thereby affording the member's wives and children
       a true sense of belonging.  To accomplish this the Master began
       planning social events aimed at just having fun!  Members, their
       families, friends and neighbors are invited on a regular basis to
       enjoy an evening of good food, fellowship and entertainment.  The
       entertainment is carefully selected for both high quality and
       popularity.  Not only are these fun nights a big success, they have
       also boosted regular lodge attendance.  This lodge is now meeting not
       only on each Tuesday night of the month, but also on many Saturdays,
       in order to accomplish the immense volume of degree work and to plan
       and execute their various programs and activities.

               Why is this lodge such a magnet to the men in Palmer that
       they want to become Masons?  It certainly appears to be the high
       public regard their lodge enjoys, justly earned through their
       charitable and humanitarian work.  They are often seen working side by
       side in the spirit of compassion and good natured camaraderia
       assisting others where needed and making improvements in their
       community.

               Those who have benefited from their kind benevolence tell
       others how much they appreciate what the Masons have done for them.
       People learn that this work is done not for favor or reward, but for
       its own sake in the true spirit of charity and service to others.

               This indicates what can be accomplished when a body of
       Masons develops public awareness and gains civic respect and good will
       by putting Masonic principles to practical use.  Although it has
       required a great deal of planning, dedication and hard work, the
       members of Matanuska Lodge No. 7 in Palmer, Alaska have demonstrated
       what can be done to stimulate public interest and Masonic growth.  At
       least in their community it has paid very handsome dividends!

FOOTNOTE:  This article has been reprinted and distributed to 61
Grand Masters at the 1994 Conference of Grand Masters in North
America as part of a program to share successful Masonic programs.

                     


