Freedom of an individual to identify his flaws that need work should be personal, and removed from judgmental standards set by others. Yes, laws are needed to protect the innocent, but too often they are politicized to curtail independence. The Sacred Law is written in common language in order that free men may avoid its dictation. Whatever transformation a man decides would achieve his truest potential is not a product of any program, but a product of the man himself with his own God, or goals.

If the brotherhood wants to help a man achieve his personal goals of improvement it should first invest to find out what his goals are, not mold him into rhetorical ideals. All too often men are conformed into like-thinking, and miss contributing their own ideas in deference to the status-quo. Find out what makes a man tick, and help him to build his own clockwork.

Brothers, stand up and be counted among Free and Accepted Masons as others have on this post, venture out to reach goals you choose to render, and contribute something to the whole. Don’t just show up. Be pro-active in your fellowships as an individual created by God to be different from the rest in your personal accomplishments. Share your goals with someone who cares, and search out brothers in your lodge who are interested in what you bring to the meeting.

In the words of the rebel Patrick Henry, “I know not what course other men may choose, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”

In brotherhood,
Jay R. Snyder

The Lodge can sponsor a women and children’s event around Independence Day for single moms and their young kids. I’m sure the brothers can spare a few burgers for the younger families in town once a year. Or maybe an honorary awards night for VIPs – Volunteers In Public. Tough financial times for the city means opportunities to step up. How about free book give-away tables at local events sponsored by the lodge? Library/Museum/Theater Open House? Artists in the community no doubt feeling the pinch would love a place to show their stuff. Or how about a laptop or textbook scholarship for those Valejo students registered as full-time freshmen at the local community college? Family game nights? Compass and Square night (how to draw with a compass)? Who knows? After five years you may need more lodges!

And who knows where web developement can take us in five years? Just imagine.
All the best,
Jay R. Snyder
Naval Lodge #87

The computer age is here to stay, with the invention of the transistor at bell and Howell labs in 1957 it brought about the computer or “Digital” age, as I have worked with it for the past 38 years I have had to embrace and accept it.

I have watched the younger generation embrace this technology with a thunderous advantage. Why then should this not apply to this and all lodges?
I live some Sixty miles from this wonderful lodge, and would join in a heartbeat if I did not have to travel as far. The internet is something that should be exploited with a set of rules and guidelines.

From all of the comments I have read here it is truly intriguing, and inspirational that everyone has a good grasp on the change that needs to occur.
This comment from Bro. J Snyder: has stated the elephant in the room, below are his comments that merit further review pay attention to number Two; all great points.
1. I commend your quest to rethink the way we do business in our lodge(s). I fully support your discussion, and will participate no matter where my travels lead me on this beautiful website – a brilliant and courageous change in itself. The Internet is just one of the tools that has changed recently. Smartphones, IPads, Twitter and Facebook, satellites and revolutions pace the rate of communication in our world. Can’t wait to see what happens next – starships?

2. I welcome these changes. Now add to this discussion pragmatic uses of these media tools. Maybe an online library of research and reference libraries to attract the intellectuals. Forms of entertainment such as online challenges to encourage cyber-fellowship. Video conferencing, Skype interviews, audio and video tutorials, knowledge building games, fundraising projects, public education, and children’s hospitals: all doable changes using the tools of our age, and ages to come.

Thank you for allowing me to post my comments, and observations.

Bro Frank, I agree just because it is, or has been, an older-age fraternity doesn’t mean that can’t change. I think using the website for communication can strengthen our bonds, and our reason, and attract creative thinkers. I have been thinking of ways to interact with educational research games. Soliciting for web content could involve younger, active, and brilliant minds. We may not be at Springbrook Temple, but Naval Lodge #87 is here daily for good reason, and good ideas.

For what its worth, I am not privy to the problems of GL with creativity, but frankly bring it on. The more we reason the more we have reason to be creative. We may have different intellectual interests, politics, religions, and backgrounds, but there are always bigger issues to work together on (like surviving earthquakes), and I agree involving new initiates is an ever-valid discussion either way. Isn’t this the point to brotherhood?

My churchwork experience taught me that trying to involve others in a program was a frustrating pursuit. I had to learn that my listening to their story teaches them as much as it teaches me. More often my interest begat interest more than my program. Sure, I have my interests that draw me to Freemasonry, but they are different than any other’s interest. Personally, it is awesome to think my contributions are welcome although they are different, and therefore I become a part of the whole. There is a time and a place for sharing my interests, therefore I am involved, and if there isn’t I’m not. Allow others who wish to share their interests with us a time and a place to do so, and they may feel accepted and become a part of our fraternity. Hopefully, they will begin to learn more secrets to becoming better men along the way as I have.

And this is as good a time and place as you’re going to find. Good ideas welcome here. Represent.

Bro. Jay R. Snyder
Naval Lodge #87