Lodges that have merged with others may need to change their meeting times to those of the larger lodge. Lodges that have sold their building and now meet in rented space have to change meeting nights in order to accommodate changes in building and hall schedules. I often wonder if such changes shake up the fundamental relationship that members have to their lodge; I've noticed that quite often members of a merged lodge do not show up as frequently after the merger. To be fair, it's probably more than just the time - they have to come into a new building and meet new people, and of course, do things a different way.
Friendship Lodge is in downtown Southington, right on the town green. Southington was much more rural many years ago, and like many New England towns has slowly become a suburb, with strip plazas, convenience stores, and all styles of restaurants. Over the last few years, the downtown (really, about a 3 block area) has become "revitalized" with cobblestone sidewalks, some upscale curio shoppes, and a number of eating and drinking establishments, all of which seem to be busy throughout the week. And during the warm weather months, the town sponsors a weekly Music on the Green, a mobile bandstand and amplification equipment for the use by various local bands. On any given Wednesday from May until October, one can hear (from several blocks away) musical genres ranging from Abba to ZZ Top. The crowds gather early, and the mood is festive, and people manage to have a great time wandering around.
On Wednesday evenings.
Friendship Lodge, of course, meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. About 75 feet from the bandstand.
You see where this is going, right?
Degree work should be somber and inspire contemplation, a condition which is not enhanced when, for example, during one's obligation the WM has to speak up to be heard over such catchy tunes as "Mama Mia" or "She's Got Legs."
Parking in the downtown area is limited, and while the lodge owns property behind the building, we lease it back to the town, which keeps it paved and plowed. In the last year or so, the restaurant traffic has made the parking lot full most of the time, which is great for the local business, but not good for the older brothers who don't want to fight the traffic and crowds, and who often have to park several blocks away. The situation became worse (for them) this past year when a very good, and now very popular, restaurant opened in the building next door.
Accordingly, some of the brothers, the younger officers, actually, have proposed changing our meeting nights to the first and third Mondays. This way we have no conflict with the Music on the Green crowds, and since most restaurants are closed on Mondays anyway, it would make parking much easier for those who might be put off by the long walk.
Personally, I haven't made up my mind if this is a good plan or not. I think that in terms of access to the lodge, it's a great idea. I do worry, however, that some members will be put off - especially those that may have other meetings or events that they usually schedule on Mondays. Will changing the meeting day affect the fundamental character of Friendship Lodge? I don't know. We're going to be talking about it, and voting on whether or not to change our by-laws at an upcoming meeting. This should make for some interesting discussion.
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