Why is it that Freemasons are obsessed with their buildings?
It's a question that I often contemplate as so many of our Lodges are struggling financially yet move heaven and earth to continue to hold onto their buildings. They look at membership levels that are dropping, the revenue from dues are dropping, and yet they are willing to sacrifice and penny-pinch to keep the biggest expense they have - their building.
I can certainly understand why any member would want to hold onto their temple. There's a great emotional attachment to it. For some it was where they started their journey, for others, they served as Worshipful Master in that building, there might be a familial tie to it as multiple generations have belonged to a Lodge that has met there. It's not something to be dismissed but we often put more weight on them than we care to admit to and feel a real sense of loss when they are gone.
The trouble is, our own Masonic teachings teach us otherwise.
We're taught that it is our inner selves that is important not what we own. While the organization owns the building it's not what makes up the Lodge, nor does it represent the members of that Lodge.
Have you ever visited a temple that appeared to need work, a bit of paint, a new rug, or just had that needs to be updated feel? Have you ever been to a temple where everything has its place and everything was in it? What about all the glass and brass shined to perfection? Then there's the temple where the dining hall is set with a few mismatched plates and an odd chip in one.
Regardless of which building you walked into, I’ll lay odds that the reception you received was nearly the same across the board, “Welcome Brother.”
Yes our buildings and possessions run the gambit but those things aren't the Lodge. The Lodge is the Brethren. Those individuals who gather together, to share experiences, work together to improve themselves and the world around them. Don't believe me? Check your Entered Apprentice lesson, there's no mention of a building in the given definition of a Lodge - maybe we should consider subduing our passions and put things in perspective.
What is a Lodge? It isn't the building - it's the Brethren.