Looking for a Lodge
The Master of the lodge was working in his studio when a young Fellowcraft was brought to him. After offering him refreshment, the Master asked after the young man’s purpose.
“I have been traveling in search of work, and I stopped here when I saw the lodge.”
“How can we be of help, brother?” asked the Master.
“I would like to settle down someplace. Perhaps you can you tell me what the people are like here?”
The Master thought for a moment. “What are the people like where you are from?” he asked.
The Fellowcraft snorted. “They are a most unpleasant bunch. They carp and complain, and are rarely helpful.”
“I see,” said the Master. “Well, I am afraid that you will find the people to be pretty much the same way here.”
The Fellowcraft nodded. “I expected as much. I thank you for your time.” He then picked up his tools and went on his way.
Some time later, the Master was working in his studio when a second Fellowcraft was brought to him. After offering him refreshment, the Master asked after the second young man’s purpose.
“I have been traveling in search of work, and I stopped here when I saw the lodge.”
“How can we be of help, brother?” asked the Master.
“I would like to settle down someplace. Perhaps you can you tell me what the people are like here?”
The Master thought for a moment. “What are the people like where you are from?” he asked.
The Fellowcraft beamed. “Oh, they are usually pleasant and friendly, and happy to help out a brother.”
“I see,” said the Master. “Well, I believe that you will find people to be pretty much the same way here.”
The second Fellowcraft nodded. “I expected as much,” he replied, “and if you would have me, I would like to join your lodge.”
The Tao of Masonry 
That’s actually a great little story, Tom. Very true, too.
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PT – this is just a rehash of some old parable, but it popped into my head the other day after hearing yet another complaint from someone about their lodge. I wanted to say “Dude, I’m sorry that you’re ‘stuck’ with a bunch of 80 year old grumblers, but it’s not going to get any better if you sit there and grumble back at them.”
We often hear about lodges that are not “doing well” – for some value of “well”. If your idea of hospitality is a box of donuts and some weak coffee after a meeting, then it’s no wonder you don’t have the kind of camaraderie that some other lodges seem to have.
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