Freemasonry has existed for centuries, pre-dating the era of Zoom calls, email, smart devices, and online communication. Ohio Masonry has transitioned into the innovations that the 21st century has introduced by optimizing video conference calls, utilizing Grand View to manage daily Lodge processes, and welcoming virtual connections. RW Junior Grand Warden, Bro. Bill Carter explains why these adaptations have progressed our fraternity rather than hindered it. Connecting online has allowed Ohio Brethren to now be able to connect both in and out of Lodge.
How has Ohio Masonry adapted to the digital era?
We believe that the digital era in the 21st century presents many opportunities for increased connections among Brethren, while also augmenting our operations at the Lodge level. The Grand Lodge Technology Committee has worked continuously over the past years in evaluating and implementing beneficial digital technology. We know that the most fundamental operational unit of Freemasonry is the Lodge, which is charged with the sacred duty of caring for its members and providing a place for each individual’s transformational journey. By embracing technology with due care and consideration as we have done, we are better able to exemplify the tenets that truly distinguish our Craft.
What opportunities are offered to Lodges through technology?
In 2014, a significant leap was taken in converting our reports to a digital format. The use of electronic documents and submission processes resulted in a more secure and reliable way of communicating between Lodges and the Grand Lodge office. More recently, the Grand View membership management system has taken on this functionality and reduced the workload by eliminating redundant reporting. The Grand Lodge office modernized with digital technology in order to support Lodge operations.
In 2019 COVID-19 struck with full force. We found ourselves with the benefit of 100 years of technological development to support this interruption to daily life. How better to use digital technology than to reinforce our Brotherly ties during a trying time? Guidelines were rapidly drafted for online meetings using video conferencing provided to Lodges. We were able to make wellness checks and create social interaction while remaining safe.
In my opinion, Freemasonry thrived. Members who had relocated or had not been able to make it to Lodge joyfully reconnected with their Brethren. Lodges soon found growing numbers of men seeking admission into our fraternity.
The use of technology continues to be encouraged to benefit Ohio Brethren. Interested petitioners are put into contact rapidly with Lodges that fit what they are seeking. Brothers are now able to pay their membership dues using electronic forms of payment and update their information to ensure that their Lodge is able to communicate with them effectively. Lodges are able to join other Lodges in shared meetings over secure digital conferencing. It is an exciting time!
How should Lodges address digital literacy?
The beauty of Ohio’s Masonic Lodges is in the diversity of its members. Those meeting or residing in large cities tend to have much greater access to digital infrastructure than those in rural areas. Nevertheless, this technology has become personally accessible to our membership in ways unimaginable. One needs simply to look at the broad use of cell phones and internet access. Lodge Education Officers have the opportunity to foster programs that increase digital literacy and are provided access to materials and expertise available at the District level to aid in their efforts. We must never lose sight of the fact that digital technology can seem daunting to our members who have not had significant exposure to it. Our Masonic principles teach us to meet a Brother where he’s comfortable and to patiently demonstrate the usage and benefits of digital technology.
What are the benefits of digital connections?
Simply stated, digital connections make the world seem like a smaller place. Brothers can now keep in touch in real-time across many miles. Psychologists have repeatedly stated that loneliness has become a growing problem in our society, particularly in recent years as we were forced to isolate ourselves. Digital connections bring the beauty of a caring face or the music of laughter and words of love and support. There are numerous stories from the past few years of family members connecting with loved ones in our Ohio Masonic Retirement Communities: people sharing the joy of celebrating life’s milestones, or hearing the heartfelt words of beloved family members as they passed to the Celestial Lodge Above.
Digital connections have given our hearts the ability to express the beauty of Brotherly and familial bonds.
What are the challenges?
As Masons, we know that there is no substitute for the warm embrace or firm handshake of a Brother. Relying exclusively on digital connections is often perceived as “cold” or “hollow,” particularly with the passage of time. We have seen that forced reliance on digital technology for connections has actually resulted in a disruption of healthy patterns of in-person interactions above and beyond concerns over the pandemic. Our challenge is to safely reengage our Brothers, whose physical presence is so critically necessary for a healthy Lodge experience for both new and veteran members.
What is the future of Freemasonry in the digital era?
Ohio Freemasonry will continue to evaluate technology to determine where it can best augment the experiences of our members. There is no conflict between our timeless principles and modern digital technology when we exercise care in ensuring that our core identity defines who we are and why we do what we do. The world needs Freemasonry now more than ever, and the use of digital technology must be shaped to support our mission of bringing Light to each and every soul that approaches our doors.
Technology should never cheapen our Fraternity; rather it should enrich the value of our Craft.
What advice do you have for Brethren adjusting to the new digital era?
Start small! Mobile devices can be an easy point of entry into the digital era. Talk with a well-informed Lodge Brother and see if he can help you learn how to use your device. Some might prefer the benefit of a larger screen over a handheld device, and modern laptops (such as Chromebooks) are a low-cost and effective entry point to get started.
Lastly, keep Brothers in mind that may not have access to digital technology, as there are many analog provisions, such as dial-in conference numbers for digital meetings, that can keep them engaged. One of the benefits of digital technology is the flexibility to integrate participants using non-digital methods of access.
How has the increase of digital technology in Lodge affected your Ohio Masonry experience? Email us and let us know at OhioLodgeLife@Freemason.com!