The Lodge and Chapter of Obedience, No. 1753 has been concentrating its efforts on the Strategy for Freemasonry, 2022 and Beyond over the past 12 months, focusing on the ‘One Journey, One Organisation – Initiation to Exaltation’ key message, and membership and community involvement.
Having looked at the principal elements of the Strategy, the members formed a plan to meet with the objectives and rebrand their image to normalise Freemasonry within the community.
The starting point was the creation of a public-facing Facebook page and a series of open-door events. As well as encouraging potential candidates to come forward, the Lodge increased engagement with community groups and made presentations to local organisations.
During the Big Help Out campaign, it organised a town litter pick, with members spending the morning working alongside the Lions, the Rotary and Roundtable, and other local organisations.
The open-door events have generated a number of positive enquiries for membership. Building on this, the Lodge dines ‘White Table’ at the majority of its meetings, which allows for potential members to join them at their Festive Boards. The Lodge also uses this as an opportunity to promote the ‘One Organisation’ message, which is paying dividends in its Chapter.
Over the past year, the Lodge has provided the Okehampton Rugby Club Girls Under 14 team with a new kit, and has sponsored a talented Exeter City Ladies team football player. With help from the Devonshire Freemasons WAKE Fund, it has also sponsored the Okehampton Argyle under 11s football team. And thanks to the Devonshire Royal Arch MEGS Fund, they have been able to support the Okehampton ‘Men in Sheds’ community van project, providing transport for members.
