Building Connections, Strengthening Brotherhood

Washington Lodge No. 265 in Bloomsburg is taking a fresh approach to building membership, strengthening brotherhood and connecting with its community.

Worshipful Master Steven D. Hess II acted on an unexpected opportunity to do all three at Bloomsburg University, where about 8,500 students attend classes. Brother Mike Garmen, a mailman who delivers to the campus, recognized the potential for introducing a new generation to Freemasonry. “I thought it was an awesome idea,” Steve said. He began setting up a table on the university quad during its monthly “Activities Night.”

For Steve, it’s not about recruitment; it’s about starting a conversation.

“It is about building a relationship and explaining who and what we are as Freemasons, who we are to the community and who we are to each other,” he said. “That’s the first step in Freemasonry–creating a relationship and getting your name out there.”

And the conversations are already making a difference. Steve, 42, said the lodge’s outreach efforts have led one person to petition his hometown lodge in southern Pennsylvania, while two other men have reached out to him personally to learn more about Freemasonry.

“There is something that men in this country have lost due to social media,” Steve said. “We used to have connections with friends, not cell phones. A lot of college students don’t have connections with other men unless they are part of a sports club. Young men are really looking for something. They need our structure and wisdom.”

That desire for connection extends beyond the university. Steve and other brothers aren’t afraid to introduce themselves to people they meet in the community and invite them to local events and game nights.

The lodge also looks for ways to serve its neighbors. Four times a year, members collect diapers, wipes and other necessities for “Bundles of Blessings,” a local diaper ministry. They recently partnered with the Fort McClure Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution in Bloomsburg. They maintain the Columbia County Liberty Tree planted on the property and regularly volunteer to mow and weed the lawn to help beautify the McClure House.

“Anything we can get involved with–if it’s charitably related, is great for us,” Steve said.

The same spirit of connection carries into the lodge. Steve has opened family meals held before stated meetings to members’ families, including widows of deceased brothers. In July and August, the lodge also holds a family picnic one Monday each month at a local park, organized by Brother Tom Fetterman, Activities Coordinator.

At a recent picnic held in partnership with Daughters of the American Revolution, nearly 50 people attended–a sign that strengthening the bonds of brotherhood can extend well beyond the lodge room.

Washington Lodge holds mentoring and social time for new and established brothers every Sunday night, year-round.

“Sometimes we do ritual practice, or we sit in a circle and discuss things,” Steve said. “It doesn’t only have to be Masonic related. Someone may be going through something and want to talk to others. If someone has a concern in life or with the fraternity, that’s the place to bring it up.”

That commitment to mentoring is reflected in the lodge’s growing membership, which now numbers about 130, including five new members over the past year. The lodge has raised 11 Master Masons over the past three years.

Steve said the goal isn’t simply to add names to the membership roster, but to develop brothers who want to be involved and help the lodge grow.

“I want to continue growing our membership, but not too fast,” he said.

“If you bring in guys too quickly and don’t mentor them, you do not get good members. Mentoring doesn’t stop when you’re raised. You are someone’s mentor for life. There’s so much we can offer men who join our organization besides words and handshakes.”

Washington Lodge meets in a large space in the auditorium of the Valley of Bloomsburg building. During rituals, special lighting and backdrops help transform the space and make the experience more memorable for members.

Steve is grateful that the lodge’s Past Masters embrace new ideas, particularly as Washington Lodge works to strengthen its membership with an aging Masonic population. At a Past Masters meeting in the fall, lodge officers established fundraising and membership goals for the coming year.

“We have a great group of guys, and they are open to and support our changes,” Steve said. “Having goals helps the lodge be more cohesive, and we check in on our progress at every meeting.”

Brother Ralph Herrold, P.M., has been a member of Washington Lodge for 39 years. During that time, the 77-year-old witnessed plenty of change, including the loss of longtime members. Today, he is encouraged by the addition of younger members who are active and eager to contribute.

The lodge’s current leadership reflects that shift, with the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden all in their 30s or 40s.

“We’ve had a lot of good Masters, and the group now is younger than most of the Masters were, but they are top notch,” Ralph said.

“I personally think we have the best group of people in the lodge than ever before. There are new ideas to get the brotherhood involved and good camaraderie. Steve’s also doing a lot for families, inviting wives and children to attend different activities. It makes you feel at home.”