A Blueprint for Preservation: How the New Masonic Training Program Helps Lodges

The Grand Lodge Committee on Halls, Temples and Lodge Rooms is responsible for the stewardship, preservation and enhancement of Masonic buildings and properties throughout the state. Chaired by Brother Joseph M. Jensen, Past District Deputy Grand Master, Lodge No. 3, the committee introduced a new initiative this year focused on providing training and support for Hall and Temple associations in the effective management of lodge-owned real estate. Developed in collaboration with the Masonic Education Committee, the training program will offer guidance on preventive maintenance planning, insurance, leasing, health and safety practices and other key aspects of property stewardship.

In years past, lodges seeking to purchase or sell property often worked with their District Deputy Grand Master through the transition process, though no formalized process existed.

The new initiative provides lodges with additional education and guidance to help them effectively market, maintain and preserve the structural integrity of their buildings independently.

“I currently have several lodges working on upgrades to ramps and elevators to address accessibility needs,” Joe said. “I guide them through each step of the process by reviewing their plans and ensuring compliance with state regulations. Once my team has evaluated the proposal, we determine the best course of action and work with the lodges to implement our recommendations. This allows many of the smaller details to be handled at the committee level.”

Under the new guidelines, lodge renovation projects exceeding $7,500 must now be formally presented to the committee to ensure all aspects of the project — from permitting requirements to contractor bids — are properly reviewed and in order, Joe said.

Over the years, Joe added, Grand Master Brink has traveled extensively throughout the state, visiting Masonic properties to assess their condition firsthand, identify maintenance concerns and evaluate whether buildings and facilities are being utilized to their fullest potential.

With those observations in mind, the Committee on Halls, Temples and Lodge Rooms developed a series of training modules designed to help lodges make informed decisions regarding the care, management and long-term sustainability of their buildings. The program focuses on five key areas:

• Building and Equipment Needs: Guides lodges in evaluating the condition of their facilities and developing comprehensive five-year plans for current and future renovations and repairs.
• Capital Budgeting: Addresses both short- and long-term projects identified through building assessments and provides guidance on obtaining competitive bids for larger-scale renovations. As part of this initiative, Grand Master Brink has encouraged “Lodges Helping Lodges”– asking financially strong lodges to consider assisting other lodges facing major building-related expenses such as roof replacements, boiler or HVAC upgrades, or damage caused by fire or flooding.
• Commercial Management: Focuses on event rentals, tenant leases and related financial and liability considerations.

“We want every building to be attractive and functional enough that someone would want to host an event there,” Joe said. “Associations can learn how to market and manage their own facilities. Since many cannot afford a professional management company, we want to provide them with the skills to do it themselves.”

• Insurance Planning: Explains the insurance review process and emphasizes the importance of reassessing older buildings every two to three years to ensure they are protected against fire, water damage and other events.
• Tax Assessment: Provides guidance on applying for available state tax exemptions. For example, buildings used exclusively for lodge purposes, without commercial tenants, may qualify for tax-exempt status, Joe said.

A former project manager and current management consultant with extensive experience in facility assessment and maintenance, Joe brings a strong professional background to the committee. The 14-member committee is composed of individuals with specialized expertise in legal, insurance, building assessment, engineering, fire, ADA code compliance and more.

Joe and his team trained the regional instructors in May on various topics including financial strategies to help lodges strengthen fundraising efforts and build savings for future capital improvements. They, in turn, will conduct trainings within their respective regions between June and December 2026.

As part of their responsibilities, the instructors will gather key information, including tax exemption status, the most recent building assessment, the latest insurance assessment and the most recent review of temple and hall association bylaws.

Following that, regional instructors will collect feedback from temple and hall associations across the state to be used for evaluating the program and improving future training sessions.

“The primary focus of this Grand Master’s administration is education,” Joe said.

“Many of these buildings are generations old, and responsibility is often passed from one hall association chairman to the next. Over time, important practices such as property re-assessment can be overlooked. One of our key objectives is to reinvigorate the hall associations — encouraging them to take an active role in maintaining their facilities while preserving the integrity of these historic structures.”