Filling Chairs, Rebuilding the Lodge

In the fall of 2023, Bethel Lodge No. 761 in Bethel Park was struggling to regain its footing in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier that July, the lodge had suffered the loss of its Worshipful Master, and both the Senior and Junior Wardens subsequently stepped down. With these key leadership positions left vacant, the lodge faced the very real possibility of going dark. Brother Warren Roberts, P.M., recalls receiving an urgent letter from Treasurer Brother Jim Jenkins, calling on members for help.

In September, Brother Robert Slater (then-District Deputy Grand Master), called an emergency meeting. The first step was reaching out to members and Past Masters to determine who might be willing to step forward and serve as officers.

At that time, Warren agreed to serve a second time as Worshipful Master. He had previously served in the role in 1994. Brother Jim Barnhart, P.M., accepted the position of Senior Warden, while Brother Larry Martin stepped into the role of Junior Warden. This ensured the lodge’s stability ahead of the election of officers for the 2024 Masonic year.

“You can’t even open a meeting without at least one of these officers present,” Warren said. “We knew we had a lot of work to do to get caught back up just refreshing our ritual work and practicing the conferral of degrees.”

Robert and current District Deputy Grand Master Gerald A. McGrew, Jr., were supportive of the plan to rebuild the lodge and restore its vitality, rather than pursue a merger with another lodge in the district.

“I remember thinking, ‘Bethel Lodge will not go dark on my watch,’” Warren said. “We all shared that same commitment. For the good of the order and for our community, we were determined to fight our way back.”

Three years later, the lodge has done more than simply survive – it has thrived. Warren and others credit their success to open and consistent communication, restoration of ritualistic work, weekly meetings focused on Masonic education, steady growth in membership, extensive renovations to the lodge hall and a strong, visible presence in the community.

Major renovations to the lodge hall included fresh paint, new energy-efficient LED lighting and a deep cleaning of the floor. These upgrades were funded through donations from the floor officers and have enabled the lodge to begin renting the Bethel Masonic Hall for events such as birthday parties and weddings, generating an important new source of income.

The lodge moved the stated meeting to the first Saturday morning of the month and introduced pre-meeting breakfasts to strengthen fellowship opportunities.

Members were encouraged to look within their personal circles for potential new candidates. To reengage both inactive and current members, the lodge began distributing a monthly newsletter highlighting upcoming events and activities.

A newly raised brother, John Baldridge, who works in information technology, agreed to develop a lodge website and establish a Facebook presence to increase visibility. In February 2024, the lodge experienced what Warren described as an “emotional moment” when it conferred its first degree in 23 months.

Over the past two years, Bethel Lodge has demonstrated a renewed commitment to service and community engagement by hosting four blood drives and three food

drives. Members have participated twice in both the Bethel Park Memorial Day parade and Community Day.

The lodge has raised 12 Master Masons; presented four Master Pillar Awards, four 50-year Service Awards and one 70-year Service Award; and has taken part in a Liberty Tree planting. Looking ahead, the lodge is seeking additional fundraising opportunities to support major projects, including replacing the roof and furnace.
Warren emphasized that none of this progress would have been possible without the dedication and support of countless individuals and brethren committed to service.

“We’re in good shape now, but there is still work to be done,” he said. “We need new members as well as continued involvement from our current ones. Everyone knows someone who is a good person who would make a good Mason. Sometimes, all it takes is extending the invitation.

“That we’re still open and moving forward is truly an achievement,” he added. “I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together.”