Photographs by Omaid Hiwaizi
The Lodge Membership Officer (LMO) has a vital role to play in every Craft Lodge, in gathering the energy of the Lodge, forming a membership team and driving an honest review of the strengths and weaknesses of the Lodge to grow and attract new members.
The Met Membership Team have trained over 500 LMOs to great effect and all those Lodges are now well equipped to re-energize with improved prospects of attracting new members. All remaining LMOs can register for the next webinar in order to learn the seven simple steps to a successful future for your Lodge.
There is also an LMO Lodge: Lewis Lodge No 1185 is now the home in Metropolitan Grand Lodge for all LMOs. Membership is open to all LMOs. Please contact Secretary Mark Spurgeon on secretary@lewisLodge.uk to find out more.
Who are you? Ben Glazier, a member of Barbican Lodge No 8494, Hampden Lodge No 6483 and Lewis Lodge No 1185.
What have you achieved as LMO? I am the Lodge Membership Officer in the first two and proud to be supporting the relaunch of Lewis Lodge as the Special Interest Lodge for LMOs. I have applied the Met Membership Team's seven step process to create a membership team, analyse our Lodges and kickstart a process of growth. It has produced swift results. We have an engaged team of younger Masons in both Lodges who are driving change and bringing in new members.
What advice would you give to others becoming an LMO? My advice to any LMO is to follow the process, build a willing team and remember at all times that you don't have to do everything yourself. You will be supported by your team and the Metropolitan Membership Team at every step.
Who are you? Mark Goodrich, Lodge Membership Officer (LMO) and Lodge Mentor for Royal Arthur Lodge No 1360, and currently in office as Junior Deacon. Additionally, I am also a member of Hazara Lodge 4159, a specialist cigar smoking Lodge which meets at the “In and Out” Naval and Military Club, London.
What have you achieved as LMO? As LMO, I have implemented the Seven Steps within my Lodge and we now have a clear pathway for the future development of Royal Arthur Lodge. This was achieved by putting a prospective candidates WhatsApp group together and holding several functions outside of formal Masonic meetings for individuals to meet and get to know Lodge members whilst openly discussing Freemasonry in a friendly environment. I also organised a joint Christmas meal for Brethren of Royal Arthur and Hazara Lodges with potential candidates which was a great success; and I intend to continue this process again this year. Using the pathway, I have been able to bring into the Lodge three new candidates, with two more joining before our next Installation in March 2025 and several more very interested people who will be attending this year’s Christmas function.
What advice would you give to others becoming an LMO? Make use of budding and vibrant Lodge members for the position of LMO: they have the drive to build your future. Support your LMO and don’t be afraid of change. Try something new – after all, what’s the worst that could happen? I attended and greatly benefited from the training and have achieved so much throughout the process, not to mention the great people I have met along the way, including the now new brothers of Royal Arthur Lodge and Freemasonry.
Who are you? Barrie Ross-Dow, LMO for The Lodge of Unity No 69 and Hazara No 4159, which is the Cigar Special Interest Lodge.
What have you achieved as LMO? In Unity Lodge, I have organised Lodge socials for unsponsored candidates waiting to join our Lodge so they can build relationships with other members before they join. I communicate these events via our WhatsApp group and co-ordinate them to coincide with our LOIs. In Hazara, during my two years as LMO, we have grown from 16 members to 44!
What advice would you give to others becoming an LMO? Attend the LMO training, create a Lodge Membership Strategy Committee and engage younger members in what you are doing; as they are the most likely source of new initiates.
Who are you? Mark Alleyne, Fellow Craft Mason at Barbican Lodge 8494. I assist the Membership Group to find new candidates to join Barbican Lodge.
What have you achieved as LMO? One new Brother initiated in May 24. Three new candidates being initiated in September & four more in November.
What advice would you give to others becoming an LMO? Bring high energy & enthusiasm to the role. Engage in conversation about Freemasonry at every social opportunity. Invite interested candidates to come and meet your Brethren.
Who are you? Martin Ashton, of Halcyon Lodge 3546 and Chapter of Felicity 58.
What have you achieved as LMO? I was recently appointed as LMO for Halcyon following my stints as Worshipful Master and then IPM. I see maintaining a strong pipeline of interested candidates as critical in any Lodge. I look forward to attending the training given by Metropolitan Grand Lodge and learning best practice.
What advice would you give to others becoming an LMO? It’s an honour to be appointed LMO and it is a role to be taken seriously and with respect. Always remember that you are making a huge contribution to the Craft and the people you bring in as Entered Apprentices are the Worshipful Masters of tomorrow.
This article is part of the Arena Magazine, Issue 56 Winter 2024 edition.
Arena Magazine is the official magazine of the London Freemasons - Metropolitan Grand Lodge and Metropolitan Grand Chapter of London.
Read more articles in the Arena Issue 56 here.