174
PROCEEDINGS OF THE
1988
ship of the Masonic Fraternity and the Church. We further recommended that Mason-Clergy programs be used to disseminate information. 4. That the Area Administrator system be used to promote the Perpetual Membership Plan as an on-going program. The Wisconsin Masonic Journal, pamphlets and trestleboards should also be used to promote the plan. 5. That the required minimum for Lodge dues remain at the present level and that minimum for the degree fees be increaed. 6. That the Masonic Square and Compasses Week be a continuing program. 7. That the Masonic Organization be established for College Students based on Masonic teachings. A pilot program should be instituted on the U.W. Stevens Point campus. A set of suggested guidelines was provided. 8. That a new method of voting at the annual communication be established. We further recommended that the pac.ket for each Lodge contain three fluorescent colored cards and that voting be by holding up these cards. The committee prepared two resolutions for submission at the annual communication as directed by the Grand Master. One is to change the ritual to explain the true penalty for violating the obligation and to state that the ancient penalties as stated in the obligation are symbolic. The other deals with changing the fine levied against a Lodge for non-attendance at the annual communication. I wish to thank each member of the Long Range Planning Committee for the many hours of frank, thoughtful and thorough study and discussion of the topics presented for consideration. Our fraternity is indeed fortunate to have such devoted members." CONCLUSION According to membership records and the average age of members, a concise report of the condition of Freemasonry could be summed up in one word - terminal! We must look beyond the obvious! The silver lining in this dark cloud of declining membership is that the Masonic Fraternity will be forced to adapt itself through innovative thought. An organization that has existed as long as this one has, must have faced many difficult situations. It is self evident that those problems were solved. I am confident that we will meet and defeat the problems of 20th century Freemasonry. We have read of many innovative programs from various jurisdictions. If leadership is forthcoming from our Grand Lodge officers, cooperation from our committees and understanding from our brothers, there is no problem that cannot be reversed. Fraternally submitted, C. ALEXANDER, Chairman
TERRY