How, it's easy to wonder, can a brand-new lodge have traditions?

Quite simply, because they're suggested by our members and begun - thus, at the outset, becoming our (hopefully) long-held traditions!

Here are a few:

• Officers will not be in a progressive line. We recognize that some Brethren will have more time to devote to the activities of the lodge while others will not. Accordingly, those who take an office should plan to stay in that position until someone else comes along who wants it. Should anyone wish to progress to Master in the customary manner, they need simply make their intentions known at an officers' meeting at which time the progression formula will be agreed upon. We know that while many would want to become Master of this terrific lodge, not all would be able to devote the time necessary to ensure its smooth functioning (likely far more effort than that of the typical community lodge) so having continuity of office over time is felt - for now - to be the best approach.
• The officers will wear a blue sash of their office. The Maine Masonic Text Book, 17th Ed., (2002) Pg. 151 reads as follows: "Formerly, an officer of a lodge was required to wear a blue sash: and, according to ancient usage, a sash is a part of the clothing of an officer, but, in this State, he may wear one or not as he sees fit: it is recommended that Marshals wear them, whether the officers do or not."
• In order to allow as many Brethren as possible to accommodate their lunch hour allowance from their jobs, grace will be a personal matter and everyone is encouraged to acknowledge the Great Creator in their own way before partaking.
• The Junior Warden is responsible for the superintendence of the Craft when we are not at labor and accordingly is given the obligation to immediately intervene should lodge charity become appropriate. To this end, upon his installation into office, he is given a sum of money to spend (or not) as he and he alone sees fit in the furtherance of the lodge's goal of - specifically - caring. No reports as to his faithful performance of this duty are required and we rely on the good judgment of this worthy Brother to 'do the right thing'.

These are just a few of the things we'll be instituting as 'Lodge Traditions'. Do you have some we should add? Let us know!