A Shared Path for our Future 

Dear Brethren and Companions,

Many of you may have already heard whispers of Building Together. If it’s new to you, I’m delighted to introduce it as a supportive hand to help our Lodges and Chapters truly flourish.

Over the past few months, we’ve worked carefully to bring the best of the Craft’s Members’ Pathway and the Royal Arch’s Archway into one harmonious space. The result is a single, clear collection of guidance designed to benefit us all, regardless of the apron we wear.

By the Members, For the Members

It is important to share that Building Together isn’t a set of rules being handed down to you, nor is it a requirement being imposed. Instead, think of it as a community treasure chest of practical ideas. These insights are drawn directly from the real-life successes of our fellow members—simple ways to boost engagement, make our meetings more enjoyable, and ensure our growth is both steady and meaningful.

Moving Forward Together

The entire East Lancashire Senior Team is wholeheartedly behind this initiative. That said, if your Lodge or Chapter is already finding success with the current Pathway or Archway materials, please don’t feel you need to rush or change what is working today.

We simply invite you to explore the new Building Together resources over the coming year. You’ll find much of it feels like a reassuringly familiar friend, just refined to better serve our shared future.

Discover the Shape Hub

Within the Shape Hub, you’ll find a collection of friendly, easy-to-read guides—most are just a couple of pages long. These aren’t just documents; they are tried-and-tested ideas designed to help your Lodge or Chapter thrive in two meaningful ways:

• Refining Your Vision: We’ll help you look at your Lodge or Chapter with fresh eyes. By creating a unique “Profile,” you can better understand who you are and, more importantly, identify the kind of people who would truly love to join your specific circle of friends.

• Building Your Future: We provide the tools to create a “Membership Action Plan.” Think of this as a shared roadmap to help inspire your members and breathe new energy into growing your numbers together.

Welcoming New Faces: The Attract Hub

The Attract Hub is a special space for our Lodges, filled with inspiring ways to reach out to those who haven’t yet discovered the joy of Freemasonry. It’s all about sharing our story and inviting others to consider starting their own journey with us.

Inside, you’ll also find thoughtful guidance on turning the interview process into a genuinely positive experience—a comfortable, two-way conversation that leaves every potential candidate feeling valued and inspired.

While our Lodge Membership Officers and Secretaries will find these resources particularly helpful, this is a wonderful opportunity for all members to lend a hand and share what they love about our Craft

Continuing the Adventure: The Continue Hub

For our Chapters, the Continue Hub serves a special purpose. While its goals are similar to those of the Attract Hub, it focuses on our favorite audience: our Brethren in the Craft. It’s all about helping them take that natural next step in their Masonic journey.

This resource is designed to help Chapters and Lodges work hand-in-hand. You’ll find thoughtful advice on welcoming new Companions, making the interview feel like a friendly chat, and ensuring every Brother’s first steps into the Royal Arch are filled with excitement and positivity.

The Right Home for Every Companion

One of the most important gifts we can give a new member is helping them find the perfect fit. Success isn’t just about growing our own specific Chapter; it’s about ensuring a Brother joins a Chapter that truly suits his life—considering the meeting nights, the unique “feel” of the group, and his own circumstances. Sometimes, that means recommending a Chapter other than our own, and that’s a wonderful act of fraternal support.

We Are All Ambassadors

While our Scribe Es and Membership Officers will lead the way, the beauty of the Royal Arch is something we can all share. We invite every Companion to be a warm ambassador for the Chapter within their Craft Lodges—sharing your passion and showing our Brethren just how much more there is to discover.

Nurturing Our Friendships: The Engage Hub

Once we’ve welcomed a new Brother or Companion into our circle, our journey together truly begins. The Engage Hub is filled with many ways to ensure every member’s experience is as rich and fulfilling as the day they first joined.

Think of this Hub as a guide to keeping the “spark” alive within our Lodges and Chapters. It offers wonderful resources to support us all, including:

• Heartfelt Mentoring: Gentle, expert advice on walking alongside a newer member.

• Finding Your Voice: Encouraging ways for everyone to play a part in our shared work.

• Our Shared Story: Fascinating resources to dive deeper into our history and traditions.

• The Next Step: Helpful guidance for Lodges as they encourage Brethren toward the Royal Arch.

• A Fraternal Hand: Kind support for those who may need to find a new Masonic home—perhaps due to a house move—ensuring they stay part of our family, wherever they are.

A Shared Responsibility

While our Mentors and Almoners naturally take the lead here, creating an engaging and warm environment is something we can all do. From our Secretaries and DCs to every individual member, we each play a vital role in making our Lodge or Chapter a place where every person feels truly valued and at home.

The Respond Hub

Sometimes, a Brother or Companion may feel a little disconnected, and the Respond Hub is here to help us listen and reach out with a kind heart. It’s all about spotting those early signs of quiet dissatisfaction—not as a process, but as an act of genuine care—so we can support our members before they feel their only option is to step away.

If a member does share that they are considering leaving, this Hub offers a gentle way to navigate those conversations. Our goal is always to see if we can resolve the concern together, or perhaps help them find a different Lodge or Chapter that better fits their current life and needs.

A Fresh Chapter: Alternative Futures

The Respond Hub also offers an inspiring look at how a Lodge or Chapter can “refresh” itself. If you feel it’s time for a new direction to make your meetings even more vibrant and engaging, you’ll find wonderful guidance here on how to embrace a more exciting future together.

Our Shared Strength

While our Almoners, Secretaries, and Scribe Es often lead these delicate conversations, the Director of Ceremonies and every single member have a voice in shaping our ‘Alternative future.