Dues
The Meeting of June 24, 1862 records that annual dues were five dollars.
The timely collection of dues was as common a problem in the 1800's as it is today. For example, in the Meeting of September 1, 1865 (which was the first meeting at which Wor. Bro. Wm. Mostyn assumed his new duties as Treasurer of the Lodge), Wor. Bro. Mostyn moved "that all those who are in arrears be notified that if not paid by next regular meeting notice will be given to Grand Lodge of their suspension". The motion carried, apparently without objection. The same motion was repeated at the Meeting of December 29, 1865. At the meeting of February 12, 1870 the following entry was made:
Moved by Bro. Watson and seconded by Bro. G. Northrup that any person who shall be two years in arrears for dues on the 13th of May, 1870 be suspended and that the Secretary notify the Brethren of the resolution. Carried.
As an aside, in the Meeting of September 1, 1865, it is reported that "Bro. Mostyn applied for demit in person". On December 29, 1865, "Bro. Mostyn gave notice that he would resign the office of Treasurer and that the ballot be taken at next regular meeting to elect another to fill the office". On February 23, 1866, Bro. Mostyn withdrew this motion. On June 22, 1866, Bro. Mostyn was elected Wor. Master of the Lodge for the ensuing year. In light of this waffling, there is at least a question raised about what was going on at this time. While Bro. Mostyn had distinguished himself on numerous occasions as being a man of prudence and intellect, in light of this sequence of events, one has to wonder whether in fact Bro. Mostyn did not perhaps share some of the stubbornness which had characterized some of the other members of the Lodge. Undoubtedly there was some motivating factor behind these shifts in direction by Bro. Mostyn; and, we can expect that the nature of same would have been rather sensitive, in view of the fact that nothing directly on point is recorded in the Minutes.
On February 23, 1866, "A letter from Bro. Tennant was read stating the he owed the Lodge nothing and requesting his demit". A committee was appointed to examine the books in reference to Bro. Tennant's deficiency. This event was likely the tip of some friction between Bro. Tennant and the Lodge.
On October 19, 1866 a motion was duly made, seconded and carried that "former members of this Lodge wishing for readmission will have to pay joining fees". To this point in the Lodge's history, there had been a number of demits applied for and granted. Perhaps some of those demits were made in haste, and then certain of the brethren sought readmission. This motion was clearly intended to target the hasty thinker. However, the punishment was not too great, since at the meeting of December 21, 1866, the "joining fee" levied upon Bro. R. Watson was $3.00. It appears that at that time, the standard Initiation Fee was $20 (see Minutes of February 15, 1867).
The timely collection of dues was as common a problem in the 1800's as it is today. For example, in the Meeting of September 1, 1865 (which was the first meeting at which Wor. Bro. Wm. Mostyn assumed his new duties as Treasurer of the Lodge), Wor. Bro. Mostyn moved "that all those who are in arrears be notified that if not paid by next regular meeting notice will be given to Grand Lodge of their suspension". The motion carried, apparently without objection. The same motion was repeated at the Meeting of December 29, 1865. At the meeting of February 12, 1870 the following entry was made:
Moved by Bro. Watson and seconded by Bro. G. Northrup that any person who shall be two years in arrears for dues on the 13th of May, 1870 be suspended and that the Secretary notify the Brethren of the resolution. Carried.
As an aside, in the Meeting of September 1, 1865, it is reported that "Bro. Mostyn applied for demit in person". On December 29, 1865, "Bro. Mostyn gave notice that he would resign the office of Treasurer and that the ballot be taken at next regular meeting to elect another to fill the office". On February 23, 1866, Bro. Mostyn withdrew this motion. On June 22, 1866, Bro. Mostyn was elected Wor. Master of the Lodge for the ensuing year. In light of this waffling, there is at least a question raised about what was going on at this time. While Bro. Mostyn had distinguished himself on numerous occasions as being a man of prudence and intellect, in light of this sequence of events, one has to wonder whether in fact Bro. Mostyn did not perhaps share some of the stubbornness which had characterized some of the other members of the Lodge. Undoubtedly there was some motivating factor behind these shifts in direction by Bro. Mostyn; and, we can expect that the nature of same would have been rather sensitive, in view of the fact that nothing directly on point is recorded in the Minutes.
On February 23, 1866, "A letter from Bro. Tennant was read stating the he owed the Lodge nothing and requesting his demit". A committee was appointed to examine the books in reference to Bro. Tennant's deficiency. This event was likely the tip of some friction between Bro. Tennant and the Lodge.
On October 19, 1866 a motion was duly made, seconded and carried that "former members of this Lodge wishing for readmission will have to pay joining fees". To this point in the Lodge's history, there had been a number of demits applied for and granted. Perhaps some of those demits were made in haste, and then certain of the brethren sought readmission. This motion was clearly intended to target the hasty thinker. However, the punishment was not too great, since at the meeting of December 21, 1866, the "joining fee" levied upon Bro. R. Watson was $3.00. It appears that at that time, the standard Initiation Fee was $20 (see Minutes of February 15, 1867).
On September 17, 1869 the following appears:
The audit committee report that owing to the state of the books, are not able to make a report without some information in regards to them, and request that the secretary by added to the committee and report at next regular meeting. Which request was complied with. It was moved by Bro. Watson and Seconded by Bro. Henderson that every member of this Lodge have a statement of their dues sent to them. Carried.Bookkeeping was not something which was without its troubles in the early history of the Lodge. Aside from one suggestion of financial impropriety before this date (1869), there were several occasions on which it appeared that the keeping of records was less than desirable. However, at the meeting of October 16, 1869 "the Committee appointed to audit the books report them correct and that there was $136.02 on hand on June 24".
At the meeting of March 19, 1875, it is reported that, "An Emergency Communication was ordered for Tuesday evening the 30th March at 8 o'clock for the purpose of considering the propriety of raising the Initiation Fees and discussing the financial affairs of the Lodge". A post scriptum to that meeting states, "The Emergency called at the above meeting did not take place as when reference to the By Laws it was found that such meeting would be illegal".
On June 18, 1875, "The Secretary was instructed to notify members one year and upwards in arrears to appear to give reasons why those dues are not paid". At the meeting of September 10th next, the names of all delinquent Brethren were read in open Lodge; certain of the delinquents (who had responded to the demand to appear to show cause why they should not be suspended) were given until January 1, 1876 to pay the arrears; the others were suspended. On December 10, 1875, "A letter was received from Bro. G. Campbell stating that he did not receive the summons which was issued for him last August until the 3rd of this month, and prayed that the Lodge would reconsider their action for his non-attendance or answering the same". The petition of Bro. Campbell resurfaced at the next meeting on January 7, 1876 when he again wrote asking for two months to pay his dues. The extension was granted. And thus begins the long tradition of indulgence for non-payment of dues, characterized to this day by the apparent forgiving (and perhaps wiser) attitude of some of the senior members of the Lodge in particular.
The minutes of December 7, 1888 record "A communication from Bro. R. Mercer stating his inability through force of circumstances to pay his dues at the present time". A direct admission of financial difficulty is of course never easy, and in fact is the exception. However, as a method of avoiding undue attention, it is perhaps the most advisable. At this same meeting, a motion was adopted to allow the Brother another year to pay his dues.
Delinquence in payment of dues was constant. See the minutes of August 3, 1894 where a motion was made regarding those brethren who were "2 years of more in arrears".
At the meeting of May 3, 1895, it is reported that the "Board of General Purposes had examined the treasurer's books and found a large number of names in arrears for dues". Apparently there was some urgency in the matter "owing to the low state of the funds of the Lodge". Generally speaking the minutes of the Lodge disclose that non-payment of dues was not tolerated; and, the lawful process of notice, attendance to explain delinquence or suspension was not disregarded or taken lightly. For example, on May 3, 1895 the suspension of one member was rescinded since the notice had incorrectly been sent to the brother's old address, causing a delay in its delivery. Of interest also is the procedure whereby the arrears of one member were cancelled upon his having been constituted an honourary member of the Lodge.
A seemingly peculiar request surfaces in the Minutes of December 7, 1883, when a letter is read from Bro. Weeks "...asking for a refund of one half his dues for the past six years and also that a Demit be granted him". As one might expect, the request was not granted; leaving one to speculate upon the circumstances surrounding such an unusual and long-delayed request for equal apportionment of a past obligation. Yet in fact, it was not uncommon (May 1, 1891) to read such a similar request by certain brethren to have their dues reduced by one-half. And equally traditional was the passing of a motion, upon review of surrounding circumstances, to approve of such application. However, note that the minutes of February 5, 1897 disclose a rather alarmingly high arrears of dues in the amount of $291.50. It was moved that "as certain members of Mississippi Lodge for years past have been paying half dues $1.50 per year, the practice having crept into the Lodge in some way not recorded, therefore be it resolved that beginning with January 1897 every member of Mississippi Lodge be charged full dues $3.00 per year and that any resolution appearing on the minutes heretofore granting the privilege of half dues be hereby rescinded".
At the subsequent meeting of March 5, 1897 the subject of non-payment of dues even surfaced in a paper delivered by one of the Brethren on the "general principles of Masonry". It was later reported (May 7, 1897) that $60 of arrears had been collected. At that same meeting, proceedings were underway for the issuance of show-cause summons for non-payment of dues, the result of which (Emergent meeting of June 18, 1897) was the suspension of three brethren.
Delinquence in payment of dues was constant. See the minutes of August 3, 1894 where a motion was made regarding those brethren who were "2 years of more in arrears".
At the meeting of May 3, 1895, it is reported that the "Board of General Purposes had examined the treasurer's books and found a large number of names in arrears for dues". Apparently there was some urgency in the matter "owing to the low state of the funds of the Lodge". Generally speaking the minutes of the Lodge disclose that non-payment of dues was not tolerated; and, the lawful process of notice, attendance to explain delinquence or suspension was not disregarded or taken lightly. For example, on May 3, 1895 the suspension of one member was rescinded since the notice had incorrectly been sent to the brother's old address, causing a delay in its delivery. Of interest also is the procedure whereby the arrears of one member were cancelled upon his having been constituted an honourary member of the Lodge.
A seemingly peculiar request surfaces in the Minutes of December 7, 1883, when a letter is read from Bro. Weeks "...asking for a refund of one half his dues for the past six years and also that a Demit be granted him". As one might expect, the request was not granted; leaving one to speculate upon the circumstances surrounding such an unusual and long-delayed request for equal apportionment of a past obligation. Yet in fact, it was not uncommon (May 1, 1891) to read such a similar request by certain brethren to have their dues reduced by one-half. And equally traditional was the passing of a motion, upon review of surrounding circumstances, to approve of such application. However, note that the minutes of February 5, 1897 disclose a rather alarmingly high arrears of dues in the amount of $291.50. It was moved that "as certain members of Mississippi Lodge for years past have been paying half dues $1.50 per year, the practice having crept into the Lodge in some way not recorded, therefore be it resolved that beginning with January 1897 every member of Mississippi Lodge be charged full dues $3.00 per year and that any resolution appearing on the minutes heretofore granting the privilege of half dues be hereby rescinded".
At the subsequent meeting of March 5, 1897 the subject of non-payment of dues even surfaced in a paper delivered by one of the Brethren on the "general principles of Masonry". It was later reported (May 7, 1897) that $60 of arrears had been collected. At that same meeting, proceedings were underway for the issuance of show-cause summons for non-payment of dues, the result of which (Emergent meeting of June 18, 1897) was the suspension of three brethren.
Inserted inside the third Minute Book of the Lodge (beginning January 3, 1902) is a printed booklet entitled "Secretary's Annual Report - 1908". This booklet was the Secretary's summary of the "present condition of the Lodge", including membership, initiations, restorations, affiliations, resignations, ceremonial (ritual) work, number of regular and emergent meetings, deaths, finances, benevolent funds, arrears of dues and general commentary. It is of interest that the Secretary (M. H. Steele) indicated the cause of increase of arrears of dues was the abandonment of the former practice of paying dues half-yearly in advance, in the months of January and July. At a time such as the present, when the amount of dues is rising, it may be advisable to recapture the practice of a semi-annual levy. As well, the practice of an annual booklet report from the Secretary's desk might be reconsidered. If nothing else, it would provide a regular keepsake and summary of the year's activities, the memory of which all too frequently fades rapidly with the passage of time. The booklet was also used by the Secretary as a sort of podium. See, for example, a similar booklet stuck to the pages of the minutes of February 5, 1909:
Two of our members have been called to a Higher Lodge...The death of these brethren should make us all heed the note of warning, the fresh call to higher ideals and more strenuous endeavour, and add an incentive to a nobler and purer life.
Two of our members have been called to a Higher Lodge...The death of these brethren should make us all heed the note of warning, the fresh call to higher ideals and more strenuous endeavour, and add an incentive to a nobler and purer life.
The pronouncement upon the grave that awaits us all. He also alluded to the amount spent for charitable and benevolent purposes, which, he said, "is creditable to our Lodge and in accord with the principles of our Order".
As is so often the case among Masons, even the most commercial of matters can be raised from its baseness to the lofty heights of spiritualism and moralizing. Consider, by way of example, the following notice which was ordered to be served upon a number of delinquent dues payers (as found among the Minutes of February 6, 1903):
Everyone who enters a lodge by initiation or transfer enters into a solemn compact to obey the laws, and among the laws is that which fixes the sum or sums each shall Secretary's comments were not, however, limited to pay for the support of the lodge, and he who neglects or refuses to pay such dues when able to do so is violating the obligations of honor. Laggards should remember this one point, at least, that they violate their most solemn obligation in thus falling in arrears and dropping from the lodge by the n.p.d. route. If they wish to leave the Order, let them pay up and withdraw or resign membership honourably. By order of the W.M.
As is so often the case among Masons, even the most commercial of matters can be raised from its baseness to the lofty heights of spiritualism and moralizing. Consider, by way of example, the following notice which was ordered to be served upon a number of delinquent dues payers (as found among the Minutes of February 6, 1903):
Everyone who enters a lodge by initiation or transfer enters into a solemn compact to obey the laws, and among the laws is that which fixes the sum or sums each shall Secretary's comments were not, however, limited to pay for the support of the lodge, and he who neglects or refuses to pay such dues when able to do so is violating the obligations of honor. Laggards should remember this one point, at least, that they violate their most solemn obligation in thus falling in arrears and dropping from the lodge by the n.p.d. route. If they wish to leave the Order, let them pay up and withdraw or resign membership honourably. By order of the W.M.
Hardly the kind of language or action one would expect to see in today's Lodge; and most certainly a far cry from the more conciliatory approach advocated by V. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson, for example, in recent years when dealing with the same subject. The danger of such strong action is, of course, that the delinquence of most members arises not from a disregard for the lodge or their obligation, but the simple inability to pay, as became evident from correspondence which the Lodge subsequently received from certain Brethren in response to the summons.
The administration of justice at this particular time was, however, perhaps less indulgent than recent records would indicate. The records of June 2, 1905 report: "Bro. Bell being served with a M. M. Summons and receiving no reply the WM declared Bro. Bell suspended." Likewise, a motion was made and carried on October 6, 1905 that "A MM Summons be sent to Wor. Bro. Pollock & Br. Abernethy".
On May 1, 1908 a communication was received from a brother who asked that "the Lodge make a reduction in his dues as he was unable to attend the meetings". This request was abruptly met with a motion (duly carried) that "no action be taken", from which one assumes that the Lodge did not consider participation an integral ingredient to the pleasure of paying ones dues for the privilege of membership in the Order.
The meeting of September 6, 1912 betrayed a softening of the automatic suspension of members for "n.p.d." (non-payment of dues), when it was moved "that consideration of the matter be laid over until next meeting".
At the meeting of January 7, 1916 a "dues committee" was appointed (without further explanation as to why).
Following is an exact report of a letter (undated) found in the minute books of the Lodge from one Robt. Lees, Moose Jaw, Sask:
Dear Sir & Bro
I received a notice from you today and I notice you have Eight Dollars dues on it now it seems to me that I cannot be made a non resident member in your Lodge as I stated to you before I took the matter up with Bro. Boyd and I see you state in your letter of March 19/23 which I have before me that your Lodge had carried me as a full member to June 24th/23 and I would have to pay full dues and then you would bring the matter before the Lodge and have it fixed up but although I sent the money you asked for I am still asked to pay full dues now I don't intend to pay them I am willing to pay $1.50 Per year to belong to my Mother Lodge and unless you can fix it that way from my last payment which according to your letter was up to June 24th/23 you can consider me out of kindly let me know what you intend to do so I can govern myself accordingly.
The administration of justice at this particular time was, however, perhaps less indulgent than recent records would indicate. The records of June 2, 1905 report: "Bro. Bell being served with a M. M. Summons and receiving no reply the WM declared Bro. Bell suspended." Likewise, a motion was made and carried on October 6, 1905 that "A MM Summons be sent to Wor. Bro. Pollock & Br. Abernethy".
On May 1, 1908 a communication was received from a brother who asked that "the Lodge make a reduction in his dues as he was unable to attend the meetings". This request was abruptly met with a motion (duly carried) that "no action be taken", from which one assumes that the Lodge did not consider participation an integral ingredient to the pleasure of paying ones dues for the privilege of membership in the Order.
The meeting of September 6, 1912 betrayed a softening of the automatic suspension of members for "n.p.d." (non-payment of dues), when it was moved "that consideration of the matter be laid over until next meeting".
At the meeting of January 7, 1916 a "dues committee" was appointed (without further explanation as to why).
Following is an exact report of a letter (undated) found in the minute books of the Lodge from one Robt. Lees, Moose Jaw, Sask:
Dear Sir & Bro
I received a notice from you today and I notice you have Eight Dollars dues on it now it seems to me that I cannot be made a non resident member in your Lodge as I stated to you before I took the matter up with Bro. Boyd and I see you state in your letter of March 19/23 which I have before me that your Lodge had carried me as a full member to June 24th/23 and I would have to pay full dues and then you would bring the matter before the Lodge and have it fixed up but although I sent the money you asked for I am still asked to pay full dues now I don't intend to pay them I am willing to pay $1.50 Per year to belong to my Mother Lodge and unless you can fix it that way from my last payment which according to your letter was up to June 24th/23 you can consider me out of kindly let me know what you intend to do so I can govern myself accordingly.
The minutes of March 21, 1941 contain a couple of lessons of importance for Masons. An emergent telegram was read from Vancouver Masonic Service Bureau re: Bro. Henry Herbert Connery, 76 years, appealing for some financial help on behalf of his wife who was ill and in need of medical care. Apparently, Bro. Connery received the old age pension of $20 per month, and was formerly a member of Mississippi Lodge. The telegram begged the favour of immediate reply. Which is exactly what they got, but not quite as anticipated. The reply telegram from Mississippi Lodge simply read: "Re: Connery, suspended for N.P.D. Dec, 1920. Sect. Mississippi Lodge". This rather abrupt report illustrates that the exigencies of Masonry are not to be taken lightly. As is repeated annually in the General Charge, "...there is no right without a parallel duty...". If one hopes to call upon the benefit of the Lodge now or in the future, one must be prepared to meet the current demands.
Not all occasions of arrears of dues prompt a rebuke. See for example the minutes of March 6, 1942:
In accordance with Notice of Motion given at the last Regular Meeting, I move that the Lodge remit dues outstanding against Bro. George Jessop, and that a receipt for dues in full be sent to him. Signed Wor. Bro. T. Barclay. Our Wor. Master then gave the circumstances of our brother, also asked Wor. Bro. McDonald to give a few remarks; Sect also stated our brother was an old member of #147. In being put to the Lodge it was carried unanimous.
Not all occasions of arrears of dues prompt a rebuke. See for example the minutes of March 6, 1942:
In accordance with Notice of Motion given at the last Regular Meeting, I move that the Lodge remit dues outstanding against Bro. George Jessop, and that a receipt for dues in full be sent to him. Signed Wor. Bro. T. Barclay. Our Wor. Master then gave the circumstances of our brother, also asked Wor. Bro. McDonald to give a few remarks; Sect also stated our brother was an old member of #147. In being put to the Lodge it was carried unanimous.
This history of the lodge in general, and dues in particular, history of the everyday man in our society. In the minutes of January 7, 1943, the following is recorded:
In the matter of Bro. Lavone of Winnipeg who is behind in his dues owing the lodge, Sect'y stated he had now received replies from a lodge at Norwood, Manitoba, as instructed, to contact, at the Oct. 1943 regular meeting. This correspondence stated that Bro. Lavone had been visited by Wr. Bro. W. M. Summers who reported Bro. Lavone has gone thro (sic) difficulties with health as regards his family, also he himself still unable to do heavy labour, but is now working as night watchman at the Swift Canadian Co., St. Boniface.
In the matter of Bro. Lavone of Winnipeg who is behind in his dues owing the lodge, Sect'y stated he had now received replies from a lodge at Norwood, Manitoba, as instructed, to contact, at the Oct. 1943 regular meeting. This correspondence stated that Bro. Lavone had been visited by Wr. Bro. W. M. Summers who reported Bro. Lavone has gone thro (sic) difficulties with health as regards his family, also he himself still unable to do heavy labour, but is now working as night watchman at the Swift Canadian Co., St. Boniface.
Hidden within the oft-times embarrassment of dues arrears is the glimpse into the private life of a man making his way through the maze of sometimes difficult earthly undertakings. This is not, however, to suggest that financial difficulty attracted much sympathy. Even in the case of Bro. Lavone, the minutes go on to record that, "A letter form Most Wor. J. S. MacEwing, P.G. M. Manitoba also pertaining to this business, and he had suggested that Bro. Lavone who had visited him, pay up his arrears in lump sum or installments, and suggested to Bro. lavone to write and make a definate (sic) offer to adjust".
The meeting of June 24, 1949 contained notice of a motion "that the annual fees of the lodge be increased from $4.00 to $6.00 per year commencing Jan. 1, 1950".
On November 5, 1954, the following somewhat unusual matter appears:
A letter from Mr. George H. Needham of Wawa, Ont. asking for re-instatement into Mississippi Lodge after his suspension for N.P.D. in 1931. Bro. R. H. McMullan gave notice that at the regular meeting in December he would move or cause to have moved that this lodge grant restoration to George H. Needham.
There were many instances throughout the Lodge's history of concerned brethren making a plea on behalf of delinquent brethren to delay the bureaucratic process of sending a Master Mason's Summons regarding arrears of dues. In some cases, however, the matter of arrears was to the point of commanding the attention of Grand Lodge. For example, on May 3, 1957, "A letter was read from Rt. Wor. Bro. Dymond urging the lodge to take the necessary steps to try and clear the arrears of dues owing". At the same meeting, one response given was, "Secretary gave notice that at the next regular meeting he would move or cause to have moved that the arrears of dues in the case of Bro. W. E. Cunningham be remitted by the lodge". This same Notice of Motion was repeated in the notice of monthly meeting on May 31, 1957. When the matter came up for formal proposition at the meeting of June 7, 1957 (moved by the Secretary and seconded by Bro. C. H. Osborne), "After considerable discussion the W.M. put the question and the motion was lost".
The meeting of June 24, 1949 contained notice of a motion "that the annual fees of the lodge be increased from $4.00 to $6.00 per year commencing Jan. 1, 1950".
On November 5, 1954, the following somewhat unusual matter appears:
A letter from Mr. George H. Needham of Wawa, Ont. asking for re-instatement into Mississippi Lodge after his suspension for N.P.D. in 1931. Bro. R. H. McMullan gave notice that at the regular meeting in December he would move or cause to have moved that this lodge grant restoration to George H. Needham.
There were many instances throughout the Lodge's history of concerned brethren making a plea on behalf of delinquent brethren to delay the bureaucratic process of sending a Master Mason's Summons regarding arrears of dues. In some cases, however, the matter of arrears was to the point of commanding the attention of Grand Lodge. For example, on May 3, 1957, "A letter was read from Rt. Wor. Bro. Dymond urging the lodge to take the necessary steps to try and clear the arrears of dues owing". At the same meeting, one response given was, "Secretary gave notice that at the next regular meeting he would move or cause to have moved that the arrears of dues in the case of Bro. W. E. Cunningham be remitted by the lodge". This same Notice of Motion was repeated in the notice of monthly meeting on May 31, 1957. When the matter came up for formal proposition at the meeting of June 7, 1957 (moved by the Secretary and seconded by Bro. C. H. Osborne), "After considerable discussion the W.M. put the question and the motion was lost".
However, without admitting defeat on the matter, the caring nature of the brethren surfaced in yet another corollary motion: "It was moved by W. Bro. J. C. Smithson and Bro. J. Ellis that the W. M. appoint a committee to visit Bro. Cunningham with a view to finding out the full circumstances of his condition and about his being financially able to pay his arrears. Carried".
May 19, 1966: Names of brethren in arrears of dues were read by Secretary. Some discussion ensued regarding method of trying to save these memberships. Wor. Bro. Alf Hudson and Wor. Bro. R. L. Hill agreed to pay a personal call on those in immediate arrears to try and get them to pay arrears.
On the occasion of the annual visit of the D.D.G.M. to Mississippi Lodge on November 19, 1970, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell commented: "Speaking of fees and dues he wondered if the lodges generally were high enough in their fees and dues. Many lodges have had to make substantial increases in initiation fees and dues". It has been said on many occasions that the fees and dues of Mississippi Lodge are substantially below the norm.
December 17, 1970: "Secretary requested permission of lodge to purchase special envelopes as a method of more efficient collection of dues. Motion by Bro. O. J. Osborne, seconded by Wor. Bro. R. W. Mohr that secretary proceed with purchase of envelopes. Carried".
While visiting the lodge in an unofficial capacity on March 18, 1971, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell "...suggested the W.M. appoint a committee of two experienced members to interview those in arrears. If they find real cases of need he suggested their dues be remitted. Do not lose a member for a few dollars, he concluded".
On November 19, 1964, notice was given of an impending motion:
Secretary presented a report from the committee appointed to investigate lodge finances. This report showed the lodge was facing an annual deficit of $300 at the present level of dues at $6.00 per year. The committee recommended the annual dues be increased to $10.00 per year. W. Bro. R. L. Hill, a member of the committee, gave notice that at the next regular meeting, he would move, or cause to have moved, that our by-law #26 be amended to increase the annual dues to $10.00 (Part 3) and for members residing beyond the jurisdiction who are also members of another lodge the fee shall be $5.00 (Part 4).May 19, 1966: Names of brethren in arrears of dues were read by Secretary. Some discussion ensued regarding method of trying to save these memberships. Wor. Bro. Alf Hudson and Wor. Bro. R. L. Hill agreed to pay a personal call on those in immediate arrears to try and get them to pay arrears.
On the occasion of the annual visit of the D.D.G.M. to Mississippi Lodge on November 19, 1970, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell commented: "Speaking of fees and dues he wondered if the lodges generally were high enough in their fees and dues. Many lodges have had to make substantial increases in initiation fees and dues". It has been said on many occasions that the fees and dues of Mississippi Lodge are substantially below the norm.
December 17, 1970: "Secretary requested permission of lodge to purchase special envelopes as a method of more efficient collection of dues. Motion by Bro. O. J. Osborne, seconded by Wor. Bro. R. W. Mohr that secretary proceed with purchase of envelopes. Carried".
While visiting the lodge in an unofficial capacity on March 18, 1971, Rt. Wor. Bro. J. Alfred Pell "...suggested the W.M. appoint a committee of two experienced members to interview those in arrears. If they find real cases of need he suggested their dues be remitted. Do not lose a member for a few dollars, he concluded".
October 21, 1971: "Motion by Wor. Bro. D. J. McMullan, seconded by V. Wor. Bro. Alf. Hudson that reading names of brethren in arrears be deferred for one month. Bro. J. R. Cameron moved an amendment, seconded by Bro. Allan McIntosh that the deferment be for two months so that further personal contact might be made with those in arrears. The amendment carried".
On the occasion of his official visit on November 18, 1971, Rt. Wor. Bro. H. R. J. Gilbert commented regarding arrears of due and "...recommended that consideration should be given to any case where there might be financial difficulty". Again, on November 16, 1972, visiting Rt. Wor. Bro. Willing "...in his remarks talked first of arrears of dues. He suggested that before any brother was suspended for arrears a thorough study should be made to see if there was any need for assistance".
December 20, 1973: "The matter of arrears of dues was raised by a question from Bro. Rev. H. Brown asking how long a member can be in arrears before suspension. According to the by-laws action may be started after a member is in arrears for one year". And a year later (November 21, 1974), on the occasion of his official visit, Rt. Wor. Bro. Leonard W. Westwell said, "On the matter of dues arrears, he suggested the lodge take some action against those members who were far behind in their dues". It looks as though the proverbial problem of collection was not going away! On February 19, 1976, "Back to G.B. secretary made a motion that names of brethren in arrears of dues be read in open lodge at our next meeting. Seconded by Bro. Rev. Harry Brown and carried". On March 18, 1976, "At this point Secretary read names of brethren in arrears of dues for period of over two years. Motion by Wor. Bro. Graham Hudson, seconded by Wor. Bro. Lannie Phillips, that a registered letter be sent to these brethren before next meeting to show cause why they should not be suspended for non-payment of dues. Carried".
September 15, 1977: "Moved by Bro. Rev. Harry Brown and seconded by W. Bro. J. C. Smithson that a flyer including expenses to be presently incurred by the lodge with a request that any Brother so desiring might pay the next year's dues in advance or perhaps those so willing could make a donation to help defray these expenses. Carried". On October 20, 1977, "W. Bro. David McMullan approached the subject of endeavouring to raise some extra funds for the lodge through raffles, fun night or in whatever manner the brethren felt might prove successful. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the members explaining the financial situation of the lodge due to the recent heavy expenditures (new roof and insulation) and requesting a donation of $10 to help defray these recent costs. W. Bro. J. C. Smithson to look after this matter". It is poignant that at this same meeting the following comment is recorded: "Considerable discussion followed regarding the interest that was being shown as per attendance at meetings, lodge work, junior officers, etc. and general involvement in the lodge".
On the occasion of his official visit on November 18, 1971, Rt. Wor. Bro. H. R. J. Gilbert commented regarding arrears of due and "...recommended that consideration should be given to any case where there might be financial difficulty". Again, on November 16, 1972, visiting Rt. Wor. Bro. Willing "...in his remarks talked first of arrears of dues. He suggested that before any brother was suspended for arrears a thorough study should be made to see if there was any need for assistance".
December 20, 1973: "The matter of arrears of dues was raised by a question from Bro. Rev. H. Brown asking how long a member can be in arrears before suspension. According to the by-laws action may be started after a member is in arrears for one year". And a year later (November 21, 1974), on the occasion of his official visit, Rt. Wor. Bro. Leonard W. Westwell said, "On the matter of dues arrears, he suggested the lodge take some action against those members who were far behind in their dues". It looks as though the proverbial problem of collection was not going away! On February 19, 1976, "Back to G.B. secretary made a motion that names of brethren in arrears of dues be read in open lodge at our next meeting. Seconded by Bro. Rev. Harry Brown and carried". On March 18, 1976, "At this point Secretary read names of brethren in arrears of dues for period of over two years. Motion by Wor. Bro. Graham Hudson, seconded by Wor. Bro. Lannie Phillips, that a registered letter be sent to these brethren before next meeting to show cause why they should not be suspended for non-payment of dues. Carried".
September 15, 1977: "Moved by Bro. Rev. Harry Brown and seconded by W. Bro. J. C. Smithson that a flyer including expenses to be presently incurred by the lodge with a request that any Brother so desiring might pay the next year's dues in advance or perhaps those so willing could make a donation to help defray these expenses. Carried". On October 20, 1977, "W. Bro. David McMullan approached the subject of endeavouring to raise some extra funds for the lodge through raffles, fun night or in whatever manner the brethren felt might prove successful. It was suggested that a letter be sent to the members explaining the financial situation of the lodge due to the recent heavy expenditures (new roof and insulation) and requesting a donation of $10 to help defray these recent costs. W. Bro. J. C. Smithson to look after this matter". It is poignant that at this same meeting the following comment is recorded: "Considerable discussion followed regarding the interest that was being shown as per attendance at meetings, lodge work, junior officers, etc. and general involvement in the lodge".
January 21, 1982: "The matter of the amount of dues being paid by the Brethren was brought to the floor for discussion. Comparative figures presented by the W. M. as to the amount being charged by other country lodges and there was no doubt that the dues of Mississippi lodge fell far below those being charged by other lodges. A great deal of discussion was entered into concerning the charge for initiation, affiliation, yearly dues, Life Memberships and non-resident. No specific action was taken and on suggestion of the W. M. the matter was tabled till the February meeting at which time some definite figures would be established and the necessary revisions would be made".
February 18, 1982: "The matter of the revision to the by-laws regarding annual dues, etc. was brought up by the W. M. but owing to the lateness of the hour the W.M. delayed the discussion on this over until the next meeting".
April 15, 1982: "W. Bro. Jack Smithson presented a short brief on the financial status of the lodge explaining to the brethren that the dues at the present time hardly met the fixed expenses incurred for the operation of the lodge, and there was no doubt these expenses would increase in the coming year. Some discussion on the matter of an increase in annual dues was entered into, with several of the brethren expressing their views". On October 18, 1984, "V. Wor. Bro. J. Smithson reporting on the matter of Arrears of Dues informed the lodge that through the efforts of the committee about 90% of all owing arrears had been collected".
February 16, 1989: "A Motion was made by Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson that the By-laws of the Lodge be amended to permit the Lodge to set the dues annually at the commencement of each calendar year, without the necessity of having to amend the By-laws each time an increase was desired. Apparently, this is the procedure which has been adopted by at least one other Lodge of Ottawa District No. 1. After some brief discussion, Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson rescinded his Motion, on the understanding that Wor. Bro. Sec'y write to Grand Lodge to ascertain whether such a proposal would meet the approbation of Grand Lodge".
February 18, 1982: "The matter of the revision to the by-laws regarding annual dues, etc. was brought up by the W. M. but owing to the lateness of the hour the W.M. delayed the discussion on this over until the next meeting".
April 15, 1982: "W. Bro. Jack Smithson presented a short brief on the financial status of the lodge explaining to the brethren that the dues at the present time hardly met the fixed expenses incurred for the operation of the lodge, and there was no doubt these expenses would increase in the coming year. Some discussion on the matter of an increase in annual dues was entered into, with several of the brethren expressing their views". On October 18, 1984, "V. Wor. Bro. J. Smithson reporting on the matter of Arrears of Dues informed the lodge that through the efforts of the committee about 90% of all owing arrears had been collected".
February 16, 1989: "A Motion was made by Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson that the By-laws of the Lodge be amended to permit the Lodge to set the dues annually at the commencement of each calendar year, without the necessity of having to amend the By-laws each time an increase was desired. Apparently, this is the procedure which has been adopted by at least one other Lodge of Ottawa District No. 1. After some brief discussion, Vy. Wor. Bro. J. C. Smithson rescinded his Motion, on the understanding that Wor. Bro. Sec'y write to Grand Lodge to ascertain whether such a proposal would meet the approbation of Grand Lodge".
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