From 2020 through to 2023 the whole world experienced the most significant “public health emergency of international concern” in living memory. As with many walks of life, Freemasonry, and therefore Clerestory Lodge, was greatly affected.
As a Lodge, having passed through a tricky period of lockdowns and cancelled meetings we are proud of how we have developed since then. We are glad to share both how we dealt with the pandemic and its effect upon our Freemasonry, as well as how we have reestablished the regular meeting of Clerestory, with lessons learned from a unique and challenging period in our history.
How did Clerestory deal with COVID-19?
The biggest change Clerestory Lodge witnessed, in the context of adjusting Lodge activities in response to Coronavirus, was the extent to which Brethren embraced the use of modern technology. This involved conducting virtual meetings using Zoom, as well as the establishment of a Lodge social media group and website. The use of social media and web-based technology has been encouraged by both Metropolitan Grand Lodge (MetGL) and UGLE, and proved an effective tool to maintain engagement with Brethren during (and since) the pandemic.
In September 2020, to comply with instructions from MetGL, a formalised meeting was convened. This was attended by the maximum possible number of Brethren and proved to be the only physical meeting held that year. At subsequent meetings, including a social occasion in lieu of the December 2020 installation meeting, the Brethren and their partners were able to meet and enjoy one another’s company over Zoom. It was not until the summer of 2021, as lockdown restrictions relaxed, that normality began to be reintroduced into Clerestory Lodge meetings. Our regular June meeting was rearranged for July and, to catch up, an additional meeting was held in early August 2021, followed by our regular meetings in September and December 2021. All these meetings were arranged to comply with the COVID guidelines applicable at the time.
There never will be a substitute for regular face-to-face meetings, which are necessary for the continued wellbeing and support that such a fraternal Brotherhood requires. However, this period proved that Freemasonry can thrive in the exceptional and challenging circumstances that existed at the time.
What did we learn?
Since the COVID crisis Clerestory Lodge has been able to hold its regular meetings as usual and to catch up on lost ceremonies. It is important that we learn lessons from the unforeseen challenges COVID presented so that we can continue to thrive and build upon the remarkably strong position Clerestory Lodge found ourselves in post-pandemic.
To embrace technology 💻
Social media and the internet provide unique opportunities to keep in contact with Brethren, increasing engagement as well as providing a source of information for potential new members. Since the pandemic the Lodge has continued to use social media and the Lodge website to stay in touch, share news, and organise events. This has fostered a closer environment within the Lodge as Brethren are able to more readily share their personal good news and updates.
How close we are 🔗
One of Clerestory’s core values has grown to become how close we are as a Lodge. The pandemic enforced this feeling as every brother was looked out for by others. We are very happy that as a Lodge we are more close knit than ever before.
To be flexible 🤸🏾♂️
The uncertainty created by the pandemic meant that meetings were rescheduled and adapted, often at short notice. This helped the Lodge prepare for changing circumstances that we can experience even now, such as delayed trains or personal obstacles that might require last-minute changes to meeting positions and ritual.
Freemasonry is more relevant than ever 💡
Such a challenging period showed every brother how important it is to be part of a community. Freemasonry provides each of us with unique benefits; whether fraternal bonds, support for health and well-being, or as a framework for how to improve as a person each day. During such a period of uncertainty these simple but profound benefits became more relevant than ever, with every member of Clerestory Lodge feeling the benefits of Freemasonry in their own personal way.
Clerestory in the Post-Pandemic World
Since the pandemic, and going forward, the Lodge believes that we need to embed the lessons we learned from COVID as we adapt and embrace the modern era. Freemasonry has demonstrated that it is very capable of maximising the benefits of websites and social media. The use of such means of communication, and particularly the availability of information about the Craft, also facilitates a far wider understanding throughout the general public.
As a Lodge we have also welcomed our revitalised familiarity, knowing that each of us has their own individual needs and circumstances. Whether that is someone who prefers to keep in contact through non-technological means or having willing ceremonial stand-ins in case someone’s circumstances prevent them from attending a meeting.
Freemasonry is now much more in the public eye, largely through its charitable work, and will continue to evolve from being “a secret society” to one which is “a society with secrets”. This wider understanding of the Brotherhood will help remove much of the stigma that has dogged it in the past.
Learn about the MCF’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic here!
