Making good men better
Beaver Ridge Lodge #366
F & AM
7429 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Making good men better
Beaver Ridge Lodge #366
F & AM
7429 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Beaver Ridge Lodge #366
F & AM
7429 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Beaver Ridge Lodge #366
F & AM
7429 Oak Ridge Hwy.
Knoxville, TN 37931
Did you know Beaver Ridge Lodge is available to rent for special events? The lodge dining area is available for birthdays, receptions, reunions and other events for a nominal fee. Need a kitchen for your event? No problem! You can rent the kitchen, too!
Lodge Rental - $120 for 4 hours (min.) $25 for each add. hour
Lodge Rental w/kitchen - $160/4 hrs. , $20 each add. hour
For more information, or to schedule:
Beaver Ridge Lodge has four (4) cemetery plots available at Woodhaven Cemetery (Edgemoor Road). These plots are located in the Masonic section of the cemetery:
Lot 10 - Block B - Section 3 - Units 1-4
These plots can be purchased in pairs or as four lots total.
Two lots: (Lodge Members - $2,100 each) (Others - $2,300 each)
Four lots: (Lodge Members - $1,900 each) (Others - $2,300 each)
Beaver Ridge Lodge now has an online calendar for members. To use it, you'll need to provide us with your email address, and download the Google Calendar app. Send your request to beaverridgelodge@gmail.com. Once approved, we'll send you an invitation to add the Lodge Calendar to Google Calendar. The calendar is updated regularly and has reminders for upcoming lodge events. If you have Masonic events you would like to add, please contact us!
Freemasonry, with its rich history and traditions dating back centuries, has long been a bastion of brotherhood, moral teachings, and charitable endeavors. However, in recent years, the fraternity has faced a significant challenge: dwindling numbers among its membership. This phenomenon, while not unique to Freemasonry, has prompted reflection, adaptation, and renewed efforts to ensure the enduring vitality of the Craft.
Understanding the Phenomenon
The decline in membership within Freemasonry is a multifaceted issue with various contributing factors. These factors include societal changes, evolving perceptions of fraternal organizations, and shifting priorities among potential members. In an era marked by rapid technological advancement and changing social dynamics, traditional institutions like Freemasonry have encountered hurdles in attracting and retaining members.
Historical Context
To comprehend the significance of dwindling numbers within Freemasonry, it's essential to explore its historical trajectory. Freemasonry flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, with lodges proliferating across continents and attracting members from diverse backgrounds. However, as the world entered the 20th century, the landscape began to shift. Economic upheavals, world wars, and societal transformations altered the fabric of communities, impacting the trajectory of fraternal organizations like Freemasonry.
Contemporary Challenges
In the modern era, Freemasonry faces distinct challenges that contribute to the decline in membership. One such challenge is the perception of exclusivity and secrecy often associated with the fraternity. While Freemasonry upholds principles of inclusivity and openness, misconceptions persist, dissuading potential members from exploring the Craft.
Additionally, societal changes have led to shifting priorities among individuals, with leisure time often allocated to digital pursuits and immediate gratification. The commitment required by Freemasonry, which emphasizes self-improvement, philanthropy, and fraternal bonds, may seem daunting amidst the demands of contemporary life.
Adapting to Change
Acknowledging the realities of dwindling numbers, Freemasonry has embarked on a journey of adaptation and innovation. Lodges are exploring creative approaches to engage with prospective members, leveraging digital platforms, and community outreach initiatives to foster connections and dispel misconceptions. Moreover, efforts to modernize lodge practices, streamline administrative processes, and enhance the overall member experience are underway, ensuring relevance in the 21st century.
Embracing the Future
While the concept of dwindling numbers presents formidable challenges, it also offers opportunities for reflection and revitalization within Freemasonry. By embracing inclusivity, transparency, and adaptability, the fraternity can transcend historical boundaries and resonate with a new generation of seekers.
Moreover, the enduring principles of Freemasonry – brotherly love, relief, and truth – remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago. Through steadfast commitment to these principles and a spirit of innovation, Freemasonry can navigate the complexities of the modern world while safeguarding its timeless traditions.
Conclusion
The concept of dwindling numbers within Freemasonry underscores the need for introspection, adaptation, and renewed dedication to the Craft's principles. By fostering an inclusive and dynamic community, Freemasonry can navigate the challenges of the 21st century while preserving its rich heritage for generations to come. As the fraternity looks towards the future, it does so with optimism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the timeless values that define Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins back to the medieval stonemasons' guilds. It has evolved over the centuries into a global society of men who come together based on shared principles and values. Freemasonry is characterized by its symbolic rituals, allegorical teachings, and the cultivation of moral and intellectual virtues. While the exact practices and customs may vary across different Masonic jurisdictions, there are several key tenets that are generally upheld by Freemasons worldwide.
1. Brotherly Love: Freemasonry promotes a spirit of fellowship and unity among its members. It emphasizes the idea that all Masons are brothers, regardless of their differences in background, nationality, or social status. Masons are expected to treat one another with respect, kindness, and tolerance.
2. Relief: Freemasonry encourages its members to engage in charitable activities and acts of kindness. Masonic lodges often undertake philanthropic initiatives, supporting various causes such as education, healthcare, disaster relief, and community development. The principle of relief extends not only to fellow Masons but also to the wider community.
3. Truth: Freemasons seek truth and knowledge through intellectual inquiry and personal development. The organization places importance on the pursuit of moral and philosophical truths, fostering an environment that encourages learning, reflection, and critical thinking.
4. Morality: Freemasonry promotes the cultivation of moral and ethical values in its members. It advocates the practice of virtues such as honesty, integrity, humility, and compassion. The organization aims to instill these values to guide individuals in their personal lives, interactions with others, and contributions to society.
5. Temperance: Freemasonry encourages individuals to exercise self-control and moderation in all aspects of life. This includes the moderation of one's passions, emotions, and desires, as well as the responsible use of resources and the avoidance of excesses.
6. Secrecy: Freemasonry is often associated with a degree of secrecy, which is primarily intended to create an atmosphere of privacy and preserve the symbolic aspects of its rituals. However, this secrecy is not meant to conceal malicious or harmful intentions but rather to maintain the integrity and solemnity of Masonic traditions.
7. Tolerance: Freemasonry promotes an atmosphere of tolerance and respect for diverse religious, cultural, and ideological beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and freedom of thought, allowing members to hold their own personal religious or philosophical convictions while encouraging them to seek common ground and foster understanding.
8. Symbolism: Freemasonry employs symbolism extensively in its rituals and teachings. Masonic symbols are used to convey moral and philosophical lessons, serving as tools for self-discovery and personal growth. Through the study and interpretation of symbols, Freemasons strive to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their place in the world, and their relationship with others.
These tenets serve as guiding principles for Freemasonry, shaping the behavior, values, and actions of its members. However, it is important to note that Freemasonry is a complex and multifaceted institution, and its practices and interpretations can vary across different Masonic jurisdictions and lodges.