Recommendations from the Freemasons Future Recovery Team

Brethren,

Freemasons Victoria continues to cautiously plan for the re-opening of Masonic Centres and Lodges in 2021.

The Board of General Purposes met last night (Thursday 12 November) to consider the unanimous recommendations of the Freemasons Future Recovery Team (FFRT).

The decision to have all Masonic Centres closed until at least 31 December 2020, continues. Subject to the announcement of Government restrictions over the coming months, it is hoped to adopt a three-stage approach:

Stage 1
1 January – 31 January 2021.
Prepare Masonic Centres for re-opening, subject to thorough guidelines to be published in a FV Manual to be released prior to Christmas 2020.

Stage 2
1 February 2021.
Masonic Centres and Lodges can re-open for administrative and educational purposes only, subject to strict observance of Government regulations, and our own additional precautions.

Stage 3
Date to be announced (with hopes to be as early as 1 March 2021).
Lodges resuming some ritual, subject to distancing and other regulations. The FV Ritual and Ceremonial Committee is currently considering what ritual will be able to take place, and any modifications that might be required.

In the meantime, Lodges are encouraged to hold social gatherings at outside or commercial locations. It is only ten weeks to the start of February, and it is important that as many of our members be involved socially, especially across the festive season. It is also time for Lodges to be in contact with applicants/candidates, and for these men to be warmly welcomed to social gatherings. We need to tell them how keen we are for their involvement in the time ahead; we want to give them the best possible Masonic experience in 2021 and forward.

Our approach is cautious. All dates are subject to confirmation. Given that the average age of our membership is 68, and that many of our members are in the vulnerable health category, we continue to put the wellbeing of them and their families as our top priority. It is going to be an exciting time in 2021 as Masonic friends begin to see each other again in person. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to responsibly return to Lodge.

Fraternally,