The Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association (MRA) is not a motorcycle club (MC) in the traditional sense but a fellowship of Masons who ride motorcycles, bonded by their shared love for the craft and the open road. Its purpose is deeply rooted in brotherhood, charity, and strengthening Masonic connections. However, as a former leader in several organizations and a passionate advocate for innovation and unity, I believe it’s time for the Widows Sons MRA to evolve further by creating a national remote chapter that serves Masonic “dead zones” like Utah.
The Challenge of Dead Zones
In states like Utah, where the total number of Freemasons is relatively small—estimated at around 1,350 to 2,000 members—sustaining a local chapter of the Widows Sons becomes challenging. Of those Masons, an even smaller percentage are motorcycle enthusiasts, making it nearly impossible to establish traditional chapters with robust membership. By comparison, regions back East often have more Masons in a single city than Utah has statewide, leading to vibrant and active chapters there.
For Masons in Utah and similar areas, the absence of local chapters can leave motorcycle-riding brethren feeling isolated, disconnected, and unable to fully participate in the camaraderie that the Widows Sons offers.
Technology: A Solution for Unity
In today’s digital age, we have tools that our forefathers could never have imagined. Video conferencing, social media, and group communication platforms make it possible to create a national chapter that operates remotely while still fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. Such a chapter could serve as a “catch-all” for brethren in dead zones like Utah, where traditional chapters struggle to form.
This approach would allow members to participate in virtual meetings, plan events across state lines, and collaborate with brethren in surrounding states and even neighboring countries. While physical meetups and rides would still require coordination, the virtual chapter could act as a hub, ensuring that no Mason feels left out because of geography.
Advantages of a National Remote Chapter
- Inclusivity: A national remote chapter would welcome brethren from areas with low Masonic or Widows Sons membership, creating a stronger sense of unity.
- Cross-State Collaboration: Members could connect with riders in neighboring states or regions, fostering inter-jurisdictional friendships.
- Preserving Traditions: Virtual meetings could incorporate Masonic traditions, maintaining the ethos of the Widows Sons while adapting to modern realities.
- Event Coordination: Planning national or regional rides and events becomes more streamlined when members can communicate easily in a centralized virtual chapter.
Building the Remote Chapter
Establishing a remote chapter would require careful planning and organization. Steps might include:
- Creating a secure online platform for communication and meetings, such as a private Discord server or a dedicated app.
- Setting clear guidelines for membership, participation, and governance to maintain the integrity of the Widows Sons and Masonic principles.
- Identifying regional coordinators to facilitate meetups and events in specific areas, ensuring that the virtual chapter still has a physical presence when needed.
- Collaborating with Grand Lodges to ensure the chapter operates within Masonic regulations.
The Utah Vision
For Utah, this remote chapter would be transformative. It would connect the few motorcycle-riding Masons in the state with brethren across the nation and even internationally. The sense of isolation many feel in these dead zones would be replaced with the camaraderie and support that is central to Freemasonry.
As someone who has experienced both the power of community and the loneliness of ideological or geographical isolation, I see this as a necessary step forward. Whether you are in the bustling lodges of the East Coast or the quieter halls of Utah, our bonds as Masons are universal.
Conclusion
The Widows Sons MRA is uniquely positioned to leverage modern technology to bridge gaps and unite brethren across even the most remote areas. By establishing a national remote chapter, we can ensure that all motorcycle-riding Masons, regardless of location, have a home within the Widows Sons. This is not just a call to action for Utah but a vision for the future of Masonic fellowship worldwide.
Let us remember, as Freemasons and Widows Sons, that our mission is to build and strengthen bonds—whether in person or through the tools of the 21st century.
Citations
- Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association Official Website. "About the Widows Sons." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.widowssons.com
- Utah Grand Lodge Statistics. "Membership Data, 2024." Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.utahgrandlodge.org
- Masonic Ties. "Freemasonry in the Digital Age." Published February 2023. https://www.masonicties.org
No comments:
Post a Comment