Masonic Question

[Senusret I]

Hi!

My job is going to be approaching a Grand Lodge to use their fellowship hall for an event for our clients. (Like a holiday banquet)

I am writing the "ask" letter but I need some help with protocol.

I want to tell them

"We enjoyed learning about your Grand Lodge as well as your subordinate lodges and chapters of the Order of the Eastern star which meet in your facility."


That doesn't sound right, though. Specifically, are they called subordinate lodges or something else. Suggestions?

[dekeguy]

There are a number of Free Masons on GC and I am sure they will chime in with good advice.
As a basic comment and in general, Grand Lodge is the headquarters of a jurisdiction (usually a state). It exercises authority over its constituent Craft Lodges (often called Blue Lodges). Often its facilities are made available to several of its Blue Lodges, and to OES chapters which are independent organizations but closely related. Also, there are "Appendant Masonic Bodies" such as Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Masonic Bodies, and other allied organizations. These typically require membership in a Blue Lodge and progression to Master Mason in order to be eligible to join. The Shrine almost always has its own facilities. A lot of Grand Lodge web pages have downloadable pamphlets which explain all of this in greater detail. Also, the United Grand Lodge of England and Wales webpage has a lot of good info.
I suppose the key points to remember are that Craft Lodges operate under authority of charters granted by their Grand Lodge. Appendant and related bodies have a different 'command' structure but are closely related.
Rather than bore you to tears with details I suggest you check out some Grand Lodge web pages. PM me if I can help further.

[Senusret I]

You're not boring me at all. Some of this stuff I knew.

For clarification, yes, we are definitely asking to "rent" space from the Grand Lodge.

When referring to the Blue Lodges that meet there, is it better for me to refer to them as Blue Lodges or just subordinate lodges in my letter?

(I feel like "Blue Lodge" is something I shouldn't use as a non-member since I don't quite know what it means or if I'm supposed to.)

[dekeguy]

Blue Lodge would not cause any heartburn. Its a generally accepted term.
Constituent Lodges might be better than subordinate lodges but not a biggie.
I don't think anyone would get bent out of shape by any thing you said as it would be obvious you are politely inquiring about rental and expressing general interest in the organization.
You might want to check on their policies regarding what is allowed and what is not. Some jurisdictions prohibit alcohol anywhere in the building. Some don't have a problem with it in social rooms. Some don't rent to non-masonic bodies. Some require sponsorship by a mason. Some have few if any restrictions other than to keep the building in good order. Each Grand Lodge is an independent authority and rules its own domain. Blue Lodge Ritual is exceptionally similar in all jurisdictions in the USA (except for Louisiana where there are a few lodges which operate under old European working rituals) but house rules vary widely.

[Senusret I]

Thank you, dekeguy! That helps!

[Tom Earp]

Blue Lodge is for the first three degrees and is called Blue Lodge.

They as Scottish Rite of which I am a member of and Shrine will all be more than willing to rent out their spaces for dinners, dances, or such.

I would not see a need to try to say you are interested in them as becoming a member as it would hurt you more than help.

Just contact your local Lodge and ask them about rental for your event.

[Senusret I]

We have already made contact and there is no question about whether they allow it.

I was quite simply asking in business correspondence what one should call the other bodies which meet in the same building that the Grand Lodge owns and operates.

I got my answer, thank you dekeguy, and no, I am not interested in membership.