Jack A. Hendee, 32°
1180 N. Main St., Apt. 101a-164, Bishop, California 93514-2472

Photo courtesy Maxwell MacKenzie from American Ruins, Ghosts on the Landscape

Old-fashioned barn raising sets an example of accomplishing Masonic goals today.

There are projects and there are projects. Some do great good, and some are doomed to failure. As a lad, I can remember when a farmer would put out the word that he was ready for a barn raising. The word spread very quickly. Neighbors came from miles around to help. Often this was an immense project as many barns were truly huge structures. The first day saw everyone quietly organizing. Each person knew what he could do best, and no real leader was required. The Model T would be blocked up with the right wheel missing. In its place was the great leather belt running back to the saw. Tools were gathered and lumber graded. It was time to begin.

The ladies had been busy also, preparing a great feast, for tonight would see the barn dance, a celebration to kick off tomorrow's hard labor. The music, dancing, and feasting went on many hours after we little ones had been put to sleep. By dawn the smoke from the wood-burning cook stoves was wafting into the sky, and the ladies had pots of scalding-hot coffee on makeshift benches as the work began. From the crack of dawn on, the men worked and ate in shifts so that the work was nonstop. No napping for these folks!

As if by magic, the barn was framed, roofed, and siding nailed in place. There was no clip-board-holding building inspectors or any other interference. In three days, there it stood, bright red with white trim. Perhaps it is still standing today after 65 or 70 years, all finished by everyone doing his or her part.

During building, there was little talk. The only conversations were as to the time when Hank, Rocky, Jess or Charlie would need a hand with building, planting, or harvesting. To these fine people, self-important leaders with great orations are neither needed nor wanted. There is a common bond of helping and sharing among farmers that is unique and forgotten in our fast-track, high-tech world.

Compare the above project to the six phases of a project in today's world.

Enthusiasm: "Wow! What a great idea Floyd has. Let's hop on it!"

Disillusionment: "What? You expect me to help? Let George do it!"

Panic: "We better sit down and rethink this thing. It looks like we might be in for some real labor. I just dunno!"

Search for the Guilty: "Just whose idea was this anyway? Of course I'm not willing to give up one evening. That's when the best T.V. shows are on!"

Punishment of the Innocent: "I told you from the beginning it was a loony idea. I don't care how hard those fellows tried."

Praise and Reward for Those Not Taking Part: "You know Jim, I'm glad you talked us out of pitching in. You deserve a pat on the back."

This project is doomed to failure. Is this where our Craft is headed? Isn't it time we changed our thinking? And not in incremental steps meant to bear fruit in 30 or 40 years, but change now!

Our Craft is in real trouble. We don't need glorious speeches, and award dinners, and photo-ops. We need clear-headed farmer logic where if something needs doing, it needs to be done now. We have thousands of fantastic members who would like to sit in during local think tanks. Forget the doom and gloom of other organizations. We are the greatest! Let's strike out and show others what we can do. Let's do it now and let others follow us!

If every member would submit just two ideas to his Lodge, Masonry would be joyously overwhelmed with opportunities. Then, be willing to roll up your sleeves and pitch in! Get the job done. A grass-roots effort is what we need. Where do you stand? Which project would you be most proud of? What "barn" are you willing to raise?

Jack A. Hendee is an Iowan by birth and a Californian since 1952. He was raised a Master Mason in Lorenzo Lodge No. 709 (now merged with Acacia Lodge No. 243), Hayward, Calif., in 1959 and is a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Al Bahr Shrine, all in San Diego. He retired from a career in marketing, sales, and distribution. A former Director of Boys and Girls Mental Health Society, he now pursues several hobbies: writing, fishing, ham radio, photography, and boating where he holds a U.S.C.G. Master's License. He is much too busy in all Masonic Bodies but looking for more to do.