Dear Dedicated Members for Change,
What you see is what you get with Past Grand Master of California Rick Boyles. Brother Rick is one of the most congenial human beings you will ever meet. And he is a friend to all. When Rick expresses a concern, it's time to pay attention. Below please find a DMC article from PGM Rick Boyles.
F - L - T
Dave Rosenberg, PGM
Brothers And Sisters:
I want to take a moment to express the profound concern I feel about the current state of our order in California, both mentally and financially. As a member of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors, I am deeply troubled by the challenges we are facing, and the responsibility we bear in navigating this difficult situation.
Several years ago, we embarked on a project with the best of intentions, the Building Grant Improvement Fund, aimed at preserving and improving the many properties we own. The intention was clear: to safeguard the well-being of the order and ensure the longevity of our buildings. However, just as government agencies sometimes overstep their bounds, we too misjudged the scope of this undertaking, and the financial strain has become more than we anticipated. We failed to accurately assess the true scale of the project, and now, our resources are insufficient for the task at hand.
With over 100 aging buildings, the costs of repairs have escalated beyond our initial expectations. What we once thought would be a manageable investment has turned into a financial burden, with each building requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. The Alameda Lodge alone, a place I hold dear, requires nearly $1 million to address pressing issues such as an aging elevator and a deteriorating roof. Across the board, many lodges face similar or even worse conditions.
The Building Grant Improvement Fund, which was intended to help, has unfortunately fallen short. Despite our best efforts, we simply did not realize how much was needed to truly address the scope of these repairs. And now, as our lodges cry out for help, accusations are flying, fingers are being pointed, and members are blaming each other for mismanagement. But I ask, how can we blame individuals when this problem was created by a collective oversight?
The reality is that we, as a group, did not fully comprehend the enormity of this responsibility. We failed to put proper procedures in place, and now we are facing the consequences. While some individuals may indeed bear responsibility, the broader issue lies with us all. This is not a matter of individuals failing in their duties—it is a systemic failure, a failure of our collective judgment, and our inability to truly understand the challenges we were facing.
I am troubled by the divisiveness this situation has caused. Disgruntled members are screaming, pointing fingers, and accusing one another. We must remember that we are a fraternal organization, bound by shared values and a sense of brotherhood. We must focus on addressing the real issues at hand, not on tearing each other apart. Yes, there may have been errors in judgment, and yes, some mistakes were made. But we must not lose sight of the bigger picture, and we must not forget the bonds that unite us.
There is a danger in turning our organization into a space of constant accusation and distrust. I have seen many close friends leave the order in frustration, feeling as though our fraternal spirit has been replaced by bitterness. Are we truly a fraternal group, or have we lost sight of that ideal? We must ask ourselves whether we are working to solve the issues at hand, or whether we are simply policing the actions of others. The former is productive; the latter only breeds division and resentment.
In California Odd Fellowship, we have a committee to listen to concerns of its members so rumors and accusations do not have to be spread. This is handle confidentially and efficiently. Our members should avoid mean spirited dialogue. Rather concerned members are asked to send their confidential concerns to the Committee on Investigation of Grievances, than hurt our Order with accusations that have not been investigated. Contact the Committee on Investigation of Grievances through it's Chair David Fleck.
We have to find a way forward that is rooted in understanding, compassion, and a recognition of our shared responsibility. There are indeed people who may have made serious errors, but there are many others who are simply caught in the crossfire of accusations without merit. This is a time to focus on the healing and rebuilding of our organization, not on tearing it down.
In closing, I remind us all of the wisdom found in John 8:7: “Let those without sin cast the first stone.” As we move forward, let us do so with humility, understanding, and a commitment to the fraternal values that should guide our every decision. We must rise above the finger-pointing and focus on building a stronger, more unified future for our order.
In Friendship, Love, & Truth,
Rick Boyles, Past Grand Master
