05/06/2026
We again urge members of John E. Mair Lodge to join us in-person at the lodge on Saturday, June 6th at 12:00pm for a referendum vote on a pivotal decision in our Lodge’s history as we decide to accept a commercial renter for what is currently our lower-level banquet hall.
Here we answer several questions asked about this new initiative.
Q: Are we “giving away” part of our building?
The Lodge continues to own the property and remains the steward of the building.
Q: Where will we hold Lodge meals?
Meals will transition to nearby local restaurants. Mars has several excellent options within close proximity.
Q: Why not just continue renting the hall for private events?
It hasn't produced enough income to solve the problem.
Q: Why not simply do more fundraisers?
To match projected lease income, it would take an unrealistic volume of fundraising, and it is unfair to expect that of the brethren who have jobs, businesses, children and extracurricular activities outside of Lodge.
Q: Why not just raise dues instead?
Dues alone cannot solve a structural revenue problem of this size.
Q: What if a commercial tenant becomes a bad fit?
A bad tenant would be a problem. That is why the Lodge must be selective. But the possibility of a bad tenant is not a reason to reject the entire strategy.
Q: What kind of tenant are we talking about?
We seek a respectable, stable tenant that can generate consistent income while preserving the character and integrity of the property.
Q: Is it OK for a Lodge to lease part of its building?
Many lodges have done exactly that or pursued similar strategies to sustain themselves.
Q: Why not wait?
The best time to act is before crisis becomes collapse.
Q: Couldn’t we use our investment assets instead?
The Lodge needs an income engine, not just a reserve to spend down. It would be irresponsible to spend our endowment money for operations. In fact, we will soon be reinvesting our endowment in more lucrative investment instruments through the Grand Lodge program. Spending our reserves would only delay the inevitable and leave us without.
Q: Is this decision being rushed?
No. The matter has already involved years of discussion, repeated attempts at alternative solutions, debate, financial review, and consultation.
Q: Will the monthly pancake breakfast stop?
If the lower level is leased, the monthly pancake breakfast in its current form will come to an end.
Q: What if we do nothing?
The present course of declining dues, rising costs, limited labor resources, fragile budgets, and growing financial pressure means we risk losing our Lodge.
We implore our Brothers to join us, raise your concerns, hear our plan, and vote yes for another 100 years of John E. Mair Lodge No. 729 in Mars.
‼️ As it is a Special Meeting, business casual dress is required. ‼️
> > CLICK HERE to visit this informational page to learn about this initiative, the reasons for it, and your questions answered. https://www.johnemair729.org/referendum/
