Achievement Award Program
In 1964, the Grand Lodge Masonic Education Committee began to recognize individual Lodges that participated in fostering education and holding programs open to non-masons. In 1970 the Committee proposed a list of specific requirements to qualify for the award. A few changes have been made, as well as additional qualifications, over the years to address current programs. One of the requisites was a visit to the Masonic Children’s Home by one of the three principal officers. This was dropped when the Home ceased to operate. In 1999, the Bring a Friend Night was added, as well as changes allowing proxies for the principal officers attending the Grand Lodge Session. Utilizing the programs and requirements of the Achievement Award is an excellent way for a new Master to set up his programs for the year. The Award addresses participation in the respective District lodge and workshops, education, open meetings for public attendance, and, foremost, charity.
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD REPORT FORM 2015
Perpetual Membership Program
Are you a Perpetual Member? 
You can be. Pay just 20 times the amount of your Lodge dues within the first quarter of the year and you will never have to pay Lodge dues again, ever! If purchased after the first quarter, you will be required to pay annual dues for the ensuing year. After those dues are paid, you will never be required to pay dues again, ever. Additionally, your Lodge will continue to receive your annual dues forever, even after your death. There is no better gift that you could leave to your Lodge than this gift which will ensure income from your Lodge dues for all time. The only exceptions would be:
If you transfer your membership to another Louisiana Lodge, your Perpetual Membership moves with you. Should you affiliate with a Lodge outside of Louisiana, your Perpetual Membership stays with the Louisiana Lodge. Should you decide to move back to Louisiana and affiliate with a Louisiana Lodge, your Perpetual Membership will move to your new Louisiana Lodge.
This also benefits the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in that the per capita fees in effect at the time you become a perpetual member will continue to go toward the operation of your Grand Lodge.
Q: Don’t have the cash right now?
A: No problem! Simply multiply your Lodge dues, including per capita, by 4. That total amount is payable in five (5) payments. A minimum of one (1) payment per year is required. Until you have paid the final (5th) payment, you will be required to pay annual dues to your Lodge. Once the final payment is made, you become a Perpetual Member when that payment is accepted by the Grand Lodge.
Q: How do I get started?
A: Fill out the application which can be found on this site, attach your check, and turn it in to the Secretary of your Lodge. He will complete the form and send it to the Grand Secretary. At the conclusion of the transaction, whether it be by full payment or installment payments, you will receive a nice certificate and more importantly, each year, every year, your Lodge will receive a check from the perpetual trust, forever.
Q: Why do we need Perpetual Memberships?
A: Unfortunately, we have experienced losses in membership for over a decade. These losses have had adverse effects on the finances of particular Lodges. If that Lodge owns its building, the fixed costs of upkeep and operation are spread among a decreasing number of members. The money from Perpetual Memberships will be used as an endowment fund for your particular Lodge. Only the earned income will be used to support your Lodge and the Grand Lodge. A Perpetual Membership is a way to eventually, depending on Lodge membership participation, endow your Lodge, insuring future financial security.
Q: I hold dual membership in two Lodges. Does my Perpetual Membership Fee cover the dues in both Lodges?
A: No. The Perpetual Membership payment (20 times) is applicable only for the Lodge to which it is paid. To become a Perpetual Member of both Lodges, or each different Lodge of which you may be a member, you would have to make the payment (20 times dues) to each of those Lodges.
Q: What happens to the money that I send to Grand Lodge?
A: All of the money collected for Perpetual Membership is placed in a restricted investment account, accounted for separately by the Grand Treasurer from all other Grand Lodge funds. Each year an allocation of these funds will be made for the amount of dues to your Lodge and to the Grand Lodge for per capita fees that were in effect at the time you became a Perpetual Member. The Louisiana Perpetual Membership Program is predicated on a 5% return in earnings. Annual returns to the participating Lodges are not to exceed 5%. Earnings over 5% will be placed in a Perpetual Membership “reserve” fund. Once the “reserve” fund accumulates in excess of 10% of the total principal in the fund, a proportionate ration distribution will be made to the participating Lodges as “bonus” earnings.
Perpetual Membership
“Helping to Insure Our Future Financial Security”
Give the gift that keeps on giving!
Sign up today and receive a beautiful lapel pin and Perpetual Membership Certificate, distinguishing you as a Grand Lodge of Louisiana Perpetual Member.
Application for a memorial or an honorary Perpetual Membership
Application for Perpetual Membership and Installment Payments