This blog post from On the Level states that the purpose of a Lodge isn't to make more Masons but to educate Masons in morality, history, and philosophy. Indeed, the stated purpose of a Brother in attendance at a Lodge of Entered Apprentices is "To learn to subdue [his] passions and improve [him]self in Masonry."

This statement is 100% true in my mind. I'd love to see more of our meetings dedicated to Masonic education. It also goes against what our current Grand Master, J.B. Van Hollen, has in mind for the Lodges this year. His campaign is called "Back to Basics" and states that the primary purpose of a Lodge is to make Masons. These two statements, while being at odds with each other, are nonetheless both true. They are in the sense that to make a Mason, one must endue him with a competence of morality, history, and philosophy. This is precisely what our rituals do. So if we are true to our ritual and truly educate a Brother, then we are fulfilling both purposes of a Lodge, and in so doing, are combining both of these purposes into one glorious success.