of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of California
Freemasonry seeks good men and makes them better. Tell a friend!
Phase I: The Seven Steps To Masonic LightStep IImmediately after election of the Candidate, the Master
of the Lodge announces the name of the new Candidates’ Mentor. The Mentor’s
name, address, and phone number is sent along with a letter from the Master
of the Lodge. The letter informs the Candidate that he has been elected
to receive the degrees of Masonry, of the time and place of the degree.
This letter should also notify him that his Mentor will either pick him
up or meet him at the Lodge approximately one hour prior to the degree
(see sample in Appendix A).
The Mentor should call the Candidate immediately after
the Mentor’s appointment and introduce himself, explain his relationship
as Mentor. If possible a meeting should be set up which could include other
Brothers (see Meeting Number One). He should also remind
the Candidate of the time and place for his degree and encourage him to
invite any Mason he might know to his degree. Now is also the time to find
out if he will need a ride to the Lodge or meet his Mentor there one hour
prior to his initiation as an Entered Apprentice.
Step IIThe Mentor meets the Candidate one hour before his First
Degree. It is the Mentor's job to make the Candidate feel comfortable and
relaxed. He should answer as best he can any questions or concerns that
the candidate might have. He should also give him a tour of the Lodge facility
(other than the lodge room itself) at this time and introduce him to other
Lodge members as they arrive. He should also stay with him at all times
prior to his degree. as well as interact with him after the degree to answer
any immediate questions.
Step IIIThe Mentor should meet with the new Brother, at his
home or at the Lodge, prior to his Second Degree to discuss and answer
questions concerning the Entered Apprentice Degree (see Meeting
Number Two).
The Mentor should meet with the new Brother, at the
Lodge, one hour prior to his Fellowcraft Degree to discuss and answer his
questions concerning the following:
After answering his questions, the Mentor should stay
with the Candidate until the conferral of his Second Degree. as well as
interact with him after the degree to answer any immediate questions.
Step IVThe Mentor and new Brother should again meet prior to
his Third Degree to answer questions and discuss the Fellowcraft Degree.
This can be either at the Lodge, or in the Mentor's home. (see Meeting
Number Three).
The Mentor will bring the new Brother to his Third Degree
or will meet him at the Lodge beforehand, and introduce him to the Lodge's
Masonic Library or Memorabilia Display Cases. The Mentor should stay with
the Candidate until the conferral of the Master Mason Degree.
Step VThe Mentor should meet with the newly raised Brother
after his Third Degree, either at his home or at the Lodge, to discuss
and answer questions concerning the Master Mason Degree (see Meeting
Number Four). He will also help him to become aware of the resources
available at his Lodge, and those of the Grand Lodge.
Step VIThe Mentor attends four Lodge functions with the new
Brother. This should include two Stated Meetings, one Degree (preferably
an Entered Apprentice), and a Social, Family, or Installation Night. He
will then show the new Brother the published List of Lodges. The
Master then assigns the new Brother an appropriate “Brotherly Love, Relief,
or Truth” oriented program or project in the Lodge (Widows program, community
based program, telephone committee, etc.)
Step VIIThe Mentor arranges and accompanies the new Brother
on a visitation to another Lodge. This should be a Stated Meeting, Degree
Conferral, or Installation Night. The Mentor instructs the newly raised
Brother on the “Test Oath,” on the differences between the Lodges and also
the similarities between the Lodges. If not already discussed, the Mentor
should answer questions concerning the history, customs, and traditions
of their Lodge. The Mentor arranges and accompanies the new Brother on
a visitation to a meeting of each of the three appendant youth groups and
introduces him to the adult advisors. The Mentor will also invite the new
Brother to join his Lodge brethren at the next occurring Annual Communication
of the Grand Lodge.
Meeting Number OneCould be as an Investigation Committee or Friend
to Friend Team.
SettingPreferably in the Candidate's home with the Candidate's
family present.
DressDress appropriately for the setting of the meeting.
Recommended Time LimitOne Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including
discussion.
Mentor and Friend-to-Friend teamIntroduce by giving an overview for his or their (if
family is included) consideration, appreciation, and discussion. View the
Friend to Friend videotape (if not previously viewed). Engage in open discussion;
encourage the Candidate and his family to ask questions.
Indicate to the Candidate that he will be clothed in
traditional garments for his initiation - garments which have been worn
by all Masons on the occasion of their Initiation. Prepare him for leaving
his valuables in the preparation room. Determine if he is able to rest
on his knees (advise Master and make accommodations if he is not). Inform
the Candidate of the Initiation date and offer him transportation.
Indicate to the Candidate that you will contact him and inform him where the next meeting will be held following his Initiation Ceremony. Suggested Handout Material“What’s A Mason?” brochure, Short Talk Bulletin No.
9-24, “What is Masonry?,” and No. 5-83, “Diligent Inquiry,” available from
the Masonic Service Association
OptionsProvide Candidate with a copy of the “A Basic Masonic
Education Course – Entered Apprentice” book to keep.
Key PointsCongratulations - Enthusiasm - Concern
This first impression is a lasting one. Ignite Masonic
pride.
Meeting Number TwoPrior to Meeting Number Two the Lodge sends a copy of
“To The New Mason's Lady” (Appendix B) to the Lady of their new Brother.
The Lodge also informs the new Brother of the time and place of Meeting
Number Two. (Sample Letter, Appendix A)
SettingThe Lodge Room or the home of the Mentor. You may wish
to use the Lodge Room if there are a large number of new Brothers.
DressDress appropriately.
Recommended Time LimitOne Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including
discussion.
Mentor and Education TeamWelcome the Entered Apprentice - put him at ease.
Outline the information covered in your First Meeting.
Present the topics in the “A Basic Masonic Education Course – Entered
Apprentice” booklet. Engage in open discussion; encourage questions,
use the Lodge Room to illustrate.
DiscussIndicate the next Mentoring Session will follow the
Fellowcraft Degree. He will be notified of the time and place of the meeting.
OptionsSuggested Hand-out MaterialMeeting Number ThreePrior to the third meeting the Lodge sends an appropriate
letter explaining the date and time of Meeting Number Three (Sample Letter,
Appendix A).
SettingThe Lodge Room or the home of the Mentor. You may wish
to use the Lodge Room if there are a large number of new Brothers.
DressDress appropriately.
Recommended Time LimitOne Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including
discussion.
Mentor and Education TeamWelcome the Fellow Craft - put him at ease.
Outline the information covered in your Second Meeting.
Present the topics in the “A Basic Masonic Education Course – Fellowcraft”
booklet. Engage in open discussion; encourage questions, use the Lodge
Room to illustrate.
Discuss
Indicate the next Mentoring Session will follow the
Master Mason Degree. He will be notified of the time and place of the meeting.
Options
Meeting Number FourPrior to the Fourth Meeting the Lodge sends the new
Master Mason an appropriate letter explaining the date and time of meeting
number four (Sample Letter, Appendix A). They also send an appropriate
letter of welcome to the new Master Mason's Lady.
SettingThe Lodge Room.
DressDress appropriately.
Recommended Time LimitOne Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including
discussion.
Mentor and Education TeamWelcome the Master Mason - put him at ease.
Outline the information covered in your Third Meeting.
Introduce the “A Basic Masonic Education Course – Master
Mason” Booklet by giving an overview for his consideration, appreciation,
and discussion. Engage in open discussion; encourage questions, use the
Lodge Room to illustrate.
Inform the new Master Mason that the Mentor will be his guide for the next year and will continue to communicate further light as he progresses. Discuss
ReviewThe Monitor and Masonic Etiquette booklets, and the
Masonic Service Association's Short Talk Bulletins.
Although it is part of the standard work, it is rare
that we hear the Questions and Answers of the Third Degree. This is an
ideal time to review and discuss this section.
Key PointsWarmth of friendship – Congratulations - Enthusiasm
- Concern
Mentoring Program Follow-up After the Fourth MeetingMentorRecommendFull participation in all Lodge and District Functions.
Occasional attendance at appendant youth group meetings and functions (at
least attend an initiation for each of the youth groups). Attendance at
the next Annual Communication.
AdviseContinued support of Mentor and all Brethren.
Key PointsWarmth - Friendship - Congratulations - Enthusiasm
and assurance of continued interest, support, and assistance.
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