The California Masonic Candidate Mentor Program

Phase II — Meeting Number Five

For the benefit of all lodge members

Meeting Number Five

Within one month of raising a new Brother.

Setting

The Lodge Room.

Dress

Dress appropriately.

Recommended time limit

One Hour, including discussion.

Mentor and education team

After a new Brother receives the Master Mason degree, he needs to know and understand his duties as a Master Mason, what his rights and privileges are, and the customs and practices of our Craft. The ritual of the Master Mason degree is interpreted by the Masonic Mentor and Education Team. Lodge organization and lodge etiquette are also presented at this time.

Purpose

To ensure that the following does not happen:

A problem in our Craft is that so often the new Brother is permitted to drop from sight after he has received the Third Degree. If the Lodge can retain his interest during this most critical period of his Masonic career, and give him guidance and encouragement until he has had time to form habits of interest and activity for himself, he will develop into a working, active Mason. Otherwise, he is likely to stop attending after a few meetings and either lapse into chronic indifference, or find his way to some concordant body which he believes will prove more attractive.

The new Mason needs to know and understand his duties as a Master Mason and what his rights and privileges are. He should be taught how to visit other Lodges. He needs information about the traditions and work of the Craft as a whole.

Topics to cover

Masonic etiquette

Protocol

Lodge and officer duties

Leadership skills

Our rights and privileges

The Master Mason

With rights, we assume responsibilities.

Living according to our Obligations and adhering to the principles of the Square and Compasses.

Answer and obey all Due Signs and Regular Summonses and uphold the Five Points of Fellowship.

To abide by the Constitutions of our Fraternity and the By-Laws of our Lodge.

To preserve our Ancient Landmarks and Customs.

To Ballot with integrity. If used thoughtlessly, it becomes an injustice to the petitioner and to the Lodge.

To assist the Worshipful Master to the best of ones ability in the duties he assigns.

To be generous with gifts in particular to benevolence and charity.

Visit sick and shut-in Brethren, their widows and orphans. Make inquiries and offer comfort to those who cannot attend Lodge.

Help, instruct, inspire, and support all new Brothers. Encourage them, as you have been encouraged. You will ignite their Masonic pride, and in helping them, you will ignite your own Masonic pride.

Enjoy Freemasonry. Be a part of it. Ask questions.

The new Brother brings with him enthusiasm, unique skills, and interest. It is the duty of the Lodge and its members to ignite his Masonic pride. In doing so, the new Brother will achieve even greater accomplishments within our Mystic Circle. The Lodge must be aware of those activities that interest the new Brother. And when he is ready, assign him to a function that he enjoys. All Lodges have administrative needs, Officer needs, and program and planning needs. Every new Brother brings new ideas and skills to a Lodge.