The purpose of the Mentor Program is to create and sustain an active, educated, and confident Freemason.
Once a new Brother has joined the Lodge, he will only remain if his needs are met. It is also true of the existing Brethren.
Sequence of Events
Please click on each sequence step for more information:
- A man who is asking any questions related to Freemasonry approaches a Brother, likely to be the future Proposer.
- The Brother, arranges a time to meet, usually at the potential Candidate’s home, or other suitable venue and possibly accompanied by another Brother, to discuss the reasons why he wishes to join and to discuss as far as possible the purposes and values of Freemasonry.
- Any leaflets or booklets or other information may be left with the Seeker to study at leisure.
Sometime later, the Brother should follow up with a phone call and/or another visit to ascertain if there is still an interest.
- The potential Candidate applies for initiation.
- Ensure that he understands his financial obligation, including the initiation fees and annual dues. Note that these may be different in each lodge.
- Explain the Gift Aid Scheme
- Describe the time requirement required for the degrees (including practices / coaching) and for regular Lodge attendance / practices.
- Emphasise that a sustained commitment is expected.
- A Lodge Interview is arranged and the Candidate if proven to be acceptable is also informed of the Mentoring Process.
- At this point the Mentoring Co-ordinator is contacted (by the Lodge Secretary) and given details of the new applicant and the Proposer / Seconder confirm, in writing, their wish to become the Mentor.
(It is at this point that the individual Mentoring begins)
The Proposer / Seconder will inform the Candidate that he has been accepted and arrange dates for initiation. They will also ensure that the Candidate is informed that he will be expected to say a few words in response to a toast. The Candidate will be contacted by the Mentoring Co-ordinator who arranges a meeting with the Proposer / Seconder or Mentor. It is at this meeting that the ‘Candidate Booklet’ will be handed out.
The Day and Night of Initiation
- The Proposer / Seconder contact the Candidate some weeks before THE DAY and confirm his attendance for THE NIGHT.
- They should advise the Candidate of the dress code.
- At the Lodge, they should first introduce the Candidate to the Master, the Tyler and Deacons. The Proposer / Seconder or appointed Mentor should be at his side until the ceremony starts. After the ceremony, at the festive board, seat the Candidate, his Proposer / Seconder or Mentor together if possible or wherever is traditional within each individual Lodge.
After the First Degree Ceremony
In some Lodges the first booklets are presented in the Lodge – some by the WM others by the ‘Mentor’.
In other Lodges the Mentor and Candidate meet immediately following the ceremony. It is at this meeting that the booklets (obtained from the Mentoring Co-ordinator) will be handed out.
There are also some Lodges who make the presentation of these booklets at the Festive Board (after the toast to the Initiate)
At some point it is felt to be beneficial for the Mentor and Candidate to meet a week or so after the Initiation
The following may form the basis of discussion:-
- The Ceremony
- Charity
- Lodge Officers
- The Worshipful Master
- The Festive Board
It is hoped that a question and answer session follows which will encourage discussion. At a later stage the Mentor can assist in the learning of the responses to the questions found in the next Ceremony.
Conclusion
The Mentor Program does not end with the Brother’s final Degree. To retain the Brother as an active member of the Craft, it is crucial to stimulate his interest and maintain his education. The Mentor needs to stress the value of participation in the Lodge, Lodge Committees, area functions and particularly visits to other Lodges.
The Mentor is expected to accompany the new Brother where ever possible to these functions.
After completion of the Master Mason Degree, the Mentor should recommend further reading and education. Showing the new member enthusiasm, support and assistance will ensure his continued interest and participation.
This is the goal of the Mentor Program.
The Mentoring Booklets are given free to every new Candidate and are available from your Area Co-ordinator. Lodges wishing to purchase extra copies may do so from the Area Co-ordinator.
A contact list of the Area Co-ordinators is available to Secretaries/Scribe Es on the Secretariat website.