Mentoring for the New Mason
This section of the Leadership Conference training and its accompanying handbook were specifically designed for use by the Mentors who will be working with the candidates, and later, the new Brothers. This program is based on the belief that the Candidate who petitions our fraternity is entitled to know his heritage. This program includes an explanation of the history, purpose, operation, symbolism, law, philosophy, obligations, and ideals of Freemasonry. The Mentor program will cause a new member to better understand the true purpose of Freemasonry, the ritual and the moral lessons of the three degrees. Thus, he should become an informed Mason and as such a better Mason and a devoted active member. The purpose of the Mentor program is not to produce Masonic scholars or to give the candidate advanced Masonic education. It seeks to have him understand the Masonic way of life, that he may properly conduct himself as a Mason before his Brethren and before the world at large.
The Mentor program seeks to re-establish the “attentive ear” and the “instructive tongue” by a method that is both simple and practical in today’s rapid tempo world, when time is an important factor in every man’s life.
First, the program places the responsibility for adequate candidate instruction squarely on the Lodge, where it rightfully belongs.
Second, the lodge in turn delegates responsibility to a small group of experienced and faithful members who are known as Mentors.
Third, the Mentor is charged with the responsibility of giving adequate fundamental instruction to each candidate assigned to him. He becomes his faithful advisor, friend, and teacher from the time his petition has been balloted upon until he becomes a proficient Master Mason.
Recommended Procedures:
1. After the Worshipful Master has declared a petitioner elected to receive the three degrees, he immediately appoints a mentor for the candidate.
2. The Mentor immediately contacts his candidate, explain that he is to be his Mentor and make arrangements to meet with him.
3. The Mentor will meet with the candidate at any convenient place where comfort and privacy is assured, preferably the candidate’s home.
4. The Mentor should arrange to pick up the candidate the night of his initiation, after the pre-initiation duties have been completed.
5. When the candidate, and later Brother, is at the Temple, the Mentor should act as a perfect host, introducing him to the brothers present, and seeing that he is comfortable and at ease.
6. After each degree, the Mentor’s objective is to instruct the Brother in the Masonic fundamentals that both the Brother and the Craft may profit thereby.
7. After the candidate has been seated as a member of the Lodge, the Mentor’s duties increase rather than diminish. From that time on for the period of at least one year, the Mentor should see that the Brother attends Lodge meetings regularly, explain the forms, customs and procedures peculiar to our Masonic meetings. By this time the Mentor and the candidate should have become close friends and companions.
Again, if you have any questions regarding these procedures or would like more information, please contact the Grand Lodge office or any one of your elected line officers.
Mike Rodman, Deputy Grand Master
