About twenty years ago, the Masonic Restoration Foundation recommended putting questions to the potential petitioner three times, but phrasing the questions differently. If he answers all the paraphrased questions consistently with synonymous replies, then you could see he is thoughtful, rational, etc. and has potential.
Happy anniversary to the Grand Lodge of Washington!
Yes, there is a need for proper etiquette and reasonable questions to be asked. We shouldn't over reach nor let slide a man's thoughts on Masonry. There should be a path to follow. We shouldn't push to find out a man's religion, just find out he believes in a supreme being. Brothers who don't know him, should be asking the questions not his friend. Should we force a man to invite us to his house? All these must be guided with the upmost sincerity and purpose. We are each guilty of doing a rush job of it. Yes, a class would be helpful.
A class, whether over Zoom or offered at the LOdge Leadership Retreat should be offered. We’ve talked a lot about guarding the West Gate, but if an Investigation Committee doesn’t know what they’re guarding against then it’s as good as unguarded. We need to stop behaving like giddy school children because someone has submitted a petition and start being more professional. It’s necessary to ask questions beyond the basic questions on the petition, which have already been answered in writing by the petitioner. A visit to the home should be required and a conversation including the petitioner’s significant other should be had. The training should cover not only what we are protecting but why we’re protecting it.
A year our Grand Secretary has Secretarys, treasure and Temple board training. I think we should also have every elected Master attending a training classes separated from PLM, and proper invitations of candidates is taught. Along with our 6 step program. Background checks should be a requirement in our craft also.
Of late the family has been left out of the interview or interviews as it may become necessary. If we want a new member that will stick around the family needs to be as supportive of his membership.
Here is one example.
The principal purposes of the Committee of Inquiry are to guard the West Gate of Freemasonry from the acceptance of an unworthy candidate and to afford the petitioner and his family the opportunity to learn more about the fraternity. Review with the candidate the process for and timing of his election, as well as the Lodge’s protocols for member attire and meals before degrees. Make sure he has read the brochure entitled “ Freemasonry” and determine whether he (and his family) has any questions. The best interest of Masonry demands that an exhaustive investigation be made of the character and standing of every applicant. It is imperative therefore that your investigation of the petitioner be thorough and that the interview be conducted if at all possible, in the petitioner’s home.
Completion of the Committee’s task should not be limited to the verification of information on the petition for membership. Talk with others who might know him. Committee review of his use of social media sources is essential. At least one member of the Committee should review his Facebook page (if any) and search the Internet for any information that may warrant discussion with the petitioner and may influence your recommendation. Determine why he wants to become a Mason.
If your Lodge requires background checks of all applicants, review the report ordered by and sent to the petitioner and note any issue(s) of concern on the signed copy of the Petition for the Degrees or Membership by Affiliation. The Committee report should not be considered by the Lodge unless this step is completed.
Do not make a favorable recommendation unless you are convinced that the petitioner will conform to the laws, rules and regulations of the institution, and that he will cast the fraternity in a positive light.
Following are the more important points that you will wish to pursue:
1. Ascertain definitely if the Lodge has jurisdiction over the petitioner. (That he was at least age 18 when the Lodge accepted his application; has been a State resident for at least a year; and has not applied previously to another Lodge – if he did apply previously, was he elected and was the Entered Apprentice Degree conferred on him within one year of his being elected.)
2. Ascertain whether the petitioner is morally fit to be received into the fraternity; is he a man of strong character? Ascertain if his neighbors, acquaintances and employers consider him to be of good character.
3. Verify that the petition questionnaire is complete, and the information appears to be true. If any questions have not been answered, interview the petitioner and have the petition amended, or ascertain the reason for his not answering such questions.
4. Ascertain definitely if the petitioner has any physical condition that will prevent him from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry, will require consideration in the conferral of the degrees, or will cause an inability to acquire the means of subsistence.
5. Ascertain whether the petitioner is mentally qualified to receive and understand the Masonic Degrees.
6. Ascertain if he belongs to any organization that appears inconsistent with the principles of Freemasonry or will impair his usefulness to the fraternity; might his associations impair the reputation of the Craft?
7. Consider the financial standing of the petitioner with particular reference as to his reputation in meeting his obligations, and whether or not the maintenance of Lodge membership would be in any way of financial detriment to those dependent upon him.
8. If the Lodge presents a Book of Holy Scriptures to newly raised Master Masons, determine which Book he should be presented (Holy Bible, Torah or Quran).
Yes!
And a document for reference.
About twenty years ago, the Masonic Restoration Foundation recommended putting questions to the potential petitioner three times, but phrasing the questions differently. If he answers all the paraphrased questions consistently with synonymous replies, then you could see he is thoughtful, rational, etc. and has potential.
Happy anniversary to the Grand Lodge of Washington!
Every PART essential to the process of initiation of a candidate should have training.
Yes, there is a need for proper etiquette and reasonable questions to be asked. We shouldn't over reach nor let slide a man's thoughts on Masonry. There should be a path to follow. We shouldn't push to find out a man's religion, just find out he believes in a supreme being. Brothers who don't know him, should be asking the questions not his friend. Should we force a man to invite us to his house? All these must be guided with the upmost sincerity and purpose. We are each guilty of doing a rush job of it. Yes, a class would be helpful.
A class, whether over Zoom or offered at the LOdge Leadership Retreat should be offered. We’ve talked a lot about guarding the West Gate, but if an Investigation Committee doesn’t know what they’re guarding against then it’s as good as unguarded. We need to stop behaving like giddy school children because someone has submitted a petition and start being more professional. It’s necessary to ask questions beyond the basic questions on the petition, which have already been answered in writing by the petitioner. A visit to the home should be required and a conversation including the petitioner’s significant other should be had. The training should cover not only what we are protecting but why we’re protecting it.
Yes yes yes! That is all!
This is part of the 6 steps process.
This Saturday there's a seminar in Grand View "The Six Steps 12/11/2021 10:00 AM".
A year our Grand Secretary has Secretarys, treasure and Temple board training. I think we should also have every elected Master attending a training classes separated from PLM, and proper invitations of candidates is taught. Along with our 6 step program. Background checks should be a requirement in our craft also.
Of late the family has been left out of the interview or interviews as it may become necessary. If we want a new member that will stick around the family needs to be as supportive of his membership.
Here is one example.
The principal purposes of the Committee of Inquiry are to guard the West Gate of Freemasonry from the acceptance of an unworthy candidate and to afford the petitioner and his family the opportunity to learn more about the fraternity. Review with the candidate the process for and timing of his election, as well as the Lodge’s protocols for member attire and meals before degrees. Make sure he has read the brochure entitled “ Freemasonry” and determine whether he (and his family) has any questions. The best interest of Masonry demands that an exhaustive investigation be made of the character and standing of every applicant. It is imperative therefore that your investigation of the petitioner be thorough and that the interview be conducted if at all possible, in the petitioner’s home.
Completion of the Committee’s task should not be limited to the verification of information on the petition for membership. Talk with others who might know him. Committee review of his use of social media sources is essential. At least one member of the Committee should review his Facebook page (if any) and search the Internet for any information that may warrant discussion with the petitioner and may influence your recommendation. Determine why he wants to become a Mason.
If your Lodge requires background checks of all applicants, review the report ordered by and sent to the petitioner and note any issue(s) of concern on the signed copy of the Petition for the Degrees or Membership by Affiliation. The Committee report should not be considered by the Lodge unless this step is completed.
Do not make a favorable recommendation unless you are convinced that the petitioner will conform to the laws, rules and regulations of the institution, and that he will cast the fraternity in a positive light.
Following are the more important points that you will wish to pursue:
1. Ascertain definitely if the Lodge has jurisdiction over the petitioner. (That he was at least age 18 when the Lodge accepted his application; has been a State resident for at least a year; and has not applied previously to another Lodge – if he did apply previously, was he elected and was the Entered Apprentice Degree conferred on him within one year of his being elected.)
2. Ascertain whether the petitioner is morally fit to be received into the fraternity; is he a man of strong character? Ascertain if his neighbors, acquaintances and employers consider him to be of good character.
3. Verify that the petition questionnaire is complete, and the information appears to be true. If any questions have not been answered, interview the petitioner and have the petition amended, or ascertain the reason for his not answering such questions.
4. Ascertain definitely if the petitioner has any physical condition that will prevent him from being instructed in the arts and mysteries of Freemasonry, will require consideration in the conferral of the degrees, or will cause an inability to acquire the means of subsistence.
5. Ascertain whether the petitioner is mentally qualified to receive and understand the Masonic Degrees.
6. Ascertain if he belongs to any organization that appears inconsistent with the principles of Freemasonry or will impair his usefulness to the fraternity; might his associations impair the reputation of the Craft?
7. Consider the financial standing of the petitioner with particular reference as to his reputation in meeting his obligations, and whether or not the maintenance of Lodge membership would be in any way of financial detriment to those dependent upon him.
8. If the Lodge presents a Book of Holy Scriptures to newly raised Master Masons, determine which Book he should be presented (Holy Bible, Torah or Quran).