Mentoring Program

Formally "The Shepherding Program"

Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Masons
of the
State of New York

MENTORING PROGRAM
Formally The Shepherding Program

Grand Lodge
Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of New York

1993
Revised 1995

Third Edition

A Publication of the
Grand Lodge Committee on Leadership Services

MENTORING PROGRAM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I'M THE GUY

Introduction

Four Key Questions About Masonic Survival iv

Mentoring Program And The L.S.O.M.E. 1

Prior To The First Meeting 3

Phase I

Meeting Number One 4
Meeting Number Two 5
Meeting Number Three 6
Meeting Number Four 7

Follow-Up

After The Fourth Meeting 9

Phase II

Meeting Number Five 10

Phase III

For The Benefit Of All Lodge Members 12

Phase IV

The Masonic Minute 13

Appendix A: Sample Letters A2

Appendix B: To The New Mason's Lady B1

I'M THE GUY

I'm the guy who asked to join your organization. I'm the guy who paid his dues to join. I'm the guy who stood up in front of all of you and promised to be faithful and loyal.

I'm the guy who came to your meetings and no one paid any attention to. I tried several times to be friendly to some of the fellows, but they all had their own buddies they talk to and sat next to.

I sat down several times but no one paid any attention to me. I hoped very much that somebody would have asked me to take part in a fund raising project or something, but no one saw my efforts when I volunteered.

I missed a few meetings after joining because I was sick and couldn't be there. No one asked me at the next meeting where I had been. I guess it didn't matter very much to the others whether I was there or not.

The next meeting I decided to stay home and watch TV. The following meeting I attended, no one asked me where I was when the last meeting was held.

You might say I'm a good guy, a good family man who holds a responsible job, loves his community, and his country.

You know who else I am? I'm the guy who never came back!

It amuses me when I think back on how the heads of the organization and the members were discussing why the organization was losing members.

It amuses me now to think that they spent so much time looking for new members when I was there all the time.

All they needed to do was make me feel needed, wanted and welcome!

Author Unknown

Introduction

The Mentoring Program consists of assigning a well educated Brother to a Candidate, to act as his >mentor, educator, and companion for a period of one year, thereby, creating an active, educated, and working Brother.

The Mentoring Program together with the Lodge System of Masonic Education provides the necessary methodology to guarantee that every candidate and/or Brother is properly instructed in the fundamentals and workings of the Craft.

This Mentoring Program consists of FOUR PHASES.

Phase I is considered the formal training, whereby the Candidate meets with the Mentor and Education Team on four occasions for the purpose of reading and discussing the LSOME booklet.

Phase II is a recommended meeting that can be held as part of a Lodge program or as a Mentor and Brother program. It provides material every new Mason ought to know.

Phase III provides suggested information for a continuing Masonic Education Program as part of a Lodge Communica-tion.

Phase IV is an extra added bonus. It contains suggestions for "The Masonic Minute"; a 10 to 15 minute Education segment for every Lodge Communication.

Every Brother in every Lodge must COMMIT himself wholeheartedly to fulfilling the task of educating their fellow Brothers. A Master must emphasize the importance of a training program, not only to his Officers but to all the Brothers. The need for continued education and knowledge of the Craft is essential for developing Future Leaders.

FOUR KEY QUESTIONS ABOUT
MASONIC SURVIVAL

1) Are we allowing newly raised Brothers to pass through the three degrees uninformed and uninstructed?

2) Do we fail to encourage special meetings to continually educate the regular attending Brethren and re-educate Brethren who have drifted from regular Lodge atten-dance?

3) Is my Lodge allowing the Line Officers to advance to the East unprepared for the task, thus resulting in SELF-DESTRUCTION?

4) Have we failed to recognize that Leadership qualifications are unobtainable if we continue to ignore the vital need to become Masonically Educated?

If you answered YES, your Lodge needs this Mentoring Program.

Mentoring Program
and
The Lodge System of Masonic Education

PURPOSE:
To ensure that every Candidate is properly instructed in the fundamentals of the Craft.

MECHANICS:

Option A: Upon receipt of a petition, the Master appoints an investigating committee consisting of one current Officer, one New Brother, one Past Master, and one experienced Brother. Either the Past Master or experienced Brother will continue as the Lodge Mentor. The investigating committee meets with the candidate and his family at the candidate's home. The suggested procedure is to show the first segment of the LSOME videotape and answer any questions they may have regarding Masonry. Consider the following in discus-sions with the candidate:

* If the petitioner believes in Deity
* If his moral and mental standards are satisfactory
* If he is physically qualified
* If his acceptance would create financial or domestic problems
* His motive for petitioning

The Candidate and his family will get their first impression of the Craft from the Investigation Committee.

Option B: Upon election of a petitioner for the Degrees of Freemasonry, the Master appoints the Lodge Mentor for a ONE YEAR term to serve as part of a Lodge Masonic Education Team. In the event a Lodge does not have an education team, the Mentor may work alone to enact the program.


METHOD:

The Lodge Mentor will contact the candidate and advise him of the tentative Degree schedule and invite the candidate and his Lady to any open Lodge functions. The Mentor will maintain contact during the candidate's progress through the Degrees and will assist him in preparing for each Degree. The Mentor will ascertain if the candidate has any particular Masonic friends or associates who would like to be invited to attend or assist in the conferral of the Degrees (particularly the Third Degree).

Above all, the Mentor will make the new Brother a part of the Masonic Family.

The Candidate meets with the Mentor a minimum of FIVE times.

1) Prior to the First Degree. View LSOME videotape (Part One), review LSOME booklet (Part One).

2) Following the First Degree, prior to the Second Degree. View LSOME videotape (Part Two), review LSOME booklet (Part Two).

3) Following the Second Degree, prior to the Third Degree. View LSOME videotape (Part Three), review LSOME booklet (Part Three).

4) Following the Third Degree. View LSOME videotape (Part Four), review LSOME booklet (Part Four).

5) One Month after the fourth session for a continuing Education Program as designed by the Lodge.


A Continuing Program of Support through Fraternal Lodge Visitations, Mentor Counseling, and Lodge Participation is encouraged for the New Brothers in their First Year as Master Masons.

PRIOR TO THE FIRST MEETING

1. Upon the election of a Candidate for the Degrees of Freemasonry, the Lodge sends the Candidate a congratulatory letter. (Sample Letter, Appendix A:) Include a copy of Short Talk Bulletin No. 8-54, "Tell the Applicant," available from the Masonic Service Association.

2. Assign a Mentor to the Candidate. Preferably a seasoned member who is knowledgeable about the Craft and who has read the LSOME Booklet. The Mentor will serve as one of four members of the Lodge Masonic Education Team or he may work alone.

THE PURPOSE

Every candidate is a stranger to Freemasonry and Freemasonry is a stranger to him. It is not merely a Lodge that he joins, but a great Fraternity with a history stretching back over many centuries, an intricate system of laws, a large number or purposes, ideals and Obligations, a set of rights, privileges and duties, a set of landmarks to be preserved, the whole carrying on a program of activities of great variety.

It is too much to expect of any man that without guidance he shall be able to make himself at home in such a society, or that unaided he shall be able to take his own proper place in the Lodge's work with credit to himself and honor to the Brotherhood. He has every right to expect that the Lodge itself shall give him much of the information he needs. It is because so many Brethren never receive this information, and are permitted to come - and perhaps go - undirected and uninstructed, that they either cease attending Lodge at all, or, too often, for lack of knowledge, blunder into humiliation to themselves and damage to the Lodge.

There is nothing new in these statements. For years responsible Craft leaders have been only too aware of them, and have realized that this failure to properly prepare the candidate for his new duties and privileges is both a failure on the part of the Craft to discharge its just obligations to him, and a weakness in the fundamental system of Initiation which incurs the danger of weakening the whole structure by attempting to build enduring walls with rough ashlars and untempered mortar. Moreover it is not solely a matter of teaching the new member the ceremonies he is to go through; it is necessary that he become imbued with the spirit of Freemasonry and to believe in, as well as to understand, its purposes and ideals. Our Fraternity does not rest on compulsion or military rule; if its own members are at odds with its aims it becomes a house divided against itself. In many cases when Masons cause dissension in a lodge, it is not out of malice or a desire to make mischief, but because they do not understand the rules and laws.

It is not only the candidate that profits by the "Lodge System of Masonic Education". The Lodge itself is strengthened from having new members who from the beginning are able to take part in its activities; who are likely to become regular attendants; and who can quickly grasp the aim and purpose of the Lodges' endeavors. They come in already prepared for work! And the Master has a larger staff of trained members to work with as a result.

PHASE I

MEETING NUMBER ONE

(Either as an Investigation Committee or Education Team)

SETTING:
Preferably in the Candidate's home with the Candidate's family present.

DRESS:
Dress appropriately for the setting of the meeting.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including discussion.


MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:

Introduce Section One of LSOME Booklet by giving an overview for his or their (if family is included) consider-ation, appreciation, and discussion. View Part One of the LSOME 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. Inform the Candidate of the Initiation date and offer him transporta-tion.

Indicate to the Candidate that you will contact him and inform him where the next meeting will be held following his Initiation Ceremony.

SUGGESTED HAND-OUT MATERIAL:

Short Talk Bulletin No. 9-24, "What is Masonry?", and/or No. 5-83, "Diligent Inquiry," available from the Masonic Service Association.

Give the Candidate a copy of Chapter One of the LSOME booklet.


KEY POINTS:
CONGRATULATIONS - ENTHUSIASM - CONCERN.
This first impression is a lasting one. IGNITE MASONIC PRIDE.

MEETING NUMBER TWO

Prior 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:)

SETTING:

The Lodge Room or the home of the Mentor. You may wish to use the Lodge Room if there is a large number of new Brothers.

DRESS:
Dress appropriately.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including discussion.

MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:
Welcome the Entered Apprentice - put him at ease.

Outline the information covered in your First Meeting. Introduce Section Two of LSOME Booklet by giving an overview for his consideration, appreciation, and discussion. View Part Two of the LSOME videotape and present the topics in Section Two of the LSOME Booklet. Engage in open discussion; encourage questions, use the Lodge Room to illustrate.

DISCUSS:

1) Words, Grips, and Signs. Review Ritual Material and help the new Brother Learn the Lectures.
2) The Working Tools and their meaning.
3) What did the First Degree mean to the Entered Apprentice? What did he personally get out of it?
4) Indicate the next Mentoring Session will follow the Fellow Craft Degree. He will be notified of the time and place of the meeting.

OPTIONS:

1) Review the Entered Apprentice Quiz from the "24-Inch Gauge."
2) Take the Entered Apprentice to see a First Degree.

SUGGESTED HAND-OUT MATERIAL:

Short Talk Bulletin No. 10-27, "The Northeast Corner," available from the Masonic Service Association. Give the Entered Apprentice a copy of Chapter Two of the LSOME booklet.

MEETING NUMBER THREE

Prior to the Third Meeting the Lodge sends an appropriate letter explaining the date and time of Meeting Number Three. (Sample Letter, Appendix A:)

SETTING:

The Lodge Room or the home of the Mentor. You may wish to use the Lodge Room if there is a large number of new Brothers.

DRESS:
Dress appropriately.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including discussion.

MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:
Welcome the Fellow Craft - put him at ease.

Outline the information covered in your Second Meeting. Introduce Section Three of LSOME Booklet by giving an overview for his consideration, appreciation, and discussion. View Part Three of the LSOME videotape and present the topics in Section Three of the LSOME Booklet. Engage in open discussion; encourage questions, use the Lodge Room to illustrate.

DISCUSS:

1) Words, Grips, and Signs. Review Ritual Material and help the new Brother Learn the Lectures.
2) Working Tools and their meaning.
3) The Middle Chamber Lecture and it's significance.
4) Indicate the next Mentoring Session will follow the Master Mason Degree. He will be notified of the time and place of the meeting.

OPTIONS:

1) Review the Fellow Craft Quiz from the "24-Inch Gauge."
2) Take the Fellow Craft to see a Second Degree.

SUGGESTED HAND-OUT MATERIAL:

Short Talk Bulletin No. 3-60, "Fellow-craft," available from the Masonic Service Association. Give the Fellow Craft a copy of Chapter Three of the LSOME booklet.

MEETING NUMBER FOUR

Prior 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.

SETTING:
The Lodge Room.

DRESS:
Dress appropriately.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, not to exceed One and One-half hours including discussion.

MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:
Welcome the Master Mason - put him at ease.

Outline the information covered in your Third Meeting. Introduce Section Four of LSOME Booklet by giving an overview for his consid--er-ation, appreciation, and discussion. View Part Four of the LSOME videotape and present the topics in Section Four of the LSOME Booklet. 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:

1) Words, Grips, Signs, and the Five Points of Fellowship.
2) The Working Tools, By-Laws and Lodge privileges.
3) Grand Honors, the Sign of Fidelity, the Masters Carpet, the Ballot Box and the use of the Gavel.
4) The Duties and Responsibilities of the Master and explain that ALL Lodge discussion goes through the Master.
5) The Duties and Responsibilities of the Officers of the Lodge.
6) The different Aprons of Masonry.
7) The relationship and organization of Grand Lodge.
8) Discuss the use and meaning of the Bible.
9) Talk about the Masonic Funeral Service.
10) Answer all the new Brothers' questions.

REVIEW:

The "Standard Works and Lectures" ritual booklets, the 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.

SUGGESTED HAND-OUT MATERIAL:

Short Talk Bulletin No. 5-62, "Master Mason," available from the Masonic Service Association, PLUS a subscription form for the Short Talk Bulletins.

"The Craft and It's Symbols" by Allen E. Roberts. Available through Macoy or Anchor Communications. $8.00 per copy.

Give the Master Mason a copy of Chapter Four of the LSOME booklet.

OPTIONS:

1) Review the Master Mason Quiz from the "24-Inch Gauge."
2) Take the Master Mason to see a Third Degree.

KEY POINTS:
WARMTH OF FRIENDSHIP - CONGRATULATIONS
ENTHUSIASM - CONCERN

MENTORING PROGRAM

FOLLOW-UP
AFTER THE FOURTH MEETING

MENTOR:

Stress support in following year.
Stress need for participation.
Stress need for Lodge visitation.
Stress need for attendance at Lodge of Instruction, Seminars, and Conventions.
Stress need for attendance at Memorial Services.
Offer the new Mason rides to Lodge, sit with him whenever he is in attendance, call him directly if he misses a meeting and express concern, secure some job for the new Mason.

RECOMMEND:
Full participation in all Lodge and District Functions.

ADVISE:
Continued support of Mentor and all Brethren.

KEY POINTS:
WARMTH - FRIENDSHIP - CONGRATULATIONS - ENTHUSIASM and ASSURANCE OF CONTINUED INTEREST,
SUPPORT and ASSISTANCE.

PHASE II

MEETING NUMBER FIVE
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL LODGE MEMBERS
Within one month of Raising new Brethren.

SETTING:
The Lodge Room.

DRESS:
Dress appropriately.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, including discussion.

MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:

After the new Brother(s) receives the Third 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 Third Degree is interpreted by the Lodge Mentor and Education Team. Lodge Organization and Lodge Etiquette are also presented at this time.


Purpose:

To insure 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.

* 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.

PHASE III
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL LODGE MEMBERS
Within six months of Raising new Brethren.
You are entitled to receive...

STILL FURTHER LIGHT - Light is knowledge and knowledge is education, and education is the study and comprehension of the History, Philosophy, Philanthropy, Protocol, Etiquette, Law, Lodge Government, Science and Drama of Freemasonry.

Failure to seek light, in all reality equals stagnation. Failure on our part to educate equals failure to develop effective Lodge Leaders.

SETTING:
The Lodge Room. Preferably as a program for a Stated Communication.

RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT:
One Hour, including discussion.

Options:

1) Masonic Quizzes. (Several are available in the "24-Inch Gauge")

2) EXAMINE AVAILABLE SOURCES OF MASONIC LIGHT:

* "24 - Inch Gauge"
* Leadership Development Course (LDC)
* Lodge System of Masonic Education (LSOME)
* Masonic Officers Leadership Development Manual
* Key to Freemasonry's Growth - Allen E. Roberts
* Masonic Lifeline - Allen E. Roberts
* The Handbook of Masonic Law
* Our Stations and Places - Henry G. Meacham
* The Monitor (Booklet 6)
* Masonic Etiquette Booklet
* The Grand Lodge Reading Course
* The Philalethes Society
* District Newsletters and Publications
* Short Talk Bulletins and Catalog of Publications.
Available through the Masonic Service Association (MSA), 8120 Fenton Street, Silver Springs, MD 20910

3) Invite a Guest Speaker to address your Lodge on Masonic Education.

PHASE IV

A PROGRAM FOR EVERY MEETING
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL LODGE MEMBERS

THE MASONIC MINUTE

SETTING:
Every Lodge Communication.

MENTOR AND EDUCATION TEAM:

Provides a ten to fifteen minute talk on a Masonic topic.

OPTIONS:

* Local Masonic History
* World Masonic History
* Any Short Talk Bulletin available from the Masonic Service Association
* Masonic Etiquette and Protocol
* Masonic Law
* Items from the Philalethes Magazine or Northern Light Magazine
* Articles from the American Masonic Review
* Book Reviews - (i.e.. Born in Blood, Our Stations and Places, any book available through the Grand Lodge Reading Course.)
And "GIVE THEM PROPER INSTRUCTION" is a Digest available through the Masonic Service Association containing Twenty short speeches for Masonic gatherings. Enough to fill up any Lodge year.

It takes very little time to ensure that every Brother is Masonically Educated. Membership Development and Retention will rise when all Brethren understand their rights and privileges, and the customs and practices of our Craft.

The duties of a Mentor are for ONE YEAR. Do not leave the newly-made Mason alone to fend for himself after the Third Degree.

APPENDIX A:
SAMPLE LETTERS

PRIOR TO THE FIRST MEETING
(USE LODGE LETTERHEAD)

Dear Mr. ____________________ ,

CONGRATULATIONS. You have been elected by the members of __________ Lodge, No. ____ , Free and Accepted Masons, to receive the Degrees of Masonry.

Brother _______________ has been assigned as your Lodge Mentor and will be calling you to set up a meeting date. We believe this meeting will be a good opportunity for us to provide some information about what lies ahead for you, and to answer any questions that you may wish to ask.

I encourage you to share your feelings about being a Mason with your wife and family. Masonry tries, through Symbolism, to prepare and help us to be good living citizens concerned with building Truth and Uprightness of Character. Much as we love the Craft, we must always remember that our Families and our Public and Private Avocations do take Priority place in our lives.

The Masonic Initiation is a great beginning for you. It is our fervent hope that you will go forward in our Craft, with a keen understanding of what Freemasonry can do and mean to you in achieving a successful and fulfilled life.

Sincerely,
W^ _______________ , Master

PRIOR TO THE SECOND MEETING

(USE LODGE LETTERHEAD)

Dear Brother ____________________ ,

CONGRATULATIONS. You are now an Entered Apprentice Mason. The First Step in Masonry.

Your Initiation was an experience I am sure you will never forget. As an Entered Apprentice you are a student in Speculative Masonry. You should give appropriate attention to your Lodge Mentor, Education Team, and Officers.

Brother _______________ , your Lodge Mentor, will work with you in seeing that you are properly prepared as an accepted Entered Apprentice. Ask questions of your Mentor especially when working on your Lectures. Make sure you understand the words and their meaning and implications for you.

We are looking forward to meeting with you again on (DATE), at (TIME), at (PLACE). Refreshments will be served. Your attention and interest is proof of your desire to be part of our great Fraternity. We welcome you and assure you that we walk the same path and will be with you every step of the way. May your life as a Freemason be one you will treasure.

Cordially and Fraternally,
W^ _______________ , Master

PRIOR TO THE THIRD MEETING
(USE LODGE LETTERHEAD)

Dear Brother ____________________ ,

CONGRATULATIONS. You are now a Fellow Craft Mason. You have experienced the ceremony of being Passed to the Second or Fellow Craft Degree and have been given the secrets that will distinguish you to the Brethren. The term "Passed" signifies your progress in "Growing" from youth as an Entered Apprentice to maturity as a Fellow Craft.

The Fellow Craft is a man in the prime of life - experienced, strong, resourceful, and eager to learn. You have Work to prepare. You have studied your booklet, and are learning your Lectures that will demonstrate Your Skill in this Degree. Do not look at this Degree as a stepping stone to the next. It is the Working Degree of a Mason. The skills of the Operative Mason were developed and honored here. You are the Journeyman.

We are looking forward to meeting with you again on (DATE), at (TIME), at (PLACE). Refreshments will be served. Work closely with your Mentor and ask questions of him. He will welcome your interest and help you in every way.

All of us wish for you a full and satisfying life in your future as a Speculative Fellow Craft Mason. We appreciate your support, dedication, enthusiasm, and participation. In return, we offer to you our Fraternal Brotherhood.

Cordially and Fraternally,
W^ _______________ , Master

PRIOR TO THE FOURTH MEETING
(USE LODGE LETTERHEAD)

Welcome Brother ____________________ ,

Congratulation on being Raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. We welcome you as a member and full participating Brother of our Fraterni-ty. Your travels are now crowned with the Highest Degree of Recognition that Masonry can bestow.

Your Masonic life is before you. You will get out of Masonry what you are prepared to put into Masonry. Your application will directly contribute to the success of your experiences. Your Mentor, the Lodge Officers and Brethren will assist you in your travels. You are entitled to all the Rights and Privileges due a Master Mason. You may participate fully in the business and affairs of your Lodge. Eventually, you may serve as an Officer. You have the opportunity to be more than a member in name only.

You bring to our Craft your enthusiasm, unique skills, and interests. Your sincere desire to join with us in the Work of IGNITING MASONIC PRIDE, will propel you to even Greater Accomplish-ment. Help us and yourself by making your Officers and Brethren aware of those activities you enjoy working in. What puts a twinkle in your eye, will put a twinkle in our eye too. You have the invitation to offer your talents and skills for the benefit of your Lodge and the Craft. We have need of Officers and Administrators, as well as planning needs.

Your skills in social intercourse among the Brethren will improve with participation. Meet your Brethren, observe them, work with them and you will become skillful and wise.

We are looking forward to meeting with you again on (DATE), at (TIME), at (PLACE), for our last Formal Education Session. Though this is the last formal session, your Mentor has been assigned to be with you for one year. The whole of the Craft will be with you in your working and continued learning.

Our Fraternal best wishes to you as you increase your understanding of Freemasonry. Continue proving yourself to be a skilled workman - one who is justly called, A MASTER AMONG MASONS.

Cordially and Fraternally,

W^ _______________ , Master

APPENDIX B:
"TO THE NEW MASON'S LADY"