Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight...Appendix B - Example letter to the Initiate...

[Pick Provincial Grand Lodge Hampshire & Isle of Wight Plan

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Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of

Wight

Guide - Recruitment

Best Practice for Lodges (long version for discussion)

Status : Final Author: Les Hipwell Date: 22nd November 2010 Version: 1.1 Circulation : Cabinet – not for distribution Master Document: C:\Les Hipwell bck 14 Jun 2011\Master Set 19 June 2011\Master Set PDF 30 June 2011\Guide - Recruitment Best Practice for Lodges (long).doc


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DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT PAGE INTERNAL DOCUMENT REVIEW

Name Office

V.W. Bro. G. Williams Deputy Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. M. Codd Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. J. Harvey Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. A. Hamilton Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. E. Moody Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. G. Tuck Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. L. Hipwell Assistant Provincial Grand Master

W.Bro. C. Upton Provincial Grand Secretary

W.Bro. I. Preece Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies

DOCUMENT APPROVAL

Name Office Signature Date

R.W. Bro. M.J. Wilks PGM

VERSION CONTROL

Version Reason Who & When

1.0 General update of Roger Bricknell’s original document. LH 9th November 2010

1.1 Modified section 3. Sent to 3R’s team LH 11th November 2010

1.2 Re-formatted ahead of distributing to Cabinet LH 14th November 2010

1.3/4 Graham Williams & Geoff Tuck comments LH 16th November 2010

1.0 Document renamed Recruitment Guidelines and Best

Practice for Lodges.doc LH 16th November 2010

1.1 Brought to final following Cabinet meeting LH 22nd November 2010


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Contents

1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 4 2. Initial Approach .............................................................................................. 5 3. Information for the Candidate ........................................................................ 6 4. Proposer and Seconder ................................................................................... 7 5. Duties of the Secretary .................................................................................... 8 6. Informal contact .............................................................................................. 8 7. Interview of Proposer and Seconder ............................................................... 9 8. Before the Candidate Interview ...................................................................... 9 9. The Candidate Interview – overall process .................................................. 10 10. Pre-meeting ................................................................................................ 11 11. The Candidate Interview ........................................................................... 12

a) Interview Style ........................................................................................... 12 b) Candidate Questions .................................................................................. 13 c) Candidate Optional Questions ................................................................... 14 d) After the interview ..................................................................................... 15

12. Appendix A - Key Details Provided by the Proposer ............................... 17 13. Appendix B - Example letter to the Initiate on Lodge Letterhead ............ 18


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1. Introduction

Considerable thought must be given to ensuring that Freemasonry initiates the right

individuals as candidates. The Craft needs Members who will be motivated active

participants well into the future. The initial responsibility falls on the Sponsors, the Proposer

and the Seconder, but it is not entirely in their hands.

Through the Provincial 3R‟s Initiative, the recruitment drive is being stepped up. New ways

are being deployed to attract members. To support this recruitment drive the qualification

process must be faster, more professional and robust.

We must ensure that a Candidate knows exactly what the expectations are of him and of the

Lodge that he would like to join. Should he decide not to progress his application, or for it to

be declined by the Craft, the procedure should leave him with a positive impression of

Freemasonry and what it stands for.

Times are changing. We now have a major drive to reach out and communicate with the

public by new means. For example, through the Provincial Website or the Freemasonry In

The Community (FITC) initiative. Through these new channels we will come in contact with

new members, where the candidates may not be well known, have different work or social

ethics and values.

The need for tighter control at the front end of the interview process should mean we screen

suitable candidates quickly for membership and reject those who may be considered

unsuitable. The aim is to define a standard process whilst not sacrificing the good practices

we have in place today.

A competently run joining experience can only promote further recruitment from new

members. This document is concerned with the formal interview process and the suggested

steps to be taken to bring a candidate to the point where he is, subject to ballot, invited to join

the Lodge.

This document supersedes a previous document “Before the Initiation” produced by W.Bro.

Roger Bricknell PAPGM, PSGD, to who I am grateful for the original draft.

Les Hipwell

November 2010


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2. Initial Approach

Provincial initiatives such as Open Days, our Website and Freemasonry in the Community

have given the Craft a higher profile in the public domain. This has altered in many respects

the way approaches are made by or to someone who is interested in joining Freemasonry.

The likely methods fall into three categories:-

1. Individual approach to a mason from a friend.

For many years the approach had to come initially from the potential candidate. The

candidate‟s knowledge that an individual was a member of Freemasonry came either from

hearing him mention it or more likely from being invited to attend social functions. The

Freemason who is approached already knows the individual, socially or through his business

activity.

2. A Freemason making initial approach.

In recent years Freemasons have been permitted to raise the subject of membership with an

individual who they believe is a suitable candidate. It is highly likely that they already have a

very detailed knowledge of the individual or they would not be approaching him.

3. An individual approaching Freemasonry direct.

As Freemasonry seeks to reach still further into the public domain, a number of individuals

will approach the Provincial Office, a Masonic Centre, or to a well known mason with a view

to joining. This form of approach requires knowledge to be sought of the individual, his

family, friends and business. Groups will form an Interview Committee or as a minimum

nominate an experienced Brother to interview prospective Candidates unknown to us. Once

contact is made with a suitable Lodge who shows an interest with the potential Candidate the

Lodge must assign suitable members to get to know him and his family over a period of time.

Care must be taken throughout the process to ensure that he is the right person to be a

Freemason. It is strongly advised that Candidates who surface through these channels should

present a personal CV supported by two references from respected professionals who are not

family.

In every case extra special diligence must be exercised for any candidate seeking admission

under Book of Constitutions Rule 157 (under the age of 21 years) to ensure that he has a

sufficient level of maturity to understand and cope with membership.

Note also that Book of Constitutions Rule 159 states with respect to the Proposer and

Seconder “the candidate must be personally known to them and they must be able to state that

he is a man of good reputation and well fitted to become a member of the Lodge”.

During this initial phase the Proposer and Seconder, or the Brethren asked to get to know the

individual, must obtain the formal information required by the Lodge Secretary:-


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a. Full Name

b. Age

c. Profession or occupation (in some detail)

d. Place or places of abode

e. Business address or addresses

3. Information for the Candidate

Every Lodge should draw up a short summary of what it is about and reasons why any

Candidate should want to be a part of it. Essentially a „selling tool‟. It will enable the

Interview Committee or Nominated Interviewer to be better informed to make quick

decisions concerning the Lodge/s best suited to the Candidate. It will also and minimise the

needed to continually refer back for clarification. In addition, the Groups will be able to

build up an easily accessible repository of Lodge information. This information would be

very useful to Group Representatives to direct potential Candidates who come to us via the

FITC or Website routes.

He should as a minimum receive the following:-

Provincial Web Site (www.hiowmasons.org.uk)

Latest version of „News and Views‟

UGLE Website (www.ugle.org.uk)

Leaflet – Freemasonry : an approach to life Produced by UGLE

Leaflet – Your Questions Answered Produced by UGLE

Collected leaflets on Produced by UGLE

Freemasonry & Society

What is Freemasonry

Freemasonry and religion

Regular Freemasonry and Public Affairs

Freemasonry‟s External Relations.

Notes for a Candidate for Freemasonry QCCC

The Candidate must not be primed to answer questions when he attends the Interview panel.

However, The Proposer and Seconder must ensure that the Candidate knows at this stage,

preferably earlier, and before the Interview, the total demands likely upon his finances and

time. When these points are set out at the Interview, there should be no surprises and the

Candidates response unequivocal.

The Proposer and Seconder have a duty to ensure that a Candidate should know the following

at a very earlier stage:-

1. Freemasonry is a society of men historically linked with mediaeval operative Masons,

from whom they derive their private means of recognition, their ceremonial, and many of

their customs. Its members adhere to ancient principles of Brotherly love, relief and truth not

only among themselves but also in their relations with the world at large, and by ritual,

precept and example aim to improve themselves morally and intellectually.


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2. A basic condition of admission into, and membership of the Order, is a belief in the

Supreme Being. This is essential and without compromise.

3. It recognises no distinctions of religion and, while inculcating in each of its members the

duties of loyalty and citizenship, it does not permit any of its members, either in Lodge or in

their capacity as Freemasons, to discuss theological or political questions.

4. It offers no pecuniary advantages binding one Mason to deal with another, or to support

him in any way in the ordinary business relations of life.

5. It has certain Charities, but is not in any sense whatever a benefit society, nor is it based

upon any calculations which would render this possible. The Charities are solely for those

who, having been in good circumstances, have been overtaken by misfortune or adversity.

Neither a Mason, nor his wife, nor his children have any claim as of right upon them.

6. Masonry teaches that a man's first duty is to himself, his wife, his family and his

connections. No-one should join the Order who cannot well afford to pay the Initiation fees

and subscription both to his Lodge and to the Masonic Charities, and this without detriment

to the comfort and well-being of those who have any claim on his support.

7. Therefore everyone, before offering himself as a candidate, should be fully assured in his

own mind:

that he sincerely desires the intellectual and moral improvement of himself and his

fellow creatures

that he is willing to devote part of his time, his means and his efforts in the

promotion of brotherly love, relief and truth

that he seeks no commercial, social or pecuniary advantages

that he is able to afford the necessary expenditure without injury to himself or his

connections

4. Proposer and Seconder

The responsibility of the Proposer and Seconder is considerable. Upon them and their

decision to sponsor the individual can rest the reputation of the Lodge, Freemasonry as a

whole, and of course they themselves.

Before agreeing to act in this capacity they must be certain that the individual is a suitable

candidate. To do this they should have a detailed knowledge of the individual, his family,

and business activity.

Their responsibility does not end at the Initiation and the acceptance of this continuing

commitment from them is necessary at their interview. Irrespective of any arrangements that

may exist for formal Mentoring.


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Proposer and Seconder must be satisfied that:-

1. The applicant is “of good report” in the fullest sense of the term. This implies a first

hand knowledge of him, not only in business circles but also in his domestic and

social life.

2. That Freemasonry is not incompatible with his religious beliefs.

3. His financial standing is reasonable and that he is not entering Freemasonry for

pecuniary gain.

4. He does not have a criminal record. Consideration must be given to Grand Lodge

policy and the Law itself e.g. Rehabilitation of Offender Act. If he does have a

criminal record then always refer back to the Provincial Grand Secretary who can

give advice based upon the latest ruling of Grand Lodge.

5. He is in reasonably good health.

6. He genuinely desires to become a Freemason.

Proposer and Seconder should understand the contents of Rule 157 to 166 B of C and also the

duties contained in Rule 179, paragraph 14 of the summary of the Ancient Charges.

5. Duties of the Secretary

The duties of the Secretary with regard to the process prior to the Initiation are set out clearly

in the Provincial Aide-memoire and its attachment A which are already in circulation.

Key actions are :-

1. Obtain information on prospective candidate as early as possible.

2. Circulate to all members.

3. Observe rule 158 B of C if required.

4. Issue Blue form and have it completed.

5. Provide completed form to GP/Interview Committee

6. Arrange interview for Proposer/Seconder.

7. Arrange interview for Candidate.

8. Issue P form.

9. Include required information on Summons for the ballot.

6. Informal contact

Before the interview of the potential Candidate it is very advantageous for two of the

interview committee to meet and talk with the individual in an informal setting, preferably his

home. This is considered essential if the individual has approached Freemasonry by a direct

approach.


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7. Interview of Proposer and Seconder

Many Lodges interview the Proposer and Seconder on the same evening as the prospective

candidate. This should be avoided as there is considerable advantage in interviewing the

Proposer and Seconder at an earlier stage. It not only ensures that the duties of the Proposer

& Seconder to date have been executed, but also allows the interview committee to have

information early and to be better prepared for the interview. It is important that they are also

aware of what information has been provided to the prospective candidate. To keep every

one as informed as possible, it can be an advantage to carryout these interviews as part of a

General Purposes Committee Meeting with the full GP present – this must of course include

the member of the interview committee designated to be present with the Candidate at his

interview.

8. Before the Candidate Interview

Before a candidate for admission is presented to a Lodge Interview Panel the following

activities should have taken place:

He has had an informal interview or discussion with his Proposer and Seconder.

1. He may have further informal meetings with other Lodge members, perhaps tailored to

the candidate‟s age, profession/workplace, social/sport interest, or club membership. So

that he and the members can satisfy themselves on mutual suitability. No Lodge wants to

lose a prospective Candidate to other Lodges. However, there is no embarrassment in

referring the Candidate to another Lodge better suited to his expectations and needs.

2. The candidate has been through some early screening and qualification by the Proposer to

avoid any embarrassment at a later stage i.e. questions that require a firm YES in the

answer must have an unequivocal response. For example:

a. He has a belief in a Supreme Being - YES

b. He understands his first duty is to himself, his wife or partner, his family and his

connections, especially with regards to any time and financial commitments –

YES

c. He understands that he should not expect or cannot seek any commercial,

pecuniary or other material benefit by being a member – YES

d. He has no criminal convictions or court case pending that would prevent his

application being considered – YES (note Section 4.4.)

3. The Candidate is given a short but concise written guide to the benefits that Freemasonry

has to offer:

a. Brotherhood, comradeship, friendship and enjoyment

b. To become a better person

c. Charity and helping others

d. Quest for knowledge

e. Self-improvement and achievement

f. As well as a potted history of the Lodge he is proposing to join. This could be

given by his Proposer or other Lodge member;

4. The Proposer should also understand that under Rule 171 of the Book of Constitutions, he

is liable for all fees to the Lodge should his Candidate or Joining Member default, and

that the candidate is a fit and proper person and not just an acquaintance.


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5. Also, the Proposer has a duty of care to coach him through the various degrees and assist

in mentoring him to be a responsible member. The Proposer does not give up his

responsibility even if the mentoring part may be handled differently if a Lodge Mentor is

in place.

Subject to a general verbal agreement with the Lodge members who have met the candidate,

the candidate answering the screening questions correctly and with a willingness by the

candidate to progress to the next stage, the following will need to be completed:

1. UGLE Registration Form M – Completed by the candidate and handed to his Proposer

2. Appendix A (new form) – Completed by the Proposer and copied to the Interview Panel

members

3. On the basis of the above being completed to the satisfaction of the Worshipful Master

and Secretary, a formal interview is arranged and the candidate is invited to meet the

Worshipful Master, Secretary, Proposer, Seconder and other selected brethren.

9. The Candidate Interview – overall process

1 Proposer and Seconder to meet the candidate on his arrival and conduct him to the

Interview venue.

2 On entering the Interview room he should be introduced to all present by name and

encouraged to shake hands. The interview committee members should not be seated on

his arrival but should be waiting preferably away from any tables.

3 WM, when seated should expand on the introductions giving a little background on each

of the members present and covering in a little more detail his position as the WM of the

Lodge.

4 Point out to the Prospective Candidate has already filled in the initial blue application

form and that the members of the committee are in possession of that information. The

Proposer and Seconder have already been interviewed and that this is the next stage in the

process.

5 It is also very useful to explain to the candidate why the interview takes place;-

a. Ensure that Freemasonry accepts the right people into the craft and that we

ensure the Craft is right for him.

b. Committee charged with this responsibility on behalf of the Lodge.

c. To enable the Committee to report to the lodge as to the applicants suitability

for membership.

d. Ensure that candidate wants to join Freemasonry for the right reasons.

e. Ensure that the candidate is under no misapprehensions about the craft.

f. Expand on information already provided by the Candidate.

g. Two way process of getting to know each other.


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6 The WM should also ensure that the prospective candidate has a good idea of the

commitment he is making. This can be initiated by giving a brief explanation of what it

means to be a Freemason:-

a. The commitment to a way of life

b. High standards of Conduct

c. The leading of a sound moral life by treating others as you would wish to be

treated yourself

d. The support of others by way of charitable giving.

7 The WM having talked for some time it is always useful to get the candidate talking. An

open question such as tell us about yourself is a good start.

8 The interview should then proceed with the members of the committee asking the

question that have been designated to them, probing further when necessary and allowing

the prospective candidate plenty of opportunity to respond, with his own questions if he

so wishes.

The Interview committee should never be large as it intimidates candidates and is counter

productive. The idea number is five or less. The members should be:-

a. Worshipful Master

b. Wardens - one or both to allow them to build experience and confidence.

c. Secretary

d. Two Past Masters acceptable to the lodge for this purpose.

It is imperative that those present have a good working knowledge of all aspects of

Freemasonry to enable them to answer questions that may arise. It is also advantageous for

the Secretary to have up to 4 Past Masters he can utilise for the interview in case some are not

available.

10. Pre-meeting

The members of the interview committee should meet prior to the time set for the meeting

with the Prospective Candidate to allow discussion on the information provided during the

interview of the Proposer and Seconder, and to ensure that they are aware of their role in the

interview.


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11. The Candidate Interview

The interview process should be considered in some detail in each Lodge and the process

agreed by each Worshipful Master at the beginning of his year of office. For example:-

1. The interview could be scheduled pre-or post-LOI or GP meeting and should take no

longer than 30 minutes.

2. The Secretary should send a letter to the candidate detailing date, time and venue for

the interview and dress code should be indicated to all attending.

3. The Panel should have a suggested maximum of seven Lodge members to avoid

making the interview an overwhelming experience.

4. A private area should be arranged for the interview with table and chairs in a

comfortable setting but not in a public area such as a bar.

5. Before the candidate is interviewed, a short pre-meeting discussion should take place

to agree roles and responsibilities.

6. Decide who will chair the interview, who should ask and answer any questions, where

the candidate, his Proposer and Seconder should sit etc.

7. Appendix A should be used to write a briefing note for the Lodge Panel prior to

meeting the candidate and can then be used to record details for the review .

8. When the interview concludes, the candidate will be asked to leave for a short while

in order for his application to be considered. He should be accompanied by a Lodge

member (preferably not the Proposer or Seconder, ideally the Lodge Mentoring

Officer).

a) Interview Style

The interview is of the highest importance to the Lodge and the Candidate. The dress should

be suit, collar and tie. The candidate should be advised to be similarly attired. The interview

should be in a sense formal, but if it is made too formal it can be counter productive for both

the Lodge and the Candidate. A layout with the members of a Lodge at one end of a table

and the prospective candidate at the other end is to be avoided. It is preferable not to sit

around a table at all but to arrange seating without the separating effect of a table. If the

facilities do not allow this then sitting around a table should ensure that the prospective

candidate is not isolated on one side on his own.

The Worshipful Master by definition acts as the Chairman of the Interview Committee. His

primary role is to facilitate an atmosphere that engenders a two way process. The Worshipful

Master Needs to:

1. Introduce all the people present and create a friendly and cordial atmosphere to put the

candidate at ease. This background can be invaluable to the Candidate as it indicates to

him the type of individual within Freemasonry and gives him a clearer idea of the make-

up of the organisation that he has expressed a wish to join.


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2. Inform the candidate that adequate time has been set aside to discuss his application.

Ensure that he understands the process so far, and if successful today, then to progress to

the next stage. This is a two-way process.

3. Let the candidate know that we have his application form (Registration Form M) and key

details, so a lot of the information is already available. However, it would be helpful for

all of us if we go through some specific items and to get to know each other a little better.

4. Create an atmosphere where the candidate will speak freely and willingly.

5. Consider whether he will use Forenames when addressing the members or the prospective

candidate or a formal method of address. Experience clearly shows a more relaxed and

informative meeting will result from a more intimate method of address to those present.

b) Candidate Questions

Certain questions should be asked if the information is not already stated on the blue

application form. The candidate ought to give spontaneous answers at his interview and he

should not be primed on the replies that are expected of him.

1. A basic condition of admission and membership into Freemasonry is a belief in a

Supreme Being? Do you subscribe to such a belief? (If the answer is “YES”, then the

interview should continue. If the answer is “NO”, then it should be explained that certain

obligations are required in our rites and ceremonies, and if this is not possible, then the

applicant should be politely thanked for coming and the interview terminated).

2. Tell us about yourself, e.g. Family, Work, Sport, Hobbies, Education, etc.

3. What attracted you to Freemasonry and to this Lodge in particular?

4. Are you comfortable with the cost of being a member and has it been fully explained to

you? Just to recap: The Initiation Fee is £…........…. The Annual Subscription is

£…........… The Dining Fees are £…........…

5. Are you aware of the time commitment for membership? Note: Lodge Interview Panel

decision on asking “Can you spare the time for “XX” evenings per year (regular Lodge

meetings, LoI, etc.)?”

6. Is your wife/partner aware of your wish to join Freemasonry, do they approve and will

they support you if you become a member?

7. What do you feel you can offer Freemasonry? What qualities do you bring?

8. What expectations do you have of Freemasonry?

9. Are you prepared to support the charitable aims of the Fraternity – providing it is without

detriment to yourself, your family and connections?

10. What questions do you have for us and please raise anything you feel relevant or not clear

as we are here to help and give you all the information we can?


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11. Does he understand the demands that will be made on him

12. Why do you want to join this Lodge?

c) Candidate Optional Questions

Additional Questions the Panel may wish to ask:

1. Will you participate in the social activities of the Lodge and is your wife/partner aware of

them? Note: Brief explanation of the Lodge‟s activities, such as Ladies‟ Weekends.

2. Have you ever made a previous application to join Freemasonry?

3. At our meetings we sing the National Anthem and drink to the health of Her Majesty, are

you happy to do so?

4. Why do wish to become a Freemason?

5. What do you know about Freemasonry?

6. In order to progress in Freemasonry, you need to devote a certain amount of time to study

as our ritual is learned and not read out, would you be willing and able to do this?

7. Our standard dress code is a dark suit, white shirt and black tie, black shoes and socks,

and white gloves. Are you happy to do so?

8. Have any of your family members ever been involved in Freemasonry?

9. Based on where our Lodge meets and dines, and where you live and work, do you feel

you will have any problems attending on a regular basis?

10. Do you have any negative perceptions of Freemasonry?

11. Have you ever been a member of any association purporting to be similar to

Freemasonry?

12. What involvement have you had with charitable activity.

13. Discussion about what the candidate has seen in the press about freemasonry and his

views on it are always enlightening and it also gives the members of the Committee the

opportunity to dispel some of the more inaccurate impressions.

14. Some of the answers given by the candidate on the blue form may need amplification and

now is the right time to do it. Extreme care should be taken when looking at the

statement he has to make with regard to criminal activity. GL advice recently has

indicated that driving offences are included in this declaration with the exception of those

which incur fixed penalties received through the post. A positive declaration in this area


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does not debar an individual from membership, but it does require assessment by others.

15. Towards the end of the interview it is necessary to ensure that the candidate understands a

number of important areas:-

a. Explain the pattern of meetings associated with the Lodge both in a Masonic sense

and also a social sense. The element of his time commitment and his ability to attend

are very important

b. Explain the dress code required of members

c. Explain the regular costs involved in joining and remaining a member:-

d. Joining Fees

e. Dues/subscriptions

f. Regalia

g. Meals

h. Explain the Masonic Charity system in general terms and how we also contribute to

non-Masonic Charity activity both nationally and locally

In closing the interview the WM should ascertain that the prospective candidate wishes to

continue with his application to join. Lodge Mentor (or WM) to escort the potential candidate

back to his Proposer and Seconder.

After questions have been asked, the Chairman should now explain the next steps:

1. We will now have a review meeting and kindly ask you to leave us for a few

minutes, one of our members will accompany you (preferably not the Proposer or

Seconder, ideally the Lodge Mentoring Officer).

2. We will then invite you back to let you know about the result of your application.

3. Of successful, the next step will be to ballot the Lodge members.

4. If successful, the next steps after that will be at the next Lodge meeting – your

details will be read out and a ballot will be held amongst the members.

5. Should that prove in your favour, you will then receive a letter giving you all the

information relevant to joining and you will be invited to attend a future meeting

of the Lodge where you will be initiated into the first degree of Freemasonry.

6. Your Proposer will give you any additional information and support you may

need.

d) After the interview

Further discussion with the prospective candidate, including the Proposer and Seconder can

occur in the bar if one is available.

The review should take place immediately afterwards and should be a ten minute

exercise:

1. The Interview Panel can consider the information recorded on Form M, their notes on

Appendix A and the responses given to the Annex B and/or C questions

2. The Worshipful Master/Secretary or whoever is chairing the Panel can conduct a brief

discussion so members are able to voice concerns or otherwise

3. A vote for acceptance should then be taken by a show of hands


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4. The candidate is then invited back into the meeting and the Chairman explains the

following:

If the vote has been successful he will be advised by letter (Appendix B) regarding the next

steps and that his details will be read out in open Lodge at a forthcoming meeting when a

ballot will be taken.

If the vote has not been successful, he will be thanked for attending, and should it be

necessary, it will be left to the Proposer to provide any additional feedback to the candidate.


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12. Appendix A - Key Details Provided by the Proposer

Details required by the Lodge Interview Panel in addition to those provided on Form M:

Surname: ……………………………………….. Forenames:

Home Town / City: …………………………….. Business Town / City:

Occupation:…………………………………….. Date of Birth:

Wife / Partners Name: ………………………….. Email Address:

Telephone Number Home:……………………………………………………………………….

Telephone Number Mobile:………………………………………………………………………

Proposed By:……………………………………. Seconded By: …………………………….

Interest / Hobbies / Skills: ……………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Briefing notes for the Interview Panel

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Interview notes for the Review

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Is the candidate a fit and proper person to be made a Freemason? YES or NO.

Reservations, if any? …………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Chairman‟s Name:……………………………….. Venue:……………. Date: ……………..


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13. Appendix B - Example letter to the Initiate on Lodge Letterhead

Dear Mr …………....................................………………

I am pleased to inform you that at its last meeting, the <NAME> Lodge voted for your initiation into

Freemasonry and this will take place as follows:

Date:

Time:

Venue:

Ceremony: First Degree

This will be the first of three ceremonies needed to make you a Master Mason.

The meeting at which you are due to be initiated is scheduled to start at <TIME>.

You should arrive at least fifteen minutes before that time and will be met at the main entrance by your

Proposer who will introduce you to the Tyler who will look after you until we are ready to admit you.

Dress for the meeting is dark suit (preferably black or dark grey), white shirt and black tie, black shoes (no

buckle) and socks, <you will also need to provide yourself with a pair of white gloves>.

At this stage you will not need any regalia as this will be provided for you. You should bring a cheque for

£…........… (Initiation £…........…, plus Annual Subscription) and also a cheque for your dining on the night

, £…........…

At the conclusion of your initiation you will be formally introduced to your Lodge Mentoring Officer whose

task is to make your entrance into the Masonic family easy and pleasurable, as well as provide additional

support to that given by your Proposer and Seconder.

Should you have any further questions, then please do not hesitate to contact me. Please also confirm to me

that you will be able to attend.

Finally, on behalf of the Lodge, I look forward to welcoming you, we feel sure you will have many happy

and enjoyable times with us and become a valued member of our fraternity.

Yours sincerely and fraternally,

<NAME>

Secretary – Lodge <NAME>

cc Proposer, Seconder, Treasurer, Lodge Mentoring Officer

Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight...Appendix B - Example letter to the Initiate...

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Transcript of Provincial Grand Lodge of Hampshire and Isle of Wight...Appendix B - Example letter to the Initiate...