MENTORING

Lecture By WM Rick Cave

Worshipful Masters are to appoint a mentor for each candidate to assist in the understanding of the degrees. This has been great! I hope the effort will continue, but something troubles me.

Over my 22 years of being a PHA Master Mason, I have witnessed some insightful, unusual, thrilling and emotional moments of Masonry, both inside and outside of Lodge. Beginning several years ago, I began questioning my mentors who most were Grand Lodge Officers on why brothers in our jurisdiction were not required to learn about the third degree lecture in the fashion of the previous degrees. It was explained to me that “in the old days” Masons were required to learn their third-degree lecture before signing the bylaws of their Lodge. Many never completed and, as a result, were lost to the fraternity and, by definition, were never considered Master Masons being able to travel and work as such. Hence, drop the requirement!

So, I ask the question, how can we value and teach the morality, you remember?) aspect in Masonry (which includes friendship, morality and Brotherly love) if men miss this important chapter of their Masonic education? I felt so strong about this issue that I requested to a change in the system to allow for this inconsistency. My request read “For every Master Mason, he shall also be taught, subsequent to his Master Mason degree, the lectures of such degree and its obligations.” This, I felt, was one way that we can make "good men better!" A few ideas about how this procedure might be implemented included:

What's Missing?

Nowhere can be found suggestions how the Mentor, usually an experienced Master Mason and often a seasoned Past Master, should proceed. Historically, and from my own experience, the mentor works individually with a candidate in enough sessions, so the ritual becomes intelligible. This practice differs from lodge to lodge, however. Some candidates get "a sense" of what the oath means. Others understand the obligation. Some know the difference. Many can learn the complete degree, old penalties and all. Others learn selected parts. I have heard candidates return both question and response alone in open lodge without a mentor present to assist.

As I traveled to different lodges and throughout several jurisdictions, I’ve become familiar

with different ritual, procedures, and practices. To me, this is what makes Masonry so fascinating. But it is very disappointing to witness new brothers being shortchanged at this important step regarding their introduction into our fraternity. Now, let me explain: It is my belief that Masonry loses new and hopefully interested men at this crucial stage in their Masonic experience. No investment, no growth.

How is this Accomplished?

It has been said that the Mentor is the "cheerleader" for the candidate. This is true in every sense of the word. In order to keep the interest of the candidate at a high level; schedule a learning session together at least once a week or at the closest intervals possible. It can be at his or your home, or at the Masonic lodge. Location is not important if you both are able to concentrate undisturbed. You will see that this relationship will grow to become more than just a simple student-teacher relationship. The mentor and candidate are forced to become "closer" as you work together--- as brothers should be. In order to attain as much advancement as possible, set goals and then work toward those objectives. With this expectation better results are achieved. A tried-and-true principle at work here is attributed to that great teacher Socrates who it was said sat on one end of a log--opposite the student and taught. A single candidate obtaining our undivided attention seems to be preferable (although more can easily be worked).

This recalls that portion of the first degree Charge: "…to improve in Masonic knowledge, converse with well-informed brethren. They will always be as ready to give, as you will to receive, instruction." I have found this so. This is another, and perhaps better, method of accomplishing our mentor job. Constant encouragement is necessary. Have him repeat after you as often as you both feel comfortable until he can recite the passages unassisted. The candidate can be reminded that this is no different for him than for "many a friend and fellow who has come before him." We should continue as far as the candidate can go! Many will accept the challenge to learn the entire catechism.

To me, this is how interest is developed in Masonry. The willingness to read and learn more about our ancient Craft, and to move forward accepting positions of responsibility within our lodges is the desirable outcome. By now you've recognized that this isn't a one or two session process! I consider this another place where "good men are made better." At this point of learning where the comfort level is high, the reading of the additional degree lectures could be read for the candidate. This further amplifies the meaning of the various degrees.

Experienced mentors know that good and thorough work on the EA degree leaves the succeeding lectures "a breeze" to master.

The Charge to the Mentor

To you, my brother, who has been selected as a Mentor, congratulations. Feel honored! There really is no greater contribution to your Lodge and our fraternity than this. And, if you enjoy helping, and have not been asked for a while, volunteer. When a candidate invests his time and energy with you in learning what his lecture is about, he may come to view it as "a way of life" rather than simple repetition to be found in a lodge room. He may see Masonry as something

deeper, more meaningful and significant compared to some "men's club" he might have joined. This is how a man becomes aware of and appreciate the rich history and antiquity of this venerable international fraternity of which we are so proud. It is THIS feeling that Masonry should attempt to inculcate! Good luck!

It is the responsibility of Worshipful Masters to select knowledgeable and interested brothers to provide this all-important assistance to the new brother and Freemasonry. This is not simply the selecting of some brother who happens to be sitting in the lodge room a particular meeting, but one whom you feel will meet this responsibility and time commitment to share Masonic light and enthusiasm. Worshipful Masters should make their selection feel important, for the responsibility certainly is. This should be a win-win situation. Good luck!

In Conclusion, my final thought is to remember what we have learned from the symbolism of our EA: "the great and primary object of this degree is to symbolize that birth of intellectual light in the mind. The Entered Apprentice is the type of the unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness, and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which leads to duty and to Him who gives duty its reward."