Hello Brethren,
Recently a group from my lodge traveled an hour out to a historic country lodge where we often provide candidates so they can labour.
On our travels our candidate, a brother due to pass from the first to second degree, was quite apprehensive as he felt he had not received sufficient instruction prior to this day- it’s worth noting 6+ months is typical here between degrees.
We use a mentor system to teach our candidates which pairs an experienced master with one or more candidates to instruct through the degrees, while this is a fine system, our mentors tend to be comprised of the select few who do the majority of the lodge work- you know these brothers in your lodge I’m sure- meaning the uninformed uninstructed candidates tend to slip to the bottom of the priority list as they arnt as vocal about their complaints or so it feels, I know I feel that way and I have had several young masons eco the same sentiment to me.
Ours is a close Masonic community, 6 lodges meeting in the one centre- it’s often hard to know who belongs to which lodge as visiting is highly encouraged and frequent here- however all lodges use this same mentor system.
I must admit at times I have considered calling off from my mother lodge and joining another who’s outlook is more in line with my own, however that wouldn’t be in my lodges best interest.
I have considered forming an informal “unified lodge of instruction” a regular occasion in which candidates of all levels from the local lodges can meet and practice their work in any combination- while being cautious of the obvious constraints placed on them by our obligations.
It’s my belief having a fellowcraft work with an apprentice would be a significant benefit for both brothers as the work is quite fresh in the mind of the fellowcraft and teaching it has him reflecting on it more frequently, the entered apprentice also benefits from a teacher who’s time isn’t constrained by the numerous committees and subcommittees and helps to build a network amoung the young masons.
What do you gents think?
Am I asking for trouble here?
Recently a group from my lodge traveled an hour out to a historic country lodge where we often provide candidates so they can labour.
On our travels our candidate, a brother due to pass from the first to second degree, was quite apprehensive as he felt he had not received sufficient instruction prior to this day- it’s worth noting 6+ months is typical here between degrees.
We use a mentor system to teach our candidates which pairs an experienced master with one or more candidates to instruct through the degrees, while this is a fine system, our mentors tend to be comprised of the select few who do the majority of the lodge work- you know these brothers in your lodge I’m sure- meaning the uninformed uninstructed candidates tend to slip to the bottom of the priority list as they arnt as vocal about their complaints or so it feels, I know I feel that way and I have had several young masons eco the same sentiment to me.
Ours is a close Masonic community, 6 lodges meeting in the one centre- it’s often hard to know who belongs to which lodge as visiting is highly encouraged and frequent here- however all lodges use this same mentor system.
I must admit at times I have considered calling off from my mother lodge and joining another who’s outlook is more in line with my own, however that wouldn’t be in my lodges best interest.
I have considered forming an informal “unified lodge of instruction” a regular occasion in which candidates of all levels from the local lodges can meet and practice their work in any combination- while being cautious of the obvious constraints placed on them by our obligations.
It’s my belief having a fellowcraft work with an apprentice would be a significant benefit for both brothers as the work is quite fresh in the mind of the fellowcraft and teaching it has him reflecting on it more frequently, the entered apprentice also benefits from a teacher who’s time isn’t constrained by the numerous committees and subcommittees and helps to build a network amoung the young masons.
What do you gents think?
Am I asking for trouble here?