david918
Premium Member
> THE CANDIDATE
> by RW Alan R. Heath
>
> It was his dream to become a Mason,
> Though he wasn't sure quite why.
> So he made an application,
> Then waited months for a reply.
>
> No committee came to pay a call,
> To meet him and his wife,
> No invitation to Mason's hall;
> Nor offer of advice.
>
> Finally a postcard in the mail,
> Said, "come Monday night at six,
> And bring us twenty dollars,
> If you want to see our tricks."
>
> He made that solitary journey,
> And entered by the door,
> But not one hand was offered,
> As he slowly crossed the floor.
>
> They fed him beans and hot dogs,
> And a piece of apple pie,
> Then lead him to a little room,
> With no explanation why.
>
> The work was done with care and skill,
> No one could argue that.
> But, the candidate was forgotten,
> As they patted themselves on the back.
>
> He came to the lodge hall two more times,
> And was raised to the third degree.
> That was the last time they saw him.
> What could the trouble be?
>
> They scratched their heads and wondered,
> As again they cried and moaned,
> "Our time has all been wasted!"
> "We should have stayed at home."
>
> It seems to me that they've missed the point,
> But they need to understand.
> It's not just how well you do the work,
> It's how you treat the man.
>
> Because you can only be a Mason,
> When you're a Mason in your heart;
> And along with his jacket seams,
> They had burst his dream apart.
>
> So, if you get an application,
> Please, call on that man at once.
> Invite him and his family,
> To tour your hall and share some lunch.
>
> Answer all his questions,
> Let him share your pride.
> A Mason's work, is honest work;
> That's not a secret to hide.
>
> And when it's time to present him,
> With the gift of a degree,
> Remember, genuine friendship is,
> The true gift of masonry.
>
> Pick him up and take him home.
> Isn't he worth the trip?
> No candidate should come alone.
> Please, don't ignore this tip.
>
> All should rush to greet him,
> As he enters by your door.
> Extend your hand in friendship,
> That's what a Mason's grip is for.
>
> And remember your obligation,
> As you lead him to the gate.
> It's up to you to guide him through,
> Not to hurt or humiliate.
>
> Now armed with proper instruction,
> Masonry's door will open wide,
> Thanks to you, his best example,
> Of what a Mason should be inside.
>
> And thank him sincerely for coming.
> Invite him back to his new home.
> For a brother will not be a brother,
> If he feels unwelcome and alone.
>
> by RW Alan R. Heath
>
> It was his dream to become a Mason,
> Though he wasn't sure quite why.
> So he made an application,
> Then waited months for a reply.
>
> No committee came to pay a call,
> To meet him and his wife,
> No invitation to Mason's hall;
> Nor offer of advice.
>
> Finally a postcard in the mail,
> Said, "come Monday night at six,
> And bring us twenty dollars,
> If you want to see our tricks."
>
> He made that solitary journey,
> And entered by the door,
> But not one hand was offered,
> As he slowly crossed the floor.
>
> They fed him beans and hot dogs,
> And a piece of apple pie,
> Then lead him to a little room,
> With no explanation why.
>
> The work was done with care and skill,
> No one could argue that.
> But, the candidate was forgotten,
> As they patted themselves on the back.
>
> He came to the lodge hall two more times,
> And was raised to the third degree.
> That was the last time they saw him.
> What could the trouble be?
>
> They scratched their heads and wondered,
> As again they cried and moaned,
> "Our time has all been wasted!"
> "We should have stayed at home."
>
> It seems to me that they've missed the point,
> But they need to understand.
> It's not just how well you do the work,
> It's how you treat the man.
>
> Because you can only be a Mason,
> When you're a Mason in your heart;
> And along with his jacket seams,
> They had burst his dream apart.
>
> So, if you get an application,
> Please, call on that man at once.
> Invite him and his family,
> To tour your hall and share some lunch.
>
> Answer all his questions,
> Let him share your pride.
> A Mason's work, is honest work;
> That's not a secret to hide.
>
> And when it's time to present him,
> With the gift of a degree,
> Remember, genuine friendship is,
> The true gift of masonry.
>
> Pick him up and take him home.
> Isn't he worth the trip?
> No candidate should come alone.
> Please, don't ignore this tip.
>
> All should rush to greet him,
> As he enters by your door.
> Extend your hand in friendship,
> That's what a Mason's grip is for.
>
> And remember your obligation,
> As you lead him to the gate.
> It's up to you to guide him through,
> Not to hurt or humiliate.
>
> Now armed with proper instruction,
> Masonry's door will open wide,
> Thanks to you, his best example,
> Of what a Mason should be inside.
>
> And thank him sincerely for coming.
> Invite him back to his new home.
> For a brother will not be a brother,
> If he feels unwelcome and alone.
>