Mentor Program Guidelines

1. Mentor Program Guidelines Grand Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Canada in the Province of Ontario Membership Committee - Mentor Program

2. Congratulations • The Master of the Lodge has appointed you as a Lodge Mentor • Mentors are active members who are willing to act as tutor, confidant & companion to a new member of the Craft Membership Committee - Mentor Program

3. The Role of the Mentor • The Mentor’s purpose is to ensure that every candidate is properly instructed in the fundamentals of the Craft • The Mentor is not a substitute for the candidate’s sponsors. • Sponsors assist the candidate in advance – to apply & to prepare for each degree • The Mentor assists after each step, to help the candidate understand what he has just experienced Membership Committee - Mentor Program

4. Mechanics of the program • Worshipful Master appoints a Lodge Mentor Chairman • Chairman appoints Mentors as needed according to the number of candidates • Chairman & Master schedule activities • Chairman maintains record of Mentor activities • Mentor coordinates activities with sponsors and reports to Chairman Membership Committee - Mentor Program

5. Duties • The Mentor meets with the candidate after a successful ballot and after each degree, a minimum of 4 times in all • The Mentor provides a continuing program of support during the new Master Mason’s first year in the Craft Membership Committee - Mentor Program

6. The First Meeting • Preferably in the candidate’s home, with his family present • Ensure he has received a copy of the booklet For the Information of the Man who has Expressed an Interest in Masonry and the pamphlet What is Freemasonry? • Lend him the audio tape What is Freemasonry? and the video Freemasonry in Ontario Membership Committee - Mentor Program

7. First Meeting: First Lecture • Introduce First Lecture – stress initiation fee and dues structure including requirement for payment at time of initiation • Explain application form and contents • Emphasize dignity, dress & deportment in Lodge • Present him a copy of the First Lecture and encourage discussion • Be sure he has your address & phone number Membership Committee - Mentor Program

8. The Second Meeting: Entered Apprentice • The Lodge Room, if convenient • If in the Lodge, display working tools of the 1st Degree, open VOSL to Ruth IV, 7 • Ensure he has received booklet “1”, The Entered Apprentice, the Charity pamphlet and the pamphlet To a Mason’s Family • Refer him to the Old Charges in his copy of the Book of Constitution Membership Committee - Mentor Program

9. Second Meeting: Next Steps • Conduct the Entered Apprentice around the Lodge, using booklet “1” as a guide to the allegory and symbolism of the Degree • Summarize the Second Lecture and provide the E.A. with a copy – encourage discussion • Demonstrate the sign, token & word • Instruct him in the opening and closing Membership Committee - Mentor Program

10. Second Meeting: Conclusion • Explain Lodge room etiquette, entering late and leaving early and addressing the Worshipful Master • Explain the integrity and format of the ballot and open voting in Lodge • Demonstrate and explain The Grand Honours • Offer further assistance as required – try to arrange for him to view an Initiation in your own or another Lodge Membership Committee - Mentor Program

11. The Third Meeting: Fellowcraft • The Lodge room, if convenient • If in the Lodge, display working tools of the 2nd Degree, open VOSL to Judges XII, 6 • Ensure he has received booklet “2”, The Fellowcraft andthe Blood Donor pamphlet Membership Committee - Mentor Program

12. Third Meeting: Next Steps • Conduct the Fellowcraft around the Lodge, using booklet “2” as a guide to various parts of the Degree • Summarize the Third Lecture and provide the Fellowcraft with a copy – encourage discussion • Demonstrate the signs, tokens & words of the degree • Instruct in opening and closing in the 1st & 2nd Degrees Membership Committee - Mentor Program

13. Third Meeting: Conclusion • Review committee structure of the Lodge by reference to the Lodge Summons • Provide overview of District committee structure by reference to the District Trestle Board • Offer further assistance as required – try to arrange for him to view a Second Degree in your own or another Lodge Membership Committee - Mentor Program

14. The Fourth Meeting: Master Mason • The Lodge room, if convenient • If in the Lodge, display working tools of the 3rd Degree, open VOSL to Ecclesiastes XII • Ensure he has received booklet “3”, The Master Mason andthe pamphlet A Guideline on discussing Membership in Masonry Membership Committee - Mentor Program

15. Fourth Meeting: Next Steps • Conduct the Master Mason around the Lodge, using booklet “3” as a guide to various parts of the Degree • Summarize the Fourth Lecture and provide the Master Mason with a copy – encourage discussion • Review the Five Points of Fellowship • Demonstrate the signs, tokens & words of the degree and coming to order in the 3rd Degree Membership Committee - Mentor Program

16. Fourth Meeting: Conclusion • Instruct in opening and closing in the 3rd Degree and review other openings and closings as necessary • Explain requirements of a Board of Trial • Recommend purchase of books such as the Masonic Manual through the Secretary • Advise the Master Mason of the examination required after being Raised Membership Committee - Mentor Program

17. Fourth Meeting: Postscript • Indicate that this concludes the formal Mentor Presentation • Refer to the list of Suggested Follow Up Activities and start a plan for the coming year • Try to arrange for him to view a Third Degree in your own or another Lodge Membership Committee - Mentor Program

18. Key Points • Warmth • Friendship • Congratulations • Concern Membership Committee - Mentor Program