HST communications 172

From the East:

My Brothers,

Our last communication was a second degree. I would like to compliment all the Officers, and Brothers present for a job well done.

Just as a little side note to our candidates proposers. When you recommend someone to the craft, your work isn't complete, actually the work is just beginning!. Candidates must be nurtured, and made to understand the difference between a fraternal organization and a club. This is not to detract from clubs and their purpose, it is to elevate the fraternity and it's purpose, and what will be expected of them as MM. We must also be cognizant of the ritual, and the learning each candidate must possess to be considered suitably proficient as he advances! The responsibility is yours if you remain silent and ours if you seek help! Inasmuch as we do not have the luxury of our own space at the GLB, we do have access to some space on demand. Understanding that our candidate may live on Long Island and you in South Jersey or Connecticut, you may use the sitting area on the lower level of the GLB, very comfortable and for our use (left of elevators). The Lodge area is available after 5:30 on meeting nights, where you will find a wealth of information as well as camaraderie. Social interaction and Masonic education, great combination.

We in the lodge must read the candidates name in lodge, a committee must be formed to investigate, this committee must travel and meet with the gentleman and his spouse if possible, their recommendations must be read in Lodge, then there is the vote.

A degree date is set, the candidates are informed, and this is where you become a vital part. Sometimes a candidate or Brother fails to respond to letters sent by the Secretary or address and phone number changes result in lost candidates. If you know your candidate is in line for a degree, take charge make sure he is not a victim of the above, had a change of heart, job, location etc. Although you should have been in contact all along. Candidates should be in possession of the necessary materials. Our candidates need mentors, there is so much to learn in the area of ritual and it is the ritual and mysteries that set us apart from other fraternal and social groups.

Candidates are always welcome to our social events, such as Ladies Night, our Picnic and Festive Boards, which are the most prominent, and should be encouraged to attend. There are also the social events that are held by square clubs, other lodges and the community. The Child ID program, which can and has provide function to whole families, many lodges have blood drives and community work which you and your candidate and his family would be more than welcome. Let's not forget the "Masonic" organizations for our Wives, sons and daughters!

If any of the above seems unfamiliar, you may have been a victim of door drop. What is a door drop? Well it is when a proposer drops a candidate at our doorstep, thinking it is Harry S Truman Orphanage No.1066. Using a familiar legal term, it is what it is, we cannot change what has happened in the past. We can however look into the future. If you are in fact in the dark about how to mentor a candidate, please speak up, as one can be assigned to the candidate as well as you! It's all about the learning! It is all about traveling! Not mentoring and not speaking up are a double strike against the craft and the candidate.
Fraternally,
W.'.Tony Pecorella

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