RW Bro. Percy Jamshed Faramji Driver District Grand Master, District Grand Lodge of Bombay percydriver@gmail.com | W Bro. Dr. Tejinder Singh Rawal District Chairman, Mentoring District Grand Lodge of Bombay tsrawal@gmail.com | W Bro Kersasp R Dadachanji District Grand Secretary District Grand Lodge of Bombay kersasp.district@gmail.com |
District Grand Lodge of Bombay
MENTORING SCHEME
MENTORING CONTROL SHEET LODGE START DATE
MENTOR FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS
MENTEE DURATION OF MEETINGS
Establishing Relationships Personal Development Acquisition of Knowledge
This document sets out the framework for a mentoring scheme which meets the need of New Masons in the District of Bombay during the early part of their Masonic careers; the framework is broken down into five key stages which relate to logical Masonic milestones. Each element within a stage is colour coded to indicate its relationship to the three aspects of development shown above, namely establishing relationships, personal development and the acquisition of knowledge. Some Mentors will no doubt wish to add items to the list while others may feel that some of the elements are not appropriate for their Lodges, equally some may wish to devolve the responsibility for delivering some elements of the programme to others. Making such judgements is perfectly legitimate but it essential that whoever takes on the role of Mentor is committed to making sure that the whole programme is seen through to its completion; raising expectations which are subsequently not met will be counterproductive and result in potential disillusionment.
Remember the District Grand Lodge values any feedback you may have, not just on the effectiveness of the framework but also on the nature of the available support material and its relevance. Finally, don't forget that support is readily available from the District Grand Master, the District Grand Mentor , and the District Grand secretary, if you need it.
STAGE 1 Recruitment and preparation for the Ceremony of Initiation
Timing From the time that a prospective candidate first makes contact with the Lodge until the completion of his Initiation meeting
Aim To make the new Candidate feel welcome and support them from the time of their first formal contact with the Lodge until the time they are initiated, and to provide them with an initial understanding of the personal and financial commitment being made.
Element | Objective | How it will be achieved | Ownership | Completed |
1.1 | Inform the Candidate of the qualifications for membership, to give an initial explanation of what freemasonry is, what is expected of them as a member of a Lodge and what they can hope to gain. Meet with candidate's wife if possible and appropriate so that they also feel included and understand what's involved. | Discussion with Proposer and Seconder, giving handouts. | Proposer and/or Seconder, nominated member or members of the Lodge, Secretary | |
1.2 | To establish the suitability of the Candidate for membership and provide them with information regarding associated timescales and the costs involved with becoming a member. | Lodge Permanent Committee | Lodge Permanent Committee, Secretary | |
1.3 | To inform the Candidate of the successful outcome of the interview and that the decision will need to be formalised by a ballot in open Lodge. Give information about probable initiation dates and overall timescales. | Verbally after the Committee has made its decision | Lodge Secretary | |
1.4 | Formally notify the Candidate of the successful ballot (or otherwise) and confirm the actual costs involved and the specific details of the Initiation meeting, payment of annual subscriptions, required dress, etc | Letter containing relevant information, copy of Summons | Lodge Secretary | |
1.5 | Identify and allocate a suitable Mentor to the Candidate | Guidance notes for selecting Mentors to be sent by the District | Permanent Committee, Mentor | |
1.6 | Arrange an initial meeting between the Candidate and Mentor to discuss and agree the basis of the relationship, the future agenda frequency and location of meetings. | Mentor contacts Candidate and agrees mutually convenient arrangements for the meeting | Mentor | |
1.7 | Communicate the arrangements for the Initiation meeting, the dress requirements, the need to response to the toast at the Festive Board etc. | Discussion and letter | Mentor, Proposer, Secretary | |
1.8 | Provide the Candidate with support before, during and after the Initiation meeting. Prepare the Candidate for the ceremony and make the key introductions before and after the meeting. | One to one support | Mentor, Proposer, Seconder and Tyler |
STAGE 2 Entered Apprentice
Timing Commences after the ceremony of Initiation has taken place and is ideally completed by the Second Degree
Aim To provide the Entered Apprentice with an understanding of the Ceremony of Initiation, prepare him for the ceremony of Passing, provide him with information about the Lodge and begin the process of integrating him as a member of it
Element | Area of need | Source of information | Responsibility | Completed |
Explain the meaning and symbolism contained in the First Degree. Reconfirm grip and word, explain meaning of working tools. | Discussion with Mentor, Proposer, Lodge DoC | Mentor | ||
2.2 | Learn the questions and answers for the ceremony of Passing | Booklet containing questions and answers with the support of Mentor and Proposer | Proposer, Seconder and Mentor | |
2.3 | Continue introductions to key members of the Lodge such as the active officers, Secretary, Treasurer, Almoner, Charity Steward, DoC, Past Masters etc, and members of the Candidate's peer group | Personal introductions | Mentor | |
2.4 | The structure and importance of the Lodge Summons. Elections, Ballots. How and when the business of the Lodge is conducted, Agenda items and risings. | Discussion and reference material | Mentor and Secretary | |
2.5 | Initial explanation of the different offices in the Lodge and corresponding regalia, aprons, jewels, wands etc. | Discussion, examples and reference material | Mentor | |
2.6 | Explanation of what goes on at the Festive Board, protocols, toasts, Masonic Fire etc. | Discussion, observation and reference material | Mentor, Proposer, Seconder | |
2.7 | Explanation of salutations and greetings to Grand Officers, District Grand Officers. | Explanation and demonstration of salutes reference to ritual book | Mentor, Lodge DoC | |
2.8 | Explain the requirement to avoid discussion on certain subjects such as politics and religion | Discussion | Mentor, Proposer, Seconder. | |
2.9 | Understand the significance of the Lodge By Laws, e.g. impact on payment of subs, exclusion. | Reading the By Laws and discussion of their significance. | Mentor | |
2.10 | Explain the support available for Brethren and their families in distressed circumstances and what constitutes it. | A discussion with the Lodge Almoner facilitated by the Mentor, Reference material from Grand Charity Websites. | Mentor and Lodge Almoner | |
2.11 | Establish the Candidates interests, personal specialisms and how these can potentially be used to contribute to the benefit of the Lodge. | By discussion and documenting the outcomes for future planning activities etc. | Mentor |
STAGE 3 Fellow Craft
Timing The intervening period between the Second and Third Degree
Aim To provide the new Candidate with an understanding of the Second Degree and develop their knowledge of some of the core aspects of the Lodge history and Masonic etiquette and knowledge
Element | Area of need | Source of information | Responsibility | Completed |
3.1 | Explain the meaning and symbolism of the Second Degree; reconfirm pass grip and word, working tools, second degree tracing board. | Discussion with Mentor, Proposer, Lodge DoC | Mentor | |
3.2 | Learn the questions and answers for Raising. | Handouts containing questions and answers with the support of Mentor and Proposer | Proposer, Seconder and Mentor | |
3.3 | Explain the layout of the Lodge and the symbolism of Lodge furniture, movable and immovable jewels, pedestals, gavels, carpet, the letter "G", , Lodge Banner. | Discussion and explanation in the Lodge by the Mentor and DC | Mentor | |
3.4 | Provide an overview of the history of the Lodge, date of founding, key milestones etc. | Discussion with Secretary and or Senior Past Master, Lodge history booklet if available | Mentor, Secretary, Senior Past Masters | |
3.5 | Masonic Etiquette and protocol. Dress, demeanour in and out of the Lodge, giving apologies, structure of toasts at the festive board, how to give a toast, origins of "Masonic Fire" etc. | Discussion with Mentor | Mentor | |
3.6 | Book of Constitutions, overall structure and contents, explain the most salient rules and regulations for Private Lodges and the usefulness of the BOC as a source of reference | Discussion with Mentor and Lodge Secretary. BOC available on UGLE Website | Mentor, Secretary | |
3.7 | Arrange a visit, or visits, to other lodges to experience different rituals, make new contacts, experience the enjoyment of visiting and maintaining interest in Freemasonry | Selection of suitable visits in conjunction with Proposer and Seconder using existing contacts and special relationships with individuals or other Lodges | Mentor, Proposer and Seconder | |
3.8 | Explain the significance of charitable giving to Masonic and Non-Masonic charities and how contributions are made, formally and informally. | Discussion, charity booklets and other reference material from Grand Charity Websites | Mentor and Charity Steward |
STAGE 4 Master Mason and beyond
Timing This stage can commence immediately after the Third Degree has been completed
Aim To provide the new Master Mason with an understanding of the Third Degree, maintain their interest in Freemasonry, further develop their Masonic Knowledge and encourage their active involvement in the Lodge and Freemasonry generally.
Element | Area of need | Source of information | Responsibility | Completed |
4.1 | Understand the meaning and symbolism of the Third Degree. Presentation of Ritual Book | Reference material, Ritual Book, discussion with Mentor, DC and Master | Mentor, DC, Master | |
4.2 | Appreciate the history and structure of the UGLE, key officers, the Board of General Purposes and other key groups. Understand the structure of its Districts and Lodges overseas. Other Grand Lodges | Reference material, UGLE and other web sites and discussions with Grand Officer and Mentor | Mentor | |
4.3 | District Grand Lodge, regalia, who's who, structure and key roles and responsibilities, no of officers, active and past officers. | Reference material, District Grand Officer and Mentor | Mentor | |
4.4 | The Holy Royal Arch and how to join it. Create an awareness of the other degrees in Freemasonry and the qualifications for membership. Understand the impact of over commitment. | Discussion with member of the Holy Royal Arch and other Orders, and Mentor | Mentor | |
4.5 | District meetings and social events, accompany new mason to District Grand Lodge meeting and explain structure etc, | Discussion with Mentor and suitable District Grand Officer | Mentor, Proposer, Seconder | |
4.6 | Explore the opportunities for involving the new Mason in Lodge activities by giving them a clear role in the Lodge to maintain their interest, e.g. membership of social committee etc. Presenting the working tools, tracing board etc. | Discussion to establish the new Mason's level of interest in taking office in the Lodge and level of willingness to make a wider contribution, | Mentor, Lodge Permanent Committee |
STAGE 5 Preparing for Office
Timing After consolidating the learning from Stage 4 and before taking office
Aim To maintain interest and prepare new Masons to take office in the Lodge and participate in the management of the Lodge
Element | Area of need | Source of information | Responsibility | Completed |
5.1 | Understanding the roles and responsibilities of each Lodge Officer, and how progression within the Lodge is planned. | Discussion with Mentor and DC | Mentor | |
5.2 | Understand the key management roles within the Lodge, Secretary, Treasurer, Director of Ceremonies. Role and structure of the Permanent Committee. Role and responsibilities of the WM | Discussion with Mentor and holders of key management offices | Mentor | |
5.3 | Understanding how order is maintained in the Lodge, disciplinary procedures, role of the District Grand Secretary and UGLE. | Discussion with Mentor and key officers | Mentor | |
5.4 | Development of relationships within the "management Team" | Mentoring support and reference material | Mentor | |
5.5 | Development of management skills - communication, leadership, interpersonal skills. | Mentoring support and reference material | Mentor | |
5.6 | Create a personalised programme for learning ritual linked to key milestones, e.g. expected appointment as Inner Guard | Mentoring support and reference material | Mentor |
