THE CANDIDATE SELECTION PROCESS

Grand Lodge State of New York

The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process

The Worshipful Master of each Lodge will have appointed or reappointed a Candidate Selection Officer (“CSO”) who will administer the vetting process for the Lodge. The following process applies to prospects who reach us through a variety of means or whose name is given us by a Brother of the Lodge. All the information obtained by the CSO through this Selection Process will be provided to the Lodge’s Committee upon acceptance and receipt of any Petition from a prospect who has gone through this NorthStar Candidate Selection Process. The process would apply to all candidates.

This document consists of two parts. First a guideline to be used by the vetting team and the second a summary document for Lodge use under the coordination of the CSO. The CSO will select a Brother to be the point of contact for each Lodge prospect identified. He will also assign a second Brother to assist.

Every Lodge knows its own circumstances and can modify the program to fit their unique resources and characteristics. However the elements of Program should be followed as much as possible for maximum effect.

Step One – The Initial Response from a Lodge to a prospect -Phone Call

The following is a suggested format for the initial point of contact. The purpose of the phone call is to set the stage and schedule the first face to face meeting. A prospect should be contacted in some way as soon as possible. He should not go more than two weeks without some contact from the Lodge.

Suggested Phone Call Format – This is a guide, not a script.

Q: Hello (His Name), my name is (Your Name); I am a member of (Your Lodge and Number). I understand that you have expressed interest in becoming a Freemason?

A: (If affirmative) That’s wonderful (His Name)! We are always happy to talk to sincere men about our fraternity, which we sometimes refer to as the Craft.

A: (If negative exit the conversation quickly. DO NOT TRY TO SELL ANYONE ON THE CRAFT.)

Q: So (His Name), what do you know about ? Where did you get the information?

Note: Listen carefully to his answer. Make sure to actively listen and clarify any misinformation. Please make notes on the above section to understand his knowledge and expectations going forward along with points to clarify later.

Q: That’s a good start (His Name). Many people who approach us are simply curious, some think that they are going to learn all kinds of hidden secrets but they never do. If your interest is one of

2 curiosity, I would be more than happy to answer some questions for you now over the phone or point you to legitimate websites about the Craft. If you are serious about exploring a life in Freemasonry then I suggest that we meet up for coffee and get to know one another a little bit. Would you like to do that?

A: If Yes – Set Date and time – Date ______Time ______Location______

Set expectations that this meeting will last about 45 minutes. We suggest you meet in a public place and not at the Lodge.

We recommend that two Brothers attend the meeting because two sets of eyes and ears are better than one. Make expectations known to the candidate that you will be bringing someone else from the Lodge with you to the meeting.

A: If No - Exit the conversation quickly. DO NOT TRY TO SELL ANYONE ON THE CRAFT. THEY SAID NO. HONOR THEIR REQUEST.

Q: Wonderful! It would be very helpful if you were to make a list of any questions you have in writing and bring them with you to our first meeting. This will be your first chance to find out more about Freemasonry. We will personally answer all of your questions, honestly and as completely as we can. Before we end this conversation may I have your cell phone number and email address and I will give you mine.

3 Candidate Selection Checklist Summary Report and Guide

Prospect’s Name______

Home Ph.______Cell______(Call/text/both circle one) Office______

Email______

Received information from Lodge – Date______/______/______

Return Phone Call Made – Date ______/______/______Time: ______

Any information or website given ______

Does the prospect wish to meet? Yes / No (Circle)

Is the prospect serious about receiving information on the “Masonic Way of Life?” Yes / No (Circle)

Was the prospect asked to write list of questions and bring them to the first meeting? Yes / No (Circle)

What information does the prospect have about the Craft and how did he acquire it?

______

4 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process Step 2- First Face to Face Meeting

The CSO will have assigned the prospect to two Brothers who will follow the prospect throughout the Candidate Selection Process. Structure of this document

• A discussion guide for the first meeting to be used in the meeting. • A handout entitled Understanding the Selection Process to be discussed with the prospect. • A Questionnaire to be filled out and returned at the Second meeting. • The Masonic Compact to be given to the prospect and returned for discussion • Summary Form and Checklist (Lodge use only) • Disclosure on Background Check (GTWG)

Discussion Guide- This is a guideline not a script.

The first face to face meeting is very important in the process. The old saying that you never get a second chance to make a first impression is true. Your demeanor, dress and enthusiasm are all important factors in the process. We advise dressing as if you were attending Lodge, jacket and tie as a minimum. Here are some guidelines or ideas for discussion after the preliminary welcome is done. It is fine if you don’t know an answer to a question. Do not give out any misinformation and keep your answers within the bounds of our obligations. Q: It is good to meet you (His name). My name is Hiram and I am a member of (your lodge) and this is Solomon from the same lodge. Q: What interested you about Freemasonry? (This is a good discussion item.) Q: What questions did you have for today? (Answer all questions honestly and as directly as you can.) Q: We are going to discuss our process in selecting candidates for Masonry so that you can know more about how and what our mutual expectations are. Is this reasonable? Q: We are going to ask you to fill out a questionnaire at home and bring it to our next meeting. We should go over it briefly and clarify any questions you have. Ok? Q: We are also going to give you a document we are proud of called the Masonic Compact. We want to discuss this with you at our next meeting. We would like you to read it carefully and please share it with your family as it outlines a good deal of the ideals of Masonry. Your reactions to it are important to us. Do you understand? “First Meeting Questionnaire” that you will provide to the candidate can be formatted to fit your specific Lodge. If you have your own Lodge logo or letterhead we encourage you to recreate this section using those instead of the generic form attached.

5 Understanding the Candidate Selection Process

As an individual seeking further information and a possible life in Freemasonry it is important that you understand how this process works. In the past, almost any man who approached Freemasonry came well recommended and well known by another Freemason. They were family members, a long time friend, a workmate, or a neighbor. You might well be in that same category. Each of these men knew a Freemason who could vouch for his character based on knowing him for a long time. This may also be the case for you but in today’s world a man might come to Freemasonry in very different ways. Many men now find us by contact through the Internet, social media, books or movies and they have no personal relationship with a Freemason.

No matter what path you have travelled to this point, in the State of New York any man that petitions a Lodge must have his petition signed by a Master Mason who is a member in good standing of the Lodge in which the petition is being presented. The Master Masons signing this petition must be able to vouch for your good character and intentions. The purpose of these meetings will be for both you and the Lodge to learn more about each other prior to your potential entrance into the Fraternity.

As well as needing to get to know each other, it is critical to both you and the Lodge that you know what we stand for and why Freemasonry is so special to its members. We need to know what your expectations are for us and you need to know what our expectations are for you.

We now have had one meeting with you and the process has begun. We will schedule a series of three in person meetings with you that will assist us both in evaluating your desire to become a Brother among us. We would also like to invite you and your family to a social event so that we can get to know you in a more relaxed environment. We will arrange our last meeting at your home with your family present. We would like to show you and your family a short video giving you more information about the Craft and answer any last questions your family or you may have.

At that point, if all goes well, we will give you the opportunity to ask for a petition. During this process it will be necessary for you to submit to a routine background check at your own expense, currently $16. The rest is totally up to you.

Are you ok with this approach? If yes initial your assent here ______.

Our next meeting will be held on Date______Time ______Place______.

6 First Meeting Questionnaire

To be returned at our next face to face meeting

One of the first things you should know about Freemasonry is that it is not for everyone and it is to both our mutual benefit to find out if it is suitable for you. If you are not suited to be a Brother among us, it is in your and our mutual best interest to know it before you have spent your valuable time, money and energy. The statements about Freemasonry listed below and your answers to them are the first step in helping us understand your mindset and intentions. We are aware that some of the questions might be hard to answer but at the very least we hope they cause you to reflect carefully on our fraternity, its values, and to discuss with us your concerns as we travel this path together.

1 – If your interest in Freemasonry is at all an attempt to tap into a large membership base for the purpose of furthering your career or business you will be immediately disappointed. Freemasons do not support this type of activity.

Do you understand this point? Yes / No (Circle)

2 – Becoming a Freemason is not an event; it is not something that you decide to do on a Monday and it’s done by Tuesday. Being a Freemason is a lifelong process, and therefore takes time. The process takes both mental and physical effort and it also costs money. It requires a great commitment on your part and also on the part of the Lodge when it receives your petition.

Do you understand this point? Yes / No (Circle)

3 – Freemasonry teaches no secret truths. You must be able to search for and find enlightenment in your own mind and heart. Many Brothers feel that our Ritual, a soaring group of ideas that make up the initiation degrees of Masonry, is a tremendously effective vehicle that focuses us all on our search for enlightenment.

Do you understand this point? Yes/No (Circle)

4 – As a Freemason it would be expected that you should attend your Lodge regularly. There is no point in joining if you do not attend as regularly as you can. In most Lodges this would require a minimum of two meetings per month, generally nine or ten months a year – excluding business, health, and family needs. Your family must always come first. Lodges in this area meet throughout the month. This Lodge meets on ______and ______of the month at ______. The Lodge is located at ______.

Are you ok with these expectations? Yes / No (Circle) If not, try to find out why and what his concerns are.

7 5 – Freemasonry costs money. There will be an initiation fee of $______. There are also yearly dues that are payable by the end of January each year. In this Lodge dues are currently $______per year. In addition, Freemasonry encourages its members to be charitable and we would hope that you could participate in Masonic charity as well.

Would these financial requirements be a problem for you? Yes / No (Circle) If yes, try to find out what his circumstances are.

6 – The members of the Lodge will want to meet your family, if possible, and answer their questions as well. We want your significant other, or spouse and family to support your pursuit of Masonic membership. If not you should seriously reconsider your decision.

Do you understand this important point? Yes / No (Circle)

7 – During the course of getting to know you, we will ask you to attend some of our social functions or to attend “public” Lodge meetings and activities so you can meet more of the members. This will give you a chance to determine whether you feel comfortable with the Brothers and if they feel comfortable with you. Harmony is a key element of the Masonic experience and our Brothers work hard together and like one another.

Are you okay with this approach and concept? Yes/No (Circle)

8 - We expect that you are seeking not only to improve yourself but also humanity through service to the community and to others. Our Fraternity is dedicated to service.

Are you interested in both self-improvement and community service? Yes/No (Circle)

9 - You will be expected to comply with high moral standards when dealing with others, particularly with your Brothers in Freemasonry. Masons take obligations not to wrong, cheat, defraud, lie or refuse to help Brothers in need.

Does this fit in what you want to exemplify in your life? Yes/No (Circle)

10 - We want candidates to be fully informed when they join us. We want them to know exactly what it is that they are getting involved in. We will tell you what we can but this will also require some active investigation on your part. We will guide you to reputable sites to assist you.

Are you interested enough to do this research? Yes/No (Circle)

8 11 – If you are accepted into the Fraternity you will be expected to a commit a series of questions and answers to memory between each degree and do that with a high degree of accuracy. You must be able to repeat them from memory. The Lodge will provide you a Success Coach in this endeavor but it will take time and energy on your part. We understand that this requirement can cause anxiety. We expect you to make your very best effort to learn these questions and answers.

Are you okay with this requirement? Yes/No (Circle)

12 – Freemasonry requires that you have a belief in a supreme being and a belief in the immortality of the soul.

Does this fit with your beliefs? Yes/No (Circle)

13 – I understand the Freemasonry requires members to work in a safe and secure environment, often with the families and children of our membership. In order to protect this sacred trust, it is required during this process that you submit to a basic background check to be submitted to the Lodge for their review at your own expense, currently $16, and provided by our secure vendor www.guardingthewestgate.com.

1) Do you understand why this is required for membership? Yes/No (Circle) 2) Do you have any issues with submitting information for background review? Yes/No (Circle)

I attest that all of the answers given above are a true reflection of my feelings.

______(Prospects Signature)

My contact information is: (please circle your preferred method of communication including text)

Name______Address______

Phone ______Home______Cell (circle: call/text/both)______

Office______Email address______

Remember to return this document at our next face-to-face meeting.

9 The Masonic Compact

Because I am a Freemason…

…I believe that freedom of religion is an inalienable human right and tolerance an indispensable trait of human character; therefore, I will stand in my Lodge with Brothers of all faiths, and respect their beliefs as they respect mine, and I will demonstrate the spirit of Brotherhood in all aspects of my life.

…I know that education and the rational use of the mind are the keys to facing the problems of humanity; therefore, I will bring my questions and my ideas to my Lodge, and strive to advance the growth of my mind alongside my Brothers.

…I know that the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning; therefore, I vow to stand upon these platforms to improve myself as a human being, and I vow to help in the mission of the Craft to provide tools, atmosphere, challenges and motivation to help each Brother do the same.

…I know that charity is the distinguishing human virtue, and that personal community service is the best demonstration of one’s commitment to humanity; I acknowledge that words without deeds are meaningless, and I vow to work with my Lodge to provide service to the community, and to promote charity, friendship, morality, harmony, integrity, fidelity and love.

...I know that my obligation to community extends beyond my local sphere and is partly fulfilled in my patriotism: love of my country, obedience to its laws and celebration of the freedoms and opportunities it symbolizes.

10 …I know that leadership is best demonstrated by commitment to serving others; I will therefore participate in, and help work at improving individual leadership skills, and serve the Brothers of my Lodge to the best of my ability.

…I know that friendship, fidelity and family are the foundations of a well-lived life; I therefore vow to be a faithful friend to my Brothers, as I expect my Lodge to respect my personal obligations, and to treat my family as though my family were their own.

…I know that the last great lesson of Freemasonry--the value of personal integrity and the sanctity of one’s word--is a lesson for all people in all times; I therefore vow to be a man of my word.

…I know that Masonry’s power is best exercised when its Light is shared with the world at large; I therefore vow to bring the best of myself to my Lodge, in order that my growth might be fostered and nurtured, and to present myself to the world as a working Freemason, on the path to building a more perfect temple.

Because I am a Freemason, these values and aspirations are guideposts for my progress through life.

11 Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Step Two – First in person contact with the prospect and the Lodge.

Prospects Name______Date of meeting:______Place of meeting:______.

What was the prospect’s reason for interest in Freemasonry? (When teaching emphasize answering in full sentences)

______

Did the prospect bring thoughtful questions? Yes / No (Circle)

Were you able to answer the questions satisfactorily? Yes / No (Circle)

Was the Candidate Selection Process explained? Yes / No (Circle)

Was the “First Meeting Questionnaire” given to the prospect? Yes / No (Circle)

Did the prospect receive a copy of the Masonic Compact and was he instructed to read it and be prepared to discuss it at the next meeting? Yes / No (Circle)

Does the candidate understand that he must return with the questionnaire at the next meeting? Yes / No (Circle)

Next meeting – Date ______Time ______Location______

Budget 45-50 minutes for the meeting and hold it in a public place.

12 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process

Step Three - Second Face to Face Meeting

The second face to face meeting will be a very important point in the process as you will be discussing the Questionnaire and the Compact, and will discuss the Letter of Introspection the prospect is to prepare.

Suggested Second Meeting Conversation Guide – This is a guide, not a script.

Q: Did you read and fill out the Questionnaire? Yes/No

What stood out to you after reading and filling it out? What questions or comments do you have about it? Let’s discuss it point by point.

Q: Mr.______, did you read the Masonic Compact? Yes/No

How would you describe how those statements struck you? Did any one of the statements stand out to you? If so, why?

Let’s talk about how the Compact affects the lives of Masons and how we live our lives.

Q: We are going to ask you to do a deeper personal reflection about why you want to join Freemasonry. Please write a personal reflection based on the outline I will give you. We call this the Letter of Introspection. It is designed to ask you questions that will make you reflect on areas of your life in a way that most men do not take the time to do.

Are you ok with that approach? Yes/No (circle) If no, try to determine why and use your judgment based on the answers you receive.

Please feel free to make it as long or short as you need, but it must show personal reflection. Please return it to me before our next meeting. Then we will discuss it together. You can mail it to me at ______or email it to me at ______.

Are you okay with this? Yes/No (Circle)

Set Expectation for next meeting – Date ______Time ______Location______About 45 minutes.

13

Letter of Introspection

As part of the Candidate Selection Process we have explained to you that petitioning for Masonic membership is no small request. The path you have asked to travel is beset with labors and contemplation. We are looking for men who are prepared to commit themselves to this process in order to enter our mystic tie and become better men. This is a serious, life-changing opportunity you ask of our fraternity, an opportunity we do not make available to everyone who asks. With this in mind, are you ready to continue your pursuit of these high ideals our Fraternity teaches? Are you truly ready for the path of the Craftsman?

You have met with us twice and we have shared much concerning what we believe about the Craft and you have shared much of what has drawn you to it.

If you are prepared to take the next step, please provide the information requested below in a letter to be returned before our next meeting. Understand that you have asked us about membership. Brothers of this Lodge must sign a petition on your behalf attesting to your good character. The better we know each other the easier the road ahead may be.

In a letter, either handwritten or typed, please provide the following:

• Explain your family history, upbringing, and transition to manhood. In other words, what did you learn from your family that helped you become the man you are today? • Give us your work history and future employment goals. • Masonry requires that a man know himself. What do you know about yourself? What makes you tick? • What are some of your strengths and what would you like to improve about yourself? • Masonry requires that members have high ethics. When have you displayed yours? • Every person has a personal code or philosophy they live by. What is yours? • Why do you want to join Freemasonry? • What do you expect from Freemasonry?

We hope that this process has brought a lot of information and reflection to you. Please return this letter before our next meeting. This will give me a chance to read it and understand more about you. Please sign in handwriting at the bottom.

14 Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Step Three - Second In Person Meeting (Continued)

Did the prospect read and fill out the Questionnaire? Yes/No (Circle)

Was he given ample time to discuss it with you? Yes/No (Circle)

Did anything come up that would interfere with the process going forward? Yes/No (Circle)

If so, what?

Did the prospect read the Masonic Compact? Yes/No (Circle)

What did the prospect feel about the material? Did it describe who we are and what he would like to be in Freemasonry? Yes/No (Circle)

What did the prospect feel about the process? Did anything come up that would interfere with the process going forward? Yes/No (Circle)

If so, what?

Notes on the discussion: ______

Are there any other action items or concerns generated from the discussion? For example, does the prospect’s questions or concerns lend themselves to providing additional material or bringing in additional Brothers to join the conversation.

15 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process Step Four - Third Face to Face Meeting

The third face to face meeting is the last time we will meet with the prospect before the social event(s) and meeting at his home. The Letter of Introspection is the main topic of discussion as well as handing out the first section of the Lodge System of Masonic Education commonly known as LSOME.

Suggested Third Meeting Conversation Guide – This is a guide, not a script.

Q: Thank you for submitting the Letter of Introspection. We know that preparing it is not an easy task!

Let’s talk about tonight in a step by step manner and in your own words ok? Yes/No (Circle) (If no, attempt to find out why)

We will also be sharing information about ourselves with you by addressing the same questions you were asked to write about.

• Explain your family history, upbringing, and transition to manhood. • Give us your work history and future employment goals. • Masonry requires that a man know himself. What do you know about yourself? • What are your greatest strengths and what do you want to improve about yourself? • Masonry requires that a man be of high ethics. When have you displayed yours? • Every person has a personal code or philosophy they live by. What is yours? • Why do you want to join Freemasonry? • What do you expect from Freemasonry?

We are going to give you this handout to take home and share with your Family and loved ones. We call it the LSOME or Lodge System of Masonic Education. It gives you some background about Freemasonry in New York.

We will contact you about a social event to which you will be invited. That will give us a great opportunity to relax and have some fun. Although Freemasonry can be very serious, we believe in a balanced life. Part of a balanced life means having fun and striving for happiness. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Budget 45 minutes.

16

Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Step Four - Third In Person Meeting

Did the prospect send in the Letter of Introspection? Yes/No (Circle)

Was he given ample time to discuss it with you? Yes/No (Circle)

Did you take the time to share personal answers during our discussion? Yes/No (Circle)

Did anything come up that would interfere with the process going forward? Yes/No (Circle)

Did you inform the prospect about the invitation to a social event with the Lodge? Yes/No (Circle)

Please refer to the Event Information Sheet on page 24 following the LSOME material between pages 18-21 that everyone will receive. If what you do normally to communicate events works well then by all means use it. If not this is a draft document to be customized by your Lodge. The important thing is to provide all of the information covered in the Event Information Sheet.

Notes on the discussion:

______

Are there any other action items or concerns generated from the discussion?

17 A SHORT

Lodge System of Masonic Education

The history of Freemasonry is too extensive to be covered in any detail in the few minutes that we have today. I will just touch on some highlights, but I do strongly recommend that you give the subject further study after receiving the three Degrees. This short history will, however, enable you to better understand what lies before you.

Men have formed societies in all eras, and have used ceremonies of initiation, symbols, emblems and means of recognition. Freemasonry inherited many of these from such societies when it came into existence.

The oldest verified existing written record of our Craft is the Regius manuscript, a document written in England about 1390. That was over six centuries ago! That document indicates that even then Freemasonry was very old.

At that time, all Freemasons were "Operative" Masons. They were the designers and builders of the great medieval cathedrals and other structures of Gothic architecture. Their high degree of skill required much knowledge of mechanics and geometry as well as stone-masonry. They were the great artists of the Middle Ages. They were called Freemasons probably because they were free to travel wherever their skills were required, whereas other types of Masons were compelled by law to live and work in the same community, under local restrictions, for their whole lives.

Since it often took several years to complete a building, the Freemasons would organize a Lodge at the building site. The Lodge was governed by a Master, assisted by Wardens. In many respects its organization was similar to that of the Lodges of today.

A long period of training was required for this work. Young boys, ten to fourteen years old, usually served a seven-year apprenticeship. After serving a period of time sufficient to prove his fitness for the training, an apprentice's name was entered into the books of the Lodge, after which he was called an Entered Apprentice. At the end of his seven-year apprenticeship, he was tested to prove his proficiency before being accepted into full membership. He was then called a Fellow of the Craft; equal in duties, rights and privileges with all other Freemasons.

With the coming of the Reformation, the popularity of the Gothic style of architecture began to decrease. This, and other social and political factors, caused a sharp decline in membership during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Eventually only a few small Lodges were left. In Scotland, the Lodges began to accept non-Operative members. During this transition period that lasted about two hundred years, men were received into the Lodges in Scotland and England who had no intention of becoming builders. They joined out of curiosity, or for social reasons, or

18 because of interest in the Craft's ancient customs and teachings of morality. They were called "Accepted Masons," and we now call them "Speculative Masons." Speculative Masonry means Masonry applied in a moral or symbolic sense. The Speculatives joined slowly at first, but by the early eighteenth century they outnumbered the Operatives and were much more influential.

As a result of the influence of the Speculatives, the Craft took a step that would revolutionize itself. On June 24, 1717, four Lodges of London and Westminster met in London and organized a , which on the same day elected its first Grand Master, Anthony Sayer. Within a few years of that date, the Craft was transformed into a completely Speculative Fraternity. It had reorganized the two original Degrees into the three Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. It collected and collated the old . It produced the first Book of Constitutions, and was chartering Lodges in many countries, including America. Membership increased rapidly after the organization of the first Grand Lodge.

Before long, Grand Lodges were organized in Ireland, Scotland and on the Continent. The earliest known Lodge in America was organized in 1730 in Philadelphia. Most pre-Revolution American Lodges were placed under the control of Provincial Grand Lodges run by Provincial Grand Masters appointed by the Grand Lodge in England, although a few of the Lodges had received their charters from the or Ireland.

After the Revolution, the American Grand Lodges became sovereign and independent. Eventually a Grand Lodge was organized in every State (except Hawaii, which is part of California's Grand Lodge) and the District of Columbia, with a total current membership in this country of 1.4 million.

The first , Daniel Coxe, was appointed to oversee in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The early Lodges eventually passed away and left few records behind, so it's now impossible to tell which was the first Lodge organized in New York State. The oldest Lodge still in existence is St. Johns No.1, organized in 1737 in New York City. The Altar Bible of St. Johns was used by George Washington to take his oath of office as the first President, and that same Bible is still used when swearing in the elected officers of our Grand Lodge each year.

In 1751, a second Grand Lodge was organized in England. It came to be called the Ancient Grand Lodge because it claimed to adhere more strictly to the ancient customs. The original Grand Lodge of 1717 was called the Modern Grand Lodge because it had tried to modernize Masonry more than suited the new, more conservative, Ancients.

There was considerable rivalry between the two for many years. It became bitter at times. Before long the Ancient Grand Lodge was chartering Lodges in New York, and the rivalry between the two Grand Lodges abroad was soon reflected here.

When the Revolutionary War started, local Lodge members were on both sides of the struggle. But the Craft officially took no part.

19 Toward the end of the Revolution, after the old Provincial Grand Lodge had stopped functioning, the Craft was suffering from lack of leadership and control. It happened that most of the dozen or so Lodges in New York City had been originally chartered by the Ancient Grand Lodge of England. These Lodges joined together in a petition to the Ancient Grand Lodge to organize a Grand Lodge here. They were granted a Charter in 1781. The new Grand Lodge elected the Rev. William Walter as the first Grand Master, and it was recognized as the independent and sovereign Masonic power in the State of New York. It has continued without interruption since. This is the origin of our present Grand Lodge, the only Grand Lodge in America to have a written charter.

The new Grand Lodge had many serious problems. The old resentments between the Ancients and the Moderns were slow to die out. Communication with all the Lodges throughout the state was slow and difficult. Some Lodges were reluctant to come under the authority of the Grand Lodge. It was hard for men who fought against each other on the Revolutionary battlefields to come together again as Brother Masons. And because of economic and political conditions, a very bitter rivalry developed between the country and the cities: between "upstate" and "downstate." At times statewide unity seemed impossible.

But the crowning blow came in 1826. During that year, a Mason from Batavia named William Morgan disappeared after a quarrel with his Lodge over an exposé of Freemasonry which he had issued. Several Masons were charged with his kidnapping and murder.

Just prior to this, a movement developed among certain of the churches to eradicate, or greatly reduce the influence of, all so-called secret societies - especially Freemasonry. Simplistically, the principal reason was that many men believed that every secret society was bound to take part in politics, and that control of the government by secret societies would endanger the country. This pile of gunpowder exploded when the disappearance of Morgan dropped into it like a spark. An anti-Masonic movement sprang up; a national anti-Masonic political party was organized; hundreds of periodicals were published, and thousands of men spoke out in an effort to destroy Masonry. They almost succeeded. From a membership of 480 Lodges and 20,000 Masons in 1825, the Craft dropped to only 48 Lodges and about 1,500 members in 1832,

Eventually the Fraternity overcame all this, because Masonry is based on a foundation of truth, and because of the high character of its members, and especially its leaders. Robert R Livingston, a great American statesman, was Grand Master from 1784 to 1800. Following him, General Jacob Morton, Washington's Aide, served five years, and then came the famous Governor DeWitt Clinton, Grand Master from 1806 to 1819. Daniel D. Tompkins, Joseph Enos, Stephen Van Renssellaer and Morgan Lewis followed. It's doubtful whether any Grand Jurisdiction in the world has ever been led for over half a century by a more able group than they.

Since 1860, which is considered the end of the anti-Masonic period, the Craft in New York State has maintained a fairly steady growth with many important accomplishments. A standard

20 Ritual was adopted. To make the regulation of a growing Craft easier, the state was divided into Districts. Today there are sixty (60) Districts, each one in the charge of a District Deputy Grand Master acting as the personal representative of the Grand Master.

The Masonic Home (now called the Masonic Care Community) was built at Utica to care for indigent and elderly Master Masons, their wives, widows and orphans. It was completely modernized in the 1980s and with the addition of the new Health Facility and Wiley Hall, in the period of 2004 to 2007, is one of the most modern institutions of its kind in existence.

On the same grounds in Utica is the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory; recognized throughout the medical community of the world as one of the leading cardiac research facilities. Scientists delve into the physiology of the heart, into electrical activity at the cellular level, and they isolate and identify genetic defects that contribute to cardiac arrhythmias and heart disease. Pinpointing the causes can lead to effective, specific treatments. The Laboratory’s discoveries are award-winning and widely published. Developments there have benefited all of humankind.

We have a magnificent Masonic Hall as our home and headquarters. It is located at 23rd Street and Sixth Avenue in New York City.

Committees have been added or changed as required to keep pace with the growing needs of the membership. From the timid beginnings of 1737, we have grown into a well-organized, ably directed Grand Lodge; a great force in our state for goodwill, charity and brotherhood.

Through an unbroken line, we can trace our heritage back to the builders of the early Middle Ages! We are Masons too, but where they erected buildings, we try to build men. We have transformed their tools into emblems of morality. We have formed their practices and secrets into symbols of Brotherhood, Charity and Truth. We have mellowed and enriched their Rituals, which we use in conferring the three Degrees on our candidates. This is our heritage, and as you join it, you will find it inexhaustible in interest, life-long in its appeal, and a power to enrich your life.

21 The Landmarks

Lodge System of Masonic Education

Before the development of local land recording systems and modern surveying, land boundaries were often established by trees, rocks and streams. Those boundary markers were called landmarks. Destruction of a landmark was a serious offense because property boundaries could not then be fully defined, and part of the property could be lost if claimed by another person.

So what do Landmarks have to do with Masonry? Masonry has a character or identity of its own. Some things in it can be changed or abolished without destroying its identity; it would continue being what it was before the change. But if certain other changes were made, Freemasonry would lose its identity and become something else altogether. The Landmarks of Freemasonry then are those things that cannot be changed, because changing them would cause our Fraternity to lose its identity.

Many of the practices, customs, symbols and emblems of the Operative Masons of England, who began Freemasonry over 600 years ago, are permanently woven into the present structure of Masonry. If all those things we inherited were abolished, not only would our historical connections be destroyed, but the Fraternity would be changed out of all recognition. So our inherited principles, practices and customs are all Landmarks. Secrets in Masonry are connected with Ritual and modes of recognition. They're really no more secret than your own family affairs which are nobody else's business. But our secrets are so essential to the nature of the Craft that we couldn't conceive of having Masonry without them. So our secrets have the power of a Landmark.

Masonry has certain qualifications for membership. A person under age couldn't be held accountable for certain Obligations he would be tied to. Admission of women would require such massive reconstruction of our system, that it would be unrecognizable as Masonry. And of the remaining qualifications, certainly the most important is the good character of the petitioner. Masonry doesn't try to make good men out of bad, but rather makes good men better. So membership qualifications are Landmarks that cannot be changed.

Another Landmark is the secret ballot by which Lodge members determine acceptance of a candidate. If a member feels that a petitioner is morally unqualified, or that he would be a disturbing influence on the harmony of the brotherly relations within the Lodge, he may cast an anonymous negative ballot. Traditionally, only one negative vote was sufficient to reject a petition. Many jurisdictions, including our own, have adopted a rule requiring three negative votes to reject a candidate.

Masonic Ritual, which is used in teaching the principles, morals and purposes of Masonry, is one of our most important Landmarks; and it has withstood the test of centuries of use. No

22 discussion of religion or politics is allowed within a Lodge, and all Masons must respect and obey the civil law. Failure to observe either of these Landmarks would make us susceptible to pressure by some outside power, whether it is church, political party, or whatever, and leave us without the power to regulate and control our own existence.

In spite of the fact that sectarian discussion is forbidden in a , the crowning Masonic Landmark of them all is a belief in God and the immortality of the soul. In the center of every Lodge room is an Altar, and during a meeting an open rests upon it-- usually the Bible. This is the religious aspect of Freemasonry; and without this basis, we would be just another social club--which is the exact opposite of what we really are.

I haven't given you an exhaustive list of Landmarks, but just a few examples of those characteristics peculiar to Masonry called Masonic Landmarks. Without any one of them, we would be an organization unrecognizable from what we are now.

There is another purpose behind my explanation of Masonic Landmarks, beyond giving you a better understanding of Freemasonry. That purpose is to make you understand that you can't change Masonry to suit your tastes, prejudices or opinions. Rather, you must change yourself to conform to Masonry. That doesn't mean that there's no room in Masonry for men with imagination, ingenuity and drive. We need lots of men like that. It just means that we're very conscious of what makes up our nature; and we cherish that nature and guard it against any possible influence to change it. If you have the good fortune to become a Mason - and I trust you will - you must be prepared to accept its teachings and principles, to obey its laws and regulations, and observe its ancient Landmarks.

23 Event Information Sheet

EVENT NAME – Any lodge Winter Party

DATE – Day/Month/Year

LOCATION – Freemasons Pub, 22 Freemasons Blvd Anytown NY 11111

DRESS – Put in the dress code for both the men and the ladies. If you don't know what to ask the ladies to wear then ask a couple of ladies. This is very important!!!!

TIME – Cocktails at 6:00 PM; Dinner served 7:30 PM

MENU - Put in the menu if it is a sit down dinner. If it is finger foods or h’ordeuvers, indicate that clearly. Always provide menu choices including a vegetarian choice.

RSVP by (Put in a specific cut off date. If you do not hear from the prospects get their point of contact team to contact them directly.) Please call Joe at 555-111-2222, or email Joe at [email protected].

PARKING – Put in the specifics for your venue including garages that might be nearby if the event is being held in a downtown area.

Anticipated event duration = 2 ½ hours

Insert any other relevant information

24 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process

Step Five - Social Event

The fifth meeting should be an event with the prospect and his spouse/significant other in a social environment. When it comes to social contact with the prospect, more is better. If his circumstances dictate that he is stag for an event that is perfectly fine.

There are many ideas for social evenings including having a social evening just for the purpose of meeting the prospect. Plan a time where you can break bread together and share a pleasant evening. Many Lodges do this in restaurants, but some hold the event at the temple. However you do it, the following is the Conversation Guide for preparing the prospect and his lady for the social event(s). If a Lodge is small, it is perfectly acceptable to coordinate with another smaller Lodge to host a joint social event.

This is a guide not a script.

(Candidate’s Name) from here on out our meetings will be of a more social nature. I am going to introduce you to more members of the Lodge and their spouses/significant others. This is to make sure that you feel like you can be included within this group and that the group feels like they can include you.

• Advise the prospect that the social meetings will give him and his lady a good chance to meet the members and get to know them a little. This does not guarantee membership. • Choose the next major social event where the family and the ladies will participate. You should also look for any other events that the family can come to. • The prospect will pay the same amount for the social event as the members; everybody pays. His lady and children may be covered if you wish. We recommend that he pay for himself so that there is no mistake that we could be buying his interest in some way. • While there he should be asking himself if these are the kind of people he would like to spend a good portion of time with. If the answer is no then he should not proceed. • Tell the prospect that the members will be asking themselves if he is the type of person they want to have in their Lodge, does he fit in? • Explain how important this step is due to the fact that if anything disturbs the harmony of the Lodge we must not move forward. • Explain how this may seem a bit overboard to him but ask him to consider this: Our Lodge is a very harmonious place. We choose to be there, spending time with people we enjoy being with, people who share the same ideals, who are friends that are there for each other when needed and who share the common bond of Freemasonry. • This is unique in the world and we just want to be sure that no one who enters our doors will be disruptive to the harmony of the Lodge. If and when he becomes a member he will understand exactly what we are talking about.

25 • The two men who have been working with the prospect should reach out to him to see if he needs a ride to the event. They could meet and go with him and his lady. It is very important that the two points of contact from the Lodge be actively involved. • Make sure the prospect gets an event information sheet like the one preceding this section. Make sure it is thorough and accurate. • Have tasteful name badges for the prospect and his family. Keep in mind that many ladies do not like to put things that are sticky on their clothing. • Greeting people as they arrive at an event is a lost art. Let’s bring it back into practice. • The Master or his designate should be outside the front door or just inside it to greet the prospect and introduce himself to everyone. • If the weather is such that an outer garment is worn, have two brothers who will take off and hang up the coats for the ladies. • At the social event the Lodge should make the prospect and his lady feel warmly welcomed and included in everything. • Prepare the Brothers to spend time with the guests and not group up among themselves. This point is CRITICAL for making the prospect feel part of the event. • Avoid Lodge business discussions at all cost. This is exclusively a time and place to relax and have fun. • If we make the ladies feel like queens for a day it will go a long way to increasing support and harmony in the Lodge. • There is nothing else to do at the event but have fun! • The prospect’s behavior and our instincts and observations will tell us whether he can be one of us or not. • Make sure the prospect gets around the room and meets everyone he can. Being greeted by a group of men is still an impressive event.

26 Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Step Five - Social Event

What type of social event was this?

______

Did the prospect receive this invitation in a timely manner? Yes/No (Circle)

Did the prospect receive the Event Information Sheet for the event? Yes/No (Circle)

Was his lady invited? Yes/No

Was he offered a ride to the event by one of his Lodge team? Yes/No (Circle)

Was he greeted upon arrival? Yes/No

Was he introduced to the Brothers and their ladies? Yes/No

What feedback was there from the Brethren about the prospect? ______What feedback was there from the prospect about the Brethren? ______Was this Lodge a fit? Yes / No (Circle) If no, what do you plan to do with the prospect? ______

27 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process

Step Six - Meeting at the Prospect’s Home with his Family

This meeting is the end of the pre-petition process. It mirrors what most Lodges do when they convene an Investigation Committee, with this difference.

This represents a major change in how this process is currently handled. We have, in a sense, already had a working Investigation Committee getting to know the prospect over the course of several months. The Lodge has not even received the petition because we have not given the prospect the opportunity to ask for it yet.

If he requests a petition and it is signed by the men working the process with him and or a special top line signer such as a man’s father, brother or good friend, we move to Step seven which is the presentation of the Petition at Lodge for Investigation and Balloting.

Conversation Guide

This is a guide, not a script.

Hi (Prospect’s and lady’s name). Thank you for welcoming us into your home. You both have come through a long and serious process to determine whether asking to join Freemasonry is right for your family.

Make sure to follow up with them about the social events. What did they think of them? Did they feel like they fit in? Did they enjoy the event? The Lodge’s contact persons working with the Prospect will report to the Lodge either favorably or unfavorably, in part based upon these answers.

Tonight we will do the following:

We will play a video called the Lodge System of Masonic Education. This video goes over and ties together some of the same information that we have covered, but in a very concise way.

Following the video we will go over some specific questions that our rules require we ask.

Following those questions the floor is totally yours. Please ask whatever questions you have, keeping in mind that there are no bad questions, only bad answers! If you ask a question that we cannot answer we will get back to you promptly with information.

Before we leave we will give you the opportunity to ask for a Petition. This is a great moment for all of us. It means that the Lodge has decided that we can move to the next step, the process of your petitioning the Lodge. The Petition fee for our Lodge is $______and must accompany the Petition. (Please apply whatever your Lodge bylaws call for in terms of half or full amount). If you fill out the Petition and submit it with the Petition fee, your Petition will be presented at Lodge,

28 and our report will be heard. If your Petition is accepted, you will then be interviewed by our Lodge Investigation Committee and you will be balloted on. If you pass the ballot our Secretary will reach out to you with further details.

The Petition and a favorable Ballot are the golden key that unlocks the door to a lifetime of Freemasonry and your taking rank with those of us who are seeking light.

The following are a list of questions that must be re-affirmed before the Candidate Selection Process can be completed.

• Does he believe in a Supreme Being and the Immortality of the Soul? He is never to be asked what form of Deity, religion or worship that is.

• Has he ever been convicted of a felony? If so what are the details.

• If not already done - Does he understand background check (GTWG) requirements and costs? Does he know how to request the background check?

Every other question already has been asked in the Candidate Selection Process.

Please make sure in advance that the prospect has something to play the Lodge System of Masonic Education part one video on.

Remember to view the video yourself before you show it to the prospect.

Play the video for the prospect.

Answer all questions honestly, the good, the bad and the ugly.

If all questions are answered in the Affirmative and the Lodge contacts want to offer a petition by asking: “Would you like to Petition to join the Lodge at this time?”

29 Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Step Six - The in home meeting with prospect and Family

Did the team want to offer a Petition? Yes/No (Circle)

If no, why not?

______

Does the prospect want a petition? Yes / No (Circle)

If no, why not?

______

Is a Master Mason willing to sign the petition? Yes / No (Circle)

If no, why not?

______

Is there a special top line signer that the prospect wants? Yes/No (Circle) This could be a relative, close friend etc.

Have we collected GTWG Report in past? Yes/ No (Circle) ------If No ------

Did we explain how to submit report? Yes/ No (Circle)

Did we explain background check requirements with petition? Yes/ No (Circle)

Has the timeline been discussed? Yes/No (Circle)

Has the prospect filled out the Petition? Yes/No (Circle)

Has the Petition fee been collected? Yes / No (Circle)

Has the Petition fee been presented to the Secretary? Yes / No (Circle)

What is the date of the presentation of the Petition? ______/______/______

Date of vote ______/______/______

30 The NorthStar Candidate Selection Process Step Seven – Presentation of the Prospect’s Petition

NOTE: Given the endorsement of and support for the Candidate Selection Process, we strongly recommend that any Petitions be submitted and evaluated according to the Northstar Candidate Selection Process.

The seventh and last step in the process is for the Candidate Selection Officer and the two men who have worked with the prospect over several months to present the Petition in Lodge.

This should not be handled in a rush. The prospect and our team have associated with each other for months. They have compiled an impressive insight into each other. If it is a favorable report, the Lodge and the prospect are making a lifetime commitment to each other that should never be dismissed or minimized.

The reading of Petitions and the subsequent Balloting should always be a very important step to the Lodge. Another human being has decided that he wants to be a Brother among us and we have made the same determination. This should never be a shallow act.

The Master will call upon the Candidate Selection Officer and the team to present the petition. If the recommendation is favorable, the Master should request that the Secretary read the Petition and the Master should refer the Petition to the Investigation Committee. A guideline for the presentation follows.

Suggested Work For Presentation of Petitions

Master: Make brief comments on the process and thank the Candidate Selection Officer and team for their hard work and dedication of time and talent to assist us in selecting truly qualified candidates for our Degrees.

CSO: Thank you Worshipful Master for allowing us to introduce you to (prospects name) ______.

Brothers ______and ______have spent the last several months getting to know Mr. ______and his family.

Provide a description of the Candidate Selection Process once in the beginning of the presentation (s). This is especially important if this is the first time you have used the process. The CSO then turns the floor over to the two Brothers who have been the prospect’s Lodge contacts.

After every step of the process there was a form to note important information and follow up items.

31 Compile all of those forms to compose your report.

Present the following information:

All the demographics of the prospect. Full name, address, wife and children’s names, and occupation.

Read the results of the Questionnaire and allude to the answers to the questions.

Read or summarize the Letter of Introspection. Give the information that would allow our Brothers to get a sense of the man.

Pick out some of his thoughts on the Compact. Did he seem motivated or excited by the message it contains?

Summarize any notes from the social gathering (s). What was your impression of how he handled himself.

Describe the meeting with his family.

Finally, make your recommendation as to whether to accept the petition and background check presented for investigation, either affirmative or negative.

If accepted for investigation, use the following letter to inform the prospect that his petition has been received by the Lodge.

Upon investigation and balloting on his petition we recommend using one of two letters respecting balloting to notify the prospect of his election or his rejection from membership.

32 Sample Letter of Regarding Receipt of Petition for Investigation

The form of letter below is only an example. Your Lodge’s letter should be typed out on Lodge letterhead and signed by your Master and Secretary. This is an important letter, use good stock paper and Lodge Seal as appropriate. Make it as meaningful as possible. The CSO team might be able to create a few options.

Example Lodge No. 001 123 Stone Court A Town, New York 12345

July 10, 2015 Mr. Can E. Date 57 Square Blvd A Town, New York 12345

Dear Mr. Date:

The Brethren of Example Lodge No. 001, Free and Accepted Masons of New York, have received your petition for investigation by the Lodge’s Investigation Committee. To have made it this far speaks well of your character.

You will soon be contacted by the Chairman of our Lodge’s Investigation Committee to arrange a time and a location to meet. The interviewing of prospective candidates by an Investigation Committee is one of the oldest traditions of the Craft. At the meeting, the Investigation Committee will discuss some of the information from your previous meetings with our Lodge members and any other details they feel are relevant. You may also ask any questions of them that come to mind or respecting which you desire more information.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me at (716) 123- 4567 or [email protected].

Respectfully,

Worshipful Hiram A. Brother Brother Carl A. Writer Master Secretary

33

Sample Letter of Election to Membership

The form of letter below is only an example. Your Lodge’s letter should be typed out on Lodge letterhead and signed by your Master and Secretary. This is an important letter, use good stock paper and Lodge seal as appropriate. Make it as meaningful as possible. The CSO team might be able to create a few options.

Example Lodge No. 001 123 Stone Court A Town, New York 12345

July 10, 2015 Mr. Can E. Date 57 Square Blvd A Town, New York 12345

Dear Mr. Date:

The Brethren of Example Lodge No. 001, Free and Accepted Masons of New York, have balloted and found you worthy of membership in our esteemed ranks. Congratulations on your first and most difficult step into the world of the Masonic fraternity. Not all men can be Masons. To have made it this far speaks well of your character.

Your initiation into Masonic light will begin on Wednesday August the 13th at 6.30 pm at 123 Stone Court A Town, New York 12345. All Masonic gatherings are solemn, formal events, and we ask that you dress in accordance with such an occasion. The traditions of the Lodge suggest a dark business suit and tie.

My friend, you are about to enter upon on a lifetime journey into a world that few can enter. The journey will not be easy and much work is ahead of you. You will not be alone during this journey and there are many to guide you down your personal path to enlightenment.

Soon you will be a workman in the quarry and a Brother among us. The Brethren of Example Lodge No. 001 look fondly upon our future labors together. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You can reach me at (716)123-4567, [email protected]. Your Success Coach will be in contact with you soon to explain the process to you in more detail.

We will see you in the quarry,

Worshipful Hiram A. Brother Brother Carl A. Writer Master Secretary

34 Sample Letter of Rejection

The form of letter below is only an example. Your Lodge’s letter should be typed out on Lodge letterhead and signed by your Master and Secretary.

Example Lodge No. 001 123 Stone Court A Town, New York 12345

July 10, 2015 Mr. Can E. Date 57 Square Blvd A Town, New York 12345

Dear Mr. Date:

The Brethren of Example Lodge No. 001, Free and Accepted Masons of New York, have balloted and have not voted to elect you to membership at this time. According to the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of the State of New York, Subsection 511, you may not petition this or any other Lodge in New York until twelve months pass from ______, the date of the vote. You may not petition another Lodge during this period. In the future, if you do petition another Lodge you must answer their questions as to your being rejected truthfully.

If you have any questions you can contact me at (123) 456-7890 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Worshipful Hiram A. Brother Brother Carl A. Writer Master Secretary

35 Candidate Selection Summary Report and Guide

Date of Petition Presentation ______

Date of Investigation ______

Was the prospect investigated? Yes/No (Circle)

Was the prospect accepted or rejected Yes/No (Circle)

Was the elected Candidate contacted by the Lodge? Yes/No (Circle)

Has the candidate received his information regarding his First Degree? Yes/No (Circle)

Has the team called him to extend personal congratulations? Yes/No (Circle)

Who has been assigned as his Success Coach?

______

Has his assigned Success Coach been in touch with him? Yes/No (Circle). If no, please call the Master.

Is there any summary statement for the record?

______

36