From the East

When a candidate comes into the Lodge for the first time he has butterflies in his stomach as to the unknown. As a new brother, he wonders where he fits in. What group does he belong to? He may even wonder if he made the right decision to join. Does this sound familiar? Have you had these feelings at anytime in your Masonic experience? We all have had these feelings at one time or another. It doesn’t have to be this way. Every new candidate that comes into the Lodge needs a mentor or a friend. A big brother is needed to show the new brother the way. The duties of the mentor are even more important than the three degrees. The new mason needs to know the duties of being a mason. He needs to know how to visit other Lodges. He needs to know protocol. He needs information about Masonic traditions and the work of the craft as a whole. New brothers want more light. They were enthusiastic when they first came into the Lodge. A properly educated new Mason is an active member of his Lodge for life. Next time you see a new Mason sitting on the sidelines, shake his hand and say hello. Remember his name. Sit down next to him. Get to know him. He is eager to learn. Show him the way. Get him involved in the Lodge. He will remember this for a lifetime. These small gestures by each and every brother will help keep the new brother coming back for more. What a better way to expand and retain membership.