GUIDELINES FOR
INVESTIGATING COMMITTEES
Those who are charged with
the duty of investigating the character and other
qualifications of applicants for the privileges of
Masonry hold positions of distinction and trust. Of all
the committees appointed by the Worshipful Master, none
is more important to the preservation of this great
Fraternal Order Way of Life than this committee, whose
duty is to determine the fitness of a candidate prior to
balloting on his petition.
They are, of necessity,
the inspectors to examine the material wherewith to add
wisdom, strength, and beauty to the Universal Masonic
Temple. Carelessness, indifference or negligence in the
discharge of this responsible duty are of the nature of
misdemeanors.
Every member in the Lodge
is part of the Investigating Committee, especially the
voucher of the petitioner. The member who vouches for a
profane should be certain of his fitness for membership.
Also, it is the duty of every Master Mason who is aware
of something which would cause a profane to be unfit for
membership, to inform a brother of that Lodge or the
Investigating Committee, so these things can be Verified
or clarified. For it is the responsibility of every
member to exercise scrupulous care in guarding the door
of Masonry from gaining access and introducing Godless
ideology. It is our duty as Masons, to jealously examine
a profane Is
fitness for
membership, for on this examination rests the honor,
glory, and reputation of our institution.
Every member and the
Investigating Committee is urged to constantly bear in
mind that membership in the craft is much too priceless
to be shared without due consideration. So think and act
for the good of Masonry at all times.
1. When visiting a
candidate at his home, the committee should first
determine the family's attitude toward his desire
to join the Masonic Order. If there is serious
opposition to him joining which cannot be overcome by
the committee and there is every likelihood that his
membership in the Lodge would cause internal family
problems, the petition should be returned or rejected.
2. Ascertain whether the
petitioner's home surroundings are such as to permit him
financially to continue his membership without
depriving his family of the essentials of life. While a
man's financial circumstances or his educational
background ought not bar him from participating in
Masonic privileges or render him unwelcome in the Craft,
his standard of living may be so different from those of
the other members as to make her uncomfortable in their
presence.
3. The applicant should be
given the understanding that his character is subjected
to the closest scrutiny, and that friendship, personal
consideration, or favoritism, must not control or bias
Masonic action. He is informed that he must pass the
scrutiny of the investigation and the ordeal of the
ballot, as all have done who has gone this way before
him. If there be a doubt in regard to his fitness to
become a Mason, let the lodge have the benefit of the
doubt. Remember that the dignity, honor, and reputation
of the institution are in your hands.
4. The committee should
determine how long the petitioner has been acquainted
with his proposer. If the acquaintanceship has been but
a brief one, it is all the more reason why the committee
should make a thorough search of the petitioner's
background. References should be carefully checked, as
well as business affiliations. This of course should be
handled in a discreet manner, especially if
questions-are directed to non-Masons who may not be
favorably disposed towards the Institution.
5. Ascertain the
petitioner's motive for wanting to become a Mason and
what is his conception of the Fraternity. Of course, one
who is new to the Order may not be expected to offer a
consider opinion, but he should have at least some idea
of the type organization he is expecting to join.
6. Is the petitioner
charitable by nature? Does he contribute to needy causes
as his finances permit? Also, is he charitable in
thought and actions towards his fellowmen? Is he bigoted
or prejudiced? All these questions, discreetly put, will
help bring out the true character of the man.
7. Is he prompt in meeting his
financial obligations and honorable in his business
dealing with others? Can he afford to become a Mason?
The answers to the first two questions can be obtained by
investigating his references, both business and personal. As
to whether he can afford to become a Mason, this can be
determined by pointing out that no man should join the
Masonic Order, if he must deprive his family of the
necessities of life. Naturally, no Lodge wishes to cause
hardship for others, nor handicap itself by adding to its
rolls members who are apt to become financial liabilities.
8. Does the petitioner realize
that membership in a Lodge calls for payment of dues and
these are to be met promptly? Along with this question, the
committee might also ascertain what, if any, provisions he
has made for his family, money wise etc. should something
happen to him.
9. Does
his occupation permit him to attend meetings regularly?
10. Does the petitioner
believe in a Supreme Being? Does he attend a church? Masonry
does not require a man to adhere to any particular creed or
religion, he must believe in God and in the immortality of
the soul.
11. The Worshipful Master
should be kept honestly and fully informed. A complete
report of the investigation committee should be presented at
the regular lodge meeting.
12. A fearless discharge of
this duty may, for a time, subject the committee to the
frowns of the rejected and his friends, but faithfulness and
courage will, in the end, command the plaudits of every
lover of the Fraternity.
13. Don't overlook any
references, the last one may be the one needed. Reports on
the petitioner should be obtained from courts, police
department, credit bureaus, and other places necessary.
14. The investigation should
be so conducted that, even if rejected, the applicant gains
a higher respect for the Fraternity.
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