GRAND LODGE OF INDIA
Paper on Masonic Education - May, 2005

THE NEW BROTHER

There are some who compare initiation into Freemasonry with the birth into a new life. If this be true, then the simile may perhaps be carried further. Let us think awhile of the love, care and attention lavished upon the human baby unceasingly upon birth through childhood and indeed through life. Should we not expect the proposer and seconder of a candidate to exercise the same care and interest in the new brother?

I think that the proposer and seconder should both give close attention to this matter which would appear to fall in the foUowing time categories :

A. BEFORE THE PROPOSAL FORM IS SIGNED :

1. Ensure that the candidate clearly understand s that no pecuniary advantage, privilege or patronage will accrue to him through his membership.

2. Ensure that the candidate appreciates his financial obligations and the fact that his membership will entail calls on his time which will require his wife's support.

3. Consider if the candidate will be at ease with the existing members and the spirit of the Lodge of which membership is being sought and, if not, then recommend him to join another Lodge with which he will have affinity.

B. UNTIL THE DAY OF INITIATION IS IMMINENT :

1. Keep in regular touch with the candidate.

2. Contact the candidate a few days before the initiation date and make a definite appointment for the night.

C. THE INITIATION NIGHT :

1. Advise him on dress and on preparation-mentc:illy and physically.

2. Call at his home and escort him to the meeting venue.

3. If he has not already met the Master, introduce the candidate to him as well as to the Tyler and to the Deacons.

4. Unless you are expected to sit elsewhere, sit beside:chim in the North East after the conclusion of the ceremony.

5. Escort him to the refreshment area and sit next to him.

6. Take him home and answer his questions.

D. THEREAFTER:

1. Ensure that at no time the new member is left alone outside any conversational group.

2. Act as a guide and counseUor in matters of Masonic procedure, etiquette and practice.

3. Assist him in teaching about the meaning and history of the institution by lending or recommending books on the Craft and, later, books on other allied degrees.

4. If he is absent from any meeting, ascertain the reason for his absence.

Today a: young man's conscience may not lead him where your conscience may lead you or mine lead me, and we must remember that the young man of today and tomorrow is forging his own standards. Bro1:herly love, relief and truth are precisely what younger men are I'rying to practise. If this man is our candidate, let every brother be sure that no opportunity is lost to afford this new brother the knowledge and the understanding fond teachings of the Masonic .system - particularly in his early, and receptive first years of membership.

- R:W.Bro.J.K.Chande

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