How long have you been a Mason? Has it been five or fifty years since you first knelt at the altar and took your obligation? In the years since, have there been brothers who took you under their wing and helped you become a better man and Mason? As our Lodges start to see a re-birth, who and where are the men taking our newest Masons under their wing? Our newest members don't receive Masonic knowledge simply by being brought to further light.
In the 90's we were told it takes a village to raise a child. This is something that our brethren have always known, for we are taught to labor to instruct and inform. Some Lodges naturally do this, it is part of their culture. Yet, in too many Lodges this tradition has been lost. Every Mason, regardless of age, deserves a Brother or group of Brothers that he can turn to during his lifelong journey for more light.
In my travels I have met a lot of Brothers and been in more Lodges than I can count. I can always tell the Lodges that have a culture of mentoring, whether it is formal or not. They are the Lodges that have full sidelines, great turnout for events, and where the Brothers truly care for each other. Thanks to all the men who have taken the time and made the effort to take a Brother under their wing. You truly are what keeps the Light of Masonry shining as the next generation starts to labor in the quarries.
Who has helped you on your journey, who have you helped? It is how we help our Brothers that the greatest impression of Masonry is presented.
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Thank you for a thoughtful post on the importance of mentoring in Masonry, as well as in life. Mentoring will be one of the main points of emphasis by the Grand Lodge officers in the coming year. Lodges that mentor are successful. Yet, so many find mentoring so hard to do. I'd like to hear why ...
ReplyDeleteTom McCarthy
Our Lodge is trying to implement "proper" mentoring at a high level. One issue we have come to is after the mentor works with the candidate for a period of time, how much initiative should be look for on the candidates part? Should the mentor continue to be the one who initiates all the time? At least one of our mentors believe the candidate should want to learn enough to call the mentor to request help.
ReplyDeleteBrother Derek,
ReplyDeleteYou raise a very good point. My answer is that this relationship that needs to become a two way street. I am reminded of the old adage you can lead a horse to water but you can't force him to drink. Yet, that doesn't give us an excuse to leave them high and dry. We still need to make sure they know we are there for them. Who knows for some members the best mentor relationship might be nothing more than someone who is a friend and brother.