SADDLEBACK LAGUNA LODGE NO. 672 F. & A. M.

Conducting Candidate Investigations

Why Investigate

You can’t make a perfect Ashlar out of a broken block You can’t make a

lodge like OURS without a careful selection process

Too insure that Motives are proper

Align Expectation with Reality

Few are chosen “Make it count”

Confidentiality is crucial

Qualifications of Investigators

High integrity & Character

Knowledgeable about our Craft & our Lodge

Respectful & Courteous

Desire to build an Active & Engaged Lodge

Leads by Example

Duties prior to Interview

Review ALL paperwork Contact applicant ASAP so a request for additional time isn’t

needed Make every effort to complete by next Stated Meeting

Check the recommenders and references Not necessary to contact the Master, the Secretary or the Officers Coach Identify yourself and that Mr. X has given them as a reference on he

application for Masonry Ask the reference if they are familiar with Masonry and if necessary explain

the core values of Masons and what Masons do. Ask if the reference is willing to discuss the applicant with you.

For example, “Would you be willing to comment on Mr. X joining our organization?

“Do you think Mr. X would make a good Mason.”

When the discussion is completed, thank the person for their time and willingness to discuss the Candidate with you

Getting Started

Call the Candidate immediately / use email only if necessary

Proper Introduction Make the appointment Be on time for the

Appointment If you are delayed or can not

keep the appointment, call the Candidate as soon as possible

Dress in appropriate attire – business casual or casual but not too casual

Cordial Greeting with Candidate and family (Smile & Positive Mental Attitude)

Take the time to allow you and the Candidate and his family to feel relaxed Small talk The Candidate should not feel

you are rushed Begin the Masonic discussion

when you feel that everyone is comfortable

General Investigation Guidelines

A person’s home provides valuable insight into their lifestyle It does concern the personal moral and ethical standards of

the Candidate and his family Use current conservative social standards regarding

these standards Masonry is about acceptance not exclusion

Avoid using personal prejudice Does it appear that the Candidate will fit into Masonry?

Be aware of possible hidden motives of the Candidate Business; Relief; Religious; Political Never be alone with any female or children when in

the Candidate’s home If you feel that additional references are needed

ask for them now Follow up on addition references immediately after the

interview

The Interview

Discuss Masonry with the Candidate’s family by giving a brief description of who we are and what we do.

Masonry is based on brotherly love, relief and truth and his answers should reflect the same. Speak from your own experience

regarding the moral, ethical, social, benevolent and spiritual aspects of Masonry.

Masonry is an adjunct to Family; Spirituality; Work

Verify ability to devote time to progressing thru degree’s with coach

Time commitment is optional after 3rd degree (we hope for engagement)

Explain the three no –no's in Masonry No Religious or political promotion

and not using the Lodge to promote your business activities

If the Candidates family asks how they can participate, discuss our appendent and concordant organizations and our social activities

Explain the Process of becoming a Mason

Discuss the timeline and milestones of the application process Application read Interviews scheduled (at least 2 of

3) Balloting unanimous (letters &

Scheduling) Degree’s; Proficiencies Coaching

Briefly explain the relationship between the Blue Lodge and other Masonic bodies

Advise the Candidate to contact the Secretary if he has any questions or would like an update on his application Give the Candidate the Secretary’s

phone number and email address

Completing the Reference of Application for Degrees

The Candidate must fill in the second page of the Reference of Application for Degrees. Do not fill out the form for the Candidate.

Ask him to print. When the Candidate has finished, review the page for

completeness and clarity Ask for additional information if you are not satisfied with any answer

Complete your paperwork (Page 3) Legibly & Timely Answers should be objective observations Do not forget to complete the recommendation question at

the end of the form.

In Summary

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

Plato

Be thorough; Accurate; and objective Your brothers are relying on your

good judgment and avouchment These are only guidelines and we

welcome your input Use your own judgment during the

Investigation process DO NOT skip any item in the

procedure without approval of the Master before completing the investigation

Saddleback Laguna Lodge No. 672 F. & A. M.

Thank you for your time and attention