Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Washington New Candidates Education Program Coach s Manual A part of Masonic Membership Development Level One (1)
Preface This Coaching/Mentoring Manual is to be used in conjunction with the Candidate Education Program of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington. This Course is intended for the New Mason. Its use is highly encouraged as part of continued Masonic Education in all Lodges within the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Washington. The purpose of this protocol is to establish a program that lodge officers and coaches can use over the long term to educate candidates in Masonry and meet the minimum requirements of the Washington Masonic Code. The techniques used here are a combination of published Grand Lodge documents, and many years of experience in coaching candidates. Experience has shown that the coaching of candidates is a very erratic process, highly dependent on the individual coach. In the many years of coaching no single known "course" in coaching candidates has emerged that encompasses the entire process. There are methods and philosophies that are so diverse as to bring into question the very value of the process. As a result, this is an attempt, by the Membership Development Committee at developing a program that can be adjusted over the years to produce processes that impart the most practical knowledge in the shortest possible time. The first step is to walk the candidate(s) through the Grand Lodge of Washington New Candidate Education Course. This is followed by a review of what the candidate obligated himself to do at the altar of Freemasonry, and, finally, to ensure that he has a good grasp of the modes of recognition. Lodges may choose to require their candidate to memorize the Posting Lecture. This decision rests solely with the individual Lodges. This is not a requirement of the Grand Lodge. The first three steps are required by the Grand Lodge. At every step of the way, at each degree class, the candidate should be reminded that there is much to learn from Masonry and tidbits should be offered to entice him to further study. As these "tidbits" are discovered and found effective, they should be incorporated into this course. The candidate should finish the course realizing that he has just begun and that by attending lodge meetings as well as other Masonic events he will develop, over time, a better understanding of the Spiritual aspects of Masonry. A coach (and Lodge) should recognize that each candidate is an individual and responds to challenges differently. Extensive memorization may be the fuel to light a future Mason s fire. However, it may also be the water that douses his
flame. It is the coach s responsibility to identify what approach is appropriate for each candidate and modify his approach accordingly. Fixed protocols can lead to disaster and should be avoided. The Coach and the lodge are obligated to the first three steps of the process. It is highly recommended that these steps be supplemented to expand the candidate s knowledge. Organization of the Program The program consists of two parts. The Coach s Manual and the Candidate s Course. The Coach s Manual is a separate document for the use of the Coach (this manual). It also contains supplemental documents that are designed to assist the Coach and the Lodge in maintaining the following records appropriate for each Candidate: 1. Answers to the Test Questions for each degree 2. A sample letter that the Secretary uses to notify the candidate of his election. 3. A sample letter that the Secretary uses to notify the top line signers of the candidates election to the lodge. 4. A check off list for the Secretary to use at his discretion. 5. Instructions for the Secretary or education chairman. 6. The Candidate Proficiency Requirements. 7. A record of his accomplishments sheet for the candidate. 8. A duplicate of the candidate s accomplishments record for the coach/secretary. 9. A questionnaire for the coach to be filed with the secretary upon completion. The coach, upon being notified of his assignment as a coach should obtain items 3 and 6 thru 9 from the Secretary. (Item 1 is included in this document; the others are prepared and delivered by the Secretary.) On their first meeting, the coach should review these documents with the candidate and explain their significance. With each degree the candidate will receive the Proficiency Document and questions. With the completion of each degree s proficiency, the test answers and appropriate documents should be given to the secretary for his files. The Candidates Manual is made up of: 1. Approaching the Portals. 2. The Entered Apprentice a. Etiquette For The New Mason b. History of the Grand Lodge of Washington Part 1 c. Test Questions 3. The Fellowcraft a. History of the Grand Lodge of Washington Part 2 b. Test Questions 4. The Master Mason
a. History of the Grand Lodge of Washington Part 3 b. Suggested Titles, Authors and Sources for Further Study. c. Test Questions COACHING RESPONSIBILITIES The objective of the Candidate Education Program is to create good Masons and Lodge members by teaching them the basic philosophies of Freemasonry; educating them in the customs and ceremonies of the craft; and by having them develop a habit of attending Lodge, meeting brothers, and generally becoming comfortable with the organization. 1. A coach is selected for each candidate to assist him in passing his proficiency. It is expected that the coach will attend each meeting that the candidate is able to attend and to encourage him to attend as many as he can. The coach will endeavor to have the signers of his petition attend as well, by making them aware of the meetings. 2. The Lodge Secretary should have provided him with the first booklet (Approaching the Portals) upon his election and the Entered Apprentice booklet and three-ring binder after he received his First Degree. As he takes each additional Degree, the Secretary should provide him with the appropriate booklet and any necessary additional reading material. 3. The candidate may take the written test whenever he feels capable. It may be taken with the reading material available to him at the time of the test, and the coach does not have to be in attendance when he takes it. He is to be instructed that he must pass each written test with a score of at least 80%. Regardless of his score, incorrect answers should be reviewed with him, so that he understands them before he proceeds with his proficiency. Retests are not necessary, even if his initial score was below the minimum 80%. Once the test has been completed and the incorrect answers reviewed with the candidate, he is then eligible to give the memorization portion (if required by the Lodge) at an open Lodge meeting or to a Proficiency Committee. 4. In addition to the written test and memorization for each Degree, it is necessary for the candidate to attend a total of at least four Lodge meetings, no less than one of which will be a visitation to another Lodge, and one stated meeting of his own Lodge, before he can be considered sufficiently proficient to receive a dues card. The coach should endeavor to accompany him to the Lodge meetings. It is desirable that he be encouraged to attend each of his own Lodge's meetings that his advancement will permit. 5. In the event it is not possible for the candidate to attend the required Lodge meetings or visitations, he may substitute a reading or additional memorization for each meeting missed. Additional memorization may be any charge or prayer, Apron Lecture, Working Tools, any officer's part, or the Test Oath. Readings may consist of pamphlets provided by the Masonic Service Association or Masonic books, including reference works. The visitation meeting may only be substituted by a reading or
memorization work and not by additional attendance at his own Lodge meeting. The candidate's word that he has reviewed the reading will be sufficient information that he has qualified for this portion of the proficiency; however it would be beneficial that a discussion be held with him to answer any questions that he may have regarding the material. 6. It is expected that the coach will help him learn the memorization work. 7. As each proficiency level is completed the candidate should keep the symbolic instruction booklet and the reference material permanently. 8. The coach should fill in the Proficiency records in the coach s book as well as the candidate's book. 9. All materials are to be returned to the Lodge Secretary upon final completion of the Proficiency. Except for the esoteric test questions, the candidate will keep his book as a permanent reference work. 10. IMPORTANT The questionnaire is to be returned to the Lodge Secretary at the completion of the candidate's three Degrees, or if he fails to proceed with the Degrees within six months, at that time. Coaches are requested to forward to the Chairman of the Membership Development Committee any observations or suggestions. Both the coach's and the candidate's opinions are very important. It is only from their comments that the program may be improved.
First Degree Overall process: Prior to his First Degree, the candidate should receive that portion of the New Candidate Education Coarse titled Approaching the Portals with instructions to read it before his First degree. He should also be informed that at a specific time (within two weeks or less of his degree) he will be required to attend a Proficiency Class. This class will last at least one hour with follow-on classes held until the committee is satisfied that he has learned his proficiency and is ready for the next degree. It is suggested that these proficiency classes be pooled with the individual districts and overseen by the DDGM of that district. This process will be repeated for each degree until he has passed his third degree proficiency. During the Proficiency Class, the coach should present the material in the New Candidate Education Course and ensure that the candidate has answered the questions for the respective degree. If there are multiple candidates attending a class, this can be done by rotating among the candidates, each answering a question and then moving on to the next. The complete process should take about an hour. The following sections of this course will contain the details that must be covered by the coach with each candidate. Finally, the candidate should go through the modes of recognition until he is comfortable with them. At this point, the committee can certify to the Worshipful Master that he is proficient and the next degree can be scheduled. Each of the following sections should commence by 7;00 PM or another specified time. Each session should take no longer than three hours. (This depends upon the number of candidates taking the class, but three hours should be the maximum. Two hours is reasonable for three to five candidates.)
Entered Apprentice Elements of Proficiency Purpose The following presentation is intended as an outline of the minimum requirements for proficiency under Sec. 20.10 B.L. WMC in the Entered Apprentice Degree. "As a minimum, a candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the obligation, signs, words and grips and all modes of recognition of each Degree." (WMC, Sec. 20.10 B.L.) Entered Apprentice This process can be conducted in a classroom environment for multiple candidates. The following is a suggestion for such cases, but appropriate adjustments can be made. What are the signs, grips, and words of the EA degree? (It is helpful to have all brothers rise and go through each part below together and/or one at a time to ensure they are capable of performing the tasks.) Demonstrate the step of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Demonstrate the due guard of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Demonstrate the penal sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Demonstrate the token (grip) of an Entered Apprentice Mason. Demonstrate how the "word" of an Entered Apprentice is given or passed between Masons. (Letter and syllable it) Demonstrate how to enter or retire from a lodge at labor on the Entered Apprentice Degree. Continue this process until all attending are comfortable with the process. EA Obligation Where were you placed to take the obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason? (Demonstrate the position of the hands and note the signs above.) You were kneeling at the altar on your naked left knee, your right knee forming a square, your body erect (upright), your right hand resting on the Three Great Lights, your left hand under the Great Lights, supporting them. What are the "Three Great lights of Masonry?" The Bible The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses. These "lights" are symbolic and represent your duty to God (the Bible), your duty to the leadership in the Fraternity (the Square), and your duty to other members (the Compasses), to maintain a positive relationship with them.
The Bible is often referred to as the Volume of the Sacred Law because many of our members or Brethren are not Christian. For some, the Volume of the Sacred Law might be the Koran, for others, the Torah. We require that you believe in God as a Supreme Being. We are not concerned about your personal religious beliefs, in fact won't discuss religion in lodge, nor politics, because both can be contentious subjects. EA Obligation How and where are the Square and Compasses placed on the EA degree? The square is placed on the open Bible with the point down. Both points of the compasses are placed under the edges of the square. Under what circumstances can you be free of your Masonic obligations? Your obligations can never be "repudiated or laid aside." You have, however, taken the obligations with the assurance that they will never conflict with your duty to God, to you country, or to your friends and neighbors, or to yourself. Therefore, as a Mason you are never bound to any action that would contradict these other duties. No Mason is bound by his obligation to be anything other than a good citizen, a worthy friend and neighbor, and a just and truthful man. In whose name did you take the obligation? In the name of God and the Holy Saints John. To whom are Masonic lodges dedicated? They are dedicated to the Holy Saints John, that is, St. John the Baptist, and St. John the Evangelist. The Saints John are symbols of the natural world. One is remembered at the winter solstice (when the night is the longest) and one at the summer solstice (when the day is the longest.) They symbolize the limits of our relation with the created world in which we move, literally, from light to darkness and back again. What secrets did you promise to keep? When can you share them and with whom? The secrets are the modes of recognition you have just learned, the signs, grip (token), and word of an Entered Apprentice. You can share them with another Mason or in a regular (properly established) lodge of Masons. You must be sure they are genuine Masons. What have you agreed to do and/or not to do?
You have agreed not to write the secrets down or otherwise keep a record of them that might be used by someone else to learn the modes of recognition. This is largely symbolic as well. Most of the modes of recognition can be found in published exposes, video tapes, and so forth. It is not important that no one knows what they are. It is important that you keep your word, your obligation, not to share them. Hence, it is your word that is being tested, your willingness to submit to the rules of the Fraternity and to be a Brother who can be relied on. What are the symbolic penalties of the Entered Apprentice? If they are symbolic, what do they symbolize? Freemasonry teaches that man has a physical, an intellectual, and a spiritual nature. The symbolic penalty is to remind us of the consequences of violating our obligations to God, to our fellows, and to ourselves. Although graphic, they simply teach that we live in a moral universe; and if we are faithful students of life, we will be successful. If we are not, we suffer physical, intellectual, and spiritual decay. The penalties represent not how Masons punish misconduct, but rather what happens when we violate our pledges to those who trust us. Why do we retain these "blood oaths"? In fact, some Masonic Jurisdictions have not. We have for two reasons. First, these oaths are an old tradition in the Fraternity, dating back over 300 years. They were always symbolic as far as we can determine. In the past, some of our Brethren may have misunderstood their symbolic nature, but these cases are very few. Second, throughout history, Masons and Freemasonry have been persecuted by totalitarian governments who objected to our teachings affirming equality and self determination. Many of our Brethren have actually died defending these principles. Some argue that we should keep faith with these heroes of the Craft, retaining the oaths to honor them.
Fellowcraft Degree Elements of Proficiency Purpose The following presentation is intended as an outline of the minimum requirements for proficiency under Sec. 20.10 B.L. WMC in the Fellowcraft Degree. "As a minimum, a candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the obligation, signs, words and grips and all modes of recognition of each Degree." (WMC, Sec. 20.10 B.L.) Fellowcraft Degree What are the signs, grips, and words of the FC degree? (It is helpful to have all brothers rise and go through each part below together and/or one at a time to ensure they are capable of performing the tasks.) Demonstrate the step of a Fellowcraft Mason. Demonstrate the due guard of a Fellowcraft Mason. Demonstrate the penal sign of a Fellowcraft Mason. Demonstrate the pass grip of a Fellowcraft Mason. What is the name of the pass grip of a Fellowcraft Mason? Demonstrate how the pass grip of a Fellowcraft Mason and its name are given or passed between Masons. What is the true grip of a Fellowcraft Mason? What is the name of the true grip of a Fellowcraft? Demonstrate how the true grip of a Fellowcraft and its name are given or passed between Masons (letter and syllable it). Demonstrate how to enter or retire from a lodge at labor on the Fellowcraft Degree. Fellowcraft Obligation Where and how were you placed to take the obligation of a Fellowcraft? (Demonstrate as was done in the first degree, the position of the hands and note where this fits within the signs above.) At the altar, you were kneeling on your naked right knee, your left knee forming a square, and your body erect or upright. Your right hand was
placed on the open Bible, palm down. Your left arm was raised with your elbow bent to form a right angle, supported by a square. How and where were the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses placed for the Fellowcraft Degree? The Bible was opened, the Square placed pointing down. The compasses were placed under the Square, opened, with one point elevated or raised above one leg of the Square. As before, the obligations were taken in the name of God and the Holy Saints John, and you promised not to divulge the secrets of this degree except to another Fellowcraft Mason or in a regular Lodge of Fellowcraft Masons. What secrets did you promise to keep? The secrets of this degree are the modes of recognition, the due guard and penal signs, the step, pass grip, true grip, and their names. What other obligations did you assume? To follow the laws, rules, and regulations of a Fellowcraft Mason's Lodge if I am aware of them. To come to the Lodge when summoned, if possible. (Stress that summonses are important and should be honored if at all possible. Some Jurisdictions make it mandatory unless excused by the Master for just cause.) To provide aid and assistance to other Fellowcraft Masons who ask for and are worthy of assistance. Not to intentionally cheat, wrong, or defraud the Lodge or other Fellowcraft Masons. What are the symbolic penalties of the Fellowcraft Degree? If these penalties are symbolic, what do they symbolize? They symbolize physical, intellectual, and spiritual decay. As before, they represent the consequences to a man who fails to keep faith with his spiritual duty, with himself, and with the world in which he lives.
Master Mason Degree Elements of Proficiency Purpose The following presentation is intended as an outline of the minimum requirements for proficiency under Sec. 20.10 B.L. WMC in the Master Mason Degree. "As a minimum, a candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge of the obligation, signs, words and grips and all modes of recognition of each Degree." (WMC, Sec. 20.10 B.L.) Master Mason Degree What are the signs, grips, and words of the MM degree? (As in the two previous degrees, it is helpful to have all brothers rise and go through each part below together and/or one-at-a-time to ensure they are capable of performing the tasks.) Demonstrate the step of a Master Mason. Demonstrate the due guard of a Master Mason. Demonstrate the penal sign of a Master Mason. Demonstrate the pass grip of a Master Mason. What is the name of the pass grip of a Master Mason? Demonstrate the pass grip of Master Mason and how its name is given or passed between Masons. What is the true grip of a Master Mason? What is the name of the true grip of a Master Mason? Demonstrate how the true grip of a Master Mason and word are given or passed between Masons. Demonstrate how to enter or retire from a lodge at labor on the Master Mason Degree. Where and how were you placed to take the obligation of a Master Mason? At the altar, you were kneeling on your naked knees, and your body erect or upright. Both hands were placed on the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses How and where were the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses placed for the Master Mason Degree? The Bible was opened, the Square placed pointing down. The Compasses were placed over the Square. Master Mason Obligation
What secrets did you promise to keep? The secrets of this degree are the modes of recognition, the due guard and penal signs, the step, pass grip, true grip, and their names. As before, the obligations were taken in the name of God and the Holy Saints John, and you promised not to divulge the secrets of this degree except to another Master Mason or in a regular Lodge of Master Masons. What other obligations did you assume? To follow the laws, rules, and regulations of a Master Mason's Lodge if I am aware of them. (Remind them that they each should receive a copy of the by-laws of their lodge and other material to help them understand this part of their obligation when they sign their lodge's by-laws.) To maintain the customs and laws of the Grand Lodge. (These, they will learn as they attend lodge and sources are available. This also applies to any Grand Lodge they might visit or become a member of in the future. To the best of their ability they are to conform to their customs and laws just as they would in their home jurisdiction.) To answer all summons sent from my lodge. (Again, as explained in a previous degree, summonses are important and should not be ignored. He should call the Master if he can not present himself in person as directed.) To provide aid and assistance to other Master Masons, their widows and orphans who ask for and are worthy of assistance. To keep the secrets of a Master Mason as my own, murder and treason excepted. To not be present nor give my consent to making a Mason of a woman; an old man in dotage, young man in nonage, an atheist, a madman or a fool. (Dotage is an old term that today we would relate to those with Alzheimers and other such infirmities. Nonage is an immature youth.) To not visit a clandestine lodge of Masons or communicate with a clandestine Mason or a Mason expelled or suspended. To not violate the chastity of a Mason's wife, mother, sister or daughter nor permit it to be done by others if I can prevent it. To not strike a Mason except in defense. To not cheat a lodge of Master Masons. To adhere to the proper passing of the Grand Masonic Word. (Recite the word.) To respond to the Grand Hailing Sign of Distress. (Demonstrate the Sign and the words accompanying it.) What are the symbolic penalties of the Master Mason Degree? If these penalties are symbolic, what do they symbolize?
They symbolize physical, intellectual, and spiritual decay. As before, they represent the consequences to a man who fails to keep faith with his spiritual duty, with himself, and with the world in which he lives.