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 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 & P ositive M ental A ttitude )  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 3 rd 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 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