What Masonic Education is needed for a candidate as he proceeds through the degrees?

"From the time of initiation, a candidate must be, if at all possible, imbued with the desire to learn more about the fraternity he has joined. This mindset is what the mentor should, above all, be trying to instill in his charge. This is the first need. To this end, one of the main activities in lodge should be some discussion on Masonic topics, even for just ten to fifteen minutes. I have never seen lodge as a place just to discuss fund-raisers, barbeques, or other administrative or social matters. These are important but should not be a candidate’s total impression of what goes on at lodge.

The second need is to make sure the candidate gets as deep an understanding of the current degree he is in as possible. There are already many existing checklists of what masons should know in each degree, but beyond these there is the significance of each degree and how it fits into the whole structure of masonry. For example, the first degree is like a rebirth into a new world and if the candidate takes his joining seriously, then the rules have changed. He has been asked, for instance, to study the VSL and regulate his conduct by the divine precepts it contains.

The second invites him to extend his studies into the hidden paths of nature and science and someone needed to explain this to me so little doubt some of them will need it explained as well. The third points out to him that the study and understanding of oneself, particularly the inevitability of death, is the most interesting of all subjects.

The third need is to really emphasize the obligations and charges of each degree and their relevance to daily life, especially that of the third degree which clearly spells out a mason’s duties to his brothers.

The fourth need is how to conduct himself in his new role of mason, particularly when it comes to handling negative feedback, say from family and friends. Masonry is a religion, Masonry is satanic, Masonry is sexist, and many others will probably become part of his experiences and if he is not equipped to handle these negatives, he may decide that they are right and leave the craft, a double tragedy for himself and Masonry.

The fifth need is to make the candidate aware of just how large Masonry is, both in Australia and globally. A visit to Grand Lodge, including the library and the museum, ought to be part of the induction process, as well as trips to other sites with Masonic ties or significance, such as the Egyptian room at the Petersham temple.

The sixth need is to begin to introduce candidates to the concept of visiting. This can begin when an EAF needs to receive the FTB lecture or see an initiation. If there is a presentation or an initiation at a neighbour lodge within the district, this would be such an opportunity.

The seventh need is to continually impress upon the candidate that although Masonry should be done without detriment to family, occupation, religious observances, or anything else that he may consider important, he has, as a man of mature age, sound judgment, and strict morals, engaged to attend his home lodge at its appointed meeting date every month and this should have already been established prior to his acceptance for initiation.

The eighth need is that since most masons’ primary if not only contact with Masonry will be at the monthly lodge meeting then this will have to be their primary method of receiving Masonic education. This brings us back full circle to the first need which is to make the monthly lodge meeting more than just discussing administrative affairs and social functions. It represents our best chance to get training to our candidates. Good time leveraging as well because candidates and mentors alike are being trained." by R. M Firestone