Post by frater209 on Sept 28, 2011 1:13:41 GMT
I have always thought quality over quantity is a good thing in Masonry, and have shied away from ever recruiting anyone to the Fraternity. For this reason I have rarely advertised my own affiliation, such as by wearing hats, pins, car stickers and the like. I have several times wished people would remove from their cars those stickers which say "2Be1Ask1," because I've thought they invite every Tom, Dick, and Harry to come along although they may not be right for it.
As an esoteric minded Mason I admit I would prefer if all new candidates were approaching the Fraternity out of an interest in the Mystery Traditions. So I have figured even if they have such an interest, but aren't determined enough to find the local lodge and go knock on its door, as I myself did, then they aren't ready.
Recently, though, I met a young man of 20 years of age. He has moved in with another buddy of mine, and hanging out over there having a few beers on the weekends I have gotten to know him over the course of 4 or 5 months. By my judgement he has as pure a heart as a person can have. I have been humbled by it. And he has shown an genuine budding interest in the mysteries. So I did what I'd never done.
I finally asked him, "What do you know about Freemasonry?" He said he'd read about it just a little but didn't know much. I didn't stay on the subject long, but told him that I was a Freemason, that I thought he would enjoy the benefits of membership and that he would make a good fit. He said "You think I have what it takes?" I said "I know you do," and changed the subject. I haven't mentioned it since nor do I intend to.
Anyways I'm making this post not with any particular question, but just to share that with everyone and to invite you to share your ideas and experiences about recruiting members to our Fraternity.
--Fr. 209
As an esoteric minded Mason I admit I would prefer if all new candidates were approaching the Fraternity out of an interest in the Mystery Traditions. So I have figured even if they have such an interest, but aren't determined enough to find the local lodge and go knock on its door, as I myself did, then they aren't ready.
Recently, though, I met a young man of 20 years of age. He has moved in with another buddy of mine, and hanging out over there having a few beers on the weekends I have gotten to know him over the course of 4 or 5 months. By my judgement he has as pure a heart as a person can have. I have been humbled by it. And he has shown an genuine budding interest in the mysteries. So I did what I'd never done.
I finally asked him, "What do you know about Freemasonry?" He said he'd read about it just a little but didn't know much. I didn't stay on the subject long, but told him that I was a Freemason, that I thought he would enjoy the benefits of membership and that he would make a good fit. He said "You think I have what it takes?" I said "I know you do," and changed the subject. I haven't mentioned it since nor do I intend to.
Anyways I'm making this post not with any particular question, but just to share that with everyone and to invite you to share your ideas and experiences about recruiting members to our Fraternity.
--Fr. 209