What is the purpose of mentoring?
The simple answer is “To increase enjoyment in Masonry” and thereby increase both retention in the lodge and recruitment for the lodge.
In any organisation, be it business or leisure, in its broadest terms mentoring is the process by which the experienced assist the less experienced to get the most out of and for the organisation.
Masonry is no different; we want our members to have the best possible experience of Freemasonry and to do their best for it.
Mentoring in Freemasonry is not new, it is a long established practice whereby proposer and seconder have, or should have, always supported candidates and senior lodge members, Preceptors and those attending Lodge of Instruction or Lodge of Rehearsal have always supported officers as they progress through the Lodge.
The role of the Lodge Mentor is to be the coordinator of the lodge mentoring process and to help overcome any difficulties and gaps in provision if and when they do occur. The Personal Mentor will support his individual Mentee. It is hoped the Lodge Mentor and Personal Mentor will work closely with the Lodge Almoner and possible the Lodge Secretary to develop a wider “Support Service” for the brethren as and when it is needed.
A Summary of the Mentoring Handbook
Introduction
The purpose of mentoring within Freemasonry is to ensure that every new Brother:
• Feels welcomed and supported
• Understands the ceremonies and traditions
• Gains confidence within the Lodge
• Builds lasting friendships
• Enjoys his Masonic journey
The handbook stresses that many new Masons leave not because they dislike Freemasonry, but because they:
• Feel isolated
• Do not understand what is happening
• Become overwhelmed
• Are not properly integrated into Lodge life
Good mentoring helps prevent this.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is a structured but friendly process where an experienced Brother helps guide another Brother through his Masonic development.
It is not:
• A position of authority
• A lecture system
• Merely teaching ritual words
Instead, mentoring is:
• Personal support
• Guidance
• Encouragement
• Friendship
• Explanation and reassurance
The relationship should feel informal, approachable, and supportive.
The Purpose of a Mentor
A Mentor helps a Brother:
• Understand Freemasonry
• Feel comfortable in the Lodge
• Learn Lodge customs and etiquette
• Gain confidence
• Develop at his own pace
A Mentor also acts as:
• A trusted contact
• Someone to ask questions
• A guide through ceremonies and progression
• A bridge into Lodge social life
The handbook repeatedly emphasises that a Mentor should never “push” a Brother.
Qualities of a Good Mentor
The ideal Mentor should:
• Be patient
• Be approachable
• Be a good listener
• Have a calm temperament
• Be encouraging
• Be discreet and trustworthy
• Understand Lodge customs and ritual
• Be willing to give time
The handbook makes clear that being an excellent ritualist does not automatically make someone a good Mentor.
A good Mentor understands people as much as ritual.
Before Initiation
The period before Initiation is extremely important.
Most candidates:
• Feel nervous
• Know very little about Freemasonry
• Worry about embarrassment
• Are unsure what to expect
The Mentor should:
• Meet the candidate beforehand
• Explain the format of the evening
• Reassure him
• Explain dress requirements
• Explain basic Lodge etiquette
• Introduce him to key members
It is recommended that mentors should avoiding overwhelming the candidate with too much information at once.
The aim is comfort and reassurance.
During the Initiation Ceremony
During the ceremony itself, the Mentor should:
• Sit near the candidate where possible
• Quietly assist if needed
• Help him understand what is happening afterward
• Avoid making the candidate feel foolish or pressured
After the ceremony, the Mentor should:
• Congratulate him
• Explain the key themes of the degree
• Ensure he feels included socially
• Encourage discussion and questions
The handbook emphasises that a candidate often remembers very little of his ceremony because of nerves and sensory overload.
Therefore, patient follow-up is essential.
The Importance of Explanation
The handbook strongly encourages explaining:
• Symbols
• Signs
• Lodge layout
• Officer roles
• Ritual meaning
• Traditions
• Masonic language
However, explanations should be:
• Gradual
• Understandable
• Relevant to the Brother’s stage
Too much information too quickly can discourage learning.
The Stages of Mentoring
Stage 1 — Welcome and Orientation
At this stage, the Brother is unfamiliar with:
• Lodge structure
• Officer roles
• Ceremony flow
• Masonic etiquette
The Mentor should explain:
• Where officers sit
• How meetings work
• Salutes and signs
• Festive board etiquette
• Visiting procedures
• Lodge terminology
The priority is making the Brother feel comfortable.
Stage 2 — Learning and Understanding
Once settled, the Brother begins learning:
• The meaning behind ceremonies
• Symbolism
• Moral teachings
• Masonic principles
This stage should encourage curiosity and discussion.
Topics may include:
• The Three Degrees
• The symbolism of working tools
• The principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth
• The symbolic journey through Masonry
The handbook advises Mentors to avoid turning mentoring into formal “lessons.”
Conversation is preferred over lectures.
Stage 3 — Participation and Involvement
At this stage the Brother begins asking:
• “How do I become involved?”
• “Where do I fit into the Lodge?”
The Mentor should encourage:
• Attendance at rehearsals
• Participation in ceremonies
• Visiting other Lodges
• Social involvement
• Small ritual roles
Importantly, the handbook warns against:
• Pushing ritual too early
• Overloading newer members with responsibilities
Confidence should grow naturally.
Stage 4 — Progression and Development
As confidence develops, the Brother may:
• Learn ritual work
• Become a Steward
• Join committees
• Take office
• Support charitable work
• Mentor others in future
The Mentor’s role gradually changes from teacher to adviser and friend.
The Mentor’s Communication Skills
The handbook places great emphasis on communication.
Good Mentors:
• Listen carefully
• Encourage discussion
• Ask open questions
• Avoid criticism
• Build confidence
Examples of useful questions:
• “How did you find the ceremony?”
• “Was anything unclear?”
• “What interested you most?”
• “How are you settling in?”
The goal is conversation, not interrogation.
Lodge Integration
One of the strongest themes in the handbook is inclusion.
A new Mason should:
• Never sit alone regularly
• Be introduced to other Brethren
• Be included socially
• Feel noticed and valued
Mentoring is therefore not just educational — it is social.
The handbook suggests that friendships are one of the main reasons men remain active in Freemasonry long-term.
The Role of the Lodge Mentor
Many Lodges appoint a Lodge Mentor to oversee the overall mentoring process.
Responsibilities may include:
• Assigning personal mentors
• Monitoring candidate progress
• Supporting mentors
• Ensuring consistency
• Organising educational sessions
• Encouraging retention
The Lodge Mentor helps create a mentoring culture throughout the Lodge.
Common Problems Identified
The handbook highlights several common issues:
Information Overload
New Masons can become overwhelmed by:
• Ritual
• Terminology
• Customs
• Expectations
Solution:
Teach gradually.
Isolation
A Brother who does not build friendships may quietly drift away.
Solution:
Active inclusion.
Excessive Pressure
Some enthusiastic Lodges rush men into:
• Offices
• Ritual work
• Responsibilities
Solution:
Allow natural development.
Lack of Understanding
Some members attend for years without fully understanding Freemasonry.
Solution:
Continual education and explanation.
The Role of Ritual
The handbook makes clear that ritual:
• Is important
• Preserves tradition
• Teaches moral lessons
But ritual alone is not enough.
A Brother should understand:
• Why ceremonies matter
• What the symbolism teaches
• How the lessons apply to life
Long-Term Goals of Mentoring
Successful mentoring should create a Brother who:
• Understands Freemasonry
• Enjoys attending Lodge
• Participates confidently
• Builds friendships
• Supports others
• Remains active for many years
Eventually, the mentored Brother may become a Mentor himself.
Overall Philosophy
The central philosophy of the handbook is that Freemasonry is:
• A lifelong journey
• A shared experience
• A system of moral and personal development
• A fraternity built on friendship and support
Mentoring exists to help each Brother feel:
• Included
• Valued
• Educated
• Supported
• Inspired to continue his journey in Masonry
More information on mentoring and the mentoring handbook can be found on the UGLE blog.