Duties of Visitation Committee

 

There is agreement throughout the Masonic world that the character of a candidate for Masonry should be visited before his petition is accepted but the method of ascertaining his fitness is not always the same.

 

A lodge may have many committees of varying degrees of importance to assist in the transactions of business but none is as important to its welfare as the Committee to review the fitness of a candidate for Freemasonry.

 

If the Visitation Committee is ignorant of its duties, or careless in performing them, great harm may come to Masonry in general and to the lodge in particular. Every Mason should become acquainted with the duties of this committee, for he may be called at any time to serve. If he knows his duties and performs them, he will be a credit to his lodge and realize that he has been given a privilege as well as a duty.

 

“On the reception of the petition the Master shall appoint a committee of three to inquire into the character and fitness of the applicant to be made a Mason.” (Chapter 25, Section 1, Laws for Subordinate Lodges, Masonic Code of Iowa.)

 

In preparing to visit the petitioner each committee member should read the Petition of the prospective candidate carefully.

 

If the Committee is convinced that the applicant is barred by reason or age or residence, such fact shall be specially reported, and the Master shall order the petition returned to the petitioner without ballot. In case a petition is so returned, such fact shall be made known to the petitioner, and he may again petition whenever the requirements of the law are met. (Chapter 25, Section 2, Laws for Subordinate Lodges, Masonic Code of Iowa.)

 

It is the duty of the Committee to make diligent inquiry into the character and habits of the petitioner. At least one visit to the petitioner’s home life. It also allows the Committee to determine the attitude of the petitioner’s family toward Freemasonry.

 

Make the interview informal and help the petition feel at ease. Ask the petitioner’s lady to stay during your visit.

 

The following questions are suggested as a guide for Committee members to have in mind as he visits with the prospective member. While such questions might be appropriate on some occasions, they will be unwise on others. They are included to impress upon you the necessity of thoroughness.

1. How long has he been acquainted personally with his recommender?
2. How long has he resided within the jurisdiction of this lodge?
3. Why does he desire to become a Freemason?
4. What is his conception of the Masonic Institution?
• What does he think it is, and why, in his opinion, do Masons congregate and what do they endeavor to accomplish by their associations with one another?
  Prospective Candidates may not have a proper conception of the Masonic institution when they petition. Do not let his opinions color your judgment. Try to explain to him what Freemasonry really is.
• Does he understand that Masonry is not a financial institution and that no financial returns are to be expected by either the applicant or his family?
• Does he consider Masonry a social organization and does he wish to become connected with it merely because of the fellowship or does he have a sincere desire to become a Mason so he may help himself and help others?
5. Is he of a charitable disposition?
• Do not take his answers wholly for his attitudes. Many of our closest friends do not know our attitudes toward charity. Don’t expect to get his attitude through just one visit. Check on what he has done.
• Does he contribute financially to charitable causes so far as his ability permits?
• Is he charitable in thought and action toward his fellow men or is he bigoted and prejudiced, considering all men in error who do not view life through his particular line of vision?
6. Financial Information.
• Is he generally considered to be fair and upright in his business dealings?
• Does he understand that there are yearly dues required from each member, and that he will be expected to promptly meet these and any other obligations of similar nature?
7. Does his family concur in his desire to become a Freemason?
8. Do you consider him to be a man who will attend, with reasonable regularity, the Communications of the lodge, and will endeavor to educate and better himself by a more extensive study of Masonry than that contained in the lectures of the three degrees?
9. Does he impress you as being one who will “live” Masonry, who will endeavor to bring into actual practice the tenets of our profession?
10. Does he believe in a Supreme Being? No man can become a Mason unless he has faith in a Supreme Being.

 

Observe his natural reactions, his friendliness, his views on charity, and his general attitude. If he lacks some of these desirable characteristics, you should also be able to observe this.

 

If the Committee appointed is from the lodge petitioned, its findings shall be reported at the next stated communication of the lodge, unless further time is granted by vote of the lodge.

 

Your visitation should be completed before the next Stated Communication of your lodge. If more time is required the Master will gladly grant it, provided, of course, you ask for it.

 

Conclusion
Brethren, when the Worshipful Master selects you to serve on a Visiting Committee, he entrusts to you a Masonic duty. You are the guardians of our portals. This duty well done is a service to the petitioner, the Lodge, and the Fraternity. Let quality, not quantity, be your watchword.

 

Look well to the Portals of the Lodge.

 

Always remember as a member of a Visitation Committee, you are selecting the Brothers who will determine the future of our Fraternity.