As we make preparations for the “Early-spring Open House” on Saturday, February 25th, I wish you and the members of your Lodge great success for the day.  The enthusiasm and support for the awareness initiatives we have engaged in during the last several years demonstrates why Massachusetts Freemasonry is not only a leading jurisdiction which others look to follow, but we are a jurisdiction that is growing once again. These open houses are an important part of our growth.

Membership Development is an important priority of mine, as it has been for my predecessors. Each Grand Master, in his way, has sought to help our fraternity grow and prosper during our tenure. Regardless of the steps we have taken or the programs we have instituted, none of us have waivered from the belief that the quality of the men we are initiating is more important than the quantity; and, the process a candidate experiences when he joins our fraternity should never deviate from the laws laid down by our Grand Constitutions and the proven traditions given to us by our Masonic forefathers.

It troubles me then, when I hear stories of Lodges that pursue membership growth without regard to whom we initiate and how we manage the process.

As we prepare for a new group of potential candidates responding to our “Greatness” message and attending our Open House, please keep the following points in mind:

Section 401 of the Grand Constitutions states, “An application for initiation shall not be accepted by a Lodge until the applicant and his sponsor shall have appeared before an application committee of not less than three members of the Lodge, one of which shall be the Master or a Warden.

                        Unless your Lodge has the capacity to conduct a meeting between a potential candidate and the application committee, in addition to running a well organized Open House, the New Member Application documents (NM1: Statement of Beliefs, NM2: Application for         Degrees, and, NM3: Applicant Questionnaire) should not be given to a non-Mason during an Open House.

With so many of our potential candidates are generally unknown to us, the Investigation Committee’s work and their reports are vitally important. I strongly encourage you to give careful consideration to the Brothers you appoint to an Investigation Committee, and charge them to carry out their responsibility with attention and care.

                My Brother, I know you hold my belief that Freemasonry is a great gift that we should be sharing with all worthy men. Further, you recognize the future of your lodge and our Fraternity is going to be determined, in part, by the work we do today. However, these imperatives should not cause us to short-cut the process or change our standards. Because this time is so important to our future, we must be extra-vigilant in our duty. Conscientiously adhere to the points listed above and we will ensure that our West Gate remains well guarded.

                Thank you for all that you do for Freemasonry in Massachusetts. I wish you great success during your Open House. May the Great Architect of the Universe continue to bless you and our great Fraternity.