Ashlars in the Rough

Christopher K. Mahaney

Grand Lecturer

On the morning of January 25th, 1905, Frederate a good first impression for our new Brethren. I ick Wells, the surface manager for the Premier propose however, that we may increase the longevity Diamond Mine in Transvaal, South Africa, of some of our new Masons by asking ourselves some was performing a routine inspection of one of the questions about what we do with them following mine trenches when he spotted something in the each Degree. Are we talking to them, or at them? trench wall. His discovery turned out to be the largDo we spend time with them on a regular basis, or est diamond ever found, weighing in at 3106 carats. just on Lodge night? Are we giving them a chance to It became known as the Cullinan Diadiscuss what they found impressive and mond, named for the mine’s owner, meaningful about the Degrees, or Sir Thomas Cullinan. The finmerely giving them our interpreished diamonds produced by tation of their symbolism? Are its division are the Great we teaching them Lodge Star of Africa, (530 caretiquette, or letting them ats), the Lesser Star of embarrass themselves Africa, (317 carats), by making mistakes in as well as 104 addiLodge? Do we sit with tional finished stones. them one on one and They were ultimately find out what they presented to King would like to know, Edward VII and or do we simply hand became part of the them a pamphlet or British Crown Jewels. book that we believe This invites the question, what irreversible first impression are we making on our new Masons? We introduce our potential candidates to the Brethren of our Lodges, get will answer their questions? Do we continue to mentor our new Brethren through their first year as Master Masons, or are they on their own after being Raised? to know them, give them a Rough and perfect ashlars with working I was caused to formulate petition, obtain a waiver of tools and trestleboard these questions after talking to jurisdiction when necessary, many of our new Masons and investigate them, ballot on them, Initiate them, Pass studying their interactions with the Brethren of their them, Raise them and give them instruction after Lodges. I found that most of them simply wanted each Degree. This process often takes months to someone to talk to and more importantly, someone complete and yet, a few meetings later, some of these to listen to them. Masonry is new to them and they new Masons disappear. Why? Unfortunately, there is are excited and inquisitive about it. Imagine how we no simple or singular answer to this question. could increase longevity if each of us were willing to Many of our Lodges have become very good at conferring the Degrees and have also developed excellent programs for education and catechism. A quality education program adds to the experience of becoming a Mason as much as impressive Degree work does. Both build relationships and help to cretake one new Brother by the hand and spend consistent quality time with him. To seek him out and take personal responsibility for him, talk to him, listen to him, teach him, learn from him, guide him, befriend him. Imagine what we could accomplish if each of us were willing to commit to this. Just one Brother. n