Southern California Research Lodge

Fraternal
N o vem b e r 2 0 2 3
Review
Guarding
the West Gate

o n e t h i n g b e t w e e n u s a n d o u r g ro w t h
 G u e s t E D I TOR ’s W or d SCRL Fraternal Review

November 2023
T h e We s t G a t e i s a F i l t e r F o r G o o d Volume 64 Number 10
Many moons ago, I had a discussion with a lodge Past Master on
the importance of vetting our prospects and not rushing into PUBLICATION STAFF
handing-out applications to anyone who walked through our lodge Editor In Chief - Angel Millar
doors. This Past Master was questioning my lodge’s practice of
Creative Director - Dago Rodriguez, PM
asking prospects to visit our lodge for at least six months, attending
our social events and making an effort to meet other brothers Senior Copy Editor - Jeriel Smith
Image by Leticia Burgos

before asking for a petition to join. He felt this was too much; that Copy Editors - Brett Fisher, Mark Poliner,
we would scare them away, or even worse, lose them to another Daniel Rivera, PM
lodge. Events/Calendar Editor - Jeriel Smith
My stance was, and remains, how else are we ever going to
Pop Culture Editor - Michael Laidlaw
know who we are admitting into our lodge without getting to know them first? He felt that
the longer you have a prospect visit, the easier it will be for others to find something not to Layouts: Dago Rodriguez, PM
like about the prospect and block him from joining. I was stunned. This is the exact reason
COVER IMAGE:
why we should require them to return! To understand their interests in our Craft, what they “Door To The Underworld” by Crocothery
expect to put into and get out of Freemasonry, and whether they are a good fit for our lodge. © AdobeStock
Not every man is cut out to be a Mason; and not every lodge is right for every man who
should be made a Mason. We say we take good men and make them better. Not that we can SCRL OFFICERS
take just any man and hope to make him better. This means that each man entering our lodge Master - Daniel Rivera, PM
should already have a sense of balance in Senior Warden - Michael Laidlaw
his life; a willingness to improve himself “The fundamental duty of every Junior Warden - Johnny Arias
and a desire to serve the community
around him. If a lodge is willing to invest
Mason to better himself includes the Secretary - Ian Laurelin
Asst. Secretary - John Seletos
its time and efforts to do the work, the duty to leave his lodge better than he Treasurer - C. Douglas Russell
candidate himself must be ready to found it…” Chaplain - Charlie Fisher, PM
commit to the same for the lodge—and, Senior Deacon - Joel Castro
most importantly, to his own improvement. This essential act of vetting our prospects is Junior Deacon - Mark Poliner
called Guarding the West Gate and it is the central focus of our November issue. Senior Steward - Nathan Bexton
With my predecessor as SCRL Master, Brother Jeriel Smith, as my co-Guest Editor, we Junior Steward - DeAndre Simmons
have curated articles from the works of Masonic scholars John W. Bizzack, Andrew Hammer,
Organist - Dago Rodriguez, PM
Robert Herd, and Cliff Porter—each of whom has invigorated the Observant Masonry
Tiler - Tom Sheehan
movement—who explore not only the meaning, but the importance of Guarding the West
Gate, plus an excerpt from Bro. Smith’s talk on the topic. Our Pop Culture (page 11) also Text and images herein are used
features his entire talk (on YouTube), along with a podcast with myself, and Brother for educational and research
Bizzack’s book, For the Good of the Order. Our Final Word comes from California PGM purposes only. Complete
John R. Heisner. attributions are provided for all
The fundamental duty of every Mason to better himself includes the duty to leave his items where the source is known.
lodge better than he found it; and that depends on being judicious about the men we allow to VISIT US
enter through our West Gate to join our distinguished Fraternity. Please enjoy this issue; we www.TheResearchLodge.com
The official SCRL website. Read past
hope you will also take steps to cultivate a culture of growth and prosperity in your own issues and renew your subscription.
lodge. That begins best by knowing the men you admit, before they take their oaths to our CONTACT US:
Craft at your lodge’s altar. [email protected]
FOLLOW US
Fraternally, Instagram: Sneak peaks of upcoming
issues: SoCalResearchLodge
Bro. Dago Rodriguez, PM, Research Lodge Master, 2020-2022
LIKE US
Creative Director of Fraternal Review, Past Master of South Pasadena Masonic Lodge No. 290 where he serves https://www.facebook.com/Southern-
as Education and Lecture Committee chair; member of the Valley of Guthrie, Oklahoma Scottish Rite; and chair California-Research-
Lodge-116782435016421/
of Masonic Education of the Grand Lodge of California.
Get up-to-date information on
upcoming issues and lectures.
©2023 SCRL FRATERNAL REVIEW: Guarding the West Gate
The articles herein do not necessarily
NOTICE: SCRL invites Masonic Lodges to reprint ONE article from Fraternal Review for express the views of SCRL or the
such uses as their Trestle Boards; distributing ENTIRE ISSUES TO NON-SUBSCRIBERS is Grand Lodge of California. They are
a COPYRIGHT VIOLATION. solely the writers’ points of view.
2 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023
 Contents
COVER STORY
4 Should every good man be a Mason? Not
according to Andrew Hammer, who tells us that
only those who seek earnestly are suited since
“true knowledge” takes time.
Freemasonry’s obsession with
6 Membership roles
Bro. John W. Bizzack writes about the “obsession”
with making Freemasonry a multi-million member
organization and reaffirms the importance of
quality rather than quantity.
10 the initiatic experience
“The Candidate’s attitude,” says Bro. Robert Herd
PAGE 8: Eight Steps of Excellence by Andrew Hammer

in this article, “should be one of definite intelligent

expectation of spiritual benefit to come to him.”
He reminds us that the Craft is not a social club but
14 THE WEST GATE
Bro. Cliff Porter reminds us that “The first place Masonry
should seek to improve its quality, is with the men who are
a “personal, internal quest for transformation.”
entering its doors.” We should seek quality candidates and,
in turn, provide a quality experience for petitioners.
12 THE OBLIGATIOINS OF SIGNING
A PETITION
Bro. Jeriel Smith reminds us of the importance of
not rushing petitions but of finding men who are
16 FINAL WORD
PGM John R. Heisner tells us that the Masonic journey is
a gradual process towards Light, and shouldn’t be rushed.
the right fit for the lodge.

November Educ ation Dates

These programs are scheduled for the month of November 2023; all times are Pacific Standard Time (PST).
Esoteric Lecture Series at
Culver City Foshay Lodge
SCRL Installation
First Sundays, monthly from 12pm to 2pm Pacific Time.
Sunday, November 4, 12pm PST: Lecture & discussion,
of Officers
Joseph Emde: Masonic Symbols & Influence in Edgar Allen Saturday, November 18, 2023: Installation at
Poe’s “The Cask of Amontillado.” Open to the public, light 3pm. Open to all Masons; Masonic attire.
refreshments. free, casual attire. In person only, at Culver South Pasadena Lodge No. 290,1126 Fair
City-Foshay Lodge No. 467, 9635 Venice Blvd, Culver City Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena, CA 91030
CA 90232. www.CulverCityMasons.org

South Pasadena Lodge 21st Century Conversations on

Illumination Lecture Series Freemasonry
Monday, November 6, 7pm PST. Lecture by Juan
Sepulveda: The Art of Being a Gentleman. Dinner to follow; Lectures and discussions, presented by The Rubicon Masonic Society
free. Open to public. Masonic attire. In person only. South and William O. Ware Lodge of Research. Fourth Monday each month
Pasadena Lodge No. 290, 1126 Fair Oaks Avenue, South throughout 2023, at 4pm Pacific Time via Zoom: Open to all; suit & tie
Pasadena, CA 91030. Previously archived lectures available attire. Monday, November 27, 4:00pm PST: Daniel Rivera: The Role of
to all Masons and non-Masons on YouTube Channel, The Research Lodges in Contemporary Freemasonry. Pre-registration
Illumination Lecture Series. required, at: https://rubiconmasonicsociety.com/rsvp

Masonic Education night at Masonic Education Night:

Evergreen Lodge Saddleback-Laguna Lodge
Evergreen Study Group: Saturday, November 11:
Fellowship, refreshments at 9:30am PST, followed by Thursday, November 30: Dinner at 6pm PST, lecture at 7pm. Kenneth
discussion at 10:00am, facilitated by Johnny Arias and Bennett: The Logos and The Lost Word. Open to all; business casual
attire. In person only, at Saddleback Laguna Lodge No. 672, 23685
Michael Strader: Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O). Public
Birtcher Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630. RSVP at
welcome; Event in person, free, at Evergreen Masonic
www.saddlebacklaguna672.org
Lodge No. 259, 5801 Chicago Ave., Riverside CA 92506.
RSVP to: www.Evergreen259.com/education

November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 3

 other commercial enterprise. They relate numerical “Only the man who knocks in
COVER STORY decline—for whatever reason, even if it be the natural earnest, in full knowledge of
result of a decline in population growth—to failure, both the risk that he may be

The Pursuit of Excellence

and then become panicked when the decline is not
arrested. In that panic, these brethren are willing to
rejected, and yet proceeds
reverse the direction of centuries of initiatory theory anyway because the search for
and praxis, sacrificing it all in the attempt to seek out light is that important to him—
By Andrew Hammer new members, rather than having men seek us as they only such a man is one who
have always done.
The fundamental problem with such a viewpoint is
should become a Mason.”
that Freemasonry is not just another commodity to be our records for the mere purposes of conviviality,
bought and sold. To be fair, the selling of degrees to all without inquiring into the Nature of the particular
comers was a practice that affected the Craft from the engagements to which they are subjected by becoming
very beginning of speculative Masonry. At the turn of Masons. Several have been prompted by motives of
the 18th century, so-called ‘Masons’ could be made interest, and many introduced to gratify an idle
instantly, in dockyard pubs, merely be paying a curiosity, or to please as jolly companions. A general
nominal fee, odium, or at least a careless indifference, must be the
But what is significant to point out about that fact, result of such conduct. But the evil stops not here.
is that it was perceived to be such an unacceptable Persons of this description, ignorant of the true nature
situation that it was one of the motivations for the of the institution, probably without any real defect in
creation of the Grand Lodge in 1717. In that moment, their own morals, are induced to recommend others of
which was the first codification of Freemasonry as we the same cast to join the society for the same purpose.
The pursuit of Excellence in every aspect of your life is what it means to observe the Craft. That means seeking Hence the true knowledge of the art decreases with the
more out of yourself, and consequently seeking more out of the Craft than you might have originally done. It means a know it today, reputable brothers saw the
indiscriminate mongering of Masonic initiation as a increase of its members [emphasis added] and the
continual effort at self-development and lifelong learning, at least one part of which is manifested in physical
representations of things which are themselves considered to be exceptional. […] problem, and took steps to correct it. Imagine what most valuable part of the institution is turned into
But how do we relate this demand for excellence, for that man who will agree to surpass himself, to the composition those brethren might think of the billboards and ridicule…’
and identity of the Craft? We start by understanding that Freemasonry, unlike other social endeavors, is not for television advertisements found in some places today, Our response, therefore, must be that not only
everyone, and should never be offered as such. which openly solicit men to become Masons, to do should not every man be a Mason, but not even every
Masonry is and always has been intended to be an initiatory organization that an individual must seek to join. He what they have not yet arrived to do of their own free good man should be a Mason, any more than he should
does so not out of necessity or hope of material benefits, but out of an inner calling to greater wisdom, i.e., intellectual will and accord. be an airplane pilot, doctor or mechanic. Only the man
and spiritual light. Then after he makes that choice, he must in turn be chosen by others who agree to admit him into Are such efforts any different than the efforts of who knocks in earnest, in full knowledge of both the
their assemblies. In such an environment. The nature of the individual far outweighs the number of men knocking at those who attempted to sell Masonry so long ago? risk that he may be rejected, and yet proceeds anyway
our doors, quality of character far outweighs quantity of candidates, and less is more. While the idea that fewer men What should the response of the observant Mason be to because the search for light is that important to him—
should become Masons might be utterly baffling to some brothers, the idea is not so difficult to understand. such forms of recruitment? only such a man is one who should become a Mason.
If a craftsman carefully selects ten exceptional men to whom he can teach the whole of his craft, each of those men Preston’s response in 1772 was stern and Why? Because such a man will understand that as with
can then teach ten others. By working with fewer dedicated men, the craftsman gains more; he gains the survival of his uncompromising, and could just as well have been all things worth doing or having, the ‘true knowledge
craft. If, however, he tries to shout his knowledge out to a crowd of ten thousand men who simply want to have what he written today: of the art’ takes time, and cannot be achieved in a day.
has, the fullness of his knowledge will never be transferred, both because it is impossible to do so, and the crowd is It is an obvious truth that the privileges of Masonry It requires a sincere pledge of time and effort.
indiscriminate. h a v e l o n g b e e n p ro s t i t u t e d f o r u n w o r t h y
Excerpted from Andrew Hammer, “The Pursuit of
Yet in some corners of the Craft it is thought that more men need to be convinced to become Masons in order to Considerations, and hence their good effects have been
Excellence,” Observing the Craft (Mindhive Books, Classis
save dying lodges, or simply because some brothers are looking at the craft in the same way that they might look at any less conspicuous. Many have enrolled their name in Edition, 2012). pp. 98, 100-104.
4 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 5
 other commercial enterprise. They relate numerical “Only the man who knocks in
COVER STORY decline—for whatever reason, even if it be the natural earnest, in full knowledge of
result of a decline in population growth—to failure, both the risk that he may be

The Pursuit of Excellence

and then become panicked when the decline is not
arrested. In that panic, these brethren are willing to
rejected, and yet proceeds
reverse the direction of centuries of initiatory theory anyway because the search for
and praxis, sacrificing it all in the attempt to seek out light is that important to him—
By Andrew Hammer new members, rather than having men seek us as they only such a man is one who
have always done.
The fundamental problem with such a viewpoint is
should become a Mason.”
that Freemasonry is not just another commodity to be our records for the mere purposes of conviviality,
bought and sold. To be fair, the selling of degrees to all without inquiring into the Nature of the particular
comers was a practice that affected the Craft from the engagements to which they are subjected by becoming
very beginning of speculative Masonry. At the turn of Masons. Several have been prompted by motives of
the 18th century, so-called ‘Masons’ could be made interest, and many introduced to gratify an idle
instantly, in dockyard pubs, merely be paying a curiosity, or to please as jolly companions. A general
nominal fee, odium, or at least a careless indifference, must be the
But what is significant to point out about that fact, result of such conduct. But the evil stops not here.
is that it was perceived to be such an unacceptable Persons of this description, ignorant of the true nature
situation that it was one of the motivations for the of the institution, probably without any real defect in
creation of the Grand Lodge in 1717. In that moment, their own morals, are induced to recommend others of
which was the first codification of Freemasonry as we the same cast to join the society for the same purpose.
The pursuit of Excellence in every aspect of your life is what it means to observe the Craft. That means seeking Hence the true knowledge of the art decreases with the
more out of yourself, and consequently seeking more out of the Craft than you might have originally done. It means a know it today, reputable brothers saw the
indiscriminate mongering of Masonic initiation as a increase of its members [emphasis added] and the
continual effort at self-development and lifelong learning, at least one part of which is manifested in physical
representations of things which are themselves considered to be exceptional. […] problem, and took steps to correct it. Imagine what most valuable part of the institution is turned into
But how do we relate this demand for excellence, for that man who will agree to surpass himself, to the composition those brethren might think of the billboards and ridicule…’
and identity of the Craft? We start by understanding that Freemasonry, unlike other social endeavors, is not for television advertisements found in some places today, Our response, therefore, must be that not only
everyone, and should never be offered as such. which openly solicit men to become Masons, to do should not every man be a Mason, but not even every
Masonry is and always has been intended to be an initiatory organization that an individual must seek to join. He what they have not yet arrived to do of their own free good man should be a Mason, any more than he should
does so not out of necessity or hope of material benefits, but out of an inner calling to greater wisdom, i.e., intellectual will and accord. be an airplane pilot, doctor or mechanic. Only the man
and spiritual light. Then after he makes that choice, he must in turn be chosen by others who agree to admit him into Are such efforts any different than the efforts of who knocks in earnest, in full knowledge of both the
their assemblies. In such an environment. The nature of the individual far outweighs the number of men knocking at those who attempted to sell Masonry so long ago? risk that he may be rejected, and yet proceeds anyway
our doors, quality of character far outweighs quantity of candidates, and less is more. While the idea that fewer men What should the response of the observant Mason be to because the search for light is that important to him—
should become Masons might be utterly baffling to some brothers, the idea is not so difficult to understand. such forms of recruitment? only such a man is one who should become a Mason.
If a craftsman carefully selects ten exceptional men to whom he can teach the whole of his craft, each of those men Preston’s response in 1772 was stern and Why? Because such a man will understand that as with
can then teach ten others. By working with fewer dedicated men, the craftsman gains more; he gains the survival of his uncompromising, and could just as well have been all things worth doing or having, the ‘true knowledge
craft. If, however, he tries to shout his knowledge out to a crowd of ten thousand men who simply want to have what he written today: of the art’ takes time, and cannot be achieved in a day.
has, the fullness of his knowledge will never be transferred, both because it is impossible to do so, and the crowd is It is an obvious truth that the privileges of Masonry It requires a sincere pledge of time and effort.
indiscriminate. h a v e l o n g b e e n p ro s t i t u t e d f o r u n w o r t h y
Excerpted from Andrew Hammer, “The Pursuit of
Yet in some corners of the Craft it is thought that more men need to be convinced to become Masons in order to Considerations, and hence their good effects have been
Excellence,” Observing the Craft (Mindhive Books, Classis
save dying lodges, or simply because some brothers are looking at the craft in the same way that they might look at any less conspicuous. Many have enrolled their name in Edition, 2012). pp. 98, 100-104.
4 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 5
 overwhelmed by the euphoria surrounding such a major
comeback. Freemasonry, as an institution, has proven unable to
“In its brief history, the
resist the jubilation of seeing its ranks swell, even at the observance movement has
expense of misplacing even more of its heritage.
More important than a discussion of why the membership established regular outposts that
increased over these fourteen years is the examination of why
Freemasonry was unable to do anything more than ride the now serve as important stations
crest of what appeared to be an unending surge of members.
When we see the membership rolls begin to decline and on the outskirts of ordinary
continue that drop for the next two generations (until they
resume the level from 1945), one has to consider, aside from American Freemasonry…”
natural attrition, that something was not holding the interest of synthesized out of that ill-placed reverence of mass
members. As the membership steadily declined to levels not membership. In an unprecedented doctrinal shift, the fraternity
seen since the end of the nineteenth century, it becomes even bowed to the theory that more members could be artificially
more apparent that Freemasonry had a two-fold problem: not and successfully injected into the Order by side-stepping its
only was it incapable of holding the interest of its current heritage. […]
membership, it also lacked a wide enough appeal to maintain a A book could be written with citations from Masons across
steady membership at any level perceived as “suitable” in the the nation underscoring not only the diversity of perspectives
mind of mainstream Masonry. […] in American Freemasonry but also consistent themes that have
Again, understanding the reasons for the swelling of the emerged over the past two decades or more which offer insight
membership during this fourth period of rapid expansion is not into and substantial evidence of the paradigm shift occurring
as important as understanding the reasons it could not be today. We tend to look more at the history of the fraternity than
maintained. One reason is that Masonry no longer offered what at its evolution as an institution against the social and
it did when it was a smaller and more manageable body, an technological fabric of the society in which it exists. […] What
educational and philosophical institution that had not yet given is clear and visible to one person may be invisible to another
up its exclusivity. As American Freemasonry became more because of shifting paradigms. […]
addicted to the notion that to remain relevant, membership The ordinary model, a paradigm which started in the late
rolls must be high, the practices with Freemasonry became less 1950s and is found limping today, became the casualty of five
important than the institution itself. rapid expansion periods that smothered much of the life out of
The meaning behind the idiom “once bitten, twice shy” the Craft. […] One of the five periods of expansion were the
does not seem to mean much to American Freemasonry. Thus,

Freemasonry’s Obsession with

unanticipated influx of men coming into the fraternity
taken together with the institution’s identity crisis during the following World War II—a flood that overwhelmed the
years of declining membership following previous rapid structure of American Freemasonry and ultimately accelerated
expansion, American Freemasonry has been subject to decades the lingering adverse effects of the first two periods. Slowly,

Membership Rolls of listlessness and doldrums. During this lull, its members
fretted, and those in formal leadership positions began to
embrace predictable quick-fix notions like lowering the age
the institution … became more ordinary. The fifth expansion
was caused by Masonry’s deliberate decision to expand its
ranks as rapidly as possible by reducing standards and
by John W. Bizzack, Ph.D qualifications for candidates, relaxing solicitation standards
and dress codes, and hoping against hope that Freemasonry
implementing mass one-day initiations. Hailed by many at the
time as evidence of the hunger men had for Masonic Light, the
Much has been written about the rapid increase in membership following World War II. Many Masons view this period as if it would return to a steady level of high membership for some eras of rapid expansion ended up dimming that Light after the
were the only rapid expansion of membership ever to occur in American Freemasonry. Perhaps this is because it is the one that reason—or perhaps explode once more in a rapid expansion. expansions ran their course. […]
has been used as a benchmark in the twenty-first century, frequently cited as a starting point to show how membership declined None of that worked. We can identify the paradigm we are in not only because we
thereafter. The records are clear. Membership in American Freemasonry increased beginning in 1945 and continued to escalate A narcotic-like obsession with the belief that the fraternity so easily see how the previous model was exhausted, but also
until 1959, when it reached a record level of 4,103,161. The reasons for the increase have been analyzed and commented upon must be a multi-million-member organization to survive via the increasing volume and tone of many new Masonic
by Masons, scholars, sociologists, and writers for almost seventy years. Few have considered that similar rapid expansion had continues to plague American Freemasonry today. That scholars writing since the 1990s. … The observance movement
occurred three times previously in the history of American Freemasonry, each time carrying similar consequences. obsession has overshadowed more practical solutions, but has helped give the paradigm a reference point and a name.
This membership anomaly plainly illustrates how Freemasonry has never been adequately prepared for rapid expansions, having more members was considered essential if the costs of […]
much less ready to take advantage of them when they occur. The institution could not guarantee that the structure and grand buildings and flush endowments (a fixture of American In its brief history, the observance movement has
administration of the Order could handle such a swift injection of membership. It must be kept in mind that this fourth rapid Masonry in the early part of the twentieth century) were to be established regular outposts that now serve as important
expansion in membership did not occur overnight. A steady increase took place over fourteen years—almost a full generation of met. Among the miscalculated solutions arising from this stations on the outskirts of ordinary American Freemasonry:
men. obsession was yet another stab at rapid membership expansion repositories for reference materials and real time libraries
Already weakened by the losses caused in the aftermath of the previous rapid expansion and by social changes injected in the final decade of the twentieth century. This one, instead preserving and exemplifying early features, practices,
because of the growth of the fraternity during the Golden Age of Fraternalism, the structure of the Order was easily of occurring in the manner of the previous expansions, was community and systems of Freemasonry. These conservators
6 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 7
 overwhelmed by the euphoria surrounding such a major
comeback. Freemasonry, as an institution, has proven unable to
“In its brief history, the
resist the jubilation of seeing its ranks swell, even at the observance movement has
expense of misplacing even more of its heritage.
More important than a discussion of why the membership established regular outposts that
increased over these fourteen years is the examination of why
Freemasonry was unable to do anything more than ride the now serve as important stations
crest of what appeared to be an unending surge of members.
When we see the membership rolls begin to decline and on the outskirts of ordinary
continue that drop for the next two generations (until they
resume the level from 1945), one has to consider, aside from American Freemasonry…”
natural attrition, that something was not holding the interest of synthesized out of that ill-placed reverence of mass
members. As the membership steadily declined to levels not membership. In an unprecedented doctrinal shift, the fraternity
seen since the end of the nineteenth century, it becomes even bowed to the theory that more members could be artificially
more apparent that Freemasonry had a two-fold problem: not and successfully injected into the Order by side-stepping its
only was it incapable of holding the interest of its current heritage. […]
membership, it also lacked a wide enough appeal to maintain a A book could be written with citations from Masons across
steady membership at any level perceived as “suitable” in the the nation underscoring not only the diversity of perspectives
mind of mainstream Masonry. […] in American Freemasonry but also consistent themes that have
Again, understanding the reasons for the swelling of the emerged over the past two decades or more which offer insight
membership during this fourth period of rapid expansion is not into and substantial evidence of the paradigm shift occurring
as important as understanding the reasons it could not be today. We tend to look more at the history of the fraternity than
maintained. One reason is that Masonry no longer offered what at its evolution as an institution against the social and
it did when it was a smaller and more manageable body, an technological fabric of the society in which it exists. […] What
educational and philosophical institution that had not yet given is clear and visible to one person may be invisible to another
up its exclusivity. As American Freemasonry became more because of shifting paradigms. […]
addicted to the notion that to remain relevant, membership The ordinary model, a paradigm which started in the late
rolls must be high, the practices with Freemasonry became less 1950s and is found limping today, became the casualty of five
important than the institution itself. rapid expansion periods that smothered much of the life out of
The meaning behind the idiom “once bitten, twice shy” the Craft. […] One of the five periods of expansion were the
does not seem to mean much to American Freemasonry. Thus,

Freemasonry’s Obsession with

unanticipated influx of men coming into the fraternity
taken together with the institution’s identity crisis during the following World War II—a flood that overwhelmed the
years of declining membership following previous rapid structure of American Freemasonry and ultimately accelerated
expansion, American Freemasonry has been subject to decades the lingering adverse effects of the first two periods. Slowly,

Membership Rolls of listlessness and doldrums. During this lull, its members
fretted, and those in formal leadership positions began to
embrace predictable quick-fix notions like lowering the age
the institution … became more ordinary. The fifth expansion
was caused by Masonry’s deliberate decision to expand its
ranks as rapidly as possible by reducing standards and
by John W. Bizzack, Ph.D qualifications for candidates, relaxing solicitation standards
and dress codes, and hoping against hope that Freemasonry
implementing mass one-day initiations. Hailed by many at the
time as evidence of the hunger men had for Masonic Light, the
Much has been written about the rapid increase in membership following World War II. Many Masons view this period as if it would return to a steady level of high membership for some eras of rapid expansion ended up dimming that Light after the
were the only rapid expansion of membership ever to occur in American Freemasonry. Perhaps this is because it is the one that reason—or perhaps explode once more in a rapid expansion. expansions ran their course. […]
has been used as a benchmark in the twenty-first century, frequently cited as a starting point to show how membership declined None of that worked. We can identify the paradigm we are in not only because we
thereafter. The records are clear. Membership in American Freemasonry increased beginning in 1945 and continued to escalate A narcotic-like obsession with the belief that the fraternity so easily see how the previous model was exhausted, but also
until 1959, when it reached a record level of 4,103,161. The reasons for the increase have been analyzed and commented upon must be a multi-million-member organization to survive via the increasing volume and tone of many new Masonic
by Masons, scholars, sociologists, and writers for almost seventy years. Few have considered that similar rapid expansion had continues to plague American Freemasonry today. That scholars writing since the 1990s. … The observance movement
occurred three times previously in the history of American Freemasonry, each time carrying similar consequences. obsession has overshadowed more practical solutions, but has helped give the paradigm a reference point and a name.
This membership anomaly plainly illustrates how Freemasonry has never been adequately prepared for rapid expansions, having more members was considered essential if the costs of […]
much less ready to take advantage of them when they occur. The institution could not guarantee that the structure and grand buildings and flush endowments (a fixture of American In its brief history, the observance movement has
administration of the Order could handle such a swift injection of membership. It must be kept in mind that this fourth rapid Masonry in the early part of the twentieth century) were to be established regular outposts that now serve as important
expansion in membership did not occur overnight. A steady increase took place over fourteen years—almost a full generation of met. Among the miscalculated solutions arising from this stations on the outskirts of ordinary American Freemasonry:
men. obsession was yet another stab at rapid membership expansion repositories for reference materials and real time libraries
Already weakened by the losses caused in the aftermath of the previous rapid expansion and by social changes injected in the final decade of the twentieth century. This one, instead preserving and exemplifying early features, practices,
because of the growth of the fraternity during the Golden Age of Fraternalism, the structure of the Order was easily of occurring in the manner of the previous expansions, was community and systems of Freemasonry. These conservators
6 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 7
“In the Island lodge, the men making up the active and engaged Eight Steps to Excellence:
lodge community make it clear that everyone who is a member
has a ‘job’ designed to contribute to the purpose of community as The Observant Lodge
defined and embraced by most of its membership.” By Andrew Hammer
coexist with the rest of American Freemasonry as their In the Island lodge, the men making up the active and engaged
pioneering ideas continue to slowly fuel the next phase of that lodge community make it clear that everyone who is a member has a
movement: the internal turnaround required of mainstream “job” designed to contribute to the purpose of community as defined
lodge cultures. and embraced by most of its membership. These jobs range from
Most American Freemasons would serve themselves and positions in chairs, of course, to committee-related services or those
the institution well to start re-examining their thinking that the tasks more programmatic in nature. The lodge environment itself is
fraternity in this country will once again become an institution transformed and speaks to the Masonic experience men are seeking.
with multiple millions on its membership rolls. All These jobs are extended in the form of men learning to become
Freemasons might want to recalibrate their mindset, too, on instructors and ritualists if they choose. Everyone who wants to
the practices, perspectives, and social club atmosphere created contribute is given a job. And if everyone has a job and clearly
by rapid expansion. […] understands how their service contributes to the overall life and Simply put, observant Masonry means observing the intent of the founders of speculative Masonry. That intent was not to
Fertile seeds planted in the history of American success of the Masonic experience the lodge has adopted, they have build a mere social club or service organisation. While the Craft—like any other human organisation—has always been
Freemasonry advance the paradigm shift we are experiencing chosen to create for themselves the Masonic experience they seek. burdened by men in its ranks who subverted the purposes of the fraternity to a more mundane or profane enterprise, that was
of Freemasonry today. It is more likely than not that the future Importantly, there must be a written plan that covers multiple years
of Masonic membership in our country, once counted in the never the intent of the institution.
—not just the year of the current or incoming Master—and that plan
millions, will make previous periods of membership decline should be crafted with input from active, engaged members, made That intent was to build an institution that calls men to their highest level of social being, in a state of dignity and
look insignificant. What is presented as Freemasonry in its available for review by those who were not. In the Island lodge, the decorum, which could serve as a place for serious, mindful discourse on the lessons and meaning of life, and search for the
ordinary mainstream form, however, will certainly continue plan was put to a vote and unanimously adopted by the lodge. better development of oneself. That intent means building a space where such an experience can be created, and carrying
for some time. Also, from time to time, new lodges will be Everyone who wanted a voice had the opportunity to express their ourselves in a manner that is consistent with our highest ideals and noblest behaviors.
chartered for the express purpose of practicing observances opinion, as everyone received an outline of the vision and was given
promoted by the observant movement, or a hybrid thereof. Observant Masons believe that by observing what the history of our Craft tells us in regard to that intent, we will find the
an opportunity to play a role in its construction and application. […]
But new lodges that do so will not become most of When lodge culture changes in this fashion, the lodge itself optimal Masonic experience. We say observant, and speak of observance, because we seek to observe the blueprints of that
Freemasonry in America. What can be predicted from the becomes an island of the kind of Freemasonry the majority of active intent to the best of our knowledge and ability. Even more simply, we want to do things right, and we don’t want to settle for
timely and powerful influence of the observance movement is and involved members desire. Their island represents the dominant less. We want to pursue excellence in all aspects of our Masonic labor.
the only practical avenue that restoration can take: changing view of the majority, just like the previous culture did. But the The eight steps offered here have proven to be successful in greatly increasing the experience of Freemasonry for
existing lodge cultures into Masonic lodge communities. […] previous culture was not an island; it was part of the continent of
To the surprise of the old culture, an increase in retention brethren new and old alike. They serve as a quality control system for the operation of any Lodge, and when followed, result
Freemasonry that devolved into the ordinary, unable to consistently
rate and a decline in suspensions for non-payment of dues by keep the votaries it attracted interested or even in good standing. The in a group of men who, regardless of the number of members in their Lodge, or the external nature of their temple, can find a
men who have only been members for less than three years is rejection of the ordinary by a slowly evolving core of men, sense of accomplishment and pride in what they have done, and who they have become. That too, is consistent with the intent
observed when old cultures are replaced by an emerging uniformly providing a fundamental education about their degrees of our founders.
Masonic community within a lodge. The next surprise to an and the factual heritage of the Craft, driven by the principle “Guarding the West Gate: This point is first among these, because we are nothing more or less than who we let in to our
old culture comes when a motion to raise dues is carried by conveyed in the Latin phrase Cura te ipsum (heal thyself), was
most of this cadre, who seamlessly became part of an almost responsible for making the lodge a community and an island of fraternity. Not every man should be a Mason, and not every man who should be a Mason belongs in just any Lodge. The
invisible slow change in the culture of their lodge. […] Freemasonry as these men wished to practice it. brethren have a right and responsibility to determine the standards for their own Lodge, and to ask incisive questions of those
Another issue considered in the process is that men who knock on their door. Lodges should take time to first get to know the men who knock at their doors, and not simply
retention rates are meaningless if those retained are not Excerpted from John W. Bizzack, Island Freemasonry, “The Fourth sign any petition just because a man has an interest. Brothers who sign a petition for a man need to know who they are
suitable for Masonry but those who leave are, which again Rapid Expansion,” “Freemasonry’s Narcotic: Obsession with
brings up the quality of the men allowed through the West signing for, and more important, need to be willing to serve as his mentor. This is a fundamental point of responsibility for all
Membership Rolls,” and “Cura Te Ipsu—Heal Thyself.” (© 2017
Gate and whether they are supplied with the education, Macoy Pub. & Masonic Supply Co.) pp. 115-117, 188-192, 194-195. brethren. Do not ask a brother in your Lodge to do the job of mentoring for you. If you are not willing to give that petitioner
experience, and promise of Freemasonry they are seeking. your time, how can you ask your Lodge to give theirs?”
[emphasis bolding added.] As part of considering that
matter, men need to be engaged quickly to become aware and
Excerpted from Andrew Hammer, “Eight Steps To Excellence: The Observant Lodge” https://www.masonicrestorationfoundation.org/
supportive of the aim and purpose of a lodge. [Accessed September 12, 2023.]
8 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 9
“In the Island lodge, the men making up the active and engaged Eight Steps to Excellence:
lodge community make it clear that everyone who is a member
has a ‘job’ designed to contribute to the purpose of community as The Observant Lodge
defined and embraced by most of its membership.” By Andrew Hammer
coexist with the rest of American Freemasonry as their In the Island lodge, the men making up the active and engaged
pioneering ideas continue to slowly fuel the next phase of that lodge community make it clear that everyone who is a member has a
movement: the internal turnaround required of mainstream “job” designed to contribute to the purpose of community as defined
lodge cultures. and embraced by most of its membership. These jobs range from
Most American Freemasons would serve themselves and positions in chairs, of course, to committee-related services or those
the institution well to start re-examining their thinking that the tasks more programmatic in nature. The lodge environment itself is
fraternity in this country will once again become an institution transformed and speaks to the Masonic experience men are seeking.
with multiple millions on its membership rolls. All These jobs are extended in the form of men learning to become
Freemasons might want to recalibrate their mindset, too, on instructors and ritualists if they choose. Everyone who wants to
the practices, perspectives, and social club atmosphere created contribute is given a job. And if everyone has a job and clearly
by rapid expansion. […] understands how their service contributes to the overall life and Simply put, observant Masonry means observing the intent of the founders of speculative Masonry. That intent was not to
Fertile seeds planted in the history of American success of the Masonic experience the lodge has adopted, they have build a mere social club or service organisation. While the Craft—like any other human organisation—has always been
Freemasonry advance the paradigm shift we are experiencing chosen to create for themselves the Masonic experience they seek. burdened by men in its ranks who subverted the purposes of the fraternity to a more mundane or profane enterprise, that was
of Freemasonry today. It is more likely than not that the future Importantly, there must be a written plan that covers multiple years
of Masonic membership in our country, once counted in the never the intent of the institution.
—not just the year of the current or incoming Master—and that plan
millions, will make previous periods of membership decline should be crafted with input from active, engaged members, made That intent was to build an institution that calls men to their highest level of social being, in a state of dignity and
look insignificant. What is presented as Freemasonry in its available for review by those who were not. In the Island lodge, the decorum, which could serve as a place for serious, mindful discourse on the lessons and meaning of life, and search for the
ordinary mainstream form, however, will certainly continue plan was put to a vote and unanimously adopted by the lodge. better development of oneself. That intent means building a space where such an experience can be created, and carrying
for some time. Also, from time to time, new lodges will be Everyone who wanted a voice had the opportunity to express their ourselves in a manner that is consistent with our highest ideals and noblest behaviors.
chartered for the express purpose of practicing observances opinion, as everyone received an outline of the vision and was given
promoted by the observant movement, or a hybrid thereof. Observant Masons believe that by observing what the history of our Craft tells us in regard to that intent, we will find the
an opportunity to play a role in its construction and application. […]
But new lodges that do so will not become most of When lodge culture changes in this fashion, the lodge itself optimal Masonic experience. We say observant, and speak of observance, because we seek to observe the blueprints of that
Freemasonry in America. What can be predicted from the becomes an island of the kind of Freemasonry the majority of active intent to the best of our knowledge and ability. Even more simply, we want to do things right, and we don’t want to settle for
timely and powerful influence of the observance movement is and involved members desire. Their island represents the dominant less. We want to pursue excellence in all aspects of our Masonic labor.
the only practical avenue that restoration can take: changing view of the majority, just like the previous culture did. But the The eight steps offered here have proven to be successful in greatly increasing the experience of Freemasonry for
existing lodge cultures into Masonic lodge communities. […] previous culture was not an island; it was part of the continent of
To the surprise of the old culture, an increase in retention brethren new and old alike. They serve as a quality control system for the operation of any Lodge, and when followed, result
Freemasonry that devolved into the ordinary, unable to consistently
rate and a decline in suspensions for non-payment of dues by keep the votaries it attracted interested or even in good standing. The in a group of men who, regardless of the number of members in their Lodge, or the external nature of their temple, can find a
men who have only been members for less than three years is rejection of the ordinary by a slowly evolving core of men, sense of accomplishment and pride in what they have done, and who they have become. That too, is consistent with the intent
observed when old cultures are replaced by an emerging uniformly providing a fundamental education about their degrees of our founders.
Masonic community within a lodge. The next surprise to an and the factual heritage of the Craft, driven by the principle “Guarding the West Gate: This point is first among these, because we are nothing more or less than who we let in to our
old culture comes when a motion to raise dues is carried by conveyed in the Latin phrase Cura te ipsum (heal thyself), was
most of this cadre, who seamlessly became part of an almost responsible for making the lodge a community and an island of fraternity. Not every man should be a Mason, and not every man who should be a Mason belongs in just any Lodge. The
invisible slow change in the culture of their lodge. […] Freemasonry as these men wished to practice it. brethren have a right and responsibility to determine the standards for their own Lodge, and to ask incisive questions of those
Another issue considered in the process is that men who knock on their door. Lodges should take time to first get to know the men who knock at their doors, and not simply
retention rates are meaningless if those retained are not Excerpted from John W. Bizzack, Island Freemasonry, “The Fourth sign any petition just because a man has an interest. Brothers who sign a petition for a man need to know who they are
suitable for Masonry but those who leave are, which again Rapid Expansion,” “Freemasonry’s Narcotic: Obsession with
brings up the quality of the men allowed through the West signing for, and more important, need to be willing to serve as his mentor. This is a fundamental point of responsibility for all
Membership Rolls,” and “Cura Te Ipsu—Heal Thyself.” (© 2017
Gate and whether they are supplied with the education, Macoy Pub. & Masonic Supply Co.) pp. 115-117, 188-192, 194-195. brethren. Do not ask a brother in your Lodge to do the job of mentoring for you. If you are not willing to give that petitioner
experience, and promise of Freemasonry they are seeking. your time, how can you ask your Lodge to give theirs?”
[emphasis bolding added.] As part of considering that
matter, men need to be engaged quickly to become aware and
Excerpted from Andrew Hammer, “Eight Steps To Excellence: The Observant Lodge” https://www.masonicrestorationfoundation.org/
supportive of the aim and purpose of a lodge. [Accessed September 12, 2023.]
8 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 9
 The Initiatic Experience
By Robert Herd
T he initiatic experience we provide our candidate when
bringing him into our Craft for the very first time is designed to
accustom him to our symbols, and use of allegories. It also
“Many Freemasons
introduces him to the first stage of our progressive system of
knowledge and self-mastery, which, if devotedly followed, and
lived out in his personal life, can illuminate and transmute his
believe that the term
mind from its natural state of darkness to one of Light. By this,
I mean it can expend his mental awareness to what I have no
other name for other than a spiritual consciousness. A
‘of good report’ means
consciousness raised far beyond and existing independently of
the perceptions of the natural senses and of the superficial
material world. It is meant to spark the beginning of a new path,
that he is well
or journey of consciousness, personal behavior and social
interaction. It might equally be called one of Regeneration,
Rejuvenation, Reintegration, or Rebirth. In many Religions and
recommended. This is
cultures we find that its counterpart is Baptism or Lustration,
which is the initial incident of the religious life and its
performed at the West end of a Church, just as a Masonic
not true…”
Candidate enters the Lodge and begins his Masonic journey out needs to know that whatever academic knowledge he possesses,
of the symbolic West Gate. It is a ceremony performed to give whatever philosophical ideas he holds, whatever religious faith
an answer to what the Candidate professes to be the he claims, there remains something more. Something infinitely
predominant wish or greatest desire of his heart. more, for him yet to learn and to which the Craft can help to
This is a portion of his first test. The presence or absence of lead him. This, my Brothers, is one of the greatest facets of what
this desire should be the test of his fitness for Initiation. Any Freemasonry has to offer. That it has something to offer anyone
less dignified motive for seeking Initiation falls short of the true and everyone. They must know that this must not be sought for
intention. This is a particular point or fundamental aspect where profit, for material gain, or because of idle curiosity. Not even
many Lodges fail. Many Freemasons believe that the term “of for the reason so many give which is, “because my father,
good report” means that he is well recommended. This is not grandfather, uncle, etc., was one.” It has to be of a personal,
true and the reason “coming well recommended” follows in internal, quest for transformation. To make themselves
most jurisdictions. Of good report was meant as a sign that his BETTER.
psyche was ready and his intentions were found to be true and They must be prepared to keep their minds open and fluid,
honorable. and to make such sacrifices as the circumstance warrants.
In the past decades of rushing warm bodies to the altar in Sometimes this requires un-learning what we “think” we know.
order to refill the empty chairs, the empty coffers, the empty This in not unlike boot-camp where recruits are taught nearly
Temples, we have brought in men without the proper desire, everything from scratch, such as even how to make their bed
motivation, inspiration and aspiration necessary to elevate them and brush their teeth the military way, sometimes having to un-
mentally, or fulfill them spiritually. The Candidate’s attitude learn old ways or habits in order to perform the functions
should be one of definite intelligent expectation of spiritual correctly or the desired way. This change is difficult. We all tend
benefit to come to him. This inattention has led us to a sad state to feel so certain of ourselves, so wise in our own narcissisms,
of ignorance where lodges are filled with men not and often are unaware that we have much to unlearn before we
understanding the greatness and complexity of the intended can become truly teachable. But from the earliest times the
ceremonies, and who ignorantly vote and act counter to Candidate for Initiation has been called a “child” and taught to
bringing it back to its intended operations. regard himself as such.
Each person who comes and knocks at our door, who seeks
this wisdom that has been passed down to us from age to age, Excerpted from Robert Herd, The Initiatic Experience (Star
culture to culture, from recorded history, and time immemorial, Publishing, Denver, CO. 2012). pp. 142-145.

10 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023

 Masonic Pop Culture
For the Good of the Order: READ IT
Examining the Shifting Paradigm Within “What has transpired in North American
Freemasonry Freemasonry since the 1960s has been
By John W. Bizzack, Ph.D. influenced not only by factors external to the
Autumn House Pub. Paperback, 105 pages. © 2013 John Bizzack institution, but less obvious internal ones as
well. To better understand where the Craft has
been and where it will likely be in the future
requires a balanced examination in a context
wherein Freemasonry is viewed as a whole,
not in fragments. For the Good of the Order
examines the long-standing attitude regarding
membership decline and lack of engagement
by men who enter the West Gate with initial
enthusiasm, but soon find their zeal for active
involvement in the Fraternity waning. This
panoramic review and examination illustrates
that much of what the institution faces today
and in the future regarding membership
decline, is much more likely to be effectively
addressed by what is often seen emerging in
Masonry today around the country: a return to
past traditions and practicing traditional
Freemasonry in our lodges.”

hear it SEE IT
Masonic Muscle Podcast Rubicon Masonic Society
Guarding the West Gate Guarding the West Gate
Ep. 47 98 Minutes By Bro. Jeriel Smith
YouTube 90 minutes

"Guarding The West Gate" is delivered by Bro. Jeriel

In this episode Past Master Dago Rodriguez of South Smith, Former Master of the Southern California Research
Pasadena Lodge No.290 discusses his time in the East, the Lodge and Lead Copy Editor of its publication: Fraternal
process his lodge went thru to register as an Observant Review magazine.
Lodge, some of his pet peeves with Freemasonry, and the https://youtu.be/PxZR9wVf028
Masonic education going on at his South Pasadena Lodge
from candidate education all the way to the Illumination
Lecture Series.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/
2pO1lxG6ZN0iM6DDiqJQwW?
si=tvCQAiZmQ1qpUqTZXlXHWQ&nd=1
November 2023 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ 11
 The Obligations of
Signing a Petition
by Jeriel Smith
A Master Mason’s duty to Guard the West Gate extends to the essential act of signing a man’s petition to join your lodge, which
imposes significant obligations that are all too often ignored. First among these is a duty to act as his mentor and support the
applicant’s progress through his degrees if elected. How many of you who belong to California lodges have signed an
applicant’s petitions to join your lodge have read the paragraph that appears immediately above the signature lines? It reads:

“I understand that recommending a man to be made a Mason is my personal pledge of Masonic honor that the applicant
possesses the character necessary to become a member of our fraternity. In recommending him to participate in our privileges, I
vouch for the applicant’s intentions and character. I believe that, if elected, he will reflect honor on our ancient institution. I will
be involved in his studies and degree progress, and will support his regular attendance at lodge.”

It is my premise that this most vital responsibility is taken far too lightly by the majority of Freemasons and their lodges—
“Even if you do think a “prospect” may be right for your lodge, it
especially the promise to mentor that candidate, as expressed in the last sentence: “I will be involved in his studies and degree
progress, and will support his regular attendance at lodge.” How well understood and regularly practiced is that in your lodge?
is often a good idea for him to visit a couple of other lodges…”
In response to the decline in lodge membership, Masonic lodges in jurisdictions across the country have become so intent on vote; which should start by the doubting brother approaching the Lodge Master with his concerns. This might be followed by
adding members to their rolls that it is not uncommon for a man to be offered a petition on the occasion of his first visit to a involving one or both of the petition signers for further discussion if needed. In any event, if the doubt cannot be resolved in
lodge. In spite of a universal prohibition against “recruiting” men to become favor of the candidate, the Master should counsel the petitioner to withdraw his application and cancel the vote. Unless the
Masons, lodge members often engage in informal “competitions” to sign the “It is my premise that this reason is such that it would disqualify an individual from belonging to any Masonic lodge, it should be kept in mind that a
most petitions to receive the Masonic degrees in their lodge. I have witnessed single negative vote not only rejects that application, it disqualifies that person from petitioning any lodge for a full year.
Lodge Masters competing with one another to confer the most degrees— most vital responsibility is I also believe the obligations attending to guarding the west gate are less about preventing someone from becoming a Mason
especially to raise the most Master Masons during “their year.” I have often sat —though that may be necessary in the case of a truly bad man—than it is about matching good men with the lodge that is right
in lodge rooms where a petitioner who is barely known to those who signed his taken far too lightly by the for them; where their interests match the lodge’s culture and practices, and the chances are best for forming lasting friendships.
petition, and completely unknown to a majority present, has been unanimously Thus, we should take our time reaching the decision to extend a petition to a prospect. At my home lodge, which is registered
voted upon to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. What I have never seen in majority of Freemasons with the Masonic Restoration Foundation as an observant lodge, it is expected that he will have regularly attended stated
lodge is for anyone present who does know the petitioner well—let alone those
who actually signed his petition—to share his knowledge of that man for the
and their lodges— meeting dinners for several months, usually 4 to 6, depending on how regular; while also attending other open lodge functions,
events, lectures, etc. We also expect prospects to help serve and clean up at multiple events; we explain that service to the lodge
benefit of those present who do not know him. especially the promise to is expected, and willingness to be helpful is a reliable sign of potential for developing Masonic virtues.
For this reason, I believe lodges should adopt the following as a regular Even if you do think a “prospect” may be right for your lodge, it is often a good idea for him to visit a couple of other lodges,
practice: At the time a petition is read in lodge, and/or before the petition is mentor that candidate…” for comparison. It is always a good idea to encourage a prospect to visit other lodges; even offer to go with him if you know
voted on, the two signers of that petition should each rise to share with brothers brothers there you can introduce him to. I myself have done this; with good results in helping find the right lodge. Don’t require
present the basis of their “strong reasons to believe” that the candidate has good character and intentions and will reflect honor anyone to visit other lodges, which might be mistaken as a signal of rejection; but discouraging such visits should be avoided, so
on Freemasonry; and also to affirm his promise to be involved in his studies and degree process, and to support his regular his lodge will be chosen of his own free will and accord. In my experience, giving a man a petition too soon often results in a
attendance at lodge. The floor should then be open to others who feel they know the candidate well enough, to state their hasty decision and later regrets.
reasons for recommending him.
This simple act should not lead to a rebuttal, let alone debate, before the vote; which would disturb the harmony of the This article is excerpted from a much longer talk on Guarding the West Gate that Brother Jeriel Smith has given several times to
meeting. But this does raise another important issue related to Guarding the West Gate; namely, the responsibility of any Mason lodges in Southern California. Specific wording of Petitions in other Jurisdictions may vary. That talk can also be viewed on the
who has good reason to doubt that the candidate is worthy. Prior to the meeting when the balloting is scheduled, such a brother website of The Rubicon Masonic Society, of which he is an Honorary Member. It is Episode 49 of their lecture series, 21st
does everyone a disfavor by keeping his opinion to himself and simply casting a “black ball”—which, incidentally, can neither Century Conversations on Freemasonry, available for viewing at: https://rubiconmasonicsociety.com Also, see Pop Culture, p.
be asked about nor explained after the act. Thus, the proper thing to be done is to try to resolve the issue informally prior to a 11 in this issue.

12 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 13

 The Obligations of
Signing a Petition
by Jeriel Smith
A Master Mason’s duty to Guard the West Gate extends to the essential act of signing a man’s petition to join your lodge, which
imposes significant obligations that are all too often ignored. First among these is a duty to act as his mentor and support the
applicant’s progress through his degrees if elected. How many of you who belong to California lodges have signed an
applicant’s petitions to join your lodge have read the paragraph that appears immediately above the signature lines? It reads:

“I understand that recommending a man to be made a Mason is my personal pledge of Masonic honor that the applicant
possesses the character necessary to become a member of our fraternity. In recommending him to participate in our privileges, I
vouch for the applicant’s intentions and character. I believe that, if elected, he will reflect honor on our ancient institution. I will
be involved in his studies and degree progress, and will support his regular attendance at lodge.”

It is my premise that this most vital responsibility is taken far too lightly by the majority of Freemasons and their lodges—
“Even if you do think a “prospect” may be right for your lodge, it
especially the promise to mentor that candidate, as expressed in the last sentence: “I will be involved in his studies and degree
progress, and will support his regular attendance at lodge.” How well understood and regularly practiced is that in your lodge?
is often a good idea for him to visit a couple of other lodges…”
In response to the decline in lodge membership, Masonic lodges in jurisdictions across the country have become so intent on vote; which should start by the doubting brother approaching the Lodge Master with his concerns. This might be followed by
adding members to their rolls that it is not uncommon for a man to be offered a petition on the occasion of his first visit to a involving one or both of the petition signers for further discussion if needed. In any event, if the doubt cannot be resolved in
lodge. In spite of a universal prohibition against “recruiting” men to become favor of the candidate, the Master should counsel the petitioner to withdraw his application and cancel the vote. Unless the
Masons, lodge members often engage in informal “competitions” to sign the “It is my premise that this reason is such that it would disqualify an individual from belonging to any Masonic lodge, it should be kept in mind that a
most petitions to receive the Masonic degrees in their lodge. I have witnessed single negative vote not only rejects that application, it disqualifies that person from petitioning any lodge for a full year.
Lodge Masters competing with one another to confer the most degrees— most vital responsibility is I also believe the obligations attending to guarding the west gate are less about preventing someone from becoming a Mason
especially to raise the most Master Masons during “their year.” I have often sat —though that may be necessary in the case of a truly bad man—than it is about matching good men with the lodge that is right
in lodge rooms where a petitioner who is barely known to those who signed his taken far too lightly by the for them; where their interests match the lodge’s culture and practices, and the chances are best for forming lasting friendships.
petition, and completely unknown to a majority present, has been unanimously Thus, we should take our time reaching the decision to extend a petition to a prospect. At my home lodge, which is registered
voted upon to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. What I have never seen in majority of Freemasons with the Masonic Restoration Foundation as an observant lodge, it is expected that he will have regularly attended stated
lodge is for anyone present who does know the petitioner well—let alone those
who actually signed his petition—to share his knowledge of that man for the
and their lodges— meeting dinners for several months, usually 4 to 6, depending on how regular; while also attending other open lodge functions,
events, lectures, etc. We also expect prospects to help serve and clean up at multiple events; we explain that service to the lodge
benefit of those present who do not know him. especially the promise to is expected, and willingness to be helpful is a reliable sign of potential for developing Masonic virtues.
For this reason, I believe lodges should adopt the following as a regular Even if you do think a “prospect” may be right for your lodge, it is often a good idea for him to visit a couple of other lodges,
practice: At the time a petition is read in lodge, and/or before the petition is mentor that candidate…” for comparison. It is always a good idea to encourage a prospect to visit other lodges; even offer to go with him if you know
voted on, the two signers of that petition should each rise to share with brothers brothers there you can introduce him to. I myself have done this; with good results in helping find the right lodge. Don’t require
present the basis of their “strong reasons to believe” that the candidate has good character and intentions and will reflect honor anyone to visit other lodges, which might be mistaken as a signal of rejection; but discouraging such visits should be avoided, so
on Freemasonry; and also to affirm his promise to be involved in his studies and degree process, and to support his regular his lodge will be chosen of his own free will and accord. In my experience, giving a man a petition too soon often results in a
attendance at lodge. The floor should then be open to others who feel they know the candidate well enough, to state their hasty decision and later regrets.
reasons for recommending him.
This simple act should not lead to a rebuttal, let alone debate, before the vote; which would disturb the harmony of the This article is excerpted from a much longer talk on Guarding the West Gate that Brother Jeriel Smith has given several times to
meeting. But this does raise another important issue related to Guarding the West Gate; namely, the responsibility of any Mason lodges in Southern California. Specific wording of Petitions in other Jurisdictions may vary. That talk can also be viewed on the
who has good reason to doubt that the candidate is worthy. Prior to the meeting when the balloting is scheduled, such a brother website of The Rubicon Masonic Society, of which he is an Honorary Member. It is Episode 49 of their lecture series, 21st
does everyone a disfavor by keeping his opinion to himself and simply casting a “black ball”—which, incidentally, can neither Century Conversations on Freemasonry, available for viewing at: https://rubiconmasonicsociety.com Also, see Pop Culture, p.
be asked about nor explained after the act. Thus, the proper thing to be done is to try to resolve the issue informally prior to a 11 in this issue.

12 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 13

 The West Gate
some honest and frank answers to some tough questions.
“When the time comes for the
By Cliff Porter Have you ever committed a crime? Have you ever done
something that, had you been caught, would have been
considered a crime? Have you ever been arrested, even if petition, make the petition itself
Q uality should be the focus of every element of the lodge “There is no reason that the
you feel that you were wrongly accused and you were
later cleared? What kinds of drugs have you used (even if special. Personalize the petition
experience. […]
[F]rom the very start quality can be easily instituted. The
quality should begin after a man
it was only once)? What have your past relationships been
like? Have you ever been fired from a job? Can you tell
to make it lodge specific and
problem is that speed is equated with efficiency and both will
often be substituted for quality in experience and expression. joins the Fraternity. The first me about why you were fired? Have you ever had a drug print it on parchment or high-
However, the efficiency argument is easily abated when one or alcohol problem? Have you ever received treatment for
asks how efficient it is to keep initiating men who place Masonry should seek to a mental illness? What are your plans for the future? Do quality linen paper. Improve the
you plan on moving away anytime soon? What do believe
immediately fall away from the Fraternity never to return to
the lodge after a speedy and lackluster initiation. […] improve its quality, is with the to be your greatest downfall or fault? graphics and the script used in
Several states now have online criminal history checks
The West Gate men who are entering its doors.” that do not require the person’s signature for a search. If the text of the document.”
There is no reason that the quality should begin after a these are legal in you state, use them. Make certain to
they get to know him. This can include providing an being assigned to an investigating committee: “I do so
man joins the Fraternity. The first place Masonry should seek check the laws and statutes of your state to ensure you are
opportunity to meet and interact with the man in a series of promise and swear to remember that I guard the West Gate
to improve its quality, is with the men who are entering its in compliance. There are also several online services such
different social settings. Invite him to a large social function of this beloved Fraternity. I promise to remember that it is
doors. There is a terribly false perception in Masonry that as: www.peoplesearchpro.com/resources/background-
where alcoholic spirits are consumed. Is he able to handle not the quantity of members that benefit the Craft, but it is
membership numbers will somehow save Freemasonry, so the check/criminal-records/ which lists a series of alphabetical
himself, suffer temperance, and imbibe responsibly? Or, does the quality of the individual members. I promise to be alert
desire has been to grow to match the inflated numbers of the searches by state that are all online and several of which
he grow quickly intoxicated and belligerent? and aware that I might have a quality experience with this
American era of fraternalism; which may have proven more are free, such as sex offender databases.
Invite him to a private lunch and some chat time at your prospective member and that I might also provide a
harmful for Freemasonry than beneficial. Men joined lodges Check a person’s Facebook page by typing their name
home, perhaps for dinner. Allow yourself to get acquainted detailed report of that interaction to my Brothers so that
with thousands of members and never felt truly a member of in a standard Google search with the word “Facebook.”
with the different aspects of the man, as well as how he they can make an informed decision.”
a special and secret group that was in any way exclusive. You might be able to see all or part of their Facebook page
responds in different environments with different and varied
Instead, they were initiated like cattle in ever growing “class” without even having an account. How a person presents
groups of people. Get to know him well enough that the man Excerpted from Cliff Porter, A Traditional Observance
sizes in which the majority of the attendees were robbed of a their image on Facebook often says much about them. Do
you are bringing into the Fraternity is a friend by the time his Lodge, “Quality Defined” and “The West Gate” (Starr
Masonic experience for the expediency and efficiency of a general Google search with the person’s name. Check
initiation arrives. Publishing LLC, Denver, CO, 2013). Pp. 95-101.
initiating one man as an “exemplar” while others looked on, online newspaper articles for the person’s name. This
Give him some recommendations to read and study
trying to steal crumbs of initiatic wisdom from the sidelines. might not seem necessary, but there have been situations
Freemasonry. This should not be construed as a
Because our focus has been on the numbers of men and throughout the United States that have caused frustration
recommendation that we should have them read those books
not the quality of the man, our Fraternity has suffered. Those and embarrassment for their respective Grand Lodges that
that disclose elements of the degrees; but we can expose the
who would truly make great Masons, because they are good would have been avoided had these questions been asked,
future candidate to Masonic thought in the thousands of
men, are driven from the temple for fear of associating with or these checks been made.
available books that can open and expand the mind without
the socially inept and morally corrupt, who were allowed in When the time comes for the petition, make the
discussing the specifics of the ritual. Pick a book the man
the West Gate during a numbers-driven membership drive. If petition itself special. Personalize the petition to make it
might disagree with, that might be hard for him to read, and
we value the fraternity and assign a value to Freemasonry lodge specific and print it on parchment or high-quality
discuss the book with him as you meet for lunches during his
then it will naturally become a part of our culture to guard it. linen paper. Improve the graphics and the script used in
six months. It is easy for a man to say he is tolerant until he is
We guard things that are valuable. When we give the the text of the document. What communicates the message
presented with an idea that he does not agree with, or is
Fraternity away or clamor on its behalf, we harm it, we that Masonry is special more that this? A pile of generic
foreign to him. We are not testing to see if this man has
devalue it, and we risk destroying it from within by not petitions set out on a table for anyone to grab, telling a
already learned all the lessons of Masonry, but we are testing
giving care to who we bring in from without. man to go to the Grand Lodge website and print his own,
to see if the stone is not so fractured that it can still be
Starting today, we should resolve that the Fraternity is no or handing him a beautifully done parchment with fine
smoothed and worked while he is in the quarries of Masonry.
longer easy to get into. It is a process, and it is something that script in a wax-sealed envelope, asking him to return it
Ask difficult questions now so that you don’t have to be
only good men can attain. Programs that have worked in this only to you when he is ready? The answer is obvious.
surprised later. Don’t beat around the bush. A great
When the investigation committee is assigned, remind

Image from AdobeStock

regard include having the man attend dinners or other social conversation to have might be, “John Doe, we have been
functions of the lodge for a set period of time, not less than them that the investigation is no small affair, and the vote
meeting for some time now and we are getting close to that
six months, while he gets to know his future Brethren and is not a foregone conclusion. Enlightenment Lodge No.
time when you will likely be initiated into Masonry. I need
198 members in Colorado take the following oath after

14~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 15

 The West Gate
some honest and frank answers to some tough questions.
“When the time comes for the
By Cliff Porter Have you ever committed a crime? Have you ever done
something that, had you been caught, would have been
considered a crime? Have you ever been arrested, even if petition, make the petition itself
Q uality should be the focus of every element of the lodge “There is no reason that the
you feel that you were wrongly accused and you were
later cleared? What kinds of drugs have you used (even if special. Personalize the petition
experience. […]
[F]rom the very start quality can be easily instituted. The
quality should begin after a man
it was only once)? What have your past relationships been
like? Have you ever been fired from a job? Can you tell
to make it lodge specific and
problem is that speed is equated with efficiency and both will
often be substituted for quality in experience and expression. joins the Fraternity. The first me about why you were fired? Have you ever had a drug print it on parchment or high-
However, the efficiency argument is easily abated when one or alcohol problem? Have you ever received treatment for
asks how efficient it is to keep initiating men who place Masonry should seek to a mental illness? What are your plans for the future? Do quality linen paper. Improve the
you plan on moving away anytime soon? What do believe
immediately fall away from the Fraternity never to return to
the lodge after a speedy and lackluster initiation. […] improve its quality, is with the to be your greatest downfall or fault? graphics and the script used in
Several states now have online criminal history checks
The West Gate men who are entering its doors.” that do not require the person’s signature for a search. If the text of the document.”
There is no reason that the quality should begin after a these are legal in you state, use them. Make certain to
they get to know him. This can include providing an being assigned to an investigating committee: “I do so
man joins the Fraternity. The first place Masonry should seek check the laws and statutes of your state to ensure you are
opportunity to meet and interact with the man in a series of promise and swear to remember that I guard the West Gate
to improve its quality, is with the men who are entering its in compliance. There are also several online services such
different social settings. Invite him to a large social function of this beloved Fraternity. I promise to remember that it is
doors. There is a terribly false perception in Masonry that as: www.peoplesearchpro.com/resources/background-
where alcoholic spirits are consumed. Is he able to handle not the quantity of members that benefit the Craft, but it is
membership numbers will somehow save Freemasonry, so the check/criminal-records/ which lists a series of alphabetical
himself, suffer temperance, and imbibe responsibly? Or, does the quality of the individual members. I promise to be alert
desire has been to grow to match the inflated numbers of the searches by state that are all online and several of which
he grow quickly intoxicated and belligerent? and aware that I might have a quality experience with this
American era of fraternalism; which may have proven more are free, such as sex offender databases.
Invite him to a private lunch and some chat time at your prospective member and that I might also provide a
harmful for Freemasonry than beneficial. Men joined lodges Check a person’s Facebook page by typing their name
home, perhaps for dinner. Allow yourself to get acquainted detailed report of that interaction to my Brothers so that
with thousands of members and never felt truly a member of in a standard Google search with the word “Facebook.”
with the different aspects of the man, as well as how he they can make an informed decision.”
a special and secret group that was in any way exclusive. You might be able to see all or part of their Facebook page
responds in different environments with different and varied
Instead, they were initiated like cattle in ever growing “class” without even having an account. How a person presents
groups of people. Get to know him well enough that the man Excerpted from Cliff Porter, A Traditional Observance
sizes in which the majority of the attendees were robbed of a their image on Facebook often says much about them. Do
you are bringing into the Fraternity is a friend by the time his Lodge, “Quality Defined” and “The West Gate” (Starr
Masonic experience for the expediency and efficiency of a general Google search with the person’s name. Check
initiation arrives. Publishing LLC, Denver, CO, 2013). Pp. 95-101.
initiating one man as an “exemplar” while others looked on, online newspaper articles for the person’s name. This
Give him some recommendations to read and study
trying to steal crumbs of initiatic wisdom from the sidelines. might not seem necessary, but there have been situations
Freemasonry. This should not be construed as a
Because our focus has been on the numbers of men and throughout the United States that have caused frustration
recommendation that we should have them read those books
not the quality of the man, our Fraternity has suffered. Those and embarrassment for their respective Grand Lodges that
that disclose elements of the degrees; but we can expose the
who would truly make great Masons, because they are good would have been avoided had these questions been asked,
future candidate to Masonic thought in the thousands of
men, are driven from the temple for fear of associating with or these checks been made.
available books that can open and expand the mind without
the socially inept and morally corrupt, who were allowed in When the time comes for the petition, make the
discussing the specifics of the ritual. Pick a book the man
the West Gate during a numbers-driven membership drive. If petition itself special. Personalize the petition to make it
might disagree with, that might be hard for him to read, and
we value the fraternity and assign a value to Freemasonry lodge specific and print it on parchment or high-quality
discuss the book with him as you meet for lunches during his
then it will naturally become a part of our culture to guard it. linen paper. Improve the graphics and the script used in
six months. It is easy for a man to say he is tolerant until he is
We guard things that are valuable. When we give the the text of the document. What communicates the message
presented with an idea that he does not agree with, or is
Fraternity away or clamor on its behalf, we harm it, we that Masonry is special more that this? A pile of generic
foreign to him. We are not testing to see if this man has
devalue it, and we risk destroying it from within by not petitions set out on a table for anyone to grab, telling a
already learned all the lessons of Masonry, but we are testing
giving care to who we bring in from without. man to go to the Grand Lodge website and print his own,
to see if the stone is not so fractured that it can still be
Starting today, we should resolve that the Fraternity is no or handing him a beautifully done parchment with fine
smoothed and worked while he is in the quarries of Masonry.
longer easy to get into. It is a process, and it is something that script in a wax-sealed envelope, asking him to return it
Ask difficult questions now so that you don’t have to be
only good men can attain. Programs that have worked in this only to you when he is ready? The answer is obvious.
surprised later. Don’t beat around the bush. A great
When the investigation committee is assigned, remind

Image from AdobeStock

regard include having the man attend dinners or other social conversation to have might be, “John Doe, we have been
functions of the lodge for a set period of time, not less than them that the investigation is no small affair, and the vote
meeting for some time now and we are getting close to that
six months, while he gets to know his future Brethren and is not a foregone conclusion. Enlightenment Lodge No.
time when you will likely be initiated into Masonry. I need
198 members in Colorado take the following oath after

14~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023 November 2023 ~ TheResearchLodge.com ~ 15

 FINAL WORD
One must not be in a rush throughout this
journey, for the joys to be experienced
may best be realized when one allows
himself to slow down and allow the light
to gradually replace the darkness.

—California PGM John R. Heisner,

In Search of Grand Master Hiram (2012). p. 217.

John R. Heisner, PGM

Southern California Research Lodge, P.O. Box 3487, South Pasadena, California 91031
Southern California Research Lodge
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16 ~ SCRL Fraternal Review ~ November 2023