From Masonic Families of the Allegheny Valley

Are you a First or Second line singer on a petition? Read the following! RESPONSIBILITIES Of the RECOMMENDERS The responsibilities of Recommenders are many. When a Member signs a petition, he becomes, in a large measure, responsible to the fraternity for the Petitioner. One of the two Recommenders, signing the petition, must have known the Petitioner for at least one year. Recommenders should have knowledge of the Petitioner's character. They should be reasonably sure that the Petitioner is worthy of consideration and, if accepted, will bring honor to the fraternity. Recommending a man for the Degrees of Freemasonry is a serious matter. The Recommenders are staking their own reputation on the character of the Petitioner. Hence, it isn't wise, nor can a Member afford, to be so careless as to sign a petition just to accommodate a friend or another Member. Recommenders should be familiar with the various sections in the Ahiman Rezon and Digest of Decisions as pertain to Recommenders and Petitioners. Your Lodge has copies of these two books for your reference. Recommenders should have knowledge of certain basic facts and requirements relative to the processing of a petition. These facts and requirements can always be obtained from the Lodge Secretary when the blank form of petition is requested. Facts pertaining to the correct and proper processing of the petition should be shared with the Petitioner to avoid any delay, once the petition is turned in. The Petitioner should be informed of the initiation and membership fee of the Lodge and also the annual dues fee. The proper fee should accompany the petition when it is presented. Recommenders should inform the Petitioner that the Masonic fraternity is not a beneficial or insurance type society and that there is no provision for sickness or death benefits. Recommenders should assure themselves that the Petitioner comes of his own free will and accord and that he can financially afford this step without jeopardy to himself or family. Recommenders should be certain that the Petitioner comes of good report and is physically, mentally and morally qualified. Any questionable physical qualification, however slight, must be referred to the District Deputy Grand Master by the Lodge after the Petition has been presented. Both Recommenders should be in attendance at Lodge when the petition is presented and when the petition is acted upon. When the Petitioner has been approved, the Recommenders should be available to advise and extend every courtesy as proud and faithful Recommenders. Recommenders should feel free to advise the Candidate along lines of proper dress and cleanliness so as to avoid any embarrassment to the Candidate when he is notified to appear at the Lodge Meeting. Recommenders should accompany their Candidate when he appears for each Degree and take every opportunity to introduce their Candidate to the various Brethren. It is suggested, when possible, that the Recommenders stay with their Candidate at all times Until the Guide takes him for preparation. The Candidate should be cautioned by his Recommenders before he receives his Degree that every word spoken, every step that is taken during the ceremonies has a definite significance which will become clearer to him as he progresses. The Candidate should be assured also that there is no frivolity, either by word or act, during the conferring of Degrees. He should be reminded that he must put aside all doubt and fear in order that he may observe every detail with reverent attention. Recommenders should not only satisfy themselves that their Candidate is receiving all the instruction possible but they should follow through after each Degree has been conferred by acquainting him with ways and means whereby he can obtain further Masonic knowledge. Recommenders are duty bound to assist the Candidate in acquiring an understanding of the real meaning of Freemasonry. This is why a Recommender should always be in Lodge whenever his Candidate is receiving a Degree. In a sense, the Candidate is under your protection and care. It is important that you show your Candidate that you really care about him. Be ever ready to congratulate him as he completes another step in his progress through the Degrees. You have acquired another Brother to add to your equity in Freemasonry. Govern yourself accordingly. In due time, you will note that your Petitioner and Candidate is not only appreciative of all you are doing for him but it will soon appear that he is "leaning” on you. He welcomes someone close. As he progresses through the Degrees, he is full of wonderment, unanswered questions and many perplexities. Because everyone else seems to know what is going on and everybody seems so sure of himself, your Candidate may hesitate to ask questions of other Members. Here is a point where his interest in Masonic knowledge can be stimulated when someone like a Recommender is close at hand and ever willing and ready to encourage him to ask questions and continue his curiosity and interest in Freemasonry. Both Recommenders should accompany their Candidate to his first Stated Meeting. When Recommenders consider it a sincere Masonic duty to properly process a Petitioner and then personally see their Candidate through the Degrees, both a wholesome effect and a lasting impression will result in the life of any newly made Mason.