Improper Solicitation_The Nitty-Gritty

Address of R.W. Bro. James F. Kirk-White
On His Official Visit to Algonquin Lodge, January 20, 2004

Improper Solicitation: The Nitty-Gritty

As we face the inevitable, the loss of many brethren due to the rapid movement of time, I thought now was an over-due moment to address our membership with the need to share our fraternity with the younger generation. Masonry is simply too good to keep to ourselves.

Improper Solicitation is a Masonic subject with much diversity from Lodge to Lodge, District to District, and Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction. There is no Grand Lodge written policy on the subject only tradition, and we all know how varied tradition can be in Masonry. Accordingly, many in this room might doubt some of tonight’s assertions, so I took the liberty of having the following message pre-read by the Custodian of the Works, M.W. Bro. Edwin Drew. His reply to me was emailed and I quote:

“R.W.Sir: In response to your question, I must first commend your initiative in tackling this misunderstood subject. I see no problem with your approach and will forward to the Grand Secretary for his comments.
Just in case you are not aware, Grand Lodge has addressed this subject many times, and one result was the pamphlet, published in 1988: "The Question of Solicitation", which covers many of the items in your address.

Brethren with that said, I’d like to begin by asking you two questions:
Firstly: Did you know that to become a Mason --one begins by asking a Mason?
Secondly: Do you feel comfortable that you are the Mason to ask?

The decision to join Masonry must come from the candidate himself, and it should be based on a favourable opinion preconceived of the institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to render himself more extensively serviceable to his fellow creatures.

How does a candidate form a favourable opinion of the institution?
How does he know he will secure knowledge?
How does he know that Masonry can render him more extensively serviceable to his fellow creatures?

Without any information on what Masonry really is, the candidate who answers these questions in the affirmative when they are put to him, is simply agreeing with the principle of the questions, rather than seriously declaring upon his honour that his motives are preconceived based on the knowledge of facts.

It is possible, of course, to have a favourable opinion of Masonry before joining, but not much more than that. A candidate cannot know much more unless the information is supplied to him prior to his initiation ceremony.

Which brings us to the “Nitty and the Gritty” of tonight’s subject.

Brethren have been heard to say, "No one is ever asked to join the Masons."

As much as it may shock some of you, this statement simply is not true. Many of us in this room tonight were asked if we would like to join; the brethren who asked us to join were also asked to join; and we have heard from many others who have been approached to join the order.

The Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario publicly states... "To be one, ask one". This statement is prominently displayed on the opening page of their internet website for the whole world to see.

Would not this statement be considered a slogan to solicit membership? Just like ‘We try harder (Avis)’, ‘Good to the last drop (Maxwell House)’, ‘Breakfast of Champions (Wheaties)’ and ‘To be one, ask one’ (Freemasonry).

Similarly, instigating a conversation with a friend or family member, who is not a Mason, by stating, "By the way Joe, if you are ever curious about Masonry, just ask. It’s very interesting and it sure provides me with a lot of pleasure.”, would that too be considered soliciting?

I think we all can agree that slogans, and similar conversations with friends, are definitely forms of solicitation. But what kind of solicitation is it, and is it really permissible?

And if it is permissible- then by whom?

By our Grand Lodge of course, and they lead by setting an obvious example. Especially obvious to those of us who visit their website on the internet which has been responsible for many new members.

It’s now time for some Nitty. -Where-in lies the confusion?

Masonry, being free, requires a perfect freedom of inclination on the part of every candidate for its mysteries.

The candidate agrees that he is joining the order, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives.

The word "improper" in the previous sentence is used advisedly and deliberately.

It is referring to the "kind" of solicitation. It may be argued that its use implies that any kind of solicitation is improper, but if that is the case, how much stronger the sentence would be if the word "improper" was left out altogether, and read "unbiased by the solicitation of friends."

Therefore, it is valid judgment that there is indeed a proper solicitation and an improper solicitation.

The dictionary states:
Solicitation: -to ask; -importune; -invite; -beg; -implore; -crave; and oddly enough, in that precise order. The definition of the word itself is quite varied in its expressiveness.

And don't neglect the word "unbiased" which is referring to the candidate’s own behavior towards an improper solicitation. For without that behavioral concept, a candidate, receiving an improper solicitation by an over-enthusiastic Mason, would be automatically disqualified by actions other then his own. But with its inclusion, it is the candidate who will determine the factors which effected his decision to join the order.

It’s time for some Gritty. -Using logic to protect the Craft

Improper solicitation may include such things as;

offering special inducements to join;
the offer of speedy advancement in office;
the suggestion of material gain;
not ensuring that the man is honourable;
that there is no effort expected from the candidate;
that maintaining his job depends on joining;
that his wife cannot join Eastern Star unless he joins;
and so on. I think you get the idea. It is really quite logical.

Time for more Nitty. -So what can we say?

If you have a friend or family member and you believe he is “good material” for Masonry, and you think he would enjoy being a member, why not tell him some of the things that may properly be told about Masonry.
In fact, the truth is, Masonry is too good to keep to your self, it should be shared with someone you love and respect.

Most of the greatest things about Freemasonry, and of being a Mason, are not Masonic secrets and should be shared, and without the necessity of waiting to be asked first.

The Grand Master has quoted many times, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works.” Taking that one step further, I believe the pride in being a Mason should also shine, and with every opportunity.

There are some things that should definitively be shared with all prospective members --right up front. Such as the following:

He must believe in a Supreme Being who has revealed His divine will to man and a Supreme Being who rewards virtue and punishes vice.
That Masonry is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue.
That it possesses great and invaluable privileges for worthy men.
That it has a philosophy of life, which if practiced by men the world over, would bring about peace and happiness.
That it has a beautiful system of moral instruction;
And a friendly atmosphere in which all men may find brotherly love.

You will be surprised how attractive that information sounds when you express those sentiments, using your own words and experiences to a friend or family member.

More nitty: -Help him to answer those important three questions -proficiently.

And tell him that memory work will be expected of him and why. That memory work is a valuable tool used in our rituals to constantly improve the intellect of all our members, and a scientifically proven aid in the preservation of our mental faculties as we age.

It is a tool which, once accepted for what it can and will do, will be embraced by him and very much appreciated by others. Making good men better.

Suggest to him that he might find real pleasure in being a member of our Order. But then leave it to him, "of his own free will and accord," to come to a decision.

Remembering of course... that many men are quick studies and an application form should always be handy.

A carefully prepared information letter, covering some of the topics above and attached to the application form is a good idea.

How much better it is, when an applicant for Masonry knows definitely what kind of institution he is joining, rather than joining in ignorance, paying his fee, and finding after taking his first degree, that he did not get what he expected, so we see him no more.
We have taken his money and he received nothing -we have failed where there was no need to fail.

It is time for the Nitty and the Gritty.

You know the slogan; ”To be one, Ask one”.

So I will repeat question two: Are you the Mason to be asked?

Are you the Mason with a respected friend or family member who needs help to begin his lifetime journey?

I now trust that we can all be more tolerant in the sharing of the light of Freemasonry with others. And I trust that we will do so, while continuing to preserve our ancient usages and established customs sacred and inviolable.

In conclusion my Brethren, let us discuss the reward that is waiting for you because you shared Freemasonry.

You will receive profound pleasure when you sponsor, and mentor, a candidate. It takes place as you observe this man over the years, as he, and his family, mature and develop within his Masonic journey. The reward is the feeling of pride in knowing that you were an important component in making his journey of a lifetime possible.

I realize it sounds selfish when one seeks rewards within Masonry, but in this singular case, I believe -selfish is good.

Brethren, thank you for that fine banquet, your friendship and warm hospitality, and may this New Year bring success and happiness to you and yours.

Parts of a paper were adapted in this message by R. W. Bro. E. Morell, submitted to the Committee on Masonic Research and Education and published in THE TRACING BOARD, G.R.S. Regina; Vol. 27, No.7; July, 1969.

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