You do not need to be a good writer to write a good letter.
You need some samples to go by. The attached samples can be put on a word processor and modified in only two or three minutes by you, your Secretary or some Brother who is willing to help.
The small amount of time spent on these correspondences will add a very personal touch and will clarify your wishes and expectations.
These are sample letters you can adapt for your Lodge:
2. Secretary to Accepted Candidate
3. Master to the Accepted Candidate
4. Master to the Candidates Wife
5. Master to the Newly Initiated Entered Apprentice
6. Master to Wife of Entered Apprentice
7. Master to the Newly Passed Fellowcraft
8. Master to Newly Raised Master Mason
9. Junior Warden to Newly Raised Master Mason
10. Master to the Newly Affiliated Member
11. Secretary to Newly Affiliated Member
12. Secretary to Newly Affiliated Dual Member
13. Master to a Member Delinquent in His Dues
SAMPLE LETTER NO.1: COMMITTEE ON INQUIRY
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
January 2, 1997
Mr. Harold Jones 21 Ashlar Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Jones:
Petitioners for membership in a Lodge of Masons, either for the degrees or for affiliation, must be carefully screened. As Master of Boaz Lodge, I am naming you,
Donald Gardner and Robert Damon, as members of the Committee on Inquiry for the petitioner named on the enclosed application. It is requested that you complete your investigation within twenty (20) days and return your report to our Secretary in the enclosed envelope.
To complete the investigation properly, you should interview the petitioner at his home with his wife present, in order that each of them may be fully aware of the time demands that will be made as he goes through his Masonic degrees,
such as the three degrees, proficiency requirements and Masonic orientation sessions with our Lodges Education Committee. They should each be invited to ask any questions that they may have regarding Masonry, and answers should be given them; provided, however,
that the answers are such that a Mason can disclose to a non-Mason. Please review the enclosed booklets What a Mason Can tell a Non-Mason and Investigation of Applicants.
Recommenders and other known sources of information must also be contacted to better acquaint you with the petitioner, and thus assist you in making your evaluation.
As no further action can be taken on an application until the reports of the Investigating Committee has returned, it is imperative that you complete the investigation as requested. If you are unable to do so, let me know immediately. The investigation is one of the most important functions in Masonry, and it is very crucial to the operation of the Lodge that it be done quickly, efficiently and thoroughly. I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding this matter.
Fraternally yours)
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO. 2: SECRETARY TO ACCEPTED CANDIDATE
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
July 18, 1997
Mr. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Mr. Greenleaf:
As you may know by now, the Brothers of Boaz Lodge voted unanimously to confer upon you the degrees of Masonry. You will be told when those special evenings are scheduled and will be given further information beforehand.
In the meantime, we look forward to welcoming you into our fraternity.
Sincerely yours,
John Anagnostis Secretary
SAMPLE LETTER NO.3: MASTER TO THE ACCEPTED CANDIDATE
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
July 18, 1997
Mr. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Mr. Greenleaf:
It is my pleasure to enclose this personal letter of congratulations with the Secretarys official notification of your election to receive the degrees of Freemasonry. Through the ages free men everywhere have aspired to membership in this great fraternal order, and only as the mysteries of Masonry have unfolded before them have they comprehended fully the honor bestowed upon them.
The spirit with which you approach your Masonic experience will determine largely how much it will mean to you. One seeking material reward in some selfish form is likely to derive little benefit. One with a sincere wish to be serviceable to his fellow creatures, as expressed in his application thereby entering with the desire to give of himself in service, sacrifice and fellowship will surely reap a hundred-fold.
Come to your Initiation prepared for a time-honored and memorable ceremony. Dismiss from your mind any of those harmless jokes you may have heard about
riding the goat and so on. As you knock at the door of this venerable Institution, enter only with the prayer in your heart that you may be found worthy.
Please invite any relatives and friends whom you understand are Master Masons to attend your Initiation. They will be warmly welcomed. It is considered an honor in Masonry to be present when someone you know is receiving the degrees.
I wish for you successful programs in your Masonic work and true happiness in your new associations. As we come together in the close fellowship of the Lodge, feel free to call upon me at any time for such advice and assistance as I may be able to provide.
On behalf of all the officers and members of Boaz Lodge, I extend to you a hearty welcome and every good wish.
Sincerely yours,
Hiram Drummond
SAMPLE LETTER NO.4: MASTER TO THE CANDIDATES WIFE
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
July 18, 1997
Mrs. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Mrs. Greenleaf:
We are aware that you may have some misgivings about your husbands intention to join our fraternity. His membership will occasionally take him away from you for an evening meeting. You may be reflecting on his new outside interest.
You may have unspoken questions about Masonry itself We can understand your feelings and would like to ease your mind in this regard. It is one of Masonrys ideals that its influence on a member may make him more loving, considerate and thoughtful of those in his home and in his community. Those who respond to the influence of Masonry are likely to grow in the qualities a wife appreciates. This growth cannot be guaranteed, but it is our goal.
We sincerely hope that you will find that you have exchanged his occasional evening out for an increasingly devoted husband because of his affiliations with Masonry. We also hope that, in the future, we shall have the pleasure of your company at our semi-public installations and other lodge programs especially planned for the wives of Masons. Should you ever be in the need of assistance, we trust you will remember that there is a body of Freemasons who care.
Very shortly we will schedule a meeting to give your husband an overview of Masonry and the three degrees he will be taking. You are cordially welcome to attend that meeting and we look forward to seeing you.
Sincerely yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO.5: MASTER TO THE NEWLY INITIATED ENTERED APPRENTICE
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
February 10, 1997
Bro. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Greenleaf:
Now that you have been initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason, I congratulate you on taking this first step toward full membership in Boaz Lodge. Since this is a totally new experience for you, a few points are listed below which may be of interest and of help.
1. You have participated in a time-honored ceremony, the Masonic ritual of the First Degree. I am sure you understand the complete and binding requirement of total secrecy with regard to our ritual. While we have secret signs, words and tokens, which we use as means of recognition, vie are not a secret society. The location of our lodges can be found in the local phone book. Similarly, many of our members openly wear Masonic symbols signifying that they are Masons and belong to a Masonic Lodge. Nor is the philosophy that we stand for secret – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth; and the brotherhood of man.
2. Before you can be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, you now must commit to memory a portion of the lecture of the First Degree. Do not delay in getting stated with this work.
It is not too difficult a task, but the longer you wait, the harder it is to learn.
Moreover, the degree schedule of the Lodge assumes that you will proceed promptly to the next step.
3. Remember that Masonic teachings have been passed down through the ages by word of mouth with the help of a cipher. Your Elder Brother is a dedicated Mason who has volunteered to impart these learned phrases to you as you work toward advancement. He is responsible to assist you in becoming proficient in the candidates lecture of the Entered Apprentice Degree and to prepare you for examination before proceeding to the next step.
4. Your Elder Brother is Brother John P. Jones, 111 Main Street, Centerville, Maine 04046,
207-943-2331. Get in touch with him if you have any questions or need help with your lesson.
5. Your rights and privileges in the Lodge are limited until you become a Master Mason. As an Entered Apprentice Mason you may not attend the Stated Meeting on the first Thursday of each month while business is transacted because Stated Meetings are opened in the Third or Master Masons degree. You are most welcome at all sod al functions of the Lodge not restricted to Master Masons. You may not visit another Masonic Lodge, except to observe an Entered Apprentice Degree. You are expected to be present at each Lodge meeting when a First Degree is scheduled, not when Second or Third Degrees are scheduled. Read the Trestleboard which will be mailed to you, and attend Lodge faithfully at the proper times.
6. As I suggested to you previously, remember to invite friends and relatives whom you understand are Master Masons to attend Boaz Lodge, particularly on the nights when you are to receive a degree. We heartily welcome visitors, and any Mason considers it a compliment to be invited when someone he knows is to receive a degree.
7. Finally, understand that all the rules and regulations, such as those I refer to, have been established for a purpose and that all Masons who have preceded you have been governed by the same procedures. Do not hesitate to ask questions as they may arise – of your Elder Brother, of any officer or any member of the Lodge – but, above all, remember that I am as close to you as the nearest telephone and always available for consultation and advice.
8. Very shortly you will be invited to attend an informal review and discussion of the degree you have just taken. Please feel free to raise at that meeting any questions you have about Masonry or about the Entered Apprentice Degree.
Good luck as you go forward in your Masonic work. I look forward to the occasion when I may take your hand as a Master Mason and welcome you into full membership in Boaz Lodge.
Fraternally yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO.6: MASTER TO WIFE OF ENTERED APPRENTICE
BOAZ LODGE, NO. 59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
March 2, 1997
Mrs. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Mrs. Greenleaf:
Your husband has received his First Degree in the Masonic Fraternity.
He is now an Entered Apprentice and you are now a Masons Lady. While you personally have not joined our organization, there are certain things that may be helpful for your to know in the future. At the same time, there are matters of general interest about your Mason and his new Fraternity that we think you would like to know.
WHEN AND WHERE DID IT BEGIN?
The Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons (F.&A.M.) is the oldest,
largest and most widely known fraternal organization in the world. It has its roots in antiquity and is directly descended from the association of operative masons,
the cathedral builders of the Middle Ages, who traveled through Europe employing the skills of their craft. The organization, as we know it today, began in 1717 in England when cathedral building was on the decline and the operative masons, or
free masons as they were known, started to accept members who were not members of the masons craft, calling them
speculative masons or accepted masons.
Freemasonry was brought to the United States by our early settlers.
Today, there are 194 Masonic Lodges in Maine with membership totaling nearly 28,000.
Through out the world, there are approximately five million Masons, with nearly three million of them in the United States.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF FREEMASONRY?
The basic purpose is to make better men out of good men;
better fathers, better husbands, better brothers, and sons. We try to place emphasis on the individual man by strengthening his character, improving his moral and spiritual outlook and broadening his mental horizons. We try to build a better world…by building better men to work in their own communities.
Membership is limited to adult males who can meet recognized qualifications and standards of character and reputation.
IS FREEMASONRY A SECRET ORGANIZATION OR A RELIGION?
The answer is NO. A secret organization is one which conceals its membership, which has secret meeting places and which conceals from the public, its organization or its principles. This description does not fit the Masonic Fraternity at all. Our secrets are very few in number and deal 9tily with methods of personal recognition, some details of our degrees and privacy of each members ballot.
Freemasonry is not a religion, although it is religious in character.
Every applicant for Masonry must express a belief and a trust in God. Masonry does not take the place of religion. It stresses the personal commitment and involvement of each member in the religious community of his own choice.
WHAT ARE THE DEGREES?
Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages in our Masonic Lodges. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). Each blends Masonic moral philosophy in a unique lesson which is intended to have a serious impact and influence on the man who receives the degree.
WHAT ARE MASONIC APRONS?
The symbolic apron was worn by operative masons to protect themselves from rough stones and tools. Presently, it is a badge of fraternal distinction. It represents the white lambskin, a symbol of innocence. Some decorations may appear on Masonic Aprons and often designate an officer or special recognition. All are, however, a proud display of membership in this world-wide Fraternity.
WHAT DO MASONIC SYMBOLS MEAN?
The most widely recognized symbol of the Fraternity is the Square and compasses with the letter G in the center. Members wear it to remind themselves of their obligation to the lessons learned in their Lodges, and to identify their membership to other Masons and all people. Masonic symbols have wide meanings, some directly relate to the tools used by actual operative masons and some, represent the need for order and direction in life. The letter 0 represents God,
the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
WHEN ARE MEETINGS HELD?
Lodges meet in regular monthly sessions called stated meetings and on such other days as are necessary to conduct its business and ritualistic work. While every Masons attendance is earnestly solicited, yet it is not intended that a Lodge should interfere with his work or with his obligations to his family or his God.
Your husband has invested time and money in joining our Fraternity. He can best receive all that he should by frequently participating in its deliberations and events. We hope that you will approve and encourage him to attend regularly, and we hope also, that you, too, will join us whenever possible for the guest activities held by the Lodge.
SHOULD I CONTACT ANYONE WHEN MY HUSBAND IS ILL OR HOSPITALIZED?
In the event any member of our Lodge becomes ill, we want to know. You may call the Master or Secretary of this Lodge. Your husband has joined an organization which wants to assist him and you when in need, and we need your help to do it.
WHAT CAN YOUR INVOLVEMENT BE?
Countless opportunities abound through active participation and membership in any of the numerous Masonic-related ladies organizations. You are encouraged to share in many activities of the Lodge. Non-Masonic friends and families may also take part in many Masonically supported programs.
We hope you will be proud that your husband has chosen to become a member of the worlds oldest and best fraternity. We welcome you as a
Masons Lady.
Sincerely,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER 7: MASTER TO THE NEWLY PASSED FELLOWCRAFT
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
March 24, 1997
Bro. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Greenleaf:
Now that you have been passed to the degree of Fellowcraft, I again take pleasure in congratulating you on your advancement in Masonry. Only one more step remains before you earn full membership in Boaz Lodge.
As you know, our Head Candidates Coach is Brother John P. Jones,
111 Main Street, Centerville, Maine 04046, 207-943-2331. Get in touch with him promptly and work out your coaching schedule with the Second Degree Coach, thus relieving him of the responsibility of seeking you out in connection with this necessary work.
With respect to attendance, you are now invited to be present at the Lodge on all First Degree and Second Degree nights. Not, of course, when Third Degrees are scheduled. You will be welcome to attend Stated Meeting of the Lodge after you have received the Master Mason Degree. I hope that you will take advantage of all such occasions to become better acquainted with the members of your Lodge.
Remember my suggestions about inviting relatives, business associates or other friends whom you understand to be Master Masons, particularly on the evening of your Third Degree. It will mean a great deal to those friends of yours to be present and in later years, as you look back, it will mean much to you.
Finally, let me point out that the First and Second Degrees, impressive as they are, simply help to prepare you for the big step -the ceremony when you are raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. I join you in anticipating that eventful occasion.
Fraternally yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO.8: MASTER TO THE NEWLY RAISED MASTER MASON
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
May 17, 1997
Bro. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Greenleaf:
This is the last of the series of letters I address to each new Brother as he progresses through the Masonic degrees. Again, let me offer you warmest congratulations and welcome you as a Master Mason and member of Boaz Lodge.
It is now timely to consider your future course of action in Masonic affairs. As you have learned, Masonry is a progressive science, and you will find more and more of its inspirational teachings unfolding through the years as you participate in our Lodge activities. Privileged as I am to serve as Worshipful Master, I find that each new Masonic experience brings a deeper awareness of Freemasonry. It is a continuing, enriching and enlarging philosophy.
First, of course, prepare for your final proficiency examination in the Master Mason Degree. I suggest that you do not delay as the memory work is much easier while the experience of the degree is still fresh in your mind.
Secondly, look at the various avenues for participation in the activities of Boaz Lodge so as to find the areas where you will be the happiest in your new Masonic home. There is such a variety of ways to serve and to benefit: a period of duty on the Stewards Committee, waiting on the Brothers who have waited on you;
learning to participate as a sideliner in some aspects of the degree work; supporting the Lodge simply by regular attendance at Stated and Special Meetings; calling on a Brother who is ill; bringing wives, families and friends to our social functions; taking up the study of Masonic research; and, of special importance, partaking of all the good fellowship which is available to you through your Lodge.
May you chart your Masonic course with wisdom and humility, and may you experience the rewards which are yours to earn and receive.
Fraternally yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
MASON
SAMPLE LETTER NO.9: JUNIOR WARDEN TO THE NEWLY RAISED MASTER MASON
The following is a sample letter that can be used by your Junior Warden to send to your newly raised candidates on your Lodges stationary. In this Lodge the newly raised members are automatically placed on the Stewards Committee to serve until three new members have been raised. These letters can be tailored to meet your Lodges needs.
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
June 13, 1997 Bro. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Greenleaf:
I would like to congratulate you again on becoming a Master Mason. As you may know, in our Lodge this automatically places you on the Junior Wardens Committee. This is not only an obligation but an opportunity. Through your service on this committee you will become acquainted with the members of the Lodge and the Lodge members will become better acquainted with you.
After, three new brothers have been raised, you will be
retired from the committee. I realize that you may have other obligations and that you will not always be able to attend. I would appreciate a call from you on those occasions. This is particularly true on Stated Meeting nights as we are counting on you to be there.
The Stewards and the Committee have the responsibility of setting up the dining room and serving either dinner before or refreshments after the meeting.
Needless to say, they also clean up afterwards.
Remember, to quote an old saying, You only get out of an organization what you put into it, - – so I hope to see you often.
Fraternally yours,
Reddy Meals Junior Warden
SAMPLE LETTER NO.10: MASTER TO THE NEWLY AFFILIATED MEMBER
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
June 11, 1997
Bro. Ernest Curtis 76 Pine Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Curtis:
It is with sincere pleasure that I welcome you into the Boaz Lodge family as a newly affiliated member. Through this letter I extend to you the right hand of fellowship and an earnest invitation to join in all the affairs and activities of your new Lodge.
As you may have discovered by now, Boaz Lodge is strong in its membership ties, and I know you will find many rewards through your participation, whether it be in the Lodge room, or downstairs.
Always feel free to call upon me for any assistance I may be able to provide, and also I hope you will not hesitate to offer any advice or suggestions you may have. The Lodge grows as each member contributes his own individual share of understanding and service.
Again, on behalf of the officers and members, a warm welcome to you,
and I look forward to our association together in Masonry.
Fraternally yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO.11:SECRETARY TO NEWLY AFFILIATED MEMBER
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
May 14, 1997
Bro. Ernest Curtis 76 Pine Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Curtis:
It is my pleasure to inform you that your application for affiliation was granted by Boaz Lodge No. 59 A.F. & NM, at its Stated Meeting on May 13, 1997. The next order of business is for you to sign our by-laws. Once this has happened you are officially a member of Boaz Lodge, and you will be presented with a dues card for the current year. The next Stated Meeting will be held on June 10, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. You may sign the by-laws at that time. I will then forward the Demit stub to Rectangle Lodge No.
73 A.F. & A.M. in Niantic, Connecticut.
Boaz Lodge holds its Stated Meetings on the second Thursday of the month except for July and August. Once again welcome, and I sincerely hope you will enjoy the life of our Lodge.
Sincerely yours,
John Anagnotis Secretary
SAMPLE LETTER NO.12: SECRETARY TO NEWLY AFFILIATED DUAL MEMBER
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
May 14, 1997 Bro. Charles Ridlon 47 Oak Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Ridlon:
It is my pleasure to inform you that your application for affiliation
(dual membership) was granted by Boaz Lodge No. 59 A.F. & NM, at its Stated Meeting on May 13, 1997. The next order of business is for you to sign our by-laws. Once this has happened you are officially a member of Boaz Lodge, and you will be presented with a dues card for the current year. The next Stated Meeting will be held on June 10, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. You may sign the by-laws at that time.
Boaz Lodge holds its Stated Meetings on the second Thursday of the month except for July and August. Once again welcome, we all hope you will enjoy participating in the life of our Lodge.
Sincerely yours,
John Anagnostis Secretary
SAMPLE LETTER NO.13: MASTER TO A MEMBER DELINQUENT IN HIS DUES
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
July 18, 1997 Bro. Dewes Oweing 84 Beehive Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Bro. Oweing:
Our Secretary tells me that your Lodge dues for 1995 and 1996 are in arrears. I need to talk with you about it. Unpaid dues creates a problem for our Lodge.
I hope you have not lost interest. We value you as a Brother and as a member of Boaz Lodge. If there is a problem, we can discuss it.
Please get in touch with me.
Fraternally yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master
SAMPLE LETTER NO. 14: MASTER TO A WIDOW
BOAZ LODGE, NO.59 P.O. Box 357 Centerville, Maine 04046
April 19, 1997
Mrs. Simon Greenleaf 123 Maple Street Centerville, Maine 04046
Dear Mrs. Greenleaf:
I am writing to thank you again for asking the Brothers of Boaz Lodge to conduct the evening memorial service for Simon. Your husband was a valued member in our Lodge. It meant a lot for us to be asked to do the service.
We want you to know you will be very much in our thoughts during the weeks and months ahead. If there is anything we can do, I hope you will feel free to call me.
Sincerely yours,
Hiram Drummond Worshipful Master