HOW TO WRITE A GOOD LETTER
SECTION 9 - HIRAM'S HANDBOOK
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:
1. Committee on Inquiry
2. Secretary to
Accepted Candidate
3. Master to the
Accepted Candidate
4. Master to the
Candidate’s 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
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 Lodge’s 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.
Recomenders 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
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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
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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 Secretary’s 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
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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
husband’s 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 Masonry’s 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
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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
candidate’s 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 opeped in the Third or Master Mason’s 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
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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 Mason’s 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 mason’s 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 broiheis, 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 member’s 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 “0” 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’s 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 world’s oldest and best fraternity. We welcome you as a
“Mason’s Lady”.
Sincerely,
Hiram Drummond
Worshipful Master
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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
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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. Greerileaf:
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
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The following is a sample letter that can be used by your Junior Warden to
send to your newly raised candidates on your Lodge’s stationary. In this Lodge
the newly raised members are automatically placed on the Steward’s Committee
to serve until three new members have been raised. These letters can be tailored
to meet your Lodge’s 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
Warden’s 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
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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
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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 it’s 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
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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 it’s 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
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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 needto 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
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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
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