By: W. John Barling – Secretary of Hyde Park Lodge 370
Best Practices for Preserving the Integrity of Florida Freemasonry
One of the most sacred responsibilities we, as Florida Masons, hold is to ensure that only worthy men are admitted into our Craft. The phrase “Guarding the West Gate” refers to this solemn duty, its a metaphor drawn from our ritual symbolism, reminding us that vigilance and discernment are essential to the health and future of the Fraternity.
In an age when many lodges are eager to grow their numbers, it’s tempting to rush the process. But Freemasonry has never been about quantity. It’s about quality. Letting in the wrong men , those with questionable motives or character, can disrupt the harmony of a lodge, dilute the values we hold dear, and erode public trust in the Craft. Here are best practices, in my humble opinion, that Florida lodges can adopt to guard the West Gate with wisdom and integrity.
1. Require Regular Attendance Before Petitioning
A man who is truly interested in Freemasonry will show it, not just say it. Require potential candidates to attend multiple meetings, social events, or public functions before accepting a petition. This not only demonstrates genuine interest, but also gives the lodge a chance to observe the man’s character over time.
A suggested benchmark might be: Attend at least three to six lodge functions before receiving a petition. Some lodges in Florida have even made this an informal policy. It slows down the process, but in the best way. It ensures the man has time to understand that Freemasonry is a lifelong commitment, not a casual hobby or a club for social advancement.
2. Set Clear Expectations Early
It’s unfair to the candidate, and to the lodge, if expectations are unclear. Before a petition is even signed, explain:
- The time and commitment required to progress through the degrees.
- The mentorship and learning process involved.
- The costs of initiation and ongoing dues.
- The moral and spiritual obligations of a Mason.
Many men turn away once they realize Freemasonry is not what they imagined. That’s a good thing. We are not here to sell Freemasonry. We are here to protect it.
3. Know the Signs of a Bad Actor
Sadly, not all who knock at the West Gate come with pure intentions. Some may seek power, prestige, or networking advantages. Others may have ideological or social views incompatible with Masonic values of tolerance, brotherhood, and charity.
Watch for these red flags:
- A man who speaks poorly of others or shows arrogance.
- One who asks about titles, influence, or personal gain.
- One who doesn’t show up for anything but wants to jump into petitioning.
- One with a criminal background that contradicts the moral teachings of Freemasonry (this includes, of course, any disqualifying factors outlined in the Digest of Masonic Law of Florida).
Trust your instincts and your committee on investigation. If something feels off, it probably is.
4. Prepare Your Mentorship Program Before the Petition is Signed
If our lodges aren’t ready to train a new Mason, they aren’t ready to take in a new Mason. Mentorship is the lifeblood of Masonic education. Our lodges should have a mentorship plan in place before a new petitioner is ever approved.
- Appoint trained mentors ahead of time. (make sure they have, at a minimum, a Silver Card. A Blue Card or higher is even better.)
- Have your EA, FC, and MM materials ready.
- Plan regular check-ins to assess the candidate’s progress and understanding.
- Encourage mentors to model proper behavior; both in and out of lodge.
The moment a man becomes an Entered Apprentice, his journey begins. Let’s not make him walk it alone or unprepared.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
Guarding the West Gate also means being strong enough to say no. Rejection, while difficult, can be necessary. It is not unkind to deny a petition that doesn’t meet our standards. In fact, it’s the highest kindness, to the lodge, to the Craft, and even to the man who may not yet be ready.
The ballot box is sacred. Use it wisely, and never feel pressured to let someone in for the sake of filling a seat or meeting a financial obligation (Brother Jonathan Greene and I write frequently on this topic and in fact was the primary inspiration for this blog) .
The future of Freemasonry in Florida depends on the care we take today in choosing who joins us. Guarding the West Gate is not just a metaphor, it is a call to action. Let us be vigilant, discerning, and faithful to the ideals passed down to us. Let every man who seeks Light find it, but only if he is truly worthy of the journey.
Now that we are guarding the West Gate, we will be working on how to get and keep members active and involved. This will be the subject of my next post: Masonic Briefs: Chapter 3 – Making the Lodge Experience Meaningful
As always, thank you for reading and being apart of my Masonic journey.
Fraternally yours:
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