[zumaechtenfeuer]

Freemasonry in Germany dates back to 1737 when the first Lodge was founded in Hamburg - a Lodge which is still working to this day. Over the years our methods of working and finding new men to become Freemasons has changed considerably.

Originally there was a Proposer for a prospective Initiate, and he stood not only with his good name for the proposee, but also with his Lodge membership. A man proven unworthy and subsequently locked out from the Lodge - and from Freemasonry - took his proposer with him.

Today we see things slightly differently, but are much more careful. A man who is interested in becoming a Mason first contacts the Lodge and is often interviewed by the WM. He is then invited to a Guest Evening, an event which is run on the same lines as a Brother's Evening, but openly. He takes part in all aspects of this evening and is treated as an equal.

Seekers (Suchender in German) are invited to attend further Guest Evenings over a period of time, which can span one or even two years. During this time the Seeker has the opportunity to get to know the Lodge and the Brethren and pose practically any question he wishes. The Brethren also have the opportunity to get to know the Seeker, and see whether he is likely to fit in with the Lodge.

It can happen that one or the other side decide against a Seeker, for any number of reasons. He will either then be told that he is unsuitable for Freemasonry at present, or referred to another Lodge in the area where he may well fit in better.

A Seeker who is considered suitable and who wishes to join the Lodge is then visited at home by a commission of three MM, one of whom will be his proposer and mentor. A mentor (German Burge) remains responsible for the Initiate until he is Raised. The Seeker must present his Petition prior to the commissions visit, which is then given to the WM and presented to the Lodge for a final decision.

This may seem to be a long and wearisome process, but it has worked very well for us. Are there similar processes elsewhere?

[Ashlar521]

Sounds like a good way to really get to know a man . All we do is talk to the man for a few hours get to know him best we can , call some refrences and do a background check . We do invite them to open functions and to our dinners before our meetings so all the lodge members may know them . We have two now that were finally Initiated last week who turned in there petitions last Nov. who made it a point to be everone of our meetings so they could talk to everyone . They took this upon themselves and I like that . They are hungry for Freemasonry .