Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon A.F. & A. M

The Candidate’s Pathway

A Guide through the degrees
Revised Edition — 2025
(Originally developed 2013)

 

Introduction

In 2013, MW Bro. Don Stutt envisioned the concept of the Candidate’s Pathway, conceived as an abbreviated form of a Mentorship Programme: a ‘Quick Start Guide’ that offered core information in an accessible format. Under the stewardship of Bro. John Robinson, as Chairman of an Ad Hoc Committee, the Candidate’s Pathway evolved into a structured framework: one that includes mandatory core requirements and several elective tasks, allowing a New Brother to chart his own journey through his formative period in Freemasonry.

The design intent was to create a programme to be adopted by all Lodges in its core outline, and then tailored by each Lodge according to its unique traditions, usages and customs. The six‑step intake programme already guides a Lodge from first contact through petition submission. The Candidate’s Pathway continues the journey through the degrees from Entered Apprentice, to Fellowcraft, to Master Mason, and beyond.

In our Canadian Working, we are reminded that our Degrees are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred on Candidates according to merit and ability. We are also instructed that before advancement, a Candidate must ‘give proof of his proficiency in the former Degree’. The Pathway provides clear guidelines as to what constitutes that proficiency.

The Candidate’s Pathway stands alongside, and does not replace, any existing mentorship programmes a Lodge may already operate. The mandatory requirements are governed by our ritual, rules and regulations; the additional elective tasks enhance a Brother’s journey by deepening his knowledge of Freemasonry, broadening his network of Masonic connections, introducing him to alternate rituals, improving his memory‑work and increasing his desire for further Light.

Structure

At each stage, a New Brother must complete all the mandatory requirements for that stage and the stipulated number of additional elective tasks. Additional elective tasks may be selected from the list provided, and each Lodge may append its own items in keeping with its traditions, usages, and customs.

After “The Six Steps to Initiation”

Mandatory Requirements

Recommended Points (5-6 points should be completed)

Entered Apprentice to Fellowcraft (EA → FC)

“… there are several degrees in Freemasonry with peculiar secrets restricted to each. These, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred upon Candidates according to merit and ability.”

Mandatory Requirements

Recommended Points (5-6 points should be completed)

Fellowcraft to Master Mason (FC → MM)

“… it is first necessary that he should give proof of his proficiency in the former Degree.”

Mandatory Requirements

Recommended Points (5-6 points should be completed)

Master Mason and Beyond

“I greet you with a sure pledge of Brotherhood.”

Mandatory Requirements

Recommended Points (5-6 points should be completed)

Supporting Rationale & Best Practice

A well organised mentorship journey helps new Brethren feel welcomed, engaged and supported. For example, the Grand Lodge of Ohio emphasizes that a mentor is not simply a teacher, but a guide, confidant and friend — and that mentoring plays a key role in retention and connection.

A good mentoring programme helps prevent members from feeling uninformed, isolated or unsure how to engage. Mentoring is a process where an experienced Brother invests time and energy to ensure new Brethren enjoy and benefit from their Masonry to the fullest.

Flexible frameworks that allow Lodges to tailor to their own traditions, whilst maintaining a core consistency, are recognised best practice. Adaptability and individualized support are key features of successful programmes.

Implementation Notes

Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon A.F. & A. M
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.