The Investigation Committee

Vocabulary (7)

Investigation Committee

A small group of Master Masons appointed by the Worshipful Master to interview a petitioner, verify the statements in his petition, and report back to the Lodge before the ballot is taken.

Appointment

The Master appoints the committee (typically three brethren) promptly after the petition is read in open Lodge. None of the petitioner's recommenders may serve on the committee; the inquiry must be independent.

The interview

Each committee member meets privately with the petitioner, often in the candidate's home, where his family circumstances can be observed. The published guidance: a thorough, courteous conversation, not an interrogation.

Areas of inquiry

Published topics include: belief in a Supreme Being, freedom of will, soundness of mind, reputation among neighbors and at work, family understanding of what membership requires, financial ability to pay dues without hardship.

Independent reports

Each committee member reports separately. The reports may differ; that is exactly why three are appointed. A unanimous favorable report is the published expectation but not strictly required by the Code in every jurisdiction.

Timing

The published practice requires at least one stated communication between the petition being read and the ballot being taken. The committee must have time to do its work; the brethren must have time to consider it.

Confidentiality

The contents of the committee's report are confidential within the Lodge. The petitioner is not told what was said; the brethren who vote are told only what the report contains, not the personal opinions of the investigators outside that report.

Multiple-choice (4)