Why the Candidate is Important?

The candidate stands at the center of the lodge's purpose, representing the seeker undergoing a transformation from the natural to the spiritually regenerated man 2. Wilmshurst argues that expediting this personal spiritual evolution is the real purpose of Freemasonry, rather than merely its social or charitable activities 2. In this reading, the candidate exemplifies the rough ashlar requiring discipline and self-preparation 2, and his symbolic entrance into the lodge is received with acclamation as a spiritual rebirth 2.

Because the admission of a new member intimately affects the lodge, rigorous qualifications govern a petitioner's acceptance. A candidate must meet specific moral, intellectual, and physical standards, including a sound reputation—being "under the tongue of good report"—a belief in a Supreme Being, and being of mature age, usually fixed at twenty-one years 13. Beyond these explicit rules, a candidate must be personally acceptable to every individual member of the lodge, rendering the secret ballot a severe ordeal 1. Once an applicant successfully passes the ballot, the Master of the lodge becomes his personal sponsor and assumes direct responsibility for his progress 1.

As the candidate moves through the three degrees, he is led step by step to discipline his grosser nature, develop his mental faculties, and achieve self-mastery 2. Through this process, he is prepared not only for his own moral and spiritual advancement, but to assist in initiating and guiding future seekers 2.