Building Mason Leaders

What would it look like if we could train a cadre of Mentors Fellows - Fellows who would in-turn offer mentoring, personalized guidance and strategic planning to support Brethren at all stages of their Masonic journeys?

With mentors, each of us is an architect of the future of our Lodges and the Craft.

Mason Fellows: Masonic Leadership Mentors

Every Mason is a leader.

Every Mason has a leader within and Mentorship strengthens our Lodges by cultivating Brotherhood, building leadership, and passing down the values and traditions of the Craft. Mason Leader was launched in 2020 as a pilot structure to engage Brethren during Pandemic. Mentorship was instituted at the Lodge level by W Les Joynes during his term as WM of Columbia Lodge. The Mason Fellows Mentorship Initiative is a replicable model that engages Masons across degrees, generations, and geographies.

Purpose

  • Strengthen Lodge unity, ritual proficiency, and leadership succession

  • Build bridges across degrees, generations, and continents

  • Integrate ritual, education, and personal development into Lodge life

Core Features

1. Lodge Mentorship Committee

Led by the Lodge Education Officer or Mentorship Chair. Involves Past Masters and enthusiastic Brethren.

2. Mentor Fellows Training (MFT)

Select experienced Brethren and train them through a 3-session, 120-minute program:

  • Session I: Principles of Masonic Mentorship

  • Session II: Ritual and the Masonic Journey

  • Session III: Personal Development and Leadership

Graduates are certified as Mentor Fellows.

3. Dual Mentorship Model

Each Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, or Master Mason is paired with two mentors:

  • One local

  • One remote (via Zoom/phone)

Regular monthly check-ins support degree preparation, personal growth, and Lodge integration.

4. Program Integration

Mentors support mentees through:

  • Masonic Development Course (MDC)

  • Ritual coaching and catechism practice

  • Line service preparation (RTTE)

  • Library readings and reflections

  • Community projects and charity initiatives

  • Retention and engagement strategies

5. Fellowship Through Mentorship

  • Quarterly mentorship dinners or Zoom socials

  • Guest speakers and milestone celebrations

6. Annual Review

  • Evaluate engagement and outcomes

  • Rotate mentors to build diverse bonds

  • Share insights across Lodges and Districts

How to Launch in Mentorship in the Lodge or District

  • Appoint a Mentorship Coordinator

  • Host quarterly training for new Mentor Fellows

  • Customize program to your Lodge culture

  • Share outcomes at District meetings and Grand Lodge

Why Mentorship Matters

Mentorship is more than a retention tool—mentorship strengthens the Craft through connection, continuity, and care. Together, we build Lodges where every Brother is supported, valued, and prepared to lead.

Let us spread the Cement of Brotherhood. Let us mentor the next generation of Mason Leaders.

W∴ Leslie D. Joynes is PM of Columbia Lodge No. 1190 and currently serves on the GLNY Fraternities on Campus Committee and is a Director on the Seventh District Foundation. He supported international fellowship as member of the DGM’s 2024-2025 Finland Centennial Committee.

W∴ Joynes initiated Mason Leader in 2020 to fill the need to support Brethren during and beyond Pandemic. While WM, he initiated Columbia Lodge Mentors in 2024 as a model structure for Lodges to create in-Lodge mentoring. His goal is to some day create an initiative to serve multiple Lodges.

He also initiated Global Masons connecting Brethren in Lodge to Lodge events with Brethren in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

in his professional life as a leadership coach and mentor he advises CEOs and senior leaders in technology, healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, and government. He has led multinational projects across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, including U.S. Public Diplomacy initiatives. He is Columbia University research scholar on mentoring and coaching in the Department of Organization and Leadership and serves as Entrepreneurship Coach and Mentor at Columbia Start Up Lab.

Contact for Implementation Support: W∴ Les Joynes, travelingmasters [at] gmail [dot] com

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