Look Well

What Come You Here To Do?

URISTS in the use of the English language (or those who think they are purists) are forever making ridiculous mistakes in the use of this phrase.

When the Worshipful Master poses the question, he isn't speaking in the past tense, but in the present. "Came" misses the point entirely; it's come.

He is asking the prospective Entered Apprentice point-blank, "What come you here to do?" Right now? This very minute?

The Master wants to know, in effect, Why are you here? Why do you present yourself for the mysteries of Freemasonry? What is your motive? What do you expect to find in it? Or get out of it? Or contribute to it? And what do you propose to do with it once you receive its benefits ?

When a Mason is elected and installed Senior Warden his Brethren are beginning to ask the same questions silently among themselves. The direction in which the Lodge will move for an entire year may depend on his response.

These letters from an imaginary Brother, once Mentor for an imaginary young Mason named Tom who now is beginning his term as Senior Warden, raise identical questions.

"Why are you here, Tom?" They want to know. "What can we expect from you? A year of zealous, inspired leadership? Twelve months of casual, half-hearted coasting? An apologetic year in which everyone governs the Lodge except the Brother who was elected to do so? Or are we just giving you the opportunity to get your name on the list of Past Masters?"