reply to post by jfiery
Jfiery, Josh explained this rather well. I'd like to add something that may add to the conversation. Hopefully this won't confuse you, I'll be
more more than happy to clarify if necessary.
I was just raised to the 3rd Degree (Master Mason) along with 4 other individuals as we raise a max of 5 individuals at at time. Two weeks (in
August) ago we raised another 4. The week before we put another brother through a one day (evening) ceremony where he received all 3 degrees in the
same evening. All 3 of those actions required we receive special dispensation to administer those degrees.
The individual who we raised through all 3 was as Josh said a special case. He was a marine who just finished basic training who was being deployed
to Irag. He was also the son of one of lodge brothers who wanted to participate with his son. That is of it self is a wonderful thing to participate
in.
The rest of us, due to high petitioning were allowed to be raised to our sumblime degree by special dispensation from the grand lodge. With that
said, it was more allowed due to 2 of us. Myself and another brother had petitioned 2 years ago and could not be voted on or begin our masonic path
until our lodge was allowed to conduct regular business. You see, one of our brothers had a stroke. He was also one of the individuals who needed to
sign off on our yearly audit. (Yes, we need to ensure we are not spending our money on broads and booze. All kidding aside, funny play with money is
not tolerated. While we control our own funds, privately financing World Dominance is not. Hey, at last count we had a little under $1500 in our
checking account.) (Sorry, couldn't resist).
Regardless of how that came about, something more substantial happened. Both myself and my masonic brother were given the opportunity to do a one day
class since we waited so long. Both of us declined and both are happy we did. I got a ton more out of the 3 ceremonies, understood a lot more and
had the opportunity to bail out at anytime.
I am lucky. I was given good advice and continue to be given good advice by my breathren. Most of my newly raised brothers as well as I will attend
the Scottish Rite reunion that is coming next month. All of us will be receive the 4 - 32 degrees (of the Scottish Rite so there is no confusion with
anyone) in one day. In our jurisdiction, that is the only option.
So, some advice from a newbie. Take the long(er) road. Go to dinners at the lodge before you petition. Ask questions. Remember you can bail at
anytime with no reprisal. Remember that your to be breathren DONATE their time for you.
Hey and if your lucky like me, dinner is catered or you go out to eat at really nice places. Of couse, we pony up the extra that the lodge doesn't
pay.........
Sorry, if this has been covered or if I've stepped on anyone's toes.
