Elected to receive Degrees of Masonry...

Just got a letter to in the mail stating that i have been elected to receive the Degrees of Masonry. The Master has yet to set a date but they will contact me and let me know. The journey now begins.

[edit on 14-8-2004 by ANTONIO]

I still remember each of my degrees with crystal clarity, memories I shall always treasure.

Hey, what happens if you forget your lines? Like when the Grand Mason asks you what you observed at the end?

Honest question, please don't flame me.

First, congrats! I am sure you will learn tons.

Originally posted by DetectivePerez
Hey, what happens if you forget your lines? Like when the Grand Mason asks you what you observed at the end?

Actually, a great question. Actually, I will be suprised if he remembers alot of it. I was never asked what I remember. I actually said that I could not remember alot after the ceremony was over. They said most are that way and they asked me if I had any questions. I asked a few questions, even a few again because I forgot again. I went home did some research on my own. E-Mail more questions.. got more answers. I would say that this went on for a few weeks, until I understood it very well.

This will be his first time in a lodge and I am sure he will be nervous and probably excited at the same time. He will remember the experience with clarity I am sure, but most details I am guessing will be forgotten.

[edit on 14-8-2004 by JCMinJapan]

I dunno how things work in the US or Canada, but here in the UK, the candidate doesn't have any lines to remember.
There's also no Grand Mason asking questions "at the end".

But as for forgetting lines normally? I do it all the time. I'm terrible at remembering and reciting ritual - I constantly cock it up. But the general concensus over here, is that it is generally understood that not everybody is good at reciting ritual and if you have genuinely tried to put in a good effort, you are congratulated however badly you have performed.

Originally posted by DetectivePerez
Hey, what happens if you forget your lines? Like when the Grand Mason asks you what you observed at the end?

Honest question, please don't flame me.

DP,

The Worshipful Master (not Grand Mason) doesn't do that in my jurisdiction. The newly initiated Brother is given the opportunity to stand up and speak at the end if he wishes to do so. He generally thanks the Lodge members for accepting him, tells how impressed he is, etc. But that's it. In many jurisdictions (my own included) he DOES have to memorize the "lecture" (catechism) and present it in open Lodge before being eligible for the next degree. This question & answer system is generally taught to him by a Brother designated to do so and when he's ready the lecture is given, the new Brother escorted from the Lodge while the members vote as to his proficiency, then he's brought back in and told whether or not he passed. (By the way, most coaches woudn't bring a Brother in for the lecture who wasn't ready to pass....) Some Grand Lodges issue proficiency cards or certificates. I hold a certificate announcing that I am proficient in the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) from my Grand Lodge. Some Grand Lodges require that this certificate be renewed from time to time. My Grand Lodge does not.

My congratulations in the first steps of your journey. Enjoy.....and learn from your fellow Brethern....

hey rahboni if you dont mind me asking what rank were you in the military?

I have no military background.....curious question....

Originally posted by senrak

The newly initiated Brother is given the opportunity to stand up and speak at the end if he wishes to do so.

Here in the UK, the newly initiated brother doesn't do this in the Temple. He replies to a toast made to him at the festive board.

In many jurisdictions (my own included) he DOES have to memorize the "lecture" (catechism) and present it in open Lodge before being eligible for the next degree.

Do you "make" Master Masons in one day, Senrak? If so, I can understand why they need to know some ritual. The catechism in the UK only has to be learned for the 2nd and 3rd degrees over here and therefore the candidate doesn't need to study for his 1st.

Some Grand Lodges issue proficiency cards or certificates. I hold a certificate announcing that I am proficient in the three degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason) from my Grand Lodge. Some Grand Lodges require that this certificate be renewed from time to time. My Grand Lodge does not.

The Grand Lodge Certificate which the English mason receives is classed as his "passport". We too, only ever receive one. It has to be carried whenever we visit another Lodge.

I saw Sojourner underneath your name.

Sojourner means one who resides somewhere only temporarily.
Rather like our stay on Earth.

There's a mention in Psalm 39:12.

"Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were."

Sojourner is also a reference to the York Rite of Masonry, which is why I have adopted it.

I do like Leveller's Psalm reference....thumbs up....

It is also a retired or active dutyMilitary Mason of high rank ........we have a couple at work, that why the inquiry

Originally posted by ANTONIO
It is also a retired or active dutyMilitary Mason of high rank ........we have a couple at work, that why the inquiry

This is what you speak of.

National Sojourners.

When you were hood-winked (not sure if that is a rude word or not), Did you feel in your heart Fear or Love?

Never fear.
I had a guide.

Originally posted by DetectivePerez
When you were hood-winked (not sure if that is a rude word or not), Did you feel in your heart Fear or Love?

I was going to ask you the same question.

We can tag team the spooks. Ya, he was nervous, his hart felt the pain of his confusion. They nabbed another one.

Heh!!!
I thought you had bowed out defeated?

I never once felt fear nor confusion. Nobdy nabbed me either.
Ever heard of free-will?