MWPGM Bailey, I took my Entered Apprentice Degree in Webster Masonic Lodge No. 538 (a suburb of Rochester NY). I did not proceed with my Class of 4 EA's, as I wanted to perform the Q's & A's "perfectly"! So I waited several months, and had a Sgt. First Class from Arkansas who worked Q/A's with me as I drove a Staff Car across NY State (we were both on Active Guard Reserve Duty at 98th Division Training HQ).
After I was tested in a Lodge meeting, I was asked to demonstrate the EA Q/A's during numerous meetings for about 3 years.
Pulling the catechism off perfectly is quite an accomplishment, and gives a new Mason a lot of confidence moving forward. Plus, gives the Lodge a lot of confidence in him.
I can see where practicing with someone while driving would be just about a perfect environment for that. When I was going through the Degrees I lived a few miles up a Forest Service Road between the towns of Index and Skykomish, so it was about 45 minutes to civilization. I used those drives to practice, driving along and talking to myself.
A mason I knew (not saying who) recorded himself reciting the ritual, then burned the recording onto a CD so that he could listen to it on his way to and from work. He claimed his steering wheel knew the ritual better than he did.
Masonry may be the only body that can provide this type of spiritual meaning to men. Our lodge believes that memorizing the degrees instills deeper knowledge of our craft. As such, there is a minimum of 5 months (5 stated meetings) between degrees so that a brother may thoroughly learn each important degree. When we commit something to memory, it truly become part of us.
I will note that one brother in our lodge is able to recite all three degrees, including posting lectures, at one sitting. It is impressive to witness.
I tend to agree that Freemasonry, for a lot of men, can be a profoundly spiritual experience. I've seen that through the years, even (maybe most often) with men who would not otherwise be considered 'spiritual.' But with many of these, they won't talk about that aspect of our Craft until there is a great deal of trust built up.
I think that a lot of the men coming to our Lodges today are looking for just that, and we do well to provide it.
In my Jurisdiction one can be recognized if he is able to recite our entire work as you mention. I believe that there are only 6 or 8 men able to do that in the entire Jurisdiction, my Lodge is lucky to have one of those men. He is highly prized for his superb Degree work.
This is interesting, and memorization is important to understand the symbolism of the degrees; however, I don't believe that Tarot Cards in the lodge are useful or instructive. In fact, some people find them offensive and demonic, especially brothers who are religious.
Undoubtedly you are correct, some would be bothered by Tarot cards. If a candidate was, we wouldn't use them. In the same way, and for the same reason, my Lodge doesn't use the Memento Mori symbolism with every candidate.
It was a more profound evening than I would have imagined, and than I can explain here with words. The trick to it was, I think, the preparation and thought of so many that went into it. We talked about it quite a bit as we devised the plan, to be sure that we could implement something meaningful.
It was done at the Brother's request, which is cool, because it gave us a chance to grow as well.
Passing the traditional catechism or Posting Lecture to prove proficiency is quite an undertaking. I've often assumed that those who undertake it, and stick with that work throughout a long Masonic career are helping to ensure mental sharpness through advancing age. Exercising the mind for brain health as so many exercise for body health.
MW Brother Bailey. I honestly lost myself for a moment, not quite knowing what to expect that evening. The mystery schools are a concept that I have read and fantasized about fairly extensively since the time I could read beyond "The Funnies" section of the newspaper. None of it could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.
I entered a dimly lit corridor, met by my Brethren, as they readied me to experience something truly unexpected. I was then given the chance to consider my Masonic journey since its inception. I found several handwritten, intentional, and meaningful inquiries as to my intentions and expectations, along with various items, thoughtfully arranged for consideration. It was clear that their purpose was to prepare me for my impending trial, and if successful the journey ahead.
However, upon knocking, I found myself awestruck as the doors were opened before me. The sight, sounds, and experience I beheld were breathtaking. My thoughts kept coming faster than I could speak them. It felt as though I was stepping into one of the timeless halls of those same mystery schools that I had only ever read about before. The gravity of being tested and tried before being permitted to take my place in the long line of Brethren before me filled the room. Upon the conclusion of this trial, I found my Brethren waiting to share in the experience, to impart further counsel, insight, and fellowship.
I truly appreciate the experience that was provided that night and can say with certainty it is one that will stay with me throughout this journey. Have a Blessed one Brother!
I am very pleased to know that it was such a profound experience for you. It is my hope that in the years to come we can continue this work for all of the Brothers who come behind us!
MWPGM Bailey, firstly, it was a pleasure to see you in person at Grand Lodge last month. I appreciate your taking the time to say hello and only wish we had been able to set aside more time for fellowship after finishing our labors for the day or over a meal.
Secondly, Brethren, I believe that we can all benefit from having a more "profound" experience of Freemasonry than is sometime offered in Lodges. I mean that in the strict sense of deepening our experiences, just as we would expand our list of what we serve as meals before our stated meetings beyond _____, ______, and green beans; I love green beans, by the way.
When we focus principally on making new Masons, we are right to do so, with what I believe is an important and multifaceted caveat. Retaining the interest of newly made Masons and igniting in them a perpetual desire for regular participation, cultivating their Masonic imagination, and contributing to the expansion of our aggregate experience of Freemasonry is an altogether different task.
I personally enjoy the variety of Masonic activities I can now participate in and share with others as a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, and Noble of the Shrine. I bring a recently retired family friend who is in her 80s and was active in Rainbow Girls in her youth, and others whenever possible. I also bring my son to Masonic events and gently stimulate his interest in joining Demolay and the Boy Scouts while balancing that with the acknowledgement that he is 11, going into 6th grade in the fall, and like his dad, has been known to overextend himself with multiple activities which over the last year have included eSports, basketball, Jiu-Jitsu, and taking piano lessons from our neighbor. Which brings me to my next point.
Sometimes we don't know where our energies devoted and even exhausted will have the greatest impact. As a newly made Mason, I joined the Scottish Rite the night after I was raised and am glad I did. As a counselor for Submariners, Marines and Coast Guard Service Members for the last 2 years, I also announced my availability to the incoming Grand Master to serve on the Committee for Military and Veterans Services on which I humbly continue to serve. During the last year of that assignment, and now, as a Senior Social Worker working for the VA in Silverdale, I began to appreciate that I wanted *and* needed more down time, and to maximize the meaning-making of my spare time through not just more Masonic activities, but what I define in a very personal way, as high-quality fellowship.
I have a great personal interest in esotericism and esoteric Freemasonry which is what initially attracted me to Scottish Rite Masonry. Traveling an hour each way to and from work and home over the last 6 years had begun to take its toll, and I began to mind the length - and the structural integrity of my cable tow with a great deal more intention. So, shortly before taking office as Junior Warden for our Lodge in Sequim last Fall, I began to focus my energies on savoring my journey to the East, becoming more proficient in what I consider to be both the more scientific (ritual, floorwork, etc.) and spiritual aspects of Masonry and its arts (entertaining, giving speeches, esotericism, visitation, etc.). I did this through trial and error by applying Stoic philosphy, which has become a touchstone and a supplement to the main modality I used in therapeutic interventions with Service Members - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe 'the dialectic' is of great use to our Fraternity, in that our focus on providing "good and wholesome instruction" should be didactic, and also mutually instructive so that we learn what our newly obligated Brothers need/ want from Masonry and from fellowship and then capably adapt what instruction we impart to them on that basis. I truly believe that development, my Brothers, is what all men who knock on our doors are seeking upon being accepted. Some seek personal glory or validation to be sure, however, the men who show up most regularly strike me as men who do not suffer 'going through the motions' of Masonry merely to tread water by maintaining or growing our membership. All who do show up regularly sacrifice other opportunities.
I pose a final question on the topic: do we have what it takes to collectively make the cost of giving up those opportunities 'worth paying'?
Whether it pertains to the value of "Proving Proficiency" or the value of creating experiences that our members will cherish as a part of their Masonic experiences, such as family friendly events, community service *with* their children, and significant others, Easter Egg hunts that allow them to mingle with non-Masonic Church friends, or barbecues where they can introduce Masonic Brethren to American Legion members, there may be opportunities that we miss as well to expand what we describe as our 'Masonic lives'
Doing so has enriched my life, as have various Masonic mentors who have shared profoundly from their experiences, giving time spent on Masonic 'arts and sciences' meaning to me personally, far beyond the common phrase, "...you get out of it what you put into it."
Thank you for this really thoughtful reply Brother. I appreciated reading your words. It seems that our journey in the Scottish Rite is quite similar, although I waited quite a few years before joining it. I was attracted to it because of my interest in the Esoteric, but I've not been particularly active, preferring to direct my energies towards Craft Masonry. That said, I've gained a great deal from the Scottish Rite. The Master Craftsman program, the Research Society, the Degree experience at Guthrie, these things have truly deepened my understanding and appreciation of Masonry. Perhaps someday I'll be in a position to be more active in the local bodies.
I've always loved attending our Annual Communications, and my favorite part each year is getting to see so many great Masons. But, as you mention, time is always extremely limited at that event.
We will though be right in your neck of the woods on September 20, for a full day and night of fellowship. Perhaps we can spend some time relaxing and talking then?
Thank you, in turn, for your most thoughtful and personal reply, and my apologies for the delayed response.
I too have gained a good deal from the Master Craftsman program, the related dedicated time to studying Craft Masonry, as well as joining the Philalathes Society, browsing the Scottish Rite Journal magazine, and listening to the podcast of the same name on my way to work in the morning.
Unfortunately, I've had a lot less free time to complete the remaining 2 courses in the Master Craftsman Course over the last 2 years, so I've fallen back on listening to podcasts, audiobook versions of the books used in the courses, and refocusing my energies on Blue Lodge work to help enrich the experience for incoming candidates with similar interests.
That said, my interest in the topic(s) retains the same intensity as before, and I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss the more esoteric aspects of Craft Masonry, the Scottish Rite, and other bodies with a knowledgeable and passionate Brother. As such, I deeply appreciate your offer of fellowship and will keep Saturday September 20, free.
MWPGM Bailey, I took my Entered Apprentice Degree in Webster Masonic Lodge No. 538 (a suburb of Rochester NY). I did not proceed with my Class of 4 EA's, as I wanted to perform the Q's & A's "perfectly"! So I waited several months, and had a Sgt. First Class from Arkansas who worked Q/A's with me as I drove a Staff Car across NY State (we were both on Active Guard Reserve Duty at 98th Division Training HQ).
After I was tested in a Lodge meeting, I was asked to demonstrate the EA Q/A's during numerous meetings for about 3 years.
Pulling the catechism off perfectly is quite an accomplishment, and gives a new Mason a lot of confidence moving forward. Plus, gives the Lodge a lot of confidence in him.
I can see where practicing with someone while driving would be just about a perfect environment for that. When I was going through the Degrees I lived a few miles up a Forest Service Road between the towns of Index and Skykomish, so it was about 45 minutes to civilization. I used those drives to practice, driving along and talking to myself.
A mason I knew (not saying who) recorded himself reciting the ritual, then burned the recording onto a CD so that he could listen to it on his way to and from work. He claimed his steering wheel knew the ritual better than he did.
Just who learns our ritual is interesting! That Mason's steering wheel, my dog, before he passed must have been quite proficient!
Masonry may be the only body that can provide this type of spiritual meaning to men. Our lodge believes that memorizing the degrees instills deeper knowledge of our craft. As such, there is a minimum of 5 months (5 stated meetings) between degrees so that a brother may thoroughly learn each important degree. When we commit something to memory, it truly become part of us.
I will note that one brother in our lodge is able to recite all three degrees, including posting lectures, at one sitting. It is impressive to witness.
I tend to agree that Freemasonry, for a lot of men, can be a profoundly spiritual experience. I've seen that through the years, even (maybe most often) with men who would not otherwise be considered 'spiritual.' But with many of these, they won't talk about that aspect of our Craft until there is a great deal of trust built up.
I think that a lot of the men coming to our Lodges today are looking for just that, and we do well to provide it.
In my Jurisdiction one can be recognized if he is able to recite our entire work as you mention. I believe that there are only 6 or 8 men able to do that in the entire Jurisdiction, my Lodge is lucky to have one of those men. He is highly prized for his superb Degree work.
This is interesting, and memorization is important to understand the symbolism of the degrees; however, I don't believe that Tarot Cards in the lodge are useful or instructive. In fact, some people find them offensive and demonic, especially brothers who are religious.
Undoubtedly you are correct, some would be bothered by Tarot cards. If a candidate was, we wouldn't use them. In the same way, and for the same reason, my Lodge doesn't use the Memento Mori symbolism with every candidate.
A Lodge working in harmony for the benefit of a candidate is a beautiful thing. No doubt our Brother will remember the evening fondly!
It was a more profound evening than I would have imagined, and than I can explain here with words. The trick to it was, I think, the preparation and thought of so many that went into it. We talked about it quite a bit as we devised the plan, to be sure that we could implement something meaningful.
It was done at the Brother's request, which is cool, because it gave us a chance to grow as well.
I remember my Mason father studying for proficiency tests. I realized then, it wasn’t just a social club.
Passing the traditional catechism or Posting Lecture to prove proficiency is quite an undertaking. I've often assumed that those who undertake it, and stick with that work throughout a long Masonic career are helping to ensure mental sharpness through advancing age. Exercising the mind for brain health as so many exercise for body health.
Absolutely!
MW Brother Bailey. I honestly lost myself for a moment, not quite knowing what to expect that evening. The mystery schools are a concept that I have read and fantasized about fairly extensively since the time I could read beyond "The Funnies" section of the newspaper. None of it could have prepared me for what I was about to experience.
I entered a dimly lit corridor, met by my Brethren, as they readied me to experience something truly unexpected. I was then given the chance to consider my Masonic journey since its inception. I found several handwritten, intentional, and meaningful inquiries as to my intentions and expectations, along with various items, thoughtfully arranged for consideration. It was clear that their purpose was to prepare me for my impending trial, and if successful the journey ahead.
However, upon knocking, I found myself awestruck as the doors were opened before me. The sight, sounds, and experience I beheld were breathtaking. My thoughts kept coming faster than I could speak them. It felt as though I was stepping into one of the timeless halls of those same mystery schools that I had only ever read about before. The gravity of being tested and tried before being permitted to take my place in the long line of Brethren before me filled the room. Upon the conclusion of this trial, I found my Brethren waiting to share in the experience, to impart further counsel, insight, and fellowship.
I truly appreciate the experience that was provided that night and can say with certainty it is one that will stay with me throughout this journey. Have a Blessed one Brother!
I am very pleased to know that it was such a profound experience for you. It is my hope that in the years to come we can continue this work for all of the Brothers who come behind us!
MWPGM Bailey, firstly, it was a pleasure to see you in person at Grand Lodge last month. I appreciate your taking the time to say hello and only wish we had been able to set aside more time for fellowship after finishing our labors for the day or over a meal.
Secondly, Brethren, I believe that we can all benefit from having a more "profound" experience of Freemasonry than is sometime offered in Lodges. I mean that in the strict sense of deepening our experiences, just as we would expand our list of what we serve as meals before our stated meetings beyond _____, ______, and green beans; I love green beans, by the way.
When we focus principally on making new Masons, we are right to do so, with what I believe is an important and multifaceted caveat. Retaining the interest of newly made Masons and igniting in them a perpetual desire for regular participation, cultivating their Masonic imagination, and contributing to the expansion of our aggregate experience of Freemasonry is an altogether different task.
I personally enjoy the variety of Masonic activities I can now participate in and share with others as a Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, and Noble of the Shrine. I bring a recently retired family friend who is in her 80s and was active in Rainbow Girls in her youth, and others whenever possible. I also bring my son to Masonic events and gently stimulate his interest in joining Demolay and the Boy Scouts while balancing that with the acknowledgement that he is 11, going into 6th grade in the fall, and like his dad, has been known to overextend himself with multiple activities which over the last year have included eSports, basketball, Jiu-Jitsu, and taking piano lessons from our neighbor. Which brings me to my next point.
Sometimes we don't know where our energies devoted and even exhausted will have the greatest impact. As a newly made Mason, I joined the Scottish Rite the night after I was raised and am glad I did. As a counselor for Submariners, Marines and Coast Guard Service Members for the last 2 years, I also announced my availability to the incoming Grand Master to serve on the Committee for Military and Veterans Services on which I humbly continue to serve. During the last year of that assignment, and now, as a Senior Social Worker working for the VA in Silverdale, I began to appreciate that I wanted *and* needed more down time, and to maximize the meaning-making of my spare time through not just more Masonic activities, but what I define in a very personal way, as high-quality fellowship.
I have a great personal interest in esotericism and esoteric Freemasonry which is what initially attracted me to Scottish Rite Masonry. Traveling an hour each way to and from work and home over the last 6 years had begun to take its toll, and I began to mind the length - and the structural integrity of my cable tow with a great deal more intention. So, shortly before taking office as Junior Warden for our Lodge in Sequim last Fall, I began to focus my energies on savoring my journey to the East, becoming more proficient in what I consider to be both the more scientific (ritual, floorwork, etc.) and spiritual aspects of Masonry and its arts (entertaining, giving speeches, esotericism, visitation, etc.). I did this through trial and error by applying Stoic philosphy, which has become a touchstone and a supplement to the main modality I used in therapeutic interventions with Service Members - Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
I believe 'the dialectic' is of great use to our Fraternity, in that our focus on providing "good and wholesome instruction" should be didactic, and also mutually instructive so that we learn what our newly obligated Brothers need/ want from Masonry and from fellowship and then capably adapt what instruction we impart to them on that basis. I truly believe that development, my Brothers, is what all men who knock on our doors are seeking upon being accepted. Some seek personal glory or validation to be sure, however, the men who show up most regularly strike me as men who do not suffer 'going through the motions' of Masonry merely to tread water by maintaining or growing our membership. All who do show up regularly sacrifice other opportunities.
I pose a final question on the topic: do we have what it takes to collectively make the cost of giving up those opportunities 'worth paying'?
Whether it pertains to the value of "Proving Proficiency" or the value of creating experiences that our members will cherish as a part of their Masonic experiences, such as family friendly events, community service *with* their children, and significant others, Easter Egg hunts that allow them to mingle with non-Masonic Church friends, or barbecues where they can introduce Masonic Brethren to American Legion members, there may be opportunities that we miss as well to expand what we describe as our 'Masonic lives'
Doing so has enriched my life, as have various Masonic mentors who have shared profoundly from their experiences, giving time spent on Masonic 'arts and sciences' meaning to me personally, far beyond the common phrase, "...you get out of it what you put into it."
Thank you for this really thoughtful reply Brother. I appreciated reading your words. It seems that our journey in the Scottish Rite is quite similar, although I waited quite a few years before joining it. I was attracted to it because of my interest in the Esoteric, but I've not been particularly active, preferring to direct my energies towards Craft Masonry. That said, I've gained a great deal from the Scottish Rite. The Master Craftsman program, the Research Society, the Degree experience at Guthrie, these things have truly deepened my understanding and appreciation of Masonry. Perhaps someday I'll be in a position to be more active in the local bodies.
I've always loved attending our Annual Communications, and my favorite part each year is getting to see so many great Masons. But, as you mention, time is always extremely limited at that event.
We will though be right in your neck of the woods on September 20, for a full day and night of fellowship. Perhaps we can spend some time relaxing and talking then?
https://emeth.substack.com/p/planning-the-great-masonic-party
Good morning, MW Brother Cameron.
Thank you, in turn, for your most thoughtful and personal reply, and my apologies for the delayed response.
I too have gained a good deal from the Master Craftsman program, the related dedicated time to studying Craft Masonry, as well as joining the Philalathes Society, browsing the Scottish Rite Journal magazine, and listening to the podcast of the same name on my way to work in the morning.
Unfortunately, I've had a lot less free time to complete the remaining 2 courses in the Master Craftsman Course over the last 2 years, so I've fallen back on listening to podcasts, audiobook versions of the books used in the courses, and refocusing my energies on Blue Lodge work to help enrich the experience for incoming candidates with similar interests.
That said, my interest in the topic(s) retains the same intensity as before, and I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss the more esoteric aspects of Craft Masonry, the Scottish Rite, and other bodies with a knowledgeable and passionate Brother. As such, I deeply appreciate your offer of fellowship and will keep Saturday September 20, free.
That is great, thank you! I look forward to seeing you on the 20th of September!