"Never will the Master get the best cooperation in putting on a degree if he himself cannot "do
the work." The Master who knows his ritual can lead; he who will not-- or cannot--"learn the work" is in a poor position to criticize faulty performances by others. Hence, an early study is important. The degrees of Freemasonry are among the beautiful ceremonies of the world. They should be inspiring,
uplifting, heartening, lovely to hear. If they fall short of perfection the Master is responsible--aye, even if he have only inefficient helpers, his is the responsibility.
Both Lodge and Master owe service to those elected to receive the degrees. The elected candidate has signed his petition, answered the questions, paid his fees, stood his investigation, come when called, submitted to proper preparation. Now his brethren-to-be are so to induct him into the mysteries that he may desire with all his heart to become "a good and faithful brother among us." He is entitled to a degree which will impress him; he has a right to hear the grand old words so spoken that they will make a deep and lasting impression on his mind. What he sees and hears should convince him of the age, the dignity, the importance, the solemnity of the Ancient Craft. All this is a Master's work. The
wise Warden lets no time go by before preparing himself for those busy days ahead, and regards dignified degrees, well put on, as important both to Lodge and candidates. "
Such true words, still as valid today as they were 90 years ago, or 300 years ago. The master of the lodge should have conferred all three degrees, or at least demonstrated that he can perform the ritual before ascending to the east. Not just perform, but perform well, with feeling and authority. A man petitioning a lodge only receives his degrees once, you better make sure you do the best job you can, with the best people you can. Period. There is no excuse for poor ritual work during a degree. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, that is going to happen to even the best versed men. But making the best effort to perfection is better than a casual attempt at getting through it.
"Never will the Master get the best cooperation in putting on a degree if he himself cannot "do
the work." The Master who knows his ritual can lead; he who will not-- or cannot--"learn the work" is in a poor position to criticize faulty performances by others. Hence, an early study is important. The degrees of Freemasonry are among the beautiful ceremonies of the world. They should be inspiring,
uplifting, heartening, lovely to hear. If they fall short of perfection the Master is responsible--aye, even if he have only inefficient helpers, his is the responsibility.
Both Lodge and Master owe service to those elected to receive the degrees. The elected candidate has signed his petition, answered the questions, paid his fees, stood his investigation, come when called, submitted to proper preparation. Now his brethren-to-be are so to induct him into the mysteries that he may desire with all his heart to become "a good and faithful brother among us." He is entitled to a degree which will impress him; he has a right to hear the grand old words so spoken that they will make a deep and lasting impression on his mind. What he sees and hears should convince him of the age, the dignity, the importance, the solemnity of the Ancient Craft. All this is a Master's work. The
wise Warden lets no time go by before preparing himself for those busy days ahead, and regards dignified degrees, well put on, as important both to Lodge and candidates. "
Such true words, still as valid today as they were 90 years ago, or 300 years ago. The master of the lodge should have conferred all three degrees, or at least demonstrated that he can perform the ritual before ascending to the east. Not just perform, but perform well, with feeling and authority. A man petitioning a lodge only receives his degrees once, you better make sure you do the best job you can, with the best people you can. Period. There is no excuse for poor ritual work during a degree. Yes, everyone makes mistakes, that is going to happen to even the best versed men. But making the best effort to perfection is better than a casual attempt at getting through it.