Some thoughts from an EA

mharrell · 02-18-2008, 02:42 PM

i joined my lodge about 6 months ago with another friend. in that time i have seen my buddy and 3 other candidates that came after me move on the FC and a couple already raised to MM.

i decided when i took my obligation to take things slow. i not only wanted to learn the lesson to give it well but i wanted to know the "why" of the language behind it. i will be giving my ea lesson the first of next month and look forward to moving the FC degree but i have some observations i'd like to share....

There seems to be a hard push to get people through the degrees as fast as possible. this is something i really don't understand. Many of the guys i have seen come behind me were raised in 2 months or less.

They were all able to prove proficient on the lesson but in talking with them about the actual meanings, they seem to know very little or even really care. the only emphasis seemed to be on the memorization. in discussing this with my instructor i was told he wished they all would slow down the way i have. that years ago this was not the way things were done.

in the last 6 months or so i have had MANY well meaning brothers pushing me to just go ahead and give it. i was ready verbally, but in my opinion not mentally. i wanted to KNOW the lesson not just give it.

Am i some oddball or should i speed things up? i take obligations very seriously and here to be educated as well as socialise with my brothers.

mike

cemab4y · 02-18-2008, 02:56 PM

You are certainly not an oddball. In Europe, it is commonplace for an individual to spend ONE YEAR between the degrees of Craft Masonry. The time is spent on reflection, contemplation, study. Often, a newly made mason, is required to prepare a paper, and deliver a presentation in open lodge.

You may wish to view this information about "Traditional Observance" lodges.

http://www.masonicrestoration.com/tomasonry.html

Albert Pike, who refurbished Scottish Rite Masonry, wanted the 29 operative degrees to take one year EACH. You can now do the entire Scottish Rite degrees in one day.

I am delighted to hear of your desire to make your Masonic experience more meaningful. May the Great Architect of the Universe guide your steps.

mharrell · 02-18-2008, 03:01 PM

thanks.

i have to say i was SHOCKED when i was told about making 32nd in a weekend. it really seems to me to diminsh the teachings when you only get a few of the degrees and then all of them in a day.

i plan to go through the SR eventually. i will likely wait a bit before i do it.

cemab4y · 02-22-2008, 01:44 PM

I am a Scottish Rite mason. The southern jurisdiction of the SR, permits one-day classes. You arrive at the SR building, at 0600am, and get a breakfast, all 29 operative degrees, are either conferred (acted out on stage), or communicated (read aloud). Some SR groups (they are called "valleys") will do the ceremonial work over a weekend.

I took the SR experience on two Saturdays, in Alexandria VA. It just depends on what the preference is in your particular valley.

When Albert Pike 33rd, re-designed the rituals for the Scottish Rite, he intended for men to take as long as a year, between the degrees.

I encourage you to concentrate on your Craft lodge degrees for now. Once you are a Master Mason, you have the option of petitioning for the Scottish Rite immediately, or waiting some time.

I wish you luck in Masonry, whatever you decide to do.

roughashlar · 02-25-2008, 01:07 AM

In many states it is a requirement that one must be a Master Mason before one can attend Lodge-- Stated Communications MUST take place only on that degree.

The largest SR Consistatory (pardon if that is not the right term) offer the 4th - 32nd degree over a year, one every two weeks. Still much too fast but better than all in one day, imo.

roughashlar

Jayman · 02-28-2008, 09:04 AM

If you want to take your time to truly learn and appreciate the teachings, you will be a better person for it.

And isn't that what counts?

mharrell · 02-28-2008, 09:32 AM

that is pretty much my feeling. i have found a LOT in the ea lesson i simply would have never noticed or considered had i just rushed through the memmorization.

i am betting the FC will be equally as enlightening

TM274 · 03-04-2008, 02:58 AM

I think I understand your situation and I agree with you. The time phase for me from EA - MM was something like 6 months. I felt I was not rushed, but having that time delay meant that I was able to go to meetings and I could ask questions and get answers. It usually meant that I got kicked out when the degree, in which I was not privvy too, was opened. and I could rejoin on closing down.
If you feel your being rushed..........say so.
I've heard that many members go through the degrees quickly in the USA and there must be some reason, but here in Western Australia........we like to take it slowly. In fact our last candidate waited something like 9 months due to other events occurring. I'm sure he is better off for the experience.
Good things happen to those who take their time.

Tony Mahon
Lodge Illyarrie 219

NY Mason · 03-06-2008, 08:17 PM

The Average time in my lodge is approximately 8 months from initiation to raising. The Brothers must be proficient and demonstrate it in order to advance. There are some who take longer and like wise some who take a shorter amount of time.

cemab4y · 03-08-2008, 11:16 AM

The time necessary to progress through the degrees of Craft Masonry, varies from state to state. In Kentucky, A man will submit a petition, and it must be read in open lodge. The lodge appoints a committee, to investigate the man. The committee reports back, favorable or unfavorable. If the vote is clear, then the individual will be notified to report to the EA degree. This process can take from a month to two months.

Normally, a man must spend 28 days, between EA/FC and from FC/MM. Only in special circumstances can the time be shortened. (During World War 2, some lodges worked "around the clock", to complete the masonic degree work on an individual who was being sent overseas into combat). So, the time from initial application to raising to a MM, can take about 4 months or so, in Kentucky.

Some states, like Ohio and Virginia, have one-day classes. The application and investigation process is identical to the traditional process, but the entire degree work takes place on one day. The man is told to report to lodge at 0600am on a Saturday, and then he walks out of the building at 600pm, a Master Mason.