LarryW

The EA or FC is examined in open Lodge and must pass "to the satisfaction of the Master". There is discussion on how to object to an EA's or FC's advancement, and the only objection address is for unMasonic conduct.

LarryW

Well, according to a section of our By-Laws, we do have a petition for advancement. I didn't submit one; the wording in our By-Laws suggests that one would use it when petitioning a Lodge different than the one originally petitioned. For example, if one was initiated in one Lodge but moved, he could petition a different Lodge for advancement. This isn't the same as degrees by courtesy, which has a different process.

Landy77

When I was going through my EA degree the WM made mistakes and had to be corrected. Does this mean he should not be a WM? I would not consider the thought. In retrospect I can say I had a memorable degree and one I can look back on and be proud of. So if a person is not as proficient as a lodge would like in my humble opinion that defect would fall on his instructor for not recognizing the candidate wasn't ready.

LarryW

I'm happy that you did enjoy the evening. You have two more; the prettiest, IMHO, and the most symbolic (again IMHO).
Please don't judge the Master or his instructor too harshly. There may be any number of reasons why the mistakes were made. His Lodge trusted him enough that they allowed him to confer the degree, and he trusted them enough to provide guidance when he needed it.

When you were initiated, you were presented with the working tools of an Entered Apprentice and were explained the symbolism of their use and the symbolism of the ashlars. With those in mind, remember that our desire is the perfection of our ashlar. We may never attain perfection before we join the Celestial Lodge, but our efforts and labors should not be outshined by a few minor mistakes made in one small corner of our ashlar.

In our ritual work, there are tens of thousands of words and phrases, most in a language that is very old and not in popular use outside Masonry. I am humbled by those Brethren who have mastered the entire ritual (words and floor work) of the Lodge and those of concordant bodies (and of the youth groups they support). They set an example of what can be done.

But at the same time I am encouraging of those who still labor toward perfection and supportive of their efforts. Without that encouragement and support, they might not give as much of their time and effort to that goal and might not wish to participate in ritual work.

Peace to you in your travels.

Landy77

I am not critical of the WM that conferred my degree. I am pointing out that if a candidate is not prepared enough for his next step then the responsibility falls on his instructor. I could not imagine the WM or anyone else conferring a degree not to need a queue now and then with the shear volume of information that is required to learn. I'm just posing the question of where is the line between being ready or not ready for a candidates next step? I have no doubt this candidate in question learned what was required of him, but was he nervous or not studied enough not to need prompts from his brothers?
After my EA I was asked "You will be ready for your FC next month right?" I pondered the question and thought that would be a tall order even though I'm sure its done all the time. So the candidate may have sacrificed accuracy for completing as soon as possible or any number of reasons. So if I was faced with voting on a candidate that in my opinion did poorly I would have voted yes and expressed my criticism quietly to his instructor for not being ready. But everyone has their own approach.

gkatchue

Here in NC the candidate is required to pass his proficiency in an open lodge but only the WM can decide if it is satisfactory or not. I have been at many catechisms and have found none that I would say were not satisfactory. Having been in their position I know how hard it is as should all of you.
Remember Masonry is about making good men better not perfect.
There was only 1 perfect man and he gave his life for our sins.

dwildes

Here in Massachusetts the Master's word is law and it is the decision of the Master and only the Master to decide not only if the candidate is proficient, but what the very definition of proficiency is in that lodge. There is no vote. The master can have the candidate exemplify before the entire lodge or privately with as few people present as simply himself and the candidate if he likes. He can even simply take the work of the candidate's instructor should he choose to. Master's word is law.

D. W. Brown

Well, this is an old topic but looks like some clarity is in order. The candidate I was speaking about in my first message had PLENTY of time to get ready, I believe that the instructor said he sat with him over 50 times, trying to teach him.

I'm sorry call me an elitist or what you will but the dumbing down of our fraternity has severely hurt us in multiple ways.

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Dale Brown, 3°
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