newguy0211

Hello Brothers,

I am David and I have just joined. I have a couple of questions, Next Tuesday is my first real meeting. I want to know how I should go about introducing myself, when I can give the first degree hand shake too, how to address people and how to know their rank. Please help me out, also I know will know in a while but how do I go about getting a ring? Do I buy one or wait for one to be given to me?

Thanks brothers,

David

D. W. Brown

First welcome to the fraternity.

David it depends on your lodge but I would not worry about introductions and such. Don't worry about any handshakes either no one is going to ask you to remember the EA shake this early. Rings are your choice, I've not heard of an Antient lodge buying rings for it's members.

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Dale Brown, 3°
TBL Staff
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Must Reads for Every Mason:

A Peculiar System of Morality | Laudable Pursuit | The Ancient Landmarks
The Truth About the Antients and the Moderns | It's About Time
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Must Visit Links for Masons:

Grand Orient de France | Grand Orient of the United States of America
The Burning Taper | Halcyon Lodge | The Philalethes Society
Regulus Lodge | Sirius Lodge | Emeth Lodge

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Pickens Plan

MikeS.

Welcome Brother David from another new EA.

prezac

Brother,

Though in my lodge in Nebraska we don't typically have EA's and FC's in ledge meetings until they reach MM's. But I can help you recognizing what level they are at. Look at the apron. The apron not only shows your what level difference, but also those who are officers and/or been past masters. EA, FC, and MM's generally don't wear the same style with the aprons. So this could be of assistance to you with your lodge.

cemab4y

In the USA, most masonic lodge meetings are open to Master Masons only, (except of course, degree work). You should check with your lodge secretary, prior to attending. You may be refused admittance, until you complete the MM degree.

Don't get too hung up, on introductions. You are now a brother, and all masons worldwide are your brothers. Just use your name. As far as titles, in the USA, the only mason who is addressed by title is the Worshipful Master, whom you may address as "worshipful". He, too, is your brother, consider him a "first among equals".

Depending on your state, you should not wear or display any Masonic jewelry (bling), until you have completed your Master Mason degree. Again, check with your lodge secretary, or lodge parliamentarian, to make sure.

I know of no lodges that purchase rings for new masons. If you wish to wear a ring, after you complete the MM degree, you may wish to shop for one, on e-bay, or in a local pawn shop. Myself, I have my Grandfather's heirloom ring, that I wear on special occasions only. I bought an "everyday" ring in a hock-shop. I bought a stainless-steel ring for $50, that wear when I am overseas. (I work in Iraq now).

If you have any questions about Masonic protocol, please feel free to post them here, or send me a PM

Charles E. Martin
Taji,Iraq
cemab4y@hotmail.com