Will be petitioning next week - Page 2

Jayman · 10-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billbradford

An update - the process took a bit longer due to a new Secretary getting settled in at the Lodge, but I made it through the interview process and the vote last Wednesday night was all favorable!

My initiation as an EA is scheduled for this Thursday night the 9th of October.

great news!

don't forget to clip your toenails.

HCL41 · 10-08-2008, 09:57 PM

I hate to post a big piece here but I liked it very much and would like to pass it on to you. It is a paper posted on " the digital free mason " web page . The only regret of my run up to my initiation is that I studied masonry to much and it took some of the impact out of the ceremony, but I am a digger and like to go into things eyes wide open as it were.

"Things I Wish I Had Been Told

This paper deals with some of the things I wish I had been told both before and after my initiation – information, I am sure, that would be of interest and benefit to any new or almost new Mason. These are only a few of the things I have found lacking in my own experience; they could probably be multiplied many times throughout our membership.

To begin with, I should have been told that upon my entrance into the lodge I would find that I was entering upon a solemn and dignified ceremony; that this ceremony was to be performed for MY benefit; that there would be no horseplay, no hilarity or other such actions. I wish I had been told that my being blindfolded was of very important significance the reason being explained to me before the ceremony was completed; and that I had no reason to be fearful, but rather that I should try to relax and concentrate on all that I should hear. This is most important if a new candidate is to be properly impressed with his first introduction to our fraternity.

Consider the destructive approach instilled in the mind of the candidate who is told he will "ride the 'Goat" as a portrayal of evil. The mythical Pan was half goat to signify that nature was half evil. Does irresponsible reference to such a symbol have any proper place in the introduction of a candidate to our fraternity? I think not. Furthermore, such untrue threats to the comfort of the candidate can hardly be expected to place him at ease that he might benefit fully from our ceremonies.

I wish I had been told that before I became a full fledged Mason in the ordinary sense of the word, that I would have to pass through three similar ceremonies, and that I would have to do a certain amount of memory work; also that this memory work should not worry me beforehand as all Masons before me had handled it satisfactorily and that any man or normal mentality would have no trouble with it – in fact most Masons had quite enjoyed it.

I wish I had been told that I would not gain any direct material benefits by joining the "Masons" – that Masonry is a way of life, the building of a new and better character, a new and better outlook on life, a new and better association with my fellowman, the numerous benefits of which would ultimately far outweigh any immediate material benefits which I might at the moment have erroneously hoped to gain.

I wish I had been told that Masonry was of a religious nature, that its ceremonies and teachings were based on the Sacred Volume, but that it neither was nor is intended to take the place of any actual religion. That the Holy Bible lying open upon our altar should be an incentive to take a more active part in the religion of our choice.

I wish I had been told the meanings of all the things that were told to me during the Lectures that were given. These lectures have far too much Masonic teaching in them to be absorbed and understood by an initiate on only one evening and at only one presentation. The whole story of Masonry is outlined in these lectures, and the enlargement and study of them is the very aim of "Masonic Education." It is certainly not enough to tell a new Mason that attendance at lodge is the best way to gain further knowledge of these teachings – especially in many of the smaller country lodges where new candidates may come along once every two to three years. The newly made Mason may have wandered off long before this, because of lack of interest on the part of the lodge. I am sure that any time spent by the lodge and its members in explanation and instruction after the degree ceremonies would do much toward making another good Mason.

I wish that I had had proper "in lodge" conduct explained to me early. I wish I had been informed of the importance of training myself to lay aside any ill feelings I might have had within me prior to entering lodge, of training myself in the art of entering into the discussion of problems without losing my temper, my composure, my dignity. An understanding of the rules of lodge procedure, lodge etiquette and lodge conduct in general are very necessary to the brother who would like to make an effective contribution to the workings of his lodge. Moreover, it would build his confidence and help him to improve his abilities in performing ritual duties imposed upon him. Many worthwhile suggestions and opinions have probably gone to waste; many excellent ritualistic performers have probably gone undiscovered only for want of a little bit of instruction and a little bit of assistance in "public speaking."

I wish that I had been told more than "ask one of the older members for the answers." I wish I had been referred to some of the thousands of volumes of Masonic literature available on every conceivable subject. Such a reference to specific books and publications would help to keep my curiosity whetted.

One thing I wish I had NOT been told is that smutty story at refreshment period. Nothing could ever be more out of place, in fact more contrary and in direct violation of our by-laws. To advise a candidate that he is attending a solemn and dignified ceremony; to perform that ceremony as promised; then within the hour to subject him to a profane and indecent story supposedly in the name of humour, is unwarranted, untimely, unwanted, unnecessary and extremely Un-Masonic. "

By: Bro. Robert Shields; Oyen Lodge, No. 104; Presented at a meeting of District No. 14, GRA October, 1967; Published in GRAND LODGE BULLETIN, GRA; March 1968.

chgregory · 10-09-2008, 10:57 AM

My Brother,

As you so clearly pointed out, it is unmasonic behavior. I am truly sorry your day was solied with such rancor.

Each person brings some flavor to the lodge, we may not be fans of salt or pepper, but the stew is there for many to enjoy. I agree I an unfond of "off color" humor, and what I have choosen to do is tell people in advance, it is just not my cup of tea. Not rudely, not in anger, I find a moment when it seems possible to mention the issue and slide it into the conversation.

Since I spend more than 30 years in the Navy, I have become an expert at passing that data along. Same for swearing and crousing. Men know how I feel and have so far been pretty tolerant of my choice.

It is necessary that you make your feeling known as some men do not agree with them, and in their lives, crudeness is normal. Masons come from all walks of life, differences are normal and bound to happen, but if you are here to make yourself a better man, and to help others achieve the same thing, you can use that as a time to help you achieve those goals. I might well have offered a kind bit of council to the offending brother, quitely wispered into his ear, that he had somewhat deminished my joy in this important moment in my life.

Just my humble opinion.

S&F,

lonestarjhawk · 10-09-2008, 11:12 AM

Have a great evening tonight. You will be changed forever.

Doug

Mystic knight · 10-09-2008, 05:16 PM

Wow! That's like tonight. Did they mention the goat Bill? Good luck! Keep us posted.

Mystic knight · 10-09-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HCL41

I hate to post a big piece here but I liked it very much and would like to pass it on to you. It is a paper posted on " the digital free mason " web page . The only regret of my run up to my initiation is that I studied masonry to much and it took some of the impact out of the ceremony, but I am a digger and like to go into things eyes wide open as it were.

"Things I Wish I Had Been Told

This paper deals with some of the things I wish I had been told both before and after my initiation – information, I am sure, that would be of interest and benefit to any new or almost new Mason. These are only a few of the things I have found lacking in my own experience; they could probably be multiplied many times throughout our membership.

To begin with, I should have been told that upon my entrance into the lodge I would find that I was entering upon a solemn and dignified ceremony; that this ceremony was to be performed for MY benefit; that there would be no horseplay, no hilarity or other such actions. I wish I had been told that my being blindfolded was of very important significance the reason being explained to me before the ceremony was completed; and that I had no reason to be fearful, but rather that I should try to relax and concentrate on all that I should hear. This is most important if a new candidate is to be properly impressed with his first introduction to our fraternity.

Consider the destructive approach instilled in the mind of the candidate who is told he will "ride the 'Goat" as a portrayal of evil. The mythical Pan was half goat to signify that nature was half evil. Does irresponsible reference to such a symbol have any proper place in the introduction of a candidate to our fraternity? I think not. Furthermore, such untrue threats to the comfort of the candidate can hardly be expected to place him at ease that he might benefit fully from our ceremonies.

I wish I had been told that before I became a full fledged Mason in the ordinary sense of the word, that I would have to pass through three similar ceremonies, and that I would have to do a certain amount of memory work; also that this memory work should not worry me beforehand as all Masons before me had handled it satisfactorily and that any man or normal mentality would have no trouble with it – in fact most Masons had quite enjoyed it.

I wish I had been told that I would not gain any direct material benefits by joining the "Masons" – that Masonry is a way of life, the building of a new and better character, a new and better outlook on life, a new and better association with my fellowman, the numerous benefits of which would ultimately far outweigh any immediate material benefits which I might at the moment have erroneously hoped to gain.

I wish I had been told that Masonry was of a religious nature, that its ceremonies and teachings were based on the Sacred Volume, but that it neither was nor is intended to take the place of any actual religion. That the Holy Bible lying open upon our altar should be an incentive to take a more active part in the religion of our choice.

I wish I had been told the meanings of all the things that were told to me during the Lectures that were given. These lectures have far too much Masonic teaching in them to be absorbed and understood by an initiate on only one evening and at only one presentation. The whole story of Masonry is outlined in these lectures, and the enlargement and study of them is the very aim of "Masonic Education." It is certainly not enough to tell a new Mason that attendance at lodge is the best way to gain further knowledge of these teachings – especially in many of the smaller country lodges where new candidates may come along once every two to three years. The newly made Mason may have wandered off long before this, because of lack of interest on the part of the lodge. I am sure that any time spent by the lodge and its members in explanation and instruction after the degree ceremonies would do much toward making another good Mason.

I wish that I had had proper "in lodge" conduct explained to me early. I wish I had been informed of the importance of training myself to lay aside any ill feelings I might have had within me prior to entering lodge, of training myself in the art of entering into the discussion of problems without losing my temper, my composure, my dignity. An understanding of the rules of lodge procedure, lodge etiquette and lodge conduct in general are very necessary to the brother who would like to make an effective contribution to the workings of his lodge. Moreover, it would build his confidence and help him to improve his abilities in performing ritual duties imposed upon him. Many worthwhile suggestions and opinions have probably gone to waste; many excellent ritualistic performers have probably gone undiscovered only for want of a little bit of instruction and a little bit of assistance in "public speaking."

I wish that I had been told more than "ask one of the older members for the answers." I wish I had been referred to some of the thousands of volumes of Masonic literature available on every conceivable subject. Such a reference to specific books and publications would help to keep my curiosity whetted.

One thing I wish I had NOT been told is that smutty story at refreshment period. Nothing could ever be more out of place, in fact more contrary and in direct violation of our by-laws. To advise a candidate that he is attending a solemn and dignified ceremony; to perform that ceremony as promised; then within the hour to subject him to a profane and indecent story supposedly in the name of humour, is unwarranted, untimely, unwanted, unnecessary and extremely Un-Masonic. "

By: Bro. Robert Shields; Oyen Lodge, No. 104; Presented at a meeting of District No. 14, GRA October, 1967; Published in GRAND LODGE BULLETIN, GRA; March 1968.

Keep in mind Bro. Gregory that HCL41 did not write this. It was written back in 1967, but is still relevant today. I don't agree with all of it, but do understand. The goat thing is a tradition. A joke, but also a test. If a little goat scares you off from becoming a Mason then I doubt you were too serious to begin with. Everyone comes in unknowing, scared and nervous. I think it is better not to know. You are completely putting your trust, your very self, into the hands of your brethren. That is the whole idea. One's imagination runs wild. If you can't trust these guys that you will call brethren then you shouldn't be there.

Concerning telling what is part of the ritual. That is unMasonic. And no one should be told prior to having their EA ceremony.

It's true the new guy is left in the dark too much. I wasn't even told that when you visit a lodge you had to step and sign the Worshipful Master and introduce yourself so you can imagine what a surprise when it suddenly came to me. They can't tell you everything though. It would not be appropriate or timely. Learning all of Masonic culture, lessons, administrative rules and history takes a lifetime!

chgregory · 10-09-2008, 05:52 PM

Boy, I feel silly, I did not see the date....but the feeling is the same today.

S&F,

TM274 · 10-09-2008, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billbradford

An update - the process took a bit longer due to a new Secretary getting settled in at the Lodge, but I made it through the interview process and the vote last Wednesday night was all favorable!

My initiation as an EA is scheduled for this Thursday night the 9th of October.

Congratulations and I truly hope you enjoy the ceremony. It's one you won't forget. Look forward to "hearing" how it all went.
Take care.

The Seeker · 10-09-2008, 09:10 PM

Congratulations brother Bill. You have to come back here tomorrow and tell us about your experience.

HCL41 · 10-09-2008, 09:23 PM

I understand about the goat thing as well, and dont nescessarily agree with all points but I do like the paper , but I feel as it detracts from the solemness of the occasion. In my mind it makes a mockery of it in part at least. Being prepared before the initiation is already a unerving experience. I have heard of one brother that told his wife to wait out by the street with the car running in case he had to jump out the window. Now that would be an interesting initiation had he done it .