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Originally posted by network dude
A 21 year old will be initiated into my lodge in a few weeks. If he studies well,and isn't afraid to work hard, he can become a master mason in 6 months or less. If he does that, he may still be able to attend the Scottish Rite Reunion this fall. That would mean that a 21 year old would be a 32nd degree mason before years end. It's not a difficult process.
I am a bit concerned at how SirKnightE thinks one attains the 33rd degree. You do not have to spend money to get it. You cannot buy it. You cannot ask for it. You cannot get it any other way than giving your heart to others. Spending time trying to do the things we as masons, do to help our brothers and our communities. All this is the Scottish Rite. I cannot speak for the York Rite, but a few others here can.
Originally posted by thefreemasontruth
reply to post by SirKnightE
So what would you say your views on this "OWO/NWO" that your Mason brother spoke about?
Also what was he's tone when he mentioned this to you,what kind of vibe did you get? if you don't mind me asking
Originally posted by SamTGonzalez
reply to post by SirKnightE
I call bulls**t.
You aren't a mason lol. Nice try though.
Originally posted by getreadyalready
reply to post by SirKnightE
I think a lot of us have the same complaints. My state (Florida) is guilty of everything you just mentioned. 1-day degrees, only need 3 degrees to join Shrine, questionable characters being initiated just because they need the dues money. Hardly anybody returns catechisms anymore. My Lodge is one of the exceptions, but we are also one of the poorest lodges, because we don't just initiate everybody. At Grand Lodge, we almost always vote in contrast to the majority of the other lodges, and we are known for being a little bit ornery and contrary, but we follow the will of the craft.
I still believe in Masonry as well, but I believe we have devalued it by making it easier to get in, and easier to progress, and some of our newest members do not show the healthy respect that is due. During my year as WM, I actually kicked out some members for speaking improperly, wearing shorts and flipflops, etc. It was like a whole year of Masonic Education, by the end of the year, people were standing up, waiting for permission from the WM, addressing the WM instead of each other, and coming to Lodge dressed like men instead of skateboarders. It was a quite an entertaining transition for some of the older members that had watched it slide and slide backwards. Contrary to what most members were afraid of, we actually increased our membership and had a couple of members switch over to our lodge. New members in our lodge now prepare meals, do maintenance, return catechisms and teach the next class of catechisms. We are about 3 years out from when we started that transition, and our membership is booming, and our meetings are much fuller, and we are now building a "degree team" that will travel around the district to help other Lodges.
It is amazing what a little respect and discipline can add in value!edit on 11-2-2011 by getreadyalready because: (no reason given)
It is an Obligation to your fellow brothers.
It is an OATH to GOD.