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Posted at: 5:17 pm “Finally!” This was the cry of relief in my jurisdiction when the Grand Lodge decided to return (partly) to the requirement that a man cannot be Master unless he has memorized at least one degree lecture. The requirement had been three lectures, but that requirement went by the way-side. Then, about two years ago, the Grand Lodge brought back the requirement that made one lecture mandatory. Well, good! For in the ensuing years it was harder and harder to find men who knew the lectures. Some lodges got to the point where, without the requirement, and after the death of one or two key lecturers, they could not put on their own degrees! In fact, my Lodge was one of those. We did not have any men who were available to deliver the lectures…and we were glad to have the requirement installed. Many may say that this only proves men will rise to expectations, no matter who they are or how low the expectations may be. I believe this to be true. No matter how dedicated I happen to be as a Mason, it was this requirement that pushed me to learn a lecture. Now, sadly, there is rumor afoot that a proposition will be made to remove the requirement completely. The main reasoning behind this is that some Lodges will have to close because “it’s too hard to find men who know the Lectures.” Well, too bad. I learned a lecture because I had to…and because I wanted to. But I would have taken my sweet time to do it if being installed as Master did not depend on the requirement. It is goal setting and achieving…within time limits…that motivates men to do their best. I am no saint, and I am not (by any definition) the perfect Mason. But to remove this requirement is to remove the motivation - at least at some level. I cannot imagine why such short-sightedness still permeates our Craft. I cannot see why we still have one-day classes, as if raising a bunch of men at a time is some kind of achievement! Balderdash! Let us go back to the real old days; When men advanced only after spending a year as an apprentice, When Masters knew ALL the work before ascending to sit in the East, When Masons gave their time and effort (dare we call it the ‘work’ of a Mason) in order to improve themselves in Freemasonry. RAISE the expectations, and men will achieve those standards. Lower them, and men will meet those as well. Either way…the choice is ours. |
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January 30, 2008
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Amen!!
Comment by Mr. Ed — January 30, 2008 @ 7:45 pm
As a newly made Master Mason I am begining to learn new things in Freemasonry. One of the most key vital lessons that I have learned is that the future of Freemasonry is up to me. As a Master Mason it is my duty to learn lectures, rituals and everything else Freemasonry. This is so that I may serve my lodge and Brothers new and old and to ensure that the future of the lodge of that I am a member will survive. We as Master Masons should want to learn lectures and ritual and not be told to. My choice is to learn.
Comment by Leonard M — January 30, 2008 @ 11:14 pm
I am a new mason and it was required of me (through social contract and not my lodge) that I learn a lecture before being raised. The result has been striving to learn and perform more lectures and be an asset to my lodge. I would go as far as saying the requirement of 3 lectures is not really pulling teeth. I believe that by the time a mason is a PM, they should be able to sit in any chair, any degree and perform. By having men take time to learn the lectures and their purpose before arriving in the east is dedication. I know of a brother who has not yet sat in the east in his lodge and does just that.
Besides…to me the intent of learning the lecture is to deliver it to someone else with meaning and to deliver the lecture better than it was received. That is what we strive for as masons.
Comment by David F — January 31, 2008 @ 1:42 am
I agree. We should not be relaxing requirements. For me, the requirement to learn material is not just for the sack of memorizing, but to ensure that the work of the Craft maintains its quality.
We need higher standards…everywhere.
Comment by Carter — January 31, 2008 @ 9:05 am
I concur, I am lucky enough to be a member of a lodge where ritual is taken very seriously. I was raised in August and this wednesday I will be proving up with the first lecture of the third degree. this was not manadatory but I enjoy it and it is clear to see the amount of respect given and recieved for well performed work. I also do it as a challenge to myself.
Comment by Skiking76 — January 31, 2008 @ 9:16 am
Agreed. Can you imagine if other institutions began making it easier to achieve necessary goals? Say a 4 year degree is available in 6 months, the value of the degree goes down and you have an idiot with a college degree. Say basic training in the military is shortened to two weeks, or law school is now 9 months instead of three years. People would scoff in surprise if these became the norm but for some reason Masons dig the idea of not having to do anything before he can run the lodge. The lack of proper requirements for becoming Master has produced a healthy chunk of utterly incopetent Masons and even worse, Masters. I take pride in learning my lectures, sure its difficult but so is anything worth working for. If the requirement goes back to all three lectures for Master, then so be it. I will do what is necessary.
Comment by emeraldi42 — January 31, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Bravo! I totally agree with your sentiment, brother.
Comment by Josh — January 31, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Amen, again!
Comment by Mr. Ed — January 31, 2008 @ 7:53 pm