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colineglos wrote:How about a proper timescale for all Degrees
EA - on entrance
FC - 12months later
MM- 3-6 months later
And no less than 4 weeks (from a previous degree) Rule 172 BoC
Ive seen a number of EAs' (and a couple of FCs) leave Freemasonry altogether. One of their most common reasons for doing so is the lack of Transparency when it comes to the Interval between Degrees.
I spent two years as an EA! (Still feel the solitude on the bench). The reason, my mother lodge was dominated by the old-guard. When it was time to move brethren up a degree all hell and panic broke out. Officers were seconded from other lodges, and the WM was often replaced (with his blessing) as he could,nt handle the ritual. Having looked around this forum, you can still see those EA's and FC's "chomping at the bit" - desperate for that tiny spark of info, which would Im sure would make their journey through Freemasonry alot more happier and less stressful.
We should be alot more transparent with these "time frames". OK you could say "how longs a piece piece of string" and all that. But we owe it to prospective new members to given them an idea of their commitment, financial and otherwise.
S & F,
Colin
Stevecoath wrote:my own personal opinion is that it is up to the candidate when to proceed, but taking into account other work.
For instance, a candidate is initiated, the next meeting raised but the next meeting is the Installation, then the next it is the initiation of another candidate.
Now the possible options for meeting 4 would be a Raising, and then an Initiation but this is not always practicable.
or explain to the newly passed Brother the lodge programme and that he will be Raised at meeting 5.
If he is not happy and prepared to wait then that shows he is not really ready.
On the other hand I have also heard of circumstances where a Raising is prioritized over an Initiation so as to get a member for Chapter.
Lazza21 wrote:In the early days of Speculative Freemasonry it was not unusual for a candidate to proceed through all degrees at one meeting.
Both the two and later three degree systems. I did mine in one year but I have seen others wait several years to reach the third.
Surely this is a matter for individual private Lodges to determine but I must agree that candidates should be informed, a job for
their proposer and/or Lodge Mentor.
colineglos wrote:Stevecoath wrote:my own personal opinion is that it is up to the candidate when to proceed, but taking into account other work.
For instance, a candidate is initiated, the next meeting raised but the next meeting is the Installation, then the next it is the initiation of another candidate.
Now the possible options for meeting 4 would be a Raising, and then an Initiation but this is not always practicable.
or explain to the newly passed Brother the lodge programme and that he will be Raised at meeting 5.
If he is not happy and prepared to wait then that shows he is not really ready.
On the other hand I have also heard of circumstances where a Raising is prioritized over an Initiation so as to get a member for Chapter.
The "If he is not happy and prepared to wait then that shows he is not really ready." is fine in practice.
But how many lodges actual inform the candidate of why the need to wait.
As I said I spend two years on the EA bench. When I approach others concerning my advancement - it was heavily frowned upon.
"How dare you ask us?" type of attitude.
Same with other instances like the one below.
I know of a great guy, who was up for the WM chair, but no matter how hard he tried, his memory let him down. I suggested the use of an Aide-mémoire, but this was delcined, and in the end several officers shunned him. And they even removed him from office . Needless to say he stopped attending. A crying shame, and one which has not been forgetten by several of us in lodge, and hopefully deeply shames those responsible.
Its alright the UGLE producing leaflets like "the Members pathway", but without proper COMMUNICATION and TRANSPARENCY, Freemasonry will continue in decline.
And lets not bulls**t ourselves - we are in decline.
S & F
Colin
colineglos wrote:How about a proper timescale for all Degrees
EA - on entrance
FC - 12months later
MM- 3-6 months later
And no less than 4 weeks (from a previous degree) Rule 172 BoC
Ive seen a number of EAs' (and a couple of FCs) leave Freemasonry altogether. One of their most common reasons for doing so is the lack of Transparency when it comes to the Interval between Degrees.
The Uninitiated wrote:
I spent 6 months as an EA (being Passed at my 5th meeting after Initiation), then six months as a FC (but Raised at my second meeting after Passing, with summer in the way).
From Day One I had a pretty good idea when the other ceremonies would be, with a fellow candidate a month ahead of me, and a Ladies Evening and an Installation, in the Calendar... for me the only frustrating part was spending the bulk of three of those seven meetings sat outside, while the Lodge was in a higher Degree than me - I wanted to be involved! I see no reason for holding someone back, if there is time on the calendar and Candidate is ready!
I have been fortunate that my Lodge is encouraging, and actively supports Brethren who want to take part... so for example I presented the 1st Degree Working Tools at the Installation (my third meeting, post Initiation) etc
Mike Martin wrote:....
Sometimes, not always mind, Proposers and Seconders let themselves and the Craft down by not properly assuming responsibility for the guidance of the men that they have introduced into membership of their Lodge.
Mike Martin wrote:Sometimes, not always mind, Proposers and Seconders let themselves and the Craft down by not properly assuming responsibility for the guidance of the men that they have introduced into membership of their Lodge.
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