[kcraig1011]

Well, last night I attended my first regular stated meeting as a MM. This seemed to be the perfect meeting to attend as my first, as the District Deputy Grand Master visited our Lodge to participate in our stated meeting, and discuss the topics of the RWGM's 21st Century Renaissance thereafter.

For the most part, the DDGM's explanations were calming. The three black balls to deny a petitioner was explained in such a way: The purpose is to eliminate the chance of one person with a personal (non-Masonic) reason to block a petitioner from joining. If a MM has a good Masonic objection to a petitioner, he is to go directly to the DDGM and state his objection. The DDGM will then take action. Another purpose of this is to avoid taking a petition all the way to the voting stage, thus wasting everyones' time, if a MM has a Masonic reason to object. So I can understand the purpose of this change. They will also be changing part of the EA degree work to reflect this change.

Next, he explained how now we are openly allowed to ask qualified men to look into our Fraternity because, in one way or another, most MM have already been doing this. Maybe not directly asking a person to join, but mentioning the Fraternity, arousing interest, and saying "if/when you want to join, just ask me." I suppose this is true.

Finally, he explained the written ritual aid as an alternative path for Masons to learn their degree and ritual work. He explained that some Brothers have a hard time getting away from home or work in order to learn what they need to. He also explained that for some people, remembering what they read is easier than remembering what they hear. All of which is true, in a way, but these explanations did not seem to calm the minds of my Brothers in the Lodge. On the bright side, if a Brother is found to have copied the aid book, only his dues card is taken, and he is out. Contrary to what I said earlier that the entire Lodge will have it's warrant confiscated. The GL has not determined whether they will change the wording in the EA O&O to reflect the fact that there is a written ritual aid.

So, I figured those participating in this thread would be interested to read additional information coming straight from the DDGM's mouth. To my delight, I was given a Masonic penny, and a book of Masonic information as a small congratulatory gift for attending my first stated meeting. I also passed the MM proficiency test, and will be receiving my dues card soon. I am excited to start doing some traveling to other Lodges. I will also be attending the School of Instruction in my district, and hope to start practicing a floor or officer position soon.

Any further opinions or reactions will be appreciated. Have a good weekend, Brothers.

[BG_TRBL]

Ashlar, to answer your question, yes the PA jurisdiction does use the Ahimen Rhezon, all officers are provided with this. Now the second answer to your question is to my knowledge, all degree work is conveyed by mouth to ear, with the exception of the "charge of the degree", all O&O, bible lecture, steps, grips, signs and words are all conveyed mouth to ear. I am happy to hear that the DDGM was able to explain some of the reasoning behind the changes, but this shouldn't absolve the RWGM from unilaterally changing the history and traditions which have been established. I am aware of some "written information" that is available to individuals, I do not agree with this, but that is something I am coping with myself.
Fireman, to answer your question, yes unfortunately the RWGM can issue edicts to his jurisdiction without virtue of a ballot or vote. These will then have to be followed by the various lodges, working under his jurisdiction. Typically, the overall masonic intellegence of the Grand Lodge itself generally temper decisions like this. The lodge is not a democracy per se, so he can initiate and carry out singular decisions.
Ashlar, I would love to know what differences exist between KY, and PA in degree work. I am still befuddled by the reference, I know the degree, and can't remember the stairway portion, or referencing middle chamber. The only "Chambers" that I remember are from the Council degrees. Sure wish we could talk.

[scooterstrats]

Just got home from the Pittsburgh Masonic Center of an open meeting with the new RWGM Tom Sturgeon. The meeting was very well attended with approx 300 local brothers and required extra chairs to be frantically brought in ( I helped in the chair gathering frenzy to start on time). After all due honors and recognition was acknowledged, the meeting proper started. Before the RWGM spoke, each member of the GL staff spoke briefly on a few of the new changes ,then Bro Sturgeon spoke. Say what you will about the changes, but he spoke emotionally from the heart and I (and many other Bro's) agree with much or most of what he proposed. After a fine dinner, I was lucky enough to personally speak with Bro Sturgeon and found him to be sincere, pleasant, and again committed to his vision and asked us newer brothers to help his agenda. As a newer MM, I will not rock the boat, but i will sit back and observe the next year here in Pa. But as of this evening,I am fairly satisfied with the new direction. (BTW, new Brother Craig on this forum, I tried to find who you might be, but dont know if you were present.) I will try to keep updates if needed. Thaxn for the time brothers.

[scooterstrats]

I neglected to mention, before RWGM Sturgeon spoke, approx 20 Fifty Year pins were presented as well as 1 Sixty Year pin. Very impressive and humbling. These men are what I aspire to if I am fortunate enough to reach that age. These men are inspiring.

[Ashlar521]

Originally Posted by BG_TRBL

Ashlar, to answer your question, yes the PA jurisdiction does use the Ahimen Rhezon, all officers are provided with this. Now the second answer to your question is to my knowledge, all degree work is conveyed by mouth to ear, with the exception of the "charge of the degree", all O&O, bible lecture, steps, grips, signs and words are all conveyed mouth to ear. I am happy to hear that the DDGM was able to explain some of the reasoning behind the changes, but this shouldn't absolve the RWGM from unilaterally changing the history and traditions which have been established. I am aware of some "written information" that is available to individuals, I do not agree with this, but that is something I am coping with myself.
Fireman, to answer your question, yes unfortunately the RWGM can issue edicts to his jurisdiction without virtue of a ballot or vote. These will then have to be followed by the various lodges, working under his jurisdiction. Typically, the overall masonic intellegence of the Grand Lodge itself generally temper decisions like this. The lodge is not a democracy per se, so he can initiate and carry out singular decisions.
Ashlar, I would love to know what differences exist between KY, and PA in degree work. I am still befuddled by the reference, I know the degree, and can't remember the stairway portion, or referencing middle chamber. The only "Chambers" that I remember are from the Council degrees. Sure wish we could talk.

Sorry for being away for so long , my machine gave out on me and it has taken a while to fix .

Now that I am clued in and I was correct in my thinking that you had a Ahimen Rhezon , Then I will side with you completely , and do not see the need for a written ritual with the OB ,grips , words , etc; . Look how long you all have came without one . I have always admired PA Masons for their long standing traditions and have wanted to set in lodge with you and watch you at labor . Also , I was not saying that by we here in Ky having a written ritual was to be taken that you should just except your GL having one BG , I was just stating that I have never had a need for the written ritual myself .

I have heard the second section of the Fellow Craft degree called several names , the Staircase Lecture , the Winding Staircase Lecture and the Middle Chamber Lecture among a few others from various jurisdictions .