What would you do

**Jason** · 01-22-2010, 10:02 AM

if you were Grand Master of your State/Country, what if anything would you like to change?

**BG_TRBL** · 01-23-2010, 11:26 AM

Sorry to say, but I would recind the current GM's work. I am just not comfortable with actually writing down degree's and having them published. I understand the premise behind it, but it goes against the O&O's that we all have taken.

There has to be some other way to help newer members learn degree work.

Custer148 · 01-26-2010, 08:31 AM

Mouth to ear -- it requires a lot of time to be put in by both the mentor and the brother trying to learn the work. My dad (a 55 year Mason & a farmer) told me that back when he was learning the work it involved a lot of late nights at the neighbor's -- who happened to be a long time, well versed, brother. It seems like there is not enough time in a young man's life that is his to do this type of work (with a wife and kids who need him, at least one job, etc.). My state -- Nebraska -- has had the work written down in cyphers (or code books) for a number of years, there is a Grand Lodge rule that these cyphers cannot be used in open lodge. As a Deputy Grand Custodian Apprentice, one of my many duties is to quietly see that this rule is followed by the brothers in the lodges I visit. A brother who wants to learn the work will need to have/take the time to put in with a mentor to do so -- as you well know it takes a long time to be proficient. I know a the obligation of the EA states that you cannot write the work but is recording the work legal? -- I learn quicker when hearing the words rather than reading. As long as the recording doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Just a question to debate. At this time, on this issue, I don't know what is best for Masonry.

**BG_TRBL** · 01-28-2010, 08:30 PM

My interpretation on recording is, if you follow the O&O of an EA, you may not do that either. Although it could be considered a "gray" area, it would become intelligible to another if it were to leave your possession. Just my opinion ofcourse, I could be wrong.

Custer148 · 01-29-2010, 08:34 AM

Good point -- I don't know any better method than the one we are using, one that would keep all the cowans and evesdroppers at bay.

removed12612 · 01-29-2010, 08:44 AM

From an educational stand point, the recording would be a very effective tool to use....it is a tool or trick I have had several speakers tell me they have used to get their presentations down pat....but this is a different situation.

So, as someone working to get my EA proficiency down.....I will have to keep walking around talking to myself...LOL...when not working with my mentor or other Brothers....

01-22-2010, 10:02 AM	#1
Jason Guard Dog 2012 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Florida Posts: 3,126 Lodge:	What would you do if you were Grand Master of your State/Country, what if anything would you like to change? __________________ Is trom an t-ualach an leisce. Ni heolas go haontios Agus na damnaithe fágtha gan focal Glaoigh ormsa i measc na naomh The sky is not the limit there are footprints on the moon.

01-23-2010, 11:26 AM	#2
BG_TRBL Watcher of the posts Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: #232 Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,124 Lodge: LaBelle Vallee Lodge #232	Sorry to say, but I would recind the current GM's work. I am just not comfortable with actually writing down degree's and having them published. I understand the premise behind it, but it goes against the O&O's that we all have taken. There has to be some other way to help newer members learn degree work. __________________ P.M. LaBelle Vallee Lodge #232 P.H.P. Lafayette Chapter #163 Sir Knight (Hospitallier Commandry) Prophet (Zafar Grotto) Freemasonry may be traced by history and tradition, ...it is only necessary to refer to the information presented to you in a general manner. Information considered "secret" to mason's will NOT be divulged. Seek and ye shall find, Ask and it will be given you, Type and it will be posted (and most likely, answered).

01-28-2010, 08:30 PM	#4
BG_TRBL Watcher of the posts Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: #232 Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Posts: 1,124 Lodge: LaBelle Vallee Lodge #232	My interpretation on recording is, if you follow the O&O of an EA, you may not do that either. Although it could be considered a "gray" area, it would become intelligible to another if it were to leave your possession. Just my opinion ofcourse, I could be wrong. __________________ P.M. LaBelle Vallee Lodge #232 P.H.P. Lafayette Chapter #163 Sir Knight (Hospitallier Commandry) Prophet (Zafar Grotto) Freemasonry may be traced by history and tradition, ...it is only necessary to refer to the information presented to you in a general manner. Information considered "secret" to mason's will NOT be divulged. Seek and ye shall find, Ask and it will be given you, Type and it will be posted (and most likely, answered).

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01-26-2010, 08:31 AM	#3
Custer148 Lodge Secretary Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Broken Bow, NE Posts: 630 Lodge: Custer Lodge #148	Mouth to ear -- it requires a lot of time to be put in by both the mentor and the brother trying to learn the work. My dad (a 55 year Mason & a farmer) told me that back when he was learning the work it involved a lot of late nights at the neighbor's -- who happened to be a long time, well versed, brother. It seems like there is not enough time in a young man's life that is his to do this type of work (with a wife and kids who need him, at least one job, etc.). My state -- Nebraska -- has had the work written down in cyphers (or code books) for a number of years, there is a Grand Lodge rule that these cyphers cannot be used in open lodge. As a Deputy Grand Custodian Apprentice, one of my many duties is to quietly see that this rule is followed by the brothers in the lodges I visit. A brother who wants to learn the work will need to have/take the time to put in with a mentor to do so -- as you well know it takes a long time to be proficient. I know a the obligation of the EA states that you cannot write the work but is recording the work legal? -- I learn quicker when hearing the words rather than reading. As long as the recording doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Just a question to debate. At this time, on this issue, I don't know what is best for Masonry.

01-29-2010, 08:34 AM	#5
Custer148 Lodge Secretary Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Broken Bow, NE Posts: 630 Lodge: Custer Lodge #148	Good point -- I don't know any better method than the one we are using, one that would keep all the cowans and evesdroppers at bay.

01-29-2010, 08:44 AM	#6
removed12612 Guest Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 2,758 Lodge:	From an educational stand point, the recording would be a very effective tool to use....it is a tool or trick I have had several speakers tell me they have used to get their presentations down pat....but this is a different situation. So, as someone working to get my EA proficiency down.....I will have to keep walking around talking to myself...LOL...when not working with my mentor or other Brothers....