I am pumped, the 3rd degree, only seems like yesterday I sat in an anteroom wondering what was in store for me as I knocked for the first time on a tyled Lodge. Loving the journey, I enjoy the discussions here and I have succeeded in getting my work schedule changed so that I can post on Lodge nights with the rest of my Brothers. I am sure that I have said this before, but Freemasonry is that thing that I have sought after for so long. I have tried to create it on my own and belong to a couple that think they are brotherhoods, but nothing beats being a part of Freemasonry. S&F Bro. Russ
Congratulations; and I agree with you 110%, nothing beats being part of Freemasonry. I am not trying to steal the "thunder" of your thread but I share in your excitement as I am being raised tonight!
No thunder gone at all. We are all in this together, those of us that have been Raised and those that will be. The ones that have been Raised are excited because they know whats coming for us who are being Raised. It is a win-win. I know that I will be excited for the Brothers that come after me just as I am excited for you, Brian, as you knock on that Lodge door tonight. One of my Tylers of the 9 Brothers is being Raised the night after I am and I am planning on going to sit in his Lodge and observe his raising with my own still fresh in my mind.
Congrats on being raised 2/21. My initiation is that same night. I have no clue as to what to expect. I look forward to being where you are at with sincere congratulations to you for work you have done. 2/21 will mean a lot to a great many people. WTG!
Thank you, Prof., I give the same advice the Brother I work with gave me. "what you will experience has been experienced by EVERY Mason since time immortal", I will tell you that when you watch someone else's EA, you will see more than you will on Monday night. Study your catechism, the work may not be easy, delve into the esoteric meanings BEHIND the sentences, it is more worthwhile than most things I done in my life and I wish you the good journey.
Prof., What is ahead of you is a wonderful evening. I'll tell you what I've told every EA I've encountered as they trembled waiting for the Ritual to start: These are men who want you to be their friend and brother. You have nothing to fear and nothing will be asked of you that they and I have not already done. The last thing anyone would do is allow you to be hurt in any way, physically or emotionally. Trust us, pay attention and have fun. I hope you look back on your first degree with as much happiness as I do.
I am looking forward to the experience. I appreciate Duncan sharing this post thread, very inspiring for those that follow. Without learning what is to come in the degrees, I am impressed with brotherly attitude of those in the threads and my lodge. I have a sense of accomplishment at being accepted. Duncan's experience must be off the charts. I am glad to see passion. Before I applied, I was concerned that passion was a thing of human past. I am refreshed; therefore, Masonry has already contributed to my own personal growth.
Bro. Russ , I almost forgot , tonight is the big dance for you . Good luck and enjoy . Let us know how it went .
So glad you posted that...Me and two of my co-workers are turning in our petitions tomorrow for degrees...One of my co-workers is a Nephew to a FreeMason. That's what encouraged him to join...thats what made me want to join because I was going to do it alone but now I have two friends who will go with me. But first we have to be chosen. The Uncle talks confident but really not promising we will get in. The only thing I fear is the Initiation...I hope its nothing like College Fraternities(please forgive me if I offend by even comparing Freemasonary to Colldege pledging I'm only expressing my fear) with the hazing and things. Even though I have thought about joining the Freemosons and studied about them for the past seven years plus...its only NOW that I see an oppertunity to join. Pray for me and my two co-workers. We Go to turn our aps in tomorrow and the Uncle hopes we cross before classes start next month. I really hope to make it to those classes! Thank you! We are in the Cincinnati Ohio area! So A shout out to all!! Luis Torres a.k.a. HighPriest42
Luis: You and your co-workers have nothing to fear, the rituals are not "hazings" or anything other than starting a journey towards being better men, being helped by men who have started down that path before you.
