Response To Being Raised; On To Scottish Rite
Hello, Brothers. I apologize for not posting sooner regarding my experiences on December 17th. Needless to say, the ritual was extremely interesting and thought-provoking. I was truly amazed with how well the acting WM had every word of the degree memorized. He did not stutter or stumble over his words a single time. The reenactment was exciting, and it certainly proved to be another moment in my life that I will never forget. The memories I have of all three of my Blue Lodge degrees will stay with me forever.
Since my raising, I have attended the January regular meeting, learned how to gain entrance to other lodges, and received my dues card. Although not as exciting as the degree work, the regular meeting, I thought, was interesting in it's own way. As I had stated in another post, the DDGM attended our January regular meeting, and I had an opportunity to meet with him. My first regular meeting proved to be a good first for me, as all of my Brothers had an open discussion with the DDGM about the changes the new PA RWGM has enacted. I received a Masonic penny from one of the elder Brothers, and a book explaining some of the symbols of the Craft from another Brother. I really enjoyed my first regular meeting, and look forward to attending more at my home Lodge, as well as traveling around and seeing other Lodges do their work.
The secretary of my home Lodge is the secretary for the Valley of Pittsburgh Scottish Rite, also. I have portrayed my interest in getting involved with the Scottish Rite to him, and just now completed my petition to join. I will be getting initiated on April 16th and 17th. I am very excited to see the degree work and learn more about our great Fraternity. I also registered to join the PA Masonic Scholars program, and am awaiting the notice of acceptance.
To some it may seem like I am moving to quickly through all of this, but I want to put as much time and effort into this while I can before the wife starts wanting children. We made the mistake of walking into a pet store nine days ago, and I made the wife promise me that we would not leave with a pet. The problem is, I did not make a promise to myself, and I saw the dog of my dreams (a Siberian Husky with both eyes a beautiful and sharp blue color), and I fell in love immediately. Surely enough, by my own insistance, we left with a pure bred Siberian Husky pup. I have realized that if a puppy is so much work, I cannot even imagine what a child will be like. Thus, I am even more motivated to learn and provide as much time as I can right now. Plus, the wife is studying for her CPA, so she needs time to herself also.
Ok, I am finished with this novel of a post. If any of you have any suggestions, comments, etc., please feel free to post them. Take care, Brothers.