NO, I am not saying that you can join the line without being raised to a master mason, You must be a master mason before you can enter the line. It simply was to address moving in the elected chairs of Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master. The knowledge needed to be proficient in these chairs far exceeds the requirements as set forth by my states district-deputy for my area.BG_TRBL, are you saying that EAs and FCs can enter the line? If that is what you are saying, i agree with you. I will enter the line for the first time next year as a Senior Steward (for some reason the Brethren laughed when i said i would do it, hmmmm ). But i would never consider even asking to join the line if i had not been raised to a MM first. I intend on taking it seriously, learning all i can about my position before attempting any sort of move.
Personally, i think rushing people through the degrees or the line is detremental overall to the Craft. If our new members see the work as trivial, they will not have the dedication necessary to participate in what i consider to be the true work: charity and brotherly love (viz. the Widow's Project, blood donations, service, etc.)
Being the Senior Steward in my Lodge for 08 I can understand why they would laugh. Our Stewards have started a change from the Stewards of old. We not only setup the lodge, prepare the canidates, and collect money for the stated dinners (Appendant bodies cook) but we also hold a monthly pancake breakfast for fellowship and to raise some money.BG_TRBL, are you saying that EAs and FCs can enter the line? If that is what you are saying, i agree with you. I will enter the line for the first time next year as a Senior Steward (for some reason the Brethren laughed when i said i would do it, hmmmm ). But i would never consider even asking to join the line if i had not been raised to a MM first. I intend on taking it seriously, learning all i can about my position before attempting any sort of move.
Personally, i think rushing people through the degrees or the line is detremental overall to the Craft. If our new members see the work as trivial, they will not have the dedication necessary to participate in what i consider to be the true work: charity and brotherly love (viz. the Widow's Project, blood donations, service, etc.)