PM Franks, Don't get me wrong, in my lodge, to be asked to join the line is a huge honor, our lodge is known throughout Maryland for the degree work performed, and I do not take this lightly. I am not aspiring to become PM to please my dad, but to share in the knowledge and fellowship with him. And as noted previously being asked to join the instruction comittee is a further testament to my ability to learn and understand the teachings as again its not just anyone they ask. In my opinion, to be in line to become WM and PM, I think a man should either be 1. a person who has served as a Master Mason in the lodge for a period of time so as to understand the craft and all of its symbolism and teachings, or 2. not be so young or naive as to think its just a bunch of memorization. Believe me, my father would not let me do this without alot of mentoring, and a thorough understanding of what it takes to be an officer and eventual WM. So am doing this with open eyes, and attentive ears.
Ashlar, in response to your comment about lodges having to fill chairs, yes our lodge is having difficulty, however, our lodge, as many others makes use of our P.M.s to fill in. Currently both the J.W. and S.W. are P.M.s, they and others have agreed to fill chairs as needed to avoid as you said preying on the zeal of a newly raised MM.
I hope I have not offended anyone with my opinions or remarks, but I wanted to set everyone at ease with my choice to start my journey so soon. And if offered to skip a chair to advance faster, I would not do so unless I felt I was 100% competant to do so. I assure you I will to the utmost of my ability, honor this great and ancient fraternity.
Regards,
Dave