There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path



"There's a difference between knowing the path and walking the path” – Morpheus

This morning, I was sitting in the living room, going over the member section of my Grand Lodge Website. On that site is a document with a training guide for all three degrees of Masonry. The document is about 112 pages in length and goes over everything from setting up a mentor committee all the way to proficiency on the third Degree.

I have to say I really like this mentor process for a number of reasons. The first is that it talks about taking care of our Friend from the time they reach out to the Lodge and submit a petition.  It talks about building relationships and building Brotherhood early on.  Of course, that is important. It is part of what we promote.

But it also does several things I fully agree with. It shares information with the Friend about what Masonry is, how Grand Lodge is set up, how the Lodge works, etc., before that Friend is Initiated. This training allows the Friend to know what he is joining BEFORE he attends his first-degree dedication (Initiation).  Again, I believe the first two ceremonies are dedications, and the true initiation is at the Master Mason Degree.

This training program does a great job of “whetting your appetite” for more information. A better understanding of what was taught during the degree. Trust me, no one fully understands what happens to them the evening of their degree.  It explains why they do and did what they do and did. Not only the meaning of the degrees and movements, but also the rights and responsibilities of each Degree.

This document also includes about 10 questions for an exam for proficiency. Not just saying a few words, but questions showing you understand a bit of the Degree.

It is a wonderful document and training resource for Friends, New Brothers, and Advanced Brothers.  In fact, it is a great document and program for ALL Brothers to revisit.

But, Bro. Duane, why would I need to review that? I am already a Master Mason, and I have progressed past that.

Well, Brother, because we do not know it all. It is good to be reminded of things we can and do forget…and one day you may want to mentor a new Brother. I know the things in this document are things a new Brother should understand to be “duly and truly prepared, worthy and well qualified”.

Besides, our training never ends…not ever.

 

I love you, and may we govern ourselves accordingly

 

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