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Filling a chair for a Degree

Keith C

Registered User
I was raised at the End of November and have been to 2 Stated Meetings since. Next week there are two EA degrees scheduled for an Extra Meeting and I received a phone call from our JW asking if I would be willing to fill a chair for the Degrees. I, of course, said yes, but I do have some reservations. He said we would go over everything before the meeting and he was sure, based on my progress in proficiency between degrees that I would be fine.

So he told me I would be in the Junior Master of Ceremonies chair for the two degrees. I am not sure how many jurisdictions outside of PA even have Master of Ceremonies positions, but in PA during degrees the Junior Master of Ceremonies is charged with answering alarms at the preparing room door, so it is quite an active role, even though the memorization is minimal.

I just ask that you all wish me luck! The bonus is this will knock off two requirements for the PA "Master Builder" award, attending and Extra Meeting and Participating in a Degree.
 

Companion Joe

Premium Member
Good luck. I'm sure you'll do fine, or your lodge wouldn't have asked you to do it. There is a first time for everyone. The only way to get proficient is to do it. We don't have a Master of Ceremonies, so I can't help you much there.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
So he told me I would be in the Junior Master of Ceremonies chair for the two degrees. I am not sure how many jurisdictions outside of PA even have Master of Ceremonies positions, but in PA during degrees the Junior Master of Ceremonies is charged with answering alarms at the preparing room door, so it is quite an active role, even though the memorization is minimal.

The words for the part were in my proficiency and in the proficiencies I have heard in my other jurisdictions. This means you already know the words so you just have to remember that you know them!

In California the part is spoken by the Senior Steward holding the candidate just outside the preparation door until the candidate is handed to the Senior Deacon. In Illinois the part is spoken by the Junior Deacon. In Texas the part is spoken by the Master of Ceremonies. Different officer but almost identical words.

You'll do great!
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I was raised at the End of November and have been to 2 Stated Meetings since. Next week there are two EA degrees scheduled for an Extra Meeting and I received a phone call from our JW asking if I would be willing to fill a chair for the Degrees. I, of course, said yes, but I do have some reservations. He said we would go over everything before the meeting and he was sure, based on my progress in proficiency between degrees that I would be fine.

So he told me I would be in the Junior Master of Ceremonies chair for the two degrees. I am not sure how many jurisdictions outside of PA even have Master of Ceremonies positions, but in PA during degrees the Junior Master of Ceremonies is charged with answering alarms at the preparing room door, so it is quite an active role, even though the memorization is minimal.

I just ask that you all wish me luck! The bonus is this will knock off two requirements for the PA "Master Builder" award, attending and Extra Meeting and Participating in a Degree.

Good luck! I'm all for MMs giving jobs a go ! Well done on accepting..

(we have a director of ceremonies, traditionally expected to prompt anyone who forgets their lines and conducts the deacons who conduct candidates... I've only ever seen on MM in the role - and he was ADC... he's supposed to be the most proficient ceremonialist in the room).
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Best of luck to you Brother. I jumped in with both feet right at the beginning and this has worked out great for me so far. I wish the same for you if this is your desire.
 

Keith C

Registered User
Thanks for the support Brothers.

I just found out they are actually FC Degrees not EA, not sure if I heard it wrong or our new JW had it wrong.
 

Keith C

Registered User
A bit of an update. It went well, and it was pretty simple for the FC degree. Since then I attended a District School of Instruction as well as a Ritual Instruction session at my Lodge.

As a result, I will be filling the same chair for 2 EA degrees on the 15th and 2 MM degrees on the 22nd. Apparently our appointed Junior Master of Ceremonies has scheduling conflicts and can only make our Stated Meetings, so this is a chair that needs to be filled in on the Trestle Board fairly often.

The work for the EA degree is a bit more involved than for the MM degree, but 2 PMs at the Ritual Instruction at my lodge last night were very helpful in running me through the necessary steps, which involve both moving about quite a bit as well as certain movements of the sword in conjunction with the SMC.

I am finding that I really enjoy learning about and participating in the rituals of the lodge.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
Great Brother! I know what you mean. At any one time I am memorizing 2-3 different parts, am working on 3 at the present time, lol.
 

Keith C

Registered User
Another update.

We did two EA degrees last night. I found that I was much more comfortable in the JMC role this time, but it was a much more active part than in the FC degree. I also had an "AH HA" moment regarding the positions of the swords and staffs when the candidate is brought into the light. Very cool and I never "got" it during my degree or others I have observed. The Pursuivant, Senior Master of Ceremonies and Senior Warden were very helpful and supportive and that made it much easier.

Looking forward to the two MM degrees next week!
 
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