I've often pondered this very question. But, how could a man call himself a mason until after he's taken, understood, and began living by the full obligations?
To me your statement says your not a mason until you've reached the 3° or maybe even higher degrees.
I've often pondered this very question. But, how could a man call himself a mason until after he's taken, understood, and began living by the full obligations?
Following the obligation. The EA catechism makes plain when, where, and what made you a mason.
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You are considered a brother or mason after you receive the grip and word of EA. after that point you can prove yourself a mason.
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You are a Mason when you take your 1° obligation. However, since you're an apprentice, you're not able to travel and work as such without the supervision of a Master Mason. That's why you can't visit another Lodge without a MM who saw you initiated who can vouch for you, and why you shouldn't wear Masonic jewelry yet. But once you are an EA, you are called "brother" and you are a Mason.