I AGREE WITH BROTHER UPTON AND BROTHER TLDUBB.......And for the Brothers above who speak on being guarded when speaking with EA's and/or FC's, you are right to do so. There is one thing to remember though------EA's and FC's are indeed MASONS, although they have not been RAISED TO THE SUBLIME DEGREE OF A MASTER MASON. TRUE INDEED, BROTHERS, we all acknowledge that they cant attend a tiled Communication opened in a Degree higher than their own, and they don't possess the power of the VOTE; but, for the purposes of this PUBLIC FORUM, they should always be treated with respect.
HOWEVER----On the OTHER side of this coin, you EA's and FC's on this Forum should be well advised to REFRAIN FROM ENGAGEMENT in any discussion regarding MASONRY, WITH BRETHREN OUTSIDE OF YOUR LODGE, WHILE GOING THROUGH YOUR DEGREE WORK. On this public Forum, we should not be discussing any Passwords, Grips, or material contained in our Rituals ANYWAY, HOWEVER, as newly INITATED AND/OR PASSED ENTERED APPRENTICE AND FELLOW CRAFT MASONS, it's exciting to log on and fellowship with others nationwide. I understand that sentiment------YOU WILL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO FELLOWSHIP UPON COMPLETION OF YOUR DEGREE WORK.......Any free time you have should be spent studying your Ritual, OR studying with Elder, More Well Educated Brethren in your HOME LODGE ABOUT MASONRY. It may not be against your Const/By Laws to log on here, but it is not PRUDENT AT THIS STAGE IN YOUR MASONIC JOURNEY.
I preach this to EA's/FC's alL of the time when I observe their frequent and/or numerous posts on this Forum. They have almost always sent me PM's later thanking me for the advice about backing away from this Forum for now, because they realize how much they DIDNT KNOW when they were RAISED TO THE SUBLIME DEGREE OF A MASTER MASON. And, to answer the ORIGINAL question from the Brother Anthony Pomilia in Michigan about whether we as Prince Hall Affiliated Masons possess Modes of Recognition, Grips, and Passwords----my response to YOU is simple and as respectful as can be-----we possess 238 years of FREE AND ACCEPTED Masonic Legacy, Brother. We have the only ORIGINAL CHARTER still in existence issued by the Premier Grand Lodge of England on THIS SIDE OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, locked away in a Bank Vault in Boston, Mass. We received this Charter in Sept of 1784, NINE YEARS AFTER THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED. And, Brother Prince Hall and 14 others were RAISED on March 6, 1775, 15 MONTHS BEFORE THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED. We sutdy and follow the same information now as they did then.
So, please, Brother, dont allow ONE INTERACTION WITH A MAN WHO MAY NOT HAVE EVEN BEEN A PRINCE HALL MASON CAUSE YOU TO QUESTION THE LEGITIMACY OF OUR MASONIC BUSINESS. Im sure there are PHA Brothers near your Hometown who would love to sit with you and Fellowship, and answer ANY additional questions you may have about our time honored insitution. If you are unable to locate any, feel free to contact ME anytime via Private Message...........I AM THE BOOK; I WALK IT AND I LIVE IT............Im always happy to share and spread LIGHT to those seeking it..............
I AM,
BRO. VINCENT C. JONES, SR., BAYOU CITY LODGE #228, PHA, F&AM
PRINCE HALL AFFILIATION, FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONRY, DISTRICT 15-A, HOUSTON, TEXAS
MOST WORSHIPFUL PRINCE HALL GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS, EST. 1878