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Recently Moved - Long Time Inactive - New Lodge

EKAZ

Registered User
I moved to South Carolina from Arizona last year and am planning to visit the local lodge next month. I contacted the secretary via email who promptly replied and made me feel welcome. I have a current dues card but have been inactive for over ten years as I was caring for my elderly parents and "fell out" of lodge work so I've forgotten much. I stayed current on dues though so I'm still in good standing.

I know I will be "examined" at the new lodge and don't want to make a fool of myself. Besides the Tilers Oath, what should I expect being "tried"? In reviewing my Duncan's I find I'm basically relearning everything from scratch as it's been so long.

Thank you.
 

hanzosbm

Premium Member
In reviewing my Duncan's I find I'm basically relearning everything from scratch as it's been so long.
Are you referring to the actual Duncan's ritual? If so, I wouldn't rely on that. As I'm sure you know, it isn't accurate to any jurisdiction I'm familiar with. I assume that AZ has some kind of monitor or cipher? I'd suggest using that.
 

Matt L

Site Benefactor
As Hanzosbm said, don't rely on Duncan's. In my jurisdiction, they don't even want you to own one. I applaud you for keeping up your obligation to your lodge by staying current with your due's and for taking care of your family.
With your current due's card you should be good and explaining your details they would expect you to be a little rusty. If for some reason they question you, you could ask your home lodge for a letter of good standing, but I don't think it will come to that. Enjoy your visit Brother and welcome to the forum.
 

Bloke

Premium Member
I had a PM who's been overseas for decades and fell unfinancial. He's back in the lodge, but on first meeting, he did not do well LOL... but I expected that and that he might need a refresher... He'd told me as much. I would not worry about this too much, just tell them your situation and don't stress about it.
 

goomba

Neo-Antient
Site Benefactor
Don't worry about it brother! Even us who are pretty active get stuff mixed up at times. Even if you have forgotten every single thing letters can be sent and you can be taken care of.
 

EKAZ

Registered User
Thank you for the reassurance. I was using my old copy of Duncans for a refresher but I still am rusty. I will explain my situation and let them know I will need some time and assistance and go from there. EKAZ
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
We've had Brothers arrive after so long they didn't remember the signs. We practiced with them a while before bringing them into the meeting.

Go and enjoy the fellowship. You'll be fine. With the tiler's oath, do it repeat-after-me style. With the signs, practice with the Brothers who put you through the oath. Then into the meeting and relax.
 

Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
With your current due's card you should be good and explaining your details they would expect you to be a little rusty. If for some reason they question you, you could ask your home lodge for a letter of good standing, but I don't think it will come to that. Enjoy your visit Brother and welcome to the forum.
He'd told me as much. I would not worry about this too much, just tell them your situation and don't stress about it.
Don't worry about it brother! Even us who are pretty active get stuff mixed up at times. Even if you have forgotten every single thing letters can be sent and you can be taken care of.
Go and enjoy the fellowship. You'll be fine. With the tiler's oath, do it repeat-after-me style. With the signs, practice with the Brothers who put you through the oath. Then into the meeting and relax.
Very good advice from all.
Most will not be paying attention to you as they are trying to get them right themselves.
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Lol! Ain't that the truth, lol.
 
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