Hancock
Registered User
In less than a week I will be raised. I should be thrilled, but I'm not. What I have found at the lodge barely qualifies as a "Knife and Fork Lodge."
It's been over a year since I petitioned. It took 4 months to assign an investigation committee. None of my references were contacted. The interview took five minutes: "Do you believe in God?"-"Yes." "Got a check for the initiation fee?"- "Well, yes, but I thought we should get to know each other first." "No, just give me the check, and I'll sign your petition." Somehow, I thought it would be more comprehensive.
No mentor was assigned. I only had two phone numbers; one was always too busy to answer questions, and the other had no answers.
The rituals were unimpressive-they knew about half of the ritual, required many prompts, and spoke as if they knew the words, but not the meanings. The EA and FC proficiency exams were akin to an open book test where you were encouraged to copy from each other. There is no MM exam. We have 80 members in the lodge; maybe 15 ever attend.
I've asked about Masonic education in the lodge-short talks and reasearch papers- "We don't do that" is the answer. We eat, open, take care of business, close and go home. Other lodges in the area seem to be the same-I've asked. The person I went through the EA with showed up for initiation in cutoffs, tee shirt and no socks. The lodge was fine with this. He went through the degree wearing a shoe.
I could give more examples, but from what I've read, my experience is not uncommon; you probably know what I'm talking about.
I could really use some encouragement right about now.
It's been over a year since I petitioned. It took 4 months to assign an investigation committee. None of my references were contacted. The interview took five minutes: "Do you believe in God?"-"Yes." "Got a check for the initiation fee?"- "Well, yes, but I thought we should get to know each other first." "No, just give me the check, and I'll sign your petition." Somehow, I thought it would be more comprehensive.
No mentor was assigned. I only had two phone numbers; one was always too busy to answer questions, and the other had no answers.
The rituals were unimpressive-they knew about half of the ritual, required many prompts, and spoke as if they knew the words, but not the meanings. The EA and FC proficiency exams were akin to an open book test where you were encouraged to copy from each other. There is no MM exam. We have 80 members in the lodge; maybe 15 ever attend.
I've asked about Masonic education in the lodge-short talks and reasearch papers- "We don't do that" is the answer. We eat, open, take care of business, close and go home. Other lodges in the area seem to be the same-I've asked. The person I went through the EA with showed up for initiation in cutoffs, tee shirt and no socks. The lodge was fine with this. He went through the degree wearing a shoe.
I could give more examples, but from what I've read, my experience is not uncommon; you probably know what I'm talking about.
I could really use some encouragement right about now.