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Balloting in an E.A. Lodge (Texas)

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
So I've heard two different versions:

An E.A. cannot be present during the balloting process

or

All business can be conducted in an E.A. Lodge, including balloting

Which is it? Tonight we had an E.A. and when it came to cast my vote, I gave the sign of an E.A. instead of a M.M. When I did so, there were grumbles and comments including "he just gave the wrong sign". Obviously it was the only one I could give with an E.A. sitting in the Lodge.
 

Michaelstedman81

Premium Member
I came across this question recently as well. We had two EAs in the lodge and we did do a ballot. All of us gave the sign of an EA. One person brought up the question about which sign to give, and our past DDGM and current DDGM (both members of my lodge) both said that since the EAs were in there and we were open in the EA lodge, it was the EA sign that is to be given. So, since both of those Brothers said that is the way it goes, I took it as the way it is supposed to go. Just my two cents, though.
 

Mac

Moderator
Premium Member
We've balloted numerous times in an EA lodge. You give the appropriate sign for the appropriate degree you're open in. If it were a FC lodge that was open, I would expect that sign, etc.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
The reasoning behind allowing Texas Lodges to do business in an EA or a FC Lodge was to allow EAs & FCs to attend meetings rather than exclude them- the idea being that it would make them feel that they were part of the Lodge & encourage them to become MMs. However, as they are not "members" of the Lodge and do not contribute to the financial support of the Lodge, they do not have the right to vote.

Not to hijack the thread, but what do y'all think of the idea of requiring EAs & FCs to pay dues? The extra funds would benefit both the Lodge and the GLoT, and might remove a disincentive to progress through the Degrees. Your thoughts, please.
 

K.S.

Registered User
I think that would be a great idea, if your paying dues, your less likely to not show up for months, even years at a time
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Not to hijack the thread, but what do y'all think of the idea of requiring EAs & FCs to pay dues? The extra funds would benefit both the Lodge and the GLoT, and might remove a disincentive to progress through the Degrees.

I don't see how that wouldn't pass at GL..lol! Sign me up!
 

tom268

Registered User
In most of Europe, at least continental Europe, this is the common practice. All business is done in EA, and you are a dues paying and participating member from the moment you are initiated. Well, as you stay about a year in the EA degree and another year in the FC, it would be difficult to keep a man out of business for that long.

Our obligation includes not to show symbols, signs and ritual to those not of that degree, so it would be a break of obligation, to do a MM sign in an EA lodge.

Only the election of the WM is done in EA lodge, but only by the MM.
 

Plustax

Registered User
The reasoning behind allowing Texas Lodges to do business in an EA or a FC Lodge was to allow EAs & FCs to attend meetings rather than exclude them- the idea being that it would make them feel that they were part of the Lodge & encourage them to become MMs. However, as they are not "members" of the Lodge and do not contribute to the financial support of the Lodge, they do not have the right to vote.

Not to hijack the thread, but what do y'all think of the idea of requiring EAs & FCs to pay dues? The extra funds would benefit both the Lodge and the GLoT, and might remove a disincentive to progress through the Degrees. Your thoughts, please.

I don,t believe I agree. Again, I believe that there are certain things that are and should be done in a MM lodge only. One day another change will come down that we can give the MM "grumble" which will give EA & FCs the "look & feel" of the balloting by a MM. For centuries we work hard @ keeping the craft as true as possible yet we slowly change it. We do things like this in trying to bring in or keep in new blood. Almost like things being done in America in trying to be "PC" & not hurt peoples feelings. I'm afraid that type of attitude is slowly working its way in to Texas masonry (I'm sure it hasn't been adopted in all states). We tell EAs & FCs that they are not ready to wear MM regalia as they are not yet ready yet they are ready enough to pay dues? We continue to find ways to bring in more money to GLoT & our local lodges, but we limit the number of Fund raisers or raffles per year. Our economy stays bad (or getting worse), yet we raise dues & entrance fees? We truly need to revamp & share more ideas in Masonic "Attraction & Retention" without compromising the integrity of our worlds oldest fraternity. "Nuff Said"
 
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Plustax

Registered User
Sorry, I must have done something wrong & put my reply in brother Bill_Lins77488 respose. My apology.

(There- I think I fixed it for you. ;-)
 
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jwhoff

Premium Member
Glad to see you up and around brother. That was a fairly long stay on the throne.

Not a bad idea. But two issues need to be clarified.

1) Do they go suspended if failing to pay dues?
2) Are they now considered full masons: just not MMs?
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Glad to see you up and around brother. That was a fairly long stay on the throne.

Not a bad idea. But two issues need to be clarified.

1) Do they go suspended if failing to pay dues?
2) Are they now considered full masons: just not MMs?

1) Yes.
2) Please define "full masons". We already call an EA "a Mason" & give him the right to a Masonic funeral, even if we never see him again after his initiation.

That's why I risked the wrath of JTM & threw this topic out for discussion- what do y'all think we should do?
 

Bro. Stewart P.M.

Lead Moderator Emeritus
Staff Member
EA's & Fc's "full dues paying members"?

My answer is no. There is no reason to change the rules now, give them something to work towards...
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
EA's & Fc's "full dues paying members"?

My answer is no. There is no reason to change the rules now, give them something to work towards...

Again, please define "full members". All I proposed is making them pay dues. They would still have to earn the privileges of a Master Mason.

What we need to determine is what privileges, if any, should go along with the requirement to help support their Lodge & Grand Lodge.
 
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