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Question about MM proficiency

bthomas470

Premium Member
Back 10 years ago I questioned and answered myself during my Master Mason proficiency in open lodge. I don’t know why I was given this option, but was wondering do any other lodges allow this?
 

David Duke

Premium Member
The GLoTX allows this and we have had a few brothers at my Lodge do this even doing Q & A in all 3 degrees. I however am not a fan or proponent of this, it makes for a very bland and monotonous exam, I like the interaction between the Brother asking the questions and the candidate answering, through this you can see the comradely and trust that has been built during the teaching process. Also, there is a unique rhythm between the two that I enjoy.


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bthomas470

Premium Member
Oh I couldn’t agree more. I think that’s why I was only asked to do it for one degree. Looking back now I certainly enjoy the interaction between 2 brothers more. Just wondering.
 

dfreybur

Premium Member
On the one hand I like the teamwork of the mentor delivering the questions and the candidate delivering the answers.

On the other hand I appreciate the extra work by the candidate.

Over all I'm just happy to see a proficiency delivered in opened lodge.
 

hanzosbm

Premium Member
I wasn't given the option to do it myself, but if I was, I would've rather done it that way.

The reason is, while my mentor was great, the majority of my time studying was done by myself. In the car, in the shower, while folding laundry, etc. Since I had no one to prompt me during those many self study sessions, it became a necessity to learn both parts, and eventually, it became distracting to have someone else doing half of it.
 

David Duke

Premium Member
On the other hand I appreciate the extra work by the candidate.

Over all I'm just happy to see a proficiency delivered in opened lodge.

I couldn’t agree more, I truly respect and appreciate the time put in to do both.

In fact although I have held an “A” certificate for the past 8 years from the GLoTX which is the highest certificate you can obtain I consider the questions my weakest link. I attribute this to not learning them properly as I was taught the answers. Don’t get me wrong I know them very well but there are a few in each degree that I sometimes second guess myself.


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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I have heard of this but have never witnessed it.
Over all I'm just happy to see a proficiency delivered in opened lodge.
Agreed.
while my mentor was great, the majority of my time studying was done by myself. In the car, in the shower, while folding laundry, etc. Since I had no one to prompt me during those many self study sessions, it became a necessity to learn both parts,
Same here.
 

MarkR

Premium Member
I studied my cats in the bathroom.

Its the only Tiled room in my house :cool:
cats-in-bathroom-sink.jpg
 

Rifleman1776

Registered User
In Missouri proficiency is no longer required. I'm not sure when this was adopted, it has been several years ago. The decision was made in an attempt to increase membership. I have seen no evidence that this change is either helping or hurting masonry.
 

CLewey44

Registered User
In Missouri proficiency is no longer required. I'm not sure when this was adopted, it has been several years ago. The decision was made in an attempt to increase membership. I have seen no evidence that this change is either helping or hurting masonry.
It seems Masonry does that from time to time. They try to make things 'easier' in an attempt at keeping their doors open but in reality that only lessens its mystery, intrigue and value in my opinion.
 
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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
In Missouri proficiency is no longer required. I'm not sure when this was adopted, it has been several years ago. The decision was made in an attempt to increase membership. I have seen no evidence that this change is either helping or hurting masonry.
It seems Masonry does that from time to time. They try to make things 'easier' in an attempt at keeping their doors open but in reality that only lessens its mystery, intrique and value in my opinion.
I completely agree that these types of "dumbing down" of Freemasonry does not work. If you make something easier to obtain not only does it lose some of it's appeal it lessens the quality of the candidates. Guard the West Gate well!
 
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