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When does man become Mason (Brother)

M

mark!

Guest
There was a bit of a debate and discussion on when a man becomes a brother and should be called a Mason. Part of the discussion sided that once a man is initiated to the degree of an EA, he is in fact considered a Freemason, a brother among us, only not recieving all the lights in Masonry, and not having privledges and rights and such within the lodge. The other side was that a man is not to be considered a brother until he has been fully erected as a Master Mason within the lodge. My question is this...is there a rule stating what is what within the Grand Lodge of Texas?

My take: I feel once initiated as an EA, that man becomes a Mason, he has boundaries set before him, no Masonic emblems and such, no vote, etc within the lodge and only able to sit in the lodge when opened in the degree of EA. My argument is how can one justify opening a lodge in the degree of EA or FC and allow these "men" to sit in the lodge and not consider them Masons when our Laws state that when the lodge is opened for business, only Masons are permitted to be present in the lodge room. Also, throughout the initiation once the obligation is taken, the candidate goes from that, to a brother. In the FC when there is reference made to the candidate, I believe that's pertaining specifically to that of the degree, a brother Entered Apprentice Mason made Candidate for the degree of Fellowcraft, etc.

Thoughts? Input? Clarification?
 

Zack

Registered User
IMO, after he takes the EA obligation he is a Brother.

In my ritual he is referred to as such.
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
In the strictest sense of the definition as it applies to the organization of Freemason, Brother Zack's post refects my understanding as well.
 

cemab4y

Premium Member
Once a man takes the solemn oath of an EA, he is then a Mason. Although an EA does not have all of the lights of Masonry, as he is not yet instructed in them, he is a Mason, regardless.

FYI: Most military lodges do their business meetings on the EA degree, to enable maximum participation. Many lodges in Europe, also conduct their business meetings on the EA, because it can take a year or more, to complete the FC/MM degrees. By holding business meetings on the EA, they can have all of the masons in their lodge, attend.
 
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Bro.BruceBenjamin

Premium Member
Once a man takes the solemn oath of an EA, he is then a Mason. Although an EA does not all of the lights of Masonry, as he is not yet instructed in them, he is a Mason.

It should also be noted that in some jurisdictions you cannot receive a masonic funeral unless you are a MM (South Carolina is one).
 

blackbeard

Registered User
agreed, it is when he takes the obligation. in my jurisdiction a fellowcraft receives a few more rights, and only a master mason can have a masonic funeral here, as well.
 

Zack

Registered User
Likewise in my jurisdiction as to Masonic funeral, but that has nothing to do with when he becomes a Brother.
 

Kiltedmapleleaf

Premium Member
In Canada we conduct all our business in the EA degree and as such all ea's have the same rights as anyone else in the lodge. They are permitted to vote and take part in all aspects of the lodge.
For me the point where you are obligated in the first is the moment you become a brother and a mason, it takes 50 mins to become a mason but a lifetime to know what being a mason means.
 

Robert Marshall

Secretary, Waco 92
Premium Member
I'm in agreement. Not after the obligation though. I like to be more specific. A man becomes brother UPON taking the obligation. It's a simultaneous occurrence.
 

blackbeard

Registered User
I'm in agreement. Not after the obligation though. I like to be more specific. A man becomes brother UPON taking the obligation. It's a simultaneous occurrence.


i've been told that it is the exact moment that you do what you do right after the obligation, i'd say what that is but don't want to talk too much about actual ritual....but you guys all remember the first thing you did right after completing the obligation i'm sure.
 
M

mark!

Guest
Our lodge has been opened as an EA lodge several times so that we also get maximum participation with those present.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
i've been told that it is the exact moment that you do what you do right after the obligation

Based upon the first word that the WM says after the obligation is concluded, I'd have to disagree with your statement- in Texas.
 

blackbeard

Registered User
Based upon the first word that the WM says after the obligation is concluded, I'd have to disagree with your statement- in Texas.
i wish i knew tx ritual...it is obviously a little different...a command is given immediately afterward here, when that thing is done is what i was refering to...and the word 'brother' is not in the command and i think maybe what you are referring to...
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
In our ritual, the new Brother is immediately addressed as such, & then given the command.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Here, we address the Brother, explain why he is to follow the command, & then give the command.
 

blackbeard

Registered User
same here, minus the brother part...and it was explained to me afterward that the moment i did that thing was the moment i became a mason. little differences in ritual like that fascinate me and make me want to travel more.
 
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