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EA work

polmjonz

Registered User
Try to meet with your mentor as much as possible. I was lucky as mine worked in the building next to me so I was able to go almost everyday at lunchtime. Mississippi is the same mouth to ear. If u turn in just the answers it is suitable proficiency if u turn in Q&A it is a perfect proficiency I believe. As you learn the answers you should learn the question maybe not verbatim but close enough to ask them to yourself. The first degree can be the hardest because it is a new way of learning and some "new" words but it gets easier for the following degrees. Good luck Brother.
 

Brother JC

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
According to a recent visitor to my lodge, Texas has the longest "Q&A" proficiency. I believe he said it was 85 questions. And as other Brothers have said, it's all mouth to ear.

Many jurisdictions have a "cypher," but that is meaningless to a new Apprentice until much time is spent with your mentor (instructor, coach) to learn what it all means.
 

Zack

Registered User
According to a recent visitor to my lodge, Texas has the longest "Q&A" proficiency. I believe he said it was 85 questions. .

Of course! Being from Texas it would have to be the longest. Just kidding.

In FL, the EA catechism is 46 Qs, 46As and in total contains 1808 words to be memorized.
 

crono782

Premium Member
I wish I could meet with my mentor daily, that would so improve how much I can memorize! The guy is a retired PM, and he def knows his stuff, but he's involved in pretty much every appendant body so his Masonic schedule is pretty full even if his work schedule is empty. >.<
Still, I go over what I do know constantly and it's all starting to stick... what I've been taught so far at least. Thanks for all the advice!
 

THurse

Premium Member
I think that this is a wonderful thing you are doing right now, is asking for help. I find that I take in wonderful information from my mentor, studying and the Brothers, here.
 

crono782

Premium Member
Crazy how everything comes together when it is properly instructed. Even though there are no written materials and the large amount to learn, I am absorbing it quite well. I feel as though the work is slowly unfolding in my brain and I am actually *learning* in prep to *apply* it as well as memorizing it.
 

JustinScott

Premium Member
EA Code books

Texas I believe doesn't have code books some grand lodges like Florida allow code books but if you where not given one then you must learn to memorize from speaking and hearing. But remember any Mason can help you not just your instructor and mentor. You can always call a mason and do it over the phone.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Crazy how everything comes together when it is properly instructed.


The mark of a good instructor is two fold:

Learn how the individual candidate learns and teach him in that way.

Never overload the candidate. Make sure he never goes away with more than he can absorb in a single setting.


Your instructor knows his work. You are blessed!
 

STLamb

Registered User
Having just finished the proficiency work for all 3 degrees (initiated September 24. Turned in my MM proficiency Dec 21), the entire experience is really fresh for me. A lot of factors came into play for me to move so fast. First, I worked with my instructor almost daily. Second, I've know my instructor since jr. high (35 plus years). Third my instructor was very enthusiastic about working with me. In fact, he may have been enjoying it as much, if not more, than I was. and Fourth, I was really into the work. I mean, I loved it, and repeated it over and over several times a day, even not with my instructor. I guess that's one benefit of a 45 minute commute each day. I'm sure people thought I was crazy talking to myself in the car. Finally, several dedicated Brothers from my lodge meet every weekday in the morning for a masonic academy, where you can work with other brothers well versed in the craft. Because of this, I was able to work with all levels of certificate holders, and could make sure I was as perfect as a new guy could be. Finally, I can't stress enough how supportive all the brothers were who were at the meetings when I turned in. They have all been there, and now just how you feel, so relax and enjoy the ride. It became really obvious to me very quickly the the biggest benefit I was receiving was the fraternal realtionships I got to build throughout the process.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Payback time!

You haven't enjoyed anything yet. Grab the next initiate and start teaching him his esoteric work.

Remember, it has absolutely NOTHING to do with what you know, but what he learns and comprehends.

Find out how he learns and teach him that way.

Make very sure YOU know what it all means and give him a few pointers along the way.

No question is to stupid. No question is to provocative. No question should go unasked.

What does this mean,tell me. Not YOU, him!

Make a contract: I'll be available, you know what I've taught you to date when we get back together.

Never throw too much at the candidate in one setting. Send him home with a good understanding of what you taught in this session.

Don't drop the poor man once he crosses the finish line. There's much more to training a man to be a master mason than esoteric work alone.



Get started today. You owe your instructor and that untold number of "all those who have gone this way before" much ... they took you to that magically northeast corner, hard to find in this material world.

Spread your wings brother! As the old salt says, "you're in clear winds now."

fair winds and following seas!

:sneaky2::sneaky2:
 
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THurse

Premium Member
My mentor, I also rarely communicate with, but I study what I think is right, and all I do in our studies is go over what I have already studied and the main thing that I do is ask my mentor as much questions I can. That works for me.
 

scialytic

Premium Member
Took you long enough...geeze...I mean, you were initiated in 2012 and you didn't turn in your proficiency until 2013...almost shameful!
 

widows son

Premium Member
Did you have to recite your OB? I've heard of some lodges omitting that part, or just reciting the penalty.
 

crono782

Premium Member
yep, the whole kit 'n' kaboodle. everyone said i flew through the proficiency and it still took probably over 30 min. i've heard that texas has one of the longest catechisms.

Took you long enough...geeze...I mean, you were initiated in 2012 and you didn't turn in your proficiency until 2013...almost shameful!

hah, i know right? i'm such an under acheiver. lol
 
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Belcher

Registered User
Turned in my EA proficiency last night! What a load off my shoulders, hah!

Very proud of you my brother. I turned mine in ( EA )on the first of Dec. And my FC initiation is set for Jan. 16.
I am looking forward to continuing my search for more light. Wish you the best of luck....
 

Belcher

Registered User
yep, the whole kit 'n' kaboodle. everyone said i flew through the proficiency and it still took probably over 30 min. i've heard that texas has one of the longest catechisms.



hah, i know right? i'm such an under acheiver. lol
Did you turn in all 3 sec. At the same time or did your lodge let you turn in your
Work in sec.
 
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