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It is only in use by some jurisdictions not all. I suspect it's a minority of jurisdictions worldwide. It's one of those cool differences jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

There are multiple orders with variation in the name. Some variations use "Foresters" others use "Woodmen". They appear to have emerged from the guild era and evolved into fraternal insurance groups. I remember seeing an office for Woodmen Insurance in Chicago metro when we lived in that...

The AASR petitions I have seen offer a 14th degree ring as an optional purchase. As such it seems more "official" than rings with the 32nd degree eagle. It's a very simple ring and simplicity has its own type of appeal.

The photograph might even be real. It looks to me like a well attended funeral service. I have never seen anyone questioned at any funeral service. At a funeral with that many brothers it's possible to show up, start chatting with the brothers and attend acting like the brothers. I've been...

In US jurisdictions showing up in person is definitely the best course of action. As you have noticed web pages are often not kept up to date. Some lodges answer emails others don't. Some phone number listings are current others are not. But every month at the posted time the door is open...

Well done

So far I've only seen it in Washington state where I was affiliated at Seaside Lodge for a short time then moved out of state. As it was delivered at refreshment after a 3rd degree it's not actually a degree - It does not refer to Table Lodge either.

That is the type of reading most recommended. I like biographies of eminent and famous Masons. Consider that Lewis and Clark seem to have met in the territory that has since become Ohio. In the neighborhood our reputation is built by the actions of our local eminent members. In the world our...

I also noticed the angle of the compasses ...

Re: Old painting from 1622 made by an alchymist or There is a Scottish Rite degree that tells how alchemists became involved in Freemasonry. It's supposed to be legendary. Often legends have historical roots. Hiramic legend could well have been in use in some groups before our historical...

I have multiple reactions to that. 1) I have been surprised at the percentage of brethren who are disinterested in educational topics. 2) "You get out of Masonry what you put into Masonry". Why aren't these brothers on the agenda doing a presentation? 3) I go to lodge every bit as much for the...

Generally "franchise" means the right to vote. Those who can enlist are of age to vote. The other age restrictions exist but they are of a type other than franchise.

Strategy and tactics. In the long run you want to understand all of it. In the short run you need to have the proficiency memorized. Pour it in; pour it back out as a voice exercise. This is something almost all of us have experienced. The way out is through. Blast through that obstacle...

Also the table shows under a century of data. It shows the rise and fall of one glut but not of the two gluts from two world wars. It only shows the post-WWII glut of membership. Without plenty of data from before the WWI glut of membership the perspective is limited. The farther back the...

Different jurisdiction, different rule/tradition. That is one that varies the most across the world. You have to ask that one locally.

I love it when the G is done with stand-off neon. One lodge I used to frequent has a neon G in a box. The back of the box is polished so the G is visible as a light plus also visible as a reflection off the back of the box. When they first installed it I asked to give a Masonic Education talk...

Many of us attend dozens or hundreds of degrees. As amazing as the first time as a candidate and the first time not as a candidate are, stuff just keeps coming out that you'd never noticed before. Keep paying attention, keep your mind open to additional meanings and layers of meaning and it...

It is a landmark that the ballot is absolutely secret. It should be a chargeable offense to ask what any other brother voted or to tell what you voted. In the time between the committee's report and the degree, one of my jurisdictions allows a private objection to be filed with the WM (CA)...

In more ways than one depending on the jurisdiction. One of my jurisdictions opens the Bible on a specific passage for each degree. One of my jurisdictions only specifies that it be a clean page with no tears or illustrations so the determining factor is how the S&C rest on the open book. In...

Welcome to the family.