Rifleman1776
Registered User
Really, a lot of reasons. Some you might not agree with. I'll preface by saying I believe all the YR degrees and rituals are beautiful and tell important lessons. I consider myself YR and a KT to this day even though I did demit out. Years ago my town only had Chapter, it was necessary to drive two hours to attend Council and over three hours to attend Commandery. Discouraging in itself. Everyone in my Chapter was elderly and most had trouble with the work. It came to a point where I was the prompter for every station and would walk around whispering in their ears then they would repeat, about 10% accurately out loud. The thing with the hands was nearly dangerous. Nobody ever got it right and the process was downright silly. I was always afraid someone would get poked in the eye. At one time I had an opportunity to be in Little Rock (Arkansas) where my Commandery was located and could attend a meeting. Before getting there I was informed full uniform was required. Not having one I did not attend. To this day I have never attended a Commandery meeting. Very discouraging. I was elected to HP and am proud of that even though it was frustrating trying to run an organized meeting. About like herding cats. After my term I became Secretary and held that for many years until I demited out. During that time I had to help a number of Kings down steps to the floor because they were so elderly and feeble. They kept dying. When I helped each one I felt I was helping a dead man walking. Very sad and discouraging. I wanted out in a non-controversial way for a long time. Eventually the Shrine dropped the requirement for KT or 32nd Degree for membership. Also, about that time our retirement income dropped to near nothing and I had a double excuse to demit. I needed to save dues money.