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What is the minium period between degrees in your constitution ?
Ours is a minimum of twelve weeks between initiation and entering the Second Degree and a period of at least twenty-four weeks between a brother's initiation and his raising to the Third Degree.
As most of our Lodges meet monthly – that means it normally takes no less than 6 months (and often a lot longer) to become a Master Mason. It is unusual to hold special meetings for Degree Ceremonies and the number a Lodge can convene is restricted to stop Lodges becoming “Degree Factories”.
Ours is a minimum of twelve weeks between initiation and entering the Second Degree and a period of at least twenty-four weeks between a brother's initiation and his raising to the Third Degree.
As most of our Lodges meet monthly – that means it normally takes no less than 6 months (and often a lot longer) to become a Master Mason. It is unusual to hold special meetings for Degree Ceremonies and the number a Lodge can convene is restricted to stop Lodges becoming “Degree Factories”.
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Melbourne
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Sun, May 4, 2008 - 5:23 PM1 Month between degrees....the factory is open. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Mon, May 5, 2008 - 3:04 AM:(
Not long !
One month is the fastest we would do them cause we only meet once a month..
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Mon, May 5, 2008 - 7:43 PMOne Lunar Month (Approx. 29.5 Days). However, in My Blue Lodge (Since We Meet EVERY Thursday), if There are ANY Candidates, We do Their Degree(s) Every 4 or 5 Weeks (EA the 2nd Thurs; FC the 3rd & MM the 4th). Either that or the Degrees are done EA on the 1st Thurs; FC on the 2nd & MM on the 3rd. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Tue, May 6, 2008 - 11:14 AMThe one lodge I belong to has a similar schedule 1s week is 1sts, 2nd wk 2nds, third week stated meeting 4th week 3rds -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Tue, May 6, 2008 - 11:47 PM
<<(Since We Meet EVERY Thursday),>>
Wow Chris - thats a lot of meetings - do you make them all ? And does it work well ? -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 9:36 AMDear Bloke,
Sad to Say, My Dear/True Friend/Brother, That I Don't. This is Due to Certain of My Circumstances, Including Transportation Challenges (I Don't/Can't Drive & have to Rely Upon Others to Take Me to Lodge & Bring Me Home). Also, in a Side Note Related to Another Thread in This Wonderful Tribe, as Far as I Know, We DON'T HAVE a DRESS CODE (Other Than "DECENT" Dress, Whatever THAT IS), however, I'm Being DISCOURAGED from Wearing My Bib Overalls, the ONLY CLOTHES I CAN WEAR COMFORTABLY (& RELIABLY)!!! (Side Note Regarding Bib Overalls... Another Dear/True Friend/Brother, Originally from North Dakota & Now in Ohio, AGREES w ME THAT Bib Overalls SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED or @ LEAST ALLOWED, as AN HOMAGE to Our Ancient Operative Brethren!!!) Finally, the 1st Thursday of the Month (or the 4th, I Don't Quite Recall Which) is the Usual Stated Meeting & the 5th Thursday (When There are 5 in a Month) is Family Night... the Lodge Hall is Open to ALL Masons & Their Families (One Family Night Each Year is Pastor Appreciaton Night & Another is Past Master Night) & There is Entertainment (or a Guest Speaker, Usually on Freemasonry). -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 9:48 AM<<as AN HOMAGE to Our Ancient Operative Brethren!!!) >>
Hey - that is a really nice idea ! :) We have the "operatives" here - not sure what they wear. A dinner suit & bow tie is the dress standard here for the Craft - and it is frowned up to even turn up in a normal tie and business suit if you have a dinner suit and of you have not has some sort of trouble- but have done it. Better there and in shorts than not to make it. AND - I think that if anyone has a disability - we should make allowances for them. We do in Degree work and have blind and wheel bound Bros for instance. Indeed I have heard of a Third being done for a BRo on his death bed who wanted to become a MM before he passed. They went to the hospital and performed the Third Degree while he laid in his bed.
<<Family Night... the Lodge Hall is Open to ALL Masons & Their Families >>
Nice ! -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 6:58 PMAllowances are Made for Disabilities; for My FC & MM, Allowance was Made for Me Due to Not Being Able to Kneel (When I Knelt @ the Altar During My EA, I Trembled ALL OVER MY OVER, BEGINNING w/ MY KNESS, Which CAN'T HOLD ME UP FOR LONG!!!), so a Chair was Brought for Me from Elsewhere in the Lodge Room. Also, My Glasses were Returned to Me after My Obligations (Otherwise I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING!!!) Regarding the Dress Code, there isn't a "Formal" One of Which I'm Aware (Unless You Count Officers, Who are EXPECTED to Wear a Suit w/ Red Dress Jacket); I've Seen Brothers Wearing Jeans, T-Shirts, EVEN SHORTS (in Summer), therefore, I'm Unaware of an ACTUAL "FORMAL" DRESS CODE!!! -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 10:05 PMWe too try to make Brothers as comfortable as they can be.
<<Regarding the Dress Code, there isn't a "Formal" One of Which I'm Aware (Unless You Count Officers, Who are EXPECTED to Wear a Suit w/ Red Dress Jacket); I've Seen Brothers Wearing Jeans, T-Shirts, EVEN SHORTS (in Summer), therefore, I'm Unaware of an ACTUAL "FORMAL" DRESS CODE!!! >>
Well. That is different !
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 11:12 PMIs it common for the candidates to make suitable proficency in a degree within a week? Because I needed alot longer than that, and my Lodge meets every Thursday as well (well, but only two of those are actual stated meetings, the rest are just fraternal time), though the degrees were each a month apart.
I'm a big fan of what some Lodges (TO Lodges for example) in which the candidate spends no less than a year between degrees and in that time has to write and present papers, as well as memorize and demonstrate proficency in all of the degree lectures. That isn't how I went through but sometimes I wish I had. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Thu, May 8, 2008 - 10:25 AMBloke: Operative? Really? We should be getting those in my area this fall....I'm not sure if I am allowed to know that but since I know many of the people organizing it too bad.
Squid: you are so right. That is one of the big reasons we formed The Kite and Key Lodge which is a TO lodge. We felt candidates were being brought in and advanced before learing anything. I still think the time frame should be set by the abilities of the candidate and not an arbitrary period of time. The point is educating the man not holding him back a year even if he is ready.
Chris: Um wow man....jeans, shorts, and sorry to say Bibs too are out. As much as I enjoy working in my overals too. We would not go for anything less than a suit. In our TO lodge everyone wears tails and white gloves. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Thu, May 8, 2008 - 12:43 PMJust ordered a Tail jacket this week.
For amaranth though, not for lodge.
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Fri, May 9, 2008 - 5:05 AMDear Jimmy,
BIB OVERALLS ARE ALL I CAN REASONABLY WEAR!!! WOULD YOU SUGGEST I STOP ATTENDING ALTOGETHER SIMPLY BECAUSE OF MY CLOTHES!? IF SO, I THINK YOU'RE COMPLETELY WRONG!!! I CANNOT AFFORD OTHER CLOTHES, ALSO, AS STATED, BELTS & SUSPENDERS DON'T PROPERLY HOLD UP MY PANTS!!! BELTS HAVE TO BE ASPHYXIATINGLY TIGHT TO HOLD & SUSPENDERS (EVEN THOSE W/ EXPOSED METAL TEETH) DON'T HOLD ONTO MY PANTS!!! -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Fri, May 9, 2008 - 6:44 AMBro Chris,
no reason to shout. Different lodges have differing levels of dress expectations. my understanding is that in ldoges in Forida there is not dress code? Of course most members in Florida are transplants from other states too an a LOT are only there part of the year. We also ahve a local lodge that is in a college town with one stoplight in it. During the semesters the lodge is busy with degree work and proficiency classes during the summer they are quite slow. I've seen very few of the college kids in suits. Still they are clean and not shabily dressed when they arrive. My tuxedo has "button on" suspenders and if this is a long term problem in your dress then perhaps a trip to a local seamstress is in order? There are always solutions....I presume as always I'm preaching to the choir though? LOL! No solution is always easy. I face that every day. We all do in one way or another. Were you a member I presume I'd rather have you at lodge and ACTIVE than not there at all. We ahve disabled members vision hearing and other physical capacities that attend regularly and are ACTIVE helping out where and when they can. It's easier to find it in our heart to help someone who is genuinely trying to help themselves AND others. Is it right? No but there it is. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Fri, May 9, 2008 - 7:11 AM<<no reason to shout.>>
You may not be aware Chris - but caps is used to give emphasis to words and to put a whole post in caps is considered equivalent to "shouting".
Fraternally
Bloke -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Fri, May 9, 2008 - 6:58 PMBro Chirs I am a sorry I offended you. I was mearly pointing out the dress code and restrictions for my jurisdiction. I was in no way commenting on your dress or dress code in your jusridiction. I know some warmer jurisdictions in centeral and south america they wear shorts and sandles. Hear in PA we wear suits at a minimum. I own two sets of bib overalls and find them to be great work wear but I would not be allowed to wear them, or shorts or tshirts to lodge and that was all I was saying.
Again no need to get angry. I would like to be able to show up in slacks and a golf shirt or even shorts but I am not allowed. We don't have air conditioning in our lodge rooms and it gets quite hot on the third floor this time of year. I hope you can find a way to resolve your dilema. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Sat, May 10, 2008 - 8:15 PMDear Jimmy,
You Didn't Offend (Certainly Not Intentionally, to My Best Knowledg). Regarding the Shouting, I Apologize if That's How It SEEMS to You, as I Didn't Intend it to Come Across That Way. Yes, I'm Aware that All Caps is Equivalent to Shouting; I'm a VERY PASSIONATE, EMOTIONAL, EXCITABLE, ETC... Person (ALWAYS HAVE BEEN & PROBABLY ALWAYS WILL BE!!!) You'll Undoutedly also Notice My Frequent Use of the Triple Exclamation Point (I've also ALWAYS Felt the NEED to Emphasize Myself in This Manner too). Calmness, like Patience, has NEVER Been Among My Virtues. Personally, I've ALWAYS Thought (& PROBABLY ALWAYS WILL) that NO DRESS CODE (Beyond What is Legally Considered "DECENT") SHOULD be REQUIRED!!! To Me, the Old Saying, "Clothes Make the Man (or Woman)." has ALWAYS BEEN & ALWAYS WILL BE COMPLETELY WRONG!!!
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Sat, May 10, 2008 - 8:19 PMDear Jimmy,
Regarding the Idea of Visiting a Seamtress (or Tailor), I Cannot Afford to do so. Given that I'm on a VERY LIMITED Fixed Income, due to a Disability, I PROBABLY NEVER WLL BE ABLE to Afford Custom Made Clothing (Unless Mom Makes Them Herself). EVEN if I COULD, SOMEHOW, GET SUCH CLOTHES, HOW WOULD/COULD I KEEP THEM FROM FALLING TO MY ANKLES (OR ASPHYXIATING ME)!? I See NO WAY AROUND THIS!!! If ANYONE has ANY IDEAS, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!! -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Sun, May 11, 2008 - 7:05 AMMy insticts tell me that giving you suggests will just fire you up again but as a brother I will try.
Check out Kingsizedirect.com or Casualmalexl.com
Kingsize has simple dress pants up to a 72 inch waist for 54.99 and for 4.99 more they will hem them to your inseam. I know it costs money. Everything costs money but it is not a $300 suit. They also have jackets.
as for Belts...just get Braces...they are like suspenders but use buttons not clips so they acutall stay on. I perfer braces to belts myself being a man of considerable girth. I understand being comfortable. I wear shorts, tshirts and sandels all summer long and into the fall. I hate putting on tails but I do it becasue it is expected of me. making good men better and all.
I agree that clothes do not make the man but the way I look at it making men dress up puts them in a more serious mind set and it is brings everyone on equal footing like Bloke said. I think it also shows a commitment on the part of the man to follow the rules of behavior for the lodge. Some lodges alow jeans and flannel shirts and that is find if that is what they want.
I get the impression your lodge wants you a bit more dressed up than that. There are not easy answers Chris. Obsticals are placed in our path to overcome and that is all part of the journey. You will figure this out if you want to. You will find help if you ask. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Sun, May 11, 2008 - 8:26 PMI Don't have Much Money, as I'm on a VERY LIMITED Fixed Income, due to a Lifelong Disability, therefore I Simply Can't Afford ANYTHING That Costs a Lot. While It's True that a $55 - $60 Suit is Better than a $300 One, It's not that Much Better for Me, as I Cannot Afford Either & have as MuchLikelihood of Getting Enough Money for Either. I also Issues w/ Transportation (to & from Lodge; to & from Anywhere, in Fact). Due to the High of Everything, I find it almost IMPOSSIBLE to Save Much (if ANY) Money in a Given Month. (According to My Biological Brother, Who's My Payee, I have NO MARGIN, therefore ANY MAJOR EXPENSES WOULD BE DEVASTATING!!!) Regarding the Type of Clothes, Please see Previous Posts Regarding My Reasons (Including, of Course, My Preference) for Wearing What I do. How WOULD You Suggest I Pay for Something I Cannot Afford & am UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE!? Regarding Braces, They Sound Like a Good Idea, however, Expense & Sewing the Necessary Buttons onto the Pants are Other Issues (not to Mention Availability; I have no Means of Online Purchasing, then There's the Transportation to ANY Brick & Mortar Store). -
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This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.
Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 9:47 AMMy Brother,
I have been reading these posts and wish I had some great answer that would solve the issues at hand, but I don't have anything more than what was already offered. The reality is that if your Lodge requires certain things, then you either follow them or you don't. We all have goals and things in life that we really want, but sometimes have to acknowledge that they might be unreasonable. Not a point of argument or to get you upset, just a reality. Perhaps you may follow some of the suggestions already presented. The answers are there if you choose to take advantage of them or look for ways of making them work for you. If not, you will continue to get more frustrated. Each Lodge has its own standards. If you cannot meet them, you may need to find another Lodge - no ill against you intended.
If I may, would it be possible for us to get back on topic? Perhaps this discussion can be pushed to a different thread?
I feel that there should be at least one month between degrees. The candidate/Brother needs time to absorb what he has learned before he can reasonably progress. I would also submit that there should be a minimal requirement for movement to the concordant Bodies - perhaps a year from the time he takes his Third. How can a man build upon the foundation that the Craft Lodge begins unless that foundation is solid?
Bro. Steve , PDDGM -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 11:27 AMstick to the topic...how novel.
Ok I think arbitrary times are silly. If our goal is to make good men better we can only do that if we insturct them and they learn. The goal should be a certain amount of knowledge before moving on to the next degree. One month, 3 months a year does not matter. Education matters. I agree that you should have to have a years time between each new body. We rush too many people into the York Rite and they have no idea what they are doing or why.
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Tue, May 13, 2008 - 11:41 AMBro Steve & Jim,
I agree that the timing should not be arbitrary BUT keep in mind most lodges in my short itme in lodge need time to organize and scrounge up people to actually hold the degree too and schedule in a practice as well. this isn't jsut for the candidates. We learn from doing the degree work too. We learn what the brother we are working with are like and we learn how to deal with them and the issues presented are different each time. This is somehting I had to explain recently to a candidate who thought that if he got his Entered Apprentice at the end of May that we could do his Fellowcraft at the end of June before we go dark for the summer. I ahd to explain that this is a tough time of year and that simply scheduling it was one thing and filling the parts another altogether! With a change in officers in between it makes it tougher not easier!
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 6:42 PMOur lodge has no stated minimum for waiting between degrees. However, we are currently running a minimum of about 2-4 months between due to the backlog of candidates. We have stated meetings on 1st & 3rd thursdays of each month. 2nd and 4th thursdays are either study clubs or degree work. We have been doing 2 degrees (1st & 2nd ) every other week each month this year. And we've also had to fit in a tuesday degree night every once in awhile.
We're even going to attempt two 3rd degrees tomorrow night. Will be a LOOONNNGGG night.
When I did my run through the degrees last year, it was about a month in between. There was not as much a backlog then, and they tell me they fit me in whenever I said I was ready. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 7:00 PM<<We're even going to attempt two 3rd degrees tomorrow night. Will be a LOOONNNGGG night. >>
Busy boys ! Do you mean 2 candidates through 2 ceremonies - or a single ceremony with 2 candidates (which we would call a "double third") ?
We don't do double thirds often - but will often see guys initiated and passed two at a time.
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Thu, May 8, 2008 - 6:51 PMTwo candidates, individual ceremonies.
And I had to miss it for working late. -
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Re: Required Intervials between Degrees..
Fri, May 9, 2008 - 1:39 AM<<Two candidates, individual ceremonies.
And I had to miss it for working late. >>
Sounds like a late night for all !
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