Re: New Guy

DaveUK wrote:
Hello All, 

Hello Dave!

I am in the process of completing my application form for consideration
to a lodge in Staffordshire.

I think I can speak for most Masons when I say I am pleased that you are considering Masonry. It is not something in which many men are interested, for various reasons of their own, and it is definitely something that deserves much consideration; one must be ready to become a Mason. Rest assured that, if you are ready, there are many fine Masons in your Lodge who are ready to confer the degrees upon you and guide you in your Masonic journey.

As with many of you before me (I guess) I
have looking for additional information about the rites of an Entered
Apprentice and information generally on the history of Freemasonary

As others have advised, please don't read the ritual beforehand. It is readily available in various forms, both online and in print, but it can spoil the wonder and awe of the ritual for you. As well, if you read the wrong one (there are many variations) your thoughts may be focused on how the actual ritual differs from what you read. There will be plenty of time after you have been initiated to read the ritual, and you will know then which ritual is correct for your Lodge.

As for the history of the Craft, there are many fine books that address its history, but you should know that our written history prior to the 18th century is sketchy and even non-existent. Any historical account of our origins or activities prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge system in 1717 may be more opinion than fact, simply because few facts exist. A book I'm reading is The History of Freemasonry by J.W.S. Mitchell. It was written in the 1860s and is no longer in print, but it is available for viewing online at http://www.backmedia.com/mpp/booksonline.html.

I would be glad to hear from you regardless of your geography to
discuss the history of Freemasonary and (in so far as the Freemasonary
rules permit) an information\experiences you can share on your
initiation.

My initiation was just a year ago this month. I experienced many emotions that night, and though I shall never forget the night, I did forget many of the things said. Whether I was more nervous than the Brethren conferring the degree I didn't know, but I can say now that I was much less nervous; my Brothers were very concerned that they might falter in their delivery, which they thought might spoil the event for me. But in the end I was welcomed by everyone present and felt quite welcome.

I was told by every Mason I met prior to my initiation that I should not fear any dangers. I can say to you now, without reserve, that you have nothing to fear from your initiation, that there is no danger of physical, mental or emotional harm. The initiation, indeed all of our rituals, is a solemn event that starts your Masonic journey.

In anticipation of your response.

Do keep us updated, Dave. Some readers may be close enough to attend your initiation (Staffordshire is a bit of a drive from Oregon so I don't think I'll make it), and the rest of us would enjoy hearing how your initiation went and what you think about it.

All the best,

Larry
Holbrook Lodge #30
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
Forest Grove, Oregon
http://www.holbrookmasons.org/

Rainbow Dad
Hillsboro Assembly #24
International Order of The Rainbow for Girls
Hillsboro, Oregon
http://hillsboro24.home.comcast.net/

.

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