DOCTRINE DAY

TEN MASTER MASONS

2009-02-27T17:28:00.002-07:00

I really enjoyed this poem and believe that it could be very true...do you?

TEN MASTER MASONS
Ten Master Masons, happy, doing fine;
One listened to a rumor, then there were nine.

Nine Master Masons, faithful, never late;
One didn't like the "Master," then there were eight.

Eight Master Masons, on their way to heaven;
One joined to many clubs, then there were seven.

Seven Master Masons, life dealt some hard licks;
One grew discouraged, then there were six.

Six Master Masons, all very much alive;
One lost his interest, then there were five.

Five Master Masons, wishing there were more;
Got into a great dispute, then there were four.

Four Master Masons, busy as could be;
One didn't like the programs, then there were three.

Three Master Masons, was one of them you?
One grew tired of all the work, then there were two.

Two Master Masons with so much to be done;
One said "What's the use," then there was one.

One Master Mason, found a brother -- true!
Brought him to the Lodge, then there were two.

Two Master Masons didn't find work a bore;
Each brought another, then there were four.

Four Master Masons saved their Lodges fate;
By showing others kindness, then there were eight.

Eight Master Masons, loving their Lodges bright sheen;
Talked so much about it, they soon counted sixteen.

Sixteen Master Masons, to their obligations true;
Were pleased when their number went to thirty-two.

So we can't put our troubles at the Lodges door;
It's our fault for harming the Lodge we adore.

Don't fuss about the programs or the "Master" in the East;
Keep your obligation by serving even the very least.

-This was furnished by Bro. George CHAVEZ

Five Points Lodge #1137 Anniversary Dinner

2009-02-27T17:15:00.003-07:00

Last night I took the whole family to lodge for our 89th anniversary dinner. It was great to introduce them to my new Brothers and give them a tour of our lodge. The presentation was really interesting as it gave me an insight to the wonderful history of our lodge and how far it has come throughout the years. I especially enjoyed looking at a very old book which has invitations and pictures of other anniversary dinners from many years ago. I really wish we could promote our anniversary dinner much more next year for the big 90! I think sending out invitations is a must and preparing a very special dinner to make it an even more memorable night!

Tonight I passed my Master Mason Proficiency Exam

2009-02-12T21:45:00.002-07:00

Well this was a great relief, for some reason or another this felt like the most difficult of all the proficiencies, maybe because it's the last one. What was unique about this one for me was that on my coach's suggestion, I decided to do my own question and answers. It was nice to hear several compliments from some of the Brethren, saying things like, "that blew me away", "beautiful job" and "that's only the third time I've heard it done that way in 50 years!"

I know I probably made a couple small mistakes or stuck in an extra word here and there. But all in all, I feel very satisfied with my exam, and am glad that I am finally done! Now I would like to look into coaching another Brother and helping him in the way my coaches went way beyond and out of their way to help me.

The Day Finally Arrived!

2008-12-22T23:10:00.005-07:00

This evening I became a Master Mason, the highest and most important degree in the Blue Lodge. I can say without a doubt that it was an extremely rewarding and memorable experience that I will never forget. I enjoyed it so much, I'm a little sad that it's over and wish I had the opportunity to go through it again. While going through the degree, I was dreading that it would eventually come to an end, and wish I could go through all three degrees again some day if it were possible. Kind of like a when a married couple decides to renew their wedding vows, in a sense. I felt so special to walk into my Lodge lobby this evening and see so many well dressed Brethren who came from afar and were waiting for me....The VIP, I was so flattered!

Now I must work on my MM proficiency, and look forward to becoming very active in my Lodge and help out as much as I can in all of its activities. I appreciate the time and dedication the Brethren dedicate, and have come to recognize and appreciate where the term Brotherly Love comes from! I received awesome gifts and mementos that I did not see coming. I left Lodge today with a VERY SPECIAL FEELING, and look forward to the work that's cut out for me in the near future.

Today I passed my Fellowcraft Proficiency

2008-12-13T14:26:00.004-07:00

Well after being out of the loop with my Masonic Brothers quite some time, I decided to make an extra effort in my busy schedule and get back to my degree work. Today, I was fortunate to pass my FC proficiency exam and am scheduled to receive my Master Mason's degree in a couple weeks. I am thrilled to be back in the saddle again and look forward to an exciting 2009 with my Lodge!

It's official, I'm a FC Mason

2008-06-26T07:42:00.002-06:00

The ceremony went without a hitch last night, and Brethren drove as far as from the neighboring town of Las Cruces, NM to be there...about 50 miles. All along, I thought I had this down, but suddenly began to feel nervous and anxious as in my EA degree. They definitely did a good job of maintaining the element of surprise in every aspect. I truly had no clue what to expect, although I had read a snippet or two on the web about it. Again, an overwhelming and exciting experience I will never forget. I resume coaching next week with our district instructor, who assured me that this time around it would be a lot shorter, and that he hoped we could do my proficiency by our next stated meeting on July 10th.

Tonight I will become a Fellowcraft Mason

2008-06-25T13:16:00.007-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I am happy to say that I passed my Entered Apprentice proficiency a couple of weeks ago. I did all three parts at once, thanks to the coaching of our district instructor who is a true expert! I was praised by all who attended, and was even told that it was one of the best proficiencies they had ever heard. So all of this means that I have now earned the privilege of becoming a Fellowcraft Mason or 2nd Degree Mason, and this will happen at 7:00PM tonight. I must admit, I am quite nervous as I recall some of the emotions I felt during my initiation. I really do not know what to expect, and am nervous that all of the attention will be centered around me. I hope not to make any mistakes or have to remember something from my EA proficiency that I might not recall. The night after I finished my proficiency, I was told by almost everyone that it was all downhill and easy from here on, that I had completed the toughest task. It did feel like a great weight was lifted off of my shoulders, but that doesn't mean I'm not up to challenges. I'll update tomorrow on how my degree went. I suspect it will be another overwhelmingly rewarding experience.

Back in the saddle again

2008-05-29T07:34:00.002-06:00

After yet another break, I have finally resumed my coaching and it seems like I will doing my EA proficiency very soon. My friend and first coach E. accepted a great job offer in another city and had to stop being my coach. He referred me to our local district instructor, which is great, because now I have our most proficient person as my coach. Tomorrow is the State of Texas Grand Master Banquet which I am really looking forward to.

About Earning

2008-03-27T09:02:00.001-06:00

I think this reply from justamason deserves a post:

"J .. it's nice to hear you'd like to learn the other parts of the proficiency in your jurisdiction. But remember things are different elsewhere. The Emulation work of England requires the EA to learn the answers to 11 questions, and that's it. No obligation. It's been that way for almost 200 years. Certainly no one would suggest no English Mason has "earned" their degree.Conversely, some European jurisdictions require a year between degrees and a paper to be written and defended in open Lodge. It would be equally incorrect to suggest American Masons have not "earned" their degree because they don't go such rigour.http://justamason.blogspot.com"

I apologize for generalizing, I believe that any Mason has earned his degree if he completes the requirements of his jurisdiction. What upsets me is when, for example in Texas, some lodges decide to bend the rules that have been established by the Grand Lodge of Texas and allow shortcuts in order to gain more members. I also find it sad that some lodges in our jurisdiction could care less about doing quality degree work, and rely on another lodge to bail them out during rituals, because they do not care to maintain their proficiency at an acceptable level.

Again I apologize for generalizing and truly believe that if an English Mason completes what is required of him, that he has equally earned his degree as I have. And would disagree that he has earned it if his lodge offered him a shorter route just to gain more members.

All that being said, It is my opinion, that every Mason in the world should make an effort to learn as much as possible about the Craft. I personally feel that learning all 3 parts makes me more proficient, perhaps allowing me the opportunity to someday confer a degree upon another, based on what I have learned.

And...still chiseling

2008-03-26T23:17:00.004-06:00

I know it's been a while, but believe it or not I am still chiseling. After being given the option of doing my proficiency on only the first part of the EA...I chickened out (perhaps not) and decided to learn the whole enchilada...all three parts. I was surprised to learn that some lodges in my area do not require the 2nd & 3rd part. I believe that this is totally ridiculous. I think that especially young Entered Apprentice Masons want to EARN their degrees, actually demand it. I truly hope that this new generation of Masons will help Change our fraternity; and yes, I did capitalize Change on purpose.

Still chiseling

2008-03-05T07:39:00.002-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still chiseling away at my EA proficiency. I've been pretty overwhelmed with school, work and family; but have managed to still meet with my coach about 2-3 times per week. He thinks I'm ready for the 1st part for sure, and thinks I should be able to do the whole thing in one night. But the way things have been going, I think I'll go for the first part only, then continue with the rest. I'll keep you posted!

The Knife and Fork Degree

2008-01-22T09:56:00.000-07:00

I got a kick out of this on our weekly newsletter from elpasomasons.net, I hope I never get this degree! ;)

- The Knife and Fork Degree -

I do not attend the meetings
for I've not the time to spare.
But every time they have a feast
You'll surely find me there.

I cannot help with the degrees
for I do not know the work.
But I can applaud the speaker
and handle the knife and fork.

I am so rusty in the ritual that
It seems like Greek to me.
But practice makes me perfect
in the knife and fork degree.

Masonic Funeral Service

2008-01-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth are Masonry’s principle tenets and what better example than what I experienced yesterday at the Masonic funeral of a Brother who was flown in from Seattle. He had no family or friends in El Paso and only El Paso Masons along with the U.S. Army attended his service. Brother Robert Clifton Melius passed away at age 88. He served in World War II, received the Purple Heart and was a Past Master of Mount Moriah Lodge in Germany, as well as being a member of St. Johns Lodge #8 in Seattle and of Ionic Lodge.

What really touched me was the fact that his Lodge Brother Ken, flew down to El Paso and arranged for him to be buried at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery as Brother Melius had wished. I was touched to notice that there was quite an age difference between Ken and Brother Melius. And to see that Ken, a young man in his 30’s would take the time, effort and money necessary to ensure that his Lodge Brother’s wishes were carried out is what Freemasonry is all about. I have never witnessed such commitment and dedication to another person outside of one’s own family as I did yesterday. After the service, Ken invited us for breakfast at a local diner where he shared with us the fact that Brother Melius thought that no one would care to come to his funeral, that they would just dig a hole in the ground and put him in it. Well that wasn’t the case. Over a dozen El Paso Masons should up and performed what I thought was a beautiful and respectful service. I felt so proud to have become a member of this great Fraternity and have never felt like I did something so “right” in a long time. What was equally rewarding was to see the look of gratitude and amazement on Ken’s face as he got out of his rental car at the cemetery and saw all of us there. I get a kick out of all of the conspiracy theorists after going through an experience like this. It’s easy for people who do not have a clue about something, to fear it. Anyway, that’s a topic for another day.

Bob's Memorial ws published on St. John's #9 website

Robert Clifton Melius - 1/15/19 - 12/24/07

Another EA Degree

2008-01-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the opportunity to witness the initiation of a new young Brother. It was interesting to see the whole ritual from another perspective, and witness the nervousness and anxiousness followed by that particular feeling of joy and accomplishment once the degree is conferred. I felt proud to be able to attend a lodge meeting opened on the EA degree and wear my apron while feeling like part of the team for once, rather than the lonely candidate seeking acceptance.

This degree was performed at the El Maida Shrine Temple, which provided me with the opportunity to meet Brethren from two other lodges in El Paso and tour the amazing facility while getting a glimpse of this other appendant body of Freemasonry called the Shriners of North America.

Back to the quarries!

2008-01-07T08:03:00.000-07:00

I was contacted by my coaching Brother and will resume my preparation for my EA proficiency tomorrow. I missed not being in contact with my Brethren during the holidays. But it's a new year and I'm ready to go at it as full speed as possible, considering family, work and school. I'll keep you all posted!

Interesting experience today

2007-12-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

So I just got in last night from a week long trip to Chicago. My wife and I had a great time today and enjoyed a beautiful day doing some last minute shopping. Unfortunately I missed the El Paso Scottish Rite's Open House event. I really did feel bad about it, because I wanted to take the whole family. But sometimes you realize that although I had it planned out, it's the holidays and Masonry teaches us that our family obligations come first.
So for my interesting experience...I actually had a couple. I spent all of this past week in Addison, Illinois doing some training for work. This is the fourth time I've been to Chicago but the first time I've been there as a Mason. Interestingly my short drive from the hotel to our office has always passed by a large Hilton hotel which right below has the symbol of the Shriners, which I never noticed before!! Now this is no small organization, they are like the trademark of this particular Hilton! They are the Medinah Shriners.

Next interesting experience, it's the holidays so I drove to my local liquor store and noticed that the guy who's always at the register had a Shriner medallion handing around his neck. But this was no ordinary medallion, it was amazing. I asked him if he was a Shriner and he said that he wasn't, but his grandfather was a 33rd and that he inherited the medallion. The medallion was gold and the half moon was made of real tiger claws set in gold and on the back it had the square & compasses engraved in the gold. He mentioned that he had been confronted various times by Masons asking him where he had got it, because that was a 33rd degree medallion and that there was no way that he could be a 33rd because it takes "40 years to become one". Anyways I was pleased to be able to notice the signs of my new Fraternity.

Practice, practice, practice

2007-12-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

So here I go, feeling good and ready to climb the stairs of Freemasonry, and soon become a Master Mason. Whoooaah...hold on there, pilgrim. Before advancing to the 2nd degree or Fellowcraft degree I must demonstrate my First Degree Proficiency, and do it...of course, in front of my fellow Brothers in open Lodge. So, I say to myself..."No problem, just give me the books and I'll study them." No sir. I must learn them verbally from my coach E. which I have been rehearsing with in person inside a lodge room for the past three days this week. I am freaked out! There are a lot of questions and some of the answers are about as long as up to where I have typed thus far! There is no book. These questions and answers have been passed down from Mason to Mason for decades by mouth to ear, which makes this experience much more valuable, intriguing and satisfying.

Today's coaching session took place at the El Paso Scottish Rite Temple. A very special place indeed, making today's session very rewarding. I got there at 8AM and had the privilege of having coffee and doughnuts with a few 33rd degree Scottish Rite Masons.

After breakfast, E. and I went to the Scottish Rite lodge room which is also used by Fraternity Lodge #1111. I've got to admit that I love this lodge room, I think it's the most elegant and beautiful one I've been to so far. I would like to find out if I could possibly recieve one of my remaining Blue Lodge degrees there. So we got into some pretty long answer questions which we had to spend some additional time on. So far, I feel like this is a lot to learn. E. told me that some EA's like to break it up into sections and spread out their proficiency examinations throughout different sessions. I told him that I think I would like to go that route, and he looked astonished and asked me why? He said he thought I was smart and that I was picking it up a lot faster than other EA's he's coached. Well, we'll see how it goes. I feel pretty confident, even though I don't remember almost anything when I return home at night, the following morning when I meet with E. and he asks me the questions, they seem to just come out. Sometimes with some words thrown in that don't belong there or are syonyms. The thing is, syonyms and an extra word here and there don't count! It must be perfect....VERBATIM!

My Lodge

2007-12-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

Now that I am a proud Entered Apprentice of Five Points Lodge #1137, I would like to share a little background about it and other El Paso, Texas Lodges.

From Elpasomasons.net:

Five Points Lodge was Chartered on December 4th, 1919. It's first meeting was on January 15, 1920 when William J. Pickering was installed as the first Worshipful Master. The Lodge met at 916 1/2 N. Piedras St. When in 1960 the building was torn down to realign Montana St. the Lodge purchased the Phoenician Club Building on Morehead Ave. This was our home until 2004 when we sold the building and moved to our present location in the Masonic Activities Center on Magruder St.

In El Paso, there are roughly 2,000 Freemasons belonging to one or more of the 10 local Lodges chartered under the Grand Lodge of Texas. As a a matter of fact many of my Lodge Brethren are at Grand Lodge today at the 172nd Grand Lodge Communication!
I am anxious to get more involved in Masonry, but activity is low right now due to the Grand Lodge meeting and the upcoming holidays. I am sure I am going to have more than my hands full with my upcoming proficiency work as well as my university studies...not to mention work and my family. Whoooo!

I am a Mason!

2007-11-30T21:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight I earned my Entered Apprentice degree. A positively, overwhelming, unexpected experience. I feel honored to have my fellow Brothers take time on a Friday evening to participate in my initiation. I am short for words as to how I feel, but can easily say that this was an experience that I will never forget for the rest of life. I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but with patience and perseverance hope to be a valuable member to our Fraternity and our community.

I have a year to complete my EA proficiency and another year to become a Master Mason. I do not plan for it to take that long, although I am going through my MBA at the University of Texas at El Paso. What I really liked is that my friend E. who has been my primary contact in becoming a Mason, agreed to be my coach. He also lives on my side of town which should facilitate things. I am also glad that he is my coach because I saw the progess another brother has made in the last three months under his guidance. I know it's going to be hard work, as he mentioned that he typically coaches daily for about an hour a day to his EAs.
I am so excited this day finally arrived! My journey barely commences. I feel like I haven't even touched the tip of the iceberg yet, only got a glimpse.

EA Degree Scheduled

2007-11-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

My Entered Apprentice degree had been scheduled for November 30 at 6:30PM. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, it was understandably difficult for my future brethren to get it scheduled any sooner. Either way, I am happy and looking forward to my big day, which as a coincidence it is on the same day of my little boy's 8th birthday!

It's official!

2007-11-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Right when my family and I were celebrating my son's all-city football championship victory, I received a call from my friend E. at the lodge. I'm in! He indicated that all went well with the ballot, and they will be contacting me soon so that I can schedule my first degree. What a way to end an evening! I can't wait to get started, a little nervous too I may add!

Ordeal of the Secret Ballot

2007-11-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

My third and final investigation was completed last Tuesday and now this coming Thursday at their stated meeting, Five Points Lodge will vote by secret ballot on whether to allow me to join them or not. My investigation reports will be read aloud and the ballot box will be passed around. Each Mason votes by putting their hand in a hole in the box and retrieving either a white ball (yes) or black ball/square (no) and then placing that ball or square in a little drawer below. To be elected, I must receive an affirmative vote from each and every member present at the meeting. The black balls were changed to squares to avoid confusion from the white to the black. This is where the original term "to blackball" someone, came from. I wish for the best, and will most likely have dinner with my future brothers before their stated meeting.

2nd Investigation

2007-10-27T07:39:00.001-06:00

My 2nd investigator and his wife showed up at my house last night. Went through the same form with questions as with my 1st, except this one had a few questions of his own after filling out the form. He asked me how I heard about the Masons and why I wanted to become one. I told him about the experience with my grandfather and the Elks and how I got in contact with the El Paso group through the Internet and about the lodges and events I had been to so far. He was a really nice guy and seemed very knowledgeable. He is a Workshipful Master at one of the lodges here in town, but not the one I'm petitioning. His wife sat in the living room chatting about a million things with my wife, but not necesarrily about Masonry. All in all I feel the investigation went very well. Next one is on Tuesday with the gentleman I already know who is a newly minted MM and 32 degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Investigators finally called!

2007-10-25T07:54:00.001-06:00

OK! My remaining two investigators finally called and set up appointments to meet with me. One of them I do not know and will be coming to my house tomorrow. The other guy, I know pretty well since he was an EA when I started looking into lodges and meeting Masons. I will be meeting him at his office on Tuesday, which I suspect will be a pretty easy going investigation. My understanding is that I am not supposed to know my investigators, but in this case the original investigator is in the Army Reserves and was recently activated. All seems to be in line now for my ballot to be taken on November 8. I'm really looking forward to it now, especially since I found out that a Masonic Student Organization is about to be started at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I am currently a graduate student!

Inspiration from across the pond!

2007-10-17T16:01:00.000-06:00

This morning I was inspired to see that somebody has actually read my blog! In the midst of being a little down due the stumbles in my entrance process, there was a comment on my previous post from Young Mason today where he found my blog and could relate to the emotions I'm feeling when he went through his initiation experience about one year ago. To my further amazement, he has made my blog famous by posting about it on his, which is called Middlesex-Fire!!! Doctrine Day has gone global, yippee! Anyway, I am thrilled to have a brother to be in England who has a keen interest in my progress through the initial stages of the Craft. This has inspired me to be even more diligent in my pursuit for light and in keeping up with this blog. Please visit his blog as I found it to be very well written and informative as well!