Good morning Brethren,

Last night at my lodge, we passed a candidate to Fellow Craft.  This time I wasn’t Senior Steward preparing and presenting the candidate.  Everyone sort of moved up a “chair”, so I became Junior Deacon - which was a lot of fun!  We all had lodge practice for a few evenings prior, so I knew what to do and what to say (thank God) and did a good job, according to the lodge officers.  One of the other recent Master Masons stepped up to become Senior Steward, and took over for me.

Anyway, after we passed the candidate to Fellow Craft, they had him sit among the brethren.  Then I also had to prove my FC proficiency by reciting the catechism with my mentor.  So they had the lodge Treasurer (also a PM) temporarily take over for me as JD, and my mentor and I proceeded to nail the whole FC catechism word for word, to a round of applause in the lodge.  It was also a great way for the new FC to see, watch, and understand the FC catechism first hand.

I also told the lodge officers that I do want to continue to learn my Master Master catechism, but I want take my time with it.  From what I understand, the MM catechism/proficiency is not required unless you want to be one of the stationed officers.

Long story short…  I really enjoy being a part of my lodge and learning more and more as I go!  Like a lot of people say, “I wish I had done this 20 years ago!”

Great description of an average lodge meeting.  Thanks!  This is helpful for new and prospective members to see what happens in a typical meeting.  Throw in a business meeting and that pretty much sums it up.

Highest Regards!

Congrats!  You must have had to work hard and prepare a lot to do all that.

Yes agreed.  Step ups can be challenging, but they are great for advancing the line of officers and increasing ritual knowledge.

I commend you for being so involved.  Being a junior officer is where you really get to the the lodge and the ideas of fraternalism.

Good work.

The memorization and recital for the MM degree is not required in all states. In KY, if you wish to serve as an officer, you must complete the memorization. In other states it is optional. I certainly encourage anyone who is interested, regardless of their wish to serve as an officer, to go ahead and complete the MM. In KY, you get a nice diploma and wallet-card.