Hey Everyone

    I just got back from my Initiation and it was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. When I first arrived for the dinner, I found myself a little nervous, and in turn, unable to be myself. But as the night progressed, everything smoothed out quite nicely. I was pleased to find out that I would be seated at the head table, next to the WM. It actually turns out that there was a time during dinner when toasts were given. I had a feeling that I would be obliged to say something, but I didn’t prepare anything because I was told here that it wasn’t necessary. I looked a little foolish, but oh well, I’m sure they’re used to new candidates stumbling over their words a little.

    I found that I was actually more nervous at dinner than I was during my initiation, mainly because of all the anticipation. With all nervousness aside, tonight was one of, if not THE best night of my life so far. I’ve never felt more accepted and welcome at any point during my life. It was truly amazing. I was told that I should be raised by the end of this year, so I’m really looking forward to that.

Anyways, I just wanted to fill all of you in about tonight and how great it went.

I’ll be sure to fill you guys in as I progress.

Glad you had a good time and congrats one again.

Thanks for the update.

Kirk,

Congratulations and welcome. It’s really great to hear from a new brother who is as eager and interested as you obviously are. Your enjoyment of the masonic experience will only increase as you learn to know your lodge brothers, and our often-peculiar procedures. And if you were impressed with the EA degree, just wait. The FC is also challenging and impressive, but the MM will blow your mind.

Thanks Rob,

You definitely just tossed another log on the fire with that MM comment. Words can’t really explain how excited I am. I read somewhere on this forum that it’s a very sublime experience.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such a vast and amazing Fraternity.

So glad to hear you had a great time.  Sorry if you feel you got bad advice from some of us about that evening, but I’ve never ever heard of a lodge asking an EA to make a speech.  Oh well, I guess you’ve learned that although Masonry has some commonality, there are definitely differences in practices regionally.

If you’re giving speeches as an EA, perhaps you’ll be pouring the wine at dinner for your MM degree!!!

Congrats again!

KDM - 08 September 2010 01:25 PM

Thanks Rob,

You definitely just tossed another log on the fire with that MM comment. Words can’t really explain how excited I am. I read somewhere on this forum that it’s a very sublime experience.

Thank you all for the warm welcome. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of such a vast and amazing Fraternity.

Congrats and welcome, brother!

I am delighted to hear of your experiences. Like Clint Eastwood, it made my day. The EA is a very important part of the Masonic experience, as it is your first time in a tyled lodge. I will never forget my EA, it was terrific. I would like to make a suggestion, look around for nearby lodges, and see if you can attend an EA degree, as a visitor. Seeing the work from the audience, will re-inforce what you learned in your degree.

The best is yet to come.

Thanks everyone for your continued support. Dan, I wouldn’t worry about the whole speech thing, as I totally redeemed myself after my initiation. There was a time after the initiation where all the Brothers addressed the WM, so I gave it a second shot. I was the last to address him, and once I was finished, I received a very warm applause. I must say that after that, I had a smile on my face for the rest of the night. And Charles, I will be going to a double initiation in two weeks, so that will help me quite a lot with my memorization.

Interesting fact about the night: There was an older Scottish Brother there that night who had been to over 500 lodges in his day. He gave me a Robert Burns commemorative note and was shocked to find out that I was actually born on Robbie Burns day! Weird huh? All the Brothers got a kick out of that.