Orientation for Prospective Candidates

You are understandably nervous about receiving the First (and subsequent) Masonic Degree(s). Please allow me to reassure you that there is no place for levity during our rituals. They are all of a profoundly solemn nature. You will be placed in a costume when you receive each degree. Every aspect of that costume has a deep and profound meaning, and...once you have completed your journey to the level of Master Mason, you will realize that this journey could not have been otherwise undertaken. You may receive a bit of good-natured kidding prior to the presentation of the degree from some of the [well meaning] Brothers, but be assured that once you enter the Lodge room itself, all levity is put aside.

You should realize that each candidate is an individual. The "nominal" time projected for the entered Apprentice Degree [EA°] proficiency is just that...a "nominal" time. Some candidates will travel faster and some will travel slower. The "nominal" time required to be able to demonstrate the EA° proficiency is approximately four weeks. The average candidate can achieve the EA° proficiency within a minimum time of 28 days [a lunar month]... by working with an experienced Brother twice a week for 2-3 hours consistently for the 28 days. The key word is consistency. If you skip a session, you will find that it will set you back two sessions! The best place to learn the work is at the Lodge! You can, of course, work elsewhere with another Brother, but the work is simply not as easily learned outside the Lodge environment. Mariner Lodge rehearses every Thursday of each week from 7-9pm for proficiency, instruction, and work.

In Mariner Lodge, the second Thursday of each month is reserved for Stated Meetings... at which time all of the business work of the Lodge is conducted.  As the Stated Meeting can only be held on the Master Mason’s Degree, you will not be allowed to attend until you have received your Master's Degree. However you are invited to come and have collation (a time of fellowship and food) prior to the meeting. Degree work is usually conducted on Monday nights and proficiencies are usually heard on Thursday nights... depending on the availability & timing of candidates. Due to the amount of time and effort required to properly present the degree work, and the rules of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina, only five candidates can receive their degree in a given session of the Lodge. Proficiency is normally heard prior to a rehearsal in the presence of the Lodge Officers, and again in open Lodge prior to the degrees. Incidentally, in order to be considered a full, voting member of the Lodge, you must have achieved your Master's Degree. You must wait until after you receive your Master's Degree to wear any Masonic jewelry.

The proficiency work for the Fellowcraft's Degree [FC°] will take about 2-3 weeks to learn, while that for the Master's Degree [MM°] will take about 3-5 weeks and standing proficiency on the Master’s Degree is optional in South Carolina. In each degree, a minimum of 28 days, or one lunar month, must elapse before you may receive the next degree. A maximum of one year may elapse before you receive the next degree without having to file a new petition for advancement.

You will be commencing an arduous journey which will require the expenditure of a great deal of effort over an extended period of time. The Brethren of the Lodge stand ready [and eager] to assist you in your journey, but the speed of your progress will depend solely upon the degree of your devotion to the task that you have set before yourself!

Finally...as you travel upon your journey, remember that each and every Brother of the Lodge has stood in your shoes at the corresponding point in his journey. You are assured that, from the newest Entered Apprentice before you to the Worshipful Master in the East, each Brother present will be reliving his initiation as you receive yours.

The above page was written by W.Bro. James N. White, Past Master of Duck Creek Lodge #1419 in Garland Texas, revised & updated for South Carolina by W.Bro. O.M. " Skip " Owen, PM, and is used with permission of the WebMason, Bro. Frank R. Brown

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