Recent content by Rick Carver

As a long-standing Lodge Secretary, the WM no longer says, "Brother Secretary, retire and collect the usual fee" at the start of the First Degree Work. It has been modified to, "Brother Secretary, retire and take your usual pee."

The "equal regularity" is the hardest part. With old Masons, it often calls for prunes and laxatives...

Anyone on here familiar with or have any ties to the International Order of Gnostic Templars? I am doing some research and could use some first-hand sources.

In Kansas the bylaws say you can only hold one position in the same lodge. You can be on multiple committees and hold positions in other lodges where you are a member.

You should rename it the Secretary, Masters and Wardens Association. Masters and Wardens come and go, but the Secretary is forever.

Microsoft is moving towards cloud-based applications (because they control and can sell cloud storage space as a recurring income source) and much of Windows 8 seems to heavily rely on your Microsoft account and its settings. Mine was set up years ago when my kids bought me an X-Box for...

I want to know about the plans to rule the world.

The scientific world was shaken by the discovery of ancient Hebrew cave writings in the deserts of what is now Israel. Renowned scientists from all sects were flown in to study this artifact and to translate its meaning. After years of debate and arguments, they finally agreed on an...

Kansas has started 3 new Lodges in the past 5 years, all of which are TO or specialty Lodges. During the same time frame, twice as many have folded or merged.

The ancients associated the number 9 with the goddess or female aspects of divinity. In modern times, Spiritualists have to associate this number with the unconscious. In our life experience, the Nine is like a regulator, helping us to process the discrepancies between the 7 (feeling/experience)...

Ours are not specified as to how to write them or how to read them. Here are my templates. First Degree Work http://www.shawnee54.org/holding_bin/2014FirstDegreeWork.docx Second Degree Work http://www.shawnee54.org/holding_bin/2014SecondDegreeWork.docx Third Degree Work...

In my jurisdiction you are not required to pay dues until you are made a Master Mason. EA and FC Masons are not charged any dues, however the do pay an Initiation Fee. I always thought this seemed a bit odd, and it almost seems like it is the intention of the system to run new members through...

I got my credentials to be an ordained minister and an Engineering PhD in the same place online. They were having a 2 for 1 sale.

I am retired (on disability) from the Sheriff Dept after a helicopter crash. I would estimate that about 50% of the police in my city are members of our Lodge. There is a Lodge in Emporia named Justice Lodge that is made up of lawyers, judges and LEO. It is too far for me to travel to attend...

I like to convey the Second Degree or do the Stair Lecture (but never both on the same night). If the Brother is receptive and I can do the ritual reasonably well, there is a lot of esoteric meat to pass along in that Degree.