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That was the same basis for my original assertion.

Ah my error. I thought I fact checked well enough.

I have it and skimmed it, but haven't read it cover to cover yet.

Some men have a less than conventional definition of what Deity means to them. Perhaps he was one of these. I'm not sure in this case.

It is irregular.

Sometimes it's not a choice. There are many lodges out there that do not provide napkins.. err aprons for members and members must have their own. Plus, as I've found, appendant bodies aren't for the faint of wallet. ;)

Congrats and good luck! It is a wonderful experience unlike any other.

Congrats! Sadly I don't know of any housing, but I'll keep my ears open anyways.

I can't speak to how PH works in TX, but for us we have elections yearly prior to June 24. There is nothing that says the existing officers have to change, but elections must occur. There is not option for the WM to forego elections and declare the same line for the next year for obvious...

Look in the "Freemasonry in Texas" subforum under "Masons of Texas" forum. There is a thread there with the Resolutions posted.

My understanding is that there is not a terribly great difference between Oxford and Emulation. Likewise, my understanding is that in much of the ritual practiced in the US, traces of the Emulation ritual can be seen. The easy answer is that you practice the ritual for your particular state. How...

See my recent post in "Further Reading" sub forum under "Masonic Resources". It's just a list of my book collection, but several are worth reading and will get you started. Here is a direct link: http://www.myfreemasonry.com/threads/my-masonic-library.24564/

I think you happened upon an especially bad apple Commandery. Here, you only need the uniform if you're an officer. All Sir Knights are welcome at our meetings.

30 I think.

We don't usually have petitions on us outside of the lodge, but it sometimes happens. It might be prudent to visit them at the lodge that way, you can ask for a petition and one should be available.

Well, you're kinda veering all over now. A "rite" in this context is a collection of degrees, culminating in what you could call a degree system or a rite. I defer to Mackey on the subject: "..a method of conferring Masonic light by a collection and distribution of Degrees. It is, in other...

Yah, it's not an immediate answer. Your petition comes up for vote, etc which usually occurs once a month. Take this time to get to know the guys better. It'll pay off.

You need to ask yourself, is there a difference between "spirituality" and "religion". If you say they're the same thing, then you will always be confused. If you can see the difference, then you may learn what we're saying. ;)

Even since ancient times, rituals have been used not only to initiate, but to teach lessons themselves. I think Mackey said it best when he notes the distinction between freemasonry's ritual and freemasonry's philosophy. He theorizes that the philosophy predates the ritual by thousands of years...

And yes, I've read most all of these, though many not all the way through. After a while, you realize many authors say the same things so I do just skim some parts. Also, not much point in reading the Encyclopedias and Dictionaries cover to cover, hah.