Brother from Buffalo (West Seneca 1111)

[a1glass]

Just to introduce myself because I really don't want to get kicked off. Lol. I am an entered apprentice as of Jan. 18th 2016. Anyone on from Buffalo, NY area? I'm not sure how to post other places in here yet and need to get to work this morning but to the powers that be, hear this: I'll be back. I promise. Good day Brothers. I hope to learn much.

 

[a1glass]

Oh, and my name is Adam Oliver. Nice to virtually meet you all.

 

[Canadian Paul]

Welcome to the Craft, Brother.

 

[dfreybur]

I am an entered apprentice as of Jan. 18th 2016. Anyone on from Buffalo, NY area?

Welcome to the family once adopted brother.

I was born in Buffalo, grew up in Tonawanda. Most of my relatives are still in various counties of Western New York.

Miss those roast beef sandwiches and birch beer sodas at Schwabls near the airport. When we visit the folks we make a point of going either there or Duffs for chicken wings.

 

[Bloke]

Cool hat

Welcome from Australia Brother

 

[Warrior1256]

Welcome Brother. I promise you that you will learn a lot about Masonry on these forums. I sure have!

 

[mrpierce17]

Just to introduce myself because I really don't want to get kicked off. Lol. I am an entered apprentice as of Jan. 18th 2016. Anyone on from Buffalo, NY area? I'm not sure how to post other places in here yet and need to get to work this morning but to the powers that be, hear this: I'll be back. I promise. Good day Brothers. I hope to learn much.View attachment 4941

Just a EA and wearing liGht??? any who nice to meet you

 

[a1glass]

Thank you all! I have just had time to scan through the app a little and what a great experience!

 

[mrpierce17]

Soak up that EA degree it's the one most misunderstood and forgotten by most after a little time in the order

 

[a1glass]

I was instructed by those in my lodge to hold off on a ring unless for some reason I wanted to spend $ on an EA ring but to get a lapel pin and that the hat was acceptable.

 

[a1glass]

I also have my grandfather's original car emblem. Any instruction on when I can install that, I'd appreciate it.

 

[mrpierce17]

I was instructed by those in my lodge to hold off on a ring unless for some reason I wanted to spend $ on an EA ring but to get a lapel pin and that the hat was acceptable.

The rules are different in each jurisdiction what ever your instructor told you just stick to that in my jurisdiction you are not allowed to wear anything Masonic until you are raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason good luck in your travels

 

[dfreybur]

I also have my grandfather's original car emblem. Any instruction on when I can install that, I'd appreciate it.

I usually take displayed items as honoring someone's memory. I display my grand-father-in-laws 50 year pin in a shadow box with many other memorabilia items from him, others and my own. I usually take worn items as having been earned. That's why I think any EA should be able to wear a certain point within a circle. Remember how the points of the compasses were arranged on the altar when you took your obligation and how they appear in most displays - If you can find a symbol that clearly matches the way you saw it last, display it that way. It is very rare to see the points the way an EA sees them on any jewelry. Is an emblem on a car closer to a shadow box display or to an item of clothing? It's ambiguous.

Your jurisdiction has rules on when to put a symbol on your car. Or more likely your jurisdiction has traditions on when to put a symbol on your car. Go with your local tradition.

 

[a1glass]

Thank you brothers. What is your opinion on study as an EA? Such as personal research on meanings and history of different symbols etc.? I've heard on another one of my posts that I shouldn't research. My understanding though of one of the foundations that masonry stands on is seeking "light" or knowledge. Shouldn't I be learning as much and as fast as possible for my own knowledge??

 

[Randy81]

Thank you brothers. What is your opinion on study as an EA? Such as personal research on meanings and history of different symbols etc.? I've heard on another one of my posts that I shouldn't research. My understanding though of one of the foundations that masonry stands on is seeking "light" or knowledge. Shouldn't I be learning as much and as fast as possible for my own knowledge??

Brother, I'm not sure how your proficiency goes for you jurisdiction. I'm a Fellowcraft and will be raised in a week. I haven't researched anything yet. I've only studied what I need to advance to the next degree or what my sponsor has told me. Once I'm raised, I will really start digging into things a bit. If you're looking for a pin to wear, why not the forget me not. I know an EA in our lodge has one and nobody minds him wearing it. I don't have any masonic apparel aside from a pin I got from a Grand Lodge officer and I can't wear it until I'm raised.

 

[Brother JC]

Thank you brothers. What is your opinion on study as an EA? Such as personal research on meanings and history of different symbols etc.? I've heard on another one of my posts that I shouldn't research. My understanding though of one of the foundations that masonry stands on is seeking "light" or knowledge. Shouldn't I be learning as much and as fast as possible for my own knowledge??

No, you should be studying only the symbols presented you during your Degree. Patience, my Brother.

 

[mrpierce17]

No, you should be studying only the symbols presented you during your Degree. Patience, my Brother.

I agree you should only be studying what was given to you by your instructor wouldn't want you to spoil the experience in due time you will be presented with plenty of material to run with

 

[dfreybur]

What is your opinion on study as an EA?

Until you have presented your proficiency/catechism on each degree that's your priority. Once you know your proficiency at each stage feel free to also read all you like on Masonic philosophy, history, biographies and so on.

Only after you have been raised should you read anything that claims to describe the degrees. This is partially so you don't spoil the emotional impact and partially because each jurisdiction's ritual varies in details and you'll tend to put too much attention on differences instead of the overall meaning.

Once raised it becomes an academic like topic to read about rituals. Some like the type of reading some don't but by then you will know your own version so you won't be reading spoilers.