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Bill Lins
Guest
Can't stand Mickey D's coffee! 
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EA and FC at stated meetings
- Thread starter HKTidwell
- Start date
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Bill Lins
Guest
Nearest StarBux is 25 miles away and nearest DD is in Houston!
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That's true. Our IPM wouldn't let EA's in under any conditions, but the current WM has no problem with it. The biggest problem we've had is for the MM's to remember which sign to give when voting!
Brother Bill,
You should get RW Griffin tell you the story about the first lodge he attended after the law changed, and how one of his former DI's did the unmentionable, he gave the wrong sign. I don't remember the world coming to an end that night, I'm not even certain that the Enterd Apprentices saw the sign that was given, but it happened to be a brother who had been a DI for over 18 years that made the mistake. I can tell you it is an easy mistake to make.
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Bill Lins
Guest
RUT ROW!
(Only reason I haven't done it is because the Wardens have to vote first & I watch them- don't tell anybody!) You're right- most EA's would never notice!
david918
Premium Member
RUT ROW!
You're right- most EA's would never notice!
Only if Wardens don't get it wrong
RUT ROW!
You're right- most EA's would never notice!
I would never give you away.
Chaplin the Elder
Registered User
Brother,
The word "May" in the article indicates the option is left to the Master. There are some lodge issues that a Master may not want to involve an EA or FC in hearing about or it may be, as an EA of FC, beyond their level of enlightenment.
I must, respectfully, disagree with the brother who thinks EAs and FCs are either too boring or too enthusiastic.
If they are boring, could it be a lack of inspiration from those above them?
If they are enthusiastic would it not be better to harness that enthusiasm and give rise to a future officer and/or builder of the lodge?
Given for thought, not for criticism.
Chaplin the Elder
Registered User
I thought about that after I posted. However,
Boring: Why are the meetings boring? I submit that the Master, who has charge of the agenda, might be the cause. Grand Lodge programs, guest speakers, (both Masonic and non-Masonic), opening topics of law for discussion are all ways to make a meeting less boring while allowing the Master to maintain control and harmony within the lodge.
In the past Montgomery has given away door prizes to those in attendance. At our next meeting we are having Bro. Charles McKay as our guest speaker.
Exciting: well, yes, I can see your point. But, again, I submit that the Master might be the cause. The Master of the lodge, as we know has control over the meeting, can gavel a subject closed or a brother out of order during the meeting without right of appeal by the brothers. If it is done within the usual guidelines as such, peace and harmony will prevail.
Yes, there will always be those who feel that an EA or FC have no rights but I submit that they do and should be included - within degree boundaries - so they can see what the lodge is doing. Who knows, they just might come up with a way to make the meetings more interesting to all brothers.
Just MHO.
Submitted for consideration and thought. Not to criticize.
Chaplin the Elder
Registered User
For the sake of discussion, what are the complaints?
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Bill Lins
Guest
I'd like to know, also.
Wingnut
Premium Member
We had a rather frank discussion at one of my lodges that was really on one specific area, but it branched out. Many/most of the old timers didnt think EA/FC should be allowed in a lodge room. That a lodge is for MM business only and they shouldnt have any input and that it hampers discussion. Several pointed out that some stopped coming to lodge because of it. Personally I think thats just an excuse...
I have read in some old proceedings (there I go again I know) where a GM ruled that since EA/FC are not members of the lodge, do not support the lodge (ie pay dues) that after their 1 yr is up and they haven't advanced there isnt a need to carry them on the books because it causes unnecessary paperwork.
Most hated the fact when I pointed out that prior to the Morgan Affair all lodges opened in the EA and in fact in Europe most still do today! \
My personal complaint about it is that it may be having the opposite effect than was desired. Instead of keeping EA/FC active, they get a chance to look behind the current and many say WTF! thats it? Arguing about bills? and dont return or finish thier work.
I have read in some old proceedings (there I go again I know) where a GM ruled that since EA/FC are not members of the lodge, do not support the lodge (ie pay dues) that after their 1 yr is up and they haven't advanced there isnt a need to carry them on the books because it causes unnecessary paperwork.
Most hated the fact when I pointed out that prior to the Morgan Affair all lodges opened in the EA and in fact in Europe most still do today! \
My personal complaint about it is that it may be having the opposite effect than was desired. Instead of keeping EA/FC active, they get a chance to look behind the current and many say WTF! thats it? Arguing about bills? and dont return or finish thier work.
Well I look at it as we have things for them. Bro. Tom has spoke of having a called meeting that would be held to handle educational papers and things like that. That meeting would be opened up in EA/FC lodges so that all Masons can attend. This has not came to light yet but will soon. Our EAs/FCs are active in other ways such as floor school and things of that nature. I just know here lately we have been tackling issues that they really don't need to be privy to.
Look at it this way, growing up only Varsity played on the Varsity field. There was a sense of pride when you made it and got to play on that field and infront of those stands. Now look at it in Masonry wouldn't the be added pride in being able to sit in lodge with the brethren at a stated meeting. To me it adds pride and gives them something to work towards. Hey, it may not work at your lodge but every since we switched it back to MM stated meetings things have gone smoother I think. The EA/FC are focused on work and not a statement that a PM made that may have been taken wrongly because they really don't know him yet. I just really don't see a benifit if I keep them active the rest of the month.
In a nut shell, Masonry is not all daffodils and daisys 100% of the time and there may be discussion at times. Remember we are still investigating these men until they become MMs.
(I was the first EA and FC allowed in a meeting at 148)
Look at it this way, growing up only Varsity played on the Varsity field. There was a sense of pride when you made it and got to play on that field and infront of those stands. Now look at it in Masonry wouldn't the be added pride in being able to sit in lodge with the brethren at a stated meeting. To me it adds pride and gives them something to work towards. Hey, it may not work at your lodge but every since we switched it back to MM stated meetings things have gone smoother I think. The EA/FC are focused on work and not a statement that a PM made that may have been taken wrongly because they really don't know him yet. I just really don't see a benifit if I keep them active the rest of the month.
In a nut shell, Masonry is not all daffodils and daisys 100% of the time and there may be discussion at times. Remember we are still investigating these men until they become MMs.
(I was the first EA and FC allowed in a meeting at 148)