This is purely the experiences of the author, and may not be exactly how things will happen to you, but hopefully it will give the reader a rough out line of what to expect when they join the Brotherhood of Freemasonry.
The ceremony started well but when it came to my Raising, things started to slip - after my answering the questions various Brothers took the Chair and much prompting was needed all around. Not very good with a representative of the Provincial Lodge in attendence, but he seemed to enjoy the evening.
My only problem was that in a rush to get ready before being picked up, I forgot to put some deodorant on. And boy! Did I need it! Half way through I got an attack of the nerves...
Anyway, we got through the ceremony and the rest of the evening went well, and I was presented with my Master's apron. This was a gift from my Proposer and Seconder. It is more special as they gave it to me. I'll wear it with pride.
The only thing that marred it for me was that our WM could not be there to Raise me and we found out during the Almoner's Report that he had been diagnosed with secondary cancer of the liver. They hadn't yet found the primary cancer but several of us thought we knew where it would be.
The visiting dignitary spoke to me when I came out and said that he was surprised, but pleased, to see that I was already the Assistant Secretary. I told him that I had been since October and jokingly told him that no-one else wanted the job.
He brought this up in his speech which brought a round of laughter.
He and numerous others made comments, including during the speeches, that I had answered the questions very well, in a good clear voice and that I was an exemplary candidate and obviously a rising start in the Lodge. A credit to the fraternity.
Now, I'm not too good at receiving praise, so felt a bit awkward at all this attention, but suffered it with good humour...
During the socialising after the ceremony, I found out that the Lodge has already mapped out my Masonic career for the next four or five years and apparently I'll be Master of the Lodge at the end of that time.
Nice to knwo they have that faith and trust in me, but ratehr daunting none the less...
Anyway, that's the end of the diarising my entry into the Craft and so I'll call a close to this chapter. Until I start to join the side orders, there won't be much to report so I'll go back to doing a general diary.
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