Great times this morning at the Sombrero House. Mimosas and breakfast. Studying the work with Brother D.A. The EA made great progress toward completing the first section. Great times by all.
A little bit about the “work:” Once initiated into the Entered Apprentice degree, the initiate is required to memorize a “work” of literature that has been passed down to us from generation to generation. Always the same. Very little difference in the literature from state to state, from country to country and time to time. The “EA” must memorize this work before he can be passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. Here is the kicker – the literature is not written down. There is no writing with the “work” upon it. (Not 100% true, a portion of the work for Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason can be found in a publication called the Monitor.”). Once the EA demonstrates his proficiency in the EA Work he can be passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. There, he has to memorize the Fellow Craft work before he can be raised to the degree of Master Mason. And once a Master Mason, he has to complete his work there as well.
This is all memorization. Passing from mouth to ear. You hear the words and memorize the words from the hearing given to you by the speaker.
On this Sunday morning, October 29, 2017, a group of us met at Brother Jackson’s home for Mimosas and breakfast. The purpose — to spend time with our newest EA and help him learn his Entered Apprentice work, deepening friendships and bonds. In fellowship together. Tales of old times told. Then the work.