GL/State Profeciency Poll

http://bessel.org/advance.htm

Here is each GL/state requirement for advancement thru the degrees of Freemasonry in the U.S.

This is strictly out of curiosity, I wondered what others thought on the matter.

Troberts505 wrote: I think that each state does a pretty good job. I would prefer if everyone learned and memorized the long form, however this just isn't always the reality. If a man is in the military and is shipped off to some foreign land I feel that he should be a master mason, even if he hasn't completed the proficiencies. There is always time to learn and exhibit what you have learned when you get home. However, if he doesn't make it home at least he can be buried in his apron. There are also cases where a man tries and tries, helps in lodge, is a good brother to all but just cannot memorize 4,000 words. I feel that he should be able to do some abbreviated form IE: Short Form.

That's a great point, sir. It could (or should) be circumstantial for sure. If you were initiated and then activated to deploy overseas, it'd be a very nice gesture if the lodge went ahead and passed and raised him right away and maybe gave him some literature to read on his deployment. At the very least to keep his mind occupied.

As for being unable to learn it, that's a tough situation there. I'm not sure how I feel on that. Sound in body and mind comes to thought.

I certainly didn't perfect my first 2 proficiency lectures but I tried my best and at least stood up there and gave it my best effort. I saw a young man the other day really struggle up there on the spot. I was nervous for him as he stepped back and fourth, tapped his shoes together, wiggling his feet, throwing his head back when he couldn't remember a portion and essentially by the end was practically just repeating back what the questioner was saying. In his defense, he did his best, hung in there despite being extremely stage frightened and did what he could. He was passed and will now received his MM ceremony soon. I say if it's required, you must get over your fears and dive into it the best you can. In my lodge from what I understand, it's extremely rare someone wouldn't get voted as proficient if the man at least gave his best effort.

Being sound in body and mind is important and to me, it's a nice way for some people to get over public speaking fears and gaining a little self-confidence maybe. I always feel men can do more than they think they can for sure.

Great points and thanks for your input, Bro. Roberts!

There is another idea I would like to put on the table: Can anyone locate what were the established proficiency requirements back in the 1700's?

Maybe that would be a good "reference point" to use for the discussion, and then we would be able to gauge if the different GL's are "raising" or "lowering" the bar in comparison to that.

Edited by NobleShabba - January/05/2015 at 7:09am

I'm sure they ALL DO!    ... Some more strict than others   ... while some may be lenient than others.   But, ALL have some sort of requirements.