Oswego District AGL article November 2011

The Importance of Masonic Ritual

Brothers & Friends: The AGL's job is to support the lodges in his district, helping them in any way possible to practice better ritual. When I am asked how things are going in the Oswego District I can honestly reply that our degree work is quite good, in the lodges that are practicing ritual.

The problem that is alluded to by that answer is that there are lodges in the district that have not done any degree work in some time. There is an Grand Master's edict in place requiring that each lodge confer or exemplify at least one of the three degrees each year. Our Masonic Degree ritual serves multiple purposes. It is the method by which we bring new brothers into the craft. It unites Freemasons everywhere and perhaps most importantly, it is a vehicle to remind us, as Freemasons, of the ideas and beliefs that make our organization unique amongst fraternities.

I am invariably moved by the beauty of our ritual. It is so densely packed with wisdom and truth that each exposure brings new insights not only into Masonry but into myself as well. All of this benefit is lost however, if there is no ritual to experience. The new brother, who's head was spinning on his first pass, must be given the opportunity to obtain that 'Light' he searches for. Even the Old Timer may well discover a gem that was missed or has been forgotten.

I would encourage those Masters that have not seen a degree in their home lodge recently to get in touch with Norm or myself and we will help you to get the ball rolling. The AGLs and the rest of the district stand ready to help you succeed. That is perhaps the essence of the title Brother.

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