[TML] Masons

[Tom B]

>
>
> My father (32nd degree & Grand Lecturer in Illinois) once told me that the
> only 100% accepted method of authenticating a Mason (other then personal
> acquaintance) was a valid dues card.


The Blue Lodge (the basic lodge) has 3 degrees (hence getting 'the third
degree'). Being 32nd degree involves moving on to one of the other lodges
(Scottish Rite for sure supports this...
http://www.scottishritemasons-can.org/degrees.htm ... not sure about
others). Grand Lecturer does sound like an important position.

A valid dues card is certainly one method. :0)


> After he died, I got a phone call from my high school science teacher
> (also a
> member of the lodge) asking "Do know where your dad's apron is?" I told
> them
> it was in the closet next to a stack of books they might want back.


Oddly, I've got my Grandfather's apron, my father's apron, and books from
both (which I had before I joined). And both of my great grandfather's on my
mother's side were also Lodge members.



> "We'll
> send somebody over." he said. At his funeral there was a wreath from the
> governor
> and a message regretting he couldn't attend . . . also a wreath from the
> secretary of state who sent his executive assistant (my nephew) along with
> an
> apology for not being able to attend. I have only the vaguest clue what a
> grand
> lecturer is, but it seems to have been an important post.


You come from good stock then. :0)

TomB