Specific rule is they can't solicit new members, as badly as they might wish to. You have to ask. The advice to check out multiple lodges is key, as they really are different. Most of the guys in mine have said they probably wouldn't have joined another one, so they're really that unique. A lot of them have pub nights and lunches where prospective members meet everyone, and having those is a good sign they're growing and lively.
When the work in masonry is good, it lets guys really, really shine. When it's weak, it's hard to watch, but seeing what any mason can do and how well he chooses to do it gives you a lot of perspective on where you are. If anyone from HN does get initiated in the Toronto area, track me down and I will show up for it.
> When the work in masonry is good, it lets guys really, really shine. When it's weak, it's hard to watch, but seeing what any mason can do and how well he chooses to do it gives you a lot of perspective on where you are.
I'm having trouble interpreting what you meant with this excerpt but it sounds interesting. Care to elaborate?
The 'work' in masonry refers to the ritual. There is some ritual involved just in opening and closing a regular meeting. However, there is a lot of ritual involved in the degrees. When the ritual for a degree is executed flawlessly, it's quite beautiful to behold. On the other hand, when those involved with the ritual aren't very good at it, it's quite painful to watch.
When the work in masonry is good, it lets guys really, really shine. When it's weak, it's hard to watch, but seeing what any mason can do and how well he chooses to do it gives you a lot of perspective on where you are. If anyone from HN does get initiated in the Toronto area, track me down and I will show up for it.