The Entered Apprentice degree is our introductory journey into a world of Masonic symbolism and allegory. While the image of the Square & Compasses is commonly and almost universally recognized as a Masonic symbol, in truth there are signs and symbols all around us. Even the things we say during the degrees have symbolic meanings, and so we continue with our investigation of symbolism in the degree of Entered Apprentice.

What is the purpose of the Masonic obligation?

The obligation, and the manner in which it is taken, is visible and audible evidence of the candidate’s sincerity of purpose as well as a promise to himself. By taking the obligation he gives irrevocable evidence of his intentions.
Thus the candidate binds himself to certain respectable responsibilities, and the fraternity protects itself against a revelation of the secrets of Freemasonry.

Is there a distinction between Masonic OATH and Masonic OBLIGATION?

The OATH is the “so help me, God” at the end of any solemn promise made with the hand upon the Book of Law (the Holy Bible or chosen Holy book of the candidate). The OBLIGATION is the substance of the preceding promise. OATH is thus symbolic of man’s reverence for God; OBLIGATION signifies the promises and agreements made preceding the oath.

What Masonic penalties are enforced?

Yes, our ritualistic obligations contain some pretty gruesome sounding penalties but the only penalties actually known to Freemasonry are reprimand, suspension from membership, and expulsion from the fraternity. To these must be added that intangible penalty which comes to anyone who loses all or any part of his reputation. Other penalties in the ritual are wholly symbolic and suggest how much worse reprimand, suspension and expulsion are considered to be (“no less a penalty than…”); these are not now and never have been enforced literally.

What connection has “some metallic substance” with Masonic charity?

This ceremony is sometimes called the Rite of Destitution. It not only charges us to give monetary relief, but also to give thought and time to the aid of others, visiting the sick, sympathizing with the unfortunate; and particularly to exercise tolerance toward those whose opinions or beliefs may differ from our own.

What is the significance of the Northeast corner?

The point midway between the darkness of the North and the brilliance of the East was chosen by ancient builders as the point of beginning, a spot to mark a birth, the commencement of a new structure. This stone would be the first to receive Light from the rising sun, symbolic of God’s favor on their undertaking. It would also allow the workman to progress west on the building to allow for adequate sunlight to work under.
The symbolism of the Northeast corner in the Entered Apprentice degree is taken from the ancient practice of laying the cornerstone of buildings in the Northeast corner. He who stands in the Northeast corner of the lodge is himself a cornerstone of the spiritual building which he is undertaking to build.

I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am. Live in peace; and may the God of Love and Peace delight to dwell with and bless you.

Fraternally yours,

Tim Couch

(Some source information drawn from compilations by the Committee on Masonic Education, Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F.& A.M.)

Now, on with the news........................

Monday, January 30, 2012: Webb City Lodge No. 512 will host a Region 'F' School of Ritual Instruction. Dinner at 6:00 and instruction will begin at 6:30 PM. Instruction will focus on the second section of the 3rd Degree using twelve craftsmen. The Webb City Lodge building is located at 401 West Broadway Street in Webb City, MO.

Saturday, February 4, 2012: United Lodge No. 5 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 2nd and 3rd Degrees of Freemasonry. There will be presented one candidate for the Degree of Fellow Craft and three for the Degree of Master Mason. Lodge will be duly Opened at 8:00 AM and all assistance and attendance will be greatly appreciated. 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO.

Saturday, February 4, 2012: Ava Lodge No. 26 will meet in Special Communication for work in the 3rd Degree of Freemasonry. Brothers John Gunter, John Mergendahl and Rick Lyons will be presented for advancement to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. Breakfast will be ready at 8:00 and Lodge will be duly Opened at 9:00 AM. Lunch will also be provided. All Master Masons are invited in. 407 N.W. 11th Avenue, Ava, Missouri.

Saturday, February 4, 2012: RWB Robert C. Floyd, Grand Lecturer of Missouri Masons will conduct a School of Ritual Instruction at Monett Lodge No. 129. Lunch will be available at 11:30 AM and instruction will begin at 1:00 PM. All Missouri Master Masons are encouraged to attend.
The Monett Lodge building is located at 501 13th Street in Monett, MO.

Saturday, February 4, 2012: RWB Robert C. Floyd, Grand Lecturer of Missouri Masons will conduct a School of Ritual Instruction at Mansfield Lodge No. 543. Instruction will begin at 6:00 PM. All Missouri Master Masons are encouraged to attend. 308 South Old Hwy 5, Mansfield, MO.

Monday, February 6, 2012: United Lodge No. 5 will host a Regional School of Ritual Instruction at the Masonic York Rite Temple, 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO. Instruction will be conducted by RWB Tim Couch, Region 'F' Grand Lecturer and will begin at 7:00 PM.

Saturday, February 11, 2012: Monett Lodge No. 129 will host a MOCHIP (Missouri Child Identification & Protection) Event from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the lodge hall located at 501 13th Street in Monett, MO.

Saturday, February 11, 2012: Solomon Lodge No. 271 will host a performance of "The Traitor" at 7:00 PM. This one act play is open to the public and is performed by members of the Scottish Rite Valley of Joplin. The drama takes place in a Masonic Lodge room in Virginia two years following the end of America's War of Independence from England. The characters include several of our founding fathers and, "...that foresworn and unhappy man whose name is nevermore uttered in a Masonic Lodge."
1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO.

Saturday, February 18, 2012: Brethren of Gate of the Temple Lodge No. 422 will again be participating in the annual Sertoma Chili Cookoff. Discounted tickets are available for $12 from Brother Monta Wiggin; call (417) 350-3976. Or, you can pay $15 at the door. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and is held at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E Saint Louis St., Springfield, MO. For more information visit the Sertoma Chili Cookoff Web site.

Save the Date! Saturday, February 18, 2012: Webb City Lodge No. 512 will host the 97th Annual Washington's Birthday Celebration with Masonic Degree work by three different States. The 1st Degree will be performed by Grove Lodge No. 187 of Oklahoma; the 2nd Degree by Pittsburg Lodge No. 187 of Kansas, and the 3rd Degree by Webb City Chapter No. 119 Royal Arch Masons of Missouri. The 3rd Degree will be done in full costume and promises to be most impressive.
Webb City Lodge building is located at 401 West Broadway in Webb City, MO. and the event will start at Noon.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012: The Buckeye Ritual Club will meet at Canopy Lodge No. 284, 107 North 3rd Street in Verona, MO, at 6:30 PM for fun, fellowship and education on our beautiful Missouri Masonic Ritual. This month's education will focus on Opening on the 3rd Degree, Receiving a Petition, Balloting on a Petition, and Closing a Lodge.
The Buckeye Ritual Club is centered in the 44th Masonic District of Missouri, but of course all Master Masons are welcome. The club will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month and will travel to differing lodges within the 44th District. Click here to see the 2012 schedule. Mark your calendar and plan on coming out to have some fun with your Brethren.
The Buckeye Ritual Club is also on Facebook. Click here for the Buckeye Ritual Club Facebook page.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012: Solomon Lodge No. 271 will celebrate the birthday of Brother George Washington beginning at 6:00 PM. This will be open to the public and will include a Masonic Information Event for any and all who may have an interest in the Masonic fraternity. 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO.

Saturday, February 25, 2012: Republic Lodge No. 570 will host a conferral of the Order of the Sword of Bunker Hill beginning with breakfast at the lodge hall at 8:00 and the conferral of the Order at 9:00 AM. This is a fun and patriotic Order that also serves as a fundraiser for the hosting lodge. It is open to all Master Masons. For more information on the Sword of Bunker Hill visit WWW.SwordOfBunkerHill.org.

On March 17, 2012, the Valley of Joplin Scottish Rite Masons will hold a drawing to award a new Chevy Camaro plus other prizes to holders of the winning tickets. Each entry is just $50 USD and there will only be 2,000 entries sold. For full details and to get your tax deductible entry for the drawing visit WWW.WIN-CAMARO.COM. or find us on Facebook and "LIKE" the page at Facebook.com/WinANewCamaro.
We're a long way from our goal so please help spread the word. We truly appreciate your assistance.
And yes, you're welcome to purchase as many tickets as you like until the last one is gone.

Saturday, April 28, 2012: Solomon Lodge No. 271 will host a MoCHIP (Missouri Child Identification & Protection) Event from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Masonic York Rite Temple, 1930 West Catalpa Street in Springfield, MO. At least 30 volunteers are needed to work this event.
For more information you may call the Lodge Secretary at (417) 425-0083. All volunteers must be signed up at least 12 days prior to the event.
For more information about MoCHIP please visit www.MoCHIP.org.

As you can see there's lots of Masonry going on in Missouri. See the links below to keep up with the latest or to submit information for your upcoming meeting.

For more news of upcoming events and special communications visit the Upcoming Masonic Events page on Masonsmart.com

For a calendar of Stated meetings for many of the Lodges and Masonic bodies visit the Masonic Calendar page on Masonsmart.com

For help locating a lodge building visit the Missouri Masonic Lodge Map page on Masonsmart.com

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