Welcome to the Scottish right Journal podcast an audio presentation of the Scottish right Journal brought to you by the Supreme Council of the Scottish right Southern jurisdiction mother Supreme Council of the world this week’s article is dotage and underage the quandry of age limitations in Freemasonry by Brother Eric Ryan 32nd
Degree and comes from the November December 2023 issue of the Scottish right Journal as members of the fraternity we are tasked with admission of new members who are worthy however we are also charged with not admitting men in their dotage what does this term mean brother Ryan here offers clarifying thoughts on
This important matter recently in Lodge we had the honor to vote on a candidate for the degrees of masonry who had petitioned and was of an advanced age this event and the expanded life expectancy in the US triggered a question for thought as we are enjoined
Not to accept a man in his dotage yet what exactly is dotage I found this case weighed heavily on my mind while I contemplated the best way to cast my vote concerned I reached out to a non-partial brother for his advice luckily my Masonic sounding board is a
Past Master From Another Lodge with much life experience I explained the situation as impartially as possible and this brother offered his opinion we discussed the ideals of dotage aism and Masonic values this conversation quickly writed my opinion and allowed me to cast a fair vote for the soon Tobe candidate
The Grand Lodge of Iowa published a document in 2008 with some commonly used Masonic terminology that helps us with this question being old does not bar someone from membership in a masonic lodge but it is required that he be mentally healthy and alert age then is
Not the issue rather it is mental acuity indeed an elderly brother due to his life experience and perhaps retirement from worldly vocation may have more time to devote to learning ritual assisting with Lodge work being better suited for the benevolence of Charity and benefiting society as a
Whole speaking as a younger Mason what about the other end of the age Spectrum in many jurisdictions men as young as 18 years of age are permitted to join the fraternity many brothers do not think twice about this yet still some believe these men are not yet mentally mature or
Experienced enough to Value the principles we as an organization hold dear although these young Brethren may not yet have a great deal of worldly experience participation in our craft will greatly benefit both them and future Society we know per the National Institute of Health that the human brain
Is developing until around the age of 25 wholesome experience and habits formed among the brothers now will influence the way the new Mason thinks for the rest of his life this means the cardinal virtues of temperaments fortitude prudence and Justice will become core values in these young Brothers lives
Permanently in closing age alone is not an appropriate gauge as to what makes a good man a good Mason how their acceptance into the fraternity can help benefit all mankind be a gold standard for admission an elderly person may be mentally sharp until the day he is
Called to lay down his mortal tools a young man may have wisdom Beyond his ears sadly also a man might pass through middle age without having achieved moral or intellectual maturity as Masons we must consider the benefits of our Masonic teachings in all eligible men’s lives and be as impartial as possible
When casting our ballots Brothers should remain prudent but deliberate in their responsibility of making new Masons of all ages so mod it be like and share this article and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel if you wish to comment please leave one and as I reminder hit the notifications Bell
Any accompanying photographs or citations for this article can be found in the corresponding print edition the Scottish right Journal is published by the Supreme Council of the Scottish right Southern jur jurisdiction mother Supreme Council of the World Mark dyon stock 33rd degree managing editor I’m your host Matt Bowers
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