I remember my nervousness just prior to receiving my First Degree quite well. Nervous as hell standing there in the office that doubled as a preparation room. But then I remembered that George Washington also received the First Degree, and the nervousness dissipated.
Your recounting of the quarter reminds me of another memory from that Degree. Of course in Washington when asked for metal, we have none, but my home Lodge made a good show of this part of the Degree, with a tray of trinkets, but also with some treasures. When it was presented to me with so much solemnity, I remember very distinctly thinking "Oh f**k, I'm glad I took off my Rolex."
I have heard from other Masons I have spoken to about the pre-degree jitters, each of them focused on something that brought them comfort. If did not happen, I wonder how many of us would be there when the SD came with the questions!
There was a momentary panic when I realized I didn't have my quarter!
I remember my nervousness just prior to receiving my First Degree quite well. Nervous as hell standing there in the office that doubled as a preparation room. But then I remembered that George Washington also received the First Degree, and the nervousness dissipated.
Your recounting of the quarter reminds me of another memory from that Degree. Of course in Washington when asked for metal, we have none, but my home Lodge made a good show of this part of the Degree, with a tray of trinkets, but also with some treasures. When it was presented to me with so much solemnity, I remember very distinctly thinking "Oh f**k, I'm glad I took off my Rolex."
Thank you for sharing this.
I have heard from other Masons I have spoken to about the pre-degree jitters, each of them focused on something that brought them comfort. If did not happen, I wonder how many of us would be there when the SD came with the questions!
There was a momentary panic when I realized I didn't have my quarter!