Brothers near and far.
Many of you will have noted that an amendment to the Grand Lodge Constitution was voted on and approved allowing Lodges in New York to open and conduct business on any of the three degrees. This was a first reading and will require approval again next year to take effect. The Grand Lecturer will be explaining the necessary changes to the ritual as he conducts his District Conventions. It is already OK to change-over to the first or second degree, allowing EA's and FC's to take part in most business of the lodge. This amendment would allow them to be part of the Opening and Closing of their lodge communication as well.
The principal purpose for the Opening and Closing Ritual is to transport the brothers from the hustle, bustle and disorder of the Profane world to a place of peace, brotherhood and harmony. A place where we can enjoy the benefits of our wonderful fraternity free from external disturbance. When our work is done the Closing Ritual is intended to return us to the 'Real World', revived and energized through contact with those good men we call brothers.
I once heard a brother say that he liked to listen to good Opening and Closing ritual with his eyes closed. When well done it is like poetry or song, call and answer, each phrase leading inevitably to the next, taking us from the profane to the sublime and ultimately back. It is important that this ritual, which we experience so often, not be taken for granted. In my experience however, it is not unusual to hear the words rushed through with little or no attempt to give these transitions meaning while the Signs are often awkwardly presented.
This is something we can all work on. We will never be sorry for delivering good ritual. Practice your part so that you can deliver it with the dignity it deserves and slow down, take your time. For hints, look back at the two articles I did on ritual last winter. If you don't keep old copies of the WORD you can find them on my web site www.gawikoff.net. Their titles are Learning & Presenting Ritual Parts 1 & 2.
Have a great Summer and hope to see you soon in Lodge.