What is “suitable proficiency” and why is it important?

Why must you “demonstrate suitable proficiency” in each degree before you can advance to the next one?

The simple answer for A.F.&A.M. Masons in Connecticut is that Section 4122 of our Rules and Regulations requires it.  To the best of my knowledge, this is true in every jurisdiction by custom if not by rule.  But this paper will point out a far more important reason.

What do the Rules require at a minimum?

In Connecticut we have three minimum requirements and only the first one is unambiguous. My discussions with Brothers from other jurisdictions would indicate this is not uncommon.  They are:

1. An ability to properly give the Modes of Recognition and properly arrange the “Great Lights”.
2. The ability to describe the ceremonies of the degree when questioned.
3. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the Obligation.

Memorizing the Obligation and/or any specific lecture is not required by the CT. rules.  However memorizing one the lectures is “normally implied” and requiring the obligation to be memorized is specifically permitted.  Your Lodge may require both.

Beyond the rules , why is suitable proficiency important?

You would not go on a trip, without first packing your bags with what you think you will need.  Similarly, when you start your Masonic journey toward light you will want to outfit yourself with the basic knowledge to get off to a good successful start.  Proficiency is what we call that knowledge.  You will add to it continually, but you need those basics to avoid having your journey fail before it even begins.

In  this paper I will share some insights on why suitable proficiency is vital.  Also, to stimulate a discussion on what it should include and  how to best ensure it. 

What do we mean by “proficiency”?

The definition

The rules do not provide a definition.  However you will find the following definition of proficiency in Merriam Webster:
1: advancement in knowledge or skill : PROGRESS
2: the quality or state of being proficient
Synonyms
command, IQ, mastership, mastery.

The goal.

Therefore, the goal of a proficiency requirement is to ensure that you have achieved an adequate level of mastery of the lessons of each degree before you advance to the next.  You need to learn the lessons of Algebra I before you begin Algebra II and this is the same idea.

Suitable proficiency is not designed to make  it difficult for you to advance, but to ensure that the degrees are a valuable learning (i.e. light attaining) exercise.  You take each degree to gain light and the proficiency process is part of that.  You wouldn’t expect to master Algebra by simply reading the textbook.  To make it your own requires effort and problem solving.  The “homework” of a well designed proficiency program does the same. 

To memorize or not to memorize, that is the question?  

Should it be necessary to memorize the lecture that describes the ceremonies of the degree to be “proficient”?  The principal reason for doing so, is that the memorizing effort requires you to organize your understanding of the steps you went through in taking the degree. That gives you a logical way to organize your understanding of what each step is designed to teach.

As a child, I was required to memorize the 10 Commandments.  Simply memorizing them proved nothing, but discussing their importance was much easier once they were memorized.  The same is true for the lecture you may be required to memorize.

That said, you would not demonstrate proficiency in Algebra by simply memorizing the steps you went through in entering the classroom, meeting the teacher, memorizing the name of your textbook, taking your seat etc.  You need to be quizzed on what you learned and the same is true here.  Therefore, proficiency must run deeper than a simple recitation of that first lecture.  That step is the “easy part” of the exercise for most people.

What if I simply can’t memorize the required lecture?

If you have some specific issue that makes memorizing the lecture extraordinarily difficult, it is reasonable for you to seek another way of demonstrating your understanding.  However, simply not being willing to make the time to do it, or deciding on your own that it is not worth the effort, is not likely to be accepted as an excuse.  You run the risk of lacking a real desire to progress.  That, more than the lack of understanding, may prove fatal to your ability to advance.

Training and resources

Perhaps you have never been taught how to memorize a lecture, or it has been a long time since you have had to do so.  You will find videos on this site by acting coaches that should prove helpful in developing a technique that will be useful for you.  Also, your mentor will do all he can to assist.  In addition, many jurisdictions have instructors to work with Brothers on improving their ritual and they can be a great resource.

Your jurisdiction may be a member of Grand View.  This is a Lodge management system.  Even as an Entered Apprentice, you can log-in and find resources the education committee has posted.  These are usually both educational and entertaining.  If not Grand View, there is likely a similar resource provided by your Grand Lodge.  Ask a Brother about these resources and how to log-in to take advantage.  The Lodge Secretary will know.

Work  together. 

Hopefully you are going through these degrees with a group of Brothers.  Whether that is  two or more, get together informally to work on becoming proficient.  The bonds you make in working together on this challenge will be lasting and invaluable.  They will, in many cases,  enrich your Masonic experience throughout your entire life.  Also, it will make this a far more enjoyable experience.  The mutual encouragement alone will make it worth doing.  In person is ideal, but using Zoom makes it easy.   Don’t rely entirely on your mentor and the Lodge’s formal educational programs.

What alternative to memorizing can I offer?

In spite of your best efforts, memorizing the required lecture is simply not going to work.  Now what do you do?.  Offer to go over the lectures, obligation and charge of the degree with your mentor and prepare and discuss a paper outlining what you understand to be the principle lessons of the degree.  Cover how they were presented and what they mean to you.  Emphasize how you can use them to become a better person.  Offer to present and defend it in open lodge.  If they refuse or are unable to bend on the requirement, that will be Freemasonry’s loss.  If the problem is at the Lodge level, you may be able to find another Lodge, but generally that is difficult.

Beyond the bare minimum requirements, what should you do to be proficient?

The goal is to master the lessons of each degree.  Start by focusing on the obligation and charge.  Discuss them with your Mentor and be sure you understand how they can enhance your life.  Then go over all the lectures in the degree.  Each degree has wonderful lectures that time typically prevents from being presented during the degree.  Others may be presented, but come by too fast to be absorbed properly.

The symbols, jewels, points of your entrance, virtues, the pillars, what it means to “subdue your passions”, the “long form” of lectures that may have been given in an abbreviated form are all examples of lessons that are too often passed over.  If you don’t master them now, you may find you will never master them.  The loss to the value of your Masonic journey of overlooking them is incalculable.   Take time now to truly master the lessons of each degree, don’t rush to the next one.  There is a natural desire to become a Master Mason as quickly as possible.  Don’t succumb to that temptation, even if the Lodge wants to rush you through.  It is your journey and the value of that journey depends on your being properly prepared for it.  Remember the last time you took a vacation without being sure your bags were properly packed.  Proficiency is you packing your bags for your Masonic journey.

Take time to learn the rich history of the fraternity.  Be sure to read the “Ancient Charges”,  ask to discuss the history of the Lodge you are joining, who founded it and when.  Be sure to meet and visit with the maximum number of members possible.  Ask about their experiences and what they love about Freemasonry.

Conclusion

Suitable Proficiency is not a barrier, it is a gateway to the truly meaningful, rich and rewarding Masonic experience you deserve.  Take full advantage of it.  Go beyond the bare minimum requirements and get your experience off to a start that ensures its success.  You deserve nothing less.