Congratulations to our youngest Entered Apprentice, Brother Joshua Barr! Also, a fantastic job by the Pro tempore WM - Brother Aaron Tice! (fb)

Good evening Brethren! This week’s trivia is coming a little earlier than normal as I’m going out of town this weekend. It wasn’t until 1760 that Masonic Halls, Temples, and Lodges began to receive names befitting of Freemason significance. Prior to 1760, a Lodge was generally known by the name of the tavern or pub in which the members held their meetings. The fact that early Masons held their meetings in pubs may have had an impact on the manner in which new brother Masons were tested before being advanced to the next degree. In modern American Masonry, a candidate must recite a formally memorized catechism or examination in the preceding degree before he is Passed or Raised to the next degree. This practice did not exist until 1850, when it was introduced in Louisiana. Prior to this ritualized proficiency on the lectures, Lodge officers would ask the candidate casual questions over a pint of brew until satisfied that he had an understanding of the preceding degree. If the evening was still young, they would proceed to confer the next degree. (fb)