Kind of like the shell game, you never know which one to look under:D

Sad but true, membership has fallen and since we raise money to help children & needy people, when our numbers go down, so does the amount of money going into these programs:( We need more Shriners, the Buggy clubs are much smaller than they use to be:(

Not here, 1st you have to be petition, then they vote, and after that, there is only (at least hear) 2 times a year that you can go through it, same with the Shrines (I missed my 1st chance as I was out of town working) and we worked to earn this, if it was just bought, classes would be much bigger.

One point is family Tradition, I'm at least 4th Gen, another, is if you have a interest in history, not just US, but World and then there is the fact that they work hard to raise money for charities the last is the fellowship with your Brothers.
I was in the 231st Reunion Class and the current lodge was built in 1924, so it has been around for a long time.

Congrats! My grandfathers and dad all belonged. I had been invited in my youth and never followed up. Probably should have. Congrats again!

Karl
88 Targa

I think you may be referring to the 33rd degree which is an honorary degree....

The only organization I would consider joining is the fraternal order of E. Clampus Vitus.

The organization has raised historical plaques in many places throughout the West (often those sites such as bordellos and saloons overlooked by more traditional historical societies), with a traditional "doin's," or party, after each plaque dedication. These are now common in historical areas around California and the West — when in the Gold Country, a Clamper-placed plaque is never far away. The fraternity is not sure if it is a "historical drinking society" or a "drinking historical society."

You sure it isn't EEK. CLAPTUS CERTAINUS???:eek: :D

"I think you may be referring to the 33rd degree which is an honorary degree...."

No.
I meant you receive the 4th-32nd degree in one day/weekend.
In my jurisdiction a certain amount of memory work is required to go from the first to the second degree and from the second to the third. A month would be pretty quick to get the three. I've heard some states no longer require any lecture work.
Jim

[ I have heard of this fast-tracking through certain degrees, and admittedly don't like it, as I feel it detracts from what Craft is all about for me in any case. I have had most enjoyment from pursuing specific areas (side degrees) and if anything it is exactly this that makes the Craft so interesting.

It is truly sad to see it in such a decline across the world, but I am wondering if it isn't because people are allowed to either be fast-tracked through the degrees, or being allowed to pay for them - if you haven't worked for something it just isn't worth as much to you is it?

I think they are after quantity in membership, somewhat understandable given the decline over the past number of years. I was a District Custodian (no brooms are involved in the job) so the ritual work is pretty important to me. But everyone gets something different out of the fraternity.
Jim

Your are correct, but one of the reasons for the fast-tracking are the our numbers are getting smaller every year, and the fast tracking changes depenging on who is in charge. I'm told that this will end soon though, as said, there is a lot to be gained from the studies & work. I was luck and had very good instructors, worked a couple of nights a week to learn to earn my degrees and am very glad that I did.