handicapped Brethren.
ivan
you have to be in posessions of several qualifications to beacome a
Mason, both intellectual or spiritual and even phisical. For what i
understand you can't be a Mason if you are missing one of the five
senses or if you are unable to function in the requested signs or
salutations.
What happens if one Brother become handicapped in any of this ways
after being made a Mason?
How should the Lodge act? Give a dispensation for certain matters?
Obviously there has to be a Masonic protocol for the handling of such
matters in a brotherly and loving way. But a Brother has the right to
attend any meeting i wishes.....so what you think about that?
Fraternally
Ivan Beacco
George Washington Lodge 285
NYC
Mudge
Here, as far as I know, there is no restriction except age - I know of
several, blind and otherwise handicapped (can I say that ?) brethren
that have joined after their handicap arose or have become handicapped
after joining. In either case their continued attendance has been
assisted by their brothers - in one case, a blind brother was always
accompanied by a seeing eye dog that, on occasion, barked at an
approprite point in the ceremonies.
--
BES (currently unattached, in cloudyish, 6C, Calgary)
End Global warming ~ eliminate the cause ~ exterminate Al Gore
Jack Wise
The "requirement" that a candidate be without physical blemish is no
longer take literally.
In the operative trades in the middle ages, it was important that a man
be phyiscally capable of performing his duties; hence the prohibition on
physical maims and defects. If a Brother were to become unable to work,
then our obligations would have required that the fraternity provide for
him. Thus, the operative trades did not knowingly accept one who was
likely to become dependant upon the charity of the fraternity.
In the present time, is is quite possible for a handicapped individual
to earn a living and not become a burden on the fraternity.
--
Jack Wise
Secretary, Oak Wood Lodge No. 1444, AF & AM, The Woodlands, TX
(www.txmason.com) ( Lodge E-Mail: oakwo...@hal-pc.org )
PM, Jacques DeMolay Lodge No. 1390, AF & AM, Houston, TX
( www.jd1390.org/jdmlodge.htm )
TEXAS red wine: renowned for its smoky-mesquite-bbq & jalapeno
overtones, the perfect foil for a meal of tacos and refried beans...