Frequently Asked Questions

This page lists the most common questions asked concerning the Ritualist Program.

Q.	I am still affiliated from a lodge in Indiana. Can I count ritualwork conducted before I became an Washington Mason?
A.	Yes, most certainly. Past work from other jurisdictions if similar in content can be counted toward your point total.
Q.	How many times must I give a part or lecture to earn the points?
A.	Each time in the work is/was done in Open Lodge from memory may be counted up to the maximum indicated (usually three).
Q.	Who is going to audit our work to be sure it is done?
A.	The assumption is that you have take the three degrees of craft Masonry and have heard of Brotherly Love, Relief and TRUTH. In essense, if you can't trust a Mason, who can you trust? The short answer is that we operate on the honor system.
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Q.	How long do I have to gather points to earn a pin?
A.	However long it takes.  There are no time limits either for reaching into the past or the future.
Q.	I have been a Mason for a very long time.  I was once very active in doing Ritual work, but have not done any in the many years.  Can I still earn points for work performed then?
A.	Yes.  As long as your gave the part in Open Lodge from memory you have earned the points.
Q.	I was once proficient in doing the Ritual and gave the parts and lectures many times.  Today, I am hard pressed to remember my address.  May I still earn the points if I cannot give the parts today?
A.	Yes.  As long as your gave the part, you may claim points, up to the maximum allowed for the part.  We are very proud of our elder Ritualists, who have been a mainstay in our Lodges for many years.  This program is designed to recognize the efforts of all Ritualist, (past, future and present) and reward them for their dedicated work.
Q.	I am Senior Steward from a small Lodge.  We only do degree work twice a year.  At this rate I will be a very long time before I have enough points to even qualify for a Ritualist Pin.  What can I do to speed things up?
A.	Many Lodges welcome assistance in the ritual work of their Lodge. Letting them know your capabilities will most probably result in invitations to help perform the work.
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Q.	May I earn points for parts given in other Lodges, or, are points only earned for parts given in my Lodge?
A.	Yes, points may be taken.  Points are earned, regardless of which Lodge or jurisdiction as long as the work is similar to that in Washington.  Several Masons may have moved from other jurisdictions.
Q.	I have been awarded the Ritualist Pin.  Must I pay another enrollment fee when I qualify for the Senior Ritualist Pin?
A.	Hopefully, the one enrollment fee will be it (unless the Post Office or our pin supplier increase our costs).  Currently, the answer is no.  You should turn in the previous pin to your Lodge Secretary who will return it to the us  for re-issue to the upcoming Ritualists.
Q.	I have accumulated 450 points and would like to enroll.  Since Ritualist takes 375 points, what happens to the remaining 75 points?
A.	Upon enrollment, record all of your qualifying points in the Ritualist Record.  The Ritualist Pin will be awarded based upon the qualifying 375 points.  When you have earned the another 300 points (450 + 300 = 750), you may apply for the Senior Ritualist Pin.
Q.	I have enrolled in the Ritualist Program as a Senior Ritualist.  Do I also get the Ritualist Pin?
A.	It seems that we all like to wear pins on our lapel.  In this case, the answer is no.  You turn in the previous pin to your Lodge Secretary who will return it to the us for use by the up & coming Ritualists.
Q.	Why is it that some parts of the work, that are longer and more difficult, have less points than other parts that seem to be easier to learn and present?
A.	An honest effort was made to properly award points for the work done. One of the goals of the program is to reward participation in the ritual work of the Lodge. You will notice that almost everything involved with the work (even a few non-speaking parts) is recognized. All parts in the work are essential, therefore, compromises were made.