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Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Masonic Week Kickoff 2/10: Art of Initiation and Bristol Ritual EA at GWMM

If you are attending Masonic Week in Alexandria, Virginia this year, be aware of a special event to kick off the week. On Wednesday, February 10th, the Rose Circle Research Foundation, in conjunction with Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, will co-host a program exploring the art of initiation at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria.

The event is sponsored by Toye, Kenning and Spencer Ltd. regalia manufacturers.

Speakers from Rose Circle Research Foundation will explore the esoteric and spiritual aspects of initiation throughout the afternoon. Following that program, members of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 will be exemplifying the very unique Entered Apprentice Degree of the Bristol Ritual, which is almost never seen outside of the north of England. Following the degree presentation, there will be a traditional Festive Board.

A shuttle bus service will be available to and from the Hilton Mark Center Hotel.

From the Amazon.com product page for the Bristol Ritual by Charles E. Cohoughlyn-Burroughs:

"Bristol Masonry is unlike anything seen elsewhere in England. In the first degree alone one witnesses unusual ceremonies and hears statements which will surprise even the well-read Mason. Have you ever heard "the Nile, the Ganges, the Euphrates, [and the] Mississippi" mentioned in an Entered Apprentice degree? How about "the immeasurable wilds of the scattered Indian tribes across the mighty Atlantic...the wandering Arabs, roaming tartars, or far distant Chinese"? Have you ever seen the "circle of swords," the "cup of affliction" or the "writing test" given to an Entered Apprentice? It is all here, and much more. As one of the most unusual rituals in the English language, Masons travel from all over the world to witness these fascinating ceremonies. Boasting what is probably the oldest Craft working in England, Bristol ritual retains aspects which are similar to the unpublished Irish workings, but also resembles Continental Masonry in some regards."


If you were wavering about which day to arrive for Masonic Week, don't miss this!

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