I've been given a Sterling Masonic Signet Ring, that is apparently a rare Entered Apprentice Ring.

I'll put up photos tomorrow.   I realized this when I made impressions into clay.

Cataract Lodge #2 Entered Apprentice Initiation, January 25, 2011

Bothers Of Another Mother.
Cataract Lodge #2  was the second lodge recognized under the Grand Lodge of Minnesota.  . Stillwater's St. John's Lodge #1  preceded us.  St. Paul Lodge number #3   was recognized shortly after Cataract by the Grand Lodge (it was made a lodge in 1849, but somehow recognized later for the formation of the Grand Lodge.)  <I was told it was some kind of "paperwork" thing.> These Three lodges were the basis for the formation of the independent Grand Lodge of Minnesota. Before forming a Grand Lodge, while Minnesota was still a territory, St. John's Lodge was recognized by  the Grand Lodge of  Wisconsin (October 12, 1850).  Cataract Lodge by the Grand Lodge of Illinois ( February 5, 1852,).  And the St. Paul lodge, by the Grand Lodge of Ohio (1849).  I find this all pretty fascinating.   You can read more history here: Grand Lodge Of Minnesota.  Looking at the Grand Lodge Wiki page, I just discovered that Hubert H. Humphrey was a member of Cataract Lodge.  That is a nice surprise!

 S John's Lodge No 1

Now Studying For Fellowcraft Degree.

Booklets in Preparations for the Degrees and my Lodge nametag.

So much going on for The Entered Apprentice initiation, that it was hard to take all in. What I was most struck by, as a craftsman that undertook a traditional apprenticeship in pottery in Japan, is how the guild systems must have worked in Europe in pre-literate times. It is an oral tradition with much repitition. The Masonic initiation process sheds light on the old guild systems. The initiation felt to me like a cross between being knighted and entering a pre-literate guild. I suppose the appendant bodies, the Scottish and York Rites are more like knighthood initiations. But first things first. I am studying for my the test before the Fellowcraft Degree.

Becoming A Freemason

I applied  to the The Cataract Lodge #2 several months ago and have been attending lodge dinners since August 2010.    I was interviewed, if I recall correctly, in November and voted on by the lodge on Dec. 14, 2010.   At the last lodge dinner the second week of January, the Lodge Secretary said my application was approved and my Entered Apprentice initiation will be on January 25, 2011    I have been studying Freemason history since last spring and am excited about the initiation.     I happen to live almost in between two of the oldest Minnesota Lodges, Cataract #2 and Saint Paul # 3    I thought since I live in Minneapolis it would be good to join a Minneapolis lodge and also, from the photos on their webpage, it seemed like a more "casual" lodge, so maybe a better fit for me.   I received a formal letter today acknowledging acceptance and describing the dates, along with a pamphlet of some basic information I should know and share will Jean.
            The Ancient Free and Accepted Masons are the oldest fraternity.   And the more I learn about it, the more interesting it becomes.