…presented at St. John's Lodge No. 35, Cayuga, October 7, 2004.

At the time the foundations of our Speculative Masonic rituals were being laid, we were mostly a Christian organization and a good deal of our Work was originally based on the Old Testament.

So tonight brethren, let's utilize the Old Testament and have it minister unto our speculation about THE SLIPSHOD HEEL in the E.A. degree.

From the most ancient times it has been customary, as a token of respect, to remove the shoes before stepping onto holy ground. The practice is mentioned many times in the Bible, on the first occasion when Moses saw the burning bush and the Angel of the Lord said to him: "put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is Holy ground".

And in most Eastern countries it is customary to remove the shoes before entering a temple, such as the Muslims do before entering a mosque.

Symbolically, within Freemasonry, the "slipshod heel" might be regarded as equivalent to removing the shoes on Holy ground. However, let us 'speculate' tonight that slipshod heel is actually a confirmation of the obligation taken by the E.A. candidate and a sign of fidelity.

With that goal in mind, let's discuss the Book of Ruth which relates particularly to the Entered Apprentice Degree, and (in my opinion) the reading of that Book could be of value to any Entered Apprentice in preparing for progress to the next degree.

But why the Book of Ruth? Because within Ontario Jurisdiction, the V.O.T.S.L. is opened at Ruth, Chapter4, Verse 7 Entered Apprentice Degree.

And it states, "Now this was the manner, in former time in Israel, concerning redeeming, and concerning changing,...for to confirm all  things: a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour: and that was a testimony in Israel".

Shoe removal is referred to, within the American's work, in the Entered Apprentice Degree as an explanation for an item of the candidate's mode of preparation.

In Scotland , the candidate confirms his Obligation by taking off a slipper and handing it to the R.W.M.

However, shoe removal does appear in the wording of the Canadian Ritual.  But as earlier stated, in our Ontario Lodges, the V.O.T.S.L. is opened at Ruth Chapter 4 Verse 7 in the EA Degree and Verse 7 refers to the removal of a shoe.

Brethren at this time let each of us call to mind that special moment, when we took upon our first Masonic obligation, and try to recall the sensation felt by the slipshod heel. Personally I can not remember giving much thought, or even  unto the present - until I started to research this topic for tonight's message. But prior to that, the slipshod heel was just another Masonic symbol that I must check out some day.

Experts have said that maintaining a secret is one of the most difficult deeds for people to accomplish. Well Masons must be extraordinary people, for according to the public, our Order is nothing but secrets, which of course is untrue as we learned from our discussions about solicitation.  But we can, and do preserve some things sacred and inviolable, and one of these things being our obligations.

Interestingly, and regardless of the passage of time, the  obligation we all took as an Entered Apprentice is one of the most unforgettable moments in our lives. If there is a lesson to learn tonight, it is that there is more to our obligations than just the spoken words. I believe it is the totality of the ceremonies which  creates the fervent desire to "honour" our obligations.

Virtues such as temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice are inspiring and amply justified to us from the start.  However I believe, it is "honour" which becomes the first Masonic virtue we Masons learn to truly apply ourselves.   

Our Grand Master's advice to get back to Basics and utilizing Masonic education on a steady basis is great advice.

By speculating upon a symbol, the slipshod heel, which is often before us in open lodge, we have introduced the speculative argument that "honour" is the first, and possibly, the most meaningful and beautiful of Masonic virtues.           

(With thanks to R.W. Brother James Kirk-White) Muskoka District