Circa 1925 Masonic Bulletin excerpt from William Preston, a distinguished instructor of the Masonic Ritual from 1774 and as the founder of a system of lectures which still retain their influence, from Edinburgh, England.
Before you could become a Fellowcraft it was demanded of you that you become proficient in the work of the First Degree; that you learn "by heart" a certain portion of the Ritual, and make yourself competent to "stand and deliver" it on occasion.
