Etiquette
Posted: Tue May 14, 2024 5:27 pm
Notes on Masonic conduct in the lodge and the festive board.
THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY:
The elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities. The Worshipful Master has the authority to: 1. Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. 2. Decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master.
If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master.
If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he is committing a Masonic offense and may be admonished.
Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee, and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs.
Protocols in the lodge.
All communications go thru the master unless the ritual calls for direct communication.
No subject addressed to the master may be communicated more than once in a meeting
The master may permit communication through the chair if he deems necesarry
Calling on and off as opposed putting lodge at ease At ease allows moving around the room, conversation, and a suspension of usual formalities, but NOT leaving the lodge room. The master still controls the lodge but without formality. Toilet breaks are permitted by request and tyled accordingly.
Calling off means from Labour to refreshment and visits to the toilet and bar are permitted.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FESTIVE BOARD
The Festive Board is an important a part of any Masonic meeting, as is the work done in the Temple. It affords the Brethren the opportunity to enjoy the social side of Freemasonry as well as the more formal ritual side. That said, it must be remembered that the Festive Board is also a "formal" affair, with its structure and rules of deportment, although giving plenty of time for Brethren to chat amongst each other and enjoy each others' company.
After leaving the Temple the Brethren may well have a few minutes "refreshment" before the Director of Ceremonies calls them to take their places at the Festive Board. The announcement "To order, Brethren, to receive your Worshipful Master."
This prompts the Brethren to applaud - in an enthusiastic and spontaneous manner
THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY:
The elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities. The Worshipful Master has the authority to: 1. Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. 2. Decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master.
If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master.
If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he is committing a Masonic offense and may be admonished.
Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee, and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs.
Protocols in the lodge.
All communications go thru the master unless the ritual calls for direct communication.
No subject addressed to the master may be communicated more than once in a meeting
The master may permit communication through the chair if he deems necesarry
Calling on and off as opposed putting lodge at ease At ease allows moving around the room, conversation, and a suspension of usual formalities, but NOT leaving the lodge room. The master still controls the lodge but without formality. Toilet breaks are permitted by request and tyled accordingly.
Calling off means from Labour to refreshment and visits to the toilet and bar are permitted.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FESTIVE BOARD
The Festive Board is an important a part of any Masonic meeting, as is the work done in the Temple. It affords the Brethren the opportunity to enjoy the social side of Freemasonry as well as the more formal ritual side. That said, it must be remembered that the Festive Board is also a "formal" affair, with its structure and rules of deportment, although giving plenty of time for Brethren to chat amongst each other and enjoy each others' company.
After leaving the Temple the Brethren may well have a few minutes "refreshment" before the Director of Ceremonies calls them to take their places at the Festive Board. The announcement "To order, Brethren, to receive your Worshipful Master."
This prompts the Brethren to applaud - in an enthusiastic and spontaneous manner