Suffolk Guide

SUFFOLK FREEMASONS GUIDE


SUFFOLK FREEMASONS GUIDE
Lodge Name________________________________________________ No _______________________________________________________ Proposer’s Name ____________________________________________ Seconder’s Name __________________________________________ My Lodge Mentor is WBro/Bro ________________________________ Date Initiated ______________________________________________. Date Passed ________________________________________________ Date Raised ________________________________________________ My Lodge meets on __________________________________________ Masonic Career History ______________________________________
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Provincial Grand Lodge of Suffolk
Dear Bro.
Freemasons’ Hall, Soane Street, Ipswich. IP4 2BG Telephone 01473 232432
Website: www.suffolkfreemason.org.uk Email: [email protected]
Office:
May I welcome you into Freemasonry and congratulate you on being initiated into our fraternity. Your initiation ceremony is the first step into our Order and this will be followed in the months to come by two further ceremonies, the Fellowcrafts and the Master Masons degrees.
Today's first step, I feel sure, will have
both stimulated and surprised you. It will
take a while for you to appreciate the
significance of your Initiation, but, I feel
sure, you will wish to seek further
knowledge. This “Freemasons Guide” will give you the answers to some of your early questions and assist you in understanding, more fully, the basic Masonic principles.
However, this booklet is not meant to be a substitute for the “Lodge of Instruction”, which is an important and integral part of your Lodge and will be briefly explained elsewhere. Your regular attendance at L.O.I will considerably improve your understanding of Freemasonry and its many mysteries.
A Brother in your Lodge - your Mentor - has been selected to look fter you during your early years in Freemasonry. If you have any questions or queries, or indeed should you need assistance or advice, he will be only too pleased to help you in any way possible.
On behalf of the Province of Suffolk, may I wish you a long and very enjoyable journey in Freemasonry.
Yours sincerely and fraternally
I. J. Yeldham - Provincial Grand Master
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CONTENTS
YourQuestionsAnswered ____________________________1-7 Your Lodge: The Lodge Officers ______________________8-10 Your Lodge: The Lodge Layout ______________________11-13 Your Lodge: Customs and Protocol __________________14-15 Regalia ________________________________________16-17 Opening and Closing Hymns and the National Anthem ____18 The Festive Board____________________________________19 The Lodge of Instruction______________________________20 Visiting Other Lodges ________________________________21 Introduction to the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch __ 22-23 Grand Lodge ____________________________________24-25 Useful Information ________________________________26-29 Further Reading __________________________________30-31 Appendix 1. Masonic “Fire” ________________________32-33
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. What is Freemasonry?
A. Freemasonry is the U.K.’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable
organisation. It teaches moral lessons and self knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays. Freemasonry offers its members an approach to life which seeks to reinforce thoughtfulness for others, kindness in the community, honesty in business, courtesy in society and fairness in all things. Though the interests of one’s own family are paramount, Freemasonry teaches and practices concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Q. Why are you a secret society?
A. Wearenot,butLodgemeetings,likethoseofmanyothergroups,are
private, open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public, many of the well-known books on Freemasonry being available from the local library. Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodges have websites. Meeting places are known and in many areas they are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Q. What are the secrets of Freemasonry?
A. ThesecretsinFreemasonryarethetraditionalmodesofrecognition.
They are not used indiscriminately, but solely as a test of membership, e.g. when visiting a Lodge where you are not known.
Q. What happens at a Lodge meeting?
A. The meeting is in two parts. As in any association there is a certain
amount of administrative procedure: minutes of last meeting, discussion and voting on financial matters, election of officers, news and correspondence, proposing and balloting for new members. Then there are the ceremonies for admitting new Masons, or for the annual installation of the Master and the appointment of officers. The three ceremonies for admitting a new Mason are in two parts: a dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidate’s various duties are spelled out.
Q. Isn’t ritual out of place in modern society?
A. No. The ritual is a shared experience which binds the members
together. Its ancient use of drama, allegory and symbolism impresses the principles and teachings of Freemasonry more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed on to him in matter- of-fact modern language.
Q. Whydogrownmenrunaroundwiththeirtrousersrolledup? A. It is true that candidates have to roll up their trouser legs during the three ceremonies when they are being admitted to membership. Taken
out of context, this can seem amusing, but like many other aspects of Freemasonry, it has a symbolic meaning.
Q. Why do Freemasons take oaths?
A. New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge
an in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving that he is a Freemason, which he would use when visiting a Lodge where he is not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support others in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their family or with their responsibilities as Citizens.
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. Are Freemasons expected to prefer fellow Masons at the expense of others in giving jobs, promotions, contracts and the like?
A. Absolutelynot.Thatwouldbeamisuseofmembershipandsubjectto Masonic discipline. On his entry into Freemasonry each candidate states unequivocally that he expects no material gain from his membership. At various stages during the three ceremonies of his admission and when he is presented with a certificate from Grand Lodge signifying that the admission ceremonies have been completed, he is forcefully reminded that attempts to gain preferment or material gain for himself or others is misuse of membership which will not be tolerated. The Book of Constitutions, which every candidate receives, contains strict rules governing abuse of membership which can result in penalties varying from temporary suspension to expulsion.
Q. Isn’t it true that Freemasons only look after each other?
A. No. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities. Since its inception, Freemasonry has provided support not only for widows and orphans of Freemasons but also for many others within the community. Whilst some Masonic charities cater specifically but not exclusively for Masons or their dependants, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organisations. Lodges give
substantial support to many local causes.
Q. Is Freemasonry a religion or a rival to religion?
A. Emphaticallynot.FreemasonryrequiresabeliefinGod;itsprinciples are common to many of the world’s great religions. Freemasonry does not try to replace religion or substitute for it. Every candidate is exhorted to practise his own religion and to regard its holy book as the
unerring standard of truth.
Freemasonry does not instruct its members in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does it offer sacraments. Freemasonry deals in relations between men; religion deals in a man’s relationship with his God.
Q. Why do you call it the VSL and not the Bible?
A. To the majority of Freemasons the Volume of the Sacred Law is the Bible. There are many in Freemasonry, however, who are not Christian. To them the Bible is not their sacred book. They will make their promises on the book which is regarded as sacred to their religion. The Bible will always be present in an English Lodge, but as the organisation welcomes men of many different faiths, it is called the Volume of the Sacred Law. Thus, when the Volume of the Sacred Law is referred to in ceremonies, to a non-Christian it will be the holy book
of his religion and to a Christian it will be the Bible.
Q. Why do Freemasons call God the “Great Architect”?
A. Freemasonry embraces all men who believe in God. Its membership includes Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Parsees and others. The use of descriptions such as the “Great Architect” prevents disharmony. The “Great Architect” is not a specific Masonic god, nor an attempt to combine all gods into one. Thus, men of differing
religions pray together without offence being given to any of them.
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. Why do some churches not like Freemasonry?
A. There are elements within certain churches who misunderstand Freemasonry and confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. Although the Methodist Conference and the General Synod of the Anglican Church have occasionally criticised Freemasonry, in both Churches there are many Masons, and indeed others, who are dismayed that the Churches should attack Freemasonry, - an organisation which has always encouraged its members to be active in their own religion. Many
clergymen are Masons.
Q. Why will Freemasonry not accept Roman Catholics as members?
A. It does. The prime qualification for admission into Freemasonry has always been a belief in God. How that belief is expressed is entirely up to the individual. Four Grand Masters of English Freemasonry have been Roman Catholics. There are many Roman Catholic Freemasons.
Q. Isn’t Freemasonry just another political pressure group?
A. Emphatically not. Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics and may, indeed, be very active politicians, Freemasonry as a body will never express a political view. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.
Q. Are there not Masonic groups who are involved in politics? A. There are groups in other countries who call themselves Freemasons and who involve themselves in political matters. They are not recognised or countenanced by the United Grand Lodge of England
or by other regular Grand Lodges who follow the basic principles of Freemasonry and who ban the discussion of politics and religion at their meetings.
Q. Is Freemasonry an international Order?
A. OnlyinthesensethatFreemasonryexiststhroughoutthefreeworld.
Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent, and whilst following the same basic principles, they may have differing ways of passing them on. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.
Q. What is the relationship between Freemasonry and groups like the Orange Order, Odd Fellows and Buffaloes?
A. None. There are numerous fraternal orders and Friendly Societies whose rituals, regalia and organisation are similar in some respects to those of Freemasonry. They have no formal or informal connections with Freemasonry.
Q. Why don’t you have women members?
A. Traditionally,FreemasonryundertheUnitedGrandLodgeofEngland
has been restricted to men. The early stonemasons were all male, and when Freemasonry was being organised, the position of women in society was different from today. If women wish to join Freemasonry. There are two separate Grand Lodges in England restricted to women only.
Q. Why do you wear regalia?
A. Wearing regalia is historical and symbolic and, like a uniform, serves to
indicate to members where they rank in the organisation.
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Q. How many Freemasons are there?
A. Under the United Grand Lodge of England, in the year 2005, there
were about 350,000 Freemasons, meeting in nearly 8500 Lodges. About 9000 men join English Freemasonry each year. There are separate Grand Lodges for Ireland (covering North and South) and Scotland, with a combined membership of about 150,000. Worldwide, there are probably 5 million members.
Q. How and when did Freemasonry start?
A. It is not known. The earliest recorded ‘making’ of a Freemason in
England is that of Elias Ashmole in 1646. Organised Freemasonry began with the founding of the Grand Lodge of England on 24 June 1717, the first Grand Lodge in the world. Ireland followed in 1725 and Scotland in 1736. All the regular Grand Lodges in the world trace themselves back to one or more of the Grand Lodges in the British Isles. Much more detail about the United Grand Lodge of England is given in a later section. There are two main theories about the origin of Freemasonry.
According to one, the operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles had Lodges in which they discussed trade affairs. They had simple initiation ceremonies and, as there were no City and Guilds certificates, dues cards or trade union membership cards, they adopted secret signs and words to demonstrate that they were trained masons when they moved from site to site. In the 1600s, these operative Lodges began to accept non-operatives as “gentlemen masons”. Gradually these non-operatives took over the Lodges and turned them from operative to ‘free and accepted’ or ‘speculative’ Lodges.
The other theory is that in the late 1500s and early 1600s, there was a group which was interested in the promotion of religious and political tolerance in an age of great intolerance when differences of’ opinion on matters of religion and politics were to lead to bloody civil war. In forming Freemasonry, they were trying to make better men and build a better world. As the means of teaching in those days was by allegory and symbolism, they took the idea of building as the central allegory on which to form their system. The main source of allegory was the Bible, the contents of which were known to everyone even if they could not read. The only building described in detail in the Bible was King Solomon’s Lodge Room, which became the basis of the ritual. The old trade guilds provided them with their administrative structure of a Master, Wardens, Treasurer and Secretary, and the operative mason’s tools provided them with a wealth of symbols with which to illustrate the moral teachings of Freemasonry.
Q. How many degrees are there in Freemasonry
A. BasicFreemasonryconsistsofthethree‘Craft’degrees:
Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. For many years, it has been stated in the Book of Constitutions that Royal Arch degree is the completion of the Master Mason’s degree. The wording has recently been changed to acknowledge that the Royal Arch degree is in fact, and nearly always has been, worked separately, in Chapter. But the close association between the Craft and the Royal Arch will continue. Joining Chapter after becoming a Master Mason is to be considered the natural next step.
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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
There are many other Masonic Orders, each with their own degrees. These Orders are thought of as ‘additional’ because they add to the teaching of the Craft and Royal Arch. They are administered quite separately from the Craft and the Royal Arch. Some ‘of these orders are specifically Christian Orders. For membership of all the other Orders, membership of the Craft, at least, would be requisite.
In a Craft Lodge, Masons who are also members of the Royal Arch wear a jewel on the breast pocket, the colour of which varies with the rank attained in the Order. No regalia of other Orders is worn in Craft Lodge meetings.
Some of the additional degrees are numerically superior to the Third Degree (one has 33 degrees!) but this does not affect the fact that they are additional to and not in anyway superior to or higher than the Craft.
Cherished and honoured though they are throughout Freemasonry, the ranks that these additional Orders confer have no standing in the Craft or Royal Arch.
Q. How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
A. ItvariesfromLodgetoLodge,mostlydependingonthecostofdining.
Having entered Freemasonry, the costs relative to your own Lodge would have been fully explained to you by your Proposer and Seconder. You will have paid the initiation and joining fees prior to joining your Lodge. You will now be aware of whether or not the annual subscription covers your dining fees or if dining fees are paid separately at each meeting.
You will need to acquire some uniform. Standard dress for Masonic meetings consists of a dark suit, white shirt, black tie, black shoes and white gloves. You may wish to buy Morning Dress at some stage. See what the custom is in your Lodge.
Regalia can be expensive when you become a senior Mason, but there is time before you need to worry about that! The first apron you will need to buy will be that of a Master Mason, which, new, would cost £30-£40.
Regular collections are made for both Masonic and non-Masonic charities. You are expected to contribute, but only as much as you and your family can reasonably afford. Your Lodge Charity Steward will give you plenty of advice.
Masonic Charity is a huge subject on which separate booklets are available. Outside the National Lottery, Freemasonry in England does contribute more to charity than any other organisation.
Q. MayIintroduceafriendorcolleagueintoFreemasonry?
A. Yes.Becareful,though,thatanypossiblecandidatewhomyoumight talk to would meet the high standards of character and belief that were demanded of you, and that the new man would ‘fit in’ in your Lodge.
Do mention and discuss the possibility with your Lodge Secretary. Although, as you know, there are formal procedures for joining, including the ballot, these things are best agreed behind scenes.
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NON-PROGRESSIVE OFFICERS
The administrative functions of a Lodge are in the hands of two Lodge Officers: the Secretary and the Treasurer.
The Secretary has many tasks laid down in the Book of Constitutions, the Provincial By-laws and the Lodge By-laws, such as submitting Returns to Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge. He is responsible for distributing the Summonses or Agenda for meetings and for ensuring that the business of every meeting of the Lodge is correctly performed. He will record the Minutes of each meeting. He will communicate to the
members of the Lodge the relevant proceedings of Grand Lodge and Provincial Grand Lodge.
The Treasurer is responsible to the Lodge for all the’ Lodge accounts whether held directly by him or by others in the Lodge, such as the Almoner. It is the Treasurer’s responsibility to ensure that all Lodge accounts are audited and presented to the Lodge annually, as specified in the Book of Constitutions and the Lodge By-laws. He is also responsible for budgeting so that necessary adjustments in Lodge subscriptions, dining fees, etc., are adequate to keep the Lodge financially sound. As an
elected Officer of the Lodge he is answerable to the Lodge as a whole. He cannot delegate any of his duties.
The Chaplain. The Chaplain leads the Lodge in prayers at the beginning and end of every Lodge meeting and when required to during ceremonies. He will say Grace at
t
he meal afterwards.
The Director of Ceremonies has a pivotal role in the Lodge Room and at the meal afterwards. He will, like a good referee, be active in the background. His work will start with rehearsals for the Lodge meeting. Prior to the meeting itself, he work will start with rehearsals for the Lodge meeting. Prior to the meeting itself, he and the Tyler will ensure that the Lodge Room is laid out correctly and that all the Officers are present, or substitutes in place
where necessary. His role in the Lodge meeting will differ from Lodge to Lodge, as it will at the dinner afterwards. He will usually conduct important visitors to their seats, and organise any processions in and out of the Lodge Room. He will introduce the Master to the Lodge when and where necessary In directing the proceedings in the Lodge he will have to liaise with the Master and the Secretary.
The Almoner. The Almoner could be described as the Lodge Welfare Officer. He is responsible for looking after the needs of the Brethren, past members, widows and dependants. He is responsible for considering the health and well-being of all those associated with the Lodge. He will raise petitions for assistance where necessary. He will certainly have a high profile at Christmas when he arranges gifts for the widows, but his
work quietly behind the scenes at other times will be considerable.
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The Charity Steward. The Charity Steward is responsible for co-ordinating the support that the Lodge is giving at any time to various Charities. He will know and understand the of the system of Masonic Charities. He will be able to advise the Lodge and its individual members of the most appropriate and effective ways of contributing to Charity.
Mentor. The Lodge Mentor. The success and well being of any Lodge very much depends on the happiness of its members and its role of the The Lodge Mentor to ensure that a well organised structure is in place that enables all members, particularly those who have recently joined, to integrate into their Lodges so that they fully understand and enjoy their Freemasonry to the utmost.
The Assistant Secretary. Often, the volume of administrative work justifies the appointment of an Assistant Secretary. His work will vary widely from Lodge to Lodge. For example, in some Lodges he will take responsibility for organising the dining arrangements.
The Assistant Director of Ceremonies. At times in aLodge meeting, two DCs can expedite the proceedings. Then an Assistant Director of Ceremonies is called upon.
The Organist. He will provide music during the meeting inthe Lodge Room and on occasions at the meal afterwards. Ceremonies are greatly enhanced by appropriate music.
The Tyler. The Tyler is responsible for looking after the Lodge outside the Lodge Room. He will help the Director of Ceremonies to prepare the Lodge Room, ensure that those entering the Lodge are properly dressed, and prepare Candidates prior to entering the Lodge. The Tyler is himself involved in the ceremonies when the Candidates are first introduced to the Lodge Room. At the meal afterwards he will be summoned by the
Master to propose the toast to “Poor & Distressed Freemasons”, which is the last toast of the evening.
The Immediate Past Master. The IPM, following his year in the Chair, sits on the left of the Master and assists him in his work in the Lodge. At the Festive Board he will propose the toast to the Master.
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PROGRESSIVE OFFICERS
The successive offices, Steward, Inner Guard, Junior Deacon, Senior Deacon, Junior Warden and Senior Warden should all be seen as steps leading towards the highest honour which a Lodge has in its power to confer on any of its members, that of taking command as Worshipful Master of the Lodge.
The Master and his Wardens. These offices are so important that they justify the publication of detailed specific advice, which appears in another volume.
Jewels of:
Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden
Senior and Junior Deacons. These Brethren have central roles in the ceremonies in the Lodge Room, leading the Candidates and participating in the two part plays through which Freemasonry explains to Candidates and members its teaching and purpose.
The Inner Guard. He has two main functions. He introduces to the Lodge those who arrive late, but more importantly, he is a part of the team involved in the ceremonies. He is responsible for ensuring that all who enter the Lodge Room, especially the Candidates, are appropriately dressed.
Stewards. The Stewards have two prime functions in the Lodge. Within the Lodge Room they are, in most Lodges, expected to be able to stand-in for any absent Junior Officer. At the meal afterwards, their responsibilities vary from Lodge to Lodge and Province to Province. In some Lodges the Stewards will have very little to do. In others the Stewards will serve drinks. Occasionally, they will serve the whole meal.
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THE LODGE ROOM OR TEMPLE.
This is where a Lodge holds its regular meetings. Lodge Rooms vary enormously from centre to centre. Some Masonic premises are purpose built, others are converted from existing buildings. You will notice in every Lodge Room similar items of furniture. These are described below.
CARPET OR MASONIC PAVEMENT.
In most Lodge Rooms you will find a black and white squared carpet or chequered floor. This denotes our chequered existence, happiness and sorrow.
CHAIRS AND PEDESTALS.
There are chairs or benches for all those attending our meetings around the squared carpet but three of these chairs will be behind pedestals. In many cases the chair and the pedestal will be marked with the jewel of the occupant. That in the East is for the Worshipful Master. Opposite him in the West is the Senior Warden and in the South the Junior Warden. On The Master’s pedestal will be placed the Bible, called the “The Volume of the Sacred Law”.
THE WARRANT.
The Warrant of the Lodge is granted to the Lodge by the Most Worshipful Grand Master at its Consecration. This Warrant must be in the Lodge Room when a Lodge is opened. It will always be displayed at the initiation of a new member and when a new Master is installed. In some Lodges, it may be on display throughout the ceremony.
VOLUME OF THE SACRED LAW (VSL).
In the English Constitution, the VSL is the Holy Bible. The VSL is always open when a Lodge is ‘open’, i.e., when the Lodge is conducting business or one of its ceremonies. The Square and Compasses will be placed upon the VSL. If a Sacred Volume is required for Brethren of a Faith other than Christian, then that Volume will be placed in front of or beside the Bible, but never on top of it. It is alleged that as many nine Sacred Volumes have been needed in a Lodge on some occasions!
THE ‘MOVEABLE JEWELS’.
These are the Square, the Level and the Plumb-Rule, which are the Jewels of the Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden respectively. The ‘Jewels’, and other ‘tools’ used in Masonic ceremonies, are referred to in documents that survive from the early 1700s.
ROUGH AND SMOOTH ASHLARS.
The Senior Warden’s pedestal will have a smooth ashlar resting on it and the Junior Warden’s a rough ashlar. These are the ‘Immoveable Jewels’. They represent two different stages in Freemasonry and understanding. The rough ashlar is thought of as the stone’ on which an apprentice can learn the art of stonemasonry. The smooth ashlar is used by the more experienced stonemason to hone and perfect his skills.
THE COLUMNS OF THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR WARDENS.
Each Warden has a Column on his pedestal. These will usually show the designs of the Doric order for the Senior Warden, denoting strength, and the Corinthian order for the Junior Warden, denoting beauty. Usually the Columns are surmounted by a celestial or terrestrial globe which point out
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YYOURLQOUDEGSETI-OTNheS LAoNdSgWe LEaRyEoDut Masonry universal. The Wardens will also position their Columns to show
if the Lodge is ‘open’ or ‘closed’. The Working Tools.
The Working Tools of each degree are fully explained in the ritual. The appropriate set of tools is displayed in the Lodge for each degree.
TRACING BOARDS.
The Tracing Boards have always been a feature of Freemasonry. In the 18th Century the Tyler would draw out the Tracing Board of the degree in chalk on the floor of the Lodge Room prior to the meeting. The Tracing Board illustrates the story of each degree, the details being explained during the ceremony. There is a separate one for each degree.
LODGE BANNERS.
Many Lodges have a Banner, though it is not a necessity. Some Banners date back to the consecration of the Lodge, some are more recent. They often depict the origin, or some particular characteristic of the Lodge.
THE BALLOT BOX.
Every Lodge will have a need for a Ballot Box because any candidate for membership of a Lodge must be balloted for. Sometimes this is done with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ drawer; members place a ballot ball in the relevant drawer. Other Ballot Boxes will have only one drawer. Each member is then handed a white ball and a black ball. A certain number of black balls, as specified in the Lodge By-laws, will exclude a potential member, - hence the term “black-balled”.
Members must not be allowed to take several balls from a bag; the Deacons must hand out the appropriate number of balls needed.
WANDS OF OFFICE.
The Director of Ceremonies, Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Senior, Deacon and Junior Deacon each have a Wand of office. The Director of Ceremonies and his Assistant will always carry their wands when moving about the Lodge. The Deacons, depending on the ritual, may carry theirs. They will certainly do so when taking part in the Degree ceremonies.
THE GAVELS.
The worshipful Master, and the Senior and Junior Wardens each have a Gavel. A Gavel is used by the Master to gain the members’ attention when he is about to speak. The Master will sound his Gavel, followed by the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden. The same procedure is followed at the dinner afterwards when the Master is about to propose a toast or take wine. “Dinner” in these days of ‘Daylight Lodges’ may, of course, be ‘Lunch’!
THE PLAN (opposite) SHOWS A TYPICAL LAYOUT OF A MASONIC LODGE ROOM
The point of entry being in the west and facing east.
The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens are seated in the East, West and South respectively.
The Secretary & Treasurer are normally located on the north side.
The other junior officers tend to vary somewhat in location from lodge to lodge but generally are in the position shown.
The Lodge Banner and Warrant are displayed in the Room.
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YYOURLQOUDEGSETI-OTNheS LAoNdSgWe LEaRyEoDut SUGGESTED POSITIONS IN THE LODGE ROOM
(Subject to different Lodges)
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W.M. Master (East)
I.P.M. Immediate Past Master Grand Officers Provincial Grand Officers
S.W. Senior Warden (West) J.W. Junior Warden (South) Chaplain
Treasurer
Assistant Secretary D.C. Director of Ceremonies Almoner
Charity Steward
S.D. Senior Deacon J.D. Junior Deacon A.D.C. Assistant Director of Ceremonies
I.G. Inner Guard
Secretary
Tyler Outside the door of the lodge


SALUTES
YOYUORULROQDUGES-TCIuOsNtoSmAsNaSnWdEPRroEtDocol
Let us begin at the end, - the end of your first meeting in the Lodge, just after the conclusion of your Initiation ceremony. The Lodge was still open in the First Degree. That was when, for the first time, you would have been able to see Brethren working in the Lodge.
You will have seen that whenever a Brother speaks to the Worshipful Master or to the Wardens in the Lodge Room, (nowhere else), a salute is given. The salute is the sign of the degree in which the Lodge is working at the time. Each degree has a different sign. So on that first day, you would have seen the First Degree sign.
After the minutes and matters arising the DC may call upon the Brethren to salute any Grand Officers present, and any Provincial Officer representing The RW Provincial Grand Master. (The DC will instruct how this is to be done.)
(This may be the first of many instances of ‘perhaps’ and ‘probably’! In principle, the customs we are referring to here are in general use throughout Craft Masonry, but the details vary enormously from ritual to ritual and Lodge to Lodge.)
THE COURT BOW
Brethren do not salute one another, but by way of acknowledgement, perhaps as thanks for a courtesy, the Court Bow is given. This consists of standing upright, and simply bowing the head slightly, - no more.
THE SIGNS
During the Closing, you will have seen all the Brethren showing the First Degree sign. The Master instructed, “To order, Brethren, in the First Degree.” A similar instruction had been given during the Opening, the point then being to establish that everyone present was a Mason.
On other occasions, for the Openings and Closings in other degrees, the signs of those other degrees would be used.
The last speech of the ceremony, when Closing the Lodge, is given by the Immediate Past Master. At the end, he invites the Brethren to “unite in” giving another sign, hereafter referred to as ‘The Sn of F’. Strictly, this custom is illogical, for ‘The Sn of F’ is not taught in the First Degree; at that stage an Initiate has not seen it. For the moment, learn the sign at L.O.I.; its significance will be explained to you on another day!
Another sign which is frequently used throughout Masonry is the ‘Sn. of R.’ It is invariably used when a prayer is being said. Rituals sometimes help by giving instructions like, “Stand to order with r. h. touching 1. b., thumb hidden.” It is perhaps surprising that this commonly used sign is never expounded in any Craft ritual!
SO MOTE IT BE
This phrase is used now in Masonry instead of the Hebrew word ‘Amen”. If an organist is present, the words are sung at the end of hymns and prayers. Sometimes, for example, after a spoken Grace at the Festive Board, it simpler just to say, ‘Amen”. The literal meaning of the phrase is “May it be so!”, or “So be it!”
There is a Masonic document in existence from 1390 which includes the words “Amen, amen, so mote it be Say we so all for charity”.
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YOYUORULROQDUGES-TCIuOsNtoSmAsNaSnWdEPRroEtDocol
THE GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE
Although there are well-defined procedures for most Masonic events, and although senior Brethren, like the Master and Secretary, can sometimes make decisions individually, it is customary for a committee of members of the Lodge to be convened regularly to plan future events in detail. The Master will be in the Chair. (In fact, the Master is entitled to be Chairman of any committee or sub-committee.)
The Master may appoint anyone he wishes to serve on the General Purposes Committee, but usually the Secretary, the Treasurer, all other Past Masters, the Wardens, and some of the junior officers will be members.
Often, a recommendation will be made by the committee, which must then be voted upon in open Lodge. You will have been formally interviewed as a potential candidate by such a committee,’ and then balloted-for in Lodge.
The Treasurer has little individual power. Virtually all expenditure has to go through committee and be agreed in Lodge.
Sub-committees may be formed to deal with specific matters, like the organisation of the Ladies Festival.
SQUARING THE LODGE
The custom in a Lodge for moving about the Lodge Room depends entirely on which ritual the Lodge uses. Some rituals demand punctilious clockwise ‘squaring’ at all times; others allow more freedom of movement. “Stepping-off with the left foot” is standard practice.
“WORSHIPFUL BRETHREN”
At a Lodge meeting, when addressing or referring to a Brother by name, the format is “Brother (name)”, or “Worshipful Brother...”.
Whether Christian names or Surnames are used will depend on how formal the proceedings are at the time.
If you are making a speech, you may have to include an individual in the initial acknowledgements, perhaps even “Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master”, or “Very Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master”. In such a case, of course, you will check with your elders what is the correct protocol.
When addressing or referring to Brethren by their Office, the correct form is “Worshipful Master”, but just “Brother Secretary”, “Brother Treasurer”, “Brother Immediate Past Master”, etc., even if the Officer happens to be a Very Worshipful Brother by rank.
As in any formal meeting, of course, all remarks are addressed to the Chairman, in our case, the Worshipful Master.
Incidentally, if you write a letter to a Mason, never include a Masonic rank in the address on the envelope. Inside, it may be appropriate and polite to include the full Masonic rank and title.
APOLOGIES
If you have to miss a Lodge meeting, do send apologies to the Secretary in advance. He will need to have accurate numbers of those attending, particularly for the dining arrangements. He will record apologies in the Minutes. If you happen to be in Office, then the DC and the Preceptor will need to know well in advance.
Suffolk Freemasons Guide 15


YOUR QUERSTEIGOANLSIANSWERED
CLOTHING
The stated basic dress required for Masonic meetings consists of dark suit, plain white shirt, black tie or Masonic tie, black shoes, black socks and white gloves. Many Masons eventually acquire morning dress, i.e., striped trousers with black jacket and black waistcoat. Some Lodges sometimes wear dinner jackets. The suggested dress for the day will be printed on the Summons for the meeting.
APRONS
Provincial Officers
Entered Apprentice’s Apron
Plain Lambskin. Originally it was a full skin tied about the waist and supported from the neck. It is the Badge of the Order. All other Aprons, however ornate, are embellishments of this Badge.
Fellowcraft’s Apron
This is similar to an Entered Apprentice Apron, but with the addition of two light blue rosettes.
Master Mason’s Apron
This has a 2” wide blue edging, silver tassels, and a third blue rosette.
Masters and Past Masters
On the Worshipful Master’s Apron, the rosettes are replaced by silver “Is’, sometimes referred to in the catalogues as ‘levels’.
These senior Officers wear regalia appropriate Grand Officers to their rank. The red regalia is that of the coveted rank of Provincial Grand Steward.
In some Lodges, Officers wear aprons which include the badge of the Office in silver or white surrounded by a double circle, within which may be the name and number of the Lodge.
The first Apron that we need to buy is the Master Mason’s Apron. Regalia can certainly be expensive, so it is worth asking if the Lodge has any Aprons donated by Past Masters. You might need a Master Mason’s Apron for about seven years, that is, until you become Worshipful Master.
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YOUR QUERSTEIGOANLSIANSWERED
COLLARS
Lodge Officers wear light blue Collars, with a jewel attached which is the badge of the particular office. These collars are usually kept in the Lodge box or cupboard with the other furniture and ornaments.
The Master’s Collar is often adorned with many other badges and symbols.
Past Masters have their own blue
Collars, which they wear when visiting other Lodges.
PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT GRAND OFFICERS APRONS
& COLLARS
Dress apron of holder of Provincial or District Grand Officer, Senior London, London or Overseas Grand Rank. Dress of Provincial or District Grand Officer and Senior London or Overseas Grand Rank.
Undress apron of holder of Provincial or District Grand Officer, Senior London, London or Overseas Grand Rank.
Undress Collar of Provincial or District Grand Officer and Senior London or Overseas Grand Rank.
Apron of Provincial Grand Steward Collar of Provincial Grand Steward
Dress embroidered apron of a Grand Officer.
Embroidered Dress Collar of a Grand Officer of garter-blue ribbon, four inches wide, edged with gold lace and embroidered in gold with a sprig of acacia and an ear of corn.
Undress plain apron of a Grand Officer.
Undress Plain Collar of a Grand Officer of garter- blue ribbon four inches wide.
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OYPOEUNRINQGUAENSDTICOLNOSSAINGSWHEYRMENDS
Almost invariably, a Lodge meeting begins with the Opening Hymn, (or Ode.). It always goes better with a good organist accompanying! The Closing Hymn may well be followed by the National Anthem.
OPENING HYMN
Hail Eternal! by whose aid
All created things were made; Heav’n and earth, Thy vast design; Hear us, Architect Divine!
May our work, begun in Thee, Ever blest with order be,
And may we, when labours cease, Part in harmony and peace.
By Thy glorious Majesty -
By the trust we place in Thee -
By the badge and mystic sign - Hear us, Architect Divine!
So Mote It Be
CLOSING HYMN
Now the evening shadows closing, Warn from toil to peaceful rest, Mystic arts and rights reposing, Sacred in each faithful breast.
God of Light! whose love unceasing, Doth to all Thy works extend, Crown our Order with Thy blessing, Build; sustain us to the end.
Humbly now we bow before Thee Grateful for Thy aid Divine; Everlasting power and glory, Mighty Architect! be Thine.
So Mote It BeThese are the Hymns most commonly used, but you will hear others. Different tunes may be used .
NATIONAL ANTHEM
God Save our Gracious Queen. Long Live our Noble Queen. God Save the Queen.
Send her Victorious,
Happy and Glorious, Long to Reign over us. God Save the Queen
The National Anthem may be sung at the end of the meeting in the Lodge Room or later at the Festive Board. Freemasonry cherishes and tries to preserve the tradition of showing respect when the Anthem is being played or sung, by standing quietly to attention.
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YOUR QFUEESTSTIVIOENBSOANRSDWERED
Many fine old traditions are observed, and preserved, at our Festive Boards. There is a standard pattern for the events of the evening, with occasional interesting local variations.
There will probably be a table plan. If not, it would be polite to let senior members and guest take their places first. Places will always be reserved for the Master, his Wardens, the Initiate, and visiting dignitaries.
When Brethren are in their places, the Director of Ceremonies will announce the Worshipful Master, who may be accompanied by the Initiate, and perhaps a member of the Provincial Executive. Their entrance should be greeted with enthusiasm. An Initiate will sit next to the Master; it will be many years before he sits at the centre of the top table again!
The Master will sound his gavel. Respect should always be given to the Worshipful Master’s gavel. Silence should be maintained during Grace, and subsequently for the announcement of toasts and speeches.
During dinner, the Master may rise several times to ‘take wine’ with various Brethren. The Master decides what is appropriate on a given evening, but common practice is for him to take wine with “You all”, then perhaps, with an official visitor. The Brother who has just been Passed or Raised may be so honoured. (The Initiate gets a special toast all to himself later.) Visitors who are currently the Worshipful Masters of other Lodges are often so saluted. There is a set format for the toasts after dinner. The Master has a printed list to read from.
You may have been puzzled by the peculiar custom which follows a Masonic toast: that of “Fire”. This happens only in a private dining room, which is properly Tyled; never in public.2 The order of the speeches follows a regular pattern. The theme of each of the speeches should conform to long-established custom. Advice is essential before making one’s first Masonic speech.
The admonition in the First Degree Charge about refraining from contentious topics of discussion must be observed at the Festive Board. This is an occasion for polite, friendly and gracious conduct.
GRACE
Depending on the custom within the Lodge, the Grace may be said by the Chaplain at the Festive Board, or in some Lodges the Laudi Spirituali, (A.D. 1545) is sung:-
For these and all Thy mercies given, Ever trusting in Thy word;
We bless and praise Thy Name, To Thee alone be honour, glory,
O Lord; Now and henceforth for evermore.
May we receive them with thanksgiving,
Amen.
THE TOAST TO ABSENT BRETHREN
Traditionally, this is known as the “Nine o’clock Toast”, when ‘The hands are on the square’. It is good to feel that at a particular moment, Brethren are thinking of one another. In practice, it is not always possible to arrange for the toast to be taken at precisely 9.00p.m. It must not, for example, precede the toasts to the Queen and to the Grand Master. When it does precede these toasts, the Master or DC should just say “Please rise to remember absent Brethren”, there is also no fire... but the hymn may still be sung.
In some Lodges the following Hymn will be sung.
Holy Father, in Thy mercy, Their distress.
Hear our anxious prayer; Holy Father, in Thy mercy,
Keep our loved ones, now far absent, Hear our anxious prayer;
'Neath Thy care. Bless them, guide them, save them, When in sorrow, when in danger, keep them,
When in loneliness, 'Neath Thy care
In Thy love look down and comfort So Mote It Be
2 There is an appendix describing “Fire” and its history at the end of this document
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LYOODUGREQOUFEISNTSITORNUSCATNIOSWN E- RL.EOD.I.
At L.O.I., Brethren meet regularly to practice and perfect the ceremonies performed in the various degrees. It is at L.O.I. where the ritual becomes familiar, the meaning of obscure passages is explained, and where questions relating to Masonic ritual and practice can be answered. But above all, the L.O.I. provides an opportunity to meet fellow Brethren in a relaxed environment. Many Masonic friendships develop through the L.O.I.
The Lodge of Instruction is the life blood of the Lodge. All future Officers and Masters pass through this system. Attendance is essential for all current Officers, who need to practice the work for the ceremonies. It enables new Brethren rapidly to feel part of the Lodge.
You will be encouraged by your Mentors, possibly your Proposer and Seconder, to attend the L.O.I. soon after your Initiation. Don’t wait until you have attained some particular status, such as having been Raised to the rank of ‘Master Mason’. If a ceremony is about to be rehearsed which is not yet for your ears, you will be asked to “leave the Lodge for a short while”, when you will have an opportunity to learn from your mentors, and to obtain information which is more immediately relevant to you.
The very wise and experienced Mason who directs the L.O.I. is called the ‘Preceptor’. He may be the DC of the Lodge. It is likely that he will insist on tradition and practice that has been characteristic of your particular Lodge, perhaps for hundreds of years. Local minor variations of ritual and practice within Lodges make visiting fascinating.
YOU DO NOT NEED YOUR REGALIA AT L.O.I.
You will not be given the complete book of the ritual until you have been Raised to the degree of a Master Mason. But books are available for the ritual of each of the first two degrees separately. It is obviously interesting to read through a ceremony in which you have just been involved. You could even start to memorise parts of it! It is not unknown for an Entered Apprentice to present the Working Tools of the First Degree to the Master at the Installation.
Most of the time at L.O.I. is necessarily taken up with rehearsal of coming ceremonies, practising the words and movements in the ritual . However, many L.O.I.’s set aside time for explanation of some of the obscure old words and phrases, and of the traditional practices which have been cherished for hundreds of years. One can always ask question, of course!
WATCH, COPY, LEARN:
Get the signs right, for example, before you again have to demonstrate them in Lodge.
By getting involved in your Lodge by attending the L.O.I., you will begin to learn something about necessary administrative procedures, and about how decisions are made, and you will begin to see how much work goes on behind the scenes. More importantly, the Lodge will more rapidly become your Lodge, and all who meet therein, your friends.
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YOVUISRITQIUNEGSTOITOHNESRALNOSDWGEERSED
Visiting other Lodges, and receiving visitors into your own Lodge, thereby enjoying the fellowship of other Freemasons, is, without doubt, one of the most enjoyable pleasures that Freemasonry can bring to you.
However, to avoid feeling uncomfortable when visiting other Lodges or creating any embarrassment to yourself or other Masons, there are several points which should be borne in mind.
Do note the suggested dress for the meeting as printed on the Summons. It is not essential, but you may feel more comfortable, for example, if you are wearing evening dress when everyone else is.
Do sign the Visitors’ Book, in which you will have to state the name of your Lodge, its number, and the name of your host. At first, your rank will be “EA’, (for Entered Apprentice). Later it will be “FC” , (for Fellowcraft), then “MM”, (for Master Mason), then, who knows... ? One day, under ‘Host’, you will write “The Lodge”, when you will have been invited officially as a reigning Master.
Check with your host well before the meeting whether or not you need to take an Apron. As an EA or FC, the Tyler will probably have an Apron to lend to you.
Your host will suggest where you should sit in the Lodge Room.
If you are lucky enough to be invited to visit as an EA, or FC, you may be asked to leave the Lodge for short time while a higher degree is being worked. While outside, have a chat with the Tyler, ask him things about the Lodge; he is always glad of the company! If the ceremony is the Installation, you will find yourself outside with a crowd for some of the time.
During the ceremony, you will see all sorts of variations from your own ritual. There are dozens of rituals which differ in detail, most having been passed down by word-of-mouth for centuries. The differences are of great interest; Brethren go to the other end of the country to see a Lodge performing its unique ritual.
To mention just a few of the common rituals, you may see “Emulation”, “Taylor’s”, “Logic”, “Universal”, “West End”, and so on. And it is safe to say that every Lodge has its own particular variation of a standard ritual.
When you see strange working, accept that it just a variation in the ritual. It is not wrong, just different!
The Signs being used may be unfamiliar at first. It is accepted custom to use the appropriate Signs which one uses in one’s own Lodge. Don’t feel obliged to copy the local Brethren.
If you possibly can, do shake hands with the Master before the ceremony, and briefly say “Goodnight”, with many thanks, on leaving. Make a note of all the other invitations you have received during the evening! A subsequent note of thanks to your host would be appreciated.
By all means invite Masonic friends to your own Lodge, even if they are many years senior to you in Masonry. Just remember that some Masons are very busy. Visitors must be properly recognised Masons, of course.
If, as a Master Mason, you do visit a Lodge as a stranger, you must have your Grand Lodge Certificate with you. ‘When it is presented to you, it is said that the Certificate is a sort of passport to regular Freemasonry. In a Lodge in this country where you are not known, or in a Lodge in a foreign constitution recognised by Grand Lodge, you would be asked to produce the Certificate. You would further be asked to prove yourself as a Mason; for that, you will need advice when the time comes.
Do consult your Lodge Secretary if you are contemplating visiting abroad. It is essential that the foreign Lodge is recognised by Grand Lodge as properly constituted.
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THE SUYPORUERMQE UOERSDTEIROONFSHAONLSYWREORYEADL ARCH
An Introduction to
THE SUPREME ORDER OF THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH
Some time after being Raised (officially not less that four weeks after!) you will be invited to join Chapter. Don’t rush. Find out which Chapter is recommended for you. Check where your friends and colleagues are members, though of course, as in all Freemasonry, you would be welcome anywhere.
THE CRAFT AND THE ROYAL ARCH
At the time of writing, in the Book of Constitutions, the statement of the “General Laws and Regulations for the Government of the Craft” is preceded by the following “Preliminary Declaration”:
“By the solemn Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of Freemasons of England in December 1813 it was declared and pronounced that pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz. those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order Q/ the Holy Royal Arch’.”
At the Quarterly Communication of 10th October 2003, the United Grand Lodge if England acknowledged and pronounced the status of the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch to be ‘an extension to, but neither a superior nor a subordinate part if, the Degrees which precede it’ “.
Under the English Constitution, the Order is governed by the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England, and the Royal Arch Regulations are now contained in the same book as that which contains the Constitutions of Grand Lodge.
The close affinity between the Craft and the Royal Arch is further emphasised by the fact that the Grand Master of Grand Lodge, if an Installed First Principal, is automatically the First Grand Principal of Supreme Grand Chapter. Similarly the Grand Registrar, the Grand Secretary, the Grand Director of Ceremonies and the Grand Treasurer in Grand Lodge hold the equivalent offices in Supreme Grand Chapter. Whilst it is not constitutionally laid down that it shall be so, the Grand Superintendent of a Province is very often also Provincial Grand Master. Further, a Charter for a new Royal Arch Chapter is granted only on a petition from a craft Lodge, the number (and almost always the name) of which, it takes.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL ARCH
Every Master Mason becomes eligible for Exaltation into a Royal Arch Chapter four weeks after the date of his Raising, irrespective of his religious persuasion. Members of a Royal Arch Chapter have the title “Companion”, and those who occupy the principal Chairs (or have occupied those Chairs) “Excellent Companion”.
WORK IN THE CHAPTER
A Royal Arch Chapter is governed jointly by the First, Second and Third Principals. The complete list of officers may be found in the Freemasons’ Handbook.
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THE SUYPORUERMQE UOERSDTEIROONFSHAONLSYWREORYEADL ARCH
Apart from the Installation of the Principals, there is only the one single ceremony, Exaltation. The Exaltation Ceremony is based on the recovery of “the long-lost secrets of a Master Mason”. What those secrets are can quite obviously not be disclosed here. Suffice it to say that every Mason must surely remember the first question put to him at his Initiation - “In whom do you put your trust?”, and the answer he gave. The Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch amplifies the answer and gives inestimable instruction on the nature of the Deity and the duties of man. The candidate cannot fail to be impressed by the extremely colourful appearance of the Chapter Room and particularly by the richly coloured robes of the Three Principals, who sit together on a dais. The beauty and significance of the ceremony are such as to have a strong appeal for any thoughtful Mason.
Most Royal Arch Chapters hold three meetings a year. The fees for admission and the annual subscriptions are very much lower than those in Craft Lodges.
The Order of the Royal Arch, as practised under the English Constitution, contains the quintessence of Masonic philosophy.
It is to assist the would-be candidate to appreciate the nature and purpose of this Holy and Supreme Order that this section has been included.
The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry
***
The Most Excellent The First Grand Principal
His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent
KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC
***
The Most Excellent Pro First Grand Principal Peter Geoffrey Lowndes
The Most Excellent Second Grand Principal Russell John Race, DL
The Most Excellent Third Grand Principal Gareth Jones, OBE
and the rest of the Grand Officers, Present and Past ***
The Most Excellent Grand Superintendent Excellent Companion David John Boswell
***
The Deputy Grand Superintendent
Excellent Companion David John Lillis - PGStdB The Second Provincial Grand Principal Excellent Companion Raymond Keith Pascoe - PGStdB The Third Provincial Grand Principal Excellent Companion Ralph John Robertson
and the Officers, Present and Past
of Provincial Grand Chapter
***
The Principals of the Chapter
***
The newly Exalted Companion(s) (if any)
***
The Visitors
***
The Past Principals and Officers of the Chapter
***
The Janitor’s Toast
(for correct Toast, see Tylers Toast at end of book)
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YOUGRAQNUDESLTOIDOGNES-AUN.GSW.LE.ER.ED
The origin of Freemasonry is a question of scholarly debate, the general consensus being that Freemasonry descends directly or indirectly from the operative Masons who built the great cathedrals and castles.
On 4 June 1717 four London Lodges which had existed for anything up to thirty years, came together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House, St. Paul’s Churchyard, formed themselves into a Grand Lodge, the first in the world, elected Anthony Sayer, Gentleman, as the first Grand Master and resolved to hold an annual feast. For the first six years, this appears to be all that was done.
In 1723 the Grand Lodge began to act as a regulating body. William Cowper, Clerk to the Parliaments, was appointed Secretary to the Grand Lodge. Quarterly communications began to be held and Minutes began to be recorded. At the request of the Grand Lodge, the Rev. Dr. lames Anderson compiled and published Constitutions if Masonry, the first Book of Constitutions. By the mid-1730s, the Grand Lodge had over 150 Lodges in London and the Provinces and had begun exporting the Craft abroad, starting with a Lodge in Spain in 1728 and one in Bengal in 1729. In the 1730s English Lodges began to appear in continental Europe, the North American Colonies, the West Indies and Caribbean and the sub-continent of India. Both to establish some sort of control over existing Lodges and stimulate the formation of new Lodges, the Grand Master was empowered to appoint Provincial Grand Masters at home and abroad.
Whilst this was going on in England, Grand Lodges were formed in Ireland in 1725 and in Scotland in 1756. They were to establish Freemasonry in these countries based on the same principles as in England but with differences of working and customs. Between them the three Home Grand Lodges took Freemasonry around the world, the development of Freemasonry abroad mirroring the growth of the British Empire.
Public curiosity about Freemasonry is as old as Grand Lodge itself. The publication of Samuel Pritchard’s “Masonry Dissected” (an exposure of the three degrees) was an instant success and caused Grand Lodge, in the late 1730s, to reverse the pillar words in the first and second degrees. This was to have a major effect.
In the 1740s there were many Irish workers in London, many of whom had become Freemasons in Ireland. Not being aware of the ritual changes made by Grand Lodge, when they attempted to visit Lodges in London they were rejected as irregular Masons. In 1751 on the basis of “if you can’t join them, beat them” they ‘formed a Grand Lodge, first as a Grand Committee, until a “Noble Grand Master” could be Installed. Claiming to work “according to the old institutions” they became known as the ‘Antients Grand Lodge”, and castigated the original Grand Lodge as “Moderns” who had made innovations and departed from the ancient landmarks.
The Antients Grand Lodge rapidly spread its authority over England and Wales and set up Lodges abroad. It also warranted travelling, military Lodges within regiments of the Army, which rapidly spread Freemasonry in the gradually expanding Empire.
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YOUGRAQNUDESLTOIDOGNES-AUN.GSW.LE.ER.ED
For nearly 63 years the Premier and Antients Grand Lodges existed side by side both at home and abroad, neither recognising the other as regular or the other’s members as regularly made Masons. In the 1790s there began to be mutterings about a Union of the two Grand Lodges but it was not until 1809 that Commissioners were appointed by each Grand Lodge to discover common ground for an equable Union. The negotiations were arduous and had almost reached stalemate when in 1813 HRH Augustus Frederick, Duke of Sussex became Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge and HRH Edward, Duke of Kent (the father of Queen Victoria) became Grand Master of the Antients Grand Lodge. In less than six weeks they knocked heads together, drew up the Articles of Union between the two Grand Lodges and had them agreed. They planned the great ceremonial which took place at Freemasons’ Hall, London, on 27 December 1813 and brought into being the United Grand Lodge of England with HRH the Duke of Sussex as Grand Master. The Union of the two Grand Lodges provided an opportunity to introduce a certain amount of standardisation. There were many changes.
In particular:
a. Provincial Grand Masters had to call a meeting of their Provincial Grand Lodge at least once a year and were empowered to appoint Provincial Grand Officers, who were given their own distinctive regalia and jewels.
b. Standard designs for regalia and jewels of office were introduced; the same designs are worn today.
c. An attempt was made to produce a standard form of ritual, but as it was not permitted for the new ritual agreed by Grand Lodge to be written down or printed, but passed it on by word of mouth and demonstrations, the aim of this standardisation was never achieved, making visiting all the more interesting for us.
d. The alterations in the ritual meant that a Lodge Room, as we would recognise it, was required. So Lodges began to move away from inns and taverns to purpose built Lodge Rooms and Masonic Halls.
The most significant of the Articles of Union between the two Grand Lodges was a definition of “pure, Antient Masonry”, which until recently has been the preamble to the rules in the Book of Constitutions. That preamble stated that “pure, Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz, those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow craft and Master Mason including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch”. It is because of that definition that Craft and the Royal Arch are so closely linked in our Constitution.
From the four Lodges which came together to form the first Grand Lodge in 1717 the English Craft has developed, by the year 2005, into a body of roughly 350,000 members in 8,466 Lodges. Of these Lodges, 1552 meet in London (defined as an area within a ten mile radius of Freemasons’ Hall); 6130 meet in 47 Provinces throughout England, Wales and the Channel Islands; 784 meet within 36 Districts abroad; 19 meet in 5 groups abroad under Grand Inspectors; and 11 meet abroad under the direct control of Grand Lodge.
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26
S.G.D. J.G.D. A.G.Sec. A.G.D.C. “ G.O. G.Std.B. G.P. G.Stwd. G.Tyler
P.S.G.D. “ P.J.G.D. “ P.A.G.Sec. “ P.A.G.D.C. “ P.G.O. “ P.G.Std.B. “ P.G.P. “ P.G.Stwd. “ P.G.Tyler “
YOURSEQFUELSITNIOFONRSMANATSWIOENRED
ABBREVIATIONS
L. Lodge (Craft).
C. Chapter (Royal Arch).
M.M.M. Mark Master Masons (Lodge).
R.A.M. Royal Ark Mariners (Lodge).
K.T. Knight Templar (Preceptory).
K.T.P. Knights Templar Priest (Tabernacle).
K.M. Knights Of Malta (Priory).
R.C. Rose Croix (Chapter).
R.C.C. Red Cross of Constantine. (Conclave).
R.S.M. Royal and Select Masters (Council).
R.O.S. Royal Order of Scotland (Lodge).
A.M.D. Allied Masonic Degrees (Council).
O.S.M. Order of the Secret Monitor (Conclave).
W.S.F. Worshipful Society of Freemasons (The Operatives). S.R.I.A. Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia
Grand and Provincial Officers listed on their Lodge page have their senior rank indicated with the year of Appointment. If the Appointment was for Past Rank, it is prefixed by the letter P. Grand Rank is indicated by the addition of (Eng.). Abbreviation for the word Provincial is omitted. These abbreviations only apply to entries in the Year Book. The normal reference should be Prov.S.G.W. (active) or P.P.S.G.W. (past rank).
The suffix (Eng.) after a Grand rank is only used in this book to show the difference between active Provincial rank and Grand rank.
Senior Warden Junior Warden Chaplain Treasurer Registrar Secretary
S.G.W.
J.G.W.
G.C.
G.T.
G.R.
G.Sec.
G.D.C. “ P.G.D.C. G.Swd.B. “ G.S.ofW. “
Dir. of Ceremonies Sword Bearer Supt. of Works Deputy D. of C. Mentor
20.. “ “ “ “ “
“
P.G.Swd.B. “ P.G.S. of W. “ P.D.G.D.C. “
Orator
Almoner Charity Steward Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Assist. Secretary Assist. D. of C. Organist Standard Bearer Pursuivant Steward
Tyler
D.G.D.C.
“ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
“ “ “ “ “
“ “ “ “
Active Rank
Past Rank P.S.G.W. 20.. P.J.G.W. “ P.G.C. “ P.G.T. “ P.G.R. “ P.G.Sec. “
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YOURSEQFUELSITNIOFONRSMANATSWIOENRED
MASONIC NOTES (CRAFT)
(B.C. refers to the Book of Constitutions as published in 2001)
THE PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE
Consists of the Provincial Grand Master, the present and past Provincial Grand Officers, and the Masters, Past Masters andWardens of all Lodges in the Province, and Past Masters of any Lodge under the English Constitution, being subscribing Members of a Lodge within the Province, provided the Installation return for the current year has been received by the Provincial Grand Secretary.
Master Masons who are not members of Provincial Grand Lodge are invited by the R.W. Provincial Grand Master to attend Provincial Grand Lodge, but they cannot vote.
Any Brother addressing, or addressed by, the R.W. Provincial Grand Master or his Deputy, or his Assistant, should stand to order as a Master Mason.
Masters and Wardens of private lodges, who are expected to attend Provincial Grand Lodge, should wear their Collars in the Grand Lodge or in the Provincial Grand Lodge. The Collars of all other Officers of private lodges should only be worn in their own lodges (B.C. 263).
Active Provincial Grand Stewards should wear Collars of crimson ribbon, which are the property of Provincial Grand Lodge. Past Provincial Grand Stewards should wear Collars of crimson ribbon with a silver cord in the centre.
Past Masters should wear their Collars on all occasions on which Craft Clothing is worn (B.C. 264).
All applications or communications to the Provincial Grand Master or his Deputy or Assistant must be made through the Provincial Grand Secretary, or in his absence, his Assistant.
Members may contact their Provincial Representatives on matters related to their own lodge.
LODGES
Provincial By-Laws - The Master of each Lodge in the Province will be responsible to see that By-Laws 12, 13, 14 and 15 are observed. No Brother can hold more than one regular office in the lodge at one and the same time. The regular Officers are the Master, two Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, two Deacons, Inner Guard and Tyler. He will appoint as additional officers an Almoner and Charity Steward (to rank above Deacons) and he may also appoint as additional officers a Chaplain, Director of Ceremonies,
Assistant Director of Ceremonies, Organist, Assistant Secretary and Stewards (B.C. 104), but no others.
The I.P.M. of the Lodge is not an Officer by virtue of that rank.
A P.M. rejoining the Lodge in which he formerly occupied the Chair, takes rank immediately below the Brother who is Master at the time of his rejoining.
Every Brother who has been initiated into Masonry in a Regular Lodge not under the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England shall,
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previous to his becoming a member of any Lodge, make a declaration in open Lodge in conformity with Rule 163B of C., and wear English Craft Regalia. The Declaration to the Constitution of the United Grand Lodge of England must be recorded in the Minutes of the Lodge.
No candidate should be proposed for initiation until enquires have been made as to his suitability. If a candidate has no permanent home or business address in the Province, Rule 158 B. of C. must be observed.
No Member from a Foreign Constitution who wishes to join a Lodge in the Province should be proposed without reference to the Provincial Grand Secretary, as Members have been elected and subsequently found ineligible.
When considering a member for Honorary Membership, approval should first be obtained from the Provincial Grand Secretary.
Secretaries should always have at hand for reference, up-to-date copies of the Book of Constitutions, the By-Laws of Provincial Grand Lodge, the By-Laws of the Lodge, and the Masonic Year Book.
Amendments to By-Laws of Craft Lodges in the Province must be submitted to the Provincial Grand Secretary for approval. When approved, three printed copies should be sent to the Provincial Grand Secretary, one of which will be forwarded to the United Grand Lodge of England, and one returned to the Lodge.
When a Lodge Meeting is held under a Dispensation, the Dispensation should be read immediately after the Lodge is opened.
LODGES IN THE PROVINCE OF SUFFOLK
71 Unity
81 Doric
114 British Union 225 St. Luke's
305 Apollo
332 Virtue & Silence 376 Perfect Friendship 388 Prudence
516 Phoenix
555 Fidelity
929 Waveney
936 Adair
959 Prince of Wales 1008 Royal St.
2810 Abiff
3093 Corinthian 3291 Stradbroke 3828 St. Mary's 3833 Felix Utd.
8811 Silver Jubilee 9194 Court Knoll 9215 Grand Stewards 9276 Round Table 9300 Philip Jervis Kay 9306 Rotary
Edmund's 1224 Stour Valley
4085 Orient
4254 Gippeswyk 4618 Priory
5043 Ala
5922 Ionic
6292 Mildenhall 6347 Perfect Amity 6411 Seckford
6637 Orwell
6646 Old Fram'ians 6829 Christchurch 8017 Magna Carta 8122 Babergh
8298 Colneis
8482 Culford
8656 Abbot Baldwin 8799 Dawn
9460 Bosmere 9479 Brett Valley 9480 Composite 9498 Solea
9536 Caduceus 9581 Copperfield 9704 East Point
1452 St. Margaret's 1592 Abbey
1631 St. Andrew's 1663 Hartismere 1823 Royal Clarence 1983 Martyn
Millennium 9747 Magi
2371 Felix 2438 Faith
9771 Laconic 9830 Countryside 9894 Southwold 9931 Sportsman’s
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Service 3913 Suffolk Inst.
9332 Gainsborough 9333 Wisdom
9346 Landguard 9459 Selig


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The aim of this book has been to try to anticipate some of the questions to which a Brother who is relatively new to Masonry is likely to need answers. Much more information is available elsewhere.
These days, perhaps the commonest source of information will be the Web. Starting points, from which there are many links, are:
United Grand Lodge
www.ugle.org.uk
Suffolk Provincial Grand Lodge
www.suffolkfreemason.org.uk
Suffolk Provincial Grand Chapter
www.suffolkpgc.co.uk
Even for non-Masons, and especially for a Candidate before Initiation, it is reasonable and proper to want to know more about Freemasonry. Much has been written; much information about Freemasonry can be obtained through public libraries.
Grand Lodge has written a number of pamphlets for enquirers, some of which you may have seen already.
What is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry and Society.
Freemasonry and Religion.
Regular Freemasonry and Public Affairs. Freemasonry’s External Relations.
Grand Lodge Booklets giving much more detail include:
Information for the Guidance of Members of the Craft. Information about Masonic Charities.
As you progress through the stages of being Initiated, Passed and Raised, you will need to be able to refer to more esoteric information. After your Raising, you will be given the book of the ritual that your Lodge uses. You may also have been given booklets after the previous degrees, for example, the Peterborough booklets, “After Passing”, etc. Relevant at this stage, are the books by J. S. M. Ward,
The EA’s Handbook The FC’s Handbook The MM’s Handbook.
The books of the many other rituals, - dozens of them, - can be bought at Masonic retailers. It is in these books that the ‘Secrets’ of Freemasonry are referred to. They are not actually disclosed; the usual practice is to print cryptic instructions such as “Step off with the 1. f.”, or rather less revealing, “The word is...” .
Such study will obviously be of more relevance to a Master Mason after his Raising, and perhaps after having done some visiting.
There are many books that seek to explain the ritual, giving some history, and attempting to give the meaning and significance of the quaint (but often obscure and ungrammatical) words which have been passed down
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by word of mouth for hundreds of years. (Printing ritual has only recently become acceptable!). See, for example:
A Freemason’s Guide and Compendium, by B.E.Jones Masonic Ritual, by Dr. E.H.Cartwright
Freemason at Work, by Harry Carr
World of Freemasonry, by Harry Carr
The Craft, by John Hamill
Much specific advice has been written for each of the various’ Officers in the Lodge. There is a series by Charles J. Carter, for example, with titles like “The Lodge Secretary”. The company ‘Lewis Masonic’ publishes these books and several similar titles by various authors.
Other Orders in Freemasonry are briefly described in Keith Jackson’s book, “Beyond the Craft”. It is likely that you will want to know quite soon about the Holy Royal Arch and its rituals. There is, of course, extensive literature available, some of which will be given to you after your Raising.
Freemasonry will always be the subject of scholarly research.
Books and papers are published continually. There are many study circles throughout the land. The foremost Masonic research body is the Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, whose proceedings are published annually in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum. Membership of their Correspondence Circle is available to Masons.
Many magazines and journals are published regularly, for example, “Masonic Square” and “Freemasonry Today”. The Province of Suffolk distributes ‘Forum’ to all Suffolk Masons.
The ultimate rule book, which you will be given after your Raising, is “The Book of Constitutions”. This will be your constant companion when you become Secretary of your Lodge, or Chapter! Then you will also need “The Masonic Year Book”, available from the Grand Secretary. Even before taking office, many Masons find their Provincial Handbook invaluable. That would be available through your Lodge.
Several videos are now available, which are far from confidential; parts have been broadcast on television. See for example, “The Freemasons” and “Freemasonry, Today, Tomorrow”.
USEFUL ADDRESSES
Grand Lodge:
60 Great Queens Street, London. WC2B 5AZ.
Suffolk Provincial Grand Lodge:
Freemasons’ Hall, Soane Street, Ipswich. IP4 2BG
Tel: 01473 232432
Email: [email protected] www.suffolkfreemason.org.uk
Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle:
20 Great Queens Street, London. WC2B 5BE Telephone: 0210 7405 Fax: 020 7404 8131
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MASONIC FIRE
The firing of salutes of guns to mark special events or following important announcements, proclamations etc., is a traditional practice that is still followed today and it seems that at one time toasts were on certain occasions similarly marked by the firing of a gun or a volley of muskets. There is evidence for this in 18th century literature, newspaper reports and the like. Drinking customs of the 18th century (and before) were often noisy and demonstrative procedures. Masonic practice merely followed the fashion of the times. Similar customs survive elsewhere in non Masonic connections, the most notable example being the Honourable Artillery Company which has its own ‘fire’ after toasts.
The association of Masonic fire with gunnery practice goes back to the beginnings of the custom and is, indeed, reflected in the term itself which was originally a word of command - “Fire!” - and not a descriptive noun. This renders somewhat irrelevant the arguments sometimes now entered into as to whether the term should be “good” or “quick” fire.
The earliest descriptions of Masonic fire are given in certain French ‘exposures’ of the late 1730s and the 1740s which detail the procedures observed at what it termed a ‘Table Lodge’. The following is a composite description of the toasting routine compiled from translations of two of these ‘exposures’, beginning with Le Secret des Franc-Masons (1742) and continuing with La Desolation des Entrepreneurs (c.174 7). It will be noted that all the terms are derived from gunnery practice; comments and comparisons are given in square brackets.
There are similar accounts in English ‘exposures’ of the 1760s which show that the same sort of customs were by then being practised in England. It seems quite likely that they had spread from France to this country where plagiarised versions of the earlier French exposures appeared in translation under various titles.
There is no doubt that the descriptions quoted above are the source from which Masonic fire is derived and that it does not come, as is sometimes alleged, from the action of a stonemason in spreading mortar, nor from a certain familiar sign, although the symbolism of the former and the movements of the latter may later have come to be associated with it.
It will be seen, too, from the foregoing that it has no deep significance or symbolism; it is simply a survival of a convivial custom originally carried out as a cheerful, boisterous procedure. If, therefore any other epithet may now be applied to it, ‘quick fire’ would seem to be more appropriate than ‘good fire’ and that, furthermore, to view it as something solemn and ponderous is to ignore its origin and to misapply symbolism.
“When they take their place at Table, the Worshipful Master is seated first at the head, in the East; the Senior and Junior Wardens take their seats facing the Worshipful Master, in the West; if it is an initiation meeting the Initiates have the place of honour, that is to say they are seated right of the Worshipful Master! ..
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The Table is always served with three, five, seven, or nine courses. When they are all seated each will have a bottle of wine before him, All the terms they use in drinking are borrowed from the Artillery.
The Bottle is called Barrel; some will call it “Barique” [i.e. cask or powder keg] but that is no matter.
Wine and water are both called Powder, except that the wine is called red Powder, and the other, white Powder.
The Routine which they observe in drinking does not permit the use if glasses, for there would not be a whole glass left after they had finished. They use only goblets, which they call “Cannon”; [compare the term firing glass], when they drink in ‘ceremony’ the order is given:’ ‘Take your Powder’; everybody rises, and the Worshipful Master says: “Load” [in the original French, ‘chargez i.e. ‘load your cannon’ or ‘charge your glasses], Then each of
them fills his goblet, The commands follow: ‘Present Arms’, , , ‘ Take Aim’, ‘Fire, grand
Fire’, That is how they designate the three movements they are obliged to observe in drinking.
F
On the first they stretch their hands to the goblet; on the second, they raise them as though
Master “[La Desolation:-]” so as not to take the cannon from their lips, until he does, and
presenting arms, and on the last, they drink; while drinking they all watch the Worshipful
F
so as not to take the cannon from their lips, until he does, and
to finish the whole exercise in perfect unison and complete silence.
t
so as not to take the cannon from their lips, until he does, and
The Powder consumed, that is to say, the Wine having been drunk, they resume the ‘present
t
arms’ [posture]. From there, they carry the Cannon to the lift shoulder, then to the right, and resume the ‘present’. After repeating this manoeuvre three times, they strike their Cannon on the Table, with three unequal beats, so that the first is followed closely by the second, with a longer space between the second and third, which finishes with a great blow which they give all together on the Table with their Cannon.
These three movements are commonly made by always setting the Cannon down vertically. As soon as they have lowered their arms, they clap their hands three times five claps, the first four extremely fast and the fifth a little delayed: after which they shout ‘vivat’, three times, raising their right hands with each of these cheerful cries, and snapping of that hand... imitating the sound of castanets. The last ‘vivat’ given, they all resume their seats following the Worshipful Master.
This is what they call ‘drinking a health with all the honours of Masonry by three times three’ ... “
[Reproduced by kind permission from The Early French Exposures, edited by Harry Carr, published by Quatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, London 1971]
‘Fire, grand
‘Fire, grand
P
With thanks to
W.Bro Codge (Old Newton Graphics) ©Artwork and Design
S


TOAST LIST for Suffolk Craft Lodges
The toasts of the Queen, the Grand Master, the Provincial Grand Master and Grand Officers should always be honoured. Masters of Lodges
may use their discretion as to which, if any, of the other toasts are to be proposed, and whether Brethren are to be asked to respond to them.
If the National Anthem is to be sung it must be announced and sung before the Toast to the Queen and the Craft.
The Queen and The Craft
*****
The Most Worshipful The Grand Master
His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent
*****
The Most Worshipful Pro Grand Master Peter Geoffrey Lowndes
The Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master Jonathan Spence
The Right Worshipful Assistant Grand Master Sir David Hugh Wootton
and the rest of the Grand Officers, Present and Past *****
The Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master Ian John Yeldham
*****
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master
Worshipful Brother John Stuart Rice The Assistant Provincial Grand Master Worshipful Brother Keith William Huxley
and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers, Present and Past
and holders of District, London and Metropolitan Grand Rank
THE TYLER’S TOAST
The correct wording is:
*****
The Master of the Lodge
*****
The Initiate (if applicable) *****
*The Installing Master
*****
The Visitors
*****
The Tyler’s Toast
(*This toast should be given only when the
Installing Master is not a member of the Lodge)
“To all poor and distressed Masons wherever dispersed over the face of earth or water, wishing them a speedy relief from all their sufferings, and a safe return to their native country if they desire it.” (Ancient Charge)