initiate’s guide · by being initiated into your masonic lodge you have become a member of one of...

YOUR JOURNEY

STARTS HERE

Initiate’s Guide

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The word “Initiation” means beginning and Itrust now that you have been initiated intoyour Lodge that this will prove the beginningof a long and enjoyable Masonic journey.

It is highly likely that much of what you haveexperienced seems slightly mystifying.However, let me reassure you that everyother Freemason, even monarchs themselves,underwent an identical ceremony and most ofthem were probably just as puzzled at thetime.

In the next few days your thoughts about theinitiation ceremony will crystallise intospecific questions, not just about theceremony you experienced, but also perhapsrelating to the structure and organisation ofour Fraternity. It was with this in mind thatthis guide was first produced and distributedto every new Mason in London on hisInitiation. Since then it has been warmlywelcomed by those outside of London and isnow made available to newly initiated Masonsfrom the Provinces.

Masonry is not a secret society and I havelittle doubt that in the fullness of time, whenyou have experienced the enjoyment thatmembership brings, you will want to sharethis by considering introducing friends andcolleagues to membership of your Lodge. Ifeel certain that the information containedwithin these pages will enable you to afford amore informed description of whatFreemasonry is all about.

This Guide is intended to help you form thefoundation of your Masonic knowledge. Withit let me offer you my warmestcongratulations and welcome you intoFreemasonry in general and your own Lodgein particular. I wish you a long, happy andhealthy Masonic career.

RW Bro. Sir Michael SnyderMetropolitan Grand Master

Foreword

RW Bro. Sir Michael SnyderMetropolitan Grand Master

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1 INTRODUCTIONWelcome 2A helpful reminder 3What now? 4Our meetings 5Why become a freemason? 6Famous freemasons 7

2 HISTORYBrotherhood beginings 8

3 USEFUL TO KNOWOur structure 12Lodge officers 14Lodge items 20The Lodge room 22Our regalia 24Customs and protocol 28The Festive Board 30About our ritual 31Masonic symbolism 32

4 THE NEXT STEPSVisiting other Lodges 34Lodge of Instruction (LoI) 35Tips for learning ritual 36

5 USEFUL REFERENCEOur charities 38Further reading 40Hymns 42Toasts 43Toast list 44Beyond the Craft – The Holy Royal Arch 45Conclusion 46

Contents

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Welcome to Freemasonry.

The familyBy being initiated into your masonic Lodgeyou have become a member of one of theworld’s oldest secular fraternal societies. Ourmembership includes:

l Around 300,000 Masons in England andWales (all of whom experienced the sameinitiation ceremony).

l Around six million Masons worldwide.l More than 7,000 Lodges in England and

Wales.

The purpose of this HandbookThis booklet is intended to give you a verybrief introduction to Freemasonry and toanswer some of the questions you may have.

It is not meant to cover every aspect ofMasonry with which you may need helpduring your early years of membership, even ifthat were possible! It is hoped, however, thatyou will have the support of your proposerand seconder. Your Lodge should also beappointing a knowledgeable brother as yourmentor, who will be able to answer anyquestions you may have, or at least knowwhere to go to find the answer for you.

Welcome

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You havebecome amember of oneof the world’soldest secularfraternalsocieties.

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Before you completed your application tojoin, you should have received leaflets togive you an insight into Freemasonry andwhat we practise and believe. To recap:

1. Masonry consists of a body of menbanded together for the purpose ofmutual intellectual, social and moralimprovement and pledged to preserveour mysteries, privileges, customs andceremonials. Its members endeavour tocultivate and exhibit brotherly love,relief and truth, to one another and theworld at large.

2. The essential condition of membership is abelief in a Supreme Being.

3. Masonry recognises no distinction ofreligion and emphasises the duties ofloyalty and citizenship. It does not permitany of its members to discuss religious orpolitical questions in Lodge.

4. It offers no pecuniary advantages bindingone Mason to deal with another, or tosupport him in any way in the ordinarybusiness relations of life.

5. We support a wide variety of Masonicand non-Masonic charities but Masonry isnot in any financial sense a mutual-benefitsociety. Masonic charities are solely forthe less fortunate.

6. Masonry teaches that a man’s first duty isto his family. People should not thereforejoin if the associated fees and charitablecontributions will be to the detriment oftheir loved ones.

7. Therefore everyone should be sure:a. he desires the intellectual and moral

improvement of himself and others;b. he is willing to devote time, means

and efforts in the promotion ofbrotherly love, relief and truth;

c. he seeks no commercial, social orpecuniary advantages; and

d. he is able to afford the necessaryexpenditure without detriment tohimself or his dependants.

A helpful reminder

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You are now a member of ‘The Craft’ – aterm used to describe the three degrees offreemasonry. As an Entered Apprentice yourfirst step is to progress through yourremaining two degrees, Fellow Craft, andMaster Mason.

Your Lodge Committee will usually decide theworkings for the year ahead, which includeswhen they think the time is right for yourprogression, although one meeting a year isreserved for the Installation of the Master.

Why become a Master Mason?When you become a Master Mason,freemasonry really begins to open up andprivileges include:l Attending the whole workings of every

ceremony (except a small section of theWorshipful Master’s Installation meeting)

l Taking full part as an officer within your‘mother’ Lodge or another Lodge youmay join

l Joining other Lodges in the UK or abroadl Joining other Orders beyond the Craft,

such as the Holy Royal Arch (Chapter)l Visiting other Lodges in the UK more

easily. This is possible now but you maynot see very much!

l Visiting Lodges abroad.

ProgressionIt is normal that once you have attained thesethree degrees you will start to move throughthe seven progressive offices, resulting in yourbecoming the Worshipful Master for the year.Each progressive officer has a role to play ineach ceremony that is performed, althoughtaking office is your choice. There is moreabout these offices later in the Guide.

If you decide to hold office, you will beexpected to learn your part in the ritual andplay a role in the team that carry out thevarious ceremonies. This is memorised fromthe Ritual Book you will be given when youbecome a Master Mason. The Ritual Book hasmissing or abbreviated words to keep theceremony special, but you will be given thesemissing or abbreviated words verbally whenrequired. Don’t worry – your Lodge will helpyou with the learning, through a Lodge ofInstruction, and there are some helpful tipsabout learning ritual later in this Guide.

The Book of ConstitutionsAt your Initiation you were presented withthe Book of Constitutions. Don’t try to learnit; you will find it useful reference for furtherinformation about our organisation. The partwith a thick black line down the outside page isrelevant only to the Holy Royal Arch (Chapter)– you will learn more about this later.

What now?

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When youbecome aMaster Mason,freemasonryreally beginsto open up.

The Book of Constitutions


The meetings are in two parts – the LodgeMeeting and the Festive Board. Most Lodgeshave a committee that agrees how manyregular (usually four or five) and emergencymeetings there are a year (if any) and starttimes. So put them in your diary a year inadvance, or in your PC or organiser aspermanent appointments; this makes iteasier to plan personal activities aroundthem. Before each meeting you will receive aSummons, which includes an agenda – bringthis to each meeting.

The Lodge MeetingAs in any association there is a certainamount of administrative procedure: minutesof the last meeting, discussion and voting onfinancial matters, news and correspondence,proposing and balloting for new members.Part of the meeting will usually includecollecting Alms, when you will be expected todonate a small sum to charity. Then there arethe ceremonies, which form the core of theformal Lodge meeting.

The Festive BoardThe Lodge meetings are followed by a dinner– the ‘Festive Board’ – which is the bestopportunity to meet fellow and visitingmembers. The Festive Board will normally befollowed by a standard format of toastsfollowed by the ‘Masonic Fire’ (see page 30).

After the Festive Board some members maychoose to carry on the evening elsewhere,making the evening a very social affair.

AttendanceYou should attend all meetings, but as anEntered Apprentice, Fellow Craft or indeedMaster Mason (for Worshipful Master’sinstallation), you will have to retire from theLodge for a short period, when workings aboveyour degree are being performed. You shouldbe accompanied by your mentor or anothermember when this happens, and you may liketo ask beforehand who will do so. If you areunable to attend a meeting please notify thesecretary at your earliest convenience.

CeremoniesThere are four ceremonies:1 First Degree or Ceremony of Initiation;2 Second Degree or Ceremony of Passing;3 Third Degree or Ceremony of Raising;4 The Ceremony of Installation. This annual

ceremony installs the Worshipful Masterwho then appoints his officers for theyear ahead.

Where to sitAll Officers have a designated seat and thereare often seating places for Grand Officers,Lodge members and guests. Please check withyour Lodge where you should sit if you areunsure.

Our meetings

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Freemasonry issimilar to manyclubs, in that –the more youput in, the moreyou will get out.

A typical Summons


The reasons why people join and what theylike about Freemasonry vary from person toperson.

You will have your own reasons, but thefollowing are taken from a sample of newmembers:

l Quest for knowledge – because theyare intrigued about the history andmysteries held within Freemasonry

l Charity – because they feel it is aconduit to ‘put back into society’, throughMasonic charity giving

l Brotherhood – because it is a leveller,meaning you meet (and indeed becomefriends with) a broad spectrum of people– from Chairmen of large PLCs todustmen, people that live on your estateto foreign nationals, people from 21 to90+yrs of age – essentially, a veryextensive male demographic. Simply bymixing with people from different walksof life helps to broaden the mind

l Self improvement – to become abetter person

l Learning – networking, learning frompeers and mentors and learning frompractising ritual (if you hold office) andafter dinner speech-making (watchingothers and on occasion making a simplespeech)

l Unusual – because there is nothing quitelike it in life

l Achievement – progressing throughoffice to Worshipful Master

Why become a freemason?

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...to become abetter person.


Over three centuries freemasonry hasattracted Kings, Presidents, Prime Ministersand many key historic figures, including:

Kingsl George VIl Edward VIIl Edward VIII

Presidents & Prime Ministersl George Washingtonl Sir Winston Churchill

Key historic figuresl Arthur Wellesley (1st Duke of Wellington)l Henri Dunant (Red Cross Founder)l Dr Barnardo

Writersl Rudyard Kiplingl Robert Burnsl Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Musiciansl Wolfgang Amadeus Mozartl Gilbert & Sullivanl Nat ‘King’ Colel Edward ‘Duke’ Ellington

Actors and entertainersl Clark Gablel John Waynel William Cody (“Buffalo Bill”)l Harry Houdinil Peter Sellers

Sportsmenl Clive Lloydl Arnold Palmerl Jack Dempseyl “Sugar Ray” Robinson

Scientistsl Sir Alexander Flemingl Joseph Listerl Edward Jenner (who developed the

smallpox vaccination)

Explorersl Sir Ernest Shackletonl Captain Robert Scott (Scott of

the Antarctic)l Edwin ‘Buzz’ Aldrin (Astronaut)

Businessmenl Andre Citroenl Henry Ford

The list could go on and on.

Famous freemasons

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The origins of Freemasonry are subject toscholarly debate. Organised Freemasonry aswe know it today began with the founding ofthe first Grand Lodge on 24 June 1717 at theGoose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul’sChurchyard. It was formed by the agreementof four London Lodges, the oldest of whichwas thought to have existed in 1691.Evidence of the movement’s existence priorto 1691 is sparse, so the true origins remaina mystery.

Freemasonry neither originated nor existed inKing Solomon’s time. Many historians havetried to prove freemasonry descended fromthe mysteries of classical Greece or Rome orwas derived from the religion of the Egyptianpyramid builders. Other theories include:Freemasonry sprang from bands of travellingstonemasons acting by Papal authority; itevolved from a band of Knights Templar whoescaped to Scotland after the order waspersecuted in Europe; Freemasonry derivedfrom the shadowy and mysterious RosicrucianBrotherhood which may or may not haveexisted in Europe in the early 1600s. Thehonest answers to the questions when, whereand why did freemasonry originate, are thatwe simply do not know.

The stonemason theoryThat said, there is general agreement amongsthistorians and researchers that freemasonrydeveloped, either directly or indirectly, fromthe medieval stonemasons (otherwise knownas operative masons) who built the greatcathedrals and castles. Those who favour thetheory say there were three stages to theevolution of freemasonry. The stonemasonsgathered in huts or Lodges to rest and eat.These huts or Lodges gradually became agrouping together of stonemasons to regulatetheir craft. Eventually, and in common withother trades, they developed primitiveinitiation ceremonies for new apprentices.

As stonemasons were accustomed totravelling all over the country and as therewere no trade union cards or certificates ofapprenticeship, they began to adopt a privateword that they could use when arriving at anew site to prove they were properly skilledand had been a member of a hut or Lodge. Itwas, after all, easier to communicate a secretword to prove who you were and that youwere entitled to your wages, than it was tospend hours carving a block of stone todemonstrate your skills.

Brotherhood beginnings

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We know that in the early 1600s theseoperative Lodges began to admit non-stonemasons. They were “accepted” or“gentlemen” masons. Why and whatform the ceremony took is unknown. Asthe 1600s drew to a close more gentlemenjoined the Lodges, gradually taking themover and turning them into Lodges of freeand accepted or speculative masons, nolonger having any connection with thestonemasons’ craft.

This theory is based on evidence fromScotland where there is ample evidence ofScottish operative Lodges, geographicallydefined units with the backing of statute lawto control what was termed “the masontrade". There is also plenty of evidence thatthese Lodges began to admit gentlemen asaccepted masons, but no evidence so far thatthese accepted members were other thanhonorary masons, or that they in any wayaltered the nature of the operative Lodges.Furthermore no evidence has come to light,after a hundred years, for a similardevelopment in England. Medieval buildingrecords have references to stonemason’sLodges but after 1400, apart from masons’guilds in some towns, there is no evidence foroperative Lodges.

Building a better society theoryYet it is in England that the first evidence of aLodge completely made up of non-operativemasons is found. Elias Ashmole, the Antiquaryand Founder of the Ashmolean Museum inOxford, records in his diary for 1646 that hewas made a Free Mason in a Lodge held forthat purpose at his father-in-law’s house inWarrington. He records who was present, allof whom have been researched and have beenfound to have no connection with operativemasonry. English evidence through the 1600spoints to freemasonry existing separatelyfrom any actual or supposed organisation ofoperative stonemasons.

This lack of evidence for the existence ofoperative Lodges but evidence for Lodges of“accepted” masons has led to the theory ofan indirect link between operativestonemasonry and Freemasonry. Those whosupport the indirect link theorise thatfreemasonry was brought into existence by agroup of men in the late 1500s or early1600s. This was a period of great religious andpolitical turmoil and intolerance. Men wereunable to meet together without differencesof political and religious opinion leading toarguments. Families were split by opposing

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views and the English Civil War of 1642 to1646 was the ultimate outcome. Those whosupport the indirect link believe theoriginators of Freemasonry were men whowished to promote tolerance and build abetter world in which men of differingopinions could peacefully co-exist and worktogether for the betterment of mankind. Inthe custom of their times they used allegoryand symbolism to pass on their ideas.

As their central idea was the building of abetter society they borrowed their forms andsymbols from the operative builders’ craft andtook their central allegory from the Bible, thecommon source book known to all, in whichthe only building described in any detail isKing Solomon’s Temple. Stonemasons’ toolsprovided them with the multiplicity ofemblems to illustrate the principles they wereputting forward.

A charitable framework theoryA more recent theory about our originsplaces freemasonry within a charitableframework. In the 1600s there was no welfarestate, so anyone falling ill or becomingdisabled had to rely on friends and the PoorLaw for support. In those days many tradeshad what have become known as “box clubs”.These grew out of the convivial gatherings ofmembers of a particular trade duringmeetings of which all present would putmoney into a communal box, knowing that ifthey fell on hard times they could apply forrelief from the box. From surviving evidencethese box clubs are known to have begun toadmit members not belonging to their tradeand to have had many characteristics of earlymasonic Lodges. They met in taverns, hadsimple initiation ceremonies and passwordsand practiced charity on a local scale. It ispossible that freemasonry had its origins injust such a box club for operative masons.

Whatever our origins, after 1717 and theestablishment of the Premier Grand Lodge, asit is known, Freemasonry grew in popularity,spreading across much of the world, attractingmany famous and notable personalities.

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Rules and regulationsWhen Grand Lodge was formed in 1717,Anthony Sayer was elected as the first GrandMaster. Initially the Grand Lodge was simplyan annual feast at which the Grand Masterand Wardens were elected. But in 1721 othermeetings began to be held and Grand Lodgebegan to be a regulatory body. In 1723, as themembership grew, Grand Lodge produced a‘Book of Constitutions’ which outlined therules and regulations governing freemasonry.

ExpansionBy 1730 it had more than 100 Lodges underits jurisdiction, including one in Spain andanother in India. It had begun to operate acentral charity fund and had attracted a widespectrum of society into its Lodges.

The Ancients and the ModernsSome London Lodges disagreed with theseConstitutions and in 1751, a rival GrandLodge was formed by disaffected masons. Itsfounders claimed that the original GrandLodge had departed from the establishedcustoms of the Craft and they intendedpractising freemasonry “according to the OldInstitutions". Confusingly they calledthemselves the Grand Lodge of the Ancients

and dubbed their senior rival the “Moderns".It included many London Lodges and wasknown as the “Ancients” or “Atholl GrandLodge", after the 3rd Duke of Atholl whobecame its first Grand Master.

United freemasonryThe two rivals existed side by side, neitherregarding the other as regular or each other’smembers as regularly made freemasons.Attempts at a union of the two rivals began inthe late 1790s but it was not until the Dukeof Sussex became the Grand Master of theModerns and his brother the Duke of Kentbecame Grand Master of the Ancients thatreal progress was made. Eventually the Unionof the two rival Grand Lodges took place on27 December 1813, under the GrandMastership of HRH Prince AugustusFrederick, Duke of Sussex, the sixth son ofKing George III.

The Book of ConstitutionsThe Book of Constitutions has beenreprinted and gone through many editionssince its initial publication, but thefundamental rules laid down in 1723 stillapply today.

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The United Grand Lodge ofEngland (UGLE)UGLE is the ruling and governing body offreemasonry in this country. It is based atFreemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street,London. For administrative purposes Lodgesaround the country are grouped under eitherthe Metropolitan Grand Lodge or ProvincialGrand Lodges, depending upon theirgeographical location.

UGLE is governed by The Grand Master, whois The Most Worshipful His Royal HighnessThe Duke of Kent. A number of seniorexecutive officers and selected seniorbrethren assist him. Because the GrandMaster is a member of the Royal Family.there is also a Pro Grand Master appointedto act on his behalf when the Grand Masterneeds to attend Royal duties. The current ProGrand Master is Peter Geoffrey Lowndes. TheGrand Master is also assisted by a DeputyGrand Master and an Assistant Grand Master.These people are often referred to as theRulers and in turn are assisted by many otherranked officers.

Grand Lodge meets four times a year at whatare known as “Quarterly Communications".Those eligible to attend include GrandOfficers, and the Masters, Past Mastersand Wardens of private Lodges, includingyour own.

Lodges AbroadMany countries throughout the world haveFreemasons’ Lodges which are governed by adefined Grand Lodge (e.g. the Grand Lodge ofSweden, the Grand Lodge of Hungary, etc).Some of these foreign Grand Lodges havedescended directly from UGLE. TheConstitutions, Rules and Regulations of suchGrand Lodges are recognised as ‘regular’ andEnglish freemasons are permitted to join inthe meetings, even though the signs may beslightly different to those used in your ownLodge. Some Grand Lodges, on the otherhand, have Constitutions, Rules andRegulations that are not acceptable to theUGLE (i.e. they are ‘irregular’) and you arenot permitted to participate in the affairs oftheir associated private Lodges. You shouldconsult the secretary of your Lodge shouldyou wish to visit a Lodge abroad.

Our structure

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MasonicAuthorityin London

The Grand MasterHead of UGLE

The MetropolitanGrand MasterHead of MetGL

The Deputy MetropolitanGrand Masters

Assistant MetropolitanGrand Masters

Metropolitan GrandInspectors

Heads of LondonLodges in general

Worshipful MastersHeads of individual

London Lodges


The Metropolitan Grand Lodge ofLondon (MetGL)The Metropolitan Grand Lodge is presidedover by the Right Worshipful MetropolitanGrand Master. He is assisted by three DeputyMetropolitan Grand Masters, several AssistantMetropolitan Grand Masters, a number ofMetropolitan Grand Inspectors and variousexecutive officers.

Provincial Grand LodgesThere are 47 Provincial Grand Lodges, thegeography of which is roughly based on theold county boundaries. Each Province ispresided over by a Right Worshipful ProvincialGrand Master, assisted by various Provincialofficers, the number of which is regulated bythe size of the Province.

AdministrationThe Metropolitan and Provincial GrandLodges administer the Lodges that fall withintheir jurisdiction. This is largely geographic butoccasionally Lodges cross boundaries,especially in and around the Greater Londonarea and other large metropolises.

These Grand Lodges meet at least once peryear, sometimes more, at which time they willconduct the routine administration necessary,such as approving annual accounts, appointingauditors and also investing officers for thecoming year. They will also use theopportunity to appoint and invest thoseparticularly meritorious brethren who havereceived honours for their service tofreemasonry.

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MasonicAuthority

in aProvinceThe Grand Master

The ProvincialGrand Master

Deputy Provincial Grand Master

Assistant Provincial Grand Masters

Worshipful Masters


When you joined your Lodge you probablynoticed there were lots of Masons withseparate jobs to do, either guiding you,asking you questions, or teaching you aboutthe Craft. You may have seen there wereothers who looked after the administration,ceremonial and finances of the Lodge.

In fact, to conduct a meeting and ceremonya Lodge ideally requires 11 non-progressiveofficers and 7 progressive officers. They arelisted in the Summons that convenesthe meeting.

Progressive officersUsually each year a Brother would progressthrough these offices on a path from Stewardto the highest honour within a Lodge – theWorshipful Master, although each office issubject to the choice of the Master forthe year.

1 Stewards2 Inner Guard3 Junior Deacon4 Senior Deacon5 Junior Warden6 Senior Warden7 Worshipful Master (WM)

Non-progressive officersThe non-progressive officers are:l Immediate Past Master (IPM)l Chaplainl Treasurerl Secretaryl Director of Ceremonies (DC)l Almoner l Charity Stewardl Mentorl Assistant Secretaryl Assistant Director of Ceremonies (ADC)l Organistl Assistant Secretaryl Tyler

These offices are usually occupied bymembers who are past Masters of the Lodgeand tend to be occupied by the same personfor a number of years, to provide continuityand experience. They are also appointed bythe Master annually, except the Treasurer andTyler, who are elected. The IPM is thepreceding year’s WM.

Some Lodges formally appoint a Mentor tolook after their newer members.

Lodge officers are recognisable by the jewelssuspended from their Lodge collars. Wherethey sit in Lodge also helps indicate their role.There is a useful plan of a Lodge room laterin this Guide.

Lodge officers

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StewardsThis is likely to be the first officeyou will hold in the Lodge. TheStewards’ main function is anintegral part of a successful

Festive Board, as in many Lodges theStewards will be responsible for setting outthe place-cards prior to the dinner, andserving the drinks during the Festive Board. Itis a very good way to meet the members.They are also looked on as stand-ins for anyabsent Officer, to prepare for future office.

Inner GuardThe Inner Guard sits just insidethe door of the Lodge. Headmits accredited Brethren intothe Lodge, advises when there is

a Candidate wishing to enter the Lodge, andchecks that everything is in order beforeentrance is allowed.

Junior and Senior DeaconsThe Deacons look after andguide the Candidates duringceremonies. Their duties need tobe carried out with care and

dignity. The enjoyment and understanding of acandidate can be greatly enhanced by thesympathetic attitude of the Deacons, and bythe efficiency of their working. They haveone of the most interesting and delightfulroles, which involves both learning ritual andfloor-work. They also carry a wand as abadge of office.

Progressive officers

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Junior and Senior WardensThe Wardens havedifferent butcomplementary roles inthe Lodge and assist the

Master to open and close the Lodge, andconduct the rituals. In the normal course ofevents this year’s Junior Warden will be nextyear’s Senior Warden, and the Senior Wardenwill be next year’s Worshipful Master. TheSenior Warden sits opposite the Master in theWest of the Lodge. The Junior Warden isentrusted with ensuring that no unqualifiedperson enters the Lodge, which is why youwill see the Inner Guard address the JuniorWarden when a Brother wishes to enter theLodge after it is opened. The Junior Wardensits in the South.

Worshipful MasterThe Worshipful Master iselected each year by theBrethren of the Lodge, andis then “installed” into the

Chair by his predecessor. He usually occupiesthe office for one year, although in anemergency this can be extended to two. He isin charge of the Lodge for his year, acts as itsChairman and normally conducts most of theceremonies. The Master sits in the East of theLodge, and must have served as either Senioror Junior Warden for a year, before he can beappointed. On becoming Master for the firsttime a Mason is then referred to as aWorshipful Brother.

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Immediate Past Master (IPM)After his year as Master ofthe Lodge a Mason becomesthe Immediate Past Master(IPM). Strictly the IPM is not

an Officer of the Lodge, but his position is animportant one, as it is his responsibility to sitbeside the Master, both in the Temple and theFestive Board, and give him support andguidance when needed.

ChaplainWhilst the discussion of religion(and politics) is not permittedwithin our meetings, each oneopens and closes with prayer.

Many Lodges that have no members of theclergy amongst their number, appoint one oftheir senior Masons to the office.

TreasurerAs you would imagine theTreasurer is responsible for thefinances of the Lodge. Annuallyhe produces a financial summary

report, which is submitted to the auditors,who are elected from within the Lodgemembership. It is the responsibility of eachmember to pay his subscriptions, together

with any dining charges to the Treasurerpromptly. The Treasurer settles any debtsincurred by the Lodge, such as the Lodge rentfor the building where meetings are held, thevarious levies imposed by Grand Lodge andMetropolitan Grand Lodge, and diningexpenditure. A Treasurer requires soundjudgment, for ultimately, it is on hisrecommendation that the level ofsubscriptions for members is set.

SecretaryThe Secretary has hands-on dailyadministration of all mattersconnected with the smoothrunning of the Lodge. He is

effectively the conduit between Grand Lodge,Metropolitan Grand Lodge and your Lodge.He receives the mail addressed to the Lodge,and submits the returns detailing themembership, ceremonies conducted, andmatters associated with the day-to-day affairsof the Lodge. Normally a Secretary holds thepost for a number of years, providingcontinuity and experience for successiveMasters. It is the Secretary’s duty to organisethe summons, and distribute them. Should youhave any problems or queries with regard toFreemasonry an experienced Secretary

Non-progressive officers

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should be able to advise. Annually theSecretary receives a copy of the Masonic YearBook from UGLE, and the Year Book ofMetGL. He holds these publications on behalfof the Lodge.

Director of Ceremonies (DC)The DC should have a love ofritual; as his title implies, hisfunction is to direct theceremonial aspects of our

meetings. As in public life when ceremonial isrequired, such as a State Funeral or RoyalWedding, the important events call formeticulous planning, rehearsal and organisingfor the requirements of the occasion. TheDC’s role is to make certain that ceremoniesare efficiently conducted with dignity anddecorum and that all concerned are aware inadvance of what they have to do.

AlmonerThe Almoner is effectively theLodge Welfare Officer, as it is hewho should maintain contactwith the Brethren who, through

age or infirmity, are unable to attendmeetings; with Lodge widows; and withmembers suffering from illness. He shouldhave knowledge of the variety of resources

that exist in time of need. The Almoner wouldorganise petitions for assistance in cases ofextreme need, and generally be on thelookout for signs of distress or lonelinessamong the members of the Lodge or theirdependants.

Charity StewardThe Charity Steward isresponsible for coordinating theLodge’s charitable affairs in themost efficient way. He should

have knowledge of the various methods ofmaking donations and will be happy to givehelp and advice to the members on thesematters. A part of the Charity Steward’s roleis to encourage members to donatecharitably, obviously within their means.

MentorThe Lodge Mentor is acoordinating role. He nominatesan experienced member of theLodge to look after each new

initiate and be available to answer anyquestions that he may have. He will ensure hefully understands all that is happening andguide him through the process of progressionthrough the various offices.

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Assistant Director of CeremoniesThe Assistant Director ofCeremonies’ role is to help theDirector of Ceremonies and toact as his understudy.

OrganistMany Lodges are not fortunateenough to have within theirmembership a Brother who isadequately skilled to play the

Organ at meetings, and so rely onprofessional organists. Some Lodges have nomusical accompaniment. Generally, having anOrganist can add to the overall decorum ofthe meeting.

Assistant SecretaryThe Assistant Secretary’s role isto help the Secretary. The dutiesvary from Lodge to Lodge.Occasionally the Office is given

to a Past Master who has been identified as apossible future replacement as Secretary. Insome Lodges the Assistant Secretary dealswith the Festive Board, booking dinners andgenerally supervising and supporting theStewards in their role.

TylerThe Tyler guards the outside ofthe door to the Lodge. This is anelected office. It is often carriedout by a senior and experienced

member of the fraternity, as he is the officerwho prepares the candidate for theceremonies, and should make sure that he cancorrectly give the specific salutes in which hehas been instructed. The Tyler is notnecessarily a member of the Lodge.

Visiting Officer (VO)Once a year your Lodge has an official visitfrom a Visiting Grand Officer (‘VO’), althoughit is likely he will attend unofficially at othertimes as well. He is the official representativeof the Metropolitan or Provincial GrandMaster. The role of the VO is to provideadvice and assistance to all members of theLodge. He reports on the wellbeing of yourLodge and also has a responsibility for helpingwith recommendations about the suitabilityfor masonic honours of members of theLodge.

Normally a VO will be assigned to your Lodgefor a period of years in order to maintaincontinuity and to enhance the serviceprovided to the Lodge.

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You will notice that your Lodge roomcontained particular items, or furniture. Theyhave a variety of uses – some are symbolic,and some practical. You will see these invirtually every Lodge you attend.

Carpet or Masonic PavementIn most Lodge Rooms you will find a blackand white squared carpet or chequered floor.This denotes our chequered existence,darkness and light, joy and sorrow.

Chairs and PedestalsThere are chairs or benches for all thoseattending our meetings around the squaredcarpet but three of these chairs will bebehind pedestals or small tables. In manycases the chair and the pedestal will bemarked with the jewel of the occupant. Thechair and pedestal in the East is for theWorshipful Master. Opposite him in the Westis the Senior Warden and in the South theJunior Warden. On the Master’s pedestal willbe placed the Bible, and any other releventHoly Book, denoted as the ‘Volume of theSacred Law’.

The WarrantThe Warrant of the Lodge is granted to theLodge by the Most Worshipful Grand Masterat its Consecration. This Warrant must be inthe Lodge Room when a Lodge is opened. Itwill always be displayed at the initiation of a

new member and when a new Master isinstalled. In some Lodges, it may be on displaythroughout the ceremony.

Volume of the Sacred Law (VSL)In the English Constitution, the VSL is theHoly Bible. The VSL is always open when aLodge is conducting business or one of itsceremonies. The Square and Compasses willbe placed upon the VSL. If a Sacred Volume isrequired for Brethren of a faith other thanChristian, then the Volume will be placed infront of or beside the Bible, but never on top.

The ‘Moveable Jewels’These are the Square, the Level and thePlumb-Rule, which are the Jewels of theMaster, Senior Warden and Junior Wardenrespectively. The ‘Jewels’ and the other ‘tools’used in Masonic ceremonies are referred toin documents from the early 1700s.

Rough and Smooth AshlarsThe Senior Warden’s pedestal will have asmooth ashlar, or block of stone, resting on itand the Junior Warden’s a rough ashlar. Theseare the ‘Immovable Jewels’. They representtwo different stages in Freemasonry andunderstanding. The rough ashlar is thought ofas the stone on which an apprentice can learnthe art of stonemasonry. The smooth ashlaris used by the more experienced stonemasonto hone and perfect his skills.

Lodge items

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The Gavel

Rough Ashlar


The Columns of the JW and SWEach Warden has a column on his pedestal.These will usually show the designs of theDoric order for the Senior Warden, denotingstrength, and the Corinthian order for theJunior Warden, denoting beauty. Usually theColumns are surmounted by a celestial orterrestrial globe which point out Masonryuniversal. The Wardens will also positiontheir Columns to show if the Lodge is‘opened’ or ‘closed’.

The Working ToolsThe Working Tools of each degree are fullyexplained in the ritual. The appropriate set oftools are displayed in the Lodge for each degree.

Tracing BoardsThe Tracing Boards have always been a featureof Freemasonry. These three boards illustratethe story of each degree, the details beingexplained during the ceremony.

Lodge BannersMany Lodges have a Banner, though it is not arequirement. Some Banners date back to theconsecration of the Lodge, some are morerecent. They often depict the origin, or someparticular characteristics of the Lodge.

The Ballot BoxThe Ballot Box is used for voting for newmembers, and can be of a variety of designs.Some have a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ drawer; (membersplace a ballot ball in the relevant drawer) andothers one drawer. The correct procedure forballoting in your Lodge will be explained toyou. A certain number of black balls or ballsin the ‘no’ drawer, as per Lodge By-Laws, willexclude a potential member, hence the term‘black-balled’. Deacons hand out theappropriate number of balls needed.

Wands of OfficeThe Director of Ceremonies and hisAssistant, and the Senior and Junior Deaconseach have a Wand of Office. The DC and hisAssistant will always carry their wands whenmoving about the Lodge. The Deacons,depending on the ritual, may carry theirs.

The GavelsThe Worshipful Master, and the Senior andJunior Wardens each have a Gavel. A Gavel isused by the Master to gain the members’attention when he is about to speak. TheMaster will sound his Gavel, followed by theSenior Warden and the Junior Warden. Thesame procedure is followed at the FestiveBoard when the Master is about to propose atoast or take wine.

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Smooth Ashlar

Tracing Board –

the First Degree


The Lodge room (or temple) plan shows atypical layout. This is where a Lodge holds itsregular meetings. If you start visiting otherLodges you will find they vary as somepremises are purpose-built, whilst othersare converted or even shared withother functions.

l The point of entry is in the West andfacing East

l The WM sits in the East, the SW in theWest and the JW in the South

l The Secretary and Treasurer are normallylocated on the North side

l The other junior officers vary somewhatin location from Lodge to Lodge, butgenerally are in the positions shown

l The Lodge Banner and Warrant aredisplayed in the room

Designated positions in the Lodge

KEYWM Worshipful MasterIPM Immediate Past Master

Grand OfficersProvincial Grand Officers

SW Senior WardenJW Junior WardenCHAP ChaplainTREAS TreasurerSEC SecretaryDC Director of CeremoniesALM AlmonerCStwd Charity StewardME MentorASS SEC Assistant SecretarySD Senior DeaconJD Junior DeaconADC Assistant Director

of CeremoniesIG Inner GuardORG Organist

StewardsTyler

The Lodge room

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IG

JD.

LOD

LOD

SW

ORGAN

ORG

ENTRANCE

TYLE

R


3U

SE

FU

L T

O K

NO

W

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ASSSEC SEC TREAS

LODGE MEMBERS AND GUESTS LODGE MEMBERS AND GUESTS

LODGE MEMBERS AND GUESTS LODGE MEMBERS AND GUESTS

TABLE

WM

CHSTD ALM

GRAND OFFICERS

IPM

CHAP

ADC DC

JW

Lodge Room

BANNER

SD

TRACINGBOARDS

N

S

EW

ME


Dress CodeThe dress code in most Lodges is similar: adark lounge suit or Morning Dress (a blackjacket and waistcoat with striped trousers),appropriate tie, white shirt, white gloves, blackshoes and socks. An appropriate tie is eitherplain black, the Grand Lodge Craft tie or aMetropolitan/Provincial GrandLodge tie.

Wearing your apronThe apron should be worn with the topabove the midriff.

Your apron is full of symbolism. It is possiblethat the string that tied your apron when youwere initiated was allowed to hang down atthe front. These ends of string are theancestors of the ornamental fringe seen on18th Century Masons’ aprons, and of the“tassels” on the aprons worn by all brethrenonce they have become Master Masons. Onthe two tassels (representing the two pillars)are seven individual strands that hang at thebottom, these too have a significance. Thereare a number of Masonic papers on thesymbolism of regalia should you be interestedin finding out more.

Initially aprons will be provided by the Tyler.However when you become a Master Masonyou are expected to purchase your own.They are available from a variety of Masonicregalia suppliers. In some Lodges a dinner suitwith black bow tie is worn at the InstallationMeeting. If you have any queries regardingthe dress code, including ties and aprons,please speak to your proposer, Lodgesecretary or mentor.

Aprons and CollarsYou will see some of the Brethren wearingdark blue aprons and collars and occasionallysomeone wearing a red one. They will behappy to explain the significance to you soplease do not be afraid to ask. The onlyregalia, badges and other ornamentspermitted in the Lodge are those attributableto the Craft itself and when you become amember of a Chapter, your appropriate RoyalArch jewel.

A little earlier, in the section on MasonicStructure, the various ranks were brieflyoutlined. Members of the Craft who havebeen honoured by The Grand Master withGrand Rank, or honoured by theMetropolitan/Provincial Grand Master with

Our regalia

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Metropolitan tie, Craft tie and

Provincial tie


honours are entitled to wear two types ofapron dependent on the occasion or personalchoice, that of Dress or Undress Regalia.

Those honoured by the Metropolitan GrandMaster will be accorded Senior LondonGrand Rank (SLGR), London Grand Rank(LGR) or London Rank (LR). Those honouredby the Provincial Grand Master will beawarded rank in accordance with those laiddown in the Book of Constitutions, asreflected in the collar and apron badges theywear. Rather than explain each one here, ifyou are interested then speak to one of the“dark blues” in the Lodge who will be happyto show you the differences, or look at theplates in the Book of Constitutions.

Occasionally you will see brethren wearingred aprons. These are either Grand Stewards,Metropolitan Grand Stewards or ProvincialGrand Stewards. Again anyone who iswearing such an apron will be used toexplaining its significance, so don’t hesitate to ask.

JewelsYou will doubtless have noticed that many ofthe brethren in the Temple were wearingmedals, or breast jewels as we call them.These jewels fall into various categories,including

l Royal Arch Jewelsl Past Masters’ jewelsl Centenary Jewelsl Founders’ Jewelsl Charity Jewels

There are a number of designs, but TheGrand Master must approve all jewels beforethey can be worn. The Book of Constitutionsoutlines the various rules regarding jewels andcontains some illustrations.

Jewels are also discussed on pages 25-26in the “Information for the Guidanceof Members of the Craft” booklet youhave received.

Jewels also refer to the pendants on thecollars which the Lodge Officers and otherswear, and these can be called collar jewels toavoid confusion.

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Entered Apprentice (EA) – first degree apron Fellow Craft (FC) – second degree apron

Master Mason (MM) – third degree apron Worshipful Master (WM) apron


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Grand Officer’s Dress / Undress CollarMetropolitan / Provincial

Dress / Undress Collar

Provincial Grand Rank Apron (Dress)London Grand Rank Apron (Dress)

London Grand Rank Apron (Undress) Provincial Grand Rank Apron (Undress) Grand Rank Apron (Undress)

Grand Rank Apron (Dress)

Collar Jewels

LGR PPJGW ActiveMetropolitan/ Provincial

Office


Customs vary enormously from ritual toritual and Lodge to Lodge, but these are ingeneral use throughout Craft Masonry.

Salutes and signsSalutes and signs are used throughout Lodgemeetings and change depending on whatdegree is being worked. Each degree has adifferent sign or signs. You have already seenand given the First Degree Sign. You will betaught the others when you go through thesubsequent degrees.

You will have seen that whenever a Brotherspeaks to the Worshipful Master or to theWardens in the Lodge Room (nowhere else),a salute is given. The salute is the sign ofthe degree in which the Lodge is workingat the time.

“So mote it be”This phrase is used now in Masonry insteadof the Hebrew word “Amen”. If an organist ispresent the words are sung at the end ofhymns and prayers. Sometimes, for example,after a spoken Grace at the Festive Board, itis simpler just to say “Amen”. The literalmeaning of the phrase is “May it be so!”, or“So be it!”

The Court BowBrethren do not salute one another, but byway of acknowledgement, perhaps as thanksfor a courtesy, the Court Bow is given. Thisconsists of standing upright, and simplybowing the head slightly – no more.

Squaring the LodgeThe custom in a Lodge for moving about theLodge Room in “open” Lodge dependsentirely on which ritual the Lodge uses. Somerituals demand punctilious clockwise“squaring” at all times; others allow morefreedom of movement. “Stepping-off with theleft foot” is standard practice.

‘Worshipful Brethren’At a Lodge meeting, when addressing orreferring to a Brother by name, the format is“Brother (name)” or “Worshipful Brother…”.Whether first names or surnames are usedwill depend on how formal the proceedingsare at the time.

If you are making a speech, you may have toinclude an individual in the initialacknowledgments, perhaps even ‘RightWorshipful Provincial Grand Master’ or ‘VeryWorshipful Assistant Metropolitan Grand

Customs and protocol

28

...details varyenormouslyfrom ritual toritual and Lodgeto Lodge.


Master’. In such a case, of course, you willcheck with your elders as to the correctprotocol.

When addressing or referring to Brethren bytheir Office, the correct form is “WorshipfulMaster”, “Brother Secretary”, “BrotherTreasurer”, “Brother Immediate Past Master”,etc., even if the Officer happens to be aWorshipful Brother by rank.

As in any formal meeting, all remarks areaddressed to the Chairman who in our caseis the Worshipful Master.

Incidentally, if you write a letter to a Mason,never include a Masonic rank or otherMasonic references such as Lodge details etc.,in the address on the envelope. Inside, it maybe appropriate and polite to include the fullMasonic rank and title.

Standing for the National AnthemThe correct posture when singing theNational Anthem is to be standing upright,feet together with a straight back and handsat the sides.

ApologiesIf you have to miss a Lodge meeting, dosend apologies to the Secretary in advance.He will need to have accurate numbers ofthose attending, particularly for the diningarrangements. He will record apologiesin the Minutes.

If you happen to be in Office, then the DCand the Preceptor will need to know well inadvance to organise a replacement.

About Family ParticipationAt your interview it is likely that you wereasked if your wife or partner supported yourapplication. That is an important question, as itis hoped that your wife or partner willsupport, approve and encourage yourparticipation and the time and costs involvedin belonging to our fraternity. Many Lodgeshold a number of social functions at whichyour wife, partner and family are encouragedto attend. Examples are Ladies evenings,Festival weekends and even garden parties.

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One of the delights of Masonry is the FestiveBoard and the camaraderie and relaxedatmosphere in which it is conducted. Youhave already been asked to respond to thetoast made to you at your Initiation so youwill know that a little preparation and advicewill make things more comfortable for you.

During dinner it is customary in many Lodgesfor the Master to take wine with specificbrethren. Wine taking is of a personal andmutual nature, all concerned stand and drink.There is a difference between the wine takingduring the dinner and the formal toastingafter dinner.

ToastsGenerally experienced members of the Lodgepropose most toasts but occasionally you willbe called upon for a Toast to give you someexperience. You will normally have goodnotice of any such occasion with time toprepare. As a guideline Toasts can beintroduced as follows:- “Worshipful Master,Brother Wardens, Distinguished Brethren,Brethren All.” The precise format will dependon the occasion and if in any doubt pleaseconsult the DC, your mentor or any othersenior member of your Lodge.

No-one expects a Candidate or even a moreexperienced Mason to be the best after-dinner speaker – simply do your best. Neversay anything that is likely to cause offence andshort speeches are often appreciated.

When the Master sounds his gavel during theFestive Board it is expected that the Brethrenshould be immediately silent, out of respectto the Master.

Masonic FireAfter the toasts there is, in normalcircumstances, what is known as “Fire”, acustom peculiar to Masonic dinners. Nodoubt you will have found it intriguing andprobably a little confusing at your first FestiveBoard. However it is usually quickly and easilylearned. There are a number of theories aboutthe origins of Masonic fire. One of the moreexperienced members of your Lodge shouldbe able to explain these to you. Some Lodgesstill employ the use of firing glasses, which area shaped glass with a heavy base suitable forknocking on the table.

The Festive Board

30

No-one expectsa Candidate oreven a moreexperiencedMason to be thebest after-dinnerspeaker – simplydo your best.


Ritual is important. It is something that hasbeen passed down through the centuriesfrom Mason to Mason, and makes ourfraternity unique.

What’s the purpose of ritual?The purpose of ritual is to remind thecandidate of certain ethical and moralprecepts, awakening in him respect andtolerance for another’s ideas and beliefs. It isfor this reason that Brethren are required toavoid discussion of religious and politicalissues when inside the Lodge, as these aretopics which easily divide men.

Ritual has been employed by nearly allcultures known to mankind as a process toassist in self-realisation and as such is a rite ofpassage, which if fully understood andexperienced will lead to an improved state.The ritual of Freemasonry promotes self-knowledge, tolerance and philanthropy, asechoed in its three great principles ofBrotherly Love, Relief and Truth.

It also extols the cardinal virtues as definedby Cicero, namely: Prudence, Temperance,Fortitude and Justice and interestingly Ciceroclassed the art of memory as one of thevirtues that made up Prudence.

Self discoveryIt is suggested that you should regard yourinitiation not only as the beginning of yourMasonic journey or way of life, but also as aporchway to discovering about yourself andyour relationship with your fellow man. Whenyou start to learn the ritual it is equally asimportant to focus upon the meaning of thewords as it is to commit them to memory.

Learning ritualTowards the end of this pack you will findmore comment on ritual including a variety ofmethods to help you to learn the ritual inpreparation for office.

About our ritual

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You will soon learn the phrase that Masonryis a peculiar system of morality, veiled inallegory and illustrated by symbols, and indeedFreemasonry does rely heavily on symbolism.

A universal languageSymbols are sometimes described as auniversal language because they present themessage in a way that is understood by alland does not depend on words that aredifferent in various languages. The word“symbol” is defined as a thing that representssomething else by association. In Freemasonryit might be defined as a material object thatrepresents a basic moral truth or lesson.

Symbolism is part of everyday life. The printedword is basically a symbol: road signs;mathematical symbols; the striped barber’sshop pole etc.

Learn through symbolismThe ritualistic ceremonies of the threeDegrees are the foundation our fraternity. Inthe ceremonies are contained all thephilosophy and lessons of Freemasonry. Manyof the symbols are called to your attention asyou progress through the ceremonies, butthere is so much more to the ceremony that

does not meet the eye at the time, and one ofthe many interests to Freemasonry is thediscovery of different meanings and a greaterunderstanding of the symbolism containedwithin the ceremony. Hence there will bemany members of your Lodge who have seenthe same ceremony literally hundreds oftimes (although of course the officers eachtime will probably be different, and certainlythe candidate will be different) but the factthat you may have seen the same thing manytimes doesn’t detract from the enjoyment asthere is so much to Freemasonry, and onecan still be learning new aspects of it havingbeen a member for many years.

Symbolism in to wordsTo spell out each of the symbols would beimpossible, as different meanings can beconsidered by different people. However,please read the short passage on the oppositepage, which illustrates some symbolism. Youmay hear this delivered in a Lodge one day,immediately before the Charge to the Initiate,which gives one explanation of thepreparation of the Candidate:

Masonic symbolism

32

The ritualisticceremonies ofthe threeDegrees are thefoundation ourfraternity.

A typical Ritual book


"Your preparation for Initiation must have

seemed strange to you, and I am now permitted

to explain it. You were hoodwinked for three

reasons; to permit your mind to conceive, before

your eyes were enabled to discover, the beauties

of Freemasonry; to remind you that as you were

received in a state of darkness so you must keep

the outside world with respect to our Masonic

secrets; and so that had you refused to go

through with the usual ceremony you could

have been led from the Lodge without observing

its form. The reason a cable tow with a r.n. being

put about your neck has already been explained

to you. In ancient times the Entered Apprentice

wore the cable tow about his neck to impress on

his mind his duty to remain within hail so as to

come on in due time whenever summonsed to

his Lodge, unless prevented by illness. Your l.b.

was made bare to discover your sex, since none

but freeborn men of mature age can be made

Freemasons. Your right arm was made bare that

the Brethren might see that you had no weapon

about you and also that you were willing to

labour. Your l.k. was made bare because it was

on that that you took your great and solemn

obligation. (And also to show that you were a

Freeman, as in earlier times any shackle marks

would have been visible.) The left side of man

has always been considered the weaker,

although the obligation you took was sacred

and binding, it is deemed imperfect without

others which are to follow. You therefore took it

on your left knee though your inherent

weakness was supported by you placing your

r.h. on the Volume of the Sacred Law. You were

slipshod because that was the custom observed

by our ancient brethren in the E., where the

slipping off of a shoe was considered a pledge

of fidelity. Also you were slipshod because the

ground on which our Lodges stand is considered

holy. You were divested of m. for the reasons

already explained to you, and to ensure that

you should not bring anything offensive or

defensive into the Lodge to disturb its harmony.

The three distinct ks by which you were

admitted alludes to an ancient and venerable

exhortation “seek and ye shall find, ask and you

will receive, knock and it shall be opened to

you". You my Brother have sought in your mind

and asked of a friend. He knocked and the

doors of Freemasonry have been opened to

admit you. That my Brother, is the best

explanation I can give of the mode of your

preparation."

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One of the joys of Freemasonry is visitingother Lodges. Ordinarily you will be invitedby a Brother who knows you are a Memberof the Craft. If you anticipate visiting a Lodgewhere you are not known, please take yourGrand Lodge Certificate with you. You willreceive your Certificate, in due time.

Make sure of UGLE recognitionIf you intend to visit a Lodge when you areabroad, it is essential that the Lodge isrecognised by our governing body. Your Lodgesecretary will help you find out. There areorganised bodies who style themselvesFreemasons but do not follow the Book ofConstitutions and are therefore notrecognised by the UGLE.

Visiting is encouragedYou are advised to visit a Lodge and seesomeone else being Initiated as soon as possible;so you may gain a greater understanding ofwhat happened to you and why.

Much of the enjoyment that freemasonryoffers comes from visiting. It is by getting outand about, that you will appreciate the truefraternity of our Craft.

Differing ritual or ‘workings’As a visitor it is usual that you sit and watch.You should use the signs you have beentaught, and not those of other Lodges. Thereare a number of forms of ritual or ‘workings’as it is called, such as Emulation, Universal,Bristol, West End, Taylors and so on, withslight differences to each. Find out whichworking your Lodge uses.

The visitors’ speechThere is a possibility, that as a Visitor, you maybe called upon to respond to the toast to thevisitors. As in the differences in ritual so thereare differences at the Festive Board. It is notappropriate to criticise another Lodge’sworking or the manner in which they conductthe Festive Board but rather enjoy thedifferences as part of your Masonic learning.

The introductions can be found on Page 34and it is often sufficient to thank your hostsfor their kind and gracious hospitality andexpress a wish that you might be invitedagain. Avoid smutty jokes and indeed do notregale your audience with lengthy humorousanecdotes unless you are especially adept andconfident that they will go down well with theaudience.

Visiting other Lodges

34

One of the joysof Freemasonryis visiting otherLodges.

Finally, please remember to sign the signature book.


At LoI, brethren meet to practice andperfect the various ceremonies in aninformal atmosphere. This is where the ritualbecomes familiar, the meaning of obscurepassages explained, and where questions canbe answered. Most Lodges operate a LoI orshare LoI with other Lodges. Above all, LoIprovides an opportunity to meet fellowBrethen in a relaxed environment becomingmore acquainted with each other, developingteamwork and camaraderie. Many Masonicfriendships develop through the LoI.

LoI makes all the differenceWhilst the words of the ritual should belearned at home, regular attendance at LoIwith the opportunity to practice and rehearsebuilds knowledge, confidence and skill andenables us to give candidates the mostmeaningful experience during the ceremonies.

Join in with LoI nowWe are all continually learning within ourmasonic lives, and although you may not needto practice for an office at the moment, it isrecommended that you attend LoI as soon aspossible. You will have to leave the roomduring rehearsal of Degrees you have yet toexperience, nevertheless you will find regular

attendance at LoI very worthwhile andfulfiling and they will enable you to betterbecome a valuable member of your Lodge.

Who will be there?At the LoI there will be a mix of officers ofthe Lodge, Past Masters, and other brethren.The person in charge of the LoI is known asThe Preceptor.

ApologiesThere may well be a time when you areunable to attend LoI due to personal andwork commitments. But, if you have agreed totake a role at a forthcoming LoI and then findthat you are unable to attend please advisethe Preceptor in advance so that alternativearrangements can be made.

There is no dress code and you do not needyour regalia for LoI.

Lodge of Instruction (LoI)

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For some new Masons learning the ritual maybe the first memorising they have done sinceleaving school. We all find different ways thatwork for us, but these are some ideas whichcan help.

l Understand what you have to say. Have adictionary to hand whilst learning.

l Put the book away as soon as you can.The trick is to practise remembering thewords not reading them. Also whenattending LoI try not to refer to yourbook, there should be only one prompt.

l Transcribe the first letter of each wordonto a sheet of paper and use that as anaide-memoire, rather than the ritual book,or questions card.

l Practise whilst washing up, or performingsome other household chore. Rememberthat in the Lodge you will not be sittingcomfortably in a chair, there are things todo and plenty of distractions; get used tothat. In fact practise wherever possible,walking to work, taking the dog for awalk, even in the bathroom – after all it’sthe best tiled room in the house!

l Recite out loud and use different voices(even funny ones): this will help putexpression and meaning into yourdelivery.

l Remember that if the delivery is right, andit is said with meaning, others will be farmore likely to listen to what you aresaying rather than listening for the oddwrong word, or missed line.

l Attend the LoI whenever you can. Thereis no substitute. Apart from benefitingfrom the guidance of the Preceptors, LoIis essential for practising floor work,timing, and saying the ritual out loud infront of your peers in a relaxed forum.

l Speak up clearly when saying the ritual;not only does it keep the Brethrens’attention, but also prevents you speakingtoo quickly.

l Where dialogue is involved have aworking knowledge of that entire sectionof ritual, not just your part. When youknow how the ritual goes, it’s much easierto understand where your part fits in, andremember when it’s your turn to speak.

Tips for learning ritual

36


l In your oral practise it helps to includewords or sound effects as appropriateprompts/cues for the actions that areperformed as part of the ritual, e.g. “bang-bang-bang” or “cut-turn-go-to-door".

l When learning a Degree, learn theObligation first. It’s too confusing to tryto learn the whole ceremony straightthrough. Once you know the Obligationyou have broken the back of the task, andthe rest should come relatively easily.

l When learning an Obligation, speak eachphrase out loud, and then repeat it. Thatway you’ll know how it sounds, and you’llbe far less likely to stumble when givingthe Obligation.

l When learning a paragraph add to it thefirst two or three words of the nextparagraph so you’ll always know the linkto the next bit.

Above all, take pride in your work. It iswell worth the effort.

Even before you accept office, it is goodpractice to learn ritual, you will get muchmore out of watching it and it will put you ingood stead for when you do take office.

You will no doubt develop yourown methods.

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As you learned at your Initiation, charity hasbeen a significant part of Freemasonry sinceits earliest days, although unlike other fund-raising organisations such as Round Table andLions, most of the money we raise comesout of our own pockets. So whilst everybrother is expected to contribute, it’simportant that no one should over-commithimself to charitable giving.

You are now part of a much larger Nationaland International family. As with all goodfamilies, welfare is important, and we shouldstrive to help our Brethren and their familieswho are ill, or in distressed circumstances.When Freemasons or their dependants fallupon hard times, financial assistance may beavailable from their Lodge, Metropolitan /Provincial Grand Lodge or one of the fourmain national Masonic Charities.

Collecting of AlmsThe Deacons usually circulate a brokencolumn, or alms bag at each meeting. Put anamount of your choosing in the bag. You mayalso be asked to put it in an envelope so thattax can be reclaimed, which can add asignificant amount to the Lodge’s giving. Howthe proceeds of the Alms collection areapplied is a matter for individual Lodges.

You may also be asked by your Lodge’sCharity Steward to complete a standingorder to pay a regular small amount forcharity on a monthly or other basis. This canbe an effective and painless way to supportcharity and it allows the Lodge to claim backthe tax too.

Lodge commitmentsAnnually your Lodge has to pay an amount ofmoney to our governing body, The UnitedGrand Lodge of England, in respect of each ofits members. Additionally a payment is madeon behalf of each member to The GrandCharity. The Lodge collects this money by wayof your annual subscription, in addition to theamount collected through the alms bag, andother charity giving methods.

Making a differenceTogether we can make a difference – a bigdifference: Freemasonry is the largestcontributor to charitable causes after theNational Lottery. In the past five years it isestimated the Freemasons under UGLE havedonated approximately £75m to charity.

London Lodges give around £3.5m to charityeach year. The focus of Masonic charitablegiving is to the main Masonic charities (seeoverleaf), however, a sizeable amount also

Our charities

38


goes to non-Masonic charities across thelength and breadth of the nation, often forwhom our donations can make a realdifference.

Masonic Charitable Foundation

For Freemasons, for families, for everyone.Freemasons are taught to practice charity and to care, not only for their own, but also for the community as a whole - both by charitable giving, and by voluntary efforts and works as individuals. Masonic charity is exercised at every level: individual Lodges make gifts and give aid to their own communities and every Province also gives large sums of money to regional causes. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with the care of orphans, the sick and the aged; this work continues today. In addition, large sums are given to national and local charities.

families to assist with daily living costs. A range of health and care needs, including medical and dental treatments, counselling and mobility aids or home adap[ tations are supported, with funding also available for respi[ te, residential, nursing and dementia care.

Funded entirely through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF)_ is one of the largest grant-making charities in the country. Most of the support provided takes the form of financial grants to individuals and

In addition, MCF awards millions of pounds each year to local and national charities that hel[p vulnerable people, advance medical research and provide opportunities for young people. We also help to fund vital services such as hospices and air ambulances and regularly contribute to worldwide appeals for disaster relief. In total, our support helps to improve the lives of thousands of people every year in England, Wales and internationally.

MCF brings together the work of four national charities that had been operating separately under various names since the early 18th century. These are The Freemasons, Grand Charity, the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys and the Masonic Samaritan Fund; the fourth charity, the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution also exists as a leading care home provider.

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Freemasonry isthe largestcontributor tocharitablecauses after theNational Lottery.


Freemasonry Today‘FT’ is a quarterly magazine published onbehalf of UGLE. The magazine is posted directto all Freemasons, free of charge. The contentof the magazine is intended to cascadeinformation from the QuarterlyCommunications of Grand Lodge and theMasonic Charities. It also includes a numberof articles of a general nature which are notnecessarily Masonic. ‘FT’ is also availableon audio tape for visually impaired masons– your Lodge secretary can apply onyour behalf.

The SquareIs a commercial magazine about Freemasonryavailable on subscription, available quarterlyand publish in March, June, September andDecember. Subscription costs around £12 peryear with discount for multiple years. Themagazine spans a wide array of main as wellas side orders and contains stimulatingarticles, items of interest, adverts and pointsof view. Subscriptions for The Square can beobtained at www.thesquaremagazine.com orby phone at 0844 245 6935.

Year BooksMetropolitan Grand Lodge and all 47Provincial Grand Lodges publish a Year Bookannually, a respective copy of which should beheld by your Lodge Secretary. The Year Booklists details of Metropolitan/Provincial GrandLodge hierarchy, officers and relevant detailstogether with a listing of Lodges under theirauthority.

Magazine/Web SitesMost Metropolitan/Provincial Grand Lodgesproduce a magazine (usually quarterly) toreflect items of interest and activity in yourarea. They will also operate their ownindependent web site as well as Facebook andTwitter accounts to help assist in keeping youinformed of what is going on. Ask your LodgeSecretary for details if they are not includedwith this booklet.

Other useful websitesLondon: www.londonmasons.org.uk

Further reading

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Website for PGL Warwickshire

www.ugle.org.uk


Library and Museum ofFreemasonryThere is a fantastic and highly recommendedlibrary and museum available to visit atFreemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street.

General readingEven for non-Masons and especially for aCandidate before Initiation, it is reasonableand proper to want to know more aboutFreemasonry. Much has been written and isavailable through public libraries and Masonicretailers.

Several videos are also available, including:-l The Freemasonsl Freemasonry, Today, Tomorrow

Ritual booksThe books of the many rituals – dozens ofthem are readily available at Masonic retailers.Such study will obviously be of morerelevance to a Master Mason after his raisingand perhaps after having done some visiting.

Examples are:l A Freemason’s Guide and Compendium,

by B.E. Jonesl Masonic Ritual, by Dr. E.H. Cartwrightl Freemason at Work, by Harry Carrl World of Freemasonry, by Harry Carrl The Craft, by John Hamill

The rule bookThe ultimate rule book is The Book ofConstitutions, which will be yourconstant companion. It is available on theUGLE website.

Masonic researchThe foremost Masonic research body is theQuatuor Coronati Lodge, No. 2076, whoseproceedings are published in ‘Ars QuatuorCoronatorum’. Membership of theirCorrespondence Circle isavailable to Masons bytelephoning 020 7831 4355.

Relevant at this stage, are thebooks by J.S.M. Ward:

l The EA’s Handbookl The FC’s Handbookl The MM’s Handbook

Freemasons’ Hall tourThe Library and Museumorganises free tours of theGrand Temple and ceremonialareas. For further details,please visit the Library andMuseum’s website atwww.freemasonry.london.museum/tours.php

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Insight and Arena magazines


Opening Ode or HymnHail, eternal! By whose aidAll 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 MajestyBy the trust we place in Thee-By the badge and mystic sign-Hear us, Architect Divine

So mote it be.

National AnthemGod 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

Sung at the end of a Lodge meeting or laterat the Festive Board

Closing Ode or HymnNow the evening shadows closing,Warn from toil to peaceful rest,Mystic arts and rites reposing,Sacred in each faithful breast.

God of light! Whose love unceasingDoth 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 be.

Hymn sung at GraceFor these and all thy mercies given,We bless and praise Thy Name, O Lord

May we receive them with thanksgivingEver trusting in Thy Word

To Thee alone be honour, gloryNow and henceforth for evermore.

Amen.

Hymns

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On page 30 we looked at some of thetraditions of the Festive Board. Overleaf youwill find the outline of the Toast List used inall Craft Lodges.

The Toast to “Absent Brethren"Traditionally, this is regarded as the “NineO’clock Toast”, when “The hands are on thesquare.” It is good to feel that at a particularmoment, Brethren pause to think of oneanother, especially those who cannot bepresent for one reason or another. Inpractice, it is not always possible to arrangefor the toast to be taken precisely at 9.00 p.m.It must not, for example, precede the toaststo the Queen and to the Grand Master.

In many Lodges, this toast can be a movingand memorable moment, particularly forexample, when well loved Brethren may beabsent through serious illness.

The Tyler’s ToastTraditionally, this is the last toast of theevening and is announced by a customarydouble tap of the gavel by the Master alone. Itcan be given by any Brother but is usuallygiven by the Tyler.

“To all poor and distressed masons where’ere dispersed over the face of earth andwater (and in the air), wishing them a speedyrelief from their suffering and safe return totheir native land should they so desire it. Toall poor and distressed masons.”.

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The Queen and the Craft

The Most Worshipful The Grand MasterHRH The Duke of Kent

The Most Worshipful Pro Grand MasterThe Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master

The Right Worshipful Assistant Grand MasterAnd the rest of the Grand Officers Present and Past

The Right Worshipful Metropolitan/Provincial Grand Master

A toast to Metropolitan/Provincial Grand Officers

The Worshipful Master

The Immediate Past Master/Installing Master*

The Initiate**

The Visitors

Past Masters and Officers of the Lodge***

Absent Brethren

The Tyler’s Toast

The toast list

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* only at Installation** only when there is an Initiate*** optional


The Holy Royal ArchYou will hear the term “Chapter” used. Thisrefers to the Holy Royal Arch. Although thereare numerous other Masonic Orders whichyou will get to hear about in time, none ofthem form part of Pure Ancient Masonry. TheCraft teaches you about man’s relationshipwith man, whereas the Holy Royal Archteaches about man’s relationship with hisGod. It is only by combining the two that youcan ever become a complete mason. For thisreason it is likely to be more beneficial to jointhe Holy Royal Arch before considering otherMasonic Orders. You are eligible to join(called exaltation) a Royal Arch Chapterfour weeks after the date of becoming aMaster Mason.

The Metropolitan Grand Master and mostprovincial Grand Masters are also the head ofthe Holy Royal Arch in their respectivejurisdictions. As such they are known as theMost Excellent Metropolitan/Provincial GrandSuperintendent. Most Chapters are linked toone or more Lodges and meet less frequentlythan Craft Lodges, while the admission feesand the annual subscriptions are also lower.

To find out more please ask your proposer,Lodge secretary, mentor or any brother yousee wearing a Royal Arch jewel, which is ajewel suspended from a tri-colour, red, orwhite ribbon.

Other Masonic OrdersYou will learn about other Masonic Orders indue time and be able to join them when youhave progressed to a Master Mason. That said,it is common practice to join The Holy RoyalArch as your first priority. Many Masonsprefer to understand the Craft further beforecommitting themselves to othermemberships. Ultimately the choice is yoursand feel free to discuss other Masonic Orderswith your fellow Brethren.

Further reading on Masonic OrdersTitle: Beyond The CraftAuthor: Keith B JacksonPublisher: Lewis Masonic Books

Beyond the craft

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We hope you have found this Guide useful. Asstated at the outset, it is not intended toprovide answers to every question you mayhave. One of the interests of freemasonry isthat we are learning new aspects regardingthe Craft throughout our Masonic careers.

Please feel free to provide any feedback, orcomments with regards to this pack. Perhapsthere may be subjects you feel would beappropriate to be included or some thatmay not have been sufficiently covered.Your comments really would be appreciated.To give feedback, please drop a line to:

The Metropolitan Grand Secretary(Initiates’ Handbook)Metropolitan Grand LodgePO Box 29055LondonWC2B 5UN

Useful addressesUnited Grand Lodge of EnglandFreemasons’ Hall, Great Queen StreetLondon WC2B 5AZ

Conclusion

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Notes


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Notes

108316 Initiates_amended_99566_Initiates_amended 21/12/2013 13:32

With thanks toProject director RW. Bro. Russell John Race DL, PMetGMMetropolitan Grand Secretary W. Bro. Capt. David M. Swain RN, PJGDEditor & art director Bro. John VollandsEditorial assistant W. Bro. Patrick Penny PAGDCDesign [email protected] W. Bro. Dennis Ramsey and Bro. John VollandsCover photography Copyright Mike Bartlett, Bridge House Associates (Tel. 01797 344040)Print Lamport GilbertExtracts from ‘A Freemason’s Companion’, Provincial Grand Lodge of Essex

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