Some Duties and Functions of a Master Mason

Presented by: MW Brother Don McDonald

Adapted from a Paper by RW Brother Hugh Fraser, Asquith

Lodge No. 146

Duties and Functions

• What are the duties and functions of a Master Mason?

• Many experienced brethren may be hard-pressed to give an immediate answer to that question

What does Duty mean?

• To do that which is required of him and is any action or course of conduct which is conceived as a moral obligation to his Lodge and to himself.

What is Required

• A person enters Masonry and is compared to the rough Ashlar; emblematic of man in his natural state

• Ignorant, uncultivated, faulty and defective in respect to Masonry.

What is Required

• When Masonic Education has exerted its wholesome influence in expanding his intellect, restraining his passions and purifying his life, he then is represented by the Perfect Ashlar, which is the symbol of his improved and perfected nature.

Your Duty

• This is but the beginning…

• It now becomes your duty to continue the Work of Perfection

• What follows stresses the general responsibilities, functions, and duties of a Master Mason

Regular Attendance

• Be punctual, this exhibits the best courtesy

• Greet strangers and visitors to the Lodge

• Assist in preparing the Lodge Room, Festive Board, and any task that may improve the efficiency of the Lodge.

Once in the Lodge

• Be Modest

• Avoid language that is unbecoming

• Employ correct demeanour

• Never carry on a conversation with the person next to you while the lodge is at work

Speaking in the Lodge

• There is protocol for speaking in the lodge.

• When you wish to say something: – Rise, Salute, and wait to be recognized

– State what you wish to say with brevity, and salute and be seated.

• Note: No brother should speak more than three times on the same subject unless requested to do so by the WM.

• Never interrupt a brother who has the floor. Interruption is the sole privilege of the WM.

Topics

• A Master Mason should know what topics may be discussed in the Lodge and what topics should be avoided; this includes the Festive Board

• Simple Rule: Avoid matters that divide men into opposite schools of thought!

Reading

• Know your Lodge By-Laws and the Book of Constitution, which we were all urged to read during our entered apprentice degree

• Know the Aims and Purposes of the Order

– To make good men better men!

• Make a daily advancement in Masonic Knowledge

The Signs, Grips and Salutes

• A Master Mason should know:

– In which degree the Lodge is working - from the position of the Square and Compasses

– The Salute of the degree, and how to deliver it smartly

– The various signs, grips/tokens, and words for each degree

• If you are unsure on any of these, consult a fellow brother for a refresher!

Floor Work

• It is the Duty of a Master Mason to know his floor work:

– All movements are made on the Square with smartness and good carriage

– Never pass between the WM and the Great Lights, unless at work or under the direction of the WM.

Prospects

• A Master Mason should know what advice he can give an interested prospect; know how to assist him in competing an Petition for Initiation.

• Investigation Committee:

– A great way to participate and learn from senior brethren

– Ask Questions – Be Statisfied with the prospect before reporting

– Don’t forget he could be Master of Lodge one day!

Consider Participating in Degree Work!

• Learn one or more of the Lectures, Presentations, or Charges, and let the WM know that you are willing to assist with that work.

• A great way to get involved, make personal study of the Work, and participate in the Masonic Journey of new members!

•

Visiting

• Visitations are a must with every Mason

• It gives many opportunities: – New Friends

– See how other Lodges operate

– Gain experience as a Mason by watching knowledgeable brethren in a variety of situations

– Study their presentations and delivery techniques

Your Obligation

• As a General Duty consider that a Master Mason should:

– Act Consistently with his Obligation;

– Observe a blameless Purity of Life and Conduct;

– Adhere to the Ancient Landmarks of the Order

Finally

• Your Duty is not only to become better yourself, but to teach others, both Masons and non-Masons, by precept and example.

• Exert your talents for the success, betterment and welfare of your Lodge, your Brethren, and All Mankind.

Some other points of Protocol

• We can add other points of protocol here, if you wish

• The above presentation was quite general, but we can go into further demonstrations within it… – For instance, a review of the signs and grips in

each degree could be done during the slide about grips/signs/salutes

– We can insert other things; e.g. sign of fidelity, etc. anywhere within the presentation.