United Grand Lodge of England
Province of Devonshire
Life as a Master Mason
To the Lodge Mentor
It is not intended that this paper be given to a new Master Mason as a whole or on one occasion. Rather it is intended to be given to him in appropriate “chunks” depending on his progress, his available time, his ability to receive it and the questions that he asks. That is a judgement for you and his personal mentor to make. Information overload can only have negative effects.
The material should be discussed with him and his questions answered.
Our thanks to the Provincial Grand Mentor of Gloucestershire for permission to use much of the core material in this Devonshire version of this document.
Anthony Banbury Provincial Grand Mentor August 2015
Being a Master Mason
As a new Master Mason it is hoped that you will wish, in a short while, to start on your progression within your Lodge, culminating with your installation as Worshipful Master. To be installed as Worshipful Master of his Lodge, is the pinnacle of a man's Masonic career. But for the moment, you would be well advised to remember the motto of Grand Lodge ‘Audi, Vide, Tace’ meaning ‘Watch, Learn and Listen’ for these are key words not only for newly made masons, but for us all.
You should now be in possession of a Book[s] of Ritual and should not be embarrassed to ask your Mentor or, in his absence, more experienced members of the Lodge what passages actually mean, if their meaning is not clear to you.
Try to make occasional visits to other Lodges, as each Lodge approaches the ritual in a different manner, some of which are most interesting and original. Volunteer to undertake stewarding duties if the opportunity arises, as this helps you get to know the other Brethren in your Lodge.
In many Lodges, new Brethren are encouraged to do small pieces of work, such as the Working Tools, on the floor of the Lodge. Mention to the Lodge Director of Ceremonies that you would be interested in learning and delivering a small piece of ritual. You may well wonder at the long pieces of ritual committed to memory by some Brethren which are then delivered on the floor of the Lodge, in front of an audience, with great composure. Remember, each one of those Brethren probably started his Masonic career learning just a short piece of ritual as you will do.
As a general rule:
➢ Be interested in everything that is going on in your Lodge. ➢ Ask questions of your mentor or other brethren. ➢ Become involved as an active and useful member. ➢ Do not overburden yourself.
➢ The true test is always – am I still enjoying myself?
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Lodge of Instruction
A Lodge of Instruction is often referred to as the LOI; although in some parts of the country it is referred to as a ‘Junior Lodge’. It is where ceremonies or Ritual are practised and rehearsed and it enables you to gain confidence about the part you have to play when your time comes to participate in a ceremony.
A good Lodge of Instruction will not limit itself to rehearsing ritual and ceremonies, but will also devote time to research. It is an opportunity to learn not only what we do, but why we do it.
Not all Lodges have a Lodge of Instruction. Where it does exist, it is presided over by a Preceptor who is in charge of the work.
Grand Lodge Certificate
At a meeting soon after you have been raised to the Third Degree, you will be presented with your Grand Lodge Certificate and asked to sign it. As a Master Mason, you are entitled to receive from Grand Lodge such a Certificate, stating that you have been regularly Initiated, Passed and Raised. The presentation may be made by the Worshipful Master, an experienced Brother designated by him, a visiting Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, or indeed a visiting Ruler of the Craft.
The Certificate is a sort of ‘passport’ to regular Freemasonry and may be used within the Craft as documentary proof of your membership. Nevertheless, it is clearly stated on the Certificate that it does not, in itself, entitle you to gain admission to a Lodge, other than one to which you belong, without due examination. In effect, this means you may well be called upon to ‘prove’ yourself should you visit a Lodge where you are not known, and you would normally do this by answering questions on Freemasonry.
You should keep the Certificate with your regalia. It should not be framed and must not be displayed either privately or publicly.
There is no formal ritual for the presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate. Indeed, you may well hear it done differently on every occasion you witness one being presented. However, a presentation that follows an outline of the Lecture on the First Degree Tracing Board is very appropriate, as it identifies and explains the meaning of the many symbols on the Certificate.
Visiting other Lodges
This is one of the most enjoyable parts of Freemasonry and, if invited, you should certainly accept if you are able to do so. It provides an opportunity to make new friends and see how other Lodges conduct their ceremonies. It is fair to say that no two Lodges are exactly alike!
If you are in any doubt about the ‘Regularity’ of the Lodge to which you have been invited, you should ask your Lodge Secretary to confirm that it is recognised, something which is mandatory if the Lodge is located overseas.
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Whilst visiting is extremely enjoyable, you should not engage in it to the extent that it becomes detrimental to your family or working life. The same common sense rule applies to every part of your Masonic activities.
Being a Mason in the World
Freemasonry is a wonderful experience and something that will be of benefit throughout your life, but it is true with Freemasonry, as it is with life, that you will only get out of it what you put in. It is hoped therefore, that you will use those ‘talents wherewith God has blessed you’, to the benefit of your Lodge. A Lodge has the need of many services in addition to those provided by Officers invested by the Worshipful Master. It has to be recognised that some Brethren, although wishing to be actively involved in the life of the Lodge, find it difficult to learn ritual. It is possible for them to offer their services as Treasurer, Secretary, Almoner or Charity Steward, as these offices are not restricted to Past Masters of the Lodge.
Whatever the service you provide to your Lodge and whatever the office you hold – remember it is but a step in your complete understanding of Freemasonry. You will undoubtedly encounter Brethren with a greater knowledge of Freemasonry than you, being impressed by the knowledge of your Mentor, the skills of your Worshipful Master or the confidence shown by Past Masters and Provincial and Grand Officers. Always remember that, like you, they continue to seek a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge and, like you, they all started where you did as Entered Apprentices.
Freemasonry does not aim to make you better than the next man, but does hope to make you better than you were. To make you someone who cares not just for his family, although this is your first duty, not just for the brethren in your Lodge, but also for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society. As a Freemason in the modern world, we can give you no better advice than to do unto others as you would have them do unto you and to do all in your power to relieve the suffering of the less fortunate wherever you are able so to do.
Symbolism
During the course of the ceremonies, you will have undoubtedly noticed that a great deal of symbolism and story-telling is employed both in words and in special artefacts placed and used around the Lodge Room. These Masonic images are used to teach morals and lessons, much as we use "visuals", like PowerPoint presentations to give meaning to images and data within a presentation on a specific issue. The statement "A picture is worth a thousand words." as the best way to learn, is just as true, today, as it was 5,000 years ago. Masonic symbols was used in past centuries, not due as much to Masonic secrecy, (as many people believe), but due to the fact that most of the world's population was illiterate. During the Dark Ages, the Middle Ages, and through subsequent centuries, most of the population, being working people, were illiterate or had only a rudimentary (basic) ability to sign their names, make their "mark" to signify their acceptance, or read simple words. Illiteracy did not make these Masons stupid or lesser operative Masons in the craft. They were simply working people, taking care of their families, who, by necessity, had to begin working at a The Province of Devonshire – Information for Mentors 2015 5
very early age, usually from dawn until dusk, 6 days a week. They did not have the time or the teachers to avail themselves of the ability to learn to read or of any higher education. The following may help you identify some of most important symbols:
The Three Great Lights - ‘The Furniture of the Lodge’
The volume of the Sacred Law – THE WORD that is the Holy Writings relevant to a particular candidate’s religion, upon which he makes his undertakings eg The Bible, The Koran, the appropriate Sikh or Hindu scriptures etc.
The Square – denotes THE GREAT ARCHITECT and symbolises morality.
The Compasses – denote THE UNIVERSE and are the symbol of impartial justice, defining the limits of good and evil.
The Three Lesser Lights The three candles in the east, south and west, either on or near the Worshipful Master’s, Senior Warden’s and Junior Warden’s pedestals, denote the sun at its rising, at its meridian and setting, to light men to their labours. They symbolise: The Master to rule his Lodge The Sun to rule the day The Moon to govern the night
The Three Great Pillars They are said to support a Freemasons’ Lodge and are represented by the three candlesticks: By the Master - Ionic denoting Wisdom and representing Solomon, King of Israel.
By the Senior Warden - Doric denoting Strength and representing Hiram, King of Tyre.
By the Junior Warden - Corinthian denoting Beauty and representing Hiram Abif.
Black and White Chequered Pavement This represents Light and Darkness or the joys and sorrows of our chequered existence on earth and replicates the floor of King Solomon’s Temple.
The Wardens Columns They represent the two pillars at the porch-way or entrance to King Solomon’s Temple:
Senior Warden’s column erect when Lodge is at labour (or open) Junior Warden’s column erect when Lodge is at rest (or closed, or ‘called off’) Celestial (SW) and Terrestrial (JW) Globes on top of these columns point out that Freemasonry is universal.
The Three Moveable Jewels These are transferred to the new Master and Wardens at Installation:
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Square (explained above) Level (equality) Plumb rule (justness and uprightness in life and actions)
The Three Immovable Jewels These are placed in a set position within the Lodge Room:
Tracing Board – for the Master to lay lines and draw designs upon Rough Ashlar – for Entered Apprentices to work, mark and indent upon Perfect Ashlar – for Craftsmen to try and adjust jewels upon.
Squaring the Lodge This is a reflection of the earlier days of Freemasonry when the layout of the Lodge was drawn on the floor in chalk at each meeting and later erased.
The Apron Thought to derive from sheepskins used by ancient stone masons for both protection and warmth, the legs being used to tie the skin round the body, though now reduced to symbolic size and with draw strings replacing legs. It is still made from the skin of a lamb.
Each Degree has its own form, with different standards for enhanced ranks, but strictly as laid down by Grand Lodge. Rosettes indicate the grade of Brother concerned: 2 = second degree 3 = third degree which are replaced by Levels when a Master Mason has passed through the Chair. (An Entered Apprentice’s apron is plain with no rosettes.)
The Collar This is purely a means of suspending the jewel (badge) which denotes a Brother’s office in the Lodge. Originally no more than a strand of blue cord, it was gradually expanded to its present size, but has no Masonic significance.
The Gloves Gloves were not worn by ancient operative masons. The custom probably derived from social fashions of ‘gentlemen’ in 19th Century. Along with the white apron, they are emblems of Purity and Innocence.
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The Relationship between UGLE (Grand Lodge) and the Provinces
The United Grand Lodge of England is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands, with its headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. Scotland and Ireland have their own Grand Lodges.
Its regular meetings are called ‘Quarterly Communications’ and are held on the second Wednesdays in March, June, September and December. The Annual Investiture of officers and Grand Festival take place on the last Wednesday in April.
The Book of Constitutions regulates Freemasonry under the United Grand Lodge of England and no alteration of these Constitutions may be made without the consent of Grand Lodge.
Grand Lodge consists of the Grand Officers of the year, Past Grand Officers, the Masters, Wardens and Past Masters of all Lodges under the Grand Lodge, all of whom must be subscribing members of Lodges under Grand Lodge. The Grand Master is the head of the Craft and is elected annually. At the moment the Grand Master is HRH the Duke of Kent. The Grand Master appoints the Grand Officers and this may either be to an acting rank for a year or to a past rank, which is where the appointee is honoured with the rank without actually serving in it.
The United Grand Lodge of England has some 270,000 members grouped in approximately 8,000 lodges. Lodges in London (an area within a 10 mile radius of Freemasons’ Hall), are organised into groups administered by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge of London. Lodges outside London and within England, Wales, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are grouped into 47 Provinces, based on the old Counties, each headed by a Provincial Grand Master.
The appointment of a Metropolitan or Provincial Grand Master is a prerogative of the Grand Master. He grants a ‘patent’ to any Brother whom he thinks worthy of the appointment. By this patent the Brother is invested with appropriate authority in the particular Metropolitan Area or Province.
The offices in Grand Lodge are, broadly speaking, the same as those within a Metropolitan Area and Province, or indeed the same as those within your own Lodge, with just a few exceptions. Whilst the actual offices may carry the same titles, the regalia worn is quite different and it is relatively easy to distinguish a Brother holding Grand Rank from one holding Provincial Grand Rank. Similarly, the regalia worn by a Brother who has not yet attained Provincial Grand Rank is also easily identified.
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Basic Masonic Etiquette
If you are unable to attend a meeting for business or other personal reasons, you should tell the Secretary as soon as possible and give your apology. If you are an officer of the Lodge, you should also tell the Director of Ceremonies, so that someone can be asked to undertake the work you were to perform. Naturally, whoever is going to stand in for you will appreciate as much notice as possible.
Dark suit (preferably black or charcoal grey), white shirt, black or Grand Lodge/Provincial tie, black shoes, black socks and white gloves are worn. Note that some Lodges are 'Dress Lodges' where evening dress is worn. Your apron should be clean and smart. Ensure you have your regalia with you and sign the Attendance Register on arrival.
Never enter the Lodge unless you are properly dressed in regalia, except when you are taking part in a ceremony of Passing or Raising, or at a rehearsal.
If you arrive late for the meeting, do not panic! Given the vagaries of traffic and the seemingly ever increasing demands of business life, it is not unknown for members or guests to arrive late for a meeting. When you have dressed appropriately, the Tyler will advise you how far the meeting has progressed. He will then give a report (knock) on the door of the Lodge and let them know that you are outside and will announce your name when someone comes to the door to enquire who seeks admission. When you are admitted to the Lodge, the Director of Ceremonies or his Assistant will normally meet you. You should give the relevant sign for the degree and, holding that sign, briefly apologise to the Worshipful Master for your late arrival (a single sentence is more than adequate). The Director of Ceremonies or his Assistant will then take you to a seat, give you a court bow (see below), which you should return and you should then sit down. If you are unsure of the relevant sign prior to entering the Lodge, you should ask the Tyler who will be only too pleased to demonstrate it for you.
When making a proposition, or addressing the Lodge, it must be made to the Worshipful Master, giving the salute in the degree in which the Lodge is working.
When perambulating (not marching) in the Lodge, remember to always start off with the left foot and never swing your arms or clench your fists.
Masonic acknowledgement in the Lodge is by means of a court bow. This is just a nod of the head, and not of the whole upper body.
When addressing Officers or Brethren in the Lodge, remember that we are all Brothers, even those who are Worshipful Brothers. Rank applies to the individual not to the office he holds, therefore the correct terminology is Brother Secretary or Worshipful Brother Smith, not Worshipful Brother Secretary. Forenames should not be used except to differentiate between two of the Brethren with the same surname. That said, in many Lodges this tradition is relaxed at the Festive Board when first names are used, but still always with Brother or Worshipful Brother. The Worshipful Master is always referred to as such.
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When addressing or responding to the Worshipful Master, always salute first (with step) in the current degree, followed by the words “Worshipful Master”. If your response is to be lengthy (except as part of the ritual), drop the sign after the address, say your piece and finish with the salute.
You should not talk to your neighbour in Lodge during the ceremony, or when anyone is speaking. If you do need to talk during a break in proceedings, ensure you do so discreetly.
Do not discuss religion or politics in your Lodge at any time.
You should always feel your way on matters of etiquette as customs may vary from Lodge to Lodge. As a general rule, it is sensible (and polite) to follow the custom and practice adopted by any Lodge you may be visiting.
As a new member, you may find many of our rules of etiquette strange when you first encounter them and indeed, on occasion, feel that you have failed to comply with them. This is quite understandable in the early days of membership and you will find the brethren very understanding in such matters. Please do not worry unduly about such things, but rather enjoy your new experiences.
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Festive Board
The festive board is the meal held after most Lodge meetings and varies in type from buffet to banquet, according to the wishes of the members. This is always a convivial occasion, but should be considered as much a part of the evening as the Ceremony in the Lodge, albeit in a more relaxed atmosphere. The meal following the Installation meeting is usually more lavish than those following the other meetings. There are often formal seating arrangements for the meal following the Installation meeting and it is possible this meal will be accompanied by rather more ‘wine takings’, toasts and speeches than are usually the case.
Seating arrangements vary greatly from Lodge to Lodge, with some far more formal than others. However, the seats to be occupied by the Worshipful Master, his two Wardens and the Immediate Past Master are usually specified. If there is no seating plan in force, your Mentor will doubtless see this as an opportunity to sit with you and introduce you to different brethren on each occasion.
You may possibly be asked to act as a Steward and, if so, you should look upon it as an opportunity to serve the Lodge and play a part, rather than something intrusive which interferes with your meal. One of the most respected Masonic offices is that of a Grand Steward or a Provincial Grand Steward and it is marked by a distinctive Red Apron and Red Collar.
There is no specific Masonic grace, but grace should always be said before the meal and thanks returned afterwards, usually by the Lodge Chaplain.
At some convenient moment during the meal, the Worshipful Master may wish to recognise the presence of certain other Brethren by ‘taking wine with them’, for example a Representative of the Provincial Grand Master or a Visiting Grand Officer. Those named stand, raise their glass and take a sip of whatever is in the glass. The content of the glass does not have to be wine or even alcohol of any sort.
Who are the Toasts to?
The Queen and the Craft The Grand Master The Pro Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Assistant Grand Master and Grand Officers present and past The Provincial Grand Master The Deputy Provincial Grand Master, the Assistant Provincial Grand Masters and the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers present and past The Worshipful Master The Initiate (if an Initiation has taken place) The Visitors (optional) Absent Brethren All poor and distressed Freemasons (known as the Tyler’s Toast)
In some lodges toasts are sometimes followed by a ‘Masonic Fire’. This is a gesture made with the hands and followed by clapping after each toast. It may take its origins from the tradition of firing
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guns in salute following celebrations, but there is no certainty as to its origin. One alternative view is that it represents the First Degree Sign and for this reason, it is not done when non-masons are present.
The Worshipful Master, or his Director of Ceremonies, uses a gavel to claim the attention of the Brethren, just as he does in the Lodge Room. When the gavel is used, the Brethren should take notice of it and stop talking immediately.
You may leave the table if necessary, but should try to avoid it if possible. In some Lodges, the chairs of the Worshipful Master and his two Wardens are not left unoccupied and should one of them need to leave his seat, they would ask another Brother to occupy it temporarily.
You will not usually have to make a speech. You will have already responded very briefly when you were toasted following your Initiation and you will probably not be called upon to do so again for some time. When you are eventually asked, you should try to remember the following:
Keep it short and relevant. Avoid offensive content at all costs. Start with a standard preamble. ‘Worshipful Master, Distinguished Brethren, Brethren all…’ or ‘Worshipful Master, Representative of the RW Provincial Grand Master, Brethren’ etc. The preamble will depend upon who is present, so listen carefully to the preceding toasts and follow suit. If someone is replying to your speech, you should call upon him to do so after Masonic Fire has been given (if appropriate). In many Lodges the Director of Ceremonies will call for this reply.
When you invite a visitor to your Lodge he signs in against your name and you are vouching for his integrity as a Freemason. In doing so, you are indicating that you know him well, that he has fulfilled his dues and remains in membership of his own Lodge, and that he has not been excluded from the Craft for misconduct. On most occasions, visitors are Brethren who are well known to many members of the Lodge, but such is not always the case. When a guest is an acquaintance who is not attached to a specific Lodge, we must be more cautious. If you have any doubts as to the status or integrity of your guest, you should seek advice from your Mentor and the Secretary of the Lodge.
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The Holy 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. (It is not recommended that you join any other orders until you feel comfortable in your Lodge and want to explore Freemasonry further. This should follow a discussion with your family about an increasing financial and social commitment.) Members of a Royal Arch Chapter have the title “Companion” and those who occupy the principal Chairs (or have occupied those Chairs) “Excellent Companion”.
The Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch, “at once the foundation and keystone of the whole Masonic structure” can truly be described as the completion of your journey in Pure, Ancient Freemasonry. Since the Union of the two Grand Lodges in1813, it has been declared that Pure Ancient Freemasonry consists of three degrees and three degrees only, that of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch.
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.
The allegory (story) of the exaltation ceremony is based on the Old Testament telling of the return to Jerusalem by the Israelites from their captivity in Babylon to rebuild the city and temple leading to the recovery of the “long-lost secrets of a Master Mason”. The candidate makes a number of discoveries which emphasise how God is central to man's life and existence. Without transgressing the bounds of religion, it leads him to a consideration of the nature of God and his personal relationship with Him, whatever his religion might be.
The Provincial Grand Chapter is the equivalent of Provincial Grand Lodge. In the Holy Royal Arch, the Provincial ruler is titled the Most Excellent Grand Superintendent. He is assisted by a Deputy Grand Superintendent. As in the Craft, every year a number of companions receive appointments or promotions to Acting or Past Provincial Grand rank. Provincial Grand Chapter meets once a year (usually at The Riviera Centre, Torquay) in November. All Royal Arch Masons are entitled and encouraged to attend.
Other Masonic Orders
“Pure, Antient Freemasonry” comprises the three degrees of Craft Masonry and the Holy Royal Arch. There are many other associated Masonic Orders which are independent of Craft Masonry and many brethren enjoy the breadth of experience and learning that they offer. The warning not to become more involved in other Orders than your circumstances reasonably allow cannot be emphasised too strongly or too often. Information is available to you when you feel you need it.
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Some Other Sources of Reference
Province of Devonshire Website www.pgldevonshire.org.uk
United Grand Lodge Website: www.ugle.org.uk
Masonic Mentoring www.masonicmentoring.org.uk
Province of Devonshire Publication “A Freemason’s Companion”
Province of Devonshire Year Book
Devonshire Provincial Office 23 Richmond Road, Exeter. EX4 4JF Tel: 01392 272429
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