Introduction

On visits to local lodges, the Grand Master may opt to be Introducing the Grand Master received formally. Many lodges, and indeed many Grand Lodge officers, are entirely ignorant of the procedure for There are two forms of address which are receiving the Grand Master, despite the best efforts of proper to be used when introducing the Grand Grand Masters for the past twenty years to visit every Master. They are: lodge in the jurisdiction. • “Most Worshipful John Doe, Grand In addtion, for many years, the suggested ceremony for Master of Masons in Kansas.” the reception of the Grand Master has been found in two different publications -- Floor Rules and Instructions (1998) • “Most Worshipful John Doe, Grand and the Manual of Floor Movements (2002). This, Master of the Most worshipful Grand combined with the infrequency that this ceremony is called Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted upon by many lodges, has resulted in the perception that Masons of Kansas,” or the reception of the Grand Master is a particularly difficult and onerous task. This publication is intended to update Unless the Grand Master indicates a preference for the second form of address, the reception ceremony, place it under one cover, and the first example is preferable as it includes all explain the relative simplicity of the ceremony. Masons in Kansas, not just the members of Only slightly more elaborate than the standard ceremony the Grand Lodge who, by definition are of receiving the District deputy Grand Master, the comprised of Past Masters, sitting officers of reception of the Grand Master differs only by the addition lodges, and Grand Lodge officers. For further of the Grand Master’s party and the brethren forming information on this topic, consult the Floor around the Grand Master in two parallel lines instead of Rules and Instructions Manual, (1998), 21. forming lines north and south of the altar to greet the District Deputy.

Usually, when the Grand Master visits a lodge, he will arrive before the hour set for opening and will be inside the lodge hall when the Worshipful Master opens the lodge. Take that opportunity to confer with the Grand Master about the details of receiving him.

As soon as the lodge is opened and following those honors rendered to the American Flag, the Master of the lodge will ask the Grand Master to “retire at this time so that we may formally receive you.” It is not proper to ask the Grand Master’s party to retire with him, as it is the Grand Master’s prerogative to decide whether or not he desires anyone to accompany him and be also received.

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The Grand Master Retires

SUMMARY OF FLOOR MOVEMENTS Grand Master (and Party) proceeds to altar Junior Deacon rises and attends door Grand Master (and Party) exit lodge Junior Deacon reseals door and awaits further orders Following this question by the Worshipful Master, the Grand Master will approach the altar by way of the North Work Line or the South Work Line (whichever is closest to him), proceeding to the West Altar Line. Once standing west of the altar he will, if he has not already, announce who he has selected for his party (usually naming them by titles), and requesting them to join him at the altar. The Junior Deacon will rise and unseal the anteroom door while the Grand Master and his party salute the Worshipful Master, and retire from the lodge by the South Work Line. The Junior Deacon will open the door for them as they approach, and reseals the door after they have left the lodge room. The Lodge is Prepared

SUMMARY OF FLOOR MOVEMENTS Tyler alarms the lodge Junior Deacon rises and attends door Senior Deacon and Escorts retire Lodge forms two parallel lines from door directly to East

Once the Grand Master and his party (if any) reach the anteroom, the Tyler should immediately sound the alarm, as this is the cue for the Master to begin his preparations for receiving the Grand Master. Nothing happens in the lodge room until the alarm is heard. When the alarm is given, the Junior Deacon will inform the Master that there is an alarm at the door, and receiving his order to attend to that alarm, he will unseal the door and receive the report of the Tyler which need only be the simple:

“Most Worshipful John Doe, our Grand Master (and his party) desires admission.”

Upon receipt of this information from the Junior Deacon, the Worshipful Master will order the Senior Deacon, and a number of escorts equal to the number of the Grand Master and his party (with preference given to Past Masters present in the lodge) to:

“Retire and conduct the Grand Master (and his party) to the lodge room.”

If there are not sufficient Past Masters or members of the lodge to provide escorts for everyone in the Grand Master’s party, the Master may use his discretion on which members shall act as escorts.

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As soon as the Senior Deacon retires, the Worshipful Master will cause the remaining brethren to:

“Form two parallel lines, extending from the East to the door.”

This formation naturally places the altar either north or south of these receiving lines (depending on the location of the door). These lines should be far enough apart to allow the in-coming Grand Master’s party to form two more parallel lines to inside this area of the and still have room for the Senior Deacon and the Grand Master to march two-abreast between the double set of parallel lines. The receiving lines may be bent or curved, as necessary, to keep the altar outside the lines.

The Senior Warden remains at his station.

The Junior Warden is in the south-most line of brethren directly north of his station, flanked by the stewards with their rods. See illustration at right. The Grand Master Enters

SUMMARY OF FLOOR MOVEMENTS Master orders “Admit them.” Junior Deacon attends door Escorts and Escortees enter and proceed to the East Escorts and Escortees separate and form another parallel line inside the first set Senior Deacon escorts Grand Master to the East Senior Deacon PRESENTS Grand Master

In the meantime, in the anteroom, the Grand Marshal (or some other officer designated by the Grand Master) will arrange the Grand Master’s party in the correct manner according to rank, and with the escorts on the right side of the Grand Officers. It should be remembered that the place of highest honor in Masonic processions is at the rear, thus, the Grand Master will be the very last in line. Immediately in front of him will be any Past Grand Masters who are ranked according to the years they have served – those with the longest record closest to the Grand Master, and other dignitaries as follows in the order they would enter the lodge

Brethren holding the current title of Worshipful (e.g. Past Masters) Brethren holding the current title of Right Worshipful (e.g. Grand Representatives) Grand Lecturers District Deputy Grand Masters Area Deputy Grand Masters Elected Grand Lodge Officers Past Grand Masters (most senior last) GRAND MASTER

When the parallel lines in the lodge room have been formed, and the Grand Master and his party are ready, the Worshipful Master will order the Junior Deacon to “Admit them,” and the escort of the brother lowest in rank in the party will lead the group into the lodge room and proceed directly to the East stopping on the floor level about four (4) feet from the Master’s platform.

After all have entered the Junior Deacon closes and seals the door, returns to his place and faces East. When the whole party has reached the East, the lines separate and face inward (forming the other pair of parallel lines mentioned above).

The Senior Deacon and the Grand Master, who have held back slightly near the door, then proceed through these lines toward the East. 3

On arrival at the foot of the dais, the Senior Deacon presents the Grand Master to the Worshipful Master – who is still at his station – saying:

“Worshipful Master, I have the honor to present Most Worshipful John Doe, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas,”

or such other title as the Grand Master may prefer (above). Receiving the Grand Master

SUMMARY OF FLOOR MOVEMENTS Master comes down to floor level in greeting Master takes Grand Master back up to north side of Master’s pedestal Master INTRODUCES Grand Master Master presides over Grand Honors Masters presents gavel to Grand Master and uncovers Grand Master introduces his party Grand Master returns gavel, Master recovers Master seats the lodge

At this, the Master will step down to floor level and greet the Grand Master will a personal welcome, saving the formal introduction for a moment.

The Master should be natural and easy greeting the Grand Master and say what comes naturally rather than trying to remember some committed speech. Remember that the Grand Master comes as a friend with a strong desire to be helpful, so treat him as you would a guest in your own home and make him feel that you are truly glad to see him.

Once this personal greeting is made at floor level, the Master them escorts the Grand Master up to the Master’s pedestal (staying on the north side). As the Master and Grand Master ascend the dais, the Senior Deacon takes a position immediately in front of his place, facing south (which may or may not be at the east end of the north line of brethren).

Now on the dais, the Worshipful Master will formally introduce the Grand Master by saying:

“Brethren, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce Most Worshipful John Doe, Grand Master of Masons in Kansas,”

or such other title as the Grand Master may prefer (above).

If the Lodge is opened in the third degree, the Master will lead in saluting the Grand Master with the Private Grand Honors (Due—g-ds & S-ns of all three degrees). If opened on either the first or second degree, the Master will lead the assembly in the Public Grand Honors ( three, triple hand claps given in time with the Master). Following the Grand Honors, the Master will invite the Grand Master to preside and present him with the gavel. When the Grand Master accepts the gavel, the Worshipful Master will demonstrate his surrender of authority by uncovering and stepping to the south of his station. Introductions of the Party

When the Grand Master has accepted the gavel, he will introduce the rest of his party (if any). When that is done, he will very likely return the gavel to the Worshipful Master. In this case, the Master will return to his station, recover, seat himself, seat the Lodge, and proceed with the program at hand. The Grand Master should be seated at the north or right hand of the Master. 4

If there are Past Grand Masters in the Grand Master’s party, he will lead the gathering in giving them the appropriate Grand Honors. Moving on with the Meeting

With the meeting or program completed, the Master will invite the Grand Master to make any remarks. It is always courteous to get all introductions, short talks, etc., out of the way before the Grand Master is called on for his remarks. The Master should keep the meeting under control, limiting unnecessary remarks to prevent the meeting going on until the late hours. Start on time and move along. Let the Grand Master’s address be the highlight of the meeting.

No one else should speak after the Grand Master has made his final remarks. Thus, be sure to ask for all announcements, sickness and distress items, reminders, and comments for the good of the order, prior to asking the Grand Master to speak. Once he has made his final remarks, close the meeting at once.

If the Master desires, he can ask the Grand Master to close the meeting in ample form, however, that function is up to each individual Grand Master and he may wish to watch the lodge officers perform their duties without having to preside over closing.

When the lodge is closed, invite your officers and members to meet and socialize with the Grand Master and his party.

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