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Provincial of Lincolnshire

Pathway to Mentoring: First Degree Ceremony Entered Apprentice “ Pathway books Entered Apprentice.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2019 08:54 Page 2

This Mentoring Booklet was presented to

On his being initiated into on

by Worshipful Brother

The Worshipful Master of

Lodge No

Date

Personal Mentor Pathway books Entered Apprentice.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2019 08:54 Page 3

CONTENTS

2 Introduction 2 What is Freemasonry? 3 in England 4 The History of Freemasonry in Lincolnshire 4 The Lodge Mentor 5 The Ceremony of your Initiation into Freemasonry 6 The Charge after your Initiation 7 Explanation of the first degree Tracing Board 8 Masonic Ritual - ‘a series of playlets’ 10 The Order of the 10 Basic Masonic Etiquette 12 Subjects Not Proper for Discussion in Lodge 12 What is the Festive Board? 13 The Lodge Room 14 A Daily advancement in Masonic knowledge 14 What next? 15 Second Degree Questions and Answers (Abbreviated) 16 Mentoring Check List 17 Sources of Information 18 Personal Notes Pathway books Entered Apprentice.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2019 08:54 Page 4

Message from the Provincial Grand Master

Welcome to Freemasonry in the Province of Lincolnshire.

I am delighted you have chosen to join our world-wide fraternity and I am sure you will find it interesting, challenging and ultimately a very happy experience.

My journey in Freemasonry has continued to be one of discovery and enjoyment, and I hope you enjoy a similar experience.

I look forward to meeting you on some future occasion on my visits around our Province and I hope that you have a very fulfilling and rewarding life as a Freemason in our wonderful organisation.

Dave Wheeler Provincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire

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INTrOduCTION WhaT IS FrEEMaSONry? This booklet is the first of three and is It is one of the world’s oldest and largest intended to offer guidance in the ceremony non-religious, non-political, fraternal and that you have just experienced. It is hoped charitable organisations. It teaches self- that these booklets will support you in knowledge through participation in a making a daily advancement in Masonic progression of ceremonies (playlets). knowledge and answer any questions you Whilst Freemasons are not expected to be may have. We would like you to enjoy your perfect in all they do, members are Craft Masonry, including the Holy Royal expected to be of high moral standing and Arch, that will complete your journey in are encouraged to speak openly about Pure and Antient Freemasonry. Freemasonry. Please discuss this booklet and any additional questions you may have with The Three Great Principles your Mentor, Proposer or Seconder. They of Freemasonry are: all have a shared responsibility to guide you in your development and journey in Brotherly Love - tolerance and respect Freemasonry. There may be some questions for others and their opinions, kindness which are unanswerable until you have and understanding towards other taken a higher degree. Be patient if they people. defer from answering. People join Freemasonry for a variety of Relief – caring for each other and also reasons: fellowship, social aspects, the wider community through friendships, intellectual and moral self- charitable giving and voluntary work improvement or even spiritual reasons. Some because they are simply intrigued Truth – truth and honesty, exhibiting and inquisitive to learn more OR believe high moral standards in our lives and that Freemasonry will offer them an encouraging them in others. opportunity to learn and develop as citizens and individuals. Whatever the reason for The Values of Freemasonry are as relevant joining Freemasonry, it is hoped that you today as they have been at any time over will experience more and different benefits the last three hundred years. Freemasons than you anticipated; benefits that are encompass and embrace the fundamental gained from being a member of our principles of good citizenship in all walks wonderful fraternity. of life: • Kindness: Freemasons have always been deeply involved in charity and make a major contribution to society through their own charities, as well as through donations to UK charities and worldwide disaster funds, with members playing an active role in their communities

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• Honesty: Freemasonry prides itself on its oldest document that refers to Masons is transparency. Not only are Freemasons the Regius Poem, printed about 1390, completely free to acknowledge their which is known to be a copy of an earlier membership, they are encouraged to do so. work. In 1646 Elias Ashmole recorded his • Tolerance: Freemasons are expected to initiation in Warrington in his diary and this show respect for the opinions of others and remains the first firm evidence of a behave with understanding towards other speculative initiation taking place in people. England. Continuing throughout the 1600s • Fairness: Freemasons treat all as equal. evidence of non-operative Lodges For many, the organisation’s biggest draw increases. is the fact that members come from all On 24th June 1717, four Lodges met in the walks of life and meet as equals whatever Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s their race, religion or socio-economic Churchyard in London and formed the first position Grand Lodge of England - and the first in • Integrity: Freemasons are asked to be the the world. Antony Sayer was elected the best people they can be, which comes hand first Grand Master, and records from that in hand with following the above principles point in time are more detailed. of kindness, honesty, fairness, tolerance Over the course of the following century A Freemason is always considered a Ireland and Scotland also formed their own Brother to every other Freemason in the Grand Lodges in 1725 and 1736 world. The wearing of regalia is historic respectively. Lodges opened across and symbolic and indicates the rank of the England and abroad as the British Empire wearer in the organisation. When you are expanded. A rival Grand Lodge was ready, we would like you to take part in our formed in England though happily, after 4 ceremonies and progress in the Lodge. years of negotiations, these merged and formed the United Grand hISTOry OF FrEEMaSONry Lodge of England, or UGLE, on 27th IN ENGlaNd December 1813. By 1814, 647 Lodges existed across No-one can say England and overseas. Expansion with absolute continued at home and abroad to such an certainty how or extent that at the turn of the century, 2800 when the Lodges were operating under the aegis of Masonic the United Grand Lodge of England fraternity as we (UGLE). At the same time other Grand recognise it today Lodges were being formed throughout was formed. A other countries. widely-accepted theory among Masonic In 2017 UGLE, the oldest Grand Lodge in scholars is that it arose from stonemasons' the World, celebrated its tercentenary guilds during the Middle Ages. amongst its 6000+ Lodges spread Some of the language and symbols used in throughout the world. Celebrations the rituals certainly come from this era. The culminated with an event at the Royal

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Albert Hall with representatives of 136 The Provincial Grand Lodge of sovereign Grand Lodges from the four Lincolnshire is a subsidiary to UGLE and corners of the globe in attendance. exists to coordinate and support UGLE is led by The Most Worshipful The Freemasonry in this Province or County. It Grand Master. He is supported by a Pro is led by the Right Worshipful Provincial Grand Master*, a Deputy and Assistant Grand Master who is supported by a Grand Master and a team of Grand Deputy and two Assistant Provincial Grand Officers. Masters and a team of Provincial Grand * In this title, ‘Pro’ isn’t short for anything. Officers. When the Grand Master is a member of the The Province has 3,500 Freemasons Royal Family he may appoint a Pro Grand meeting in 74 Craft Lodges based at 21 Master to be his principal adviser, and to centres from Barton-upon-Humber and act for him on those occasions when he is Grimsby in the north to Bourne, Spalding unable to be present due to Royal and Deeping St James, close to the County engagements. boundary, in the south. Read more in ‘A brief History of Craft ThE hISTOry OF FrEEMaSONry Freemasonry in Lincolnshire’ which is IN lINCOlNShIrE available online and via Lodge Secretaries.

According to Dr John Stukeley, ThE lOdGE MENTOr Freemasonry within Lincolnshire started in 1730 when he moved to Grantham. Some The Lodge Mentor holds a senior office in brief notes exist in his Common Place the Lodge. He has the important role of Book. ensuring an appropriate experienced The first Lodge known to have been member of the Lodge is appointed as a constituted within the county and under the Personal Mentor for every new Candidate. authority of Grand Lodge was number 73, This is to ensure that the Candidate meeting at the Saracen’s Head in Lincoln receives the correct guidance during their from the 7th September 1730. From this informative years in Freemasonry, Lodge, some records, including 3 years of especially as they progress through the minutes and some By-Laws, still exist three degrees and into the Holy Royal dated from 1732. Arch. The Personal Mentor may be one of Matching changes at national level, the your Sponsors (Proposer or Seconder) if number of speculative Lodges expanded they have the experience and time. across the Province and though many Lodges have ceased to exist, in 1793 the There are many wonderful aspects to Witham Lodge was formed at Lincoln and Freemasonry (which we often simply refer still operates to this day. to as the ‘Craft’) and to ensure you are able In 1792 the Province of Lincolnshire was to derive as much fulfilment and enjoyment formed and the Reverend William Peters as possible from Freemasonry, your Lodge became the first Provincial Grand Master. will have arranged for you to have a He held this post for 22 years as Mentor who will both assist and guide you. Freemasonry expanded in the area.

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You will find this approach especially first enter Freemasonry, we are without the beneficial during your early years of hidden knowledge of the Craft and rely on membership, when you will no doubt have the help and guidance of others, such as our many questions regarding our organisation Sponsors, Mentors and indeed any other and its ceremonies. Please never be too Brother. It is hoped that you as a brother reserved to ask for information, or will develop in the Craft and you in turn assistance ……. All the Brethren in your can extend help to others. Lodge are also your Mentors and will be pleased to assist in any way they can. The h...w...k you wore, represented the darkness associated with the lack of Your Personal Mentor will refer to this knowledge and Masonic Education and document and those that follow, to assist in also enables the Candidate to be led into explaining those various aspects of our the Lodge Room without seeing the organisation that make it so enjoyable, arrangement of the Lodge. At the interesting and spiritually uplifting. appropriate part of the ceremony, the Lodge is revealed to you. This The approach taken by your Mentor will symbolically represents the beginning of depend upon your personal relationship your Masonic knowledge and journey. with him and your own particular wishes and needs. He will have a ‘check list’ of The c... t... is an old emblem of a servant information but feel free to ask your own being bonded to his Master. In a questions. Freemason’s Lodge, it symbolises our bondage to ignorance until we are brought Whatever the style taken, he (they) will be to the light of knowledge of the Volume of seeking to ensure that you receive these The Sacred Law. (In our Lodges this is key elements: Belonging, Understanding, usually the Bible but could be the sacred Involvement and Enjoyment. Book of another Religion as held by the Candidate, such as the Koran etc.). Mentoring is a two-way process, so please do be open and honest with your Mentor(s) The l… b... is made b... so that the points and make him (them) aware of your wishes of both the p... and the c... can be felt next and needs. He (they) is there to see that you to the heart. Also, some believe, to prove get the most, in every way, from your that the Candidate is not female. membership in the Craft. He (they) may even assist you to learn your words for You were d…v...d of all m…t objects, so your Second and Third Degree ceremonies. that you could not bring any offensive weapons into the Lodge to disturb its ThE CErEMONy OF yOur harmony. Equally to represent the fact that INITIaTION INTO FrEEMaSONry without money and riches we are all equal. The First Degree Ceremony represents You were s…p…s…d to emphasise your birth, in the sense of emergence, of a poverty and your k... was made b... so Candidate’s Masonic knowledge. When we that there was nothing between it and the

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Earth when the Obligation was taken. received without anything of value, emblematically to show that you entered Inside the Lodge Room you confirmed that Freemasonry as a man without worldly your entry was of your own volition, possessions and therefore in need. confirmed your belief in God, and that you were of mature age and you agreed to go The Working Tools of an Entered through the Ceremony of your Initiation. Apprentice were presented to you, they teach us the basis of a good life and how You were paraded before the members as a we become fit members of society, which is good man and true. also explained in more detail in the Charge. This is outlined below. You recited an Obligation and agreed to obey the rules of the Organisation and You were then given copies of the Book of promised to preserve the “Secrets of Constitutions and the Lodge Bye-Laws. Recognition” (‘Sign, Token and Word’) In some Lincolnshire Lodges the Candidate which were explained and entrusted to you leaves the room at this point to restore in detail; the symbolism of certain objects himself to his personal comforts; in others was also explained to you. The ‘Secrets of this happens after the charge we describe Recognition’ are the means by which we next. can recognise one another ‘by night as well as by day’. This originates back to our ThE CharGE aFTEr operative past to gain entry to a Lodge in yOur INITIaTION the degree of work that would follow. In the past Masons were not literate and so When you were ready, you re-entered the were not given certificates of qualification Lodge Room where the “Ancient Charge” as to his level of skill or expertise. was recited to you: recommending how you should behave in your life and actions. You were examined twice in reciting the ‘Secrets of the Degree’, first at the Junior This part of our ritual, the “First Degree Warden’s pedestal and later at the Senior Charge”, is both beautiful and meaningful, Warden’s pedestal. being designed to encourage the newly admitted mason to contemplate and think You were invested with an Apron of plain deeply about the deeper implications of white Lambskin which is a symbol of being a Freemason. It encompasses a daily purity and is derived from the Aprons worn striving to make a good man better. by the Medieval Operative Masons. It is the Badge of the Order and all other Below are a few points to remind you to Masonic aprons, however ornate, are look again at the full piece, with your derived from this Badge. Mentor, and to appreciate the message it gives. As a test, at the North East Corner of the Lodge, you were asked to give to Charity. As you have passed through the ceremony You will recall the result and that you were of your initiation let me congratulate you

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on being admitted a member of our ancient ExPlaNaTION OF ThE FIrST and honourable institution. dEGrEE TraCING BOard As a Freemason let me recommend to your serious contemplation the Volume of the This is one element of the First Degree Sacred Law therein you will be taught the which is not always presented in a Lodge important duties you owe to God, to your during this ceremony. If the Tracing Board, neighbour and yourself. which is pictured overleaf, was not As a citizen of the world you are to be presented to you then it is worth discussing exemplary in the discharge of your civil it with your Mentor. Also, to arrange a visit duties, by paying due obedience to the laws to a Lodge where it is undertaken as a of any state which may for a time become regular part of the ceremony. your place of residence, ever remembering Origins of the Tracing Boards go back the country whence you derived your birth many centuries and were used in Masonic and infant nurture. Ritual from the very beginning. There are As an individual let me recommend the accounts of early Freemasons tracing practice of every domestic as well as public symbols onto the floors of their Lodge virtue, Prudence, Temperance, Justice, rooms in chalk, charcoal or sand, a practice especially Benevolence and Charity. that became systemised, and then As a Freemason, there are other embellished to produce some examples of excellences of character truly outstanding artistic achievement. • Secrecy, never improperly to disclose But why trace anything at all? Since those Masonic secrets entrusted to you. prehistoric times, we have attempted to • Fidelity of our fraternity record visual images of our surroundings • Obedience to our laws and regulations and of our relationship to the world around • Above all enjoyment (be happy and us, that both we and others could relate to. communicate happiness) On a spiritual level, we learned to render And finally to dedicate yourself to such comprehensibly images in both sculpture pursuits as may enable you to be and painting that would assist us in our respectable in life, useful to mankind and devotions to God and the betterment of an ornament to the society of which this mankind. Our Masonic forebears decided day you have become a member and to to adapt the plans of buildings into endeavour to make a daily advancement in allegories as a plan for moral, intellectual your Masonic knowledge. and spiritual development. The ceiling of a Lodge became a canvas on Your Mentor will discuss all of the which to depict the heavens. A carved stone ceremony with you in more detail and will was used to represent a stage in man's own no doubt refer to the book of ritual. You inner development. The placing of one will receive your own copy of this book, stone on another became an allegory for the which contains all three ceremonies after construction of more than a physical you have completed your third degree. temple, for the building of our own characters and through that, the building of a temple to humanity and of humanity. There is ample evidence that, in the 18th

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century, much instruction was imparted to Candidates, not so much in the course of the Degree ceremony, but afterwards, in preparation for the next Degree as a Tracing Board. However, this now seems to have fallen by the wayside. Today the Tracing Boards are used to attempt to fill in some of the missing features and to complete the landscape. Freemasonry is about rendering in symbol and allegory that which words alone cannot render. A visual image gives us a way of using our own insight to decode the message. The Tracing Boards exist for this purpose, derived from their original function of laying out the plan of the building, but they have developed into a means for us to lay out messages, and then to profit, not just from contemplation of their meanings, but by their application in our everyday lives.

Right: The First Degree tracing board

MaSONIC rITual: ‘a SErIES OF PlaylETS’ Historically, by learning the Ritual, all were the ceremony of Exaltation in the Holy enabled to take part and progress. Royal Arch. Additionally, not committing the Ritual to print emphasised its secrecy which was The Entered Apprentice Degree (or insisted upon at that time. It cannot be initiation) represents youth because it denied that the ceremony has far more teaches the most basic lessons of belief in impact on the Candidate when delivered Great Architect of the Universe, the from memory. necessity of charity to mankind, the importance of truth, and the value of Specially written playlets convey different keeping one’s word. This leads to; aspects of the ancient mystery traditions. Each stage is another part of the whole, one The Second Degree which is the Fellow leading to the next. There are three distinct Craft, (or Passing) this degree represents playlets in Craft Masonry; The Entered manhood, the middle period of life. During Apprentice, the Fellowcraft and the Master this playlet, the importance of education Mason and this is then complemented by and work, and the awesome power of the

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Great Architect of the Universe, are taught done, so that the ceremony can be given as to the Mason. This leads finally to; flawlessly as possible. For this reason, attendance at rehearsals is vital, speak to The Master Mason Degree (or Raising) is your Mentor who will advise you. A well the third playlet or ritual of the Lodge. In conducted ceremony not only impresses on the course of this ceremony, the new the mind of the Candidate, but also Master Mason is taught the importance of demonstrates to him his importance, shown living a life true to the principles of by the fact that so many of his new-found morality and virtue.In many Lodges, a Brethren have gone to such lengths for his newly-initiated member does not have benefit and to ensure his welcome amongst access to the printed ritual until he is them. It does of course also provide them presented with, or allowed to purchase, a with huge satisfaction in a job well done ritual book following the completion of his with skill and co-operation. Third Degree. However long or short the piece of ritual, There are several versions of Masonic you should always endeavour to deliver it ritual. However, all Masonic ritual has the with clarity and sincerity. If mumbled or same purpose – to inculcate a heightened garbled, the message will be lost and with sense of morality and awareness of eternal it the purpose, not to mention the truths within which human existence is recipient’s attention and interest. Having lived. said that, it is acknowledged that very few of us are professional actors, so all that is The Ritual is a book to be studied, since it expected is that members try their hardest carefully provides not only the words and and do their very best. an idea of the movements to be used in the ceremonies, but also an insight into the thinking and intentions that inspired Freemasonry.

This is part of the reason why each participating Mason should learn his words rather than simply reading them – by the repetition and concentration that the learning entails then understanding, appreciation and the sense of achievement grows. With greater familiarity comes recognition, acceptance and enjoyment so the process of learning is an essential part of the Freemason’s education into the Craft and, hopefully, his subsequent lifestyle.

Thus, it is important that time and effort be assiduously given when learning is to be

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ThE OrdEr OF soon as possible and send your ThE hOly apologies. If you become an officer of rOyal arCh the Lodge, you should also advise the Director of Ceremonies, so that We appreciate that someone can be asked to undertake the Freemasonry is very work you were to perform. Naturally, new to you and that whoever is going to stand in for you will you are just beginning appreciate as much notice as possible. your first steps along this wonderful and rewarding journey. The dress code is a dark suit (preferably However, it is important to ensure you are black or charcoal grey), white shirt, black aware, even at this early stage, that it is the or Provincial tie (enquire where to wish of the Rt W. Provincial Grand Master purchase this tie), black shoes, black socks that on completion of your Third Degree in and white gloves (in some Lodges gloves Craft Freemasonry, and in due time, you are not worn until you are a Master will continue your journey in ‘Pure Antient Mason). Note that occasionally, in some Masonry’ by joining the Order of the Holy Lodges evening dress may be expected to Royal Arch. be worn. Your Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft aprons will be available to Although the Order of the Holy Royal Arch collect, usually from the , when you is indissolubly linked with Craft arrive and your Mentor should assist you Freemasonry it has its own identical with this. When you become a Master structure. The governing body for Royal Mason you will obtain your own apron. Arch Masonry in England Wales and the Channel Islands is the ‘Supreme Grand Remember to sign the Attendance Register Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England’ on your arrival! based at the same building as the United Grand Lodge of England in London. Each Always ensure you are appropriately Province is governed by a Most Excellent dressed Masonically before entering the Grand Superintendent and in the majority Lodge Room. Talk to your Mentor or of cases this is the same person as the Rt Lodge sponsors if you are unsure. Worshipful Provincial Grand Master. That is the case in the Province of Lincolnshire, If you arrive late for the meeting, do not with The Most Excellent Grand panic! Given the vagaries of traffic and the Superintendent being the head of the Order. seemingly ever-increasing demands of business life, it is not unknown for BaSIC MaSONIC ETIquETTE members or guests to arrive late for a meeting. When you have dressed You will receive a summons before the appropriately, the Tyler will advise you next regular meeting which will identify how far the meeting has progressed. If you the agenda. If you are unable to attend a are unsure of the relevant sign prior to meeting for business or other personal entering the Lodge, you should ask the reasons, you should advise the Secretary as Tyler who would be only too pleased to

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demonstrate it for you. He will then give a If you make a proposition, or address the report, by knocking on the door of the Lodge, it must be made to the Worshipful Lodge and let them know that you are Master, giving the salute in the degree in outside. When the Inner Guard comes to which the Lodge is working. the door to enquire who seeks admission the Tyler will announce your name. When When addressing Officers or Brethren in you are admitted to the Lodge, the Director the Lodge, remember that we are all of Ceremonies or his Assistant will Brothers. Rank applies to the individual not normally greet you. You should give the to the office he holds. Correct terminology relevant sign for the degree and, holding is to ‘Brother Secretary’ or ‘Worshipful that sign, briefly apologise to the Brother Smith’, not ‘Worshipful Brother Worshipful Master for your late arrival (a Secretary’. Normally forenames should not single sentence is more than adequate). The be used, except to differentiate between Director of Ceremonies or his Assistant two Brethren who happen to have the same will then take you to your seat. Masonic surname. acknowledgement in the Lodge is by means of a ‘court bow’, i.e. a brief forward Never turn your back on the Master to inclination of the head only, not a bow address the Lodge without first receiving from the waist. Before being seated you permission from the Master to speak. give a court bow (nod of the head) to the No man sits whilst speaking in the Lodge escorting Officer. room, no matter if he addresses an Officer or another brother. Never take a seat in the East without You must always obey the gavel and pay invitation, even if all other seats are taken. attention to the Worshipful Master. When perambulating (walking formally, It is bad form to talk to your neighbour in not marching) in the Lodge, remember to Lodge during the ceremony, or when always start off with the left foot and avoid anyone is speaking. If you do need to talk swinging your arms, or clenching your during a break in proceedings, ensure you fists. Always exhibit a good posture. do so discreetly.

Brethren will salute the Master when All mobile phones are to be turned off they leave the Lodge and again when they when in the Lodge Room. re-enter the Lodge Room. Masonic etiquette is important in Freemasonry and customs may vary from When addressing, or responding to the Lodge to Lodge. As a general rule, it is Worshipful Master, you should salute first sensible (and polite) to follow the custom (with step) in the current degree, followed and practice adopted by any Lodge you by the words “Worshipful Master”. If what may be visiting. you are saying is to be lengthy (except as part of the ritual), cut the sign after the address, say your piece and finish with the salute.

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SuBjECTS NOT FOr WhaT IS ThE FESTIVE BOard? dISCuSSION IN lOdGE The Festive Board is the meal held after Religion and politics should not be most Lodge meetings and varies in type addressed in Lodge, and there are good from buffet to banquet, according to the reasons for this. When we meet in a Lodge, wishes of the members. This is always a we are all on a common level, and are not convivial occasion and should be subject to the classes and distinctions of the considered as much a part of the evening as outside world. Each Brother is entitled to the Ceremony itself, albeit in a more his own beliefs and convictions. Hence we relaxed atmosphere. Although this is a refer to our maker as the ‘SUPREME more relaxed environment there are BEING’ ‘or The GREAT ARCHITECT OF formalities to observe and jackets will THE UNIVERSE. Our objective is to unite continue to be worn. men, not to divide them. These subjects Usually a Chief Steward is responsible for create honest differences of opinion that organizing the Festive Board in liaison with might well cause friction between brethren. the Secretary. If you are on the permanent dining list and are unable to attend you There will also be subjects concerning the should cancel your meal, otherwise you Lodge's business that should not be may incur unnecessary expense. discussed. All deliberations should be kept Alternatively, if you’re not a permanent within the bounds of propriety and diner and you wish to have a meal then you everyone should show tolerance for the need to order one via the Chief Steward. opinion of others. Every Master wants Inform him if you have any special dietary harmony in his Lodge. Once a matter has requirements. been put to vote in the Lodge and a The meal following the Installation decision is made, the decision should be meeting is usually more lavish than those accepted by all members, regardless of how following the other meetings. There are they voted. often formal seating arrangements for the meal following the Installation meeting and We try to teach every Mason to be a good it is possible this meal will be accompanied citizen and to perform his civic duties. We by rather more ‘wine takings’, toasts and do not try to keep anyone from expressing speeches than is usually the case. his opinion or from serving his city, county, state, or nation, in an honourable manner. Seating arrangements vary greatly, with Anyone who serves in political office some far more formal than others. should not act politically as a Freemason, However, the seats to be occupied by the nor use the name of Freemasonry in Worshipful Master, his two Wardens and exercising his political rights, such as the Immediate Past Master are usually showing affiliation with any Lodge in his specified. If there is no seating plan in campaign advertising. place, your Mentor will doubtless view dining as an opportunity to sit with you and introduce you to different brethren on each occasion.

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ThE lOdGE rOOM A list of the Lodge Officers is included on the summons, which you will receive The interior seems well before each meeting. organised, and thought out, yet it holds many mysteries to the new Mason. It takes You may be asked to act as a Steward and, time to understand the function of each if so, you should look upon it as an officer and the layout of the Lodge interior. opportunity to serve the Lodge and play a The seating arrangements may vary slightly part, rather than something intrusive, which in different Craft Lodges. The position of interferes with your meal. It is a great the door also varies depending on the opportunity to meet and become familiar building layout. with members of your Lodge as well as meeting its guests. The area of the Masonic Lodge commonly referred to as the East is where the Master You will find an altar in every Lodge. The of the Lodge is seated. The Master of the Volume of the Sacred Law on the altar will Lodge is elected by the brethren of the vary depending on the Lodge location, the Lodge annually. He is the leader and the beliefs of the brethren, and specifically the ruling of the Lodge rests squarely on his Candidate. Don't be surprised to see more shoulders. than one book on the altar.

The Lodge Room is laid out very You will also notice that there are certain specifically and the seating arrangements other items of Lodge furniture that are may vary slightly in different Craft Lodges. placed in specific positions in the Lodge room.

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a daIly adVaNCEMENT IN WhaT NExT? MaSONIC kNOWlEdGE The next step is the second degree when Discuss with your Mentor and mark the you will be Passed to the Degree of a position of the items of Lodge furniture Fellowcraft. We sincerely hope you will below, the Officers of the Lodge and the thus continue your journey to discover seating arrangements for the Brethren of those Liberal Arts and Sciences. your Lodge on the Lodge Room Template. To do so you will need to show your Also, find out where you sit in the Lodge? knowledge of elements of the 1st Degree. You now need to learn the answers to the 1. The Tracing Boards Second Degree questions below. Help with these will be given by your Personal 2. The Candlesticks Mentor or the Lodge Mentor. You may find it useful to visit another local 3. The Pillars and Globes Lodge, if they are conducting a 1st degree ceremony, so you can remind yourself, at 4. The Moveable and Immovable Jewels an early stage, the lovely ceremony and occasion you have just gone through. Talk to your Mentor and he will arrange this and join you or arrange another Brother to accompany you. Remember, if you are ever unsure about anything, you only need to ask. Bon Voyage…

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SECONd dEGrEE quESTIONS aNd aNSWErS (aBBrEVIaTEd) W.M. Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason? Cand. In my h…

W.M. Where next? Cand. In a convenient room adjoining the Lodge.

W.M. Describe the mode of your preparation Cand. I was d…v…d of m…l and h…w…d. My r… a…, l… b…, and k… were made b…, my r… h… was s… s… and a c… t… placed about my n...

W.M. Where were you made a Mason? Cand. In the body of a Lodge, just, perfect and regular.

W.M. And when? Cand. When the Sun was at its meridian.

W.M. In this country Freemasons’ Lodges are usually held in the evening; how do you account for that which at the first view appears a paradox? Cand. The earth constantly revolving on its axis in its orbit around the Sun, and Freemasonry being universally spread over its surface, it necessarily follows that the Sun is always at its meridian with respect to Freemasonry.

W.M. What is Freemasonry? Cand. A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

W.M. Name the grand principles on which the Order is founded? Cand. Brotherly love, relief and truth.

W.M. Who are fit and proper persons to be made Masons? Cand. Just, upright and free men, of mature age, sound judgement and strict morals.

W.M. How do you know yourself to be a Mason? Cand. By the regularity of my initiation, repeated trials and approbations, and a willingness at all times to undergo an examination when properly called on.

W.M. How do you demonstrate the p of your being a Mason to others? Cand. By sns, ts, and the perfect pts of my entrance.

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GENErIC MENTOrING ChECk lIST – ENTErEd aPPrENTICE Personal Mentor:

Lodge Mentor:

Date completed

Apron – where to collect and return

Signing of the Lodge Register

Book of Constitutions p 6&7 Discuss some relevant rules in book

EA Ceremony & Mentoring Booklet

Brief History

Explain signs token & word (Ensure correctness of the sign)

Organisation of the Lodge and Officers

Basic introduction to the Royal Arch

Masonic Etiquette & Protocol

Festive Board Protocols

Q&A ready for next ceremony

Solomon https://solomon.ugle.org.uk

Provincial Website https://www.pgllincs.org

Other useful Social Media

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SOurCES OF INFOrMaTION This is a list of sources of information you may find useful:

United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) https://www.ugle.org.uk

Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire https://www.pgllincs.org

Initiates’ Guide A comprehensive booklet published by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge. Available from the Provincial Grand Mentor

The Province of Lincolnshire Year Book (Blue Book) The Peterborough Booklets Grand Lodge publications: ‘Information and Guidance for Members of the Craft’ Information about Masonic Charities What is Freemasonry Freemasonry and Religion Freemasonry and Society

To increase your Masonic knowledge please register and visit: https://solomon.ugle.org.uk

Please do not attempt to gain the secrets of the next degree or to look at your next ceremony it will only spoil it for you... Keep the mystery

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PErSONal NOTES:

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PErSONal NOTES:

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acknowledgements The Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire wishes to acknowledge and thank all those Brethren who have assisted the Provincial Grand Mentor in producing this and the other mentoring booklets for the Provincial Mentoring Scheme. We also acknowledge and thank the work of other Provinces that have produced mentoring materials for their kind assistance, and in particular the Province of Derbyshire for their cooperation.