Masonic etiquette

Title

Masonic etiquette

Creator

Oliveros, Hermogenes P.

Language

English

Source

The Cabletow XXXVIII (1) July 1962

Year

1962

Rights

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted

Fulltext

Jlaionic Ctiquelte VWB. Hermogenes P. Oliveros (First of four installments') For the past ten years it has been my pleasant duty to visit our sub ordinate lodges in Manila and in the provinces where I had the opportu nity to observe the ritualistic work performed by our brethren and to instruct or to give lectures on Ma sonic ritual. Whenever the officers of a subor dinate lodge would request me to help them solve certain problems pertaining to our ritual, I cheerful ly give such assistance so that these brethren may be able to acquire the knowledge and to gain an under standing of our Masonic ritual. With respect to our ritualistic work, we have been working earnest ly and assiduously in order that our ritualistic work < ould be made uni form in all our lodges. Such ob jective, however, much as I regret to sav, is still far from being realized. It is in this regard that I take the opportunity to mention certain facts gathered in mv official visitations, facts that wotdd reveal that there is a dire need of further dissemination of information relative to our riluall’ermit me to mention at the out set that the objective of this report is primarily to explain or to clarify certain aspects or parts of our ritual istic: work in older that the commis sion of errors could be avoided. These if not properly corrected would likely render our Masonic ri tual undignified, unimpressive and meaningless. To exemplify or to re flect fully the aim, the spirit, the beauty and the wisdom of Masonry, I wish to suggest very strongly a Ma sonic behaviour for the exemplifica tion of those brethren who have not as yet fully imbibed into their whole beings the Masonic truth. With candor, I have yet to see a lodge wherein the work done is in strict compliance with our adopted work. I have yet to visit a lodge where proper Masonic behaviour is strictly observed. I refer to the ob servance of proper decorum in Lodge meetings such as in the conduct of lodge meetings, in the balloting of the candidates, in bringing in and in retiring the flag of our country and in performing other ceremonies in the lodge. Every human association is govern ed by a code of etiquette without which such association will not func tion properly and efficiently. Ma sonry, like any other social organiza tion, has its own code of etiquette. It is unique in the sense that if it were used outside of its own setting, it would lose its very essence, mean ing, moral salites and intrinsic beau ty; within its own setting, such code becomes essential, beautiful and meaningful. Masonic etiquette is a set of rules of convention, embodying the writ ten and unwritten customs and tradilions of Free-masonry, by which Masons are bound to govern their conduct when engaged in the rites and ceremonies of the Craft; also Masons would be able to equate properly their relationship with one another as well as Masons. In prin ciple, Masonic etiquette belongs to the empire of good manners, a code by which gentlemen the world over govern their conduct. Emerson, the great American transcendcntalist and philosopher says that if good manners were lost it would be necessary for the next gentleman to rediscover it. This ap plies to Masonic etiquette without which our fraternal relations would be in a state of chaos. Let us look into some of the most salient provisions of this indispensible Masonic code: Entering n Lodge The first duty of a brother before he enters a lodge is to sign the Tyl er’s book. When visiting a lodge, Masons should present their current year dues card to the T.yler, if such is requested by this officer. A broth er should wear his apron on top of bis outer garment. If he is late, he should ascertain from the Tyler what Lodge is open in order to avoid any embarrassment. Upon entering the lodge, the brother should go to the Altai and salute the Worshipful Mas ter. If the Worshipful Master is oc cupied, this brother should go in front of the West and salute the .Senior Warden. This is done in order not to dis turb the proceedings. As a matter of courtesy the Master or the Senior Warden should nod as an acknowledgment of the salute and then indicate where the brother should take his seat. No brother should enter during the opening and closing ceremonies and also during the time when a candidate is taking his obligation. During degree work, a brother may enter and sit down quietly among the brethren. Lodge Meetings Whenever a Mason attends a lodge meeting, he should observe lodge eti quette and Masonic decorum. It is unnecessary for him to be reminded that during the time that the lodge is holding its meeting, he should con duct himself in a similar manner as when he is in the house of God. Let me repeat the injunction of the Worshipful Master. He opens the lodge in this wise: "I now declare this lodge of Master Masons to be duly opened; requiring all herein as sembled to conduct themselves with due order and propriety during the lime the same may remain open.” This injunction simply means that those present should act in a man ner appropriate to the occasion. Those present should not hold pri vate conversations without leave from the Worshipful Master, or they should not talk on anything imper tinent or behave themselves in a lu dicrous manner during the time when the lodge is engaged in its busIn the discussions that may ensue, any reference to personalities, any bitter expression or manifestation of ill-will, any slur or aspersion upon the lodge or upon its officers and the Grand Lodge, or upon the fra ternity itself, are condemned by the disciplinary law of the Craft. Loud talking, unnecessary moving about the lodge, laughing, smoking, passing between the Altar and the East, omitting the sign when one 16 THE CABLE TOW July, 19G2 enters or leaves the lodge, attiring improperly, being inattentive to the business going on, reading the Mon itor—for all these, no Mason need consult the book of etiquette to know that such indecorous manner is utterly improper; under such a condition or atmosphere nothing would conduce to the establishment of harmony within the lodge and cenainly to the building of a strong moral, Masonic life! A Worshipful Master should nev er permit the display of such behav iour nor should he countenance the show of ill manner in any form. The Tyler Many of the 'Tylers, especially those who are not Past Masters, are not conversant with their duties. It is incumbent upon the Worshipful Master to instruct the Tyler on his duties. Jn addition to his duties, the Tyler should maintain order at the door; he should not admit visitors without completely ascertaining whether they arc in good standing; also, he should not permit anybody to enter the lodge at the time when the lodge is being opened or closed and during the time when the can didates are taking their obligations. A Tyler who understands and prac tices his art well keeps the Ante room clean and in order; lie piles neatly the aprons; and he never al lows magazines, newspapers, books and similar objects to be scattered around. A Tyler should not assume the re sponsibility and prerogative of exam ining a visitor and of administering the Tylers oath, and later admit him to the lodge. No visitor should be permitted to enter a lodge unless he has the per mission of the Worshipful Master. Whenever a visitor seeks admission, the Tyler should notify the Worship ful Master through the Junior Dea ton. (To be continued) NOW OPEN! WE ACCEPT ORDERS FOR: Officers Collars & Aprons, Officers Jewels, Masonic Rings, Pins, PM Jewels, Lambskin and White Linen Aprons, Working Tools, Bibles, etc. WE HAVE FOR SALE: “What Is Freemasonry?” ................................................................... Pl.20 by Robert J. Lewinski, Ph. D. Postage .05 Pl.25 1961 “List of Regular Lodges-Masonic” ...................................... 1’4.00 Postage .20 1’1.20 PLACE ORDERS OR COMMUNICATE DIRECT WITH US PLARIDEL MASONIC SERVICE STORE 1440 San Marcelino St. Manila II. P. OLIVEROS Manager MASONIC ETIQUETTE 17

pages

15-17

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