The Freemason Grand Lodge of Ghana (FMGLG). The Grand Master of the Osu Lodge Chapter 7627 invites names Below to the Initiation on Saturday. We congratulate these people again to be Initiated on your invitation to be a member of this international organization. We approved you as a new member of the coming on initiation. You have been Approved for this Event time 6PM.
Grand Masters Of Initiation
New List For Up Coming Initiation
Masonic initiation rites include the reenactment of a scene set on the Temple Mount while it was under construction. Every Masonic lodge, therefore, is symbolically the Temple for the duration of the degree and possesses ritual objects representing the architecture of the Temple.
So mote it be” is a ritual phrase used by the Freemasons, in Rosicrucianism, and more recently by Neopagans, meaning “so may it be”, “so it is required”, or “so must it be”, and may be said after the person giving the prayer says ‘Amen’.
Our Master and all his officers (+) will do their utmost to assist you Masonic career. Every member of … (+) welcomes you warmly into the lodge and each and every one of our visitors (+) is here today to welcome you warmly into the fraternity of Freemasonry. Brethren, the toast is to Brother Initiate.
There are three degrees conferred in the Masonic Lodge: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They are loosely based upon the journeymen system, which was used to educate medieval stonemasons and craftsmen.
Initiation List for Saturday 18th, May 2024.
- NINKPE EBENEZER
- AGYEKUM EMMANUEL
- ERIC PATU TETTEH
- FREEMAN AMEZUWOE
- ISAAC KWESI BARNES
- EMMANUEL KONTOH
- ALEXANDER NII YEBOAH
- CLYDE NII NARH TETTEH
- ADDAE CHARLES AWUKU
- ESSUMAN SHERIFF
- SIAW – LAWRENCE
- AGYEMANG GERALD YAW
- CHARLES ACKROMOND
- ADU ENOCK
- ABDUL RAHMAN SHEHAB
- AKPAKLI DANIEL JUNIOR
- AHORGAH MICHAEL
- ADUNKWAAH ADDO EMMANUEL
- EMMANUEL TWUMASI
- YAKUBU ABDELA
- AGYEMANG TAOFIK OFORI
- NOAH OSEI YAYRA
- ASARE – COBBINA ELLIOT
- DANIEL KOOMSON
- ELISHA LARBI
- ANNAN MICHAEL
- QUAYSON SOLOMON
- ZADOK AYISI
- KWADWO DICKSON
- ENOCK AMO
- STEPHEN OWUSU
- ANTWI KINGSFORD OWUSU
- RANSFORD ABOAGYE
- GODFRED OSEI
- JOSEPH EVANS KWAME NELSON
- ELVIS FRIMPONG
- JOSEPH KUUBUR
- DESMOND OWUSU
REJECTED
- RICHARD KWASI DOGBEY
- JULIANA ADANMA NNADI
- MICHAEL QUAYSON
- OWUSU KWABENA ERNEST
- CATERNOR RANSFORD KING
- KARIM ABDUL WAHAR
- STEPHEN KISSI GYAMERAH
- KWARTENG – AMANING WILLIAMS
- CHESTER C NAH
Lodge Meetings, The Festive Board and Visiting Other Lodges
New Initiates
Guide to
Freemasonry
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
CONTENTS
- Why have you become a Freemason ?
- Your Progression in Freemasonry
- Lodge Meetings, The Festive Board and Visiting
Other Lodges - Lodge Officers
- Lodge Furniture and Room Layout
- Dress Code, Customs and Protocol
- Charity
- Other Available Resources
Lodge 1st Degree Tracing Board
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
2 - Why have you become a freemason?
Before you completed your application to join, you will
probably have received leaflets to give you an insight into
Freemasonry and what we practice and believe. In
summary you will have probably already have learned
the following:
Masonry consists of a body of men banded together
for the purpose of mutual intellectual, social and
moral improvement and pledged to preserve our
mysteries, privileges, customs and ceremonials. Its
members endeavour to cultivate and exhibit brotherly
love, relief and truth, to one another and the world at
large.
The essential condition of membership is a belief in a
Supreme Being.
Masonry recognises no distinction of religion and
emphasises the duties of loyalty and citizenship. It
does not permit any of its members to discuss
religious or political questions in Lodge.
Masonry offers no pecuniary advantages binding one
Mason to deal with another, or to support him in any
way in the ordinary business relations of life.
We support a wide variety of Masonic and nonMasonic charities but Masonry is not in any financial
sense a mutual-benefit society. Masonic charities are
solely for the less fortunate.
Masonry teaches that a man’s first duty is his family.
People should not therefore join if the associated fees
and charitable contributions will be to the detriment
to their loved ones.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
Therefore everyone Freemason should be sure:
o he desires the intellectual and moral
improvement of himself and others;
o he is willing to devote time, means and efforts
in the promotion of brotherly love, relief and
truth;
o he seeks no commercial, social or pecuniary
advantages; and
o he is able to afford the necessary expenditure
without detriment to himself or his
dependants.
The reasons why people join and what they like about
Freemasonry vary from person to person. You will have
your own reasons, but the following are taken from a
sample of new members:
Quest for knowledge – because they are intrigued
about the history and mysteries held within
Freemasonry
Charity – because they feel it is a conduit to put
back into society, through Masonic charity giving
Brotherhood – because it is a leveller, meaning
you meet (and indeed become friends with) a
broad spectrum of people, from Chairmen of large
PLCs to dustmen, people that live on your estate
to foreign nationals, people from 21 to 90+yrs of
age, essentially, a very extensive male
demographic. Simply by mixing with people from
different walks of life helps to broaden the mind
Self improvement – to become a better person
Learning – networking, learning from peers and
mentors and learning from practising ritual (if you
hold office)
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
4
After dinner speech-making (watching others and
on occasion making a simple speech)
Unusual – because there is nothing quite like it in
life
Achievement – progressing through office to
Worshipful Master
To become a better person.
You have recently joined a Masonic lodge in the Province
of West Lancashire – but in so doing you have joined one
of the world’s oldest fraternal societies. You are now a
member of The Craft, a term used to describe the three
degrees of freemasonry. By being initiated into your
Masonic Lodge you have become a member of one of the
worlds oldest secular fraternal societies.
There are about 400,000 members in the United
Kingdom housed in nearly 8,000 lodges worldwide, there
are about 6 million Freemasons. As a member of the
fraternity, you can visit any of these lodges throughout
the world, but it is advisable to check with your lodge
secretary before you attempt to make a visit overseas.
Having recently joined an ancient and honourable
institution, in common with many other institutions, there
are rules of protocol, many unwritten, which should be
understood in order to help you settle into your lodge
and to make your time in Masonry more enjoyable.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry - Your Progression in Freemasonry
As an Entered Apprentice your first step is to progress
through your remaining two degrees, Fellow Craft, and
Master Mason. At your Initiation you were presented with
the Book of Constitutions. Do not try to learn it – this was
presented to you as a useful reference for further
information about our organisation.
Your Lodge Committee will usually decide the workings
for the year ahead, which includes when they think the
time is right for your progression, although one meeting
a year is reserved for the Installation of the Master. It is
hoped, however, that you will have the support of your
proposer and seconder. Your Lodge should also be
appointing a knowledgeable brother as your mentor, who
will be able to answer any questions you may have, or at
least know where to go to find the answer for you.
When you become a Master Mason, freemasonry really
begins to open up and privileges include:
Attending the whole workings of every ceremony
(except a small section of the Worshipful Masters
Installation meeting)
Taking full part as an officer within your mother
Lodge or another Lodge you may join
Joining other Lodges in the UK or abroad
Joining other Orders beyond the Craft, such as the
Holy Royal Arch (Chapter)
Visiting other Lodges in the UK more easily. This
is possible now but you may not see very much!
Visiting Lodges abroad.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
6
It is normal that once you have attained these three
degrees you may wish to start to move through the
seven progressive offices, resulting in you eventually
becoming the Worshipful Master of the lodge. Each
progressive officer has a role to play in each ceremony
that is performed, although taking office is your choice. If
you decide to hold office, you will be expected to learn
your part in the ritual and play a role in the team that
carry out the various ceremonies. This is memorised from
the Ritual Book you will be given when you become a
Master Mason. The Ritual Book has missing or
abbreviated words to keep the ceremony special, but you
will be given these missing or abbreviated words verbally
when required. You can gain help learning the ritual
through a Lodge of Instruction (LoI). At LoI, brethren
meet to practice and perfect the various ceremonies in an
informal atmosphere. This is where the ritual becomes
familiar, the meaning of obscure passages explained, and
where questions can be answered.
Most Lodges operate a LoI or share LoI with other
Lodges. Above all, LoI provides an opportunity to meet
fellow Brethren in a relaxed environment becoming more
acquainted with each other, developing teamwork and
camaraderie. Many Masonic friendships develop through
the LoI. Whilst the words of the ritual are usually learned
at home, regular attendance at LoI with the opportunity
to practice and rehearse builds knowledge, confidence
and skill and enables us to give candidates the most
meaningful experience during the ceremonies.
We are all continually learning within our Masonic lives,
and although you may not need to practice for an office
at the moment, it is recommended that you attend LoI as
soon as possible. You will have to leave the room during
rehearsal of Degrees you have yet to experience,
nevertheless you will find regular attendance at LoI very
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
worthwhile and fulfilling and they will enable you to
better become a valuable member of your Lodge.
At the LoI there will be a mix of officers of the Lodge,
Past Masters, and other brethren. The person in charge
of the LoI is known as The Preceptor.
There may well be a time when you are unable to attend
LoI due to personal and work commitments. But, if you
have agreed to take a role at a forthcoming LoI and then
find that you are unable to attend please advise the
Preceptor in advance so that alternative arrangements
can be made. There is no dress code and you do not
need your regalia for LoI.
You may also hear the term “Chapter” used. This refers
to the Holy Royal Arch. Although there are numerous
other Masonic Orders which you will get to hear about in
time, none of them form part of Pure Ancient Masonry.
The Craft teaches you about man’s relationship with man,
whereas the Holy Royal Arch teaches about man’s
relationship with his God. It is only by combining the two
that you can ever become a complete mason. For this
reason it is likely to be more beneficial to join the Holy
Royal Arch before considering other Masonic Orders. You
are eligible to join (called exaltation) a Royal Arch
Chapter four weeks after the date of becoming a Master
Mason. To find out more please ask your proposer, Lodge
secretary, mentor or any brother you see wearing a
Royal Arch jewel, which is a jewel suspended from a tricolour, red, or white ribbon.
You will learn about other Masonic Orders, but it is fairly
common practice to join The Holy Royal Arch as your first
priority.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
8 - Lodge Meetings, The Festive Board and Visiting
Other Lodges
The meetings are in two parts – the Lodge Meeting and
the Festive Board. You should do your best to attend all
meetings, but as an Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft or
even as a Master Mason at the Worshipful Master’s
installation, you will have to retire from the Lodge for a
short while, when workings above your degree are being
performed. You will usually be accompanied by your
mentor or another member when this happens, and you
may like to ask beforehand who will do so.
If, for any reason, you are unable to attend a meeting
please notify the secretary at your earliest convenience.
Most Lodges have a committee that agrees how many
regular and emergency meetings there are a year (if any)
and start times. So put them in your diary a year in
advance as this makes it easier to plan personal activities
around them. Before each meeting you will receive a
Summons, which includes an agenda – bring this to each
meeting. All Officers have a designated seat and there
are often seating places for Grand Officers, Lodge
members and guests. Please check with your Lodge
where you should sit if you are unsure.
As in any association there is a certain amount of
administrative procedure: minutes of the last meeting,
discussion and voting on financial matters, news and
correspondence, proposing and balloting for new
members. Part of the meeting will usually include
collecting Alms, when you will be expected to donate a
small sum to charity.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
There are four ceremonies which form the core of the
formal Lodge meeting:
1 First Degree or Ceremony of Initiation
2 Second Degree or Ceremony of Passing
3 Third Degree or Ceremony of Raising
4 The Ceremony of Installation. This annual
ceremony installs the Worshipful Master who then
appoints his officers for the year ahead
The Lodge meetings are followed by a dinner – the
‘Festive Board’ – which is the best opportunity to meet
fellow and visiting members. The Festive Board will
normally be followed by a standard format of toasts.
After the Festive Board some members may choose to
carry on the evening elsewhere, making the evening a
very social affair. One of the delights of Masonry is the
Festive Board and the camaraderie and relaxed
atmosphere in which it is conducted. You have already
been asked to respond to the toast made to you at your
Initiation so you will know that a little preparation and
advice will make things more comfortable for you.
During dinner it is customary in many Lodges for the
Master to take wine with specific brethren. When the
Master sounds his gavel during the Festive Board it is
expected that the Brethren should be immediately silent,
out of respect to the Master. Wine taking is of a personal
and mutual nature, all concerned stand and drink. There
is a difference between the wine taking during the dinner
and the formal toasting after dinner.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
10
It is usual that the experienced members of the Lodge
propose the toasts but occasionally you may be called
upon for a Toast to give you some experience. You will
normally have good notice of any such occasion with time
to prepare. As a guideline Toasts can be introduced as
follows:- “Worshipful Master, Grand Officers (if any
present), Officers, and Brethren all”. However it is not
obligatory that you start a toast with this formal address,
you may prefer to say “Worshipful Master, Brother
Wardens, Distinguished Brethren, Brethren all.”
No-one expects a Candidate (or even a more experienced
Mason) to be the best after dinner speaker – simply do
your best. Never say anything that is likely to cause
offence and short speeches are often appreciated.
One of the joys of Freemasonry is visiting other Lodges.
You are advised to visit a Lodge and see someone else
being Initiated as soon as possible. Usually you will be
invited by a Brother who knows you are a Member of the
Craft. If you anticipate visiting a Lodge where you are not
known, please take your Grand Lodge Certificate with
you. You will receive your Certificate, in due time. Before
you join the meeting, don’t forget to sign the visitors’
book.
If you intend to visit a Lodge when you are abroad, it is
essential that the Lodge is recognised by our governing
body. Your Lodge secretary will help you find out. There
are organised bodies who style themselves after
Freemasons but do not follow the Book of Constitutions
and are therefore not recognised by the UGLE.
As a visitor it is usual that you sit and watch. You should
use the signs you have been taught, and not those of
other Lodges. There are a number of forms of ritual or
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
‘workings’ as it is called, such as Emulation, Universal,
Bristol, West End, Taylors and so on, with slight
differences to each. Find out which working your Lodge
uses.
There is a possibility, that as a Visitor, you may be called
upon to respond to the toast to the visitors. If you are,
you should be aware that it is not appropriate to criticise
another Lodge’s working, or the way they conduct their
Festive Board, but rather to enjoy these differences as
part of our Masonic learning.
When responding to a toast, one useful way to start a
response is:-
“Worshipful Master, Brother Wardens, Distinguished
Brethren, Brethren all. Thank you Brother [name] for
proposing the toast to the visitors, and to you the
brethren of [name] Lodge for the way you received it.”
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
12
- Lodge Officers
When you joined your Lodge you probably noticed there
were lots of Masons with separate jobs to do, either
guiding you, asking you questions, or teaching you about
the Craft. You may have seen there were others who
looked after the administration, ceremonial and finances
of the Lodge. In fact, to conduct a meeting and ceremony
a Lodge ideally requires 11 non-progressive officers and
7 progressive officers. They are listed in the Summons
that convenes the meeting. Lodge officers are
recognisable by the jewels suspended from their Lodge
collars. Where they sit in Lodge also helps indicate their
role.
Progressive officers
Usually each year a Brother would progress through
these offices on a path from Steward to the highest
honour within a Lodge – the Worshipful Master, although
each office is subject to the choice of the Master for the
year.
Steward This is likely to be the first office you
will have. The Stewards’ main function
is an integral part of a successful
Festive Board, as in many Lodges the
Stewards will be responsible for setting
out the place-cards prior to the dinner,
and serving the drinks during the
Festive Board. It is a very good way to
meet the members. They are also
looked on as stand-ins for any absent
Officer, to prepare for future office.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
Inner Guard The Inner Guard sits just inside the
door of the Lodge. He admits accredited
Brethren into the Lodge, advises when
there is a Candidate wishing to enter
the Lodge, and checks that everything
is in order before entrance is allowed.
Junior &
Senior
Deacons
The Deacons look after and guide the
Candidates during ceremonies. Their
duties need to be carried out with care
and dignity. The Deacons have one of
the most interesting and delightful
roles, which involves both learning
ritual and floor-work. They also carry a
wand as a badge of office.
Junior
Warden
The Junior Warden is entrusted with
ensuring that no unqualified person
enters the Lodge, which is why you will
see the Inner Guard address the Junior
Warden when a Brother wishes to enter
the Lodge after it is opened. The Junior
Warden sits in the South. In the normal
course of events this year’s Junior
Warden will be next year’s Senior
Warden
Senior
Warden
The Senior Warden sits opposite the
Master in the West of the Lodge. The
Wardens have different but
complementary roles in the Lodge and
assist the Master to open and close the
Lodge, and conduct the rituals. In the
normal course of events this year’s
Senior Warden will usually be elected as
next year’s Worshipful Master.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
14
Worshipful
Master (WM)
The Worshipful Master is elected each
year by the Brethren of the Lodge, and
is then “installed” into the Chair by his
predecessor. He usually occupies the
office for one year, although in an
emergency this can be extended to
two. He is in charge of the Lodge for
his year, acts as its Chairman and
normally conducts most of the
ceremonies. The Master sits in the
East of the Lodge, and must have
served as either Senior or Junior
Warden for a year, before he can be
appointed. On becoming Master for the
first time a Mason is then referred to
as a Worshipful Brother.
Non-progressive officers
These offices are usually occupied by members who are
past Masters of the Lodge and tend to be occupied by the
same person for a number of years, to provide continuity
and experience. They are also appointed by the Master
annually, except the Treasurer and Tyler, who are
elected. The IPM is the preceding years WM.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
Immediate Past
Master (IPM)
After his year as Master of the Lodge
a Mason becomes the Immediate
Past Master (IPM). Strictly the IPM is
not an Officer of the Lodge, but his
position is an important one, as it is
his responsibility to sit beside the
Master, both in the Temple and the
Festive Board, and give him support
and guidance when needed.
Chaplain Whilst the discussion of religion (and
politics) is not permitted within our
meetings, each one opens and closes
with prayer. Many Lodges that have
no members of the clergy amongst
their number, appoint one of their
senior Masons to the office of
Chaplain.
Treasurer The Treasurer is responsible for the
finances of the Lodge. Annually he
produces a financial summary report,
which is submitted to the auditors,
who are elected from within the
Lodge membership. It is the
responsibility of each member to pay
his subscriptions, together with any
dining charges to the Treasurer
promptly. The Treasurer settles any
debts incurred by the Lodge, such as
the Lodge rent for the building where
meetings are held, the various levies
imposed by Grand Lodge and
Provincial Grand Lodge, and dining
expenditure. A Treasurer sets the
level of subscriptions for the
following year.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
16
Secretary The Secretary has hands-on daily
administration of all matters
connected with the smooth running
of the Lodge. He is effectively the
conduit between Grand Lodge,
Provincial Grand Lodge and your
Lodge. He receives the mail
addressed to the Lodge, and submits
the returns detailing the
membership, ceremonies conducted,
and matters associated with the dayto-day affairs of the Lodge. Normally
a Secretary holds the post for a
number of years, providing
continuity and experience for
successive Masters. It is the
Secretary’s duty to organise the
summons, and distribute them.
Annually the Secretary receives a
copy of the Masonic Year Book. He
holds these publications on behalf of
the Lodge.
Director of
Ceremonies (DC)
The DC, as his title implies, has the
job to direct the ceremonial aspects
of our meetings. As in public life
when ceremonial is required, such as
a State Funeral or Royal Wedding,
the important events call for
meticulous planning, rehearsal and
organising for the requirements of
the occasion. The DC’s role is to
make certain that ceremonies are
efficiently conducted with dignity and
decorum and that all concerned are
aware in advance of what they have
to do.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
Almoner The Almoner is effectively the Lodge
Welfare Officer, as it is he who
should maintain contact with the
Brethren who through age or
infirmity are unable to attend
meetings. He also looks after the
welfare of any Lodge widows, or any
members suffering from illness. The
Almoner would organise petitions for
assistance in cases of extreme need,
and generally be on the lookout for
signs of distress or loneliness among
the members of the Lodge or their
dependants.
Charity Steward The Charity Steward is responsible
for coordinating the Lodge’s
charitable affairs in the most efficient
way. He should have knowledge of
the various methods of making
donations and will be happy to give
help and advice to the members on
these matters. A part of the Charity
Steward’s role is to encourage
members to donate charitably, but
always within their means.
Mentor The Lodge Mentor is usually an
experienced Past Master. His role is
to pro-actively ensure that any
Brother gets the help and support he
may require to understand and enjoy
his Freemasonry. This may include
explaining parts of our ceremonies,
or offering general guidance. He will
support your proposer/seconder.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
18
Assistant
Secretary
The Assistant Secretary’s role is to
help the Secretary. The duties vary
from Lodge to Lodge. Occasionally
the Office is given to a Past Master
who has been identified as a possible
future replacement as Secretary. In
some Lodges the Assistant Secretary
deals with the Festive Board,
booking dinners and generally
supervising and supporting the
Stewards in their role.
Assistant
Director of
Ceremonies
(ADC)
The Assistant Director of
Ceremonies’ role is to help the
Director of Ceremonies and to act as
his understudy. He will also usually
assist the Director of Ceremonies at
the festive board.
Should the Director of Ceremonies
be unable to attend the meeting it is
usual that the ADC will cover this
role.
Organist Many Lodges are not fortunate
enough to have within their
membership a Brother who is
adequately skilled to play the Organ
at meetings, and so rely on
professional organists. Some Lodges
have no musical accompaniment.
Generally, having an Organist can
add to the overall decorum of the
meeting.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
Tyler The Tyler guards the outside of the
door to the Lodge. This is an elected
office. It is often carried out by a
senior and experienced member of
the fraternity, as he is the officer
who prepares the candidate for the
ceremonies, and should make sure
that he understands the specific
salutes in which he has been
instructed.
The Tyler is not necessarily a
member of the Lodge.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
20 - Lodge Furniture and Room Layout
You will notice that your Lodge room contained particular
items, or furniture, when you were initiated. They have a
variety of uses – some are symbolic, and some practical.
You will see these in virtually every Lodge you attend.
Carpet or
Masonic
Pavement
In most Lodge Rooms you will find a
black and white squared carpet or
chequered floor. This denotes our
chequered existence, happiness and
sorrow. The Masonic tradition is that the
floor of the Temple of Solomon was
decorated with a mosaic pavement of
black and white stones.
Chairs and
Pedestals
There are chairs or benches for all those
attending our meetings around the
squared carpet but three of these chairs
will be behind pedestals or small tables.
In many cases the chair and the
pedestal will be marked with the jewel
of the occupant. The chair and pedestal
in the East is for the Worshipful Master.
Opposite him in the West is the Senior
Warden and in the South the Junior
Warden. On the Master’s pedestal will
be placed the Bible, called “The Volume
of the Sacred Law”. The Secretary,
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer sit
behind a table located in the North.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
The Warrant
The Warrant of the Lodge is granted
to the Lodge by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master at its Consecration.
This Warrant must be in the Lodge
Room when a Lodge is opened. It
will always be displayed at the
initiation of a new member and
when a new Master is installed.
Usually it will be always on display.
Volume of the
Sacred Law (VSL)
In the English Constitution, the VSL
is the Holy Bible. The VSL is always
open when a Lodge is conducting
business or one of its ceremonies.
The Square and Compasses will be
placed upon the VSL. If a Sacred
Volume is required for Brethren of a
faith other than Christian, then the
Volume will be placed in front of or
beside the Bible, but never on top.
Rough and
Smooth Ashlars
The Senior Warden’s pedestal will
have a smooth ashlar, or block of
stone, resting on it and the Junior
Warden’s a rough ashlar. These are
the ‘Immovable Jewels’. They
represent two different stages in
Freemasonry and understanding.
The rough ashlar is thought of as the
stone on which an apprentice can
learn the art of stonemasonry. The
smooth ashlar is used by the more
experienced stonemason to hone
and perfect his skills.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
22
The Wardens
Columns
Each Warden has a column on his
pedestal. These will usually show the
designs of the Doric order for the Senior
Warden, denoting strength, and the
Corinthian order for the Junior Warden,
denoting beauty. Usually the Columns
are surmounted by a celestial or
terrestrial globe which point out
Masonry universal. The Wardens will
also position their Columns to show if
the Lodge is ‘opened’ or ‘closed’.
The Working
Tools The Working Tools of each degree are
fully explained in the ritual. The
appropriate set of tools are displayed in
the Lodge for each degree. Those
shown here are for the First Degree, or
those of an Entered Apprentice
Freemason.
Tracing Boards There are 3 different Tracing Boards
(one for each degree). These have
always been a feature of Freemasonry.
The three boards illustrate the story of
each degree, the details will be
explained to you during each ceremony.
Lodge Banners Many Lodges have a Banner, though it
is not a necessity. Some Banners date
back to the consecration of the Lodge,
some are more recent. They often
depict the origin, or some particular
characteristics of the Lodge.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
The Ballot Box The Ballot Box is used for voting for
new members, and can be of a
variety of designs. Some have a
‘yes’ and ‘no’ drawer; (members
place a ballot ball in the relevant
drawer) and others one drawer. The
correct procedure for balloting in
your Lodge will be explained to you.
A certain number of black balls or
balls in the ‘no’ drawer, as per Lodge
By-Laws, will exclude a potential
member, hence the term ‘blackballed’. Deacons hand out the
appropriate number of balls needed.
Wands
of
Office
The Director of Ceremonies and his
Assistant, and the Senior and Junior
Deacons each have a Wand of
Office. The DC and his Assistant will
always carry their wands when
moving about the Lodge. The
Deacons, depending on the ritual,
may carry theirs.
The Gavel
The Worshipful Master, and both
Wardens each have a Gavel. A Gavel
is used by the Master to gain the
members’ attention when he is
about to speak, this will followed by
the Senior Warden and the Junior
Warden. The same procedure is
followed at the Festive Board when
the Master is about to propose a
toast or take wine.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
24
The Lodge room, sometimes referred to as “the temple”
has a typical layout. This is where a Lodge holds its
regular meetings.
When visiting other Lodges you will find they vary as
some premises are purpose-built, whilst others are
converted or even shared with other functions.
The point of entry always is in the West and facing
East.
The WM sits in the East, the SW in the West and the
JW in the South
The Secretary and Treasurer are normally located on
the North side
The other junior officers vary somewhat in location
from Lodge to Lodge, but generally are in the
positions shown
The Lodge Banner and Warrant are displayed in the
room at the South East
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
26 - Dress Code, Customs and Protocol
The dress code in most Lodges is similar: a dark lounge
suit or Morning Dress (a black jacket and waistcoat with
striped trousers), appropriate tie, white shirt, white
gloves, black shoes and socks. An appropriate tie is
either plain black, the Grand Lodge Craft tie or a
Provincial Grand Lodge tie. In some Lodges a dinner suit
with black bow tie is worn at the Installation Meeting. If
you have any queries regarding the dress code, including
ties and aprons, please speak to your proposer, Lodge
secretary or mentor.
Your apron should be worn with the top above the
midriff. Your apron is full of symbolism. It is possible that
the string that tied your apron when you were initiated
was allowed to hang down at the front. These ends of
string are the ancestors of the ornamental fringe seen on
18th Century Masons’ aprons, and of the “tassels” on the
aprons worn by all brethren once they have become
Master Masons. Initially aprons will be provided by the
Tyler, however when you become a Master Mason you
are expected to purchase your own. They are available
from a variety of Masonic regalia suppliers.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
You may also notice that some of the Brethren wear dark
blue aprons and collars and occasionally someone may
be wearing a red one. They will be happy to explain the
significance to you so please do not be afraid to ask. The
only regalia, badges and other ornaments permitted in
the Lodge are those attributable to the Craft itself and
when you become a member of a Chapter, your
appropriate Royal Arch jewel.
You will also notice that many of the brethren in the
Temple wear medals, or breast jewels. These jewels fall
into various categories, including
Royal Arch Jewels
Past Masters jewels
Centenary Jewels
Founders Jewels
Charity Jewels (See section 7)
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
28
The Book of Constitutions outlines the various rules
regarding jewels and contains some illustrations. Jewels
also refer to the pendants on the collars which the Lodge
Officers and others wear, and these are called collar
jewels to avoid confusion.
CUSTOMS
Customs vary enormously from ritual to ritual and Lodge
to Lodge, but in general the following are used
throughout Craft Masonry.
Salutes and signs are used throughout Lodge
meetings and change depending on what degree
is being worked. Each degree has a different sign
or signs. You have already seen and been given
the First Degree Sign. You will be taught the
others when you go through the next degrees.
Whenever a Brother speaks to the Worshipful
Master or to the Wardens in the Lodge Room
(nowhere else), a salute is given. The salute is the
sign of the degree in which the Lodge is working
at the time.
The phrase “So mote it be” is used in Masonry
instead of the word “Amen”. If an organist is
present the words are sung at the end of hymns
and prayers. Sometimes, for example, after a
spoken Grace at the Festive Board, it is simpler
just to say “Amen”. The literal meaning of the
phrase is “May it be so!”, or “So be it!”
Brethren do not salute one another, but by way of
acknowledgement, perhaps as thanks for a
courtesy, the Court Bow is given. This consists of
standing upright, and simply bowing the head
slightly.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
The custom in a Lodge for moving about the
Lodge Room in “open” Lodge depends entirely on
which ritual the Lodge uses. Some rituals demand
clockwise “squaring” at all times; others allow
more freedom of movement.“Stepping-off with the
left foot” is standard practice.
At a Lodge meeting, when addressing or referring
to a Brother by name, the format is “Brother
(name)” or “Worshipful Brother”. Whether first
names or surnames are used will depend on how
formal the proceedings are at the time.
If you are making a speech, you may have to
include an individual in the initial
acknowledgments, perhaps even “Right Worshipful
Brother” or “Very Worshipful Brother”. In such a
case, you should check with your Director of
Ceremonies or Secretary as to the correct
protocol.
When addressing or referring to Brethren by their
Office, the correct form is “Worshipful Master”,
“Brother Secretary”, “Brother Treasurer”, “Brother
Immediate Past Master”, etc., even if the Officer
happens to be a Worshipful Brother by rank.
As in any formal meeting, all remarks are
addressed to the Chairman who in our case is the
Worshipful Master.
If you write a letter to a Mason, never include a
Masonic rank or other Masonic references such as
Lodge details etc., in the address on the envelope.
Inside, it may be appropriate and polite to include
the full Masonic rank and title.
The correct posture when singing the National
Anthem is to be standing upright, feet together
with a straight back and hands at the sides.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
30
If you have to miss a Lodge meeting, do send
apologies to the Secretary in advance. He will
need to have accurate numbers of those
attending, particularly for the dining
arrangements. He will record apologies in the
Minutes. If you happen to be in Office, then the
DC and the Preceptor will need to know well in
advance to organise a replacement.
Finally at your interview it is likely that you were asked if
your partner supported your application. This is an
important question, as it is hoped that your partner will
support, approve and encourage your participation and
the time and costs involved in belonging to our fraternity.
Most individual Lodges hold a number of social functions
at which your partner and family are encouraged to
attend.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry - Charity
As you learned at your Initiation, charity has been a
significant part of Freemasonry since its earliest days,
although unlike other fundraising organisations most of
the money we raise comes out of our own pockets. So
whilst every brother is expected to contribute, it’s
important that no one should over-commit himself to
charitable giving.
Annually your Lodge has to pay an amount of money to
our governing body, The United Grand Lodge of England,
in respect of each of its members. Additionally a payment
is made on behalf of each member to The Grand Charity.
The Lodge collects this money by way of your annual
subscription, in addition to the amount collected through
the alms bag, and other charity giving methods
Freemasonry is the largest contributor to charitable
causes after the National Lottery. In the past five years it
is estimated the Freemasons under UGLE have donated
in excess of £75m to charity.
When Freemasons or their dependants fall upon hard
times, financial assistance may be available from their
Lodge, Provincial Grand Lodge or one of national
Masonic Charities.
The Deacons usually circulate a bowl, broken column, or
alms bag at each meeting. Put an amount of your
choosing in the bag. You may also be asked to put it in
an envelope so tax can be reclaimed, which can add a
significant amount to the Lodge’s giving. How the
proceeds of the Alms collection are applied is a matter for
individual Lodges.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
32
You may also be asked by your Lodge’s Charity Steward
to complete a standing order to pay a regular small
amount for charity on a monthly or other basis. This can
be an effective and painless way to support charity and it
allows the Lodge to claim back the tax too.
The West Lancashire Freemasons’ Charity is the charity
of the Freemasons of the Masonic Province of West
Lancashire. It was formed in April 2008 by the
amalgamation of the seven Masonic charities operating in
the Province. Its funds are raised entirely from donations
by Freemasons. We do not receive money from the
general public however, we do provide assistance to
Masons and non-Masons.
The Province was the first to be invited to
hold the MCF 2021 Festival in support of
the Masonic Charitable Foundation which
brings together and over-arches the four
main Masonic charities of the Grand
Charity, Samaritan Fund, Royal Masonic
Benevolent Institution and the Royal
Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. Ask your
Charity Steward for further information.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry - Other Available Resources
Within the Province of West Lancashire, in addition to the
Group and Provincial websites, 2 further resources are
available to further your Masonic Education.
SOLOMON
Solomon is an on line system
developed by UGLE and contains over
700 Masonic resources in varying
formats:
- Papers for personal study
- Short “nuggets”/talks (5 – 10 mins)
- Explanation of ceremonies
- Academic research papers
- Presentations
- Quizzes
- Podcasts & Videos
It can be accessed at solomon.ugle.org.uk. Registration is
required which requires a valid email address. The website
contains resources for personal use and also resources such
as talks and demonstrations which can be given at lodge
meetings.
Enrolment is required for each module and it is strongly
recommended that you only enrol to the generic modules
and those applicable to an Entered Apprentice.
See “Solomon – Guide to Available Resources” Booklets.
New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
34
WEST LANCS ELECTRONIC WELCOME PACK
This resource is available via your Lodge or Group Mentor
and may be provided on CD, memory stick or via download.
It contains interactive resources to complement those found
on Solomon and covers topics such as: - Regalia
- Masonic Progression
- FAQ’s
- Virtual Lodge Room
- Masonic History
- West Lancashire Masonic Charities
- Book of Constitutions
Ask your Lodge Mentor for more information on how to
gain access to these valuable resources.
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New Initiates Guide to Freemasonry
For further information or any enquiries about this guide
please contact your Lodge or Group Mentor.
or email: mentor@provinceofwestlancs.org