LODGE OR TEMPLE
by
Richard White
A "Lodge" is the name associated with the group of Brethren meeting as
Freemasons. In other words it describes an organisational unit of Freemasons -
just as a Regiment may describe an organisational unit of the Army.
A "Temple" is the name of the place in which the Lodge meets. All Lodges meet
in Temples (yes even those in the "south"), since the very essence of the
Masonic legends is the construction of the first Temple at Jerusalem. This does
not mean that the Temple is a place of religious worship by Freemasons - since
of course religious topics (including worship specific to an individual religion
such as Judaism) are forbidden in Lodge.
The "Temple" in this Masonic meaning, is taken to be a place that is an
emblematical representation of that hallowed place of worship (i.e. th first
Temple at Jerusalem), consecrated to God's glory, without actually being that in
reality. Being emblematical, each Brother is then able to use this to relate it
symbolically to a place of worship in his own religion - just as the GAOTU is so
related to his own Supreme Being.
Bearing in mind the significance of the Temple in Masonic legend and ritual,
it is most appropriate that the Lodges should always meet there - just as all
MMs are considered to be Bros. to HAB.
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