TABLE LODGE CEREMONY
Preliminary Preparations
The tables are set up in the shape of a horseshoe, or inverted U.
The Worshipful Master is placed in the East, facing the middle of the
table, with the Chaplain at his right hand and the Wardens at the two ends
of the tables in the West. The table lodge should be held in the
banquet hall and should be tyled as securely as the lodge room. The
Worshipful Master and Wardens should have their gavels and columns.
All that constitutes the table service should be set in three parallel
lines. The plates, knives, forks, spoons, and napkins form the first
line. The fruit juice, water glass, coffee cup and firing glass for
each person should form the second line. The third line might be
composed of such items as individual fruit cocktail and salad dishes,
candles, salt and pepper shakers, etc.
The Stewards of the lodge (with helpers) are responsible for charging
the cannons prior to each toast and the wind or beverage containers are
not to be left on the tables between toasts.
A full course meal is to be served with this table lodge.
(W.M. raps three times with the gavel, rises, the Wardens rise, and
reply in like manner, in turn.)
W.M. Brother Tyler, you will cause this table lodge to be tyled.
TYLER: (Gets up from his seat near one of the Wardens and goes to the
door) Worshipful Master, this table lodge is duly tyled.
W.M. Brother S.W.: are you satisfied that all present are Master
Masons?
S.W. I am satisfied on the North Column, Worshipful Sir.
W.M. Brother J.W., are you satisfied that all present are Master
Masons?
J.W. I am satisfied on the South Column, Worshipful Sir.
W.M. Are the brethren satisfied with each other? I declare this
Table Lodge opened. Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in
prayer.
CHAPLAIN. (A short invocation)
W.M. Brother S.D. you will attend to the alter. (S.D. places the
TGL)
W.M. Brethren, you will join with me in the pledge of allegiance to the
flag of our country.
W.M.(*), S.W.(*), J.W.(*)
Brethren, this table lodge is not to be construed as part of our
ritual, but only as exemplification of what is held in other states, and
countries. It is, however, just as solemn and binding an occasion as
it is to out brethren in our sister jurisdictions. Our Freemasonry
in America came from England and frequently it has been suggested that our
craft would renew its strength if it reverted to some of the English
practices.
A toast at the festive board of an English Lodge can take many
forms. It can be short, long, poetic, or prosaic, humorous or
serious--but always in good taste. When a toast is to be proposed,
the gavels in the East, West and South will sound to alarm the Brethren,
and you will act accordingly. At the appropriate time, you will
unite with the one proposing the toast in the proper prescribed
manner. Inter-spaced between the various toast will be responses
and/or short talks, and close attention is requested. Between each
of the toasts will be one course of the meal.
The Ceremony of the Seven Toasts
RIGHT HAND TO ARMS. (The right hand touches the glass)
READY. (The glass is raised breast high, arm extended forward)
AIM. (The glass is brought to the lips)
FIRE, GOOD FIRE, FIRE ALL. (All Drink)
PRESENT ARMS. (The glass is brought to the second position in unison
with the Worshipful Master, the glass is brought to the left breast, then
to the right breast, then again to the second position so that the
movement makes a triangle. This triangle is make three times:
then the glass is brought to the table in three moves- it is first carried
a little to the left, then to the right, and finally forcibly in unison to
the table.)
THE BATTERY, THREE TIMES THREE (Done)
ALL: VIVAT. VIVAT. VIVAT (Right hand thrust upward with each
VIVAT)
ADVANCE SWORDS. (Knife is raised breast high, arm extended forward)
POISE SWORDS. (Knife blade is elevated slightly - about 45 degrees)
SALUTE WITH SWORDS. (Knife handle is brought to within a few inches of
the chin with the blade elevated about 45 degrees)
SWORDS AT REST. (Knife handles are carried in unison forcibly to the
table preferably in a flat position to prevent table damage.)
THE BATTERY, THREE TIMES THREE (Done)
ALL. VIVAT. VIVAT. VIVAT. (Right are thrust forward with each
VIVAT)
The foregoing should be done with the exactness and evenness so that
everyone will execute all movements in unison and the firing glasses and
knives shall strike the table simultaneously!
TRADITIONAL VOCABULARY OF TABLE LODGES:
Glasses are called
CANNONS
Knives are called SWORDS
Wine--STRONG
POWDER
Forks--PICKAXES
Coffee--BLACK
POWDER
Spoons--TROWLES
Water--WEAK
POWDER
Salt--WHITE SAND
Bread--ROUGH
ASHLER
Pepper--BLACK SAND
Plates are called TILES
First Toast: To the President of the United States of America
W.M(*)
S.W.(*)
J.W.(*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the first toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in al your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the first toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the first toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
W.M. (***) Brother Senior and Junior Wardens,
announce to the Brethren that the first toast that I have the pleasure to
present is that to the President of the United States of America.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to the president of
the United States of America.
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to the president of
the United States of America.
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS --(COMMANDS)
W.M. (*)
W.M. Brethren, partake of the first course. (juice)
SECOND TOAST -- To the Most Worshipful Grand Master and Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge
(All Grand Lodge Officers, past and present remain seated)
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the second toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the second toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the first second of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
W.M. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, announce to the brethren
that the toast that I have the pleasure to propose is that to the Most
Worshipful Grand Master and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of (YOUR
STATE).
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to Most Worshipful
Grand Master and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of (YOUR STATE).
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to the Most
Worshipful Grand Master and the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of (YOUR
STATE).
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS -- (COMMANDS)
W.M. (*)
(Response by the GM or presiding GL officer at this point with them
proposing a toast using the same commands)
W.M. Brethren, partake of the second course. (Fruit Cocktail)
THIRD TOAST - To the Worshipful Master (by the S. & J.W.)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. (*) Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, what do you
desire?
S.W. Worshipful Master, the Junior Warden and I beg to allow the
arms to be charges and aligned for a toast that we wish to propose.
W.M. Brethren in all your grades and stations, charge and align
your arms for a toast that our Brothers, the Senior and Junior Wardens
wish to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
W.M. The East yields to your desires. What is the toast
that you wish to propose?
S.W. It is to you Worshipful Master. (all present
Worshipful Masters remain Seated) (***) Brethren on the columns of
the North, the toast which the Junior Warden and I have the pleasure to
propose is that to our Worshipful Master.
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
J.W. Brethren on the columns of the South, the toast which the
Junior Warden and I have the pleasure to propose is that to our Worshipful
Master.
S.W. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS --(COMMANDS)
S.W. (*)
(The Worshipful Master responds with the same toast ceremony)
W.M. Brethren, partake of the third course). Salad
FOURTH TOAST -- To the Wardens
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the fourth toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in al your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the fourth toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the first fourth of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
(All present Wardens please remain seated)
W.M. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, announce to the brethren
that the toast that I have the pleasure to propose is that to the
Wardens.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to the Wardens.
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to the Wardens.
(Wardens sit)
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS -- (COMMANDS)
W.M. (*)
(The S. & J.W. respond with the same ceremonies. Senior
Warden giving the commands.)
W.M. Brethren, partake of the next course.
FIFTH TOAST -- TO OUR PAST MASTERS
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the fifth toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the fifth toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the fifth toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
(All Past Masters please remain seated)
W.M. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, announce to the brethren
that the toast that I have the pleasure to propose is that to our Past
Masters.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to our Past
Masters.
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to our Past
Masters.
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS -- (COMMANDS)
W.M. (*)
(A past Master can respond and offer a toast)
W.M. Brethren, partake of the next course.
SIXTH TOAST -- TO THE NEW INITIATES AND VISITING BRETHREN
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the sixth toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the sixth toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the sixth toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
(All new initiates and visiting Brethren please remain seated)
W.M. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, announce to the brethren
that the toast that I have the pleasure to propose is that to our new
initiates and visiting Brethren.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to our new initiates
and visiting Brethren.
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to our new initiates
and visiting Brethren.
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS -- (COMMANDS)
W.M. (*)
(A new initiates or visiting brethren may respond using the same format
for toasts and commands.)
W.M. INTRODUCE THE SPEAKER FOR THE EVENING AND HIS
PRESENTATION.
SEVENTH TOAST -- TO ALL MASONS WHERESOEVER SPREAD OVER THE FACE OF THE
EARTH
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, cause the arms to be charges
and aligned for the seventh toast.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the seventh toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
J.W. Brethren in the columns of the South in all your grades and
stations, charge and align your arms for the seventh toast of obligation
which the Worshipful Master is about to propose.
(All cannons brought down on the table in unison by
all on the North)
(The cannons are charged)
W.M. Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are the cannons charged and
aligned?
S&JW. Yes, Worshipful Master (In Unison)
W.M. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens, announce to the brethren
that the toast that I have the pleasure to propose is that to all Masons
wheresoever spread over the face of the earth.
S.W. Brethren on the column of the North, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to all Masons
wheresoever spread over the face of the earth.
J.W. Brethren on the column of the South, the toast that the
Worshipful Master has the pleasure to propose is that to all Masons
wheresoever spread over the face of the earth.
W.M. RIGHT HAND TO ARMS -- (COMMANDS)
W.M. Brethren, cross your arms, right over left, and all join
hands forming a chain; and join with me in singing "God Bless
America".
THE CLOSING OF TABLE LODGE
W.M. Brother Tyler, you will cause this Table Lodge to be
tyled.
TYLER: (Goes to door) W.M. This Table Lodge is tiled.
W.M. Brother S.W., what is the time?
S.W. W.M. The time is past, and naught we can never return
the smallest bit of it.
W.M. Brother J.W., What is the hour?
J.W. W.M., the hour is late, and we must strive to capture every
fleeting moment that slips from our lives like sand through our
fingers.
W.M. Brother Chaplain, you will lead us in prayer.
CHAPLAIN - short benediction.
W.M. Brother S.D., attend to the alter.
W.M. This Table Lodge is closed
W.M. (*)
S.W. (*)
J.W. (*)
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