MASONIC ETIQUETTE -
PART II
In 1980 MSA published a Short Talk
on Masonic Etiquette. 'It is hard to cover such a broad subject in one Short
Talk and Bro. Nelson (PGM, AZ) has-been kind enough to prepare a second Short
Talk on the same subject, however stressing many other points Of etiquette.
We thank Bro. Nelson for his efforts and
recommend a careful reading of this Short Talk because politeness and respect
for others are always important masonic principles. -Editor
Each profession has its code of ethics
governing the actions of its members. Ethics and rules of conduct are quite
different from etiquette however, and may vary from time to time. Etiquette, the
consideration we show for others, remains constant. This STB does not address
customs or
rules of conduct -- only etiquette. AD of
the opinions expressed have evolved from the generous actions and consideration
shown to this author by many illustrious Masons of our Craft. ,
While our relationship with other
Masons is clearly explained by the ritual there are unwritten actions that will
improve our relationships with others and knowing them will give us self
confidence. These actions are termed etiquette. With minimal effort and
thoughtfulness we can treat our Brethren with respect and improve friendships.
We might remember that Masonic etiquette is nothing more than plain manners and
politeness, emphasized by quickness of sympathy and fineness of
observation. Masonic customs have been made a part of each jurisdiction's ritual
and regulations but they differ from the unwritten code of etiquette.
LODGE ETIQUETTE
The meeting place of a lodge is
considered a Masonic home by its members. When a visitor appears at a meeting it
is only proper for each member to welcome him as he would a visitor in his own
home. Visitors should always be welcomed into each conversational group and
never left by themselves. To prevent a visitor from being slighted some Masters
wisely assign a member to accompany him throughout the evening. If the visitor
is from another jurisdiction he will appreciate knowing in advance what is
expected of him during the course of
the meeting. For example, if he will be expected to know certain signs and words
or if he will be asked to speak. After the meeting visitors should again be
welcomed by all members and encouraged to share in refreshments or other
activities. If the visitor does not have a car he will appreciate some help with
transportation.
It is customary and only common
courtesy to rise when addressing the Master of a lodge. It is especially
important that a Mason stands when greeting another member or when being
introduced to him. There may be exceptions to this rule that age, custom, or
ritual may preclude but it is good practice unless otherwise specified.
The first impressions of Freemasonry
are received by the candidate in the preparation room. He is usually nervous and
ill at ease, often not knowing anyone present. He will respect the lodge if he
is shown respect at this time, particularly when he is garbed in the ritualistic
clothing. The candidate will be impressed with the seriousness of the occasion
by the thoughtfulness of others.
Grand Honors, a form of Masonic
applause, is the method of showing respect to certain Grand Lodge officers but
the form of recognition may vary from one jurisdiction to another. Visitors from
another jurisdiction should be informed about local customs before entering the
lodge room. It is quite embarrassing to extend the public grand honors of three
times three when the private grand honors or another silent form of the grand
honors are being extended by others. Additional applause, after the grand
honors, is entirely at the discretion of the presiding officer.
FOR THE MASON
Masons learn that, customs affecting
etiquette may differ in each Masonic jurisdiction. it is understandable that
visitor's signs and even words may be different. The manner in which the apron
is worn and even ritual language or pronunciation may also differ. However, it
would be discourteous to object to such differences.
Masonry has, for ages, taught lessons
of tolerance but from time to time we still hear the voice of prejudice --
usually in ethnic jokes, sometimes in name-calling or in sweeping
generalizations. If alone with a Brother there is no need to laugh at such
attempts at humor and one can quietly say that jokes are not appreciated that
belittle people. Perhaps, 'I don't agree with that remark' is sufficient. If one
is in an embarrassing situation perhaps silence and a change of subject is
possible. In like manner, common courtesy and laws of the Craft forbid the use
of discourteous remarks, offensive personal comments, and expressions of
bitterness or ill will toward a Brother. Such comments should never be made
during discussions in a Masonic gathering. FOR THE MASTER
The Master of a Masonic lodge has been
endowed with the title of Worshipful Master. It is a term of respect
for the office he holds or has held in the past. However, he does not call
himself Worshipful any more than a judge would call himself My
Honor. He refers to himself simply as the Master.
Masonic ritual dictates the Master's
actions but usually only during open lodge. At other times he is expected to use
good judgement and practice good etiquette. He will never be criticized for
expressing sympathy or for observing and alleviating the discomfort of others.
When a visitor is introduced to the
Master it is appropriate for the Master to rise and welcome him with a
handshake. This action elevates the status of the visitor and can only improve
the image of the Master. To extend additional respect the Master may invite
visitors who are Past Masters to a seat in the East and may even offer them the
opportunity to speak to the lodge.
As a mark of respect to the Great
Architect of the Universe the Master should always remove his hat whenever the
name of Deity is spoken and during all prayers. And as a mark of respect to his
country he does the same during the Pledge of Allegiance or during the playing
of the National Anthem. It is also good manners for a Master to rise and remove
his hat when being introduced to a lady visitor in a public meeting where he is
presiding and to offer her the hand of friendship. It is particularly important
that the Master remove his hat when offering condolences at funerals.
Respect for the office of Master is a
universally accepted custom in Masonic circles. For anyone to correct him or
criticize him during his 'labors' is considered rude. If the Master asks for
assistance with the ritual then one knowledgeable member, usually designated
beforehand, will help him. In like manner, It is also discourteous to prompt or
correct any of the other lodge officers 'in the discharge of their duties. If
they require assistance, the Master will provide it. Criticism is best offered
in private when it will not offend or embarrass anyone.
The Rules of Order in Masonic meetings
may be determined by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or by the Lodge bylaws.
If none are specified, then the Grand Master and/or the Master will determine
the Rules of Order. A Mason would be ill-advised to request that the presiding
officer follow Robert's Rules of Order or any other course of action. Harmony
and dignity among the Craft must prevail and the Master will enforce it.
The careful selection of prayers used
at Masonic gatherings, other than those included in the ritual, is the
responsibility of the Master. Sectarian prayers can easily offend those in
attendance and it is important that the Master explain this to anyone who may be
called upon to offer a prayer. In like fashion a careless choice of refreshments
can embarrass members or
guests of certain religions or
denominations and for that reason the menu selection at refreshment should be
carefully considered.
When attending a Masonic funeral or
memorial service it is well to determine, in advance whether the lodge
conducting the service will be wearing only white aprons or whether officer
regalia is appropriate. White gloves may be required in some localities.
FOR THE VISITOR
The expression, 'when in Rome, do as
the Romans do' is generally appropriate for Masonic visitors. -Many Brethren
believe that there is a universal Masonic custom called the 'right of
visitation. ' Such is not the case in all jurisdictions although unexpected
visitors usually will be welcomed at most Masonic meetings. However, there are
circumstances when visitation is not guaranteed or even appropriate.
One such circumstance is when a
Masonic Trial is in progress. There are other situations when a visitor might
not gain admittance: Perhaps a lodge has no remaining space or has a
'reservations only' policy for the evening or the master might believe that the
visitor's presence would disturb the peace and harmony of the lodge. Some
American jurisdictions that recognize the right of visitation are: Kentucky,
Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio,
Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
In some jurisdictions banquets are
held occasionally as part of the lodge activities and therefore such meetings
are not considered open for visitation because of the advance planning
that is required.
In some foreign lodges a response to a
toast may be expected of the visitor. Therefore, arrangements to visit these
lodges should be made well in advance. Such arrangements often can be made by
the Grand Secretary of the visitor's jurisdiction.
In the United States a visitor's dues
card will be examined for current status but it alone will not guarantee his
admittance. A visitor must expect to be examined when visiting another lodge
unless someone will vouch for him. In some countries other credentials may be
requested. A visitor should appear for examination early enough so that it will
not delay any part of the planned activities. If he requests to see the lodge
charter it should be made available. It goes without saying that the visitor
should always be treated with kindness and consideration.
There are few places that require
greater self-restraint and consideration for other people than a Masonic
gathering. Let us remember that the cardinal principle of etiquette is
thoughtfulness and it implies a concern for the effect of our actions on others
around us. Certainly Freemasons are concerned with all members of the Craft and,
we need to treat each other with Brotherly respect.
So mote it be!
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