a Masonic Education Talk on 2nd November 2019

(Compiled by RW Bro. Pramode Sawhney)

Masonic etiquette is the knowledge of how to behave and to learn Lodge customs.
As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or even experienced Master Mason or Past Master,
it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the
formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies.

Not to do so is highly condemnable.

RULES OF MASONIC ETIQUETTE

1. THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY:

During his term in office, the brother who has been elected as Master is the most powerful
member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities, hence, the Worshipful
Master has the authority to:

1. Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time.

2. Decide what can and cannot be discussed within the Temple and at the Festive Board.
He has the absolute authority to rebuke and reprimand an offending Brother.
If, however, a brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order,
he will be committing a grave Masonic offense.

The following items show a gross lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in other words, are
considered to be “in very bad form” or bad manners.

2. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER:

Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the Lodge is open.

Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine
their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the Lodge should never be
in the shade, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.

3. SITTING IN THE EAST:

Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.

Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are
servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their
lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by
inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honour to sit
with him in the East.

4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:

No man sits while speaking in the Lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer
or another brother.

Why? While all Lodge activity is based on each man in the Lodge as being equal, and while
the Worshipful Master, who has been elected does not gain any special honour personally, it
is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is
expected that if he wish to address the audience, he will stand so all may see who is speak-
ing.
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5. TALKING:

Talking or even whispering while a Degree is being conferred is considered very bad
manners.

Why? Just as it is impolite to talk in a temple, church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is

most improper to distract the officers who are conducting the degree for the candidate.

Silence is the golden rule. This also means that there should be no whispering.

6. OBEY THE GAVEL:

You must immediately obey the gavel.

Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY, because:

The Master is all powerful in the Lodge and his word is final.
He can put or refuse to put any motion.
He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed.
In the Lodge, the Master’s gavel, which is his emblem of authority, is supreme.
When a Brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion.
It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad
manners and being a Masonic offense.
Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.

7. SALUTE:

Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave the Masonic
Lodge room.

Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of service. It
shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowl-
edge his full authority. The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your
publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is not only impolite but exhibits
very poor Masonic etiquette.

8. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN:

If a brother reaches late and wishes to enter the lodge, the buzzer outside may be pressed
only ONCE. Rest assured it has not only been heard but has actually disturbed every one
within the Temple. The Junior Warden will wait till there is an appropriate break in the pro-
ceedings before reporting to the WM that there is an alarm. The WM may then inform the JW
to instruct the IG to admit the late comer if he a well known brother properly clothed. The
late comer will enter the Lodge offer his apology, go to the Altar to salute the Master and
then assume his seat.

9. LEAVING THE LODGE:

Do not leave the lodge room during any working.

Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech or during the working of
any degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and be-
fore the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease. Then, and only then, you
may leave the lodge without being considered rude.
a11. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS:

Lodge customs state that no one except the Worshipful Master or the DOC may correct any
mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only in a
whisper and only when the error is a serious one.

Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the Brethren. If you are able
to perform each and every degree and ceremony perfectly, then please let the Worshipful
Master know so that he may take advantage of your services to mentor other brethren.
Otherwise hold your peace.

12. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE:

Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slov-
enly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.

13. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES:

Why? It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper

Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles
and addresses.

These are the Rules of Masonic Etiquette and must be followed scrupulously.
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