“It is not from the lack of desire to learn that the Craft suffers, but rather from the lack of instruction.”
Masonry does not exist for the mechanics of ritual alone. Just as important is the learning, the interpretation and exemplification of that ritual, and the basic principles of our Order. Equally important too, for the candidate and for every member, is the need to fully understand these principles, as well as our responsibilities as Masons. What is required of every single one of us is the dedicated and devoted application of the high moral principles of Masonry. By these simple methods, we develop the character that guarantees our own self-improvement and discharges our duties to God, our country, our neighbors, and ourselves.
In many jurisdictions there is no mandatory dress code, but this does not mean that we should disregard our appearance. Although, as Masons, we regard no man for his worldly wealth, human society everywhere considers a man's outward appearance to reflect his inner self and attitudes. Your manner of dress reflects the respect that you have for the dignity of Masonry, its work, its goals, and its members. At all times your apparel should be appropriate for the occasion and those attending, remembering that the altar of Masonry is the altar of God. Thus the clothes you would wear for a golf tournament or a degree in an underground mine may not be appropriate for work done in the Lodge quarters. This is not to infer that an occasion arises that prevents you from dressing for the occasion. When time presses us, it is far better to, “…forsake not the assembling yourselves.” Than to say, “I don’t have time to change”, and not attend. Dressing for the occasion was best illustrated to me last week when I stopped in to pick up some things while returning from Lodge visitation. The cashier commented on my being well dressed for a Saturday night. I explained that I was returning from a Lodge function. The cashier’s reply made my day, “That must be a classy group of guys then.” We are what the world perceives us to be.
At Tyled meetings, at the sound of the gavel in the East, the officers and brethren take their places and the Lodge comes to order. This means that everyone is seated unless called up by the Worshipful Master or unless rising to address the Worshipful Master. In most introductions all speaking is directed to the East. Therefore it is improper for two Brothers to speak to each other during an open discussion, unless directed by the Worshipful Master, and it is never proper for two Brothers to hold a private conversation (whispered or otherwise) in a Lodge at labor. Each candidate, at each degree, is instructed in the proper way to salute. He is also told that he should salute when rising to address the Worshipful Master and when entering or retiring from a Lodge while it is at labor. These instructions remain in effect even after we have completed our degrees. Always rise when speaking, even if you are only giving a second to a motion. Give salutes that are accurate and precise. A sloppy salute is actually a sign of disrespect.
The proper way to enter or retire from a Lodge is not always clear. When entering or leaving a Lodge at labor, the proper place to stand, while giving the salute, is at the west of the altar. Not at the door or at your seat. The salute is normally given to the East, but the Worshipful Master may direct these salutes to be given to the Senior Warden. Of course, everyone should enter and depart through the Tyler's door. The preparation room door is for candidates only. Every member guards that door, and the ballot is the key that locks or unlocks it. If it is necessary for you to retire from the Lodge, while at labor; rise from your seat and proceed down the side lines until you are to the west side of the altar. Make a square corner turn and approach the center of the Lodge until you are adjacent to the altar. Make a square corner and face the East. Give the proper salute of a Master Mason. Make a square turn and exit to the sideline on the South. Depart through the Tyler’s door, remembering to always make your corners square and not rounded. If a Brother is late arriving, or has been properly absented from the Lodge while at Labor, and desires to enter the Lodge while at labor; he must inform the Tyler of his desire. The Tyler shall determine the Brother’s qualification to enter the Lodge of Master Masons, and inform the Brother of any special instructions provide to him by the Junior Deacon. The Tyler shall give the proper alarm at the Tyler’s door. The Junior Deacon shall announce the alarm to the Worshipful Master, who shall direct the Junior Deacon as he wishes. Upon direction, the Junior Deacon shall respond to the alarm in the prescribed manner. The Tyler shall inform the Junior Deacon that a Fellow Master Mason awaits entrance into the Worshipful Master’s Lodge. Being so informed, the Junior Deacon shall inform the Worshipful Master of the cause for the alarm. Upon the Worshipful Master’s instruction, the Junior Deacon shall so inform the Tyler to permit the Brother to enter. Upon entering the Lodge, the entering Brother shall proceed down the sideline on the South, make a square turn to the North and proceed to easy viewing distance of the Three Great Lights placed upon the altar. While facing the East, briefly confirm the degree upon which the Lodge is at labor by viewing the Three Great Lights, salute the East with the salute of a Master Mason. Upon completion of the proper salute, make a square corner turn and retire to the appropriate seating, making square corners as you proceed. The manner of giving all salutes is of great importance at all times. Be sure that your movements are sharp, precise, and well executed. The decorum of the Lodge is conveyed by your manner of conduct. Further discussion on this topic will be addressed in future educational sessions, since the manner is different for other occasions.
Finally, when referring to a Brother or when addressing him,
courtesy requires that we use the term Brother followed by his last name. And of course, Worshipful Brother, Right
Worshipful Brother, or Most Worshipful Brother are also proper forms, when
indicated by the Brother’s office.