MasonicDiscussion--The Three Pillars

[Gord]

This last couple of weeks I've been studying the WM's responisbilities, outside of conferring the three degrees.

To do so I borrowed three books from the GL library; one from England - The Worshipful Master, by G.S. Blakley, 1975; one from the GL of Canada in Ontario (Presently on loan to a friend who is a DDGM here); and one from the USA, The Master's Book by Carl H. Claudy, 1935.

What struck me as interesting was how many things are done, (or expected to be done) in the same fashion in different jurisdictions.

After reading those three books I had more respect for the guys that put together a handbook we use in BC called The Lodge Officers Guide. It is divided into four sections: Grand Lodge; Duties of Lodge Officers; Masonic Protocol and Courtesies; and Rules of Order.

To give you an idea, here are the subjects under Section III-Masonic Protocol and Courtesies:

Visitation of the Grand Master to a Lodge
Visitation of the Grand Master to a District
Official visit of the District Deputy Grand Master
Formal Reception of Grand Lodge Officers other that the Grand Master or D.D.G.M.
Receiving a Fraternal Visit from another Lodge
Reception of Visitors
When Visiting another Lodge
Grand Honours
Conduct in the Lodge Room
Balloting for Candidates
Conduct in the Banquet Room
Dress
Installation Ceremony

It is amazing that throughout the World we maintain the same level of decorum amongst brethren. We have discussed possible esoteric meaning of our symbology almost alone without getting into the how we interelate as masons.

I believe this forum has great potential, and like our ceremonies that are so different yet so alike; hopefully we'll find this area of our craft as rich with meaning.

[Gregg Hall]

If you pm me your email address, I'll send you a pdf of our GL's Lodge Manual, which covers protocol etc.
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EGO iustus volo futurus vir meus canis reputo EGO sum
Morgan Hill Lodge #463 PM
King Howard Chapter #10 RAM
San Jose Council #20 R&SM IPM
Commander San Jose Commandry #10
32° San Jose Valley AASR

[Maineac51]

if you want to PM me, I can send you a pdf copy of the GL of Maine Masonic Textbook or Bluebook as it is called. It contains quite a bit of information.
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WM Columbia-Doric Lodge #149