Masonic Etiquettes
What are Etiquette ?
According to the definition of etiquette on Wikipedia, “Etiquette is the set of conventional rules of personal behavior in polite society, usually in the form of an ethical code that delineates the expected and accepted social behaviors that accord with the conventions and norms observed by a society, a social class, or a social group”. Etiquette define us. They separate us from the animals. Without proper etiquette, there would be no difference between important and causal.
Each organization has its own set of rules when it comes to etiquette. These are the norms that are acceptable within that organization. Same goes with the Masons. Masons have a set of rules, “etiquette”, that must be followed within the lodge. These etiquette are required to be respected by every mason.
Masonic Etiquette:
Masonic Etiquette, generally, is just great habits and regard for your lodge, its individuals, its Worshipful Master and the show of Freemasonry.
Masonic etiquette has commonly been implicit and unpublished, so there is a great deal of things that Masons don't have the foggiest idea. There is more accentuation on images, degree work, custom, floor work, and Masonic history.
A couple of Masonic leaders still take it on themselves to keep a rundown of lodge etiquette and anticipated conduct. Subsequent to committing a couple of errors and learning alone, they take as much time as necessary to confer their insight on their brethren.
When a new mason is inducted in the lodge, it is required of them to follow all the rules that have been set by the lodge.
Authority of the Master Mason:
During his term in office, the mason who has been chosen as Master is the most dominant individual from the Lodge. He likewise bears the entirety of its numerous obligations.
The Worshipful Master has the power to:
- Rule any mason out of request regarding any matter whenever.
- Choose what can and can't be talked about. Should a fellow accept that the Master is discretionary, uncalled for or out of line or is acting in an unlawful way, he can speak to the District Deputy Grand Master.
On the off chance that that official concurs that the intrigue is a legitimate one, he will advance the whole matter to the Grand Master. Assuming, in any case, that the fellow mason demands talking after the Master has decided that he is out of request, he might be submitting a Masonic offense.
Gracious brethren acknowledge the solicitations made by the Master to serve on different boards of trustees, for example, the assessment advisory group, the examination council and different obligations, as controlled by the Lodge's needs. The accompanying things are not Masonic offenses, they are essentially an absence of Masonic Etiquette, or at the end of the day, viewed as "inappropriate behavior".
The following are the masonic etiquette that must be followed:
- Standing when speaking:
No man sits while talking in the lodge room, regardless of the off chance that he tends to an senior official.
All lodge movement depends on each man in the lodge like a worker of the Brethren. This incorporates the Worshipful Master and his officials.
While the man, himself, who has been chosen Worshipful Master doesn't increase any extraordinary respect as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a mason stands to address.
It is basically a type of regard. It is normal that if you wish to address the crowd, you will stand so all may see who is talking.
- The manners of talking:
The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren inside are attempting to make the best ashlars (stones) for His profound sanctuary.
Similarly, as it is rude to talk in a congregation, synagogue or mosque administration, so it is inappropriate to divert the officials, the masons in the degree or the applicant. Talking without consent shows non-seriousness for the procedures. God's home isn't for social discussion inside the lodge room. It is for love and learning the exercise of the day which is being educated. Except if you have mentioned of the Master to talk, stay quiet. This additionally implies no murmuring.
If you have something important to state, lift your hand. At the point when the Master asks for you, you should then stand up, and say:
"Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren".
On the off chance that the Most Worshipful Master is in participation, you should state:
"Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”.
- The ethics of speaking:
On the off chance that you wish to offer a matter for talk, let the Master know in advance. Letting the Master know beforehand about the gathering that you expect to raise a movement or an issue for dialog is a gesture of respect to the Master of your lodge.
You may do it without prompting him ahead of time, however the Master may have plans of his own for that gathering, for which your proposed movement or discourse may not effectively fit into the schedule.
As a gesture of respect to the Master, his work, and his commitment to the Brothers, it is ideal to ask him secretly, heretofore, on the off chance that he will allow you to raise the matter you want to raise.
- Masonic Dressing:
Masons must be completely dressed. They should not go into the Lodge room without putting on their masonic apron and tying the strings of the masonic apron. It is viewed as an impudence to go into the lodge room without being completely wearing legitimate Masonic Regalia as indicated by your degree and office.
It is normal that your dressing is finished before going into the Lodge room. Try not to hold up until you go into the lodge room before you dress up fully.
These were some of the Masonic etiquette that every mason must follow. A brother who follows all these rules will never face a problem from the lodge.