Would your nearest and dearest describe you as a bit chatty? Well, you had better practice holding your tongue as Freemasons must remain silent when “Degrees” are worked.
An officer may address you, or the Worshipful Master can grant you permission to speak if you rise. It’s very much like a chaired business meeting where all comments are addressed through the “Chair”.
Remember when your teacher made you stand up in front of the class to read something? It was dreadful, right? Well, we Freemasons have to experience that all over again if we want to address the Lodge. Members can’t just sit in their seats and speak, without being seen as being disrespectful to the Worshipful…
Yes, trials occur in Lodges when members face charges of violating the Masonic Constitution. In those cases, a formal jury is formed, but solicitors aren’t involved. Instead, the Mason on trial and his accuser(s) become defendant and prosecution respectively. If found guilty, the penalties for the defendant are often serious and are always actioned.
It’s not wise to keep your mobile phone on all the time. Moviegoers seethe at the mere thought of it! Well. . . it’s exactly the same in our lodges. Members need to switch off their mobiles upon arrival to avoid any disparaging looks and in some instances, a hefty fine as it costs a…
Most Masons would love the opportunity to wear their aprons, collars and gloves in public but according to our Book of Constitutions, it’s strictly forbidden without a special ‘written’ dispensation having first been granted. You’ll see Masonic lapel pins and rings worn in public and as this is not ‘regalia’ is deemed acceptable. It IS…
We Freemasons may not be plotting how to take over the world, but our Lodges are very serious places. That doesn’t mean we can’t have a laugh in the bar or over dining, but the opportunity for humour within the Lodge is very sparse. Its like watching a play. If someone does something funny, then…
If you’re working within a large group of people for a while, there’s a good chance that there will be differences of opinion, and thus an argument could ensue. Disagreement exists and conflict happens, right? In this instance you’re both invited to leave the Lodge room and return once you have amicably settled your differences….
