Page 21 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2019

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XV Issue III
any bias or rivalry. wait till the end so as not to disturb the
RULES OF MASONIC ETIQUETTE proceedings.
1.DRESS. Brethren should not take seat in the east unless
Rules of Etiquette. they are either Lodge official like IPM, Chaplain
Lodge room during the meeting is a sacred or senior Past Master then only on the left of the
place, we call it a Temple, and proper respect WM. The right side of WM is reserved for guests
has to be shown according to the established of the Lodge or RGL/ GL Officers on official visit.
norms. A casual approach to the meetings, not It is WM's prerogative to recognize
being properly dressed, shows disrespect and distinguished visitors or a special member
wrong attitude towards the Institution and all whom the WM wishes to honor by having him sit
the members also in the east.
Dress conservatively. Jacket and Tie are 3.TALKING.
required. Our preference is dark suite, dinner There should be no side talk while a Degree is
jacket, Uniform or Indian National dress with being conferred on a brother or some Brother is
black shoes and socks. addressing WM or the Lodge.
Put on your Apron outside the Lodge. And The side talk is considered to be bad manners
when the meeting is over, the Aprons should be and also it distracts the Lodge officials or the
kept at the proper place and should not be Brother who are involved in the degree working.
thrown haphazardly in the Temple. Unless you have been permitted by WM to
2.ENTRY IN THE LODGE speak, silence is the golden rule. This also
.If a brother is late and he wishes to enter the means no whispering
Lodge and opening ceremony is going on then It is permissible to talk during the period when
he should wait till the opening is over and then the lodge is “at ease” or has been called off
enter the lodge and salute the WM by standing waiting for some Visitor.
by the side of the Senior Warden saying his No practical jokes, horse play or off color stories
apology for being late. this is against the decorum of Masonry and
Do not sneak in the Lodge and take the seat. Lodge discipline.
Without saluting the W.M. No Brother sits while addressing the lodge or
Salute should reflect your heartfelt respect for WM. It is simply not good manners.
the Freemasonry and all that it stands for. In 4.SPEAKING.
other words no sloppy signs. As we are taught- No Brother sits while addressing the Lodge or
“ it is sign of respect.” WM even a high Masonic dignitary also
A sloppy or improper salute is Masonically addresses the lodge or Brethren in proper
impolite and, thus reflects poor Masonic manner by standing up and first addressing the
etiquette. WM.
Stand erect and still and wait for the Response You should speak up while addressing so that
of WM before taking the seat. you are audible to all the present Brethren. It is
Salute should always be given properly and not obvious courtesy of helping the Brethren to
in a careless manner hear your remarks.
If a Brother has to leave during the meeting he All officers of the Lodge are addressed by their
should inform the Director of Ceremonies or Office for example “Bro. Senior Warden. Bro.
the Secretary before hand and salute the WM Secretary etc, if it is a Past Master then W.Bro.”
before leaving. Hey Chowdhary is not acceptable.
A Brother should avoid late entry in the lodge if You should keep your Mobile on Silent/vibration
the Degree working is going on he should then mode. It will be better that you switch off.

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