Page 23 - ASHLAR - Oct-Dec 2019

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XV Issue III
Don't play with your Cell phone. Whatsapp motion knows when the matter will be taken up.
messages are there and will remain unless you 5. OBEYING THE GAVEL.
delete them, if you are waiting for very Brethren should always obey the Gavel
important message take excuse from the immediately.
meeting in order to attend the same. Failure to obey the Gavel immediately is a
It is a common courtesy to be accurate in Grave Discourtesy to the Chair and very poor
speaking a Brothers name, so it is proper Masonic Etiquette.
Masonic etiquette to address officers, The Master is all powerful in the Lodge and his
members and visitors by their correct Masonic word is final.
titles. It also reinforces our sense of being a He has the authority to refuse or put any Motion
Masonic congregation and not out in informal or Resolution.
social gathering. He determines what and what will not be
It is Masonic etiquette to seek the permission of permitted to be discussed
WM. before addressing the Lodge or the WM. He can rule any Brother out of order on any
will declare that The Brother will now address subject.
the Lodge. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust
After the permission has been granted one or acting illegally have redress.
should address as “Thank you Worshipful They can appeal to Grand Lodge through the
Master. Brethren…” respective Regional Grand Lodges.
No individual Brother is addressed in the open However, in the Lodge, the Master's Gavel,
Lodge this can be done before the meeting or which is his emblem of authority, is supreme.
on the dinner table that also with WM's Masonic Etiquette decries anyone who does
permission only if the matter is concerning the not obey the Gavel
Lodge. 6. BALLOTING AND VOTING.
Note- Be considerate of the WM and the Do not enter or leave the Lodge room during a
Brethren. WM has limited time to carry out the Ballot. One is not permitted to leave or enter
evening's agenda. Keep your remarks brief and during a Ballot whether for any purpose.
to the point. Balloting and Voting is mandatory. When an
If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or issue is put to vote, or a Ballot is being taken all
any important matter concerning the Lodge for Brethren should vote.
discussion, it is advisable to inform the WM as NOTE: It is discourteous to leave the Lodge
well as the Secretary before the meeting or room during a speech, during a Degree being
better to discuss the same in Lodge Committee performed and balloting. This is against the
and then discuss in the open house. Etiquette of Masonry and is mentioned in Book
You should do your home work before raising a of Constitution. A Brother who does not
Motion or Topic of discussion. It is better the participate in Balloting fails to share in his duties
same is discussed in the Lodge Committee and is direct disobedience to the WM.
meeting and should be within the frame work of Furthermore he devalues the proceedings of
the Book of Constitution of Freemasonry and the Lodge and the sense that we are
the Bye-Laws of the Lodge. Brotherhood.
Why it should be done—as a courtesy to the 7.SHOULDERING THE WORK.
WM and his dedication to the smooth working As per the Masonic Etiquette a Brother should
of the Lodge graciously accept a request made by the WM or
The matter should be taken into the Agenda at Director of Ceremonies in well functioning of
appropriate place so that the Brother raising the the Lodge if it is within his capability. However

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