The Guiding Light / Feb. 2016 9
THE WEST GATE
Brethren, I trust that we are all off to a great new year in Masonry. I want to focus this month on Masonic protocol and etiquette during lodge. The discussion arose at a recent Lodge Light Training about how to address the lodge, and we are also receiving the new District Deputy Grand Master at our February stated meeting for his first official visit. The list of expectations for protocol and etiquette, is long, but I want to look at two things in specific. First addressing the lodge, and then the official visit of the DDGM. I found the following in Masonic Protocol, “Rules of Etiquette.”
8. When wishing to speak in Lodge, a Brother should rise and wait to be recognized by the Master. Then, address the lodge in the following manner: Worshipful Master Wardens and Brethren, then begin to speak. All remarks should be directed to the East. If a Brother wishes to speak to another Brother directly, ask permission from the East first. Rising to speak should also be practiced when making or seconding motions.
10. A District Deputy Grand Master on an official visit is received with an etiquette which reflects the fact that he is the personal representative of the Grand Master. When he is present in the Lodge room it is as if the Grand Master was there in person. Proper deference to the DDGM includes allowing him the protocol of "final comment". No one should rise to speak on any issue after the DDGM has completed his prepared remarks. Worshipful Masters are reminded to encourage their members to make announcements from the sidelines before the DDGM speaks.
I think too often in the lodge we get too comfortable and forget the formality that should go with attending lodge. I myself have been guilty of making a mistake or not addressing the Worshipful Master and the lodge properly. Sometimes it is simple forgetfulness, and other times, it is just being rushed and not doing it. In that moment before you stand up to address the lodge, we should all take a deep breath and remember the order of proper address.
In receiving the DDGM, I think it is important to remember that he is representing the Grand Master, and we should treat him as such. In this setting it is of the utmost importance that the brethren are “on point” as the saying goes. Our ceremony of acceptance needs to have the proper air about it, as he enters the door. We must also remember, that he has the final word or comment with the intent that we leave our meeting with his message in mind.
These are some things to ponder as we attend our next stated meeting. Respect and honor to the fraternity. It is a history that extends back many years. Let us not forget the importance of such things.
Randall S. King, Senior Warden