The Charge of the Third Degree places much emphasis on the conduct of a Master Masons. It seems to assume that the newly made Master Mason is fully aware of the pitfalls into which he may stumble, for, it says he is authorized to correct the irregularities of his less informed brethren.
Much, however, remains to be gained my the new Master Mason in knowledge and appreciation of the practical aspects of our conduct, both in the lodge and afield, among strange or mixed company. Additional articles will touch upon such aspects as visitation, what a Mason may tell a non-Mason, what may be told a prospective Candidate, and other important topics, but the first requisite must be one’s own conduct in lodge.
It might be well to remark here that one of the charges to which the master himself must assent before his installation enjoins him to be cautious in carriage and behavior, courteous to his Brethren and faithful to his lodge. This, then, is equally expected of each member – that the spirit of brotherly love and affection, by which we are bound together, will be exemplified in our conduct at all times.
The Master alone has been clothed with the responsibility of his office. It is, therefore, not only a matter of courtesy to obey his gavel, it is a serious Masonic offense to ignore or disobey it.
In our Ancient Charges, approved in 1722, appears the following:
“You are not to hold private committees or separate conversations, without leave from the Master, not to talk of anything impertinent or unseemly, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens or any brother speaking to the Master; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the lodge is engaged in what is serious or solemn.”
Common courtesy and good taste alike forbid joking or horseplay during the ceremonies. The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. Likewise, neither the anteroom nor the lodge room is a proper location for the telling of off-color stories or practical jokes.
The Ancient Charges say that “you are to salute one another in a courteous manner, calling each other Brother, you shall call all Masons your fellows, or your brethren, and no other names.”
Just as it is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a brother’s name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address both officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.
The proper address for Masters and Past Masters is “Worshipful” or in the case of the one presiding, “Worshipful Master”. In addressing other lodge officers, the form is “Brother Senior Warden” “Brother Junior Warden”, Brother Treasurer”, etc. The address used for a member is “Brother ________,” using his last name.
In introducing visitors, the form becomes “Worshipful John Smith, Master of ________ Lodge, No. _____, of (giving the location of that Lodge)” or “Brother _______, a member of Lodge No. ______, of _________________.”
Here the question arises “what does the member or visitor do on being introduced?” The answer is very simple, He rises to the introduction and remains standing until the brother making the introduction indicates that he is to be seated. He does NOT give the sign.
A member or visitor wishing to address the lodge does so always through the Master. That is, he rises, gives the sign while addressing the Master “Worshipful Master,” then, keeping his remarks brief and to the point, speaks and sits down. Courtesy, here again, demands a due regard for one’s fellow members and for the truth of the proverb “Brevity is the soul of wit”.