There are two sides to the question of visitation in regular lodges. We refer here to “regular” lodges, for no right of visitation extends to irregular or clandestine lodges, a subject which will be dealt with separately. There is the courtesy of the reception given the visitor by the lodge; there is also the courtesy of the guest visiting. On both sides, affability and brotherliness should prevail.

One of the landmarks of Freemasonry is the right of every Mason to visit and sit in every regular lodge. Under our California law, this right is not absolute; it is, rather, a favor which any Master Mason in good standing had a right to ask, but which the lodge itself may refuse if timely objection is made to the Master, and is the Master is of the opinion that the objection is a valid one. (CMC Sec. 2412, 2414). Such an objection should be made to the master privately, and the Master’s decision to refuse the visitation should be given to the visitor by the Master privately and, of course, courteously. In actual practice, the right of objection and refusal is seldom exercised.

In English and European lodges, a visitor does not simply walk into the lodge and introduce himself, he waits to be invited. In this country, and particularly in California, the visitor presents himself to the Tiler, with the request to be examined.

The right of visitation is also limited by the ability of the visitor to satisfy the condition of due examination and proof. One of the Ancient Charges requiring the assent of the Master at installation requires “You agree that no visitors shall be admitted into your lodge without due examination and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular lodge”. Under our law, the visitor is required to produce written evidence under the seal of his own lodge, showing that he is in good standing, and he must prove himself to be a Master Mason under a test oath or by avouchment (CMC Sec. 2412-2418).

The examination of a visitor must be made individually by a committee of three members. Remember, the sole purpose of the examination is to satisfy the members of the committee that the visitor is a Mason. Courtesy dictates here that the visitor be treated with ht utmost tact and helpfulness. A potential affiliation with the lodge may be lost and a bother embittered if the examination turns into an obstacle rave for the visitor.

You will remember that the entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft may, in company of a Master Mason of his own lodge, visit another lodge working in the corresponding degree. There are several points for the accompanying Master Mason to remember. First, the reception of the Candidate is a courtesy of one lodge to another. Secondly, no examination may be made of the Entered Apprentice of Fellowcraft. Therefore, the accompanying Master Mason must be prepared to vouch for him, I.e. he must have sat with the Candidate in the degree in question. Third, the Master Mason signs the Tiler’s register and the Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft signs as a visitor, even in his own lodge. He appends an “EA:” or “FC” after his name.

We call our own lodge our “home lodge”. Wherever we go, we retain a tie of sincere affection for it. But we can feel at home in any lodge if the members, in their welcome, and we, in our friendliness, bring it about. After a visitor has gained admission, every effort should be made to make him feel at home, and to have him meet the members of the lodge and other visitors. It is simply the courtesy which any thoughtful host must show his guest.

Thus, if the new Master Mason serves to examine, or if visiting, is examined, courtesy followed with kindness, will reap a harvest of friendship.