                Southern California Research Lodge F&A.M.

                            FRATERNAL REVIEW

Editor - Ralph A. Herbold      (5-1-99)               No. 798


PROTOCOL From Ask Your Grand Lecturer (Craig S. Campbell) in the
January 1999 Wisconsin Masonic Journal:

To cross or not to cross -- Those of us who attended the annual
communication in June may remember a few fight moments when, on
several occasions, brethren approached the microphones by crossing the
floor between the altar and the Grand Master, and were resoundingly
razzed for doing so.

This raises the question -- why is it that brethren supposedly are not
to cross between the altar and the Master?

This is one of those long-standing "unwritten" rules. And although it
is an unwritten rule, it has flexibility, such as in the balloting
procedure, purging the lodge and portions of the ritual (e.g.
circumambulation).

'Me Masonic Service Association refers to a February, 1938 Short Talk
Bulletin that considers this tradition one of the ancient established
usages and customs of the Craft, and reason that Masons practice this
tradition because the Master is supposed to have the Great Lights
constantly in view. They further state that, in theory at least, he
draws inspiration from the altar to preside over the lodge and must
not, therefore, be prevented from seeing it at any time.

I believe that our adherence to that practice stems more from the
traditions and mandates emanating from the practices of medieval
religious customs, where lay-people were prevented from approaching
the presiding clergy, whose connection with the religious altar was
deemed sacred and holy, and should not be interrupted.

A similar situation developed as the custom enforced within the
operating kingdoms of medieval western Europe, where subordinates were
disallowed from approaching the king directly. This may have been more
for the king's safety than any religious inspiration, but quickly
became the norm of behavior while in the king's presence.

Since Freemasonry dates its earliest known existence in the later
stages of the Middle Ages, it is entirely possible that the practicing
Masons at that time carried forth the tradition of not crossing
between the altar and its presiding officer, the Worshipful Master. As
it is, we still carry on that tradition today.

As always, your questions and comments are always welcome.


LOGIC Gladstone had this to say about logic: Men are apt to mistake
the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument. The
heated mind resents the chill touch and relentless scrutiny of logic.



