The Short Talk Bulletin

      December 1998

Published monthly by the Masonic Service Association of North America.
8120 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Maryland 209104785. Tel: (301) 588-

4010, under the auspices of its member Grand Jurisdictions.

    MASONIC ETIQUETTE
        (PART II)
By. Nelson (PGM, Arizona)

In 1980 MSA published a Short Talk on Masonic
Etiquette. 'It is hard to cover such a broad subject in
one Short Talk and Bro. Nelson (PGM, AZ) has-been
kind enough to prepare a second Short Talk on the
same subject, however stressing many other points Of
etiquette.

We thank Bro. Nelson for his efforts and recommend a
careful reading of this Short Talk because politeness
and respect for others are always important masonic
principles.

-Editor

Each profession has its code of ethics governing the
actions of its members. Ethics and rules of conduct are
quite different from etiquette however, and may vary
from time to time. Etiquette, the consideration we
show for others, remains constant. This STB does not
address customs or rules of conduct -- only etiquette.
AD of the opinions expressed have evolved from the
generous actions and consideration shown to this
author by many illustrious Masons of our Craft. ,

While our relationship with other Masons is clearly
explained by the ritual there are unwritten actions that
will improve our relationships with others and
knowing them will give us self confidence. These
actions are termed etiquette. With minimal effort and
thoughtfulness we can treat our Brethren with respect
and improve friendships. We might remember that
Masonic etiquette is nothing more than plain manners
and politeness, emphasized by quickness of sympathy
and fineness of observation. Masonic customs have
been made a part of each jurisdiction's ritual and
regulations but they differ from the unwritten code of
etiquette.

LODGE ETIQUETTE

The meeting place of a lodge is considered a Masonic
home by its members. When a visitor appears at a
meeting it is only proper for each member to welcome
him as he would a visitor in his own home. Visitors
should always be welcomed into each conversational
group and never left by themselves. To prevent a
visitor from being slighted some Masters wisely assign
a member to accompany him throughout the evening.
If the visitor is from another jurisdiction he will
appreciate knowing in advance what is

expected of him during the course of the meeting. For
example, if he will be expected to know certain signs
and words or if  he will be asked to speak. After the
meeting visitors should again be welcomed by all
members and encouraged to share in refreshments or
other activities. If the visitor does not have a car he
will appreciate some help with transportation.

It is customary and only common courtesy to rise when
addressing the Master of a lodge. It is especially
important that a Mason stands when greeting another
member or when being introduced to him. There may
be exceptions to this rule that age, custom, or ritual
may preclude but it is good practice unless otherwise
specified.

The first impressions of Freemasonry are received by
the candidate in the preparation room. He is usually
nervous and ill at ease, often not knowing anyone
present. He will respect the lodge if he is shown
respect at this time, particularly when he is garbed in
the ritualistic clothing. The candidate will be
impressed with the seriousness of the occasion by the
thoughtfulness of others.

Grand Honors, a form of Masonic applause, is the
method of showing respect to certain Grand Lodge
officers but the form of recognition may vary from one
jurisdiction to another. Visitors from another
jurisdiction should be informed about local customs
before entering the lodge room. It is quite
embarrassing to extend the public grand honors of
three times three when the private grand honors or
another silent form of the grand honors are being
extended by others. Additional applause, after the
grand honors, is entirely at the discretion of the
presiding officer.

FOR THE MASON

Masons learn that, customs affecting etiquette may
differ in each Masonic jurisdiction. it is
understandable that visitor's signs and even words may
be different. The manner in which the apron is worn
and even ritual language or pronunciation may also
differ. However, it would be discourteous to object to
such differences.

Masonry has, for ages, taught lessons of tolerance but
from time to time we still hear the voice of prejudice --
usually in ethnic jokes, sometimes in name-calling or
in sweeping generalizations. If alone with a Brother
there is no need to laugh at such attempts at humor
and one can quietly say that jokes are not appreciated
that belittle people. Perhaps, 'I don't agree with that
remark' is sufficient. If one is in an embarrassing
situation perhaps silence and a change of subject is
possible. In like manner, common courtesy and laws of
the Craft forbid the use of discourteous remarks,
offensive personal comments, and expressions of
bitterness or ill will toward a Brother. Such comments
should never be made during discussions in a Masonic
gathering. FOR THE MASTER
The Master of a Masonic lodge has been endowed
with the title of Worshipful Master. It is a term of
respect for the office he holds or has held in the past.
However, he does not call himself Worshipful any
more than a judge would call himself My Honor. He
refers to himself simply as the Master.

Masonic ritual dictates the Master's actions but usually
only during open lodge. At other times he is expected
to use good judgement and practice good etiquette. He
will never be criticized for expressing sympathy or for
observing and alleviating the discomfort of others.

When a visitor is introduced to the Master it is
appropriate for the Master to rise and welcome him
with a handshake. This action elevates the status of
the visitor and can only improve the image of the
Master. To extend additional respect the Master may
invite visitors who are Past Masters to a seat in the
East and may even offer them the opportunity to speak
to the lodge.

As a mark of respect to the Great Architect of the
Universe the Master should always remove his hat
whenever the name of Deity is spoken and during all
prayers. And as a mark of respect to his country he
does the same during the Pledge of Allegiance or
during the playing of the National Anthem. It is also
good manners for a Master to rise and remove his hat
when being introduced to a lady visitor in a public
meeting where he is presiding and to offer her the
hand of friendship. It is particularly important that the
Master remove his hat when offering condolences at
funerals.

Respect for the office of Master is a universally
accepted custom in Masonic circles. For anyone to
correct him or criticize him during his 'labors' is
considered rude. If the Master asks for assistance with
the ritual then one knowledgeable member, usually
designated beforehand, will help him. In like manner,
It is also discourteous to prompt or correct any of the
other lodge officers 'in the discharge of their duties. If
they require assistance, the Master will provide it.
Criticism is best offered in private when it will not
offend or embarrass anyone.

The Rules of Order in Masonic meetings may be
determined by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge or
by the Lodge bylaws. If none are specified, then the
Grand Master and/or the Master will determine the
Rules of Order. A Mason would be ill-advised to
request that the presiding officer follow Robert's Rules
of Order or any other course of action. Harmony and
dignity among the Craft must prevail and the Master
will enforce it.

The careful selection of prayers used at Masonic
gatherings, other than those included in the ritual, is
the responsibility of the Master. Sectarian prayers can
easily offend those in attendance and it is important
that the Master explain this to anyone who may be
called upon to offer a prayer. In like fashion a careless
choice of refreshments can embarrass members or

guests of certain religions or denominations and for
that reason the menu selection at refreshment should
be carefully considered.

When attending a Masonic funeral or memorial service
it is well to determine, in advance whether the lodge
conducting the service will be wearing only white
aprons or whether officer regalia is appropriate. White
gloves may be required in some localities.

FOR THE VISITOR

The expression, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do'
is generally appropriate for Masonic visitors. -Many
Brethren believe that there is a universal Masonic
custom called the 'right of visitation. ' Such is not the
case in all jurisdictions although unexpected visitors
usually will be welcomed at most Masonic meetings.
However, there are circumstances when visitation is
not guaranteed or even appropriate.

One such circumstance is when a Masonic Trial is in
progress. There are other situations when a visitor
might not gain admittance: Perhaps a lodge has no
remaining space or has a 'reservations only' policy for
the evening or the master might believe that the
visitor's presence would disturb the peace and
harmony of the lodge. Some American jurisdictions
that recognize the right of visitation are: Kentucky,
Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New
Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon,
South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Wisconsin
and Wyoming.

In some jurisdictions banquets are held occasionally as
part of the lodge activities and therefore such meetings
are not considered open for visitation because of the
advance planning that is required.

In some foreign lodges a response to a toast may be
expected of the visitor. Therefore, arrangements to
visit these lodges should be made well in advance.
Such arrangements often can be made by the Grand
Secretary of the visitor's jurisdiction.

In the United States a visitor's dues card will be
examined for current status but it alone will not
guarantee his admittance. A visitor must expect to be
examined when visiting another lodge unless someone
will vouch for him. In some countries other credentials
may be requested. A visitor should appear for
examination early enough so that it will not delay any
part of the planned activities. If he requests to see the
lodge charter it should be made available. It goes
without saying that the visitor should always be
treated with kindness and consideration.

There are few places that require greater selfrestraint
and consideration for other people than a Masonic
gathering. Let us remember that the cardinal principle
of etiquette is thoughtfulness and it implies a concern
for the effect of our actions on others around us.
Certainly Freemasons are concerned with all members
of the Craft and, we need to treat each other with
Brotherly respect.

So mote it be!
