Download - Pathway to Mentoring: First Degree Ceremony Entered Apprentice€¦ · Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire Pathway to Mentoring: First Degree Ceremony Entered Apprentice Pathway

Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire

Pathway to Mentoring:First Degree Ceremony

EnteredApprentice

Pathway books Entered Apprentice.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2019 08:54

This Mentoring Booklet was presented to

On his being initiated into Freemasonry on

by Worshipful Brother

The Worshipful Master of

Lodge No

Date

Personal Mentor

“Pathway books Entered Apprentice.qxp_Layout 1 11/10/2019 08:54

2234456781010121213141415161718

CONTENTSIntroductionWhat is Freemasonry?History of Freemasonry in EnglandThe History of Freemasonry in LincolnshireThe Lodge MentorThe Ceremony of your Initiation into FreemasonryThe Charge after your InitiationExplanation of the first degree Tracing BoardMasonic Ritual - ‘a series of playlets’The Order of the Holy Royal ArchBasic Masonic EtiquetteSubjects Not Proper for Discussion in LodgeWhat is the Festive Board?The Lodge RoomA Daily advancement in Masonic knowledgeWhat next?Second Degree Questions and Answers (Abbreviated)Mentoring Check ListSources of InformationPersonal Notes


1

Welcome to Freemasonry in the Province of Lincolnshire.

I am delighted you have chosen to join ourworld-wide fraternity and I am sure you willfind it interesting, challenging and ultimatelya very happy experience.

My journey in Freemasonry has continued to be one of discovery and enjoyment, and I hope you enjoy a similar experience.

I look forward to meeting you on somefuture occasion on my visits around ourProvince and I hope that you have a veryfulfilling and rewarding life as a Freemasonin our wonderful organisation.

Dave WheelerProvincial Grand Master of Lincolnshire

Message from the Provincial Grand Master


INTrOduCTION

This booklet is the first of three and isintended to offer guidance in the ceremonythat you have just experienced. It is hopedthat these booklets will support you inmaking a daily advancement in Masonicknowledge and answer any questions youmay have. We would like you to enjoy yourCraft Masonry, including the Holy RoyalArch, that will complete your journey inPure and Antient Freemasonry.Please discuss this booklet and anyadditional questions you may have withyour Mentor, Proposer or Seconder. Theyall have a shared responsibility to guideyou in your development and journey inFreemasonry. There may be some questionswhich are unanswerable until you havetaken a higher degree. Be patient if theydefer from answering.People join Freemasonry for a variety ofreasons: fellowship, social aspects,friendships, intellectual and moral self-improvement or even spiritual reasons.Some because they are simply intriguedand inquisitive to learn more OR believethat Freemasonry will offer them anopportunity to learn and develop as citizensand individuals. Whatever the reason forjoining Freemasonry, it is hoped that youwill experience more and different benefitsthan you anticipated; benefits that aregained from being a member of ourwonderful fraternity.

WhaT IS FrEEMaSONry?

It is one of the world’s oldest and largestnon-religious, non-political, fraternal andcharitable organisations. It teaches self-knowledge through participation in aprogression of ceremonies (playlets).Whilst Freemasons are not expected to beperfect in all they do, members areexpected to be of high moral standing andare encouraged to speak openly aboutFreemasonry.

The Three Great Principles of Freemasonry are:

Brotherly Love - tolerance and respectfor others and their opinions, kindnessand understanding towards otherpeople.

Relief – caring for each other and alsothe wider community throughcharitable giving and voluntary work

Truth – truth and honesty, exhibitinghigh moral standards in our lives andencouraging them in others.

The Values of Freemasonry are as relevanttoday as they have been at any time overthe last three hundred years. Freemasonsencompass and embrace the fundamentalprinciples of good citizenship in all walksof life:• Kindness: Freemasons have always beendeeply involved in charity and make amajor contribution to society through theirown charities, as well as through donationsto UK charities and worldwide disasterfunds, with members playing an active rolein their communities

2


3

• Honesty: Freemasonry prides itself on itstransparency. Not only are Freemasonscompletely free to acknowledge theirmembership, they are encouraged to do so.• Tolerance: Freemasons are expected toshow respect for the opinions of others andbehave with understanding towards otherpeople.• Fairness: Freemasons treat all as equal.For many, the organisation’s biggest drawis the fact that members come from allwalks of life and meet as equals whatevertheir race, religion or socio-economicposition• Integrity: Freemasons are asked to be thebest people they can be, which comes handin hand with following the above principlesof kindness, honesty, fairness, toleranceA Freemason is always considered aBrother to every other Freemason in theworld. The wearing of regalia is historicand symbolic and indicates the rank of thewearer in the organisation. When you areready, we would like you to take part in ourceremonies and progress in the Lodge.

hISTOry OF FrEEMaSONry IN ENGlaNd

No-one can saywith absolutecertainty how orwhen theMasonicfraternity as werecognise it todaywas formed. Awidely-accepted theory among Masonic scholars is that it arose from stonemasons' guilds during the Middle Ages.Some of the language and symbols used in the rituals certainly come from this era. The

oldest document that refers to Masons isthe Regius Poem, printed about 1390,which is known to be a copy of an earlierwork. In 1646 Elias Ashmole recorded hisinitiation in Warrington in his diary and thisremains the first firm evidence of aspeculative initiation taking place inEngland. Continuing throughout the 1600sevidence of non-operative Lodgesincreases. On 24th June 1717, four Lodges met in theGoose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’sChurchyard in London and formed the firstGrand Lodge of England - and the first inthe world. Antony Sayer was elected thefirst Grand Master, and records from thatpoint in time are more detailed.Over the course of the following centuryIreland and Scotland also formed their ownGrand Lodges in 1725 and 1736respectively. Lodges opened acrossEngland and abroad as the British Empireexpanded. A rival Grand Lodge wasformed in England though happily, after 4years of negotiations, these Masonic bodiesmerged and formed the United GrandLodge of England, or UGLE, on 27thDecember 1813. By 1814, 647 Lodges existed acrossEngland and overseas. Expansioncontinued at home and abroad to such anextent that at the turn of the century, 2800Lodges were operating under the aegis ofthe United Grand Lodge of England(UGLE). At the same time other GrandLodges were being formed throughoutother countries. In 2017 UGLE, the oldest Grand Lodge inthe World, celebrated its tercentenaryamongst its 6000+ Lodges spreadthroughout the world. Celebrationsculminated with an event at the Royal


Albert Hall with representatives of 136sovereign Grand Lodges from the fourcorners of the globe in attendance. UGLE is led by The Most Worshipful TheGrand Master. He is supported by a ProGrand Master*, a Deputy and AssistantGrand Master and a team of GrandOfficers.* In this title, ‘Pro’ isn’t short for anything.When the Grand Master is a member of theRoyal Family he may appoint a Pro GrandMaster to be his principal adviser, and toact for him on those occasions when he isunable to be present due to Royalengagements.

ThE hISTOry OF FrEEMaSONryIN lINCOlNShIrE

According to Dr John Stukeley,Freemasonry within Lincolnshire started in1730 when he moved to Grantham. Somebrief notes exist in his Common PlaceBook.The first Lodge known to have beenconstituted within the county and under theauthority of Grand Lodge was number 73,meeting at the Saracen’s Head in Lincolnfrom the 7th September 1730. From thisLodge, some records, including 3 years ofminutes and some By-Laws, still existdated from 1732. Matching changes at national level, thenumber of speculative Lodges expandedacross the Province and though manyLodges have ceased to exist, in 1793 theWitham Lodge was formed at Lincoln andstill operates to this day.In 1792 the Province of Lincolnshire wasformed and the Reverend William Petersbecame the first Provincial Grand Master.He held this post for 22 years asFreemasonry expanded in the area.

The Provincial Grand Lodge ofLincolnshire is a subsidiary to UGLE andexists to coordinate and supportFreemasonry in this Province or County. Itis led by the Right Worshipful ProvincialGrand Master who is supported by aDeputy and two Assistant Provincial GrandMasters and a team of Provincial GrandOfficers.The Province has 3,500 Freemasonsmeeting in 74 Craft Lodges based at 21centres from Barton-upon-Humber andGrimsby in the north to Bourne, Spaldingand Deeping St James, close to the Countyboundary, in the south.Read more in ‘A brief History of CraftFreemasonry in Lincolnshire’ which isavailable online and via Lodge Secretaries.

ThE lOdGE MENTOr

The Lodge Mentor holds a senior office inthe Lodge. He has the important role ofensuring an appropriate experiencedmember of the Lodge is appointed as aPersonal Mentor for every new Candidate.This is to ensure that the Candidatereceives the correct guidance during theirinformative years in Freemasonry,especially as they progress through thethree degrees and into the Holy RoyalArch. The Personal Mentor may be one ofyour Sponsors (Proposer or Seconder) ifthey have the experience and time.

There are many wonderful aspects toFreemasonry (which we often simply referto as the ‘Craft’) and to ensure you are ableto derive as much fulfilment and enjoymentas possible from Freemasonry, your Lodgewill have arranged for you to have aMentor who will both assist and guide you.

4


5

You will find this approach especiallybeneficial during your early years ofmembership, when you will no doubt havemany questions regarding our organisationand its ceremonies. Please never be tooreserved to ask for information, orassistance ……. All the Brethren in yourLodge are also your Mentors and will bepleased to assist in any way they can.

Your Personal Mentor will refer to thisdocument and those that follow, to assist inexplaining those various aspects of ourorganisation that make it so enjoyable,interesting and spiritually uplifting.

The approach taken by your Mentor willdepend upon your personal relationshipwith him and your own particular wishesand needs. He will have a ‘check list’ ofinformation but feel free to ask your ownquestions.

Whatever the style taken, he (they) will beseeking to ensure that you receive thesekey elements: Belonging, Understanding,Involvement and Enjoyment.

Mentoring is a two-way process, so pleasedo be open and honest with your Mentor(s)and make him (them) aware of your wishesand needs. He (they) is there to see that youget the most, in every way, from yourmembership in the Craft. He (they) mayeven assist you to learn your words foryour Second and Third Degree ceremonies.

ThE CErEMONy OF yOur INITIaTION INTO FrEEMaSONry

The First Degree Ceremony representsbirth, in the sense of emergence, of aCandidate’s Masonic knowledge. When we

first enter Freemasonry, we are without thehidden knowledge of the Craft and rely onthe help and guidance of others, such as ourSponsors, Mentors and indeed any otherBrother. It is hoped that you as a brotherwill develop in the Craft and you in turncan extend help to others.

The h...w...k you wore, represented thedarkness associated with the lack ofknowledge and Masonic Education andalso enables the Candidate to be led intothe Lodge Room without seeing thearrangement of the Lodge. At theappropriate part of the ceremony, theLodge is revealed to you. Thissymbolically represents the beginning ofyour Masonic knowledge and journey.

The c... t... is an old emblem of a servantbeing bonded to his Master. In aFreemason’s Lodge, it symbolises ourbondage to ignorance until we are broughtto the light of knowledge of the Volume ofThe Sacred Law. (In our Lodges this isusually the Bible but could be the sacredBook of another Religion as held by theCandidate, such as the Koran etc.).

The l… b... is made b... so that the pointsof both the p... and the c... can be felt nextto the heart. Also, some believe, to provethat the Candidate is not female.

You were d…v...d of all m…t objects, sothat you could not bring any offensiveweapons into the Lodge to disturb itsharmony. Equally to represent the fact thatwithout money and riches we are all equal.

You were s…p…s…d to emphasise yourpoverty and your k... was made b... sothat there was nothing between it and the


6

Earth when the Obligation was taken.

Inside the Lodge Room you confirmed thatyour entry was of your own volition,confirmed your belief in God, and that youwere of mature age and you agreed to gothrough the Ceremony of your Initiation.

You were paraded before the members as agood man and true.

You recited an Obligation and agreed toobey the rules of the Organisation andpromised to preserve the “Secrets ofRecognition” (‘Sign, Token and Word’)which were explained and entrusted to youin detail; the symbolism of certain objectswas also explained to you. The ‘Secrets ofRecognition’ are the means by which wecan recognise one another ‘by night as wellas by day’. This originates back to ouroperative past to gain entry to a Lodge inthe degree of work that would follow. Inthe past Masons were not literate and sowere not given certificates of qualificationas to his level of skill or expertise.

You were examined twice in reciting the‘Secrets of the Degree’, first at the JuniorWarden’s pedestal and later at the SeniorWarden’s pedestal.

You were invested with an Apron of plainwhite Lambskin which is a symbol ofpurity and is derived from the Aprons wornby the Medieval Operative Masons. It isthe Badge of the Order and all otherMasonic aprons, however ornate, arederived from this Badge.

As a test, at the North East Corner of theLodge, you were asked to give to Charity.You will recall the result and that you were

received without anything of value,emblematically to show that you enteredFreemasonry as a man without worldlypossessions and therefore in need.

The Working Tools of an EnteredApprentice were presented to you, theyteach us the basis of a good life and howwe become fit members of society, which isalso explained in more detail in the Charge.This is outlined below.

You were then given copies of the Book ofConstitutions and the Lodge Bye-Laws. In some Lincolnshire Lodges the Candidateleaves the room at this point to restorehimself to his personal comforts; in othersthis happens after the charge we describenext.

ThE CharGE aFTEr yOur INITIaTION

When you were ready, you re-entered theLodge Room where the “Ancient Charge”was recited to you: recommending howyou should behave in your life and actions.

This part of our ritual, the “First DegreeCharge”, is both beautiful and meaningful,being designed to encourage the newlyadmitted mason to contemplate and thinkdeeply about the deeper implications ofbeing a Freemason. It encompasses a dailystriving to make a good man better.

Below are a few points to remind you tolook again at the full piece, with yourMentor, and to appreciate the message itgives.

As you have passed through the ceremonyof your initiation let me congratulate you


7

on being admitted a member of our ancientand honourable institution.As a Freemason let me recommend to yourserious contemplation the Volume of theSacred Law therein you will be taught theimportant duties you owe to God, to yourneighbour and yourself.As a citizen of the world you are to beexemplary in the discharge of your civilduties, by paying due obedience to the lawsof any state which may for a time becomeyour place of residence, ever rememberingthe country whence you derived your birthand infant nurture.As an individual let me recommend thepractice of every domestic as well as publicvirtue, Prudence, Temperance, Justice,especially Benevolence and Charity.As a Freemason, there are otherexcellences of character• Secrecy, never improperly to disclosethose Masonic secrets entrusted to you.• Fidelity of our fraternity• Obedience to our laws and regulations• Above all enjoyment (be happy andcommunicate happiness)And finally to dedicate yourself to suchpursuits as may enable you to berespectable in life, useful to mankind andan ornament to the society of which thisday you have become a member and toendeavour to make a daily advancement inyour Masonic knowledge.

Your Mentor will discuss all of theceremony with you in more detail and willno doubt refer to the book of ritual. Youwill receive your own copy of this book,which contains all three ceremonies afteryou have completed your third degree.

ExPlaNaTION OF ThE FIrST dEGrEE TraCING BOard

This is one element of the First Degreewhich is not always presented in a Lodgeduring this ceremony. If the Tracing Board,which is pictured overleaf, was notpresented to you then it is worth discussingit with your Mentor. Also, to arrange a visitto a Lodge where it is undertaken as aregular part of the ceremony. Origins of the Tracing Boards go backmany centuries and were used in MasonicRitual from the very beginning. There areaccounts of early Freemasons tracingsymbols onto the floors of their Lodgerooms in chalk, charcoal or sand, a practicethat became systemised, and thenembellished to produce some examples oftruly outstanding artistic achievement.But why trace anything at all? Sinceprehistoric times, we have attempted torecord visual images of our surroundingsand of our relationship to the world aroundus, that both we and others could relate to.On a spiritual level, we learned to rendercomprehensibly images in both sculptureand painting that would assist us in ourdevotions to God and the betterment ofmankind. Our Masonic forebears decidedto adapt the plans of buildings intoallegories as a plan for moral, intellectualand spiritual development. The ceiling of a Lodge became a canvas onwhich to depict the heavens. A carved stonewas used to represent a stage in man's owninner development. The placing of onestone on another became an allegory for theconstruction of more than a physicaltemple, for the building of our owncharacters and through that, the building ofa temple to humanity and of humanity. There is ample evidence that, in the 18th


8

century, much instruction was imparted toCandidates, not so much in the course ofthe Degree ceremony, but afterwards, inpreparation for the next Degree as aTracing Board. However, this now seems tohave fallen by the wayside. Today theTracing Boards are used to attempt to fill insome of the missing features and tocomplete the landscape. Freemasonry isabout rendering in symbol and allegory thatwhich words alone cannot render. A visual image gives us a way of using ourown insight to decode the message. TheTracing Boards exist for this purpose,derived from their original function oflaying out the plan of the building, but theyhave developed into a means for us to layout messages, and then to profit, not justfrom contemplation of their meanings, butby their application in our everyday lives.

Right: The First Degree tracing board

MaSONIC rITual:‘a SErIES OF PlaylETS’

Historically, by learning the Ritual, all wereenabled to take part and progress.Additionally, not committing the Ritual toprint emphasised its secrecy which wasinsisted upon at that time. It cannot bedenied that the ceremony has far moreimpact on the Candidate when deliveredfrom memory.

Specially written playlets convey differentaspects of the ancient mystery traditions.Each stage is another part of the whole, oneleading to the next. There are three distinctplaylets in Craft Masonry; The EnteredApprentice, the Fellowcraft and the MasterMason and this is then complemented by

the ceremony of Exaltation in the HolyRoyal Arch.

The Entered Apprentice Degree (orinitiation) represents youth because itteaches the most basic lessons of belief inGreat Architect of the Universe, thenecessity of charity to mankind, theimportance of truth, and the value ofkeeping one’s word. This leads to;

The Second Degree which is the FellowCraft, (or Passing) this degree representsmanhood, the middle period of life. Duringthis playlet, the importance of educationand work, and the awesome power of the


9

Great Architect of the Universe, are taughtto the Mason. This leads finally to;

The Master Mason Degree (or Raising) isthe third playlet or ritual of the Lodge. Inthe course of this ceremony, the newMaster Mason is taught the importance ofliving a life true to the principles ofmorality and virtue.In many Lodges, anewly-initiated member does not haveaccess to the printed ritual until he ispresented with, or allowed to purchase, aritual book following the completion of hisThird Degree.

There are several versions of Masonicritual. However, all Masonic ritual has thesame purpose – to inculcate a heightenedsense of morality and awareness of eternaltruths within which human existence islived.

The Ritual is a book to be studied, since itcarefully provides not only the words andan idea of the movements to be used in theceremonies, but also an insight into thethinking and intentions that inspiredFreemasonry.

This is part of the reason why eachparticipating Mason should learn his wordsrather than simply reading them – by therepetition and concentration that thelearning entails then understanding,appreciation and the sense of achievementgrows. With greater familiarity comesrecognition, acceptance and enjoyment sothe process of learning is an essential partof the Freemason’s education into the Craftand, hopefully, his subsequent lifestyle.

Thus, it is important that time and effort beassiduously given when learning is to be

done, so that the ceremony can be given asflawlessly as possible. For this reason,attendance at rehearsals is vital, speak toyour Mentor who will advise you. A wellconducted ceremony not only impresses onthe mind of the Candidate, but alsodemonstrates to him his importance, shownby the fact that so many of his new-foundBrethren have gone to such lengths for hisbenefit and to ensure his welcome amongstthem. It does of course also provide themwith huge satisfaction in a job well donewith skill and co-operation.

However long or short the piece of ritual,you should always endeavour to deliver itwith clarity and sincerity. If mumbled orgarbled, the message will be lost and withit the purpose, not to mention therecipient’s attention and interest. Havingsaid that, it is acknowledged that very fewof us are professional actors, so all that isexpected is that members try their hardestand do their very best.


10

ThE OrdEr OF ThE hOlyrOyal arCh

We appreciate thatFreemasonry is verynew to you and thatyou are just beginningyour first steps along thiswonderful and rewarding journey.However, it is important to ensure you areaware, even at this early stage, that it is thewish of the Rt W. Provincial Grand Masterthat on completion of your Third Degree inCraft Freemasonry, and in due time, youwill continue your journey in ‘Pure AntientMasonry’ by joining the Order of the HolyRoyal Arch.

Although the Order of the Holy Royal Archis indissolubly linked with CraftFreemasonry it has its own identicalstructure. The governing body for RoyalArch Masonry in England Wales and theChannel Islands is the ‘Supreme GrandChapter of Royal Arch Masons of England’based at the same building as the UnitedGrand Lodge of England in London. EachProvince is governed by a Most ExcellentGrand Superintendent and in the majorityof cases this is the same person as the RtWorshipful Provincial Grand Master. Thatis the case in the Province of Lincolnshire,with The Most Excellent GrandSuperintendent being the head of the Order.

BaSIC MaSONIC ETIquETTE

You will receive a summons before thenext regular meeting which will identifythe agenda. If you are unable to attend ameeting for business or other personalreasons, you should advise the Secretary as

soon as possible and send yourapologies. If you become an officer ofthe Lodge, you should also advise theDirector of Ceremonies, so thatsomeone can be asked to undertake thework you were to perform. Naturally,whoever is going to stand in for you will

appreciate as much notice as possible.

The dress code is a dark suit (preferablyblack or charcoal grey), white shirt, blackor Provincial tie (enquire where topurchase this tie), black shoes, black socksand white gloves (in some Lodges glovesare not worn until you are a MasterMason). Note that occasionally, in someLodges evening dress may be expected tobe worn. Your Entered Apprentice andFellowcraft aprons will be available tocollect, usually from the Tyler, when youarrive and your Mentor should assist youwith this. When you become a MasterMason you will obtain your own apron.

Remember to sign the Attendance Registeron your arrival!

Always ensure you are appropriatelydressed Masonically before entering theLodge Room. Talk to your Mentor orLodge sponsors if you are unsure.

If you arrive late for the meeting, do notpanic! Given the vagaries of traffic and theseemingly ever-increasing demands ofbusiness life, it is not unknown formembers or guests to arrive late for ameeting. When you have dressedappropriately, the Tyler will advise youhow far the meeting has progressed. If youare unsure of the relevant sign prior toentering the Lodge, you should ask theTyler who would be only too pleased to


11

demonstrate it for you. He will then give areport, by knocking on the door of theLodge and let them know that you areoutside. When the Inner Guard comes tothe door to enquire who seeks admissionthe Tyler will announce your name. Whenyou are admitted to the Lodge, the Directorof Ceremonies or his Assistant willnormally greet you. You should give therelevant sign for the degree and, holdingthat sign, briefly apologise to theWorshipful Master for your late arrival (asingle sentence is more than adequate). TheDirector of Ceremonies or his Assistantwill then take you to your seat. Masonicacknowledgement in the Lodge is bymeans of a ‘court bow’, i.e. a brief forwardinclination of the head only, not a bowfrom the waist. Before being seated yougive a court bow (nod of the head) to theescorting Officer.

Never take a seat in the East withoutinvitation, even if all other seats are taken. When perambulating (walking formally,not marching) in the Lodge, remember toalways start off with the left foot and avoidswinging your arms, or clenching yourfists. Always exhibit a good posture.

Brethren will salute the Master when they leave the Lodge and again when theyre-enter the Lodge Room.

When addressing, or responding to theWorshipful Master, you should salute first(with step) in the current degree, followedby the words “Worshipful Master”. If whatyou are saying is to be lengthy (except aspart of the ritual), cut the sign after theaddress, say your piece and finish with thesalute.

If you make a proposition, or address theLodge, it must be made to the WorshipfulMaster, giving the salute in the degree inwhich the Lodge is working.

When addressing Officers or Brethren inthe Lodge, remember that we are allBrothers. Rank applies to the individual notto the office he holds. Correct terminologyis to ‘Brother Secretary’ or ‘WorshipfulBrother Smith’, not ‘Worshipful BrotherSecretary’. Normally forenames should notbe used, except to differentiate betweentwo Brethren who happen to have the samesurname.

Never turn your back on the Master toaddress the Lodge without first receivingpermission from the Master to speak. No man sits whilst speaking in the Lodgeroom, no matter if he addresses an Officeror another brother. You must always obey the gavel and payattention to the Worshipful Master. It is bad form to talk to your neighbour inLodge during the ceremony, or whenanyone is speaking. If you do need to talkduring a break in proceedings, ensure youdo so discreetly.

All mobile phones are to be turned offwhen in the Lodge Room. Masonic etiquette is important inFreemasonry and customs may vary fromLodge to Lodge. As a general rule, it issensible (and polite) to follow the customand practice adopted by any Lodge youmay be visiting.


12

SuBjECTS NOT FOr dISCuSSION IN lOdGE

Religion and politics should not beaddressed in Lodge, and there are goodreasons for this. When we meet in a Lodge,we are all on a common level, and are notsubject to the classes and distinctions of theoutside world. Each Brother is entitled tohis own beliefs and convictions. Hence werefer to our maker as the ‘SUPREMEBEING’ ‘or The GREAT ARCHITECT OFTHE UNIVERSE. Our objective is to unitemen, not to divide them. These subjectscreate honest differences of opinion thatmight well cause friction between brethren.

There will also be subjects concerning theLodge's business that should not bediscussed. All deliberations should be keptwithin the bounds of propriety andeveryone should show tolerance for theopinion of others. Every Master wantsharmony in his Lodge. Once a matter hasbeen put to vote in the Lodge and adecision is made, the decision should beaccepted by all members, regardless of howthey voted.

We try to teach every Mason to be a goodcitizen and to perform his civic duties. Wedo not try to keep anyone from expressinghis opinion or from serving his city, county,state, or nation, in an honourable manner.Anyone who serves in political officeshould not act politically as a Freemason,nor use the name of Freemasonry inexercising his political rights, such asshowing affiliation with any Lodge in hiscampaign advertising.

WhaT IS ThE FESTIVE BOard?

The Festive Board is the meal held aftermost Lodge meetings and varies in typefrom buffet to banquet, according to thewishes of the members. This is always aconvivial occasion and should beconsidered as much a part of the evening asthe Ceremony itself, albeit in a morerelaxed atmosphere. Although this is amore relaxed environment there areformalities to observe and jackets willcontinue to be worn.Usually a Chief Steward is responsible fororganizing the Festive Board in liaison withthe Secretary. If you are on the permanentdining list and are unable to attend youshould cancel your meal, otherwise youmay incur unnecessary expense.Alternatively, if you’re not a permanentdiner and you wish to have a meal then youneed to order one via the Chief Steward.Inform him if you have any special dietaryrequirements.The meal following the Installationmeeting is usually more lavish than thosefollowing the other meetings. There areoften formal seating arrangements for themeal following the Installation meeting andit is possible this meal will be accompaniedby rather more ‘wine takings’, toasts andspeeches than is usually the case.

Seating arrangements vary greatly, withsome far more formal than others.However, the seats to be occupied by theWorshipful Master, his two Wardens andthe Immediate Past Master are usuallyspecified. If there is no seating plan inplace, your Mentor will doubtless viewdining as an opportunity to sit with you andintroduce you to different brethren on eachoccasion.


13

ThE lOdGE rOOM

The Masonic Lodge interior seems wellorganised, and thought out, yet it holdsmany mysteries to the new Mason. It takestime to understand the function of eachofficer and the layout of the Lodge interior.The seating arrangements may vary slightlyin different Craft Lodges. The position ofthe door also varies depending on thebuilding layout.

The area of the Masonic Lodge commonlyreferred to as the East is where the Masterof the Lodge is seated. The Master of theLodge is elected by the brethren of theLodge annually. He is the leader and theruling of the Lodge rests squarely on hisshoulders.

The Lodge Room is laid out veryspecifically and the seating arrangementsmay vary slightly in different Craft Lodges.

A list of the Lodge Officers is included onthe summons, which you will receivebefore each meeting.

You may be asked to act as a Steward and,if so, you should look upon it as anopportunity to serve the Lodge and play apart, rather than something intrusive, whichinterferes with your meal. It is a greatopportunity to meet and become familiarwith members of your Lodge as well asmeeting its guests.

You will find an altar in every Lodge. TheVolume of the Sacred Law on the altar willvary depending on the Lodge location, thebeliefs of the brethren, and specifically theCandidate. Don't be surprised to see morethan one book on the altar.

You will also notice that there are certainother items of Lodge furniture that areplaced in specific positions in the Lodgeroom.


a daIly adVaNCEMENT INMaSONIC kNOWlEdGE

Discuss with your Mentor and mark theposition of the items of Lodge furniturebelow, the Officers of the Lodge and theseating arrangements for the Brethren ofyour Lodge on the Lodge Room Template.Also, find out where you sit in the Lodge?

1. The Tracing Boards

2. The Candlesticks

3. The Pillars and Globes

4. The Moveable and Immovable Jewels

WhaT NExT?

The next step is the second degree whenyou will be Passed to the Degree of aFellowcraft. We sincerely hope you willthus continue your journey to discoverthose Liberal Arts and Sciences.To do so you will need to show yourknowledge of elements of the 1st Degree.You now need to learn the answers to theSecond Degree questions below. Help withthese will be given by your PersonalMentor or the Lodge Mentor. You may find it useful to visit another localLodge, if they are conducting a 1st degreeceremony, so you can remind yourself, atan early stage, the lovely ceremony andoccasion you have just gone through. Talkto your Mentor and he will arrange this andjoin you or arrange another Brother toaccompany you. Remember, if you are everunsure about anything, you only need toask.Bon Voyage…

14


15

SECONd dEGrEE quESTIONS aNd aNSWErS (aBBrEVIaTEd)

W.M. Where were you first prepared to be made a Mason?Cand. In my h…

W.M.Where next?Cand. In a convenient room adjoining the Lodge.

W.M. Describe the mode of your preparationCand. I was d…v…d of m…l and h…w…d. My r… a…, l… b…, and k… were madeb…, my r… h… was s… s… and a c… t… placed about my n...

W.M. Where were you made a Mason?Cand. In the body of a Lodge, just, perfect and regular.

W.M.And when?Cand.When the Sun was at its meridian.

W.M. In this country Freemasons’ Lodges are usually held in theevening; how do you account for that which at the first view appears a paradox?Cand. The earth constantly revolving on its axis in its orbit aroundthe Sun, and Freemasonry being universally spread over its surface, it necessarily followsthat the Sun is always at its meridian with respect to Freemasonry.

W.M. What is Freemasonry?Cand.A peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.

W.M. Name the grand principles on which the Order is founded?Cand. Brotherly love, relief and truth.

W.M.Who are fit and proper persons to be made Masons?Cand. Just, upright and free men, of mature age, sound judgementand strict morals.

W.M. How do you know yourself to be a Mason?Cand. By the regularity of my initiation, repeated trials and approbations, and awillingness at all times to undergo an examination when properly called on.

W.M. How do you demonstrate the p of your being a Mason to others?Cand. By sns, ts, and the perfect pts of my entrance.


GENErIC MENTOrING ChECk lIST – ENTErEd aPPrENTICE

Personal Mentor:

Lodge Mentor:

Date completed

Apron – where to collect and return

Signing of the Lodge Register

Book of Constitutions p 6&7Discuss some relevant rules in book

EA Ceremony & Mentoring Booklet

Brief History

Explain signs token & word(Ensure correctness of the sign)

Organisation of the Lodge and Officers

Basic introduction to the Royal Arch

Masonic Etiquette & Protocol

Festive Board Protocols

Q&A ready for next ceremony

Solomon https://solomon.ugle.org.uk

Provincial Website https://www.pgllincs.org

Other useful Social Media

16


SOurCES OF INFOrMaTION

This is a list of sources of information you may find useful:

United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)https://www.ugle.org.uk

Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire https://www.pgllincs.org

Initiates’ GuideA comprehensive booklet published by the Metropolitan Grand Lodge.Available from the Provincial Grand Mentor

The Province of Lincolnshire Year Book (Blue Book)The Peterborough BookletsGrand Lodge publications:‘Information and Guidance for Members of the Craft’Information about Masonic CharitiesWhat is FreemasonryFreemasonry and ReligionFreemasonry and Society

To increase your Masonic knowledge please register and visit: https://solomon.ugle.org.uk

Please do not attempt to gain the secrets of the next degree or to look at your nextceremony it will only spoil it for you... Keep the mystery

17


18

PErSONal NOTES:


19

PErSONal NOTES:


20

PErSONal NOTES:


acknowledgementsThe Provincial Grand Lodge of Lincolnshire wishes to acknowledgeand thank all those Brethren who have assisted the ProvincialGrand Mentor in producing this and the other mentoring bookletsfor the Provincial Mentoring Scheme. We also acknowledge andthank the work of other Provinces that have produced mentoringmaterials for their kind assistance, and in particular the Province of Derbyshire for their cooperation.
