~he MASONICFRATERNITY

An explanation

of the character of the Institution,

its customs, ideals and

traditions.

WRITTEN FOR THE

MASONIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF THE

GRAND LODGE, A. F. & A. M.,

OF MISSOURI

BY

RAY V. DENSLOW

© 1932

A WORD TO THE CANDIDATEYou are about to undergo a new experience in life-your

initiation into the mysteries of Freemasonry. Life is but anexperience, and your entrance into our fraternity will mark amile-post in your life, rich as it may be with other accomplish­ments and associations.

In the first place you will revel in a glorious associationof friends; that you are regarded as a friend is evidencedby your unanimous election to receive the degrees of Free­masonry. Not a dissenting vote was cast against you, other­wise you could not have been elected. Our fraternity believesthat it would be better to keep without, two or more worthymen, than admit one who is unworthy.

When you petitioned the fraternity, your petition wasrecommended by two of our members who believed you weresuch a man as they might wish to take within their ownhomes. This petition was read in open lodge and referredto a committee of three of our brethren charged with themaking of an investigation as to your former life and char­acter. The probabilities are, that had you lived at any timein your life in another city, these brethren addressed lettersto lodges located in those cities in an endeavor to find outyour reputation while among them. When this committeereported, you were unanimously elected and each member pres­ent was satisfied with the report of the committee as to yourpast history and character.

In making application you stated on the petition that youwere "unbiased by the improper solicitation of -friends"­meaning that no member of the fraternity solicited you; thatwhat you were doing was the result of cool and deliberatethought, since Freemasonry does not seek "classes", resort to"drives", or endeavor to influence its prospective petitionersthrough their emotions. You also stated that you were notinfluenced by "mercenary motives", meaning that you didnot petition with the desire of helping make your business

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more profitable by reason of your membership; that youcame freely and voluntarily, filled with a love for your fel­low man and a desire to be of service to others.

If you have any other such desire, ask for the return ofyour petition. Freemasonry offers itself only as a field foryour service to humanity. Naturally, the friendships formedwithin the society, if true and sincere, will lead to "the pro­motion of business connections and friendships; it could notdo otherwise, but such a matter is of secondary consideration,and the good Freemason looks askance at that brother whowould level the fraternity to naught but a business gettinginstitution.

Nature of Our Society

What is Freemasonry?

Ask the' average man and you will receive replies as variedas it is possible to be. "A secret society," says one. "A groupof men banded together to promote their mutual welfare,"says another. And so it goes.

A German volume gives us this definition:"Masonry is the activity of closely united men, who, em­

ploying symbolical forms borrowed prifi(~ipally from the ma­son's trade and from architecture, work for the welfare ofmankind, striving morally to ennoble themselves and others,and thereby to bring about a universal league of mankind,which they aspire to exhibit even now on a small scale."

It has been intimated that Freemasonry is a secret society,but such is not the truth. The society does not contain anytruths, plans or principles which are not enunciated all overthe land. It has no great secret, no open sesam"e, no abra­cadabra. Its forms and ceremonies it does hold private, notto conceal from the world so much as to make its lessonsmore impressive, for mystery is a magic factor in reckoningthe psychology of the mind.

The Rev. Joseph Fort Newton defines the individual mem­ber:

"When is a man a Mason? When he can look out over therivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense

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of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yethave faith, hope and courage-which is the root of everyvirtue. When he knows that down in his heart every man isas noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic, and as lonely as him­-self, and seeks to know, to forgive, and to love his fellowman. When he knows how to sympathize with men in theirsorrows, yea, even in their sins-knowing that each manfights a hard fight against many odds. When he has learnedhow to make friends and to keep them, and above all howto keep friends with himself. When he loves flowers, canhunt the birds without a gun, and feels the thrill of an oldforgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.When he can be happy and high minded amid the meanerdrudgeries of life. When star-crowned trees, and the glintof sunlight on flowing waters, subdue· him like the thoughtof one much loved and long dead. When no voice of dis­tress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid with­out response. When he finds good in every faith that helpsany man to lay hold of divine things and see majestic mean­ings in life, whatever the name of the faith may be. Whenhe can look into the wayside puddle and see something beyondmud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal andsee something beyond sin. When he has kept faith with him­self, with his fellow man, with his God; in his hand a swordfor evil, in his heart a bit of song-glad to live, but notafraid to die. Such a man has found the only real secret ofMasonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all theworld."

Our Ceremonies

Originally, Freemasonry was contained in a one degreeceremony, but, by a gradual development, it is now, and hasbeen for more than two centuries, a ceremony of three degrees.These degrees are referred to as:

1. Entered Apprentice.2. Fellowcraft.3. Master Mason.

One who receives the first of these degrees is said to havebeen initiated an Entered Apprentice. The word "initiation"

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is distinctly Masonic, but in recent years is applied to any­one who is joining a society or association. Literally, it means"a beginning" and is rightfully used in Freemasonry, for theinitiation into the first degree of Freemasonry is the beginningof a system of instruction which culminates in the thirddegree.

Before a candidate may be advanced, it is necessary thathe should be instructed in the teachings and ceremonies ofeach degree. Any brother will be found willing to give thisinstruction, but it is well to insist upon the help of somebrother who is actively engaged in the work of the lodge,otherwise this teaching may not be correct, and, when oncelearned incorrectly, will handicap you in passing examinationfor visitation or engaging in conferring of degrees. Whenyou shall have arrived at a proficient stage in memorizingthese teachings (your instructor will be the best judge) youshould present yourself at the lodge for examination; theexamination takes place in the open lodge and you may selectyour examiner. If your work is found to be correct you willbe permitted to advance in the ceremonies; if not, it will benecessary for you to continue with your lectures until youhave acquired them. In any event you may not be advanceduntil a specified time has lapsed (twenty-eight days in Mis­souri) .

The second stage of our ceremonies constitutes the passingto the degree of Fellowcraft; you are literally "a fellow ofthe craft" enjoying the same rights and privileges as yourfellow workers and members; this, at one time, constitutedthe highest degree of the fraternity. A proficiency examina­tion is required in this degree as well as in the first degree,the same conditions for advancement holding true as in thatdegree.

The third degree ceremony is referred to as raising; thereare certain ritualistic references involved, but in general it maybe said that a candidate is raised to a new dignity or office­that of a Master Mason, or that he is raised to a positionwhere he may fully understand the full import of Masonicteachings. Here again, a proficiency examination is required,but in this instance there is a penalty attached for your fail-

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ure to present yourself; this penalty is a refusal on the partof the lodge to permit you to hold office or dimit until theexamination has been passed. Neither may you exercise theright of ballot. You should therefore not delay after receiv­ing the third degree to perfect yourself and present yourselfat the first possible moment while the ceremonies are freshin your memory.

Requirements for Admission,

The petitioner for Masonic degrees must comply with cer­tain fundamental requirements, some of which are fixed bywhat we term "the ancient landmarks" and other require­ments established by our own Grand Lodge. To more fullyunderstand these restrictions, it may be well to explain thatthe fraternity was once an operative institution, all of itsmembership being comprised within the trade known as stone­masons. It was during this period that certain laws wereenacted, such as the requirement as to physical perfection,for originally no man possessed of maim or blemish could beaccepted as a member. In recent years, since the change inthe fraternity from an operative to a speculative institution,many lodges have not been so insistent as to physical blemishand some permit the admission of those who through the useof mechanical devices are able to receive and transmit theceremonies. This bars the deaf, the blind, and those who areso crippled as to be unable to wear artificial appliances, neces­sary to permit them to move about freely and to demonstratetheir capacity to receive and impart certa'in significant signsand ceremonies. Our Grand Lodge once ruled that "a corkleg discounted a cork head."

Candidates must be of lawful age; in this country the ageof twenty-one years prevails, since this is the age fixed byour government for the assumption of citizenship. In cer­tain foreign jurisdictions there is a custom permitting a"lewis" (son of a Master Mason) to petition at the age ofeighteen. It is presumed that at a lawful age, the petitionerhas reached a place where he is physically and mentally ableto perform physical duties and use sound judgment. Oneunder twenty-one years of age is said to be in his nonage.

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One whose mental powers have waned to such an extentthat he is incompetent to manage his affairs or to understandthe nature of the ceremonies is said to be in his dotage andis ineligible for Masonic degrees.

Freemasonry is builded around a belief in God, and refersto him as the Supreme Architect of the Universe; one whodoes not so believe would find himself in uncongenial sur­roundings apd could not consistently apply for, nor receiveany portion of the degrees. If therefore follows that onewho has not lived in accordance with God's teachings, orthose rules of morality generally accepted as right, is notqualified to receive the mysteries of die fraternity. It isapparent that the mentally qnsound, the physically unfit, andthe morally deficient are not wanted. Only freemen maypetition; this originally stood as a bar to the colored race inAmerica, resulting in the formation of negro lodges undertheir own control and always regarded by the white GrandLodges as clandestine and unauthorized. There is nothing inthe laws of Grand Lodges barring petitioners because of color,but because of the social inequality of the races, and the factthat there were colored lodges in existence affording thecolored people a chance to experience the blessings of fra­ternity, the Masonic fraternity in the United States today isessentially a fraternity of the white race.

A jJ;1an's Fraternity

The objection of the fraternity to the admission of womenis age-old and widely known. Because of this custom andtradition, it does not imply any lack of confidence in thoseof the opposite sex, nor. the high regard held for their sex byour fraternity, but the very basic principles of our orderprohibit their admission, and have so prohibited since the in­stitution began.

Freemasonry is essentially a man's fraternity; it could notbe otherwise and carry out its objects and purposes. It hasalways been a guild of men, sometimes operative, sometimesspeculative, but always composed of men. The name of nowoman ornaments the traditions of the craft and yet our

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ceremonies and lectures express nothing but the highest re­gard for woman, and the best evidence of this is in the pro­tection thrown about the widows and orphans of our mem­bership.

Experience, said to be the best teacher, has shown thatsocieties made up of equal representatives of both sexes arenot the most satisfactory. Our fraternity has kept itselfremarkably free from scandal; whether this could have beenaccomplished by intermingling of the sexes is problematical.At least history has not borne it out.

Disease, Crime, EducationIn your application you stated that you were free from

certain disease; these questions were asked because of the de­sire of the fraternity to keep its membership free from thosewho have loathsome disease; again, those so afflicted are allmost apt, later in life, to be candidates for Masonic relief byreason of such condition.

You stated in your application that you had never beenconvicted of any crime. Masonry has no place around itsaltars for the criminal or law-breaker. It helps to make goodmen better, but it does not profess to be a criminal reforma­tory. Failure to live up to the laws of the land presagesfailure to be bound by Masonic ties. Our society desires tobe known everywhere as a patriotic, law abiding organizationwith an intelligent membership and definite ideas as to moraluplift.

We have, numbered among our members, some who areuneducated and unrefined, yet they have received from thefraternity inspiration, enthusiasm, and help, but it is not tothis class, as a rule, that Masonry offers its greatest appeal.Our society appeals most to the intelligent man, the dreamerof ideals, the charitable man, the philosopher, the samaritan,and he whose mind is attuned to' God.

Masonic DiscussionIn your conversation you should be guarded in your ex­

pressions lest you let fall some of those Masonic expressions

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by which we know and distinguish our membership. You arenot to argue with those who, through ignorance, may ridiculeour institution. The lodge room is the only proper forumfor Masonic discussion, although there is nothing to prohibittwo or more known Masons from conversing in a Masonicmanner.

Not every man who wears a square and compass is a Free­mason; there are many impostors in the country. Nor iseveryone who throws out a well known Masonic catch-worda member.

Visitation

Freemasons encourage visitation from those who are knownto be in good Masonic standing. As a member, you are chargedwith the responsibility of seeing that lodge hospitality is ex­tended to every visitor to your lodge-but first you and thelodge must satisfy yourself as to his right of visitation. Thismust be done, first, by requiring the visitor to producedocumentary evidence as to his membership in a regular lodge;then, satisfying yourself that he is the proper holder of thecertificate; the latter may be accomplished through the meanswell known to every Mason.

Likewise, when you desire to visit a lodge, be sure that youtake with you the documentary evidence as to your standing,for no lodge may legally appoint an investigating committeeunless this is forthcoming. Your next duty is to be fullyposted in the ceremonies of the order so that the examiningcommittee may have no doubt as to your knowledge andrights. Remember that visitation to other than your ownlodge is a privilege and not a right; if you cannot convincethe committee of your standing you need not be incensed-the committee are merely protecting the lodge and the fra­ternity.

There is an easy method of securing entrance to a lodge-if you have at any time in your Masonic life sat in a lodgewith a brother who has been admitted to the lodge as avisitor; he can «vouch" for you. If A and B sit in lodgetogether, and if A and C have sat in lodge together, then Acan vouch for the Masonic standing of B to C, it being

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necessary for B to be present when the avouchment is made.In visiting a lodge, you should ascertain whether it be one

regularly recognized by your Grand Lodge; this can be done byconsulting your own Grand Lodge proceedings, the list ofrecognized lodges, and the lodge charter.

Reformers Not Wanted

Our fraternity is not looking for reformers, so don't be­come one; our ceremonies and forms have been developedover a long period of time and are the result of the bestthought of intelligent men. All our officers are charged,before installation, to permit no innovations in the body ofFreemasonry.

Levity Out of Place

There is no place in the Masonic rites or ceremonies forlevity; nowhere in the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry willyou be made the butt for jokes or the laughing stock for themembers. Our ceremonies are too serious for the introductionof such matter. The brotherhood of man, the fatherhood ofGod and the immortality of the human soul are not mattersfor jest. He, therefore, who petitions a Masonic lodge, maydo so with the knowledge that nowhere within the realms oflegitimate Masonry will anything occur to cause him to losehis self-respect or give him the slightest embarrassment.

Unfortunately, there are societies which align themselvesunder the Masonic banner, but which are in nowise Masonic,to whom levity and the ridiculous make a strong appeal. Buttheir character is well known and those who enter understandfull well the nature of the organization.

Do not understand, for a moment, that the brethren ofthe Masonic fraternity do not have their humor, their enter­tainment and their social pleasures, but these features do notcomprise the essence of the institution, and are incidental; butthe humor is not that coarse and uncouth humor which wouldcause the intelligent or high-minded brother to blush withshame. Freemasonry is intensely human; it has its serious

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side, it has its humorous side, its ups and downs, its gloriesand its troubles.

Extraneous SocietiesWe have referred to the existence of other degrees and

orders, some of which are founded 011 Masonic membership.It is unnecessary, and hardly possible for us to list the namesof all extraneous, auxiliary and associated orders. They arelimited, apparently, only by the names in the zoo, the his­tories, and the Bible.

For many years there has been a tacit recognition of twoRites which seemingly endeavor to live up to the Masonicstandards in their preaching and their profession. These are:

1. The Ancient York Rite (American).2. The Scottish Rite.

The first named includes the degrees and orders conferredby chapters of Royal Arch Masons, councils of Royal andSelect Masters, and commanderies of Knights Templar. Thelatter includes degrees conferred by lodges of Perfection,chapters of Rose Croix, councils of Princes of Jerusalem andconsistories of S. P. R. S.

The Grand Lodge does not officially recognize any or­ganizations or associations, except such as it itself organizesand supervises.

Politics and M~onry

Your religious or political belief will prove no bar to yourentrance into Freemasonry. There is nothing in Masonry tokeep any honest, patriotic, sane-minded individual from en­tering our portals. There is one exception-no atheist may beadmitted; our fraternity believes in the existence of a God;it necessarily follows that one who had no such belief wouldnot fit into the Masonic structure.

Religion and MasonryThe fraternity does not endeavor to fix your conception

of God; Freemasonry is not concerned with mere details, for

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details are the causes of creeds and divisions into groups ofthose who would fight over the non-essential things of life.Because of this broad-minded attitude, this tolerance, andliberalism, men of every sect, race, country and opinion, maysit side by side in a Masonic lodge and echo to the teachingstherein revealed, the time worn expression of "So mote it be".

There are, unfortunately, certain religious organizationswhich do not permit their membership to become membersof our fraternity. The objection is on their part and not onours; we freely open our doors to men of all religions; we askof them only sincerity and an honest desire to unite withus. Freemasonry cannot pose as a liberal and tolerant institu­tion without practicing these virtues. But we do notproselyte, and if you are a. member of a church or organiza­tion which objects to the teaching of great moral truths andthe enlightenment of the human race, then in the interest ofharmony it is the wish of the fraternity that you retire, be­cause you cannot honestly be fair to yourself in such a dualrelationship.

Understand that Freemasonry is not an Hanti" organization.We believe our principles a sufficient groundwork on whichto establish an organization which deserves to live and tohave a place in the world. The only enemies which thefraternity has are ignorance, vice and superstition and ouronly weapons are education and enlightenment.

Annual Dues

The work and activities of the fraternity are maintainedthrough the collection of what is termed "annual dues". Theamount of these dues is fixed by each subordinate lodge at anamount sufficient to pay the per capita tax fixed by the GrandLodge, and the expenses of the lodge, usually ranging from$3.00 to $10.00, depending as to whether a city or countrylodge, and the nature of lodge expenses.

These dues are payable annually in advance and generallyfor the calendar year; dues are not charged until one becomesa Master Mason, nor is one charged with dues for the time hemight stand suspended. In the event that you find yourself

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financially unable to pay the annual dues, it is your duty tocommunicate the fact to the secretary or other officer ofyour lodge. The time of payment may thereupon be ex­tended or the dues remitted in part or in whole as the lodgemay see fit. Should your dues become delinquent the secre­tary is instructed to send you a notice of this fact, and inthe event of your failure to answer or explain the delinquencyyou may be cited to appear and show cause why you shouldnot stand suspended. Payment of dues will stop all actionand even if you are suspended, the payment within the yearwill automatically reinstate you; you may therefore see thatyour suspension is dependent upon yourself.

Should you permit a year to go by following your sus­pension, then it becomes necessary for you to regularly peti­tion for reinstatement and the petition follows the usual pro­cedure necessitating a ballot by your brethren. Should yourpetition be rejected you may renew the application at anysubsequent meeting. Should you be reinstated, you are notliable for dues for the period during which you were undersuspension.

Monitors and Exposures

To assist you in learning the various lectures and chargesused in conferring the degrees, the Grand Lodge has pre­pared a printed monitor containing both lectures and charges;these monitors are usually supplied at cost through the secre­taries of the lodges.

For more than two hundred years there have been publishedfrom time to time certain books purporting to be exposuresof the Masonic degrees; these books have no value to regularFreemasons, and, as a matter of fact, their possession is strictlyforbidden. There are in existence certain so-called "cipherrituals", the possession of which is equally as objectionable.Any well informed committee can easily detect the holderof these volumes; the secrets of Freemasonry are such thatthey cannot be communicated in an understanding waythrough the printed page. Only the "mouth to ear" methodof instruction is satisfactory or permissible.

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A Universal SocietyThere is no part of the civilized globe where Masonry does

not exist. It is truly the Universal Secret Society. On theNorth American continent there are four million members,three million or more being residents of the United States.Since the value of one's membership is sometimes rated inthe number of individual contacts possible, it may be seenthat the field is unlimited. Grand Lodges exist in each of theUnited States and the District of Columbia; each GrandLodge is supreme within its jurisdiction. There has neverbeen a Grand Lodge for the United States.

As an example of the popularity of the fraternity in Europe,the year book of the United Grand Lodge of England showsthe existence of more than eleven hundred lodges in the Cityof London. The proportion of Masonic membership to thepopulation of a country may be said to be a barometer as tothe education of the people of that country.

Duty to Other SocietiesOur fraternity recognizes its inability to attract all men

to its banners and therefore recognizes the good that is beingdone for the betterment of mankind by other societies foundedalong Masonic lines and built upon Masonic principles. Ittherefore has the highest respect for such institutions and itis considered bad form on the part of any Freemason to speakdisparagingly of another society.

It is more particularly your duty never to engage in anyargument with those outside the fraternity respecting theadvantages, disadvantages or principles of the order. Donot suffer ridicule to lead you into any such argument. Letit be beneath your dignity to engage in such discussion; thosewho are familiar with the character of the order will notridicule it and nothing is gained by arguing with the ignorant.

No Jazz IIIethodsYou will be forcibly struck throughout the ceremonies

with the words and phrases used; these come down to us

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from time immemorial and constitute a strong appeal.Masonry does not permit innnovations in its work, but pos­sesses the same dignity and methods of expression in use forcenturies; modern day jazz methods are not permitted to gainfoothold and much of the beauty of the degrees and apprecia­tion of membership is tied up in the ancient customs and tra­ditions of the order.

lUasonry and the Law

Masonry does not encourage disputes between its membersnor others outside the fraternity; it believes in arbitration anda friendly discussion of the points at issue. Only in caseswhere one brother has done another an injustice in violationof an obligation does the fraternity permit its courts to re­ceive the charges. Our society is not a collection agencyand where arbitration or friendly discussion fail to secureresults, only the civil courts remain in which to effect anadjustment.

Masonry is not a perfect society; as long as it is composedof members of the human race it will continue to have itsflaws and imperfections. No earthly society has yet attainedperfection. Should our society ever reach this state, therewould be no excuse for its existence. Man is but a weakmortal after all, and during your membership in our societyyou will necessarily come in contact with men who do notmeasure up to the Masonic standard; knowing this weaknessof nature you should not attribute the brother's failings to

- the fraternity.

Religious and Political Controversies

Masonry does not engage in religious or political con­troversies; the discussion of such subjects in Masonic lodgerooms. is forbidden and a Master of a lodge who would permitit subjects himself to suspension from office. There are nosubjects whose discussion leads to greater discord than doesthe subject of religion and politics. It is a Masonic offensefor a member to refer to his Masonic connections in apolitical advertisement; it is equally as bad for a lodge to

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permit one who is a candidate for political office to speakbefore the lodge unless the matter under discussion is onedealing with the business of the lodge with which he isconnected.

It is our belief that one who has been properly instructedin the teachings of the fraternity does not need to be told orinstructed as to his duties as a citizen. He knows that vice,crime, irreligion, ignorance and superstition are enemies ofthe human race and he judges his actions accordingly.

We have no place in our midst for the radical, the com­munist or the soci~list. We believe in respecting the propertyrights of every citizen; we believe that radicalism is un­bridled power which may lead to destruction. We believethat a laborer is worthy of his hire, that he is entitled to anhonest wage for an honest day of service. Our fraternitywill be found to be the very support of civil society andorganized government so long as the rights of its people arerespected by those in authority.

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ENTERED APPRENTICEYou are now an Entered Apprentice. You have made a

beginning. Whether you have been deeply impressed with allyou have seen and heard depends largely on your intelligenceand the manner in which the officers of the lodge have pre­sented our teachings. There is nothing abstruse in the de­gree, no elaborate ceremonies, no philosophical high-brow lec­tures or metaphysical discussion. It is a simple and sincereceremony containing a beautiful allegory. It is unfortunatethat so few candidates discover the allegorical teaching, butthis in no manner lessens its value.

You have embarked on an interesting journey, for Free­masonry would take you by the hand and lead you towardthe light, symbol of knowledge, understanding and power ascontrasted with darkness, ignorance and superstition. Youwill be taught that the whole human race is one large family,created by an Almighty Father, referred to in lodges as theSupreme Architect of the Universe, consequently that all menare brothers. You will be taught your duty toward thosewho are in need of relief and you will be specially instructedin the value of truth. He who is not a good man and truehas not absorbed the first lesson taught him in Freemasonry.You will be taught to be temperate in all things, steady ofpurpose, and noble of mind, prudent, and mindful to extendjustice on all occasions.

Your Three, Duties

Your duties to God, your neighbor and yourself are ofparticular importance to you as an Entered Apprentice; theymay be characterized as respect for God and his name, justiceto your neighbor in practicing the golden rule, and theavoiding of all irregularities on your own part which wouldinjure your good name and that of the fraternity.

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Secrecy

A matter of importance is the necessity of secrecy concern­ing our ceremonies, not that these secrets are of such greatimportance, for we have no secrets that are not known to theworld. This question of secrecy involves a splendid mentaltraining, for the ability to keep a secret and to hold the tongueis a rare accomplishment.

Our Ceremonies

Our ceremonies consist of two distinct parts, the ritualisticand the monitorial parts. The first is unwritten and is onlycommunicated by mouth to ear methods. The latter is to befound in an authorized publication of the Grand Lodge and issold at a small price. Occasionally, your lodge will be visitedby the Grand Lecturer who is responsible for the teachingof our ritual; you should make an endeavor to be present onthese occasions for they furnish rare opportunities for theperfecting of your ritualistic work; at other times DistrictLecturers will visit your lodge for the same purpose. . Inlearning this work, be certain that you have a competent in­structor; those who merely know the words of the ritual are

.not the most competent instructors-they should also knowthe meaning of the ritual. If you discover a word mispro­nounced or misused, you may be certain that it is incorrectlytaught.

The Apron

You have been presented with an apron; this is your prop­erty and may be placed among your personal effects. It isthe only material thing which will be presented you duringyour Masonic travel. It has connected with it a beautifulsymbolism; it has come down to us from that period of ourhistory when we were an operative organization, when ourforbears were actively engaged in the construction of thosemagnificent cathedrals and temples of ancient days. Nomore do we, as Freemasons, build these monumental structures,but we are today building what we may regard as even

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more lasting-the temple of our spiritual life. As the lamb­skin apron is pure and spotless, so may your life and actionsbe, so that when you lay down the working tools of life youmay deserve the words of the Master, who delivers the funeralceremonies over your lifeless remains, when he says (layingthe apron in the grave) :

The lambskin, or white leathern apron is an emblem ofinnocence and the badge of a Freemason, more honor­able than the Star and Garter when worthily worn.Our brother was worthy of its distinction, and in thegrave it shall bear witness to the sincerity of his pro­fession.

The Holy BibleThe Holy Bible is one of the essential features of lodges in

the United States; it represents to us, as Freemasons, God'sDivine Will, as revealed to us through various agencies. To

. the Jew, this revelation may come through the Old Testa­ment; to the Christian, through the New Testament; to theMohammedan, the Koran; or it may be through other SacredBooks. Freemasonry does not attempt to define God nor setitself up as a judge of Divine Revelation. One's individualconscience is the guide.

Masonic TitlesIn the lodge you will find that certain brethren are given

titles, but no titles are bestowed which you cannot also re­ceive through work and merit. In any organization, somemust govern. In a Masonic organization it is the Master; heis referred to as ctWorshipful Master" the term being one ofrespect and dignity; he is the only officer of the lodge whobears a title of respect. He sits in the east or front of thelodge; after he has been elected and installed he is responsibleonly to the Grand Lodge for his actions; only the GrandMaster or the Grand Lodge may try or remove him. It isnecessary that only those brethren be chosen for this positionwho are tolerant, honest and impartial.

The Master is assisted by two associate officers, the Senior

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Warden, who sits in the west, and the Junior Warden, whois in the south; the Master has as a special officer, the Seni~rDeacon, while the Senior Warden has the Junior Deacon.Two Stewards, Senior and Junior, have certain necessaryduties in the conferring of degrees. A Chaplain, Organist,Marshal, and Tiler complete the usual lodge officers. Yourfellow member should be referred to as "brother" since it isan acknowledgment by you of the fact that he is one ofthose who has been taught, and believes in, the kinship ofthe whole human race.

Commercialism

Do not permit yourself to be taken in by any of themany concerns which sell life insurance, cemetery lots, books,and the like to "Masons only". Any Freemason attemptingto induce you to purchase, using as a sales talk, your or hisMasonic connection, is guilty of a violation of our law andis subject to trial and possible expulsion. The use of thesquare and compass or any of the significant emblems ofFreemasonry in a commercial way is strictly forbidden. Itis considered bad form to employ these emblems on motorcars. The Masonic Fraternity has nothing to sell its initiates;it will not permit advantage to be taken of its members bymaking them prey to commercial agencies that are Masonicfor revenue only.

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FELLOWCRAFTYou are advancing in Freemasonry. You have discovered

that our institution is a progressive science. Our degrees areconferred only for merit, for only those who have passed asatisfactory examination are permitted to be advanced.

The degree teaches the necessity of a general education; onlythose who study and strive, add to the general understandingof the human race. Some of the matters brought to yourattention may not be new to you, but remember the ritualis old, and a century ago, our ancestors here in the least settledparts of our country, where only the rudiments of educationwere known, discoursed Masonically on the Orders of Archi­tecture, Geometry, Music, Astronomy, Logic, Rhetoric andArithmetic.

It may be that such teaching is responsible for the favor­able attitude which the frate~nity has always had towards theeducation and enlightenment of the people. It is only naturalthat an organization of builders should dwell on such subjectsas Geometry, Astronomy, Architecture and kindred sciences;they are subjects closely associated with the builder's art.You will here find a wide field for research and study, andwhether you make a success or a failure of your life willhinge largely on how well you apply the knowledge you havegained to the discharge of your respective duties.

Do not overlook the statement that our ceremonies areallegories, for here lies the beauty of the society. Nor shouldyou attempt to find flaws and imperfections in the biblicaland historical st:ltements made from time to time, knowingthat it is an allegory.

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lJtlASTER MASON

As a· Master Mason, you have now been raised to that sub­lime degree; the degree is not sublime because of the cere­monies, but because of the sublime lessons it seeks to portray,especially the teaching of immortality. How dreary a lifewithout hope of immortality. With what dread must one ap­proach the portals of the grave who has no belief in im­mortality.

Freemasonry encourages this hope; it does not set forthdetails, facts or examples, but calls attention to the greatlesson of nature-spring, the bloom; summer, growth;autumn, fruition; and winter the shroud which covers thegerm of a new life, and our burial service adds:

"The universal example cannot fail in its relationto man."

All of the business of the lodge is conducted in this de­gree; when you shall have passed your proficiency examinationyou may then participate as a full fledged member, entitledto all rights and privileges. Particularly important is thekeeping secret of all transactions of the lodge, a heavy penaltybeing prescribed for violation. This· is particularly importantin the matter of petitions presented and in the rejection ofcandidates. In the event of the election of a petitioner, hisnotice should come through the regular channels-the secre­tary.

Service to the Lodge

One of the first duties which may be assigned you is serv­ice on an investigating committee. It will be your duty inthis instance to· make careful investigation of the characterof the petitioner by writing to his former places of residenceand making inquiry among the business and professional menof your community. Remember that character is more to bedesired than wealth or position and that the standing of the

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fraternity in the community depends upon the character ofyour membership.

Necessity 01 Reading

The interested Freemason is the reading Freemason; ourGrand Lodge recognizes this and maintains a library for theuse of the membership. Address your inquiry to the Grand,Secretary, asking for the list of volumes at your disposal.The only expense is the matter of postage.

The Insignia

The majority of members, being proud of their associationtogether, wear some visible evidence of their membership;this is usually some form of the square and compass. This ispermissible in the United States, but is not customary inforeign jurisdictions for reasons not necessary to discuss here.There are some forms of jewelry which are very objectionableand even forbidden. Officers of the lodge will be glad toadvise you in this matter. Do not use the emblem on yourcar, on a business card, in an advertisement, or objectionablemanner.

Solicitation

You are at liberty to talk in a general way with those whohave expressed an interest in the fraternity and your owngood judgment will suggest the nature of this conversation.While you are not to solicit petitions, you may answer rea­sonable questions from sincere inquirers as to the nature ofour society.

Under no circumstances should you engage in the solicita­tion of candidates for the degrees. Those who enter oursociety are required to state unequivocally that they camevoluntarily and with no desire to petition through mercenaryor other unworthy motives. A candidate may not honestlyanswer these inquiries if he has been solicited. Solicitation isa Masonic offense. No organization is built on a solid founda­tion which has to resort to drives to maintain its membership.

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Conduct in the Lodge

The regular meetings of your lodge are referred to as"stated communications". Special meetings are properlycalled "special communications". All meetings, in accord­ance with a long established Masonic custom, should be har­monious and dignified. A lodge room is no place for lewdjokes or acrimonious discussion. There are prescribed methodsfor your dress and entry into a Masonic lodge room; if youhave doubts as to these customs, it would be well to inquireof the brother at the outer door known as the Tiler.

All matters of business pertaining to the lodge, except theexamination of candidates and conferring of degrees, are con­sidered while the lodge is at labor on the third degree. Manyyears ago the practice was reversed-business being trans­acted in the first degree.

You are at liberty to speak on matters affecting the lodge,but it is necessary for you to arise, address the Master andsecure his recognition before doing so. He should be ad­dressed as «Worshipful Master". In debates, you should beguarded in your expressions lest you offend; you should bewilling to harmonize your opinions with those around you.Should you be in the minority, you should accept defeat withmagnanimity.

You are not to discuss with anyone the nature of yourballot; it is a Masonic offense to disclose your vote. Thereason for this is apparent and Freemasonry insists upon thesecrecy of its ballot. However you are responsible to thefraternity for the character of your ballot; you are chargedwith the responsibility of rejecting the unworthy, but inaccepting this responsibility you are to see that personalprejudice does not enter into the ballot. Your right to re­ject those of unlawful age, the irreligious, the insane, thefoolish, the libertine and others prohibited by custom, cannotbe questioned.

The Lodge Makes No PromisesIn no instance does the lodge make any promises to you as

to benefits which you may receive through membership in

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the fraternity, nor does the lodge make any promise to yourfamily as a result of your connection with us. In every in­stance, YOU are the one who has made promises. It is duethe fraternity that this be fully explained to your family,for many wives and widows have been led to believe that thefraternity is a life insurance association, carrying with it cer­tain benefits and privileges as well as permanent support incase of your death. You, of course, know th.at such privilegescould not be extended on the small amount of money whichyou would pay in during your natural lifetime and thesefacts should be fully explained by you, who are more com­petent to do it than any committee after your decease. Donot permit your family to have a m~sconception of yourmembership. As a matter of fact our lodges do dispensethousands of dollars in charity and is a charitable institution,three-fourths of the revenue of the Grand Lodge being ex­pended in this manner. Under certain conditions yourwidow or orphans may be admitted to the Masonic Home,but this is a privilege extended, and not a right granted.

Hotv to Secure AidShould you find yourself in a position where emergent help

is necessary, you should hunt up the secretary of the lodgewhere you happen to be and, if necessary, have him wire yourlodge secretary, who will verify your lodge standing and issuethe necessary relief. A current receipt for dues is very de­sirable, in such instances, as it furnishes documentary evidenceof your standing. In no instance should you feel aggrievedat a secretary for wiring your lodge; it is his means of pro­tection. There are hundreds of Masonic impostors throughoutthe country today, preying upon Masonic brethren from ahandout to the sale of questionable stocks and bonds.

Withdrawal From LodgeShould you desire to withdraw from Freemasonry, there

are various honorable methods prescribed. Should it be yourdesire to retire permanently, then you should make request ofyour secretary, being certain that all obligations to the lodge

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have been fully paid. The lodge has no other alternative thanto grant a dimit, unless charges have been filed against youfor some Masonic offense. This dimit is a certificate statingthat you have been a member of the fraternity, and thathaving complied with all of the laws and requirements, andon your own request you have been granted the certificateshowing your honorable withdrawal. You have no privilegesexcept the right to petition for affiliation in your motherlodge or any other lodge in whose jurisdiction you may haveacquired residence.

Should it be your desire to change your lodge membershipto another lodge in Missouri, then you should ask for a cer­tificate of good standing. This certificate, with a petition foraffiliation, may be presented to any of our lodges and in theevent of your election the dimit will be forwarded to thesecretary of the lodge in which you have been elected. Shouldyou be rejected for affiliation, your membership will continuein the lodge of which you are a member.

The only other methods of separation are by suspension orexpulsion, and carry with them a certain amount of ignominy.Suspension for non-payment of dues in most instances is lookedon with disfavor, since no brother is ordinarily suspended whois actually unable to pay dues; such a suspension is there­fore a plain and open refusal to pay an amount due the lodge,part of which often represents money advanced as per capitatax to the Grand Lodge.

AffiliationShould you desire to connect yourself with the fraternity,

and hold a regular dimit from a lodge, it is only necessarythat you present it with a petition for affiliation; in the eventof your election there will be no affiliation fee other thanpayment of current dues. Brethren who so petition, are saidto have Uaffiliated". Those who hold dimits are called Unon­affiliates".

No Assessments Permitted

Your lodge can collect nothing from you except annual

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dues; lodges are prohibited from levying assessments uponmembers.

Our LawsOur laws are contained in the Constitution and By-Laws of

the Grand Lodge, a volume available to every member; yourlodge is governed by by-laws made by itself. Nothing in thelodge by-laws may conflict with the laws of the Grand Lodge.Nor maya Grand Master or any other officer issue a dispensa­t~on which conflicts with Grand Lodge law. Only the GrandLodge may change its laws.

Grand LodgesEach state and the District of Columbia has a Grand Lodge;

these Grand Lodges are the supreme authority in their jurisdic­tions. Those which are recognized as legal bodies are called"regular". Those organizations not recognized are spoken ofas «irregular", or "clandestine". These latter organizationsexist only for the purpose of taking money from those whoare unacquainted with the regularity of lodges. Our govern­ment has prosecuted these organizations when known, butthere are still many such organizations in existence.

Grand Lodges are usually incorporated, sometimes as F. &A. M.; A. Y. M.; F. A. A. M. and A. F. & A. M. (Missouriuses the title «Ancient Free and Accepted Masons"). In ourproceedings each year appear the names of the Grand Lodgesrecognized by us, together with the names of their GrandSecretaries. In most instances the names of the Grand Secre­taries appear on the reverse of the receipt for dues, and thequestion of ascertaining the regularity of the lodge is a smallmatter.

AttendanceAs to your attendance at lodge, you will find our ancient

charge very specific: «While your regular attendance at ourlodge is earnestly solicited, yet it is not meant that Free­masonry should interfere with your regular vocations, forthese are on no account to be neglected."

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The question of your attendance is therefore a matter foryour own judgment. If you desire to become a worker andassist in the instruction of new brethren, then it will benecessary for you to be somewhat regular in your attendance.Few lodges meet oftener than twice a month and the customof most lodges is to close at a regular hour. Many lodgeshave by-laws to the effect that no business matters may betaken up after 10 o'clock.

Election of OfJi£ers

The election of officers of your lodge occurs annually ata time fixed by your lodge. There are no nominations foroffice in Masonic bodies; the practice of electioneering foroffice is strictly forbidden. It is considered very un-Masonicfor a brother to solicit for office. Since you have a voice inthe election of your officers it ill behooves you to find faultwith those brethren selected to serve you. You are fullyaware that only those men of the highest character and in­telligence are qualified to give your lodge the best service.The activities and standing of your lodge will be just whatthose whom you select to govern make it. The ability of abrother to commit to memory a ritual in no way makes himcompetent to direct a business organization.

Alasoni£ Trials

The violation of any law, civil, moral, or Masonic, whichwould bring disgrace upon the name of our institution is con­sidered sufficient cause for Masonic trial. Your conductshould be at all times such as will bring no reproach uponyourself or the fraternity. It may not be untimely to re­mind you that our fraternity has ever been careful of itsfair' name and you can bring it no greater disgrace than toengage in acts unworthy of the position you now hold.

Should you violate these laws, you will be brought to trialby your brethren; it will be a fair trial; your attorney orrepresentative will receive scant attention should he base hisclaims on technicalities of law. Our institution has nothing

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to exact except justice, but that justice which might be ad­ministered by a father to a wayward son. Should you beconvicted, you have the right of appeal to the highest courtin Freemasonry-your GrandOLodge. Should you be acquitted,you are restored to your former standing in the lodge.Should you be a member, and not be satisfied with the de­cision of the lodge in the trial of a brother, you, too, mayappeal to the Grand Lodge from the judgment of the lodge.

Our fraternity will not interfere in the differences whichexist between yourself and other members involving civilmatters. It would be impolitic to make our fraternity acollection agency. The payment of debts is not a questionfor discussion in our lodges; should there be a question offraud or violation of law involved, then the matter could beadjudicated in a Masonic court.

Should you feel that you could not secure a fair trial amongyour own brethren, then you mOay take advantage of anotherform of trial offered you by the Grand Lodge, known as the«Trial by Commission". In this instance the Grand Masterwill appoint three disinterested brethren from other districtswho will hear the case.

In case of guilt, Freemasonry has but four punishments tooffer: 1. Censure; 2. Reprimand; 3. Suspension; 4. Expulsion.Censure is the mildest form of punishment and involves onlya criticism of the act; reprimand is more severe in that theguilty brother is brought before the lodge and is there ad­ministered a reprimand for his conduct and an admonitionto look well to his future conduct; suspension involves yourtemporary separation from Masonic privileges such as burial,voting, lodge attendance, etc. The amount of time is amatter fixed by the lodge. At the conclusion of this time,you are automatically restored to good Masonic standing.In the case of expulsion, you are out permanently, unlessin the goodness of their heart the lodge might be inducedto receive your petition for reinstatement and to pass favor­ably thereon. An expelled Freemason has no privileges what­ever except the right to petition for reinstatement.

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CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

One of the interesting things connected with the fraternityis the ancient customs and traditions which surround theceremonies and lodge practice. Even the obsolete words ofthe ritual arouse instant attention. You are at once attractedand pleased with the preservation of the language of our fore­fathers. Make a study of these traditions and you will iIri- /I

prove in knowledge and in Masonic interest. Perfection in _ritual will improve your knowledge of the English language.Association with your brethren will develop your personalityand broaden your outlook on life.

Burial

One of the rights you now possess is that of burial; thisis the last rite that will be rendered you individually. Therecan be no objection on the part of the lodge to renaering thisservice as long as you remain in good standing and live anddie in a respectable manner. If it is your desire that you beburied with Masonic ceremonies, the request should be madeto the lodge either by yourself or by your family. It is anembarrassing matter for officers of the lodge to enter yourhome after your death and inquire as to whether your widowdesires such a service. Such service is only rendered on re­quest, for Freemasonry does not wish to intrude, at such atime, but does wish to add any solace and comfort to yourbereaved. These matters should be explained to the mem­bers of your family while you are yet living so that mis­understanding may not occur afterwards.

While the right of burial may be yours, do not overlookthe duty which you owe a brother in assisting in the properinterment of his remains. The ·reputation of the fraternityis injured when only a small handful of faithful membersturn out in funeral procession.

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Not a Benefit SocietyYou should explain to your family that the fraternity is

not a mutual benefit society, that no promises of assistance oraid were held out to you or your family from the time yourpetition was taken until you were raised a Master Mason.There are instances on record where families have derided theinstitution because the fraternity did not support them afterthe bread-earner had died. The average amount paid in fordues in a Masonic lifetime is approximately $100.00; withthis explanation given your family they will hardly be dis-

• appointed at not receiving an annual pension. The averageMasonic lodge has to make a dollar go farther than most anyother organization. These matters can be much easier ex­plained by you to your family before death, than by the en­tire lodge after your death.

Freemasonry has its charities, as you will soon learn. Butthey are not promised in advance, nor should you receive thedegrees with this idea in your mind. Three-fourths of themoney received by our Grand Lodge is devoted to charity, ourgreatest single charity being the Masonic Home.

The Masonic HomeYour lodge pays annually to the Grand Lodge the sum of

$2.10 on each of its members, $1.50 of which goes to thesupport of the Masonic Home. This is your home, supportedby you, and open to you whenever you should become old,disabled and unable to make your own living. Because it is ahome, certain rules have been established for its governmentand for admittance. For example, no one is admitted who hasany loathsome disease, the reason for which is apparent. Ifyou have close relations, who are able to support you, youshould not seek admittance, because the demand is great fromthose who have no relatives. If you have funds wherewith tosupport yourself, then you should make no claim for admit­tance. If your disposition is such that you cannot get alongwith other people, then you have no business in a home whereyou must of necessity fraternize with hundreds of others.Should you receive pensions, bonuses, or other income, these

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will have to be turned over to the home as long as you re­main a member of the home family, for the reason that itwould be unfair to be supported for years by the home andpermit an estate to go to relatives who refused to furnish youassistance when needed. The Grand Lodge does not look withfavor on those who remain unaffiliated during their produc­tive years and attempt to affiliate when they have passedthe meridian of life; the Home Board have therefore madea rule governing the admission of such-a rule which requiresa membership of a certain number of years before an ap­plication may be filed.

RidiculeIn the circle of your acquaintance you will find some who

will endeavor to ridicule secret societies; you are advised torefrain from argument with such since such remarks are in­spired by those who are ignorant of our ceremonies and unableto properly discuss them.

Duty to SickYou have a duty towards the sick and afflicted; your own

conscience and ability should regulate your action in thisinstance. In your professional character you may be in aposition to render some real service to the widow and orphan.Let this be done without ostentation for virtue is its ownreward.

Impostors

There are, throughout the country, hundreds of impostors,notwithstanding stringent laws which have been passedmaking it a penalty for one to obtain money or aid throughrepresentation as to their lodge affiliations, nevertheless thereare hundreds of such applications. In some instances theseapplicants may have at one time been members of the fra­ternity, but usually they are plain impostors. Often theywill have stolen receipt cards; sometimes they will have asmattering of Masonic teaching. There is always a means ofdetecting the worthy from the unworthy. but it requires alittle time. Refer the applicant to the secretary of your

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lodge; if he refuses to go, rest assured he is unworthy. A tele­gram to his lodge will very often cause him to leave yourcity hurriedly. Should he have questionable receipts, securethem and report the case to the police authorities. Give nomoney.

VisitationShould you desire to visit a lodge, take with' you the

documentary evidence of your membership-your receipt fordues. Present yourself to the Tiler of the lodge, register andask for an examination. If found proficient you will be ad­mitted and introduced. Remember when visiting, that youare a guest; refrain from participating in discussions unlessasked, maintain the dignity of your lodge.

Your ActionsAvoid that publicity which would bring to the forefront

your Masonic connections, unless it be in some Masonic forum.Our Grand Lodge has adopted stringent r~gulations against theuse of the word "Masonic" in any commercial enterprise; if.you have doubts as to your Masonic actions, consult theMaster of your lodge. The Grand Lodge forbids smoking inlodge rooms.

How to Appreciate FreemasonryMake yourself a well informed Mason; this may be accom­

plished by talking with well informed Masons and by reading.The Constitution and Laws of the Grand Lodge and the An­nual Proceedings are to be found in each lodge. Every largecity has its Masonic periodicals; extreme care should be takenin their selection since none are under Grand Lodge supervision.Most book concerns handle Masonic books, and here again isextreme care necessary, since the Masonic field is so wide,embracing as it does the field of law, history, philosophy, thesciences, biography and religion. No man living has, or everwill, read all of the volumes written on Masonic subjects.And as you increase in Masonic knowledge you will find anew field opening up, disclosing a wide vista, enabling you tocome to a proper understanding of man, character, and theultimate reward of the faithful craftsman.

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