THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS COLORADO THE ENTERED APPRENTICE EDUCATION PLAN

Transcription

1 THE MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF COLORADO THE ENTERED APPRENTICE EDUCATION PLAN 2004

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3 CONTENTS Prepared in Heart... 1 Duly and Truly Prepared... 1 Lodge of The Holy Saints John of Jerusalem... 2 Journey Around The Lodge Room... 2 Form of The Lodge Room... 3 Worshipful... 4 Master s Hat... 4 Courtesies Due The Worshipful Master... 4 Altar... 5 Holy Bible... 5 Purpose of The Obligation... 6 Penalties... 7 Clandestine Lodge / Mason... 9 Dotage, Nonage, Fool and Profane Due Guard Aprons How Should The Apron be Worn Metallic Deposit Northeast Corner Memorize Lectures Cowans and Eavesdroppers Arise and Be Seated Meaning of Tyle / Tiler Rights of An Entered Apprenticie Responsibilities of An Entered Apprentce Etiquette for a New Mason Attenting Lodge Proper Dress for a Lodge Meeting Masonic Jewelry Personal Decorum Procedure for Entering or Retiring Procedure for Entering or Retiring when Open Procedure for Retiring During Degree Work a

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5 THE ENTERED APPRENTICE Welcome to our Fraternity. You have now passed through the forms and Ceremonies of your Entered Apprentice Degree. I wish to congratulate you on taking this first important step in your quest for Masonic knowledge. We hope at this time to answer many of your questions. WHY MUST AN APPLICANT FOR MASONRY FIRST BE PREPARED IN HIS HEART? The heart is the seat of the affections, passions and desires. All the actions of a man s life issue and proceed from the heart. As a man s heart is, so will his life be. If his heart is clean and pure, his life cannot be wicked or vicious. Fundamentally, Masonry s first concern is with the strengthening of character in the individual - the building of a Spiritual Temple - and unless the heart is receptive the mind will not properly respond to this basic objective. WHY IS THE CANDIDATE DULY AND TRULY PREPARED? The wearing of special garments furnished by the Lodge is Symbolic. It emphasizes the concern of Freemasonry with a man s internal worth, rather than with his external adornments of position, wealth or environment. By wearing these garments the Candidate also signifies the sincerity of his intentions. The hoodwink demonstrates the sightless individual needs a guide, and it symbolizes our dependence upon moral teachings for guidance in our daily conduct. We walk by faith and not by sight. The hoodwink also 1

6 signifies that the Candidate has laid aside the distractions of the outer world and is prepared to concentrate upon the Lessons he will receive in the Lodge room. The cable-tow symbolizes the length or extent of the Candidate s responsibility as measured by the scope of his reasonable ability to live up to his obligations. WHY AM I SAID TO BE FROM THE LODGE OF THE HOLY SAINTS JOHN OF JERUSALEM? According to a Masonic legend, the first, or Mother Lodge of the Fraternity, was located at Jerusalem and anciently was dedicated to King Solomon. Later, Lodges were dedicated to St. John the Baptist, then to St. John the Evangelist - and finally to both. The legend further declares that all Lodges are descendants of the original Lodge at Jerusalem. In keeping with this tradition, we say that every Mason hails from such a Lodge, which is equivalent to saying that he is from a Just and Lawfully Constituted Lodge. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CANDIDATE S JOURNEY AROUND THE LODGE ROOM? This journey has a two-fold purpose: to enable all present to view the Candidate and ascertain that he is duly and truly prepared. Also it is patterned after one of the most ancient of all religious rites, an important part which was the circumambulation around an Altar, moving in the same direction as the sun. In his search for Light the Candidate starts from darkness, the North, travels to the East (the source of Light) and then by way of the South to the West - and back into darkness. 2

7 He again comes out of the North and passes through the same course again and again in his progress, moving in the same direction as the sun, i.e., according to natural laws and Truth as gathered by human wisdom through the ages. WHAT IS THE PROPER FORM AND SITUATION OF A MASONIC LODGE ROOM? The form of a Lodge is, or should be, an oblong. If it is physically possible, and convenient, the East should be at the east end of the room, the West at the west end, etc. However, this is not an official requirement of the Grand Lodge of Colorado and many Lodges are not so situated because local structural conditions will not permit. Our Lectures states that the Lodge is as long as from East to West, as broad as from North to South seeming to infer that the East should be at the East end of the building. Here it must be emphasized that the Masonic East is purely Symbolic, for it represents the source of Light - hence the Master s station is located there. Obviously it could be located at any point of the compass and still be the source of Light, as long as the Master is seated there. This Symbolism is clearly stated in the Ceremony of Opening and Closing a Lodge. A Lodge is of such vast dimensions to show the universality of Masonry, and that Masonic charity should be equally extensive. With this simple statement the symbolic meaning of the form and situation of a Lodge is complete. 3

8 WHY IS THE MASTER OF A LODGE ADDRESSED AS WORSHIPFUL? Worshipful is an old English word signifying to be respected. Masonically it is a title of respect for the office of the Presiding Officer and for the Master, who the Brethren believe possessed of sufficient knowledge, wisdom and integrity to preside over them in a proper manner. WHY DOES ONLY THE MASTER WEAR A HAT? There are two reasons, both Symbolic. First, keeping the head covered while all others are uncovered has long been Symbolic of superior rank or office; by the same token, uncovering the head in the presence of superior rank has long been established as a mark of respect. Second, traditionally, the Master of a Masonic Lodge wears a hat while presiding over his Lodge because King Solomon wore a crown as a mark of royal dignity. It should be pointed out here that in Colorado most Masters wear a top hat. This is not true in other Grand Jurisdictions. Other Grand Jurisdictions wear hats of different design. WHAT SPECIAL COURTESIES ARE DUE THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER FROM THE BRETHREN? There are a number of such courtesies which will be apparent as the candidate becomes familiar with Lodge practices. One of traditional importance should be mentioned here; never Pass between the Master and the Altar while Lodge is in Session, except when it is necessary during Degree Work. 4

9 The Master has charge of everything which is essential to a just and lawfully Constituted Lodge, particularly the Three Great Lights. His view of these Lights should never be obstructed. Symbolically this signifies, that, in his conduct of Lodge affairs, the Master should never lose sight of the basic principles and Tenets of Freemasonry. WHAT IS THE SYMBOLISM OF THE MASONIC ALTAR? The Altar is one of the most ancient symbols of mankind. It has had great significance for all ages since the dawn of history, and the Candidate might profitably devote hours to the study of this one subject. In Masonry the Altar, among other things, is a Symbol of Faith. On it rest the Three Great Lights, and to it comes the Candidate in search of Light and to offer himself, Symbolically, to the service of his fellow man and the Grand Architect of the Universe. Here he takes his obligations, traditionally considered more solemn and binding when taken at an Altar than under any other circumstance. In every activity of the Lodge the Altar is the focal point for all the Brethren, that the precepts for which it stands and the Lights that rest thereon may guide their every thought and action. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE HOLY BIBLE IN FREEMASONRY? This question is too comprehensive to permit a complete treatment in this Masonic Education Plan. The following, however, represent a few of the fundamental facts concerning the place of the Holy Bible in Freemasonry: 5

10 The Volume of the Sacred Law is one of the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry and is an indispensable part of the Furniture of a Lodge. In our Grand Jurisdiction it is usually represented by the Holy Bible, but any Candidate not a Christian may have substituted for it any other Volume which he considers sacred: e.g., the Old Testament, the Koran, the Veda, or the Laws of Confucius. In some foreign Lodges more than one Sacred Book is open on the Altar at the same time and the Candidate may elect the one on which he wishes to be Obligated. Not all Lodges Open the Bible at the same passages for the three degrees. In Colorado, the Bible is Open on Psalm Chapter 133, 1-3, on the Entered Apprentice Degree; Amos Chapter 7, 7-8 on the Fellow Craft Degree; and Ecclesiastes Chapter 12, 1-7 on the Master Mason Degree. The Holy Bible, or the Volume of the Sacred Law, is open during all official meetings of a Lodge to indicate that its teachings are the rule and guide of Faith, by the Light of which we must ever guide our conduct.. THE OBLIGATION The Obligation is the Heart of each Degree. WHAT IS THE REAL PURPOSE OF THE OBLIGATION? When the Candidate repeats the Obligation and seals it, he has solemnly bound himself to Freemasonry, and assumed certain duties which are his for the rest of his life even if he should someday leave the Fraternity. 6

11 Taking of the Obligation is visible and audible evidence of the Candidate s sincerity. The Obligation itself has a two-fold purpose. It binds the Candidate to Freemasonry. It also protects the Fraternity against someone revealing Secrets which deal with Modes of Recognition and Symbolic Instruction. The Candidate should understand that the great truths which Masonry teaches are not secret but the signs and words Freemasons use to identify Brethren of the Craft are considered secret and need to be treated accordingly. WHAT ACTUAL PENALTIES WILL I INCUR IF I VIOLATE MY OBLIGATIONS? Violation of his Obligations may subject a Mason to the scorn of his Brethren and to losing his rights of membership, but never to physical punishment of any kind. The Ancient Penalties are retained in the Obligations to emphasize how seriously the Fraternity regards the responsibilities assumed by a Mason. But there is no intention of inflicting them, under any circumstance. To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied must be your constant care. The Violation of a Masonic Obligation is a most serious offense, which may deserve severe punishment, but for which the Brother is Penalized only by Reprimand or Expulsion. The physical penalties incurred for Willful Violation of the Masonic Obligation are purely Symbolic. They are very old. 7

12 The Mason who Violates his Obligation will subject himself to Masonic Discipline which could include the loss of membership in the Lodge and the Fraternity, either by Suspension or Expulsion. He will also lose the respect of other Masons. The Penalties are retained in our ritual to impress upon the mind of each Brother how seriously a violation is regarded by the Members of the Fraternity. The Obligations are voluntarily assumed, and every means possible is used to impress the new Mason with the solemnity and the necessity for faithful performance of them. Th Obligation and its solemnly must be impressed upon every candidate. In addition to the Vow of Secrecy in the First Degree, the Obligation has other important points which bind each Brother. They are: 1. Obedience 2. Assistance 3. The protection of one another. The Obligation is a pledge by each Mason to all other Masons, binding them by a tie which should last their lifetime. That bond, referred to as The Mystic Tie by Scottish poet Robert Burns, is one that develops lasting and endearing friendships which are far beyond those made in ordinary life. 8

13 The Penalties of Freemasonry are Symbolic rather than physical. Even though the Penalties are ones similar to those imposed by civil law hundreds of years ago, and relate to the idea that if a body was dismembered it could not be resurrected. While the Penalty of the Entered Apprentice Degree Symbolized the loss of the power of speech, that of the Fellow Craft symbolized the loss of feelings and caring. By the time you have reached the Master Mason s Degree, the duties and responsibilities you have sworn to observe have become much more extensive. WHAT IS A CLANDESTINE LODGE AND CLANDESTINE MASON A Clandestine Lodge is one that is operating with a Charter that has not been issued by a Duly Recognized Grand Lodge. An individual who belongs to one of these Lodges is a Clandestine Mason. Clandestine Lodges are rare. They are considered to be Irregular and not eligible for Visitation or Masonic Communication. 9

14 MASONIC DEFINITION OF DOTAGE, NONAGE,FOOL AND PROFANE Nonage refers to a person who has not yet attained legal age, which in Colorado Masonry is 18. Dotage is a condition associated with old age. Being old does not bar someone from membership, but we require that he be mentally healthy and alert. A Fool refers to a man without prudence and judgment. He is of legal age, but is lacking in common powers of understanding. Profane means someone who is not a Mason. The word is derived from the Latin pro meaning before, and fanum which means Temple. Thus, someone Profane is one who is Outside the Temple, or Uninitiated. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE DUE GUARD? The Due Guard is primarily a reminder of your Obligations and its use is a silent pledge to continue to perform them faithfully. The Due Guard also is a sign of salutation, to be used upon entering or leaving a Lodge. It is indicative of the Degree in which a Lodge is working, and is your pledge to conform to the usages thereof. 10

15 WHY DO MASONS WEAR APRONS? The use of the Apron is extremely old, not, as with the Operative Masons, as a protector of clothing and body against tools and stone, but as a Badge of Honor. It was so used by the Priests of Israel, by Candidates for the mysteries of Mithras in Persia and by the ancient Japanese in religious worship. In all times and climes it has been a badge of distinction. It is as such that a Freemason wears it. American Masons also see in the Apron a symbol of the dignity of work, and of the care that should be exercised to do our work in a manner that reflects credit upon the workman. There is a special significance in the different ways in which the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft and the Master Mason are taught to wear their Aprons, Emblematic of a progress from darkness to light, from ignorance to knowledge. This is explained to you in our Ritual as you proceed through the Three Degrees. Aprons are not identical in shape and design in all Jurisdictions. In some, the Apron is square; in others, oblong; in still others, semicircular in design. In Colorado it is plain and unadorned. Aprons and gloves should be worn in public only for Masonic Funeral Rites or during other Masonic Ceremonies, such as a Cornerstone Laying, which are under the direct supervision of a Lodge. 11

16 HOW SHOULD YOUR MASONIC APRON BE WORN IN COLORADO? In Colorado nothing can be worn over the Masonic Apron. The Masonic Apron is to be worn on the outside of all clothing. If the member is wearing a coat then the Apron must be worn outside the coat. THE METALLIC DEPOSIT This Ceremony is often called the Rite of Destitution. It not only charges us to give physical relief, but also to give thought and time to the aid of others, visiting the sick, sympathizing with the unfortunate; and particularly to exercise tolerance toward those whose opinions or beliefs may differ from ours. WHAT SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE HAS THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE LODGE? The first stone of a building is usually placed at the Northeast corner because that is the beginning, the line where darkness (North) ends, and light (East) begins. This custom is as old as mankind. The Entered Apprentice has but laid the foundation whereon to build his moral edifice, that of life and character, and his position thus aptly symbolized the end of the preparatory period and the beginning of the constructive period of human life. WHAT IS THE CHARGE IN MASONRY? The Charge is an address summarizing duties. At the conclusion of each Degree the Candidate is called to the East, and solemnly reminded of his new responsibilities, and is Charged, or exhorted to discharge them in a creditable manner. 12

17 Incidentally, the Three Charges are perhaps the oldest portions of our Ritual. They have come to us, abridged somewhat but in the original phraseology, from Preston s Illustrations of Masonry of WHY MUST I MEMORIZE PART OF THE WORK OR LECTURES? First, in order that you may become completely familiar with Freemasonry s basic teachings. Second, so you can prove your Proficiency as a Mason and thus pass the required examination should you ever desire to visit any Lodge where you are unknown to the Brethren. Your prompt and accurate response to the questions asked, if it is necessary for you to submit to a Visitor s Examination, will reflect credit upon you and your Lodge. WHAT ARE COWANS AND EAVESDROPPERS? The word Cowan is an old Scottish word meaning an ignorant Mason who put stones together without mortar, or piled rough stones from the field into a wall without working them square and true. He is a Mason without the Word; the Apprentice who tries to masquerade as a Master. The Eavesdropper in ancient times was that would-bethief of Secrets who listened under the eaves of houses (there was often a space between wall and roof, for the purpose of ventilation), because to hear he had to get close to the wall under the eaves, he received the drippings from the roof if it rained - hence, eavesdropper. In modern times the eavesdropper is that bold man who forges a 13

18 good standing card, or finds one and masquerades as its owner; the man who has read a so-called Expose of Masonry and tries to get into a Lodge in order to ask for charity or help. WHEN SHOULD I ARISE OR BE SEATED WHILE LODGE IS IN SESSION? The Gavel is the Symbol of Authority by which the Master Governs his Lodge. One rap of the gavel calls the Brethren to order; two raps calls the Officers of the Lodge to their feet; three raps will cause all the Brethren to arise; one rap will seat the Lodge or any Brother thereof. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORDS TYLE AND TILER? The word tyle is here presented in its archaic form merely because it thus represents another connective link with the earlier days of Freemasonry. The modern spelling is tile. The Lodge is said to be tyled when the necessary precautions have been taken to prevent the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, intruders or persons not properly qualified to enter a Masonic Lodge. WHY DO MASONS RESPOND AT THE CONCLUSION OF PRAYER BY SAYING SO MOTE IT BE, AND WHAT DOES THE EXPRESSION MEAN? The members who thus respond to an audible Prayer signify that they adopt as their own, the words of the Prayer. So mote it be meaning So may it be. 14

19 WHAT ARE MY MASONIC RIGHTS AS AN ENTERED APPRENTICE? An Entered Apprentice has limited privileges. He is not required to pay dues, cannot vote or hold office, can attend Lodge only while 0pen on the Entered Apprentice Degree. As an Entered Apprentice he is entitled to Masonic Burial if he was in good standing at the time of death, and if requested by survivors, or by him while living. He has no right to organized Masonic charity from the Lodge; although, of course he may receive individual Masonic charity. He has the right of instruction by competent Brothers, and the right to ask for the opportunity of demonstrating his Proficiency and of requesting his Fellow Craft Degree. He may not receive his other Degrees elsewhere without the consent of his Lodge; but may visit an Entered Apprentice Lodge anywhere, providing he is with a Brother who will Vouch for him. WHAT ARE THE PARTICULAR RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ENTERED APPRENTICE? Keeping inviolate the Secrets entrusted to his care; compliance with every part of his Obligation; the observation of proper conduct and decorum, both within and without the Lodge, and a display of diligence in seeking Masonic knowledge constitute the chief responsibilities of an Entered Apprentice. 15

20 ETIQUETTE FOR THE NEW MASON As a newly made Mason, you will wish to attend your Lodge and visit other Lodges without the risk of embarrassment because you were unaware of certain customs or rules. This article is designed to help you avoid the pitfalls and possible embarrassment that we are all prey to when we first attend meetings in the strange environment of our new organization or group. As an Entered Apprentice, you have not yet signed the Lodge By-Laws and paid your dues. Because of this fact, several privileges have not been extended to you. You may not visit another Lodge unless someone who can Vouch for you accompanies you. You may attend your Lodge s Stated Meetings at the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master and the Lodge Members, but you cannot vote on any of the important items that come before the Lodge Membership. There are good reasons for the forgoing; since you do not yet have a dues card you cannot prove yourself to be a Mason in good standing so no one can prove that you are a Mason unless he has sat in Lodge with you. WHY ATTEND LODGE UNTIL YOU HAVE ACCUALLY PASSED YOUR MASTER MASON PROFICIENCY, SIGNED THE BY-LAWS, AND PAID YOUR DUES? Because it will allow you to sit in the Lodge Room among your Brethren and learn. You will more quickly learn where each Officer sits, his duties in that Station or Place, and which one of your Brethren is serving in that Office. 16

21 You will be aware of the business of the Lodge and so, when you are a member, more easily and quickly fit in. Above all, by traveling with a sponsor to other Lodges and by sitting in your own Lodge, though you are denied those few privileges, you will begin to experience the friendship and comradery of belonging to the Fraternity. It will also hopefully be an added education for you to augment your growing library of mental skills, knowledge, and experiences. WHAT IS THE PROPER DRESS FOR A LODGE MEETING? A Mason s personal appearance in Lodge is normally a mark of his respect for the Fraternity. The proper attire for attending a Lodge meeting is normally a coat and tie and street shoes. Do not let this prevent you from attending Lodge if you don t have a coat or suit. Wear the most appropriate clothing you own. If you are taking part in a Degree or an Installation, wear the best clothing that you can afford. Others may wear tuxedoes for these and other special events, but that does not require you to rush out and buy one (unless you can afford it and wish to do so, of course). WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO WEAR MASONIC JEWELRY? Masonic jewelry should not be worn unless you can prove yourself to be a Mason. The wearing of Masonic jewelry should therefore be avoided until you have signed the By-Laws and paid your dues. 17

22 WHAT IS PERSONAL DECORUM? Religion, sex, and politics are never discussed in the Lodge Room or Banquet Room. Never tell any joke that you wouldn t want your mother or your minister to hear coming from your lips, nor wear any Masonic jewelry anyplace you wouldn t take your mother or you minister. Be respectful to your Brethren at all times, and when you talk about them, do so as if they were standing alongside you. In all things you are on your Honor as a Mason; remember this always. If in doubt, remember the Golden Rule. WHEN IN THE RECEPTION AREA. When the Brethren gather in the Reception Area prior to Lodge Opening, there is a tendency to congregate together to the exclusion of visitors and strangers. Remember how you felt on your first visit to the Lodge? You should warmly welcome our visitors with a hearty handshake, introduce yourself, and offer them any courtesies they may require. Include them in your conversations. Ask them to sit in Lodge with you. Abide by any smoking or no smoking rules set forth by the Hall Board or Lodge. In any case, we don t recommend smoking or carry food or drink into the Lodge Room. 18

23 Do not haze, kid, or ridicule a Candidate, nor try to make him more nervous than he already is. We are no a college fraternity; we do not haze or try to degrade anyone. WHEN IN THE LODGE ROOM All of the Officers and Brethren deserve your respect. Joe, Fred, and Tom are not appropriate salutations. W.B. Johnson, Brother Senior Deacon, Worshipful Master are appropriate terms. These Brethren have worked long and hard to earn their titles. Use them. When the Lodge is at Labor, do not cross between the Altar and the Worshipful Master. In this Jurisdiction, before Addressing the Master, you arise, get on the step and give and hold the Due Guard of the Degree until you are recognized. It should go without saying, but it will be said anyway: we don t whisper and talk during Degrees or when others are speaking. Clapping or cheering over the points made by a Brother during discussions or after a vote is unmasonic and ungentlemanly. DO NOT DO IT. If you must leave the Lodge Room during a meeting, move to the Altar and Salute the Master with the appropriate Signs. After he acknowledges the Salute, move to the door and wait for the Junior Deacon to let you out. Upon returning to the Lodge, enter when the Tiler bids you to, move to the Altar, give the appropriate Signs, and return to your seat after the Master acknowledges them. When balloting upon a motion or resolution, balloting is done by raising the right hand to vote for or against. 19

24 When balloting via the ballot box learn and observe the customes of your Lodge. The Master is in charge. All discussion is done through him. Always rise to speak, to make a resolution, or to second one already made. After you have risen to speak, wait for the Master to recognize you. If, in the heat of debate, you feel yourself growing angry or heated, you have just stepped outside the bounds of your circumscribed behavior. Cool off before saying things best left unsaid. If a discussion or vote goes against you, bow to the wishes of the majority with good grace and a smile. After you have signed the By-Laws and paid your dues: When the Lodge is balloting upon a Petition and you are in the Lodge Room, you must ballot. If you would cast a black cube, examine your conscience. If your ballot is for the good of Masonry, well and good. If it is for spite, you should stay away from Lodge that night rather than ballot in that fashion. WHEN IN THE BANQUET ROOM The same rules of etiquette that are observed in the Lodge Room apply to the Banquet Room. Do not talk when others have risen to speak. While it is permissible to continue eating while someone is speaking, it is rude to clear or stack the dishes in an attempt to speed up the clean-up process. 20

25 WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ENTERING OR RETIRING DURING OPENING OR CLOSING? No one is to Enter or Leave the Lodge Room from the time the Junior Deacon notifies the Tiler that the Lodge is about to be Opened until after the Pledge To The Flag Of Our Country. HOW DO YOU ENTER AND/OR RETIRE FROM A LODGE WHILE OPEN? When Entering or Leaving the Lodge, while Open, you are to go before the Altar, Salute with the Due Guard and Sign of the Degree and wait until returned by the Master, before taking your seat or retiring. IF IT IS NECESSARY TO LEAVE LODGE DURING DEGREE WORK, HOW IS IT DONE? Go to the door, Salute and Leave quietly. Do not disrupt the work (Degree or otherwise.) It is not necessary to wait for a return Salute from the Master. 21

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