Etiquette and Decorum
Etiquette is controlled by
rules—Decorum is under our personal control
If you are guilty of any of these points
consider that I have reminded you in the most tender manner of
your failings, and am now aiding in your reformation
·
Speak only to the Master, do not address the brethren
·
Never take the name of God in vain “Never mentioning His
name but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature
to his Creator”
·
No one speaks after VIP finishes his address
·
When a brother has the floor you may not yell out at him or make
gestures to him if you do not agree with what he is saying or if
you think he has talked too long. Only the Master can shut a
brother up.
·
You may only speak once on a motion, unless you made the motion,
then you get the last word.
·
You may not make a motion to adjourn or a motion for the
“previous question”
·
No offensive personal remarks, expressions of bitterness or ill
will. No discussions of Politics or religion, race or private
business.
·
No politicking for office, no suggesting whom to elect, no
reminding how to spell a brother’s name, or soliciting votes
in any way (Code 172 passed in 2000) Nominations for Treasurer
and Secretary are permitted
·
The Lodge room includes the Preparation room and the Tyler’s
room, no loud talking joking noise or moving about
·
No altar drape, unless Masonic emblem on it
·
Never dip the US flag
·
Rules on color guard- tyler is a guard, but no unguarded flag
movement in my lodge
·
No brother should enter the preparation room when a candidate is
present in it, except the SD, JS, and SS, or a brother acting for
them as in giving the anti-room lecture.
·
Don’t pass between the altar and the east when lodge is open
·
Don’t pass anything over the three Great Lights or cover
them from the Master’s view.
·
Wear apron outside of your jacket
·
No nametag at funeral or in church. God knows who you are.
·
Don’t chew gum or tobacco
·
Don’t cross legs – officers
·
No pins or stuff with MM S&C until Master Mason Degree
·
No side discussions
·
Dress in accordance with your respect for the institution. No
“Homeless Bums” no “Cowboy Lodge” no shorts
or tank tops
·
The Master can specify officer’s and degree team dress and I
have done so.
·
No frivolous hat for the Master, no ball hat, straw hat, or soft
hat
·
Wear of Masonic Rings. No rule from Grand Lodge but most in NM
wear with S&C outward. Texans will correct you as they wear
with S&C as you first observed them when initiated.
·
Fill the seat of a stationed officer, not the master if he
carries his gavel with him about the Lodge.
·
Protocol is to the office not to the officer himself
·
Outer door belongs to the JD, the Tyler should never open this
door.
·
When called to refreshment, the JW, Tyler and Junior Deacon stay
in Lodge until The Lodge room is vacated.
·
Only Master Masons vote
·
Infirm vote from their seats
·
Master should explain to Lodge before his “Casting”
vote
·
Negative vote is required, voting not complete without it
·
Discussion still allowed after affirmative vote
·
A mason has the right to SEEK to visit a Lodge, the Master can
refuse admission
·
Don’t introduce visitors twice (alter and East)
·
Examination of a visitor is not a proficiency only to determine
if he is a Mason
·
No man attends Lodge as a private individual. Brother, etc is a
title and is required. Never Bill or Tom
·
No titles in public or on outside of envelope. Use Honorable or
Hon. And Mrs. Doe
·
Master does not refer to himself as Worshipful
·
Masons keep titles after leaving office
·
In a letter the salutation is:
Most Worshipful
Sir
M.W. Sir and Dear
Brother John
M.W. Sir and Dear
John
·
Grand Chaplain, Grand Sword Bearer, Grand Tyler,
Grand Historian are not Right Worshipful
·
DDGM is R.W. but DDGL is not