May, 2008
Page 9
¡±and improve myself in
Masonry¡±
The preparation room should be kept for the purposes
of candidates only; the practice of Brethren ¡°slipping in¡± to the Lodge room
through this room is a deviation from usual Masonic etiquette. The preparation
room, being a part of the halls devoted to Masonic usage, should reflect the
hospitality of the Lodge room by being clean and neat when a candidate enters
it for the purpose of preparation. A host does not willingly take a guest into
a home which is in disorder; he considers that courtesy requires his home to be
properly arranged that it may express its own welcome. A Masonic Lodge room is
the fraternal home of the Brethren; those who come to knock upon the door are
guests as well as candidates.
The anteroom
used by the Tiler is symbolically in his charge, his
sword an emblem of authority if Brethren in the Tiler¡¯s
room conduct
themselves with the decorum essential to presenting a fair view to candidates
who pass through his quarters to the preparation room.
Taken from website ¡°freemasonicinformation.com¡±
In many jurisdictions, several Brethren may enter together, form a line before the Altar, salute and then be seated. In others, they approach the Altar one at a time, salute and seat themselves. What is important is that local custom be followed and that the Brethren do not approach the Altar with bundles or papers in hand. Some Lodges permit smoking during a business meeting; even here, however, a Brother is not too respectful who makes a solemn salute to the Master before the Altar with a cigar either in his mouth or in his hand.
Taken from website
¡°freemasonicinformation.com¡±
There¡¯s always a lot to be thankful for if you take the time to look for it.
Being young is beautiful but
being old is comfortable.
When you are dissatisfied and
would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra