of Free and Accepted Masons
of the State of California
Freemasonry seeks good men and makes them better. Tell a friend!
Appendix G — WalkaboutThe first step in Masonic EducationThe Walkabout is to be used as a part of the “California
Masonic Candidate Mentorship Program,” a Masonic information or “Rusty
Trowel” program, or as the first step in your Lodge Masonic Education program.
This
is not ritual, and should be presented informally, in a light and friendly
manner. It may be presented following the Entered Apprentice Degree either
while Lodge is open (Mason’s only) or when the Lodge is closed at a special
dinner / program, and where the new Brother’s wife could be included. If
the new Brother’s wife is to be included, the Worshipful Master should
ask her how she likes to be introduced. If the new Brother’s wife would
feel more comfortable sitting on the sidelines, that option should also
be made available. It is also permissible to have more than one new Brother
and his Lady partake in the journey of the Walkabout.
The Guide will take the arm(s) of the newest Brother
(and his Lady) if more than one are present, and the others will follow
behind him (them). The Worshipful Master, Guide, and Narrator will use
the plural form of introduction (etc) when more than one new Brother (and
his Lady) are present. All further guidance will be written as if in the
singular form. Apply the plural form when appropriate. The Narrator may
“tell this story” in his own words, at his own pace, and introduce his
own humor during the Walkabout the Lodge Room - as appropriate. This Walkabout
will be narrated by one Brother with another Brother acting as Guide. The
Narrator should instruct all concerned that when the new Brother(s) is
(are) presented to them, that Officer should rise and shake hands.
When it is said “and his jewel is,” that Officer should hold up the
jewel of his office. When all remarks are completed at that station,
that Officer will sit before the guide moves the new Brother (etc) forward.)
Worshipful MasterGood evening. Recently (or this evening), Brother _______
received his first degree in Masonry; that of the Entered Apprentice Mason.
Tonight he (and his Lady________) will take a Walkabout the Lodge to better
grasp an understanding of the furnishing herein as well as the various
Officers, their duties, and some of ancient customs pertaining to their
positions. Brother ________________ has volunteered to act as Narrator
and Brother ________________ as Guide for this evening.
(Guide stands and approaches new Brother and his Lady.)
NarratorAre you ready to begin Brother_______________(and Lady_________)?
I would like to congratulate you, Brother _____________
on your entrance into the body of the greatest fraternal organization in
the world. When I first became a Mason, it was a good number of months
before I understood the function of each Officer and the various furnishings
about the Lodge.
(Guide takes new Brother (and Lady) by the right arm (and left arm) and conducts him (them) to the North East corner of the Lodge Room.) What we are doing now is called a “Walkabout,” because we are going to walk about the Lodge room, meet some people, and find out who they are and what they do. I’m also going to point out a few things to you, that you may feel more comfortable in your understanding on convenient occasions in the future. Brother __________ please consider this Walkabout your first step in Masonic Education. When erecting a building, the cornerstone is placed in the Northeast Corner as a starting place for all future construction. This is where you Brother_________ were placed on the first step of a Mason, that you might take that careful first step on your journey in the world of Freemasonry. When our ancient Brethren began an edifice, the first building near the site was a Lodge. It provided protection for the plans and the tools of the craft, as well as a workplace during inclement weather. Sometimes this Lodge even provided living quarters for the workmen. Even today, centuries later, the first thing on a building construction site is usually a “job shack” or office Trailer. The First or Entered Apprentice Degree of Freemasonry is intended, symbolically, to represent the entrance of a man into the world in which he is afterwards to become a living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world, his first craving is for light. Not that physical light which springs forth from the great Orb of day as its fountain; but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the primal source of all things. That which is the design of the Great Architect of the Universe, the Creator of the sun and all illumination. Hence, the great and primary object of the First Degree is to symbolize that vital birth of intellectual light revealed in the mind of man. And so it is that Masonry does not attempt to add a portion to any man. Instead, we learn to chip away at the vices and superfluities of our life. Thus is the way of the sculptor, chipping away the excess granite to reveal the beauty of that which was already there. We, your Brethren, believe you Brother ____________ to possess those particular qualities of the sculptor’s granite. Only you know how much to chip away. As an apprentice in any craft today must first learn to use the tools of his trade, so too must you learn to use the tools of Freemasonry for all of your earthly toil. (Guide points to Ballot Box.) This is our Ballot Box. Each Brother present in the Lodge must vote on a candidate applying to receive the degrees of Masonry. Each Brother must vote in favor of a candidate before he can be admitted among us. Your ballot Brother_________ was unanimous and of one accord. (Guide points to tube holding Lodge Charter.) This tube in front of the Worshipful Master's podium contains our Charter, issued by the Grand Lodge of California, and must be on display while the Lodge is open. A Brother visiting a Lodge may ask to see the Charter if he has some reason to question if it is a regularly constituted Lodge. Masonry, like any other business, has a head office and a president. Our “head office” is called Grand Lodge and is located in San Francisco. Our president is called the Grand Master. The Most Worshipful _________________, is the Grand Master for this year. Our Grand Lodge Communication, or annual meeting, is the second Monday of every October. Our Master, the Wardens, and our Secretary nearly always go because a Lodge is required to be represented there. But a bunch of us others also go because it is so much fun. Any Master Mason can attend and I hope you will go often. I can guarantee you that you will have a great time and learn a lot. (Guide points to flag of our country.) On the right of the Worshipful Master stands the flag of our country. It must be on display at all times while the Lodge is open, and on certain times it must be formally presented. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to a position midway between the Master and the Altar, facing South.) The Great Lights of Masonry must always shine on the station of the Worshipful Master, that he who presides there may properly guide and instruct us. No Lodge in California may stand officially open unless the Holy Writings are opened upon it's Altar with the Square and Compass displayed thereon. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to West of the Altar facing East.) Here at your request, you Brother __________ were presented with the most important symbols of Freemasonry; the Holy Bible, Square, and Compass. Our Lodges are referred to as “Blue” or “Symbolic Lodges.” The color blue is emblematic of Friendship, a characteristic peculiar to our ancient craft Lodges as well as our Lodges today. Masonry is not a religion, nor is it political, therefore, our symbolic teachings are acceptable to all men under the “Canopy of Heaven.” This book can be different depending upon where the Lodge is situated in the world. Masonry is universal and will always allude to the beliefs of the Brethren in that particular area. It is not uncommon for more than one book to be on the Altar. For example, if you were in a Lodge in Jerusalem, you would find four books upon the Altar, alluding to the various beliefs in that city. It is important to know that everything we do in Masonry emanates from the Holy Writings lying there on the Alter; as it is the principal focal point of Masonry. We begin all of our fellowships and meetings with a prayer because no man should ever enter upon any great or important undertaking without first invoking the blessing of deity. We continue our journey by meeting the Brothers who assisted in the conferral of your First Degree, Brother __________. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Tiler.) On the other side of the door to the Lodge is where our Tiler _______________, sits. He has the most important job of usually being the very first member a visitor meets. The jewel of his office is the unsheathed sword. It may be symbolic of the flaming sword, which was placed at the East of the Garden of Eden to guard the way to the Tree of Life. The Tiler assures that only those duly qualified and have permission are allowed to enter. Anciently, the roofer of a building was called a Tiler. His job was to furnish the edifice under construction with it's roof tile to protect all under it from the elements. We follow the practice of our ancient Brethren. The Brother who protects the Lodge from those “outside” elements we call Brother Tiler. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Organist.) On the right (or in the loft) of the Worshipful Master sits ___________, our Organist. We call him Brother Organist, even though his instrument may also be a piano. The jewel of his office is the Lyre, an ancient musical instrument. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Marshall.) This is _______________, our Marshal. The jewel of his office is Crossed Batons, a symbol of authority. Anciently, it was a symbol of the officer in charge of the English Lord’s horses and stable, a position of great import and prestige. In the Lodge, the Marshal takes charge of all Masonic processions, conducts distinguished visitors, and interrogates candidates. The Marshal also has the honor of escorting the flag of our country when formally presented. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Stewards.) This is ____________and _______________, our Junior and Senior Stewards. The jewel of their office is the Cornucopia, or Horn of Plenty. In olden days, they provided the Craft with food and refreshments and took charge of the “Festivals” of the Lodge. The Stewards’ Rods have been in use longer than the Deacon’s Rods. They were first mentioned in 1724, when the Grand Stewards of the United Grand Lodge of England carried White Rods in procession. These White Rods symbolize Purity and Innocence, and may have been symbolic of the staffs or rods of which the Royal Household of England presented to their High Stewards as an emblem of their office. The present day duties of the Stewards include preparing candidates for admission to the Lodge, tasks assigned during processions, and preparing refreshments for the Brethren. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Junior Deacon.) This is ____________, our Junior Deacon. Among his duties are to attend to all alarms at the door and see the Lodge duly tiled. The jewel of his office is the Quarter Moon within the Square and Compass. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Senior Deacon.) This is _____________, our Senior Deacon. One of the Senior Deacon’s duties is to receive and conduct candidates. You, Brother__________ are already well acquainted with the Senior Deacon, as he was the Mason who guided you around the Lodge Room during your Degree. The jewel of his office is the Radiant Sun within a Square and Compass. As late as 1860, Deacons were carrying columns similar to the ones on the Senior and Junior Warden’s podiums. During the 1860’s the Blue Rods became standard, but the tips were of many different designs. As with the Junior Deacon, the jewel of the Deacon’s office is now the standard rod tip in this jurisdiction. The Deacon’s Blue Rods symbolize “Friendship.” (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Chaplain.) This is ___________, our Chaplain. The jewel of his office is an open copy of the Volume of Sacred Law. His duties include leading our devotions at the opening and closing of the Lodge. You will note that his prayers end with the term “Amen.” This is a Hebrew word which signifies “Truly” or “Certainly,” and it literally translates to “So Mote It Be” in Twelfth Century English. Our ancient Brethren used the phrase “So Mote It Be” as a response, approving or confirming prayer. In imitation of our ancient Brethren, we still to this day reply “So Mote It Be.” (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Treasurer.) This is ________________, our Treasurer. It is his responsibility to look after the accounts of the Lodge, and to record all receipts and expenditures. For example, he will record the dollars of which you were relieved when you joined our fraternity. His jewel is the crossed keys that have references to the coffers or strong box in which the resources of the Lodge were kept in years gone by. He is entrusted with the treasure chest of this Lodge. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Secretary.) This is _____________, our Secretary. The Lodge Secretary performs a myriad of duties and is critical to the success and well being of the Lodge. It is his duty to keep a written record of all the meetings. As a matter of fact, the first meeting ever held in this Lodge was duly recorded by the Secretary of that day and is available in the archives. In like manner, the events of this evening are being recorded, together with your name, and will go down in the minutes as a part of our Lodge history. The jewel of his office is the Crossed Quills; symbolic of the instruments used for writing in ancient times. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Junior Warden.) This is ______________, our Junior Warden. The jewel of his office is the Plumb, an emblem of uprightness. As with the jewels of the other principle officers, you will learn more about it as you progress in Masonry. His time-honored duties were explained to you at the closing of the Lodge. The small column on his podium is very significant. When in the upright position, it signifies that the Lodge is at “refreshment,” and that you may move about and talk freely with the Brethren. The elected Junior Warden, Senior Warden, and Worshipful Master, are the three principle officers of the Lodge. One of them is required to be physically present inside the Lodge Room before any regular Lodge can be opened, closed, or business conducted. Notice also that these three officers sit conspicuously elevated in the East, the West, and the South; and that no one sits in the North. This affirms the notion that a Masonic Lodge is representative of King Solomon’s Temple, and attests to the fact that there where but three entrances or gates thereto. These were located in the East, West, and South. Other Masonic organizations such as the “Order of the Eastern Star” use this Temple, and they do occupy the seat in the North for their meetings, but that is another subject for another time. The principle officers of the Lodge normally progress from one chair to the next. In this way, the Junior Warden will most probably be elected Senior Warden next year, and the Senior Warden will likewise be elected to the Master’s chair. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Senior Warden.) This is ______________, our Senior warden. The jewel of his office is the Level, an emblem of equality. You, Brother _______________will learn more about this instrument as you progress in Masonry. The Senior Warden is second in command of a Masonic Lodge, and he will assume the Master's duties and responsibilities in the Master's absence. This small column on his podium is also very significant. When in the upright position, it signifies that the Lodge is at labor. At this time, no one is allowed to talk or move around without permission of the Worshipful Master. To do so would the height of rudeness and disrespect. If any Brother wishes to ask a question or make a comment, he must rise and properly address the Worshipful Master; as all comments are directed toward him. At no time, for any reason, will any Brother address anyone other than the Worshipful Master. This keeps peace and harmony within our ranks at all times. (Guide conducts new Brother (etc) to the Worshipful Master.) This area of the Lodge is know as the “East.” It will come as no surprise that the Worshipful Master sits in the East, since all learning emanated from the East. This is _________, our Worshipful Master. His title is Worshipful Master, not that he is to be “worshipped.” Nor does the title have any religious connotation. It is derived from a Thirteenth Century custom. Men who occupied a position of honor and trust, as a mark of respect, were referred to as “Your Worshipful” or “Worshipful.” Freemasons adopted the latter title, and it has been used by the Craft for several hundred years as a title of respect. The jewel of his office is the Square, an emblem of morality and virtue. You, Brother ______________, will learn more concerning this instrument as you progress in Masonry. As with the all the officers of the Lodge, you will see the jewel of his office also imprinted upon his apron. The Worshipful Master is the presiding officer of a Lodge. He may be the elected Master or someone designated by the Master to fill the station for a specific purpose and time. The Brother who sits in the East and wears the “top hat” will always be addressed as “Worshipful Master” while there. Our Worshipful Master is elected by the Brethren for a period of one year. He is the “boss,” and the good government of the Lodge is in his hands. Also be aware, as an Entered Apprentice, you have no voice in the proceedings of the Lodge; unless first invited by the Worshipful Master. You are not permitted to visit another Lodge, unless you are escorted by your assigned coach or a Master Mason who was physically present when you received your Degree. This is true until such time as you are raised to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. (Guide turns to the new Brother (etc) after the Master is seated.) I now call your attention to these two stones. They represent the Rough and Perfect Ashlars, and symbolize our character. As you Brother___________ begin your Masonic journey, you have been likened to the Rough Ashlar. It, you will notice, has some form but is still very rough. This alludes to the fact that you have been investigated and your Brethren have determined that you are a fit and proper person to become a Mason. Now begins the work of using your Masonic tools for chipping away at all that you do not need to be a Mason among men. Eventually, this Rough Ashlar will become more like the one we refer to as the Perfect Ashlar. The Perfect Ashlar is the smooth and polished stone that has been squared and readied to be used in the foundation of a building. It symbolizes the Mason who has applied the teachings of the Craft in his everyday life. One who is true and trustworthy. One in whom the foundation of the Brotherhood of Freemasonry may be safely entrusted. In other words, you are the future of Freemasonry. Masonry does not add anything to you as a man, but rather takes away anything that you do not need. Masonry is a journey that takes you from the “Rough Ashlar” to the “Perfect Ashlar.” Masonry is not to be arrived at, but rather something you become. It is ongoing. And, even when you look closely at the “Perfect Ashlar,” you will see that it is indeed not perfect. As you see, nothing in this mortal world is perfect. We spend our lifetime as Masons aspiring to perfection until eventually we leave this imperfect world, and ascend to the Celestial Lodge above. Now you know a little bit about the various officers, their jobs, some of our customs, and some of the furnishings in our Lodge Room. You may see different men sitting in the various places at other times, because it is a lot of fun to do the work in the different Degrees. The best way a man can learn something is by doing it. The men who have put on your Degree spent many hours learning and rehearsing their work. They have done this for you because they all love the Craft. They know that a man gets out of Masonry far more than he can ever put into it. In order to fulfill the quest, a man must put something of himself and his talents into Freemasonry. Brother_______________ (etc), it has been our pleasure to conduct you on a Walkabout through the Lodge Room. To share with you, explain, and instruct you in some of our ancient and honorable customs has been our pleasure. As you have seen, the hand of friendship and Brotherly Love will be extended to you at every opportunity by every Mason under the whole Canopy of Heaven. Be attentive to your Coach and Mentor. Meet with him (them) on a regular schedule. Study your education manuals so that you may progress in Masonry, and thus take your rightful place in our fraternity as an informed Master Mason. It is our hope, and the hope of all Masons, that you will continue in your journey through Freemasonry all of your life. Take your obligations seriously. Never hesitate to ask a Brother for his help, so that when the time comes, and it will, you will be better able to help a Brother who asks it of you. Reference: |