B1. Lodge Protocol

CEREMONY OF FORMALLY OPENING (INSTITUTION OF) A NEW LODGE UNDER DISPENSATION

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. The Dispensation for the formation of a new Lodge is sent to the District Deputy Grand Master of the Masonic District in which the Lodge is situated, who should acknowledge receipt thereof to the Grand Secretary.

2. Thereafter, the DDGM should arrange and agree with the Master appointed for the new Lodge regarding the date for the formal opening of the Lodge, and the members named in the Dispensation should be notified by the Master to assemble in their Lodge room at the date and time agreed upon.

3. The Master and DDGM should then notify and arrange with the Grand Master for the agreed date for the formal opening ceremony (institution) and should request the GM to officiate. If the GM is not able to attend, he will delegate the DDGM to act as his representative. If the DDGM cannot be present, he (DDGM) may deputize some competent Past Master to act as the representative of the GM.

4. The ceremony of institution may be held either in public or private. If public, however, the actual opening of the Lodge by the Master (last portion of the ritual) shall be omitted.

5. After the Brethren are assembled at the hour named, the GM (or his representative) will assume the East, with the Master of Ceremonies on his right and the Chaplain on his left. In private, the order being given therefore, is that the door will be closed to avoid the necessity of purging the Lodge when it is formally opened; it is suggested that all the brethren be vouched for as they enter the Lodge room. All of course must be properly attired. The Great Lights shall be placed on the Altar (closed), and Lesser Lights are not lighted until the proper time.

6. The Dispensation (with the list of Officers) should be placed upon the Master's pedestal and, at the proper time, handed to the brother who has been selected to read it, or it may be read by the officer officiating. If the Grand Master is present in person, it is suggested that the Dispensation be read by the DDGM or the District representative.

7. At the beginning of the ceremony, the members of the Lodge, properly clothed as Master Masons, shall be seated on the North side of the Lodge, the officers occupying the front rows and arranged by rank toward the East, with their respective aprons but without jewels and collars.

8. Music may be introduced if desired.

RITUAL FOR FORMALLY OPENING (INSTITUTION OF) A NEW LODGE UNDER DISPENSATION

GM: (or his representative will Rap ***; and reads or recites Psalm CXXXIII):

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountain of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore."

GM: "Very Reverend Grand Chaplain, be pleased to lead us in prayer."

GRAND CHAPLAIN: (Standing in the East) "O Thou Great Architect of the Universe! By Thy grace and infinite mercy we are now entering upon the performance of a duty devolving upon us as Masons in the dedication of the lives of the officers and members of this new Lodge to service of God, our country and the craft of Freemasonry. Therefore may it please Thee, O God, so to set a guard upon our hearts and lips, that no evil thought may have utterance; so guide our minds that no act may be committed other than will reflect credit upon our Craft and glorify Thee, our Supreme Grand Master. Give then to the officers and members of this Lodge moral and physical strength toward the fulfillment of their duties as men and Masons, both within these sacred precincts and without in the great world, where men are judged by the lives they lead.

"We pray Thee, O Thou Great Jehovah, to keep us all and bless us, one with the other, that this Lodge, and our Craft whithersoever dispersed, may be worthy and prosper even as the years pass on toward eternity. Amen." (All answer: AMEN)

GM: (Seats and Raps *) "Brethren: We are gathered tonight/today for the purpose of formally opening a new Lodge in the City of _____________ to be known as __________________ Lodge U.D. in order that Masons may be lawfully assembled therein."

"VW Bro. Master of Ceremonies, you will for the benefit of the Brethren, give a brief discourse on the history of Warrants of Constitution and Dispensations."

MC: (Stand and Salutes the GM) "Prior to the year 1717, any number of brethren could assemble at any time, and at any place, for the performance of Work; and when so assembled were authorized to receive Brothers and Fellows and to practice the rites of Masonry. The Ancient Landmarks were the only standard for the regulation of their conduct. Except where a Lodge was permanently established, any of the brethren could be chosen to act as Master at a particular meeting over which he was to preside, and his authority terminated with the dissolution of that meeting. All brethren, indiscriminately, were amenable to the General Assembly of the Craft held once or twice a year and to that power alone.

"With the formation of Grand Lodges, however, this condition was materially changed. By the regulation of 1717 the privilege of assembling as Masons, therefore possessed by all the brethren, to be exercised at their pleasure, was vested in certain Lodges convened without a Warrant from the Grand Master with the consent of the Grand Lodge. From this time, Warrants of Constitution date their existence.

"A Warrant of Constitution, or as we know it, a Charter (as it is perhaps unnecessary to remind you) emanates from a Grand Lodge; and no Lodge may be constituted as such until after it has received its Charter or Warrant. The Grand Master, however, may issue a Dispensation authorizing and empowering the brethren therein named to form and open a Lodge after the manner of Free and Accepted Masons according to the Ancient Custom, and not otherwise.

"While, strictly speaking, a Lodge may not be legally constituted until it has received its Charter, the phrase we make use of, 'in a just and legally constituted Lodge' refers not only to a Lodge working under a Charter, but likewise to one working under a Dispensation and Chartered Lodges duly constituted have the same standing. There are, however, certain restrictions imposed upon Lodges under Dispensation, and they do not possess all the powers of regularly constituted Lodges. A Lodge under Dispensation, for instance, while entitled to representation in the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge through its Master and Wardens who may be admitted to seats, may be permitted to speak and vote on all matters, except in the elections of officers (Sec. 4, Art. I, Ordinances). Furthermore, it exists subject to the will and pleasure of the Grand Master who at anytime may revoke its authority under which it has therefore worked."

"New Lodges are generally formed under a Dispensation as a test of the ability of the officers and brethren to properly perform the duties incumbent upon them; and in this jurisdiction, by a specific provision of the Constitution, no charter can be granted to a new Lodge until it shall have worked for a time under Dispensation and shall have exhibited to the Grand Lodge satisfactory evidence of its Masonic capability.

"The Authority conferred by the Dispensation continues only until the first day of the month in which the next succeeding Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge is held. At that time, the Dispensation is returned to the Grand Lodge, together with the Book of Records and a report of the proceedings and a Petition for a Charter. If, after an examination of its work and proceedings, it appears to the satisfaction of the Grand Lodge that the petition should be granted, a Charter is issued and a number assigned to the Lodge; and then within sixty days thereafter the Lodge shall be duly constituted. If the Grand Lodge is not satisfied that the petition for a Charter should be granted, it may be refused without any further order being made and the Lodge ceases to exist, or, a Charter being refused, the Dispensation may be continued in force until the next Annual Communication."

"It will thus appear that whether or not the Lodge to be opened this morning/evening (or afternoon as the case may be) will eventually receive a Charter from the Grand Lodge, depends solely upon the manner in which the brethren comprising it shall discharge the duties and responsibilities devolving upon them. Not only is it required that they shall in all things conform to the rules and regulations of the Grand Lodge, but it is likewise essential that they shall observe the spirit no less than the letter of the law." (Salutes the GM and seats)

GM: "It is, I trust, unnecessary to say to you that there must be no departure from the esoteric work adopted by the Grand Lodge, and that the ritual taught by the Grand Lecturer must be strictly adhered to. This duty devolves upon the officers of the Lodge; and a petition would be denied if, upon examination, it should appear that the Master and Wardens were not fully competent to properly confer the degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry in accordance with the ritual by the Grand Lodge."

"There is, however, a further responsibility, which the brethren share with officers of the lodge. Upon each member of the Lodge devolves the duty of carefully guarding its portals. A Lodge working under Dispensation should be particularly careful that a searching inquiry be made into the character and standing of those who present petitions. It too frequently happens that the organization of a new Lodge is hailed as an opportunity to obtain fellowship with us by some to whom it has theretofore been denied, and by others who have feared to seek it. They presume on the perhaps natural desire of the brethren of the New Lodge to increase the membership; and it is unfortunately true that the mistaken idea that numbers indicate success sometimes causes the brethren of a new Lodge to disregard the fundamentals upon which the membership of the Fraternity is recruited. I hope I need not remind you that Masonry solicits no man for membership; he must come to us of his own free will and accord, soliciting the favor which we confer upon those whom we accept as members of our Fraternity. It does not, however, follow that a Member of a Masonic Lodge is justified in giving his recommendation to one who has signified a desire for the degrees of Masonry merely because he knows nothing detrimental to his character. Something more than this is required for the proper discharge of duty devolving upon him as a Mason. He must not hesitate to refuse to recommend any man for the degrees of Masonry unless he has strong reasons to believe that he will ultimately reflect honor on our Ancient Institution."

"The Masonic capabilities of a Lodge under Dispensation will be determined no less by the character of its report. As the strength of a chain is tested by its weakest link, so the standard of a Masonic Lodge is set by its least desirable member."

"However excellent might have been the work performed by the officers, and however exact had been the compliance with the rules and regulations, a charter would not issue to a lodge which had shown itself careless of its honor and reputation, so unmindful of its obligations, as to entitle one not worthy and well qualified to be called a friend and brother by all Masons whithersoever dispersed around the globe."

"It is believed that those who have been instrumental in forming this new Lodge are not only conversant with their duties and responsibilities, but willing and eager to faithfully discharge them. I (or the Grand Master has) have therefore issued to them this Dispensation which, with the list of officers selected by them, will now be read by VW ________ _______, our DDGM for District No. _____________ where your Lodge is situated."

(The Brother directed then reads the Dispensation, and following it, the list of officers. As the names of the officers are read, they form a line West of the Altar, with the Master at the left of the line. The GM/DDGM/GM's representative then address them):

GM: (Standing) "Brethren, you have been selected and appointed as officers to serve this Lodge while it continues under Dispensation. Upon you primarily devolve the responsibility for its success. It is assumed that you are conversant with the duties of your respective stations and that no instructions need be given you at this time. I deem it however proper, not merely for your benefit but as well as for the benefit of all here assembled to call your attention to certain of those Ancient Charges and regulations to which I heretofore referred. In the ceremony provided for the installation of officers it is said that they point out the duties of the Master of a Lodge; and before a Master can be installed his assent to them must be specifically given."

"With two exceptions, referring specifically to the duties of the Master, they likewise express the obligations every individual Mason assumes upon his initiation into the Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons. They are as follows:"

I. "You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law;"

II. "You agree to be peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside;"

III. "You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against government, but patiently to submit to the decision of the Supreme Legislature;"

IV. "You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrate, to work diligently, live creditably and act honorably by all men;"

V. "You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successor: supreme and subordinate, according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of your Brethren, when convened, in every case consistent with the Constitutions of the Order;"

VI. "You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intemperance and excess;"

VII. "You agree to be cautious in carriage and behavior, courteous to your Brethren and faithful to your Lodge."

VIII. "You promise to respect genuine Brethren and to discountenance impostors and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry;"

IX. "You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues and to propagate the knowledge of the Art;"

X. "You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge or General Assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and groundwork of Masonry;"

XI. "You admit that it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make innovations in the body of Masonry;"

XII. "You promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice, and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasion;"

XIII. "You admit that no new Lodge should be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge, and that no countenance should be given to any irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely initiated therein, – being contrary to the Ancient Charges of the Order;"

XIV. "You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of any regular Lodge, without previous notice and due inquiry into his character;"

XV. "You agree that no visitors shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a regular Lodge."

"As a Master at his installation is asked, I now ask each of you: Do you here, in the presence of your brethren, submit to these charges and promise to support these regulations?"

(Each answering in the affirmative) I do

"You will then approach the East, receive your jewels and repair to your respective places and stations."

(The officers, led by the appointed Master proceed to line up North of the Altar, facing East, according to rank, receive their jewels, the GM or MC invest it, repair to their station and seat themselves, as is customary in the opening of a Lodge. The Master takes his seat in the East at the left of the Grand Master. The Grand Master then addresses the Master who should rise and remain standing until the close of the ceremony.)

GM: (Standing) "Worshipful Sir, The Grand Lodge having committed to your care the superintendence and government of the brethren who are to compose this new Lodge, you should be mindful of the obligations which devolve upon you as their head and of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties appertaining to your appointment. The honor, reputation and usefulness of this new Lodge will materially depend upon the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns; and that the happiness of its members will generally be promoted in proportion to the watchful care with which you cherish the genuine principles of our Institution."

"For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary of Nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle. In like manner, it is your province to spread and communicate light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Masonry; and seriously admonish them never to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those great moral duties which they have been taught in it; and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of this Institution; so that, when a person is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows; one to whom distress may prefer its suit; one whose hand is guided by justice and whose heart is expanded by benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the By-Laws of your Lodge, the Constitutions of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as the rule and guide of your Faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with the highest honors here and lay up a crown of rejoicing which shall continue when time shall be no more."

"The Wardens will rise." (Senior & Junior Wardens rise)

"Brother Senior and Junior Wardens: you are too well-acquainted with the principles of Masonry to warrant any distrust that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your respective duties. Suffice it to say, that what you have seen praiseworthy in others, you should carefully imitate, and what in them may have appeared defective, you should yourselves avoid. You should be examples of discretion and propriety, for it is only by a due regard for our laws and regulations as shown in your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are assiduously to assist the Master in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under your care."

"In the absence of the Master you will succeed to higher duties; your acquirements must therefore be such as will insure proper instruction to the Craft. From the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that your future conduct will be such as will merit the applause of your Brethren, and the testimony of a good conscience."

"The Brethren of _________________ Lodge, U.D., will rise." (All Charter Members rise)

"Brethren, you are now being congregated and formed into a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons which, until the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge is to be continued in existence subject to the will and pleasure of the Grand Master, who may at anytime revoke the authority under which you have heretofore worked. As it has already been indicated to you, whether or not the Lodge now being formed will receive a Warrant of Constitution or Charter from the Grand Lodge and be thereafter regularly constituted, depends solely upon yourselves."

"Such is the nature of our Constitution, that as some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so must others, of course, learn to submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers who have been appointed to govern your Lodge are sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety and the laws of the Institution to avoid exceeding the power with which they are entrusted and you are of too generous disposition to envy their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have but one aim, to prove yourselves worthy of the confidence reposed in you, so that, conforming in all respects to the Ordinances of our Grand Lodge, you may in due time receive your Charter and forever thereafter continue to endure as a regularly constituted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons."

"VW Bro. MC, you will now make proclamation." (GM Raps ***)

MC: (Goes to West of Altar, facing East and extends right hand over Great Lights), "In the name and by authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the Philippines, I proclaim the brethren named in the Dispensation congregated into, authorized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be known and designated as __________________ Lodge U.D." (MC goes back to East)

GM: "Very Reverend Grand Chaplain you will now pronounce the Benediction."

GRAND CHAPLAIN: (Standing in the East) "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen." (AMEN)

GM: "Worshipful Sir, the Brethren are now authorized to assemble as a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, to be known as __________________ Lodge, U.D. Upon their recommendation, I have (or the Grand Master has) appointed you to be their first Master. You are now empowered to open your Lodge. The Emblem of your power is the gavel." (Presents Gavel to the Worshipful Master) "In the hands of the Master it may be made the instrument of great good or of greater evil. With it the Master governs his Lodge, and the welfare and prosperity of this new Lodge will materially depend upon its judicious use. Confident that it will be wielded only for the best interests of your brethren and in such manner as will redound to the benefit of the Craft, I now entrust it to you, that you may formally open this Lodge in due and ancient form." (Grand Master removes hat.)

WM: (The WM puts on his hat, then seats the brethren and proceeds to open a Lodge of Master Masons in the usual form "for the transaction of business" omitting only the direction to the officers to approach the East and receive their jewels. If ceremony is public, the Master calls a recess to allow non-Masons to retire after the usual felicitations which are in order at this point.)

After the Lodge is opened the Master instructs the Secretary to enter first upon the record book the minutes of the proceedings and the several preliminary meetings held for the purpose of making arrangements for the establishment of the Lodge with the various official documents therewith connected.

On or before the granting of Dispensation for a new Lodge, the Grand Secretary shall furnish a uniform set of record books for use of such new Lodge, the cost of the same to be borne by the Lodge.

BY-Laws are then adopted and a certified copy thereof ordered to be forwarded to the Grand Secretary for the approval of the Grand Master. The Lodge may then proceed with the transactions of any other business properly before it.