Unity, Respect, and the Art of Being a Brother

The Masonic Blueprint: Navigating the Intricacies of Lodge Etiquette to Forge a Harmonious Life, Inside and Outside.

VI of Behaviour -
1. In the Lodge while Constituted

YOU are not to hold private Committees, or separate conversations, without leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything impertinently or unseemly, nor interrupt the Master or Wardens, or any Brother speaking to the Master; nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and solemn; nor use any unbecoming language upon any pretence whatsoever; but to pay due reverence to your Master, Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship.

Brethren, the verse at hand is not merely a set of rules to be followed within the Lodge; it's a blueprint for fostering unity and harmony, both in Masonry and in our daily lives. The principles here are not just guidelines but the very fabric that holds our fraternity together.

Imagine a Lodge where every Brother speaks out of turn, where private committees are formed to undermine the Master, and where solemn occasions are marred by inappropriate jests.

Such a Lodge would not only be chaotic but would also risk losing the very essence of what makes us Freemasons. The absence of respect and unity would inevitably lead to the Lodge's downfall.

The verse is a call to unity, respect, and decorum. The etymology of the word "committee," for example, comes from the Latin "com-" meaning "with" and "mittere" meaning "to send." A "committee" is thus a group sent with a specific purpose. In the context of the Lodge, forming private committees without the Master's permission is akin to sending a separate delegation, undermining the unity and authority of the Lodge's elected leaders.

Similarly, the term "unbecoming" has its roots in the Old English "becuman," meaning "to become, to befit." Unbecoming language is, therefore, speech that does not befit the dignity of the Lodge or its members.

The verse calls for a balanced approach to leadership and fellowship. It's not about stifling conversation or being the "fun police," but about knowing the "time and place" for everything. It's about giving due reverence to the Master, Wardens, and Fellows, and understanding that they have been chosen to lead. It's about maintaining the decorum of the Lodge by abstaining from topics that could be divisive or disrespectful, like politics or religion.

So, how do we apply these principles outside the Lodge?

Simple. We practice active listening, giving others the floor when it's their turn to speak. We respect the chain of command at our workplaces, understanding that leadership is not just a title but a responsibility.

We choose our words carefully, avoiding language that could offend or alienate those around us. And most importantly, we understand the value of unity and harmony, not just in the Lodge but in our families, our friendships, and our communities.

In a world increasingly divided, the principles laid out in this verse serve as a timely reminder of the importance of unity, respect, and decorum. By living these principles, we not only uphold the dignity of our Lodge but also bring the Masonic ideals into the broader world.