Masonic Ritual – Displaying the Great Light

Masonic Ritual – Displaying the Great Light

Mar 28, 2023 | Masonic Ritual

MASONIC Ritual

Displaying the Great Light

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

What is the significance of opening the Bible to a different page for each Degree? What pages should be used for alternative sacred scriptures?

There is no particular symbolic meaning associated with opening the Bible to the scripture lesson of the Degree in which the Lodge is working. Indeed, plenty of Masonic Ritual workings do not include this practice. We do this in New York for entirely practical purposes: The Chaplain stands at the west side of the Altar facing East when he delivers the scripture lessons in the various Degree Rituals, which makes it possible for him to read the scripture lesson directly from the open Bible in front of him. Because this practical advantage cannot be obtained from alternative sacred scriptures, they may be opened to any page the Lodge or candidate chooses.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.
The Lincoln Degree

The Lincoln Degree

Mar 23, 2023 | Masonic Education

MASONIC HISTORY

The Lincoln Degree

“The Last Full Measure”

Members of the Valley of Rockville Centre AASR NMJ performed “The Last Full Measure” aka the Lincoln Degree, Masonic Drama. For Springfield Gardens Lodge No 1057.
The title “The Last Full Measure” is an important line in the Gettysburg Address. It’s a terrific degree and has elements of Abraham Lincoln’s greatness and it celebrates the universal Brotherhood of Freemasonry. You might remember the letter at the opening of the movie “Saving Private Ryan.” The degree is another tool of the Scottish Rite to help lodges attract members or to educate the public about the beautiful time-honored principles of our gentle craft.

Pictured: Members of the Valley of Rockville Centre AASR NMJ

What was really meaningful to me was the stories presented were about how brother Freemasons cared for each other despite being on opposite ends of the American Civil War. I am not sure if we realize the depth of this. Of how this Brotherhood transcends not only political lines but firing lines as well. President Lincoln’s desire for unity in our country was so present in the behavior of masons he expressed that the petition he had been given by a lodge that he would submit as soon as he had the opportunity. Hearing his letter to the mother who lost five sons in battle was powerful. His words were so meaningful the letter is now timeless.
One of the themes in the Masonic Drama was the President was ashamed because when he gave the speech at Gettysburg no one applauded, the silence was so awkward he was sure it was a complete failure. Little did he know it would become one of the most famous speeches in American History. The hope is… If Freemasons can be a beacon of light during one of the most trying times in American History then we can be a beacon of light in our current times. We can and will rise above all obstacles if and when we stick together! Remember the most important tool of a Master Mason. None of us have it all together but together… we have it all!

Image: The Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. Photo credit: Bro. Michael Arce

Written by: VM Michael LaRocco Past Master of Lynbrook-Massapequa Lodge No 822 Assistant Grand Lecturer, Nassau District Meritorious Service Award (MSA), NY COD Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, NMJ
VW Michael LaRocco
Masonic Ritual – Escorting Masonic Dignitaries

Masonic Ritual – Escorting Masonic Dignitaries

Mar 21, 2023 | Masonic Ritual

MASONIC Ritual

ESCORTING MASONIC DIGNITARIES

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

Why are Masonic dignitaries and other Brothers escorted to the East along the north side of the Lodge?

When a Brother ascends the East to be recognized by the Master or to give a presentation, he is normally positioned at the Master’s right hand—which is to say, north of the Master. If a Brother were to ascend the East on the south side and subsequently move to traditional place at the Master’s right hand, this would necessitate “crossing the East” which is deprecated in our Masonic tradition. In addition, those who are escorted to the East are usually dignitaries of one kind or another, and the “near East” along the north sideline represents the second most honored area of seating once the East has filled up. So we may also think of the north as the “side of honor” in this respect.

Sounds a little better than “place of darkness,” right?

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.
Apron of the Rose

Apron of the Rose

Mar 16, 2023 | Masonic Art

MASONIC ART

Apron of the Rose

Painted Masonic Apron by Bro. Ari Roussimoff

Painted Knights Templar Apron
Each time I create a painted Masonic Apron, I intend for it to be a statement in more ways than one. In other words I like to meld the great traditions of historic Masonic aprons with my own feelings and ideas as an artist. This way the great Masonic history of aprons is being brought into the here and now and therefore also into the future. For me to merely imitate the old aprons would not be achieving anything because those old aprons stand quite well on their own. My aim is to contribute by not abandoning a most inspiring and profound tradition.
Image: “Apron of the Rose”, Painted Masonic Apron by Bro. Ari Roussimoff
One of the things I very much like about Freemasonry is that symbols can be interpreted in different and also intimately personal ways. Masonic iconography seems to have a special strength which speaks to both the heart and mind. Rather than me explaining any meanings behind this particular artwork, I will leave it to the viewer to interpret it as they see it. Frankly, I feel this way about much of my work. And Masonry actually confirms my approach as a painter.

Written by Bro. Ari Roussimoff
www.Roussimoff.com
Consolidated Lodge #31 F. & A.M.
Manhattan, New York

Bro Ari Roussimoff
Masonic ritual – Empty Warden Chair

Masonic ritual – Empty Warden Chair

Mar 14, 2023 | Masonic Etiquette, Masonic Ritual

MASONIC RITUAL

Empty Warden’s Chair

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

If a Warden momentarily vacates his chair, should another member be directed to occupy that station in his absence?

There is no requirement under our system of Masonry that the stations of the Lodge be occupied when the officer ordinarily seated there is elsewhere about the Lodge, or indeed should he be without the Lodge for a short period. The time to seat another Brother in a Warden’s empty station is when the office of that station has something to do.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.