The Moon Lodge Opening

Freemasonry is a tradition steeped in symbols. Light and darkness, ignorance and understanding, formality and renewal. These are not merely poetic opposites, they point to something deeper. Our rituals teach us many things but one is specifically important for this paper, unity dispels darkness. That truth lies at the center of why I wrote the Moon Lodge Opening.

The inspiration came from Most Worshipful Steven Adam Rubin’s article The Last Moon Lodge in New York State. Bro. Steve describes Warren Lodge No. 32 in Rhinebeck, New York, the last Masonic Lodge in New York State still meeting according to the lunar calendar. Their persistence in maintaining this old rhythm, once common, now nearly forgotten, resonated with me.

There was something noble in it. They had chosen to uphold a practice not for convenience, but because it had significance. Their meeting schedule is not dictated by the routine flow of modern timekeeping, but by the full moon, our ancient companion ready to illuminate our path in the dark of night. At around the same time, I came across a simple image, one candle lighting another. The first does not lose its flame or luminance, both shines just as brightly. It is a simple yet powerful expression of how we, as Masons, pass light, wisdom, care, or instruction, from Brother to Brother. We do not diminish when we give, we become more ourselves. We do not hoard the light. We extend it and it multiplies.

I wondered if there was a way to frame that truth in an educational way. A visual demonstration to show how our actions can have positive impacts far outside of our personal circle. A way of showing that our strength lies not just in ritual precision, but in the intention and unity behind it.

This is how the Moon Lodge Opening took shape. It is not meant to replace our official Masonic opening, which must remain as prescribed. Rather, this is something to precede it, a symbolic act, meant to set the tone if a Lodge decides to observe a Moon Lodge meeting. It prepares the heart and mind tethering us to Brothers from the past.

The centerpiece is a simple lantern carried in by the Worshipful Master. One by one, the Brothers light their own lanterns passed on from his light, until the entire room is illuminated. What begins in darkness with a single beacon becomes bright through shared effort, each Brother playing a part, each flame depending on another. It is a physical act with spiritual implications. The room changes. The atmosphere changes. And, perhaps, so do we.

In smaller gatherings, the effect is quiet and intimate. However, when the Lodge is filled with Brothers it becomes something amazing to behold. But always, the message remains, we do not labor in isolation. The shared work of Brothers past and present, of friends, of men committed to something higher always shines brighter than the single beacon in the night.

I offer the Moon Lodge Opening to all Lodges who would like to share the experience of what it was like to be a Mason long ago. A way of remembering those who came before us, those who traveled by foot, horse, carriage, or even boat, to sit in Lodge together. One by one they entered the Lodge room with their lanterns. Their faithfulness is not a relic. It lives on when we remember why we gather today.

And just as the moon reflects the sun’s light, I hope we continue to reflect and share the Light of Freemasonry. It is not by guarding the flame, but by giving it freely, that we keep it alive.

The words I wrote are not set in stone but are a base for this to grow. Please enjoy it as is or feel free to modify it as you see fit. The text I have now is my fifth version and I expect it to continuously change. If you do use it and if you change it, please email me your version. I am excited to learn how this will evolve.

Thank you Brothers! I hope you enjoy it.