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When to Speak in Lodge

MGM357

Registered User
Where can I find in the GLoT law book that speaks of how to address the Lodge ? Particularly while speaking the Lodge members during a stated meeting. I read it once, now I can;t find it.
 

Spring TX MM

Premium Member
I've just looked through the GLoT Laws and haven't been able to find any specific reference to how to address the Lodge. I looked in the Additional Lodge Light handbook and found where it states:

"Ordinarily, a Brother wishing to address the lodge rises and, after being recognized by the Worshipful Master, addresses the lodge with the words "Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren", but when parliamentary type items are under consideration, the address is only "Worshipful Master"."

In my lodge, that is exactly how we teach it. When a DDGM is present, in the past, we had addressed as "Rite Worshipful, Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren". A few DDGMs ago, the then DDGM informed us to address as, "WM, RW, Wardens and Brethren". So to this day, that is how we do it. Hope this helps Brother.

S&F
Kyle
Spring Lodge #1174
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
Where can I find in the GLoT law book that speaks of how to address the Lodge ? Particularly while speaking the Lodge members during a stated meeting. I read it once, now I can;t find it.

Normally "Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren"

if a representative of the Grand Lodge is present such as a DDGM:

"Worshipful Master, Right Worshipful Sir(s), Wardens and Brethren.

This of course varies by jurisdiction.
 

owls84

Moderator
Premium Member
There is actually a "rules of order" book that the GLoTX sells out of the Grand Secretary's office. It shows you to stand, wait to be addressed by the WM then address the Lodge as Blake pointed out and always direct your words to the WM and never to a person in the Lodge. And the WM should only allow you to speak once on a topic.
 

Brother Joe

Registered User
I just thought this was common etiquette. I didn't realize it was in a law book anywhere for GLoT. This was good info.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Last year, each GLoT Lodge was sent a pamphlet titled "Masonic Etiquette and Protocol". It addresses the questions you ask, among others. Your Secretary should make it available to you or any other Brother upon request.
 

cog41

Premium Member
This is all good stuff. I think lots of folks don't know or forget because we haven't been in a while, have never heard anyone but lodge officers speak, and or they are afraid to speak about anything.

Again, good posts!
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
I've bought and loaned that book out at least three times in the past four years. Now that I'm in the East I don't have one. There are other valuable instructions in this work. I, as you well see, recommend it highly.

Brother Bill is right. We did get a protocol instruction handout from GLoTx last year. It's not easy, but lazy lodges will come around if you have help from three or four key brothers. Soon, without hammering on it, the greater majority of lodge attendees will be following correct protocol.

On another topic: Brother Kyle, very good to see you in person over at Humble Lodge a few weeks ago. And thanks for sending the posse over from Spring for our stated meeting. We're headed your way as soon as I can get five or six of these EAs raised. Probably early spring.

You folks be sure to join us for the District 30-D workshop at Cypress Lodge No. 1423 Saturday, Nov. 3rd--I believe.

Any members of District 30 out there: you too are invited. District 30-D has a workshop every couple of months. We have six lodges and all six lodges enjoy hosting these instructional meetings. It's a good way to iron out the kinks as per esoteric work under the instruction of district instructors.

Any districts out there wishing to start their own workshops should pm Kyle or myself and we'll get you help getting one started. A great way to stay in touch brothers. A very good way indeed.
 

Blake Bowden

Administrator
Staff Member
(Brethren) Regular Masons = Brothers doing all the work
(Worshipful Master) Those who wear hats = Worshipful Masters
(Right Worshipful) Those who wear plastic name badges and the GM ties = DDGM's
(Ass kissers) Those who are brown nosing the current GM = Those who are sucking up for a GL position
(Masonic Politicians) Those who attend every GM conference = Those who are hoping to get elected to GL

Let's not kid ourselves..lol
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
Last year, each GLoT Lodge was sent a pamphlet titled "Masonic Etiquette and Protocol". It addresses the questions you ask, among others. Your Secretary should make it available to you or any other Brother upon request.


Sorry Bill, you gentlemen had just left when I broached this topic with our district instructor. The brother who gives L.I.F.E. programs from over your way gave one for our last District 30-D workshop and did an excellent job! I asked if it was possible for him to give a program on Masonic Etiquette and Protocol and Masonic Parliamentary Procedure. Indeed, those are among his class topics and that we could set up a program in five to six months as his schedule permitted. I'm fairly sure the other five WMs in our district would also be in favor of such a forum.

We do have very good resources in our area and I think we should tape into them more.


p.s.

Great to see you and brothers TxMason and Prejean Thursday night at the Houston Valley SCCR stated meeting and degree program. WOW, nothing like getting four MASONS OF TEXAS standing around the alter at Holland Lodge No. 1 cussing and discussing as we are all very good at. Truly the wages of a master mason.
 

jwhoff

Premium Member
P.S. II

Wild Bill,

You know that Blake kid is a pretty smart cookie. And he pays attention to his surroundings too!

:40:
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Yeah- our Fearless Leader was supposed to be there. What happened, Blake- get a better offer? :wink:
 
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