Post by 57plymouth on Dec 6, 2005 3:36:23 GMT
The following is a paper I wrote entitled Traditional Observance Freemasonry that was published in my humble Lodge's newsletter. I am starting this thread to be linked to for discussion on the Esoteric section. Grab a scotch and a pipe and enjoy...
The lodge room is dimly lit by candle light. The members sign the register, dress according to their degree, and take seats in the lodge room. The officers of the lodge, dressed in dark suits, apron of their office, and white gloves enter the lodge room in procession. They file to their stations while music is quietly played in the background. The Lodge is opened in proper fashion. The Lodge is called to a period of quiet reflection for the brothers to prepare their minds and hearts for the evening. A paper or lecture upon the symbolism of the degrees, proper ritual technique, or some other Masonic education is presented. A piece of Masonic music is presented (Mozart, or some other appropriate music). Then a longer presentation is made, based on the philosophic side of Freemasonry. A second musical selection is played. The Lodge is closed in ritualistic fashion, and a Chain of Union is formed around the altar where prayer concerns are offered. The bretheren retire for an Agape or Festive Board where a meal is often followed by Masonic toasts. The bretheren leave after an evening of instruction and fellowship presented in a soothing environment that is conducive to learning, reflection and brotherhood.
What are the major differences between this meeting as presented and the typical Lodge meeting? 1: There is no review of committees that have no report. 2: There is an air of solemnity. 3: There is no reading of the minutes. 4: Business of the Lodge is carried out at a separate communication so the business of the Lodge can be instruction and education. 5: The meeting is presented as an event and not an obligation. The meeting described above is a meeting of a Traditional Observance Masonic Lodge. The purpose of this article is to present Traditional Observance Freemasonry (T.O. henceforth) and define it’s impact on the Craft as a whole. I must first caution you that I personally hold to the beliefs of the T.O. movement and espouse its benefits.
Geelong, Australia is the city where what is now called the T.O. movement was started in 1992. Lodge Epicurean was founded on what was considered to be the European model, a concept that Freemasonry is too cheap, too easy, and too diluted from its original form. They hold to several key points, which are explained by Lodge Vitruvian (Indianapolis, IN) as thus:
*Dignity and high standards are to be maintained by the Lodge in all undertakings
*Nothing short of excellence in ritual work is acceptable.
*Candidates shall be advanced only after having undertaken an intensive program of Masonic education and proving themselves proficient in open Lodge.
*The Lodge enjoys the fellowship of the Festive Board following all meetings.
*Members are expected to dress properly to attend to the duties of the Lodge.
*A Lodge of this caliber must be paid for.
*Attendance is expected, not desired.
*Education is of paramount importance.
Let us now examine the beliefs and the consequences they have on the Craft as a whole.
What most people think of when they think of a Lodge meeting is a review of business that comes before the body of building maintenance, fundraising, etc. All of these are covered at most clubs or civic groups, the majority of which are not based on the moral virtues of Freemasonry . So what do we do to “make good men better” that the Rotary, Civitan, and whole host of other groups do not? From what I have seen in business meetings; nothing. We do little if anything to actually educate the bretheren. What does a man learn from his third degree that makes him proficient as a Freemason? Is the Master degree not the launching pad for a host of further lessons of morality and virtue? Ergo, the thrust of the meeting should be of education and enlightenment. The coach cannot teach the candidate the whole of Freemasonry in three months. The Lodge must continue the search as a group right until the last breath is breathed.
Ritual work should be impressive. It was written to be, and it should be learned with excellence. It is not to be a time to intimidate or humiliate, it should be a positive reflection. It is the duty of the officers to learn the work, and learn it well. The ritual is to be taken seriously, and the degree should be when the Lodge is at its best. The work should be expertly presented and the envy of other Lodges that may visit. Therefore, officers should take their position seriously, and strive to learn the ritual perfectly, and be learning the next position they may move to. Officers that have not shown themselves to be proficient, or do not take their role seriously should not be promoted to “keep the line moving.” Social promotion does not work in school, nor should it be perpetuated in Freemasonry. Officers in most (if not all) T.O. Lodges are expected to wear dark suits and ties to the meeting, white gloves, and the apron of their station. Tuxedoes are expected at degree work by some T.O. Lodges. The Craft is also expected to dress appropriately. The current trend of cloth “working aprons” that obliterate the symbolism of the lambskin apron is not continued, and the Craft wears either their own apron or a Lodge provided lambskin apron as per the Ahiman Rezon. As Freemasonry regards no man according to his social station, it is understood that many men come directly from their regular vocation to the Lodge meeting, however a change of clothing can be carried with them for wear in the Lodge. Peace and harmony are tantamount to a smooth working Lodge.
Candidates are not to be pushed forward to hurry them through the degrees. If the man is worried about learning the catechism before his next degree, he will learn nothing of the symbolism and beauty of the degree. I have witnessed this firsthand as a coach. The first three or four meetings the new Mason has many questions. It is a pleasure to answer those questions and teach him about what he has seen and heard. However, the T.O. movement believes that simply memorizing a series of questions and answers does not show proficiency. New Masons are expected to present a paper, no matter how brief, on what he has learned in the degree. Not every man is a scholar, so these papers are not to be of profound importance in content, but they are intended to show the Lodge that the new Mason has learned at least some of the basics of the degree. The catechism is important, but it is not to be considered to be the alpha and omega of proficiency. Rather it is to be considered only 50% of the qualifications. Therefore, the period of 30 days or one lunar month is to be a minimum and not the hard and fast rule. Again, education is to be a priority over the mentality of “it’s always been this way.”
Festive Board, or Agape, follows the meeting at most T.O. lodges. This is because the Festive Board is intended to stretch long into the night for those who care to. Many of the Festive Boards are catered affairs, costing $10-20 per head. This is organized by the Junior Warden. I know that the quality of the meals at the Lodge suffers when I cook, as I am no chef. Many brothers or their wives have the talent to provide great meals, but the food preparation should be of minor concern. Cordial friendship and brotherly companionship is to be the order of the time at the Festive Board. Concurrent with the Festive Board is the return of the forgotten art of the Masonic Toast. Realizing that many men object to the partaking of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages are offered as well. Many people will here object to the mention of adult beverages in the Lodge. I have read the Ahiman Rezon, and have asked Grand Lodge officers to tell me where we are forbidden to have alcohol. It is not there; it is a perceived ban, not an actual ban. The duty of the Junior Warden is to superintend the hours of refreshment to prevent moderation from becoming excess. We should in no way promote excess, but we are not forced to promote intolerance or prohibition. A proper toast is a thing of beauty. The Festive Board should lead to conviviality and cordiality. We should revel in the company of our brothers, if it takes all night so be it. On a local level, brothers who have enamored themselves with the T.O. movement have proposed the idea of a separate lounge area for discussion of Masonic texts and relaxation; think of the image of an English gentleman’s club (not a strip club) with sofas and comfortable chairs where men can relax and have a discussion or debate. Would this not be a good and proper use of our derelict third floor?
A Lodge of this caliber must be paid for. How many times have we been overwhelmed by the cost of operating our Lodge. Many Lodges have fundraisers for the simple purpose of keeping the doors open, and not for a charitable cause. I have been told that in the 1960’s the dues at a local Lodge were $15 when the typical wage was less than $5000 annual. Now $20,000 is more the standard wage, and dues at that Lodge are $40. Our Lodge dues are $50, the highest in the Columbia area. It would seem that dues have not kept pace with inflation. At the peak of the muscle car era a Dodge Charger could be purchased new for $3000, a 2005 Dodge Charger costs $30,000. Dues have not kept up. In Eau Claire, 80% of the membership have Life Membership and pay no dues. The T.O. Lodges I have asked pay annual dues in excess of $100, many are moving to $150. When Lodge Epicurean formed in 1992, they charged $365 annually, a dollar a day. If good and wholesome instruction is presented, and the brothers feel that they are getting something for their dues, they would pay. Many of the brothers that would not pay are not active anyway, they do not take advantage of Freemasonry at bargain basement prices now! If they had a reason to come, would our “lost” bretheren return? I think so.
So what exactly am I advocating? Should Eau Claire “reform” itself to the Traditional Observance model? YES! I think that we are a perfect Lodge to “convert” to the model. The Masonic Restoration Foundation is a national organization, based mostly on the internet that is a support group of sorts for emerging T.O. Lodges. They provide guidance with starting new T.O. Lodges and insight on working within due bounds of the local Grand Lodge jurisdictions. I have spoken with the president of the MRF, and he has told me that there has only been one instance where a Lodge successfully converted to the T.O. model. Eau Claire is in a unique position; we are on the verge of approval of the South Carolina state issued Masonic license plate, which would give us a great amount of income, thereby allowing us to keep relatively low dues rates. We have a building that is in good shape. We are chartered, and have an existing body of brothers. There are several men in the Lodge who I will not name here that already approve of the Traditional Observance theory that can lead the education portion. There are other men in the area that are willing to assist us, and possible demit to our membership. And we have reached a point in our history where change is needed and obvious to the membership.
I realize that I may be promoting an unpopular idea. However, I truly love Freemasonry. The more I read about it, the more excited I get. Eau Claire is now exactly eighty years old. Why should we not choose this year to be the year of our new beginning? The purpose of this treatise is to provoke discussion in the Lodge. I want to bring to the forefront a conversation about the opportunity that we now have. We have men that are officers that are not Past Masters. Why not give them the opportunity to be the leader of a Lodge that is trying to make a positive impact of Freemasonry in the Columbia area, and South Carolina as a whole? If we are seen by other Lodges as the “place to be” for Masonic Education, a shining example of quality ritualistic work, an elegant and beautiful Lodge experience, a fun and convivial place for brotherly love and affection to run rampant, would we not become the pivot point for a dramatic change in the tone of Freemasonry? I am willing to stand up and be accountable for my Lodge. I am willing to stick my neck out for the Craft. I want to ignite the fire that is in me for Freemasonry. I am excited about Freemasonry now more than when I was raised as a Master Mason or elected as Worshipful Master. Let’s make Eau Claire the place where the fire is fed and grows across the state. I encourage a discussion on the subject in the Lodge, and for those that are reading this article in the newsletter, please call me at 803-714-5517 or email me at 57plymouth@earthlink.net. I once described myself as an Esoteric Freemason. I still do, but I feel that I am now a Zealous Esoteric Freemason. Are you with me?
Fraternally,
Brian LeGrand Cooper, P.M.
The lodge room is dimly lit by candle light. The members sign the register, dress according to their degree, and take seats in the lodge room. The officers of the lodge, dressed in dark suits, apron of their office, and white gloves enter the lodge room in procession. They file to their stations while music is quietly played in the background. The Lodge is opened in proper fashion. The Lodge is called to a period of quiet reflection for the brothers to prepare their minds and hearts for the evening. A paper or lecture upon the symbolism of the degrees, proper ritual technique, or some other Masonic education is presented. A piece of Masonic music is presented (Mozart, or some other appropriate music). Then a longer presentation is made, based on the philosophic side of Freemasonry. A second musical selection is played. The Lodge is closed in ritualistic fashion, and a Chain of Union is formed around the altar where prayer concerns are offered. The bretheren retire for an Agape or Festive Board where a meal is often followed by Masonic toasts. The bretheren leave after an evening of instruction and fellowship presented in a soothing environment that is conducive to learning, reflection and brotherhood.
What are the major differences between this meeting as presented and the typical Lodge meeting? 1: There is no review of committees that have no report. 2: There is an air of solemnity. 3: There is no reading of the minutes. 4: Business of the Lodge is carried out at a separate communication so the business of the Lodge can be instruction and education. 5: The meeting is presented as an event and not an obligation. The meeting described above is a meeting of a Traditional Observance Masonic Lodge. The purpose of this article is to present Traditional Observance Freemasonry (T.O. henceforth) and define it’s impact on the Craft as a whole. I must first caution you that I personally hold to the beliefs of the T.O. movement and espouse its benefits.
Geelong, Australia is the city where what is now called the T.O. movement was started in 1992. Lodge Epicurean was founded on what was considered to be the European model, a concept that Freemasonry is too cheap, too easy, and too diluted from its original form. They hold to several key points, which are explained by Lodge Vitruvian (Indianapolis, IN) as thus:
*Dignity and high standards are to be maintained by the Lodge in all undertakings
*Nothing short of excellence in ritual work is acceptable.
*Candidates shall be advanced only after having undertaken an intensive program of Masonic education and proving themselves proficient in open Lodge.
*The Lodge enjoys the fellowship of the Festive Board following all meetings.
*Members are expected to dress properly to attend to the duties of the Lodge.
*A Lodge of this caliber must be paid for.
*Attendance is expected, not desired.
*Education is of paramount importance.
Let us now examine the beliefs and the consequences they have on the Craft as a whole.
What most people think of when they think of a Lodge meeting is a review of business that comes before the body of building maintenance, fundraising, etc. All of these are covered at most clubs or civic groups, the majority of which are not based on the moral virtues of Freemasonry . So what do we do to “make good men better” that the Rotary, Civitan, and whole host of other groups do not? From what I have seen in business meetings; nothing. We do little if anything to actually educate the bretheren. What does a man learn from his third degree that makes him proficient as a Freemason? Is the Master degree not the launching pad for a host of further lessons of morality and virtue? Ergo, the thrust of the meeting should be of education and enlightenment. The coach cannot teach the candidate the whole of Freemasonry in three months. The Lodge must continue the search as a group right until the last breath is breathed.
Ritual work should be impressive. It was written to be, and it should be learned with excellence. It is not to be a time to intimidate or humiliate, it should be a positive reflection. It is the duty of the officers to learn the work, and learn it well. The ritual is to be taken seriously, and the degree should be when the Lodge is at its best. The work should be expertly presented and the envy of other Lodges that may visit. Therefore, officers should take their position seriously, and strive to learn the ritual perfectly, and be learning the next position they may move to. Officers that have not shown themselves to be proficient, or do not take their role seriously should not be promoted to “keep the line moving.” Social promotion does not work in school, nor should it be perpetuated in Freemasonry. Officers in most (if not all) T.O. Lodges are expected to wear dark suits and ties to the meeting, white gloves, and the apron of their station. Tuxedoes are expected at degree work by some T.O. Lodges. The Craft is also expected to dress appropriately. The current trend of cloth “working aprons” that obliterate the symbolism of the lambskin apron is not continued, and the Craft wears either their own apron or a Lodge provided lambskin apron as per the Ahiman Rezon. As Freemasonry regards no man according to his social station, it is understood that many men come directly from their regular vocation to the Lodge meeting, however a change of clothing can be carried with them for wear in the Lodge. Peace and harmony are tantamount to a smooth working Lodge.
Candidates are not to be pushed forward to hurry them through the degrees. If the man is worried about learning the catechism before his next degree, he will learn nothing of the symbolism and beauty of the degree. I have witnessed this firsthand as a coach. The first three or four meetings the new Mason has many questions. It is a pleasure to answer those questions and teach him about what he has seen and heard. However, the T.O. movement believes that simply memorizing a series of questions and answers does not show proficiency. New Masons are expected to present a paper, no matter how brief, on what he has learned in the degree. Not every man is a scholar, so these papers are not to be of profound importance in content, but they are intended to show the Lodge that the new Mason has learned at least some of the basics of the degree. The catechism is important, but it is not to be considered to be the alpha and omega of proficiency. Rather it is to be considered only 50% of the qualifications. Therefore, the period of 30 days or one lunar month is to be a minimum and not the hard and fast rule. Again, education is to be a priority over the mentality of “it’s always been this way.”
Festive Board, or Agape, follows the meeting at most T.O. lodges. This is because the Festive Board is intended to stretch long into the night for those who care to. Many of the Festive Boards are catered affairs, costing $10-20 per head. This is organized by the Junior Warden. I know that the quality of the meals at the Lodge suffers when I cook, as I am no chef. Many brothers or their wives have the talent to provide great meals, but the food preparation should be of minor concern. Cordial friendship and brotherly companionship is to be the order of the time at the Festive Board. Concurrent with the Festive Board is the return of the forgotten art of the Masonic Toast. Realizing that many men object to the partaking of spirits, non-alcoholic beverages are offered as well. Many people will here object to the mention of adult beverages in the Lodge. I have read the Ahiman Rezon, and have asked Grand Lodge officers to tell me where we are forbidden to have alcohol. It is not there; it is a perceived ban, not an actual ban. The duty of the Junior Warden is to superintend the hours of refreshment to prevent moderation from becoming excess. We should in no way promote excess, but we are not forced to promote intolerance or prohibition. A proper toast is a thing of beauty. The Festive Board should lead to conviviality and cordiality. We should revel in the company of our brothers, if it takes all night so be it. On a local level, brothers who have enamored themselves with the T.O. movement have proposed the idea of a separate lounge area for discussion of Masonic texts and relaxation; think of the image of an English gentleman’s club (not a strip club) with sofas and comfortable chairs where men can relax and have a discussion or debate. Would this not be a good and proper use of our derelict third floor?
A Lodge of this caliber must be paid for. How many times have we been overwhelmed by the cost of operating our Lodge. Many Lodges have fundraisers for the simple purpose of keeping the doors open, and not for a charitable cause. I have been told that in the 1960’s the dues at a local Lodge were $15 when the typical wage was less than $5000 annual. Now $20,000 is more the standard wage, and dues at that Lodge are $40. Our Lodge dues are $50, the highest in the Columbia area. It would seem that dues have not kept pace with inflation. At the peak of the muscle car era a Dodge Charger could be purchased new for $3000, a 2005 Dodge Charger costs $30,000. Dues have not kept up. In Eau Claire, 80% of the membership have Life Membership and pay no dues. The T.O. Lodges I have asked pay annual dues in excess of $100, many are moving to $150. When Lodge Epicurean formed in 1992, they charged $365 annually, a dollar a day. If good and wholesome instruction is presented, and the brothers feel that they are getting something for their dues, they would pay. Many of the brothers that would not pay are not active anyway, they do not take advantage of Freemasonry at bargain basement prices now! If they had a reason to come, would our “lost” bretheren return? I think so.
So what exactly am I advocating? Should Eau Claire “reform” itself to the Traditional Observance model? YES! I think that we are a perfect Lodge to “convert” to the model. The Masonic Restoration Foundation is a national organization, based mostly on the internet that is a support group of sorts for emerging T.O. Lodges. They provide guidance with starting new T.O. Lodges and insight on working within due bounds of the local Grand Lodge jurisdictions. I have spoken with the president of the MRF, and he has told me that there has only been one instance where a Lodge successfully converted to the T.O. model. Eau Claire is in a unique position; we are on the verge of approval of the South Carolina state issued Masonic license plate, which would give us a great amount of income, thereby allowing us to keep relatively low dues rates. We have a building that is in good shape. We are chartered, and have an existing body of brothers. There are several men in the Lodge who I will not name here that already approve of the Traditional Observance theory that can lead the education portion. There are other men in the area that are willing to assist us, and possible demit to our membership. And we have reached a point in our history where change is needed and obvious to the membership.
I realize that I may be promoting an unpopular idea. However, I truly love Freemasonry. The more I read about it, the more excited I get. Eau Claire is now exactly eighty years old. Why should we not choose this year to be the year of our new beginning? The purpose of this treatise is to provoke discussion in the Lodge. I want to bring to the forefront a conversation about the opportunity that we now have. We have men that are officers that are not Past Masters. Why not give them the opportunity to be the leader of a Lodge that is trying to make a positive impact of Freemasonry in the Columbia area, and South Carolina as a whole? If we are seen by other Lodges as the “place to be” for Masonic Education, a shining example of quality ritualistic work, an elegant and beautiful Lodge experience, a fun and convivial place for brotherly love and affection to run rampant, would we not become the pivot point for a dramatic change in the tone of Freemasonry? I am willing to stand up and be accountable for my Lodge. I am willing to stick my neck out for the Craft. I want to ignite the fire that is in me for Freemasonry. I am excited about Freemasonry now more than when I was raised as a Master Mason or elected as Worshipful Master. Let’s make Eau Claire the place where the fire is fed and grows across the state. I encourage a discussion on the subject in the Lodge, and for those that are reading this article in the newsletter, please call me at 803-714-5517 or email me at 57plymouth@earthlink.net. I once described myself as an Esoteric Freemason. I still do, but I feel that I am now a Zealous Esoteric Freemason. Are you with me?
Fraternally,
Brian LeGrand Cooper, P.M.