HERBERTF.

INMAN

DEEMULATION WORK
EXPLAINED
10th Edition – 1953

Translation
Luiz Carlos de Mello

São Paulo – June, 2005

5th revision - December, 2015
 DEDICATED

To my deceased parents Fernando Valença de Mello and

Sandina Volpe de Mello.
To my children Juliana, Luiz Felipe, and Marcela, for
we will patiently endure my long absences from
family gathering.
To the friend of all times, Brother José Álvarez Coso.

3
4
 THANKS
It is absolutely imperative that I do some
thanks, because, without the collaboration and the stimulating
this humble work could not have been without the contest of these people
done.
To dear Mr. José Alvarez Coso, a constant friend and
unselfishly present in my life, both Masonic
how much people, especially in the most difficult moments. And
especially too, for having given me your originals in
English language, since mine got lost.
To the late Em. Ir. Rubens Barbosa de Mattos Grand Master
of G.O.S.P. for the trust placed in my potential
as a researcher and ritualist.
To dear friend, Ir. Roger Cahen for enabling the
first contact with the original printed text, around
1990, and that now results in this work.

5
6
 PREFACE OF THE TRANSLATOR
Before anything else, it is necessary to emphasize that this
work is, just and only, the translation of the famous book
“Emulation Working Explained” de Herbert F. Inman. Obra
this was first published in 1929, coming
quickly becoming the most important and reliable
reference material, both for the most knowledgeable experts
of Emulation Ritual for beginners.
This work initially had the intention on the part of the author
— and continues to have now — to offer to all those who
they aim to gain knowledge about the Emulation Ritual and that
obviously they need it, a source of information
respectable, safe and trustworthy. A source about the
which can support knowledge, besides that which is
you can obtain through the study of the printed Ritual, or still a basis
solid, for those who intend to expand what they already know
about the Emulation Ritual. Finally, provide
knowledge, in the words of the author himself: 'for those
who seek instruction.
Considering that unfortunately the author is no longer with us.
between us and his work ceased to be printed around
mid-1960s and also bearing in mind that
many of the Brothers who seek to practice the Emulation Ritual
in Brazil, they do not have familiarity with the English language, I found
for the sake of translating the 10th Edition - published in 1953 - of this
extraordinary work and make it available to the Brothers.
However, this material — for now — must remain with
its use is restricted, being allowed only and exclusively the use
internal, thus remaining, "absolutely prohibited" its
commercialization or dissemination by any and all means, both
printed, magnetic, electronic or other media that
it may eventually arise.

7
 Translator's Preface

The reader will find various notes throughout the text.

footnotes that are an integral part of the text
original, however those that are from the work of this translator
will be preceded by the notation 'N.T.: — ' facilitating this
mode, the distinction between what is an explanatory note from the author and the
what is an explanatory note from the translator. It should also be noted that,
that all footnotes have their references
formatted in red color just to facilitate visualization
the same.

L.C.M.
São Paulo – June, 2005

8
 EMULATION - WORK
EXPLAINED
A Practical Handbook for Officer's Guide, of
Master to the External Guard, in the Craft Stores under the
Jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England
FOR
HERBERT F. INMAN, L.R., [Link].N., KENT
PM Gibon Lodge, 49; P.M. & D.C. Horus Lodge, 3155
P.M. Lodge of the Men of Kent and Kentish
Men, 4273; and – Kent 3173;
Hon. Member Ad Astra Lodge, 3808;
P.Z. & Scribe E – Crays Valley
Chapter, 2147; P.Z. Horus
Chapter 3155
——
Member of the Committee of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement, January 1926-March 1929
——
Preceptor Horus Lodge of Instruction
——
Preceptor Ad Astra L.I. 1920-1924
Deputy Preceptor Peter Gilkes L.I 1920-1924
Deputy Preceptor St. Bride L.I. 1915-1920

Tenth Edition
A. LEWIS (MASONIC PUBLISHERS) LTD.
30-32 Fleet Street London E.C. 4
1953
All rights reserved
10
 Then I understood for the first time
that the word - and gesture - perfect of
ritual could convey meaning

RUDYARD KIPLING,
In the Interest of the Brothers

11
 First edition in November 1929
Second Revised Edition September 1932
Third Revised Edition August 1935
Fourth Revised Edition October 1937
Fifth Revised Edition December 1939
Friday Revised Edition July 1942
Seventh Revised Edition December 1944
Eighth Revised Edition March 1946
Nona Revised Edition August 1948
Tenth Revised Edition December 1953

Printed in Great Britain

12
 DEDICATED UNDER BENEVOLENT PERMISSION

AO

Eminent Honorable
LORD CORNWALLIS, C. B. E.

DELEGATE OF THE GRAND MASTER

FROM THE GRAND UNITED ORDER OF ENGLAND

PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER

THE KNOWN

13
14
 PREFACE
W. BRO. THE REV. JOSEPH JOHNSON
P.A.G. CHAPLAIN.1

It is with great and genuine pleasure that I write the preface

of this book. The author, V. Ir. Herbert F. Inman, L.R., is known
For me, there have been several years in Masonic circles, and not
I found him more serious and capable. Since the beginning of his career.
Masonry has been eager to acquire knowledge about the
Freemasonry is seriously studied concerning the different rituals.
as a result, he is a staunch supporter of Emulation and is
known as its greatest and most skilled exponent.
This book is a Manual of Instruction and Guide for Masons, and it is
writing for workers strictly
agreement with the recognized system of the Emulation Lodge
of Improvement. The supreme reason of Brother Inman for writing
this book was to encourage Brothers to become proficient in
work of the different Ceremonies of Art. Just like everyone
those who embrace Freemasonry seriously, they have a
great annoyance with the inefficiency and negligence in
works of the Art ritual. It advocates that in the works of a
Ceremony store must have complete mastery of the Ritual,
with precision in every detail of the procedures.
The author, through his long experience, has known of the
deplorable ignorance about the correct procedure that is
frequently manifested, and how many Brothers suffer
with the lack of competent instruction. The result is
that the Candidates are not impressed with the Store of

1
N.T.: — Venerable Brother Reverend Joseph Johnson Former Assistant of
Great Chaplain.
15
 Preface

Ceremonies as they should be, and how they would be if the Ceremonies
may be done with tranquility and dignity.
Este livro provê ampla explanação e é um guia confiável a
all the Brothers who want suitable equipment for
your duties, whatever their nature or degree. The author
has a long experience as a Preceptor of various
Instruction Stores, and is recognized as an Instructor
experienced in Emulation work.
I read the proofs of this book with immense pleasure and without
hesitation I recommend him to my Brothers who, in this and others
countries are eager for a true guide in their
efforts to achieve efficiency in the work of Art Stores.

J.J.

16
 EMULATIONWORK
EXPLAINED
AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
The Chosen Master offered me a necklace; I must begin to
to observe the work.
How many times have we heard similar observations from a young person?
Mason who is about to place his foot on the lowest step of the
Masonic ladder of progress! He is close to being
confident with a position of great importance and
responsibility — every Masonic Office can be like this
described — and then he decides that it is late to start the search
of that knowledge that should have been had a long time ago
acquired.
It is not difficult to imagine the disastrous consequences that
certainly would arise in the external world, from the business of life,
for a man who had postponed his preparation for the
responsibilities of a high position, in the sphere of its particular
the routine distraction until your promotion. Still, in
Masonry, procrastination, and indifference are also completely and
frequently in evidence.
Na Quarta das Antigas Obrigações nos é dito: “Toda
promotion among Masons is based solely on real value and
personal merit... Therefore, no Master or Vigilante is
chosen for seniority, but for its merit.
A wonderful advice for perfection, and that is to be
respected, however, for many years it has been more honored
for its violation rather than its observance. Entirely
it is also common to promote Brothers according to
your position on the Members list of the Lodge, with little or
no meditation regarding your qualifications, or by

17
 Preface to the First Edition

the way they are likely to get rid of the

duties pertinent to your position.
In this sense, the veteran Past Masters cannot be
to fully believe free from censorship, since they must exist
many who read these words, who knew a young man and
zeloso Mestre Eleito que, desejoso de nomear como seus
The most capable officers of their Brothers allowed themselves to be
influenced by the solemn warning of his veterans "causing
a division in the Store," "disturbing the harmony," and so on
before ad infinitum.
Harmony and Brotherhood, it is obvious, should not even be
slightly disturbed, but the impressive dignity and solemnity
the beauty of our Ceremonies and Rites are of equal importance,
and these desirable effects will be achieved only when the Master
and its officers are efficient in every detail of their various
responsibilities.
A Lodge of Freemasons is 'an assembly of Brothers'.
gathered to discuss in detail the mysteries of
Art,” as we are reminded in the Opening Section of the
First Lecture.1Allow yourself to have the structure of a Store
be insecure in any of its parts, and the whole structure
will suffer, with consequent confusion and unworthy folly
during those serious procedures that must always be
characterized by enriched dignity, solemnly
imposing, and mayoral softness in execution.
Every promotion among Masons is based only on the real
personal value and merit.

1
Often in Brazil, the word 'Lecture' has been translated as
"Reading" is actually an incorrect term, as the term has the
equivalent meaning to Sermon, Speech, Lecture, Instruction, Presentation or
Addressing and not merely the act of reading something. The Lectures were given
by the participants of the instruction, which is why we have used the etymon Prelection.
18
 Preface to the First Edition

There is much to be done before this council of perfection

become a universal rule. However, much has already been done, and there is
good indications today that Elected Masters and Lodge Committees
are giving a more cautious consideration to
qualifications of potential future Officers. In addition, with
the continuous and rapid expansion in the number of Instruction Stores
reliable, we found among the young members of the
Brotherhood a healthy investigative spirit and a desire
for knowledge, combined with a growing and healthy
determination of becoming proficient in their various
duties.
It will also be difficult to pay a high tribute to
valuable work done in our Instruction Stores; since,
generally the Preceptors are busy men, and the time of
what is available for weekly meetings is usually limited to
an hour and a half. So it is quite possible that even that
young Mason, who attends his Instruction Lodge with the
due regularity may still be in doubt about many
points in relation to your duties, completely apart from the
words and phrases he seeks to memorize in his place of
tranquil isolation.
It is for these our young Brothers that this small Manual
was compiled, in the sincere hope that they may
find some practical assistance. It was not written with
dictatorial spirit, but with only one desire, to assist the
Official newly invested in your search for that knowledge
with which it should be equipped if it is to reflect the honor of the
choice of the Venerable Brother who granted you your appointment.
I hope that the suggestions and recommendations for guidance here
let them be accepted with the same fraternal spirit as the
which are spontaneously offered. The author certainly does not
has the desire to arrogantly presume that, because believes

19
 Preface to the First Edition

if a certain method is desirable, then all the others must

necessarily be wrong.
Salvo nas Cerimônias essenciais da Arte, há consideráveis
modifications in all the different systems of Ritual, seen
for me until now in my Masonic travels, and I hope that
it is understood that, within the scope of this small work,
I found it wiser to limit the specific instructions to
a popular and well-known form of work. The author,
during a long period of learning in which he served
as a Preceptor in several Instructional Stores that work
under the official aegis of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, before
since your election to the governing body of that famous School
of Masonic Ritual, can perhaps, humbly speak with
any authority regarding this.
It must be understood, therefore, that in all cases where
specific instructions are given regarding the duties of
any official, they were in accordance with the system of
Emulation Lodge. These instructions can be considered
as being accurate in every detail, although it should be
noted, that are given only by the personal authority of the author,
and should not in any way be accepted as
official pronouncements of the Committee of Emulation Lodge of
Improvement. The Emulation Lodge of Improvement is
governed today, as it has always been governed for more
of a hundred years of its existence, by a Committee of
experienced Past Masters; any authorized decision from that
Committee must be obtained only through its Secretary, at
exercise of your office as such.
The amount of work involved in preparing this Guide
It was greater than can be evidenced by a quick glance.
of eyes. Space limitations required drastic restrictions, and
the no less difficult part of the task was rather to judge what
it should be omitted from what should be written. This

20
 Preface to the First Edition

Manual, it is clear, does not intend in any sense to occupy the

place of the printed Ritual; it should be read together with the
Ritual.2
In the hope that all your efforts have not been
all failed ones, the author now offers them with his
fraternal greetings to your Brothers in the Ancient and Honored
Institution that clearly relies on the foundations of practice
of all Moral and Social Virtues.

H. F. I.
November, 1929.
2
No printed version of the Ceremonies or Lectures has received in
at no time the official sanction or the approval of the Committee of the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement. However, the fact remains
indisputable, that the workers of Emulation and the recognized Stores
They owe their proficiency largely to the use of the ritual.
printed. Learning the Ceremonies merely by listening to them obviously
it will take many years, and few Brothers manage to achieve any
approach of this pattern of accurate expression that distinguishes the work of
majority of the most enthusiastic workers of Emulation.
Not for a moment questioning the intelligence of the adopted attitude.
by the Emulation Committee regarding the printed ritual volumes,
Even so, the existence and usefulness of such rituals cannot be ignored.
Any claim that the Emulation Ceremonies are learned
independently of the assistance of the printed ritual it will not stand
in front of a test or exam. A particular ritual was used in
the past, and it is used today by almost all Preceptors of
recognized Instruction Shops, and these learned Brothers wisely have it
recommended to your pupils. This same ritual, which was the first
published more than seventy years ago, has been of immeasurable benefit to
many thousands of workers of Emulation all over the place
world.
The referred ritual is The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry (published by
Messrs A. Lewis, 30-32 Fleet Street, London. E.C.4), recently revised
under the personal supervision of the Preceptor of one of the main ones, among the
recognized Instruction Stores. The present writer without hesitation
I recommend this ritual to all students eager to achieve perfection in
Emulation Ceremonies. — H.F.I.
21
22
 CONTENT
Dedicated....................................................................................3
Acknowledgments.........................................................................5
Translator's Preface.....................................................7
Preface
Author's Preface to the First Edition................................17
Author's Preface for the Second Edition................................25
What is Emulation?..................................................................29
Emulation and the Great Stewards............................................41
The Prelections of Emulation.......................................................55
The Emulation Matchbox...........................................61
Emulation Committee................................................................65
Framing the Store......................................................................73
Some Work Differences.............................................75
The Officers of the Lodge and their Duties..........................................83
Covers...............................................................85
Steward
Internal Guard..............................................................95
Secretary Assistant........................................................107
Organist................................................................................109
Esmoler..................................................................................113
Ceremony Director Assistant......................................115
Deacons.................................................................................117
Second Deacon...................................................................123
First Deacon...................................................................133
Master of Ceremonies............................................................145

23
 Content

Secretary................................................................................163
Treasurer...............................................................................171
Chaplain..............................................................173
Vigilantes...............................................................................177
Second Guard..................................................................183
First Watchman............................................................189
Past Immediate Master
Venerable Master
Venerable Master (cont.).....................................................215
The Instruction Store................................................................235
Smoking in Refreshment...........................................................247
The Masons 'No'.............................................................253
Appendix................................................................................259

24
 AUTHOR'S PREFACE FOR THE SECOND EDITION
The Introduction of the Second Edition of this Manual aims to
first and pleasant duty — to express sincere
thanks to my Brothers, not just to those in London and
Provinces, but also to the countless Brothers from afar
Overseas districts, through the many fraternal and encouraging
congratulations received in communications expressing
appreciation for the First Edition.
Many correspondents were good at offering suggestions
for additional topics to be incorporated in future editions.
Space limitations only prevent the adoption of more of it.
that a small number of these welcome suggestions.
It has been common to desire more detailed information.
related to matters connected with the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement (beyond the current Ritual and Ceremony) and perhaps the
additional chapters now included in Part I of the Second
Edit to resolve this issue properly.
In Part II, the detailed instructions provided as a guide
the Store Officers' powers have been expanded in many directions, and the
the author offers this Second Edition of the Manual to his Brothers
in the hope that I can count on a reception at
minimum as rewarding as that received by the First
Edition.

H. F. I.

September 1932.

25
26
 PARTI
SOME FACTS ABOUT
EMULATION

27
28
 PARTI
SOME FACTS ABOUT EMULATION

CHAPTER I
WHAT IS EMULATION?
An experienced emulation enthusiast who spends, perhaps,
two or three nights a week in a recognized Store of
Instruction, and that rarely misses a meeting of the Emulation
Lodge of Improvement at Freemasons' Hall, the title issue
this chapter will undoubtedly seem superfluous. Those
jealous and industrious ritualists, however, must remember
There are many Brothers who have never entered the famous
Lodge of Improvement, Brothers who, even despite
they can declare themselves as workers in Emulation,
they have a knowledge as deep as Emulation as
derived from the study of the ritual printed under the supervision of a
Preceptor who, in many cases, may be so uninformed
about the subject regarding your pupils who seek it
instruction.
For the information of those Brothers, an attempt will be made.
to answer the question that is the title of this chapter. A
The answer must necessarily be brief, the primary object.
This manual continues to provide practical recommendations.
for those Brothers who seek to improve themselves in
Emulation Ceremonies, more than offering something of
important nature in the analysis of the history of the Emulation Lodge
of Improvement.
One cannot object that the young Mason student, eager
for knowledge, often feels disoriented with the
multiplicity of Masonic rituals that reach your
conhecimento. He hears about 'Logic', 'West End',
["Oxford","Bristol","Universal","North London","and many more"]
29
 Chapter I – What is Emulation

other so-called Masonic "works". Undoubtedly

he is surprised and asks himself what it means
all of them — why there are so many — where they came from.
Possibly also, being unaware of the history of
Masonic ritual, he mentally groups Emulation with the
rest, considering it as nothing more than an imaginary name
created by some imaginative Brother in the quest for an innovation.
Very briefly, it can be explained that 'Emulation' - the
the word reveals by itself - it is a shorthand way of describing the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement for Master Masons, which
gathers at the Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London,
W.C.2, on Friday nights at six o'clock, and which is also
the word used to describe the peculiar system of ritual there
taught.
The Lodge of Improvement was founded in 1823, with the purpose of
object to teach the precise form of the ritual established by the
Lodge of Reconciliation, as approved, sanctioned, and
confirmed by the United Grand Lodge of England on the 5th of
June 1816, whose sanction was properly recorded in the Minutes
da Grande Loja daquela data. O princípio básico da Emulation
Lodge is that no one has the right to alter that ritual in
word or action up to the moment — if ever it is — without
that the Grand Lodge may officially sanction such change.
The declaration made repeatedly by many eminent
sponsors of the famous Lodge of Improvement are that,
Emulation teaches today — and has always taught — that
particular, authorized ritual in variation.
How can such a distant claim be substantiated today?
Any answer to this question requires some reference to
condition on the existing theme in the Art of English Freemasonry
during the early part of the nineteenth century, however such a reference
it must necessarily be brief when the subject has to be
exposed outside the scope of a single chapter. It is sufficient

30
 Capítulo I – O que é Emulação

to say that before 1813 there were two Grand Lodges, — one
established in 1717, later known as the
Modern; and another founded in 1751, commonly referred to as
to the Ancients. For more than sixty years there was a bitter
rivalry between the two bodies, but in 1813 a Union was formed
happily consummated. Hence the present title of Grand Lodge
Unit England. These facts are obviously familiar to
all the experienced students, but we put them here
for the novices.
It is easy to understand that such a long rivalry does not
ended without considerable difficulties; new rules were
essential for the governance of Art, and the establishment of
form of ritual to be used under the newly formed Grand Lodge
was, very naturally, one of the controversial issues that
were raised in many discussions and differences of opinion.
The Clauses of the Union, ratified, confirmed, and sealed
on December 1, 1813, it was stipulated that from then on there would be
before a perfect unity of work. With the purpose of
establish such a working unit the Clauses advanced
with the provision for the constitution of a Lodge named Lodge
of Reconciliation, this Store was composed of an equal number of
excellent Masons from each of the ancient Constitutions. In
Clause V we verify that the Brothers who composed the
Lodge of Reconciliation was authorized to establish the
form of the ritual to be observed forever.
Those Brothers from the Lodge of Reconciliation did not spare
efforts to reach unanimous and satisfactory conclusions,
what is proven by the fact that only on May 20, 1816
that the ceremonies decided by them were taught, before
a special meeting of the Grand Lodge, which the M.W. Grand
Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex,1presidiu. In the meeting
1
N.T.: — M.W. Grand Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Sussex – Most Venerable
Grand Master, His Royal Highness the Duke of Sussex.
31
 Chapter I – What is Emulation

following the Grand Lodge, organized on June 5, 1816,

Recommended ceremonies have been approved and confirmed.
We see, then, that in 1816 a particular method of
opening and closing of the Store in Três Graus, and of Making,
Passing and Raising Masons was approved and accepted by the Grand Lodge
United for the benefit of the English Brotherhood as a whole.
The Installation Ceremony has been postponed to a later date.
when, in 1827, the Grand Master, through a Board of
Installed Masters organized four meetings and decided the only
Ceremony Installation format that always received the seal
of authority.
Having completed the purpose of the Lodge of Reconciliation
specific for which it was created, ceased to exist in
1816, and the spread of the newly arranged Ritual of
Reconciliation was transmitted to the Instruction Stores that came.
to emerge at that time. Among those stores, one of the most
prominent was the United Lodge of Perseverance, founded in
January 26, 1818, a little more than a year after the
dissolution of the Lodge of Reconciliation. This store had
among its members were several of the most cultured Freemasons of the time,
of which nine were the Founders of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement in 1823. Others subsequently joined.
a Lodge of Improvement. In one of its meetings, the Brothers
the United Lodge of Perseverance took the following
resolution: —
That the Ancient Lectures and Ceremonies of Initiation, Passing and
Elevate, as confirmed by the Grand Lodge of England, are
"strictly adhered to by this Store."
A Lodge of Reconciliation, as it has already been said, dissolved in
1816, and the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was not founded
until 1823. However, this interval of seven years is reduced
much considerably when found reliable
evidence that the Emulation Lodge of Improvement obviously
32
 Chapter I – What is Emulation

emanates from the ancient United Lodge of Perseverance. Most

The Brothers of the old Lodge have become sponsors
emulation enthusiasts, and it is reasonable to assume that those
resolute old Freemasons, veterans who passed the resolution
above highlighted, would not allow the slightest innovation in
works of the Reconciliation Ceremonies during their lives.
No review of the history of Emulation, however brief,
it would be incomplete without a reference to the renowned Peter William
Gilkes, famous Masonic instructor whose name is
inseparably tied to the initial activities of
Emulation. Writing about Peter Gilkes, the late brother.
Henry Sadler, Chief Librarian, a notable historian and
Masonic author said:
In fact, we asked if any individual alone,
before his time, since then or both, achieved such
distinction as a Masonic instructor.
On August 6, 1818, V.W. Brother Edward Harper, Grand
Secretary wrote to the V.M. of Lodge 498, Shrewsbury:
"Referring to you, I mentioned to Peter Gilkes that he"
I would instruct on the correct method adopted since the Union.
On September 6, 1843, V.W. Bro. W. H. White, Grand
Secretary, wrote to the V.M. of Lodge 523:
Mr. Gilkes was a complete master in all the
Ceremonies, and I believe it as the most faithful observer of them.
Mr. Peter Gilkes was born in 1765 and passed away in 1833. He was
started in 1786 at the British Lodge, now No. 8, the Lodge that
granted its sanction to the United Lodge of Perseverance, of which
Gilkes shop was a prominent member. Peter Gilkes was
present at the first meeting of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement; he became a member immediately after and
He was the Leader of the Committee in 1825.

33
 Chapter I - What is Emulation

It is worth noting that Gilkes was an organizer.

the meetings of the Lodge of Promulgation, a constituted Lodge
in 1809 by the Grand Lodge of the Moderns, whose purpose was "the
Investigation and Promulgation of the Ancient Landmarks of Art.
Putting it in another plane of words, this simply
means that the members of the Lodge of Promulgation
they met to decide which of their own
costumes and practices should insist when the expected Union
how well prepared they would be to give passage
to the Ancients.
A careful study of the ancient Records and Minutes leads us
to the conclusion that most of the changes were finally made
were decided by the Lodge of Promulgation between 1809 and
1811, a few years before the Lodge of Reconciliation was
constituted. That eminent and respectable historian
Masonic, the late Bro. W. B. Hextall wrote:
A Lodge of Reconciliation adopted, in addition, the decisions
for which the Lodge of Promulgation long before did not
could have arrived
It is evident, then, that Peter Gilkes was in the position of Knowledge.
the likely decisions that came to the
Lodge of Reconciliation, and that he organized that Lodge.
(as he said on dozens of occasions) not as a pupil,
but more particularly by the ability of a critic
excellent, someone who had already memorized from "A" to "Z" the
newly arranged alphabet, which the others were then
striving to learn. Peter Gilkes, as stated,
became Emulation Leader in 1825, a position he maintained
until his death in 1833, when he was succeeded by one of his
pupils, or Brother Stephen Barton Wilson.
The following lines were extracted from the Festival report.
of Emulation carried out in 1835:

34
 Chapter I - What is Emulation

The meeting was particularly marked by the presence of the three

main Lectures in Freemasonry, which is a consensus
they generally abandoned Peter Gilkes' mantle, so to speak.
We truly feel proud of our association.
with Mr. Dowley, Cooper, and S. B. Wilson, and for having a
high opinion of its value to Society, we had the
freedom to make it as public as we can your good-
deserved character of intelligence, based on a careful
adherence to the Order's Landmarks, through strict observance of
our laws and regulations, and even more by the modesty with
which received the honor pleasantly offered to their
personal merits.
Based on the fact that the names of Messrs. Wilson, Dowley and
Cooper are mentioned together in the report as
successors of Peter Gilkes in the government of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement, it seems like an obvious deduction that the Store was
controlled then, as it is today, by a Committee of experienced
Preceptors, selected by the members from among the most
exemplary of your board.
It is this control organization through a Committee of
exquisites that is the greatest strength of the Emulation system; these
convincing evidence allows us to secure and precisely
through the methods of Emulation, transmit the Ritual of
Reconciliation authorized, since the early days of the post period
Union until now. In a common Instruction Store, at
as the Preceptor succeeds the Preceptor, there is, of course, a
possibility — one could certainly think of —
undesirable innovations infiltrate the work. Many of the
notable differences in the work now seen arrived in the years
recent, either due to negligence or as a result of
personal influence of the willpower and imagination of some
members of Stores.

35
 Chapter I – What is Emulation
At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, it can be stated
correctly that anything of this kind is a
impossibility, for the simple reason that there is always — and
there has always been — an enveloping Committee, all with a
thought, all very solemnly committed to
observe and insist on the greater accuracy of the minutes, and to prevent
the slightest deviation or innovation. Sitting to the left of Peter
Gilkes in his days were the Irs. Barton Wilson and Dowley.
When Wilson succeeded Gilkes, he had the Irs with him.
Richards and Pike, and the deceased, Thomas Fenn. It was Fenn who
became leader after Wilson's death in 1866, and was supported
by Brothers Richards and Murton, and subsequently, by Brother.
Robert Clay Sudlow. Sudlow succeeded Fenn in 1883, and had
beside you for some time are Mr. Spaull and Mr. Dawson. Then
in the succession came the Irs. Rushton, Kentish, Lander, and,
1904, the current Leader of the Committee, Brother G.J.V. Rankin, who
Sudlow succeeded as Leader in 1914. In the rise of the Ir.
Ranked to Leadership a fourth member was added to
Committee; having the support of Irs. J. H. Jenks, J. J. Black, and A.
Scott. Brother Jenks retired in 1916 and was succeeded by Brother S.
Chalkley, while Brother S. A. Knaggs took the place of Brother.
Scott in 1920. The Emulation regents are always
vigilantes to safeguard the transmission of the ritual. Us
In recent years, work has increased enormously, a great
effort has been made by the members of the Committee; so, the
starting from the beginning of 1926, it was decided to expand the body of
government. The two elected Brothers were Bros. A. B. Wilson and
Herbert F. Inman. Brother Chalkley abdicated at the end of 1928 and
was succeeded by Brother A. J. Peyton. Brother Inman abdicated in
March 1929, and was succeeded by Brother H. C. Tasker, who was
elected in January 1930.
Thus we see that the Emulation Committee always has
has been a force, an unbreakable current since the time of

36
 Chapter I – What is Emulation

following the Grand Lodge, organized on June 5, 1816,

Recommended ceremonies have been approved and confirmed.
We see, then, that in 1816 a particular method of
opening and closing of the Store in Três Graus, and of Making,
Passing and Raising Masons was approved and accepted by the Grand Lodge
United for the benefit of the English Brotherhood as a whole.
The Installation Ceremony has been postponed to a later date.
when, in 1827, the Grand Master, through a Board of
Installed Masters organized four meetings and decided the only
Ceremony Installation format that always received the seal
of authority.
Having completed the purpose of the Lodge of Reconciliation
specific for which it was created, ceased to exist in
1816, and the spread of the newly arranged Ritual of
Reconciliation was transmitted to the Instruction Stores that came.
to emerge at that time. Among those stores, one of the most
prominent was the United Lodge of Perseverance, founded in
January 26, 1818, a little more than a year after the
dissolution of the Lodge of Reconciliation. This store had
among its members were several of the most cultured Freemasons of the time,
of which nine were the Founders of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement in 1823. Others subsequently joined.
a Lodge of Improvement. In one of its meetings, the Brothers
the United Lodge of Perseverance took the following
resolution: —
That the Ancient Lectures and Ceremonies of Initiation, Passing and
Elevate, as confirmed by the Grand Lodge of England, are
"strictly adhered to by this Store."
A Lodge of Reconciliation, as it has already been said, dissolved in
1816, and the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was not founded
until 1823. However, this interval of seven years is reduced
much considerably when found reliable
evidence that the Emulation Lodge of Improvement obviously
32
 Chapter I - What is Emulation

He was succeeded by Brother S. P. Larkworthy, L.R., who was

unfortunately compelled by private reasons to abandon the
cargo only after a year of service. Brother Larkworthy was
followed by Lt.-Col. G. P. Orde.
Only those who have an intimate association with the
work of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement can form
a fair conception of the vast amount of hard work
left to the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary. And in
last mentioned position or Ir. Frank W. Simmonds,
[Link]. has been operational since 1925 and is one of the most popular.
officials at the headquarters.

Only on February 23, 1894, the late Brother R. Clay

Sudlow, then Emulation Leader, made the report:
"We see the trust placed in us as something truly
very important — very sacred — and speaking for myself, and,
I am sure, speaking on behalf of my colleagues, I can say
that this trust will be very truly, very
honestly, and very religiously preserved.
Ali is preserved, undoubtedly a similar spirit,
that today revitalizes the members of the Emulation Lodge Committee
of Improvement.
During a speech made in 1894 by V.W. Brother Sir Edward
Letchworth, then Grand Secretary, stated that the
records from the Great Store conclusively proved that the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement seen as the standard
Masonic of perfection.
Eight years later, the same eminent Brother wrote:
The present work of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement is
generally accepted as the exemplification of the Ritual
authorized.
On March 2, 1923, the M.W. Grand Master, the Rt.
Hon. Lord Ampthill said during his speech:

38
 Chapter I - What is Emulation

An Emulation Lodge of Improvement has for a hundred

for years maintained a standard uniformity of ritual which has
remained unchanged.”} diálogo: {

On February 24, 1928, the Grand Secretary, V.W. Brother.

Sir Colville Smith declared:
We must thank the Emulation Lodge of Improvement
for maintaining the standard of ritual for over a century.
A brief analysis above, of the history and objectives of Emulation
Lodge of Improvement may be sufficient to enable the
Novice Mason responding to the question, title of this chapter.
Emulation, he will see, is something more than just a mere name given to a
peculiar way of working; it is the name of a famous institution
Masonic, an influence that has spread throughout the extent
of the English-speaking Masonic world, - an institution that
for more than a century, a single goal to achieve, that of
to preserve and transmit that system of ritual that it received, there has
one hundred and sixty years ago, the stamp of approval of the Grand Lodge
United of England.

39
40
 CHAPTER II
EMULATION AND THE GREAT STEWARDS
For many years, it has been a customary procedure of
Grand Stewards or Past Grand Stewards2we will take an active part
in the works of the Emulation Festivals. The program for these
annual demonstrations usually consist of the work of
Lecture; the last occasion when a Ceremony was part of
the programming was in 1919, all positions from the Master to the
Internal guards were occupied by eminent workers
the Red Apron Lodges2.
This intimate and valuable association of the Red Apron Lodges with
the work of Emulation brings back to mind an interesting
parallel between the Emulation Lodge of Improvement and the Grand
Stewards' Lodge. By the great number of divisions of the Art,
not only in London and Provinces, but also in Districts
from Abroad, Emulation, as has been demonstrated above, is the
secure, reliable and authorized standard of the Ritual and Ceremony
from English Art; and as a consequence, the members of the body of
government of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement is respected
as the heirs and faithful depositaries of the Reconciliation Ritual,
as it was established and officially authorized by
Great Lodge in 1816. Likewise, historical records
they indicate that for a few years, before and after the Union, the Grand
The Stewards' Lodge is generally seen as the recognized and
exemplar guardian, of the accepted ritual. Likewise, in the days
Currently, the Emulation Festival is considered to be the
annual demonstration of the ritual, just as, during the decades
immediately following the Union, were considered the
2
Most of the material in this chapter was taken from an article.
by the author, titled 'An Interesting Parallel', published in Masonic
Record (Sept.-Oct. 1928) reproduced here by courtesy of the Editor of that
newspaper.
2
N.T.: — Red Apron Stores.
41
 Chapter II - Emulation and the Great Stewards

public demonstrations — or Public Nights, as they were

known - from the Grand Stewards' Lodge, were the former
famous exhibitions of Reconciliation works. The proposal
of those Public Nights during the first part of the century
nineteen was precisely similar to those of the Emulation
Festivals in the twentieth century — disseminating for instruction and
improvement of Art in general, the ancient and authorized ritual.
As is well known by all history students
of our Ritual Art, for about twenty years after the fusion of the
Great rival stores, most of the instruction in the newly-
arranged Reconciliation Ceremonies were broadcast by
through Masonic Lectures; and comparatively rare
it was the rehearsals of the Ceremonies. Thus, in the
annual presentations of the statements in the form of Lecture,
the Emulation Lodge of Improvement is not only following the
practice generally — although not invariably —
adopted by the Grand Stewards' Lodge in the past, is also
perpetuating the common practice of all ancient Lodges of
Instructions that arose during the immediate post period
Union, of which the Emulation Lodge of Improvement and the
Stability Lodge of Instruction is today the only survivors.
It is recorded that, in 1830, Peter Gilkes (then Leader of
Emulation Committee), when submitting a petition to the Grand Master,
emphasized that the Lectures of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvements were carried out "according to the custom of the
Grand Stewards’ Lodge. The petition continues: —
We are eager to promote and disseminate the genuine
principles of Art, in a regular and constitutional manner, and
wishing to awaken interest in emulation among young people
Brothers, and to give such instruction, so that when they may have the
honor of being appointed to any position, or elected to
the chair in a regular store may be completely
competent to perform the important duties of
42
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

even with that correction and regularity that is so

essential for the good management and governance of a Store.
From the above extracted, it is obvious (unless we accept the
incredible theory that Gilkes deliberately incorporated
lies in your petition) that the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement was, during the period under discussion, granting
Masonic instruction in what was then generally accepted by
all faithful Masons in a regular and constitutional manner
i.e. according to the system of the Lodge of Reconciliation
preparing in this way your pupils for the right
performance of your important duties for the positions of
a Regular Store.
Some interesting details concerning the Nights
Public events organized by the Grand Stewards' Lodge are
found in the history of that Store during the period that goes from
1735 to 1920, by the pen of that well-known and reliable
Masonic historian, Brother Albert F. Calvert, [Link].
Provas convincentes que a Grand Stewards’ Lodge — mesmo
before reaching the established Ritual - adhered faithfully to the
decisions of the Lodge of Reconciliation are given by the following
extract of the minutes3December 21, 1814:
The V.M., Vigilantes and Deacons favored the Lodge with the
way to initiate, pass, and elevate Masons according to the
plan designed by the Lodge of Reconciliation.
No printed or written version of the Ceremonies or of the
Lectures have ever been sanctioned or approved by
Emulation Committee, and an incident referred to by Brother Calvert
suggests that a similar policy existed more than a century ago
before in the Grand Stewards' Lodge, and that a method
strictly oral teaching was adopted. The first occasion in
What was a lecture worked on sections in one night?

3
Minutes is a term that can be translated as Minutas or Atas.
43
 Chapter II - Emulation and the Great Stewards

Public (December 1820) was reported by a visitor who

was Reverend Master:
... publicly comparing it to a book
written. Then the Master immediately called the Brother
in front of him and, after demanding the Manuscript, reprimanded the Brother for
his inappropriate behavior, and declared his intention to
communicate the circumstances to the Board of General Purposes4”.
Several convincing indications are given by Brother Calvert of
that the procedures of the Grand Stewards' Lodge were faithful to
plan established by the Lodge of Reconciliation. In the Minutes
On January 18, 1815, it is noted that Brother Rev. Samuel Hemming
(who was the Master of Reconciliation) accepted the Chaplaincy of
Grand Stewards’ Lodge. Until this date, the members of the Lodge
of Reconciliation were still busy in their
decisions regarding the final establishment of the ritual of
according to the Union's Clauses, and it is a reasonable assumption
that Hemming would not have identified himself so prominently
with the Grand Stewards' Lodge, if I were not yet convinced
that the work was strictly in accordance with the system
strange, that then, he was helping to formulate.
At the Centennial Festival of the Grand Stewards' Lodge,
organized at the Freemasons' Tavern on Wednesday, 9 of
December 1835, among the visiting Brothers, were
including Bro. W. H. White and Bro. Edward Harper, both in
Era the Great Secretaries of the Union. It was Brother Edward Harper.
that, in 1818, wrote to the Master of Lodge 498:
"When I referred him to Brother Gilkes, I mentioned that he would instruct him in"
correct method adopted since the Union.
4
Board of General Purposes is usually translated as
Commission of General Affairs, however in England it is one of the high bodies of
United Grand Lodge of England, with the word Board being of 'restricted' use.
English obedience to designate certain bodies, hence the translation
sometimes inappropriate.
44
 Chapter II - Emulation and the Great Stewards

Twenty-five years later (in 1843) Brother W. H. White,

Great Secretary, he himself a Past Grand Steward,
wrote to the Master of Lodge 523:
Mr. Gilkes was a perfect Master in all respects.
Ceremonies.
Similar logic assumes that those two Greats
Secretaries, who attested to Peter's extraordinary skill
Gilkes as an exponent of the Reconciliation Ritual, not
would have associated themselves with the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, the
less than they would have been very satisfied that these
procedures were in accordance with the system
officially authorized.
Returning to the book of the late Brother Henry Sadler, History of
the Lodge of Emulation, No. 21, we found in the Minutes,
on June 19, 1821, the following important entry:
O Ir. J. Deans, Jr., V.M.; o Ir. J. Robinson, J.W.; and o Ir. W. H.
White, P.M. announced to the Lodge the intention to form a Lodge
of Instruction organized at the George and Vulture Tavern, Store of
Instructions in which the mode of work is compliant
with that of the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, and expressing its
the desire to sponsor your meetings under the sanction of this Lodge was
unanimously resolved that permission will be granted for the
aforementioned Instruction Store for meetings under sanction
pleasurable of this Store.
It is worth noting that the mentioned Brother White was the
Great Secretary, and that the work of Reconciliation is not
referred. Instead, the words used are, "the way of
the work is in accordance with that of the Grand Stewards'
Lodge." Here is the compelling evidence that the work
The famous and representative store was respected by itself.
Great Secretary, what work was under strict
obedience to the decisions of the Lodge of Reconciliation.
It will be noted that the above entry is dated two years before the
45
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

foundation of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement. Thus, the

Emulation work cannot be proclaimed as the standard.
to have adhered, but rather as we have: "in the manner ... of the Grand
Stewards' Lodge.
If, in addition, evidence is needed, such as approval
of procedures for the Grand Stewards' Lodge by
authorities of the Grand Lodge, they are supplied under the dates of
1837 and 1849. On the Public Night of the previous year, Brother Edward
Harper, Grand Secretary, expressed interest in the
visitors to your satisfaction with the procedures, and associated it with yourself
even with the following motion:
What cordial thanks are owed to the V.M., Officers,
and other Members of the Grand Stewards' Lodge for their very skillful,
luminous and insightful way in which the Lectures of the 2nd and
3rd degrees were worked on; through which it is given to the
Brothers instruction and improvement, which when continued and
it must not fail to serve the work of Art, worthy
of deep admiration and delight.
On Public Night twelve years later (December 1849)
Mr. W. H. White, Grand Secretary, proposed a vote of
gratitude:
... for the admirable style with which the Lectures were
worked.
Additional evidence that the work of the Grand Stewards'
The lodge in the early decades of the nineteenth century adhered
attentively to the plan established by the Lodge of
Reconciliation as are the works of the Emulation Lodge
of Improvement today is provided by the record of approval
Brother Stephen Barton Wilson and Brother Dr. Robert T. Crucefix.
Brother Crucefix joined the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in
1831, and he was one of his warm supporters until his death
in 1850, he took a keen interest in the work of Grand
Stewards’ Lodge. On the Public Night of March 1847 he
46
 Chapter II - Emulation and the Great Stewards

proposed a vote of thanks for the bonus

experienced by visitors when listening to the work of
Lecture in the First Degree.
The Public Minutes of March 1861 record that
a vote of thanks was passed to the Board of General
Purposes:
... for your generosity in allowing the use of the Temple and
Organ without the usual payment.
A parallel to this vote can be found in the records of the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement. For the meeting of
Emulation on November 22, 1861:
"A letter was read by the Grand Secretary informing the"
Shop that the Board of General Purposes had then granted the
free use of the Hall and Temple for your 29th Annual Festival.
A vote of thanks to the Board of General Purposes was
determined to be recorded in the Minutes.
In these two entries, we have material evidence that
during this period the authorities of the Grand Lodge considered the
Grand Stewards' Lodge and an Emulation Lodge of Improvement
worthy of special consideration regarding the statements
public ones that both were checking for the education of
Art as a whole.
At the Public Night of the Grand Stewards' Lodge organized in
March 1861, the aforementioned, Brother Stephen Barton Wilson
seconded the vote of thanks to the Officers of the Lodge:
... by the very excellent and rewarding way in which the
Lectures were performed.
It should be noted that during this period, Brother Stephen Barton
Wilson had been the Leader of the Emulation Committee for
approximately thirty years, and his extreme generosity of
approval must surely be accepted as a testimony

47
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

of weight on the reliability of the Grand Stewards' work

Lodge.
In January 1872, the Brothers of the Grand Stewards' Lodge
they donated five Guineas to the aid fund for the three daughters of
deceased Brother Stephen Barton Wilson:
... as a testimony of appreciation for the Store of the great
services provided for Art by our late Brother, as
Preceptor for many years of the Emulation Lodge and other Lodges
of Instruction.
Indications of such objectives of the Grand Stewards’ Lodge, and of the
approval from the Grand Master of those objectives is provided by
Mr. Calvert in the following excerpts of a letter from the Lodge to H.
R. H.5the Duke of Sussex in April 1836:
It is absolutely unnecessary for us to worry
Your Highness with any remarks on the procedures
that particularly characterize the Grand Stewards' Lodge, and
about the way those procedures have been
conducted. The importance of the Grand Stewards’ Lodge lies in
to keep alive and in full vigor and purity the various forms and
Landmarks established in Art, and that are periodically
exhibited and communicated to the Members of the Order in general in the
Public Store Nights, we are very sure that it is
duly recognized by His Royal Highness as the Conductor
do Craft... Having then passed a century since its
existence with an advantage for Craft and credit for its
Members, Master, Wardens, and Brothers of the Grand Stewards'
Lodge we are eager to receive the expression of approval
by Your Highness through the procedures, and as a Testimony of
that Your Royal Highness is of the opinion that the Lodge has worked
since its institution, and not without success, to maintain the
dignity and purity of Freemasonry, and disseminated
information among the general Craft.
5
H. R. H. (His Royal Highness), or His Royal Highness.
48
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards
The response to the memorial was contained in a letter from the
Great Secretary to the Master, in which were the orders of the
R.W. Deputy Grand Master, Lord St John Spencer Churchill,
that had placed the document before M.W. Grão-
Master did it. Brother W. H. White wrote:
Your Excellency addressed me to tell you that His Highness
Real had the pleasure of expressing himself the great satisfaction
for the care with which the Members of the Grand Stewards' Lodge
they have always exercised themselves to promote it
general interest in Art, and by the way in which its work has
was driven to preserve in due purity the various
forms, ceremonies and landmarks of the Order.
In February 1838, the Brothers of the Grand Stewards' Lodge
they decided to request the Board of General Purposes to exempt themselves
a debit of £3 for the use of New Temple by the Store in its
Public Nights:
... based on the fact that such meetings are organized with the
purpose of disseminating through Art in general the legitimate work
the lectures, and not for a particular purpose of its own
Store.
In April 1839, a circular signed by the Master and the
The Secretary of the Grand Stewards' Lodge was forwarded to
eighteen Stores with which they had the privilege
correspond, and for others, of which the following excerpt is one
notable extract:
In the Public Nights in March and December the Lectures
managed just as they were by the Masons immemorially.
given at the Temple, and are assisted on all occasions by a
great assembly of the Fraternity - an assembly that
grows with each meeting — and the Members are eager to
to imprint in the minds of the Brothers to whom they are now addressing,
that consider themselves as Public Stewards for the
observance of the landmarks of the Order, preparing such duty
49
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

as representatives of the past, and always in hope

to justify the trust placed in them by all the
heirs of the Stewards.
The preceding paragraph provides an impressive parallel.
with a passage from the speech of the late Brother Clay Sudlow in
Emulation Festival of February 1894. On that occasion the
Mr. Sudlow said:
"We look at the trust that has been placed in us as
truly very important - a very sacred one
trust - and, speaking in my name, and, I am sure, speaking
on behalf of all my colleagues, I can say that that
trust will be very faithfully, very honorably, and very
religiously preserved.
That the Brothers of the Grand Stewards Lodge did not spare
efforts to improve your work for the demonstrations in
Public Nights is demonstrated by the fact that in February
since 1840 the custom was introduced, after the appointment of
Brothers for the Lectures for the next Public Night, fixing
on the two nights before the Public Night, the rehearsals of
works. Here we find another parallel with the custom
now in vogue in Emulation, except for the Lodge of
Improvement of the rehearsal dates for the festival work not
are marked at the opening of the Store, and that its number is quite
greater than two.
Nine years later, at a special meeting of the Grand
Stewards Lodge, organized in March 1849, the Brothers
expressed the opinion:
"That those proceedings, with the intent to improve the
work of the Lectures at the Public Nights, which in each one
in other meetings, a number not less than three Sections
will be worked on.
In the mid-nineteenth century, financial matters of
Grand Stewards Lodge caused serious growth in the
50
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

concerns, and the Minutes of the meeting of November 1850

they record that:
The Secretary explained... that he had a conversation with M.W.
Grand Master to clarify the situation of the Lodge with
regarding the number of its Members, etc., when their
Senhoria was pleased to express his desire to see the Store.
renewed.
Mr. Calvert reports that with the aim of stimulating interest in
The fraternity at work of the ceremonies was decided in
February 1850 send a printed letter to the Stores,
informing the members that the Grand Stewards' Lodge
would organize its Public Nights twice a year:
... with the purpose of granting an opportunity for the
Art in general, and more specifically to the young members,
they heard the Prelections made according to the ancient form.
The first and only reference to Grand Stewards’ Lodge of
Instruction is contained in an entry in the Minutes of the Store,
dated March 19, 1890, when a
petition of Bro. Gordon Smith, [Link]., and others, requesting to
Store to sanction the concession for a Store of Instruction:
Enabled members of eighteen Lodges have the privilege of
appoint the Grand Stewards to work on the Art Ceremonies
according to the Emulation Working for mutual instruction and
improvement
The Secretary reported that he wrote to Brother Gordon Smith to
to go into specifics and details, but did not receive
answer. O V.M. e os Irmãos então consideraram que a
the matter would be left pending.
Above, it can be seen that the Grand Stewards' Lodge, which
he worked on the Masonic Lectures so little during the second
part of the eighteenth century, that practice continued
instruction and improvement of the Art in general until after the

51
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

mid-nineteenth century, and in addition to demonstrating the

ceremonies as left by the Lodge of Reconciliation; besides
Thus, these statements were approved by Hemming.
Crucefix, Harper, White and others - who thus possessed in
first hand the knowledge of precise forms and the
language agreed upon by the Lodge of Reconciliation.
The intimate and valuable association of the Grand Stewards with the
work of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, referred to since the
the beginning of this chapter has been maintained for [Link] the
illustrious Grand Stewards who have been prominent members
The Emulation Committee includes Mr. Thomas Fenn, P.G.W., and
for ten years President of the Board of General Purposes; J.
Udall, P.G.D.; F. Hockley: A. A. Richards, D.G.D.C.; J. A.
Rucker, P.G.D.; Robert Grey, P.G.W.; F. T. Rushton; Sir
Edward Letechworth, Grand Secretary; J. Russell, [Link].B.;
J. H. Jenks, P.G.D.; Angus N. Scott, P.A.G.D.C.; and Samuel
Chalkley, P.A.D.G.D.C.
The late Mr. J. S. Granville Grenfell, for fourteen years
Great Director of Ceremonies, Master of the Grand Stewards
Lodge in 1920 was a declared sponsor of Emulation.
Another prominent Past Master of the Grand Stewards' Lodge
what has provided valuable support for Emulation is the current
President of the Board of General Purposes, Brother J. Russell
McLaren, which on March 20, 1931 granted a
demonstration of the Installation Ceremony for the Lodge of
Improvement that was described by a specialist critic in the
Masonic Press as one of the most erudite and
impressive ceremonies heard in a decade at the headquarters of
Emulation.
The names of other Grand Stewards who have provided support and
active encouragement for the Emulation Lodge of Improvement
they would create a huge list.

52
 Chapter II – Emulation and the Great Stewards

The Public Nights of the Grand Stewards' Lodge were

discontinued (and never resumed) in 1868. In that
period at Emulation Lodge of Improvement was for a few
forty years, conducted in similar work, of lines
parallel, and their leaders imbued with the same loyalty towards
the decisions of the Grand Lodge, and the same determination in
transmit the ancient and authorized ritual unchanged from generation to
generation, as it was characterized by the regents of the old
body.
There may be a small doubt that nowadays in the
Festival Meetings of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement are
found an interesting echo of the old Public Nights of
Grand Stewards’ Lodge.

53
54
 CHAPTER III
ASPRELEÇÕES DEEMULAÇÃO
Masonic deliberations were mentioned in some parts of the
previous chapter, but the topic is of such importance that
deserves greater attention. An examination of the Minutes of the Lodge of
Promulgation reveals the following entry dated from 13 of
December 1809:
... Decide that the Deacons (being proven by two
exams are not only old, but necessary Official ones)
are recommended.
Before this time, the Deacons were not considered
Officers necessary in the Shops under the Regular Grand Lodge1, um
fact that provides a presumed and strong evidence that the
Ceremonies until that period contained very little of the
ceremonial nature of the current work.
Most of the work was undoubtedly done through
of the catechism, or, as it is understood today, through
Lectures. The current ceremonies have been reduced. A
Initiation Ceremony — then generally known as the
ceremony of Making a Mason — was often
executed in a separate room, known as Room of
Do, after which, the Brothers duly prepared for the
They were going to the work of Lectures.
In the work of Prelections in the eighteenth century, the Brothers
they usually sat around tables, distracting themselves
with tobacco and some drink2Generally, the questions of the
1
N.T.: — Regular Grand Lodge (Grande Loja Regular) the obedience of
Modern
2
... gathered around trestle-tables, enjoying
tobacco and liquid refreshment. What it means that our ancestors
Brothers gathered around tables made of boards supported on
stools where they entertained themselves with tobacco and drink. The term refreshment is
used to designate a small amount of food and drink as it is
55
 The Prelections of Emulation

Masters were addressed to the First Watchman. Some

were occasionally addressed to the Second Watchman, but these
are usually reported when covering the Store and during the examination and
admission of visitors. The position of Internal Guard was then
unknown, and the duties fell upon the Second Vigilante.
Sometimes a circular method of working on the Lectures
era adotado e as perguntas circulavam pelas mesas, cada Irmão
responding afterwards. After the different Sections the
Cups were drunk, usually of punch, and 'volleys'.3I was
said with the discharge of the glasses. These records of the ancients and
interesting customs show that the work of Preleção is
of great antiquity.
As they are known today, the Lectures are in number
of three, and internally divided into fifteen Sections, seven in
Lecture of First Degree, five in Second Degree, and three in
Third Degree. The Sections are all catechetical in form and
contains detailed explanations of the various Ceremonies,
beautifully combined with many symbolic references
expressed by the greatest eras of Masonry and ideas
Masonic.
The primitive lectures were apparently organized
around the second decade of the eighteenth century by Brother Dr.
James Anderson and by Brother Dr. John Desaguliers, but little
some time later Brother Martin Clare (later Deputy Grand
Master) was authorized by the Grand Lodge to prepare a
system of Lectures "without infringing the Ancient Landmarks".

found in the Cambridge Dictionary: 'small amounts of food and drink'

for example – He stopped at a bar for a little refreshment.
3
N.T.: - I preferred to keep the word in English, as the translation of 'volley'
it is not limited to a single word and could produce errors of
interpretation. The term according to the Cambridge Dictionary: 'a lot of similar'
things that are said or produced, or that happen, quickly one after the other
that is, "a handful of similar ideas that are said or produced, or
that occur rapidly one after the other.
56
 The Lectures of Emulation

Thirty years later, around 1766, that great and

illustrious Mason, Brother Thomas Dunckerley was commissioned to
prepare a new set of Lectures.
Another eminent Mason who prepared Masonic Lectures
it was Brother William Hutchinson, sometimes referred to as 'the father
of Masonic symbolism. Hutchinson lived in Barnard
Castle, Durham, and while he worked in the North, Bro. William
Preston was equally busy in the South in a system of
Masonic Lectures, which quickly replaced all the
others.
At the time of the Union in 1813, it was decided to revise the
Preston's lectures, and the duty was entrusted to Rev. Dr.
Samuel Hemming, who made several changes.
In the previous chapter it was demonstrated that during the
first decades of the nineteenth century to Grand Stewards'
Lodge was the only authority admitted in the execution of a
recognized system of Prelections; and ample evidence was
providence in that chapter to demonstrate the intimate bond existing
between the Grand Stewards' Lodge and the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement. According to reliable Masonic historians
the Lectures held by the Grand Stewards' Lodge were the
Preston's lectures (with few, if any,
innovations of Hemming) as carried out by the Lodge of
Antiquity, No. 2, William Preston's favorite store. From
of the strong bond of association between the Grand Stewards' Lodge and the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement is a reasonable assumption to suppose
These are the Lectures heard at the Emulation Lodge today.
Other strong evidence supporting this thesis may be
found in the analysis of the activities of the United Lodge of
Perseverance, founded in 1818 with the express purpose of
to teach the Ceremonies and Lectures according to the plan
left by the Lodge of Reconciliation. Just like
we demonstrated in Chapter I, there can be no doubt applicable to
57
 The Prelections of Emulation

that the Emulation Lodge of Improvement emanated from the United

Lodge of Perseverance; and it is worth emphasizing that those Brothers
from the United Lodge of Perseverance solemnly
they committed themselves to strictly adhere to the
Ceremonies 'as confirmed by the Grand Lodge of
England and the lectures they described as
“Antigas” no ano de 1821. Pode ser mencionado de passagem
that these Prelections have come to light strongly similar to those
Lectures known for having been widely used in
eighteenth century.
The system of teaching the principles of Masonry through
Lecture or catechism was not abandoned until the time of
Union, and an examination of the Minutes of the Lodge of Reconciliation
reveals that part of the work at that Store was carried out through
of Prelections. A study of the Minutes of the first Lodges of
Instructions formed during the immediate post-Union period
shows that your works were almost entirely
confined to the Lectures for a few years. As Minutes of
Stability Lodge of Instruction (founded in 1817) does not
mention no other work except the Lectures
during the first eighteen years of the Store's existence.
Minutes of the United Lodge of Perseverance is found that in
one hundred and fifteen occasions of one hundred and thirty nothing but work
The Prelection was [Link] most of the first stores,
the work was confined to the First Lecture, which may be
explained by the fact that in those days a large number of
Masons never progressed beyond the Degree of Apprentice.
The adherence to the work of Prelection in those early days is
easily understood when it is remembered that, except for a
small number of eminent Masons of high skill and
powerful memory — men such as Peter Gilkes (Leader of
Emulation Lodge of Improvement) and Philip Broadfoot (Leader
the Stability Lodge of Instruction) — there was probably
58
 The Emulation Lectures

few Brothers at that time who were qualified, quick

and completely, like masters of the newly arranged
Reconciliation Ritual. Undoubtedly these eminent
instructors judged that the obvious and most convenient method of
printing your teachings in the minds of your pupils was through
of questions and answers.
It is a very difficult possibility to say today with any
degree of certainty when the rehearsals of the Ceremonies, such as
agora praticados, suplantaram a antiga forma de instrução por
Lecture and when the ancient Lecturers — or Masters
Preachers, as they were more generally known, yielded.
place for the most modern instructors; but just as teaching
For Prelature has become rare, few have also appeared from
ancient excellent Master Lecturers, and the Lectures have been lost
in many directions.
In practically all work systems the Questions
The Tests conducted on a Candidate for Promotion or Elevation are
merely excerpts taken from the Prelections of Emulation.
When the Master offers to ask other questions if
any other Brother wants it, he is assuming that the
Candidate knows the complete content of the Lecture. É
it is also interesting to note that in most of the other works
the explanations of the Delineation Table are merely extracts
the past Emulation Lectures held together.
It was mentioned that in many of the old Stores of
Instruction through Lecture was kept confined to
First Lecture in many years. It wasn't like this in the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement because being a Lodge of
Masonic Masters adopted the system of the other unique Lodge of
Masonic Masters — a Grand Stewards’ Lodge — and devoted
equal to or greater time for the Lectures in the Second and Third
Graus. Peter Gilkes petitioned the Grand Lodge to authorize and
govern the Prelections, just as it had been done with the current ones

59
 The Lectures on Emulation

Ceremonies, however, their effort was, unfortunately, a

failure. Unfortunately, because there is the possibility there.
of a small doubt that many of the changes and
elaborations that infiltrated the Masonic Ceremonies
came through dripped imports long ago, by
Illegitimate prelections.
For this reason, the Emulation Committee understands,
danger of such contamination from the Ceremonies that they give to
the same scrupulous attention to the teaching of the Lectures today such
as your predecessors did in the past, and insist that
any Brother elected to the Committee must be an expert
Master Prelector. The infiltration of the work of Prelection for
within the Ceremonies it has always been a danger for the
purity of the ancient ritual; only through a constant
comparison and study of the two, Lectures and Ceremonies together,
the danger can be avoided. In no other school of
In Masonic instruction, security is maintained so rigidly.
like in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.

60
 CHAPTER IV
TheMATCHBOXOFDISSIMULATION
PROBABLY no characteristic related to
The Emulation Lodge of Improvement has been subject to criticism.
more outrageous than the famous silver matchbox, a
award granted by the Committee to a Brother who achieves success
in the work of any of the Ceremonies of the Lodge of
Improvement without errors, whether in words or actions. Both.
verbally as well as in writing, unconstructive criticisms have
have been abundantly directed with the intention of introducing a
"spirit of digging up excrescences" in the study of the Ritual
Masonic.
Such criticism can only emanate from those who
unfortunately, they ignore their objective and are completely
strangers to the true spirit that influences the great
majority of regular workers at the Emulation Headquarters
Lodge. The significant fact that Brothers have achieved the
enviable reward for the perfect execution of all
Ceremonies, continue to feature among the most loyal and regular.
stimuli in Emulation should allow proving to everyone, except
to the most prejudiced critics, that the enthusiasm of
adepts of Emulation are based on a much deeper foundation.
safe and permanent, than the mere idea of a security in
tangible gratification of your labor.
There are perhaps a few who are driven by the desire to
to possess a material symbol of your ritual proficiency; the
what is, perhaps, inevitable. But an intimate association with
Emulation that extends over many years convinced the
present writer that the sudden withdrawal of the famous box of
matches would insignificantly diminish the popularity of
Emulation, and that the vast majority of the workers of the Lodge of
Improvement is inspired by genuine interest and love for

61
 Chapter IV – The Emulation Matchbox

Masonic Ritual, combined with a commendable desire in

to assist, individually and collectively, in the preservation and
propagation of what they consciously believe to be the ancient and
authorized form of work as established by the Lodge
of Reconciliation. Any spirit of rivalry that may
to be engendered in Emulation by the silver matchbox is
a spirit of rivalry in its healthy sense. The box,
when it wins, it is not seen as a trophy, but rather more
especially as a visible emblem of dedication, struggle, and
perseverance — a visible reminder of a Brother's belief
that the Masonic Ceremony is a Solemn Rite of such vital importance
importance of being deserving of performance with
accurate dignity and that perfection which the human being expects
achieve.
For seventy-four years the matchbox has been
unknown in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement. Your
creation came about by mere chance. It was in the autumn of 1897
that a well-known member of Emulation, Bro. R. L.
Badham conducted the Second Ceremony without correction, a
effort that was later the subject of comment by the
deceased Bro. R. Clay Sudlow, Leader of Emulation for thirty years.
A casual remark from Brother Sudlow about someone, however the
the event was so evidently and sufficiently
uncommon that left an impression in your mind. Little
Later he asked Brother Badham if he would accept a
a small memento of your performance in the form of a box
of silver matches. That was the birth of what since
thus became a world-famous Masonic emblem.
For some years, Brother Sudlow was the personal donor of the box.
of Emulation matches. No festival organized under the
Presidency of the R.W. Brother Sir Augustus Webster, Provincial Grand Master,
Hants and Isle of Wight, on March 7, 1902, Brother Sudlow
declared during his speech:
62
 Chapter IV - The Emulation Matchbox

I can say that the apotheosis of a work

absolutely correct of a Ceremony at the Emulation Lodge
of Improvement is the silver matchbox, in which it is
recorded the success achieved; and so often in the days of
Today is that distinction won that the philanthropist can still live.
to find for yourself in the Failed Court.
In the presentation of the Emulation Matchbox, one can see
an inscription with the name of the Brother receiving it, the Ceremony
that executed, and the date. A subsequent success obtains a
new registration, colloquially known among workers
of Emulation as a 'scratch'1. After the perfect work of
in all ceremonies the words 'Complete Recording' are
added.
For about eight years after its inception, the box could be won.
for the accurate work of the First Ceremony without the Preaching,
or the Second Ceremony without the T.D. The Complete Recording, of
anyway, it could not be obtained until these Ceremonies
they would have been accurately demonstrated in their entirety.
It was then possible for the holder of a box with
Complete recording has six 'scratches'. Only two
were always completed by Bro. J. F. Roberts, P.A.G.D.C.
whose matchbox can be seen at the Grand Lodge Museum.
That box of Emulation matches is not a prize.
easy, what can be seen by their number that was won
during the fifty-four years since it was established.
Exactly 237 Brothers succeeded in passing the test;
of which 77 Brothers have the distinction of being holders of the
Complete Recording.

1
N.T.: — The term scratch means to scratch; scrape; to obtain with a lot of effort.
difficulty, that is to say, a new registration (recording) is obtained in the Box of
silver matches only with great difficulty.
63
64
 CHAPTER V
DEEMUULATION COMMITTEE
In the previous chapter, it was shown that since its
founded in 1823 the Emulation Lodge of Improvement never
was under the control of an individual Preceptor, but always
was directed by a committee of experienced instructors
selected by a general body of members among the most
exemplary of its members. For approximately ninety
for years the Board of Directors consisted of three Past Masters,
except for the Treasurer and Secretary. In 1914 a fourth member
it was added, the Committee thus remained for twelve
years. In 1926 it was increased to six.
During the one hundred and fourteen years that have passed since the
foundation of the Lodge of Improvement appointments for the Committee
has been sufficiently rare to awaken a growing
interest in Art everywhere. This becomes visible by
first time from the study of the Book of Minutes of the Emulation
records prior to that date
were unfortunately destroyed, however those
available reveal the interesting information that the majority
two Brothers elected to the Committee over the past seventy years
he/she served for periods of ten to twenty years.
Consequently, however few Brothers, although they are
competent instructors can hope to receive the
distinction of the election for the Committee of the Emulation Lodge of
Improvement.
The fact that the long list of affiliated Instruction Shops
Lodge of Improvement includes Stores working in the New
["Zelândia","South America","India","South Africa","China","Strait"]
from Malaysia, West Indies, Gibraltar, Egypt, East and West
from Africa, and on the European Continent, allow for a wide
evidence that the personnel of the Emulation Committee must

65
 Chapter V – Emulation Committee

necessarily be a theme of considerable importance among

Freemasons, not only in London and the Provinces, but
also to Brothers in the distant Districts in all the
parts of the world.
In response to the many suggestions received since the
publication of the first edition of this Manual the following
details are attached relating to the past members and
gifts from the Emulation Committee: —

G.J.V. RANKIN, P.G.D.

Mr. George John Valler Rankin was born in October of
1856, and he started at the age of thirty-five at Crichton Lodge
No. 1641, in 1891. One of the Founders and the first Watchman
Senior of Kirby Lodge No. 2818, in 1900. He was installed
as Master in 1901. The following year he was appointed
Secretary, having held the position for ten years. Then he was
elected Treasurer, remaining in that position until 1924,
when he served a second term as Master. Upon leaving the
chair was re-elected for the Treasury, taking on
from that position until 1935. Affiliated member of the Columbia Lodge
No. 2397 served as Master in 1902 and 1918, and was Secretary
for many years. At Thomas Ralling Lodge No. 2508, he managed it
as Master in 1904. He was a Founder and the first
Master of Joseph Lancaster Lodge No. 3439, in 1910.
1914 was named A.G.D.C.1, being promoted to the rank of
P.G.D. ten years later. He has been a member of the Board of
General Purposes since 1911.
Contrary to general belief, Brother Rankin was not, at the beginning
in his Masonic career, a supporter of the work system
of Emulation; your first Masonic knowledge was
obtained at a Training Store in Southeast London. In

1
N.T.: — The acronyms A.G.D.C. and P.G.D. mean respectively
Assistant to the Grand Director of Ceremonies and Past Grand Deacon.
66
 Chapter V - Emulation Committee

Emulation Festivals in 1900, 1901, 1902, and 1903 he occupied the

Vigilante chair. He obtained the Emulation Match-box by
precise execution of the First Ceremony (without the Lecture) in
1899, and was also successful in the same Ceremony
completed in 1901. In 1902, he performed an accurate execution of the
Second Ceremony, without the T.D.
Brother Rankin joined the Lodge of Improvement in 1895, and
was appointed to the Committee in 1904, having previously
acting for six years as Preceptor of Kirby L.I. In 1914
he succeeded the late Brother Clay Sudlow as Committee Leader.
He has since presided over the Leadership for nineteen years.
and it can correctly be said that your driving period was
marked as the peak of success in the history of
Emulation.
J. J. BLACK, P.G.D.
Mr. John Joseph Black can certainly be described as
a veteran of Emulation whom "age could not weaken and
"nor the habit of aging." Born on February 6, 1851,
was initiated at St. John’s Lodge No. 1564, in its thirtieth
first anniversary on February 6, 1882. On the same
He joined the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, and he was able to
so to proclaim a huge personal knowledge of
Emulation, in ritual and procedures more than anyone
from your colleagues.
He was installed Master at St John's Lodge in November of
1886, less than five years after his initiation, and was re-elected
por um segundo período no cargo até Janeiro de 1888, o mês de
Installation was changed during that period. From January 1888.
until December 1918 served as Secretary. In January of
In 1906, he joined Wey Side Lodge No. 1395, acting as
Master in 1909; serving as Secretary of that Lodge since 1910.

67
 Chapter V – Emulation Committee
In 1916, he was appointed Past Assistant of the Grand Director of
Ceremonies, being promoted to Grand Deacon in 1936.
Prominent worker in Surrey Province, he was
appointed Provincial Grand Deacon in 1898, and promoted to
Great Provincial Vigilante in 1910. In 1887 he was the
main responsible for the formation of Working Emulation
Lodge of Improvement.
Frequently cited by enthusiasts as the "Father" of
Emulation, Brother Black provided himself as a ritualist of
unmatched ability shortly after the formation of the Lodge
of Improvement, where he organized the Complete Records
for the perfect work of all the Ceremonies. How
worker of the Lectures in the "eighties and nineties" his
the record was unparalleled; being selected to work at
Nono Emulation Festivals in 1883 and in 1894. Was elected
member of the Central Committee in 1913.

S. A. KNAGGS, P.A.G.D.C.
Mr. Sydney Angelo Knaggs was initiated in the Chère Reine
Lodge No. 2853, a Lodge of which he is a Past Master. It is also
Past Master of St. Mary’s Lodge No. 63. For many years he was
a Preceptor of St Luke’s Medical Lodge of Instruction and a
member of the Kirby Lodge of Instruction Committee. Ritualist
the unusual skill became prominent as
improvement worker shortly after joining
in 1910. Obtained the matchbox for perfect execution
from the Second Ceremony and T.D. in 1914, repeating its success
in the following year with the First and Third Ceremonies. In
1917 achieved the Complete Recording with a demonstration
without defects of the Installation Ceremony. Was appointed
[Link].B. in 1923, and promoted to P.A.G.D.C. in 1929.
Mr. Knaggs was appointed to the Emulation Committee in
1920 is, perhaps, its most popular representative at the level

68
 Chapter V - Emulation Committee

and in the member files. So rigidly accurate in

themes of the ritual as any of his colleagues, he combines
with its inflexibility in teaching a kind spirit of
understanding and a fraternal tolerance for the failures of
Less skilled brothers. If, in the ordinary course of events, he
succeeding in Leadership in Emulation as one might assume that
it will be, it is an obvious prophecy that he will take care of the
duties of that responsible position with skill, dignity,
and that complete absence of arrogance that marks the
true leader.
A. B. WILSON, [Link].
Mr. Arthur Bernard Wilson was initiated at Burlington
Lodge No. 96, on November 13, 1906 and installed as
Master on March 4, 1913. You are a member of the Past
Master of St Mary’s Lodge No. 63. He received the rank of
P.A.G.D.C. in 1924, being promoted to [Link]. in 1933.
He joined the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in 1907, coming to
to become a prominent worker two years later. In
In 1915 he managed to get the silver matchbox, giving
perfect demonstrations of the Elevation Ceremonies and
Installation during that year. The following year, he/she obtained the

Complete recording with accurate displays of the Ceremonies

of Initiation and Passage.
In 1912, Brother Wilson was appointed (in cooperation with Brother
Knaggs) for the Preceptorship of St Luke’s Medical Lodge
Instruction. Em 1920 tornou-se Preceptor da Navy Lodge of
Instruction, presiding over that position until his appointment for the
Central Committee in 1926. He is a fluent speaker with a
adequate control, picturesque metaphors and a capacity for
to say 'the right idea' every time.

69
 Chapter V - Emulation Committee

A. J. PEYTON, P.M. 2128

Mr. Archibald John Peyton has the distinction of having been the
the only member of the Emulation Committee wearing an apron
light blue. He was initiated in the United Northern Counties
Lodge, 2128, on February 1, 1910, but did not reach the
chair of Master until December 1919, its advancement
Masonic was interrupted by military service. Joined to
Langton Lodge of Instruction in 1912 was appointed to the
Committee in 1914 serving from then until 1920. From January of
From 1922 to April 1924, he served as Preceptor of Wolsey
Lodge of Instruction. Became Preceptor of Ad Astra Lodge
of Instruction in 1924, having previously served as
Deputy Preceptor for three years.
Brother Peyton became a member of the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in
1920, and soon reported as a conspicuous worker.
skill. In his first attempt he got the box of
silver matches for the perfect execution of the First Ceremony
in 1920, repeating its success with the Ceremonies of
Passage, Elevation, and Installation in 1921. He was elected to the
Emulation Committee in 1929.
H. C. TASKER, P.A.G.D.C.
Mr. Harold Charles Tasker was born on August 1, 1875,
and was initiated at Campbell Lodge No. 1415, in 1912. Served
as Master in 1917. In 1924, he was appointed Provincial.
Grand Registrar, Middlesex's. Ten years later, received the
appointment as Past Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies.
He was Preceptor of the Campbell Lodge of Instruction from 1913 until
1929, and from the City Liveries Lodge of Instruction from 1923 to 1929.
Brother Tasker became affiliated with the Emulation Lodge of Improvement in
1921, and obtained the silver matchbox for the accuracy
demonstration of the Second and Third Ceremonies in 1922.
In 1923, it performed a perfect execution of the First Ceremony, and

70
 Chapter V - Emulation Committee

achieved success, likewise in the Installation Ceremony in

1924. Since then, he shares with all his colleagues.
(except for Brother Rankin) the distinction of having the Recording
Complete with the demonstration of all the Ceremonies of
Emulation. He was elected to the Central Committee in January of
1930.

71
72
 CHAPTER II
FRAME STORE
The most frequently heard criticism against
the work of Emulation is with respect to the absence of
"framing" the Store whenever an Official or Member has
that moves from one part to another of the Store. One of the reports
most frequently heard is: "I don't like Emulation, it is
dismayed because they never frame the Store.
Such criticism can only be said to have been born from
but absolute ignorance, as it is known that many of the most
severe criticism of the Emulation system comes from Brothers who
never been inside the Emulation Lodge of Improvement
in their lives and, therefore, are hardly prepared to
taking on the criticism. A careful and
comprehensively reading Chapters XVI and XVII, where they are
related to the duties of the Second and First Deacons
it will demonstrate that scrupulous attention is given to 'framing' the
Store in the Emulation Ceremonies — on those occasions
when 'framing' is necessary.
Freemasonry, we are taught, is a 'peculiar system of
moralidade velado em alegorias e ilustrado por símbolos”. O
"framing" the Store has its symbolism during the effective
progress of a Ceremony. In the initial stage of the Ceremony
In the Initiation, the Master proclaims to the Brothers of N, L, S, and O that
they will pay attention to the Candidate who is about to pass in front
the ones to show that he is a duly Candidate
prepared, and a person worthy and fit to be made a Mason. The
The candidate must then be guided by the Second
DiáconopeloN. to the L., and then from the S. to the O. Here there is
both a symbolic reason and a logic to "frame" the
Store, it's now "framed". Likewise in an internship

73
 Chapter VI - Framing the Store

after the Ceremony, and at certain stages during the Ceremonies

subsequent.
At that point in each Ceremony where the Candidate is
instructed by the Master to withdraw with the purpose of
restoring your personal comfort is hardly necessary to
frame That particular portion of the Ceremony is
Once concluded, the Candidate merely has to withdraw from
Store and there is no other reason, symbolic or logical, for what reason
it would be granted to 'frame' ceremonially. There is not
any similar reason when the Brother Secretary or the
Brother Director of Ceremonies may have the opportunity to move from
one part of the Store to the other, in the execution of its duties
completely separate from the current Ceremonies.
Ordinarily speaking, it can be stated that in the Ceremonies
From Emulação to Lojasempreé is "framed" when the
The candidate for the Deacon position is currently taking
part in a portion of the ceremonial or symbolic work. From
other times the Store is not so "framed" and those who so
they quickly oppose to criticize the work of Emulation
in that consideration they can well pause to reflect that, to the
the eyes of others, your particular and perpetual "framing" of the Store,
it may possibly seem superfluous, and perhaps a little
ridiculous.
The author has to confess that he has not yet been able to
to find a Brother who could have offered you a reason
logical and convincing to 'frame' the Store every time
that someone moves. The custom seems to be based on
no other great authority or reason, than that which
governs the habit of passing a bottle of port in a
particular direction to dinner.

74
 CHAPTER VII
SOME DIFFERENCES IN WORK
After the annoying issue regarding "framing" the Store, the
the most frequently raised criticism against the work of
Emulation is that he is "brief" and "rude", because to a
Official is not taught to do Sn on every occasion in which a
A senior official addresses him during a Ceremony. Em
In almost all other working modes, such practice is accepted.
It is not the purpose of this chapter to argue the issue, but
preferably offer recommendations to guide Brothers
that, although eager to adhere to the Emulation procedure,
rarely or never are present in a recognized Store
of Instruction of Emulation works, and are
consequently in doubt about when Sn should be used.
Unfortunately, your number belongs to a legion, and for such
Brothers should find a norm indicating the
position rule
Possibly, the undisputed guide regarding the use of Sn
In the work of Emulation, it is important to remember that a junior does not show the

If when a senior addresses him, nor even when

is merely responding to a question, but that he
it hurts when he himself is the reason for it
addressing a senior officer.
A simple illustration can be found in the Ceremony of
Store closing. The V.M. addresses the 2ndV: "Brother 2ndV,
"q.o.c.c.d.t.M.?" The 2ºV is being addressed and does not show the
Sincerely yours. He is instructed to
order that the duty be fulfilled and addresses the G.I.: "Bro.
G.I., v.s.L.e.c.”. The G.I., while listening, does not greet. The G.I.,
having fulfilled his duty at the store door, he returns
to the position, and he must now report to a senior officer. He
will give the P. and will show the Sn. The 2nd V on its part must now do

75
 Chapter VII - Some Differences in Work

a report to V.M., he has to report to him, doesn't he?

merely answer a question. So after the use
appropriate of your he gives the P. and stands and to O. before speaking.
So the rule is: When speaking for or when merely
responding to a question, no Sn is made by the Officer
junior: when deliberately addressing a senior, then
Sn is used.
The above guidance applies, of course, only during the
Ceremony in progress; Emulation does not invoke, historical reasons
or any others, as the source of your decisions for the
behavior of the Brothers outside the ongoing Ceremonies. In all
on other occasions, when addressed by the Master, a Brother
will show courtesy to the chair by getting up and
staying at O.
A very similar point of difference between the work of
Emulation and other systems can be found in the work of 1stV.
In most systems, the 1st person jumps onto their feet and shows the
In when the V.M. addresses him during the Ceremony. In
Emulation of the 1st V will not result in an error if it remembers
remain seated when addressed, but remain at O.
when addressing the Master. For example, after the V.M. having
asked a few questions to Can during the internship
At the beginning of the Initiation Ceremony, he addresses the 1st V: 'Brother 1st V,'
order the 2ndD to instruct the Can ... .The 1stV, having been
addressed, remains seated. At another starting point, when
The 1st V must present: "Mr. A.B., a properly trained Dog"
prepared...
A third point where Emulation differs from most
other jobs, and where the Brothers who are not frequent in
constantly fail to attend your Instruction Stores,
It is regarding the work of the Deacons. In many systems
o Diácono mostra o Sn a todo o momento confundindo o Can.
In the work of Emulation, this is never done. There may be a
76
 Chapter VII - Some Work Differences

a more undignified sight than seeing a Deacon shake his staff at

around while making an effort to greet the V.M. "on passing"?
Every Masonic greeting will be given with politeness, precision.
military, and never with any implement in hand.
Deacons may be uncertain at this point about how they should
stop a Can before instructing him to greet the V.M. or us
pedestals of the Vigs. They should remember that at work
Emulation, a greeting is never given in passing.
In many modes of work, it is customary for the V.M. to give e
all the Brothers rise at the words "In D." during the
Lecture after the Initiation, a procedure that
it probably results in the distraction of Can's attention in the midst of
to a solemn lecture in which he will have to be applying his
entirely mind. This interruption of the Lecture never
it should take place in a Emulation Ceremony.
Two points in the Third Degree sometimes allow for the
emergence of uncertainties in the minds of supposed workers
of Emulation that do not frequent their Instruction Stores.
first is how will Sep... should be, exposed or
covered during a certain part of the Ceremony. The Sep…announcement
should be covered. The second doubt that is often
surge is related to the correct restoration point of the L...s.
This should not be done until after Can has withdrawn to
restore your personal comfort.
In some work modes, the V.M. returns a greeting.
when greeted by an Officer or Can, remaining seated
while he does it. In the Emulation work, the V.M. does not
he will be mistaken if he remembers that a Snnunca is never returned. In
In any case, no Masonic Sn can be correctly
given while sitting. In each degree, the Can is
carefully instructed regarding the position in which 'the
Sns of the Degree are with...s”. A Snéum Masonic Symbol.

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 Chapter VII – Some Differences in Work

In most systems, the Sn shown by the Brothers during

a Jur3in any Degree is the Sn of Fid. In Emulation (and in
Stability) the Brothers show the actual S n P of the Degree in particular, in
which store is working. It certainly seems incongruous.
that the Sn of Fid, belonging to the Second Degree, should be
employed during the First and Third Degrees. Emulation and
Stability, being the only two work systems that can
to propagate absolutely and reasonably the claim of
descend directly from the authorized work of the Lodge of
Reconciliation, as sanctioned by the United Grand Lodge
in 1816, they show a reasonable presumption that they are
adept to the ancient and regular customs of employing the Sn P
of Degree during a Jur.
During the explanation of the Second T.D. references are made
to the "middle chamber of the Temple". Emulation Workers
those who aspire to the perfection of the word often fail to
remember the two occasions when the word "of the Temple" should
to be omitted. An infallible "signaling rule" is to remember
that they are omitted when the word "arrived" is
employee. "After our former Brothers entered the
portico they entered ... which led to the middle chamber.
"After our ancient Brothers reached the summit of
spiral staircase they arrived at the door of the middle chamber.
Only in these two instances, the words 'of' are omitted.
Temple.
Many other cases of work difference arise
the confusion between inexperienced workers and can be
cited, but the previous ones are among the most frequent. The
3
N.T.: — The term used in English is 'Obligation', which means
"Commitment", still, I chose to translate it as "Oath", just to
to facilitate the reader's understanding. The English word for 'Juramento' is
"Oath" or "Swear", and it's worth remembering that: anyone who takes an Oath always
is compromising, but someone who makes a commitment is not —
necessarily — taking an oath.
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 Chapter VII - Some Differences in Work

the given directions are, evidently, in strict accordance with

the Emulation procedure, however, the Brothers will be
intelligent when remembering that in Freemasonry, as in others
spheres of life, there is much wisdom in the old saying: 'When
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Anyway, for a young Brother who can be a
a loyal passionate for the practice of Emulation, will be little
It is recommended to engage in practical practice about your Store.
when she is obviously undesired by most of the Brothers.
If your enthusiasm is such that it cannot lead you to
remain as a dissenter from the desired system of the majority
from your Brothers, then the only appropriate way is to resign and
look for membership in a company more aligned, in another store
of Emulation.
It is already "not very smart" for an Emulation enthusiast.
to commit oneselfin to force his system favorite
unnecessarily about your store, it will be much worse
to adopt such an attitude when you are a guest in another store.
Unfortunately, this sometimes happens, however such
zealous enthusiasts would do well to remember that such conduct
it is a disservice to Emulation, and that Masonic harmony and
fraternal tolerance is of greater value and more vital
importance of what is conspicuous and sometimes specially rude
insistence on someone of your particular belief.

79
80
 PART II
THE STORE OFFICIALS
AND YOUR DUTIES

81
82
 PART II

THE OFFICERS OF THE LOJA AND THEIR DUTIES

THE REGULATION 129, of the Book of Constitutions,
establishes that the regular Officers of a Lodge consist of
Master, your two Watchmen, a Treasurer, a Secretary,
two Deacons, an Internal Guard, and a Cover. The Master
may also appoint a Chaplain, a Director of Ceremonies,
a Almoner, an Organist, an Assistant Secretary and
Stewards.
The precedence table is as follows: —
l. — Venerable Master *
2. — Senior Watchman
3. — Junior Vigilante
4. — Chaplain
5. — Treasurer *
6. — Secretary *
7. — Master of Ceremonies
8. — Senior Deacon *
9. — Deacon Junior *
l0. — Assistant to the Ceremony Director
11. — Esmoler
12. - Organist
13. - Secretary's Assistant
14. — Internal Guard *
15. — Stewards
16. — Cover
Those marked with an asterisk are the 'Regulars' or
Store officials needed, while the others are the
“Allowed” Officers that the Master can appoint if he/she wishes
to wish.

83
84
 CHAPTER VIII
Cobridor
To all the poor and afflicted Masons everywhere,
scattered over the face of the earth and water.
Thus, the familiar 'Tyler's Toast' is performed.1, and must be
remembered that the Brother Collector himself is often,
some way, by extension a poor and distressed Brother, perhaps
an esteemed elderly Past Master who, having fallen into a difficult
right now, he is happy to maintain an active association with Art,
and at the same time receive emoluments for their position.
He who is placed on the lowest rung of the Wheel of
Fortune is equally deserving of our respect. Do
in the same way we must remember what we found at the Quinta
Section of the First Lecture; while in the final Section of the
Third Lecture, it is printed in our minds that, 'Brother
between Masons is something more than a name.
Let us not forget then that, even though the Brother
Cobridor be a service brother, we found you in the
Square and we separate it from the Level. One word
fraternal greeting, accompanied by a handshake
hands, will possibly be of greater value than a piece of
silver on the 'plate', and, if the Covering Brother was wisely
chosen for your position, we must not abuse it
stripping it in our contacts with him.
The Covering Brother can really invoke antiquity to
your Position. He was mentioned for the first time in Minutes

1
N.T.: — "Tyler's Toast" or the "Toast to the Cobridor." It is one of the
several toasts that should be made during a meal and we prefer here
keep the term in its original form. The 'Tyler's Toast' is the last toast and is
the one that concludes the "Banquet", being the moment in which the Brothers
Do you remember those who, due to inevitable circumstances, calamity or
misfortunes are reduced to the most extreme degree of misery or misfortune.
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 Chapter VIII - Cobridor

dated June 8, 1732, and references to your position are

found in the Constitutions of 1738. He cannot be
"appointed" by the Venerable Master, shares with the Brother
Treasurer the distinction of being an "elected" Lodge Officer.
Once elected, he can, if he is trustworthy and diligent,
confidently wait for your re-election year after year, there is a
very little possibility that any Store can
to dispense with the services of a good Cover.
The Covering Brother must be a man of impeccable
Character, tattoo, and polite manners are essential, not only
to establish contact with illustrious Brothers who are in
visit to the Store, but, due to the nature of its duties,
he is the first Store Officer to have any relationship
ceremonial with a candidate who is seeking admission in
our Order. The initiation ceremony in a Lodge is of a
unique solemnity and beauty, and one should not imagine that the Brother
The coverer will allow anything of a joking nature with the
Candidate in the preparation room.
In some stores, it is customary for the Venerable Master
delegate to the Director of Ceremonies, or to some other Brother with
skill, assist in the preparation of the Candidate; however within
two objectives of this Manual assume that the
Cobridor is perfectly competent to oversee such.
details, like, undoubtedly, he usually is. Likewise,
it is assumed that he has long acquired perfection in
phraseology of speeches in various degrees.
It is entirely likely that our Brother Coverer is well.
versed in the mysteries of Art even before our attention
has been directed for the first time to the Three Great Lights.
We assume, therefore, that we are not here writing a
guide for a young Brother, and it is not the purpose to discuss the
duties of the Collector position in detail. Just say that
those duties can really be described in various ways
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 Chapter VIII - Coverer

ways; or the Coverer who takes care of them in such a way

perfectly conscientious and in an efficient manner will deserve
eternal gratitude and goodwill from Brother Secretary and from Brother
Ceremony Director, who will certainly meet
relieved of many anxieties related to the details
minors.
If there is an instruction in which confusion is likely to arise
regarding the duties of the Collector, it is with respect to the series of
announcements given at the door of the store. If such confusions arise
permitam-nos não sermos por demais rápidos em condenar o
Brother who guards the external entrance must be reminded that
it serves many Stores and that Masonic customs vary
in this sense as in others. We who believe in a system
we would be equally quick to condemn the
others as wrong.
In many stores, particularly in the Provinces, it is done
the differentiation between a 'Communication' and an 'Alarm', the
first (consisting of the Beats of the Degree in which the Lodge is)
working) being used for a Store Member or for a
Well-known visitor, while the last one (consisting
a simple beat) is used in the case of a stranger
to seek admission. There may be much to be said about both, by
practice and against it, however, the fact remains that, a
unique beating does not have Masonic meaning. In the system of
emulation work, with which we are here more
particularly concentrated, in no way such a statement
it is allowed.
When unique beats or 'Alarms' is a practice, this
communication method is generally used to announce the
presence of a Candidate for Initiation, however here it would seem
there is a reasonable objection to be discussed. The Ritual can
it is not established, but the fact remains undisputed that, in the
second section of the first of the ancient lectures, where it
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 Chapter VIII - Coverer

finds the instruction that the Candidate is admitted to

The store has distinct beats, beats that allude to
ancient and venerable exhortation: "Seek and you shall find,"
ask, and it will be given to you; knock, and it will be opened to you.
When the Candidate for Passage waits for admission, the
first degree calls are given indicating to the Brothers in
Shop that a Brother below the Fellowcraft Degree is in
outside. Similarly, when a Candidate to
Elevation is seeking admission to the beats of Comrade
are given to indicate that a Brother below the Degree of M.M.
is outside. As it has already been established, the single hit
does not have Masonic meaning; so, when the Candidate is
someone for an Initiation, the beats of the First Degree must
to be given. At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, a slight
the difference is made (possibly for the G.I. information and the
2ºV), the beats for a Candidate being given by the Collector
preferentially and deliberately stronger than in the case of
an ordinary communication.
Perhaps the best recommendation that can be offered to
The Covering Brother is that he should familiarize himself with the
costume of each store in particular, thus preventing this way
against confusion and possible irritation.
A useful service can be provided by the Covering Brother
when a Can is released by the Store to restore its c.p.
at any Degree. It is to verify that the Can knows how to give the P and
do the Sn correctly when readmitted. In the Third Degree
it can be done as a guarantee since the Can obviously not
he will know what is expected of him. If the Covering Brother takes advantage
this excellent opportunity to convey a small
fraternal instruction, both, Can and 1stD will protect themselves from much
confusion, and Can's reentry will be a smooth event and
but more worthy than a general rule it is.

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 Chapter VIII - Cobridor

For an hour or more before the store opening time

The Coverer is likely to be busy. Utensils and
the paraphernalia must be properly arranged, the anteroom
prepared, and several details attended to so that everything
may be available for the Secretary upon his arrival. A
shortly after, it is the Covering Brother who is generally
responsible for checking which signatures are placed on
Attendance Book for Members and Visitors. Many others
demands are made of him. The store being closed, utensils and
clothes must always be collected and stored in a location
sure, after which the services of the Collector are likely
required in the dining room. The first to arrive, he is the
last departure. In general, it can be correctly said that he is
one of the most burdensome positions of the Store.

Keeping in mind the words of our First Brother

Vigilante during the store closing, allowing those to
we who are more fortunately positioned to see the
closing of each happy night from the Brother Collector that
having had your obligation

89
90
 CHAPTER IX
STEWARDSHIP

The young Mason who is appointed as Steward is

conquering your first active step in the long journey that
will lead, as expected, to the exalted position held by
Master in the East. If there is, however, only one Steward
named in your Store your journey will not be so long, after
Everything, the newly appointed Steward can reasonably expect
may your good fortune lead you to achieve the promotion to the
Internal Guard position in the near future.
Regulation 129, Book of Constitutions, of any
mode, does not establish a limit on the number of Stewards
that the Master can name. It is not uncommon in large Stores
the Master may appoint four or six Stewards, although, it should be noted,
no designation as Senior or Junior for Stewards is
permitted, let alone that of Wine Steward.1
In the stores where various Stewards are appointed, the Brother
who receives their first Collar of Position must necessarily
look ahead as a long learning period; it will be well
be cautious to use this interval to adapt yourself to the
most important duties that can possibly more
degrade your part of what to prevent.
In theory, the duties of the Brother Steward, as sometimes
explained to him by the Venerable Master, include 'introduce
visit and check that they are properly accommodated
"assist in gathering obligations and signatures," and "generally
assist the Deacons and other Officers in the performance of their duties
respective duties. In practice, Brother Steward
you will probably find that the "introduction of visitors" is
1
The term Wine Steward should never be applied. The author has in
ment an incident at a Consecration Meeting when the Master
newly installed was reprimanded by the Grand Secretary for using the term.
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 Chapter IX - Steward

a duty fulfilled by the Brother Director of Ceremonies and his

Assistant, what the 'collection of fees and signatures' is
only one subject for Brother Treasurer and Brother
Secretary, and that the Deacons and other Officers require little
or no assistance in the "performance of their respective
duties.
Even so, Brother Steward must not lose sight of the fact
of what an Officer of the Lodge is and how it can become very useful.
It frequently happens that an Officer is absent, in these
in cases, it is the Steward who must be qualified to fill out the
gap, a qualification that he can obtain only through a
diligent presence in an Instruction Store.
So it may very well happen that the newly appointed
Steward can also find himself in the wonderful position
to occupy a position as a Vigilante if you are familiar
with the work. In this sense, it has been written in some
places that no Brother deserves to occupy a chair
as a security guard in a regular store unless it has been
regularly appointed to that high position. There is not

no evidence capable of authority for such

pronouncement. The present writer clearly remembers a
occasion in his Masonic youth when he acted in such a way
position a long time before having been equally appointed
as the newest Steward.
From the beginning, it should be noted that Brother Steward must not
to think that your duties are entirely limited to taking care
of the wishes of your Brothers during the Rest period,
although he is one of them, he must be prepared to
to take responsibility cheerfully e himselfto relieve
efficiently. The proportion of responsibility that will fall
about him in this sense greatly depends on the customs of
Store. In many Stores, it is the Treasurer or the Secretary who
control such matters as wine consumption and the amount spent
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 Chapter IX – Steward

regarding the Rest. It is also possible that the Director

of Ceremonies prefer to attend to the accommodation and place at the table of
guests.
The best recommendation that can be offered to the Brother
The steward should demonstrate to himself that he is always
prepared and eager to provide all assistance
possible for your Senior Officials, in both situations to
Work and Rest. He should also remember that the Jewel
of Cargo is the Cornucopia, the emblem of abundance, surrounded
by the Open Compass, the symbol of moderation.

93
94
 CHAPTER X
INTERNAL GUARD
Under the English Constitution the Position of Guard
Internally, it was certainly unknown until the beginning of the century.
nineteen. The first mention of this Officer in the Constitutions
emerges in 1815, and the oldest known reference of its
the appointment is found in the Minutes of the Burlington Lodge,
act No. 96 dated December 14, 1814.
In the first times, the Internal Guard was often
distinguished by the Trolha as the emblem of his position; thus it was
until 1819 when the Crossed Swords were assigned to him
in the Constitutions. No changes have been made since then, and
today the Internal Guard Brother is informed when it is being
invested with his Collar of Office by the Venerable Master, which
your Jewel is 'two swords like a St. Andrew's Cross'1.
Your place is 'next to the entrance of the Store' and your duties are so
important as those of any other officer; nor more
no less.
It is to be regretted that some young Freemasons display a
tendency to treat your appointment to the position of Guard
Negligently within, even despite the duties
pertaining to it being of such a simple nature,
however, they require a minimum of preparation and a little of
serious consideration. A reasonable security regarding
responsibility for the obligation of any position is
recommended; excessive confidence, on the other hand,
1
N.T.: — The text in English is 'two swords in saltire' and the word saltire
means Cross of Saint Andrew. If it were only 'two crossed swords'
the sentence in English would be different and was used by the author in the previous paragraph
when it was written: "... until 1819 that the Crossed Swords were assigned to
him”. This clearly demonstrates the intention to make it clear that they are
more than crossed swords, but crossed in the shape of the Cross of Saint
André.
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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

frequently leads to damage, confusion, and consequent

disaster.
An illustration of the degree of perfection with which it is possible
to lead beyond the seemingly simple duties of a Guard
The internal was indelibly impressed in the mind of the present.
writer at the Meeting of Emulation Lodge Festival
Improvement, organized in the Grand Temple at Freemasons’
Hall in February 1919, on which occasion the position next to
the Store's entrance was occupied by an experienced Past Master, a
member of the Grand Stewards' Lodge2who took care of
duties of your position with an impressive degree
dignity and superb control that, most likely, has
rarely matched and never exceeded in any other
similar demonstration or elsewhere.
The Internal Guard Brother is the communication link between the Lodge
properly so called and the outside world, and under no
circumstance he must leave his post at the entrance of the
Store. He is in charge of the store's door and no one should
induce him to lose control of the door while it is being opened;
no Brother whatever his level, shall be
Allowed to pass between the Internal Guard and the door. If the
Internal guard to get used to holding the handle every time
he opens up, then no one will be able to pass between him and his position.
In a Temple or well-arranged Lodge Hall, the door must
estar no Oeste ou quase. Há muitos Salões de Loja onde esta
convenient arrangement is not possible, but whatever it may be
the location of the door, the correct position of the Guard's chair
Internal logo to the left of the pedestal of the 1st Vigilante. All
the statements must be made from that position, and not from
another.
A notice at the door by the corridor is a sign (if
no matter what issue is underway) for the Internal Guard
2
W. Bro. G. K. B. Neal, Past Grand Senior Warden.

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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

raise, give the P., do the Sn of the Degree, and inform the 2nd
Vigilante that 'there is a notice'3Upon receiving the answer from
In the usual way, the Internal Guard Brother discharges the Sn.
and goes to the door. Having received the announcement from the Cobridor he closes it
the door, not forgetting to lock it, returns to position
in front of your chair, and repeats the announcement from the Cobridor to
the Master. In each case, the Internal Guard must remember not to
download the Sn until it has been answered by the Master or
2nd Watchman.
When the Coverer gives a statement at the store door the
Internal Guard must remember that the reports are never
directly to the Master, but always prepare the 2nd Vigilante. The 2nd V
will respond with or, in the case of a Candidate waiting
upon admission, he will first report to the V.M., and then give the G.I. the
verbal instructions. After opening the door and receiving the communication
From the Cobridor, the G.I. then reports directly to the V.M. in
all cases.
When admitting, whether a Member or a Visitor,
G.I. should inform you at what Level the Store is operating.
instructing him on what the correct greeting should be.
No Brother, no matter how high his level, should be
admitted in the Store until the Master is notified about
the. The Internal Guard who was never called to exercise his
authority in relation to this can be considered as a
fortunate; for we have heard of Secret Brothers (who
should know better!) that often show themselves
considering themselves invested with the right to avoid
this duty, in and out of the Store, in an informal way. O
Internal Guard firmly refuses to allow such
irregularity may possibly obtain displeasure
3
In all cases, when communicating with the 2ndV., the G.I. must remember not to
turn your body to the S. The G.I. must rise facing L.
turning only your head in the direction of the 2nd V. as you face it.
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 Chapter X – Internal Guard

momentary of having an impatient Secretary Brother before

yes, but he should not allow such an idea to stop him in the
proper execution of the responsibilities of their duties.
The Internal Guard Brother must remember that the Brothers do not
"demand" admission; they "seek" or "request"4. Of
according to the Emulation system, no word is used; the
the formula is: "V.M. is Brother A.B.", when then the V.M. responds:
Admit it.
In a single instant, the Internal Guard always directs itself to
2nd Vpelo name, i.e. when the store is being opened at
First Degree. The 2nd V will order the G.I. by name to see
q.a.L.e.d.c.5Having the G.I. made the report to the 2ndVPelo
name that A.L.e.d.c. At the mentioned moment, neither P is given nor is it done.
In all other cases, the G.I. gives the P., makes the Sn, and if
address your Senior Officer in the South as "Brother 2nd Watchman".
The Master is not addressed by name.

4
The only Brothers in Metropolitan Freemasonry with the power to demand
Admission to the Lodge is the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Delegate
of Grand Master. In the Provinces and Districts, the Provincial Grand Master or
District, and its Delegate or the Deputy of the Provincial Grand Master or
District. No other Brother has such a right, unless
act as the representative of the Grand Master. There is the impression
common in many ways that a Great Officer has the power to 'demand'
admission, however this is incorrect. No Grand Officer, no matter how high that
be your post (except for the aforementioned), has any invocation
but more notable to enter a store than a young Master Mason; the
The Master has the right to refuse admission (see Chapter XXVI). Neither,
it should be noted, a Grand Officer when visiting a Lodge is invested with
the lightest authority, by virtue of its level, to interfere for any
half in the procedures or question how the Master controls his
subjects. If your advice is sought, it will undoubtedly be given.
pleasurably; if not, then the only thing that distinguishes him from other Brothers
visitors are the color of your garment.
5
N.T.: — In English, it is "to see t.t.L.i.p.t" which means "to see that the Lodge is"
properly tiled.
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 Chapter X – Internal Guard

The Internal Guard Brother must be careful to remember that

In the First Degree, only the Candidate is described as "Mr."
When is it announced. In the Second and Third Degrees, he is
"Brother." The Internal Guard should never open the door for
admit a Candidate for any Degree while the Deacon
responsible for the duty to ensure that [Link] has not done it,
not while both Deacons have not yet arrived at
door to receive the Candidate.
When ordered by the V.M. to admit a Candidate the
G.I. must always remember to apply the P...l at the door
s.s.p.e.n., E., or C. according to the Degree. In the First Degree,
after using the P...l the G.I. must raise it high to declare to
V.M. that was used, and then put it back on the 1st V.'s ped.
where the 1st D can find him at the right moment6.
The G.I. is often uncertain about the method
correct to apply the P…l, E., or C. In First Degree to the p…ta
The P...l must be applied in the p.e.n. of the Can. In the Second Degree
the arms of E. should be applied. In the Third Degree the

6
It is the duty of the 1stD., and not of the G.I., to take the Pn to the V.M. The last custom,
it is a vulgar practice and sometimes it is supported by the opinion that the
Pn is the tool of work or peculiar emblem of G.I., a line of
reasoning or conclusion difficult to follow when it is remembered that the use of Pn
no Primeiro Grau é duplicado exatamente pelo uso do E. ou C. no Segundo
and the Third Degrees. The Emblem or Jewel of the G.I. Position, as it is called
informed by the V.M. during the investiture, are "two swords in the form of
"Saint Andrew's Cross." However, there is an armed Officer of the Lodge, the Cover.
that keeps the entry with a s…da d…a. The Pn. is not a weapon either of
attack or defense, it is nothing more than an implement used with a certain
purpose in the First Grade, like E. and C. in the Second and Third
Graus, and in no way the insignia, emblem, or peculiar tool of
The G.I. should not leave his post at the entrance of the Store; but rather the
1ºD., as the private messenger of the V.M., is in charge of leading the
I manage to get it for L., and place it on the V.M. pedestal ready to be
used in a later stage of the Ceremony.
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 Chapter X – Internal Guard

open p...s of C. simultaneously on both p...s

I can.
When receiving a Candidate, the G.I. will never leave the Store; its
position is next to the entrance of the store, and the Collector will lead the
Candidate for a position such that P...l, E., or C. can be
correctly applied while the G.I. is standing really
next to the entrance of the Store.
Perhaps, a lot is particularly expected from Brother Guard.
Internal, who is often a young and inexperienced Freemason.
to count on yourself to verify that the Brothers
Visitors should be properly dressed and not wearing jewelry.
unauthorized; but he should have been previously warned about
such details. In the same way, he should be alert for
check that the Covering Brother has not committed any
serious error in certain important parts of your duties, i.e.
that the Candidate is d...te pr...do.
No important ceremonial work should be
any time to be interrupted in order to make a
statement; statements given by the Cover in periods
inconveniences should be ignored. If in doubt
about whether to pay attention to a notice, the Internal Guard
you can try to attract the attention of the 2nd V; if no signal can come
on that side, he may be skilled at getting the gaze of the
V.M. or from P.M.I., receiving a direction from that management
silent about when the announcement of the statement will be made or
wait for a more convenient moment.
The Internal Guard Brother must study the notes below, the
which shall assist him in the performance of his duties.
STORE OPENING
1. - The G.I. will not make any Snao receive the order from the 2nd V
to verify if the L.e.d.c. He goes to the door and gives the do

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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

First Degree. He will not open the door.7 The Coverer

will respond with similar. The G.I. then returns to his
position in front of your chair and reports to the 2nd VP by name:
"Ir. ..., a L.e.d.c." Up to this point, P. or Sn. is not given.
2. — When the V.M. declared the Lodge "duly open" and
the Watchmen gave the G.I. goes to the door again and gives the
of the First Degree, which will be properly answered by
Cobridor.
STORE OPENING
IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
3. — The G.I. does not receive the command from the 2nd V to
check if the L.e.d.c. He heads to the door and gives the do
First Degree, which will be answered by the Collector. The G.I.
so, return to your position, give the P, do the Sn of Ap, and report:
Irr. 2ºV, to L.e.d.c. Download Sn after the announcement,
keeping the hand open.
4. — When the V.M. declared the Lodge "duly opened
no E.” and the Watchmen have already given the the G.I. goes again to
door and give the of Second Degree, which will be answered by the
Concealer.
STORE OPENING
IN THE THIRD DEGREE
5. — The G.I. does not receive the command from the 2ndV to
check if the L.e.d.c. He goes to the door and gives the second
Gray, which will be answered by the Collector. Oh, the G.I. then
returns to your position, gives the P., makes the Comp Sn, and informs: 'Brother.'

7
This instruction is applied in the Opening of all Degrees. The command of the 2nd V
for the G.I. to "verify" that the A.L.e.d.c. does not aim to mean that the G.I. should
At this moment open the door. The word 'check' aims at something.
different from perceiving with the eyes. As Bs outside are the
sufficient indications that the Cover is at its post and that the Store
state.c.
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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

2ºV, a L.e.d.c. Download the Sn after the announcement.

keeping both hands open.
6. — When the V.M. declared the Lodge "duly opened
no C.” and the Watchers have already given the the G.I. goes again to
brings and gives the of Third Degree, which will be answered by
Cobridor.
CLOSING OF THE STORE
IN THE THIRD DEGREE
7. — The G.I. does not cause Snao to receive the order from the 2nd V to
verify if the L.e.d.c.8 He goes to the door and gives the do
Third Degree, which will be answered by the Collector. The G.I.
so return to your position, give the P., do the Sn of M.M., and
Information: "Ir. 2ºV., to L.e.d.c." Download the Sn after the
statement, keeping an open hand, and not forgetting to
recover
8. — When the 2nd. Vigil declared that the Lodge is
regularly closed the G.I. goes to the door again
and gives the third degree, which will be answered by

Covering.
CLOSING OF THE STORE
IN THE SECOND DEGREE
9. - The G.I. does not proceed to receive the order from the 2nd V to
check if the L.e.d.c. He goes to the door and gives the do
Second Degree, which will be answered by the Coverer. The G.I.
So return to your position, give the P., do the Comp. Sn, and
inform: “Ir. 2ºV., to L.e.d.c.”. Download the Sn after the
statement, keeping both hands open.

8
In English, the expression is 'To prove t.L.c.t.' or 'To prove the'
Lodge close tiled, i.e., "Check if the Store is properly covered."
That is why we adopted 'prove if the L.e.d.c.' as the translation.
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 Chapter X - Internal Guard
10. — When the 2nd V was given after "And Happy we
We will meet again, the G.I. goes to the door again and gives the
of Secondary Grade, which will be answered by the Provider.
CLOSING OF THE STORE
11. — The G.I. does not proceed to receive the order from the 2nd V to
check if the L.e.d.c. He goes to the door and gives the do
First Degree, which will be answered by the Collector. The G.I.
So return to your position, give the P., do the Sn of Ap., and inform:
“Ir. 2ºV., a L.e.d.c.”. Download the Sn after the announcement,
keeping the hand open.
12. — When the 2nd. Vigil declared that the Lodge is
regularly closed the G.I. goes to the door again
and gives the from the First Degree, which will be answered by
Cobridor.
INITIATION CEREMONY
1. - When the Coverer makes the announcement through the Can. the G.I.
should lift, give the P, make the Sn of Ap., and announce to the 2nd V:
Ir. 2ºV, h.u.c.9 The G.I. must remain standing and at the O.
while the 2nd V communicates to the V.M. Upon receiving from the 2nd V the
instructions the G.I. unloads the Sn, keeping the hand open. He
so go to the door, open it and ask the Cobridor: Who is there
with you?
2. — After ordering the Collector "Wait, while
I communicate...”, the G.I. will close the door, not forgetting to
lock it, returns to the position in front of your chair, gives the P,
make the Sn of Ap., and repeat to the V.M. the notice from the Cobridor.

9
In English, the expression is "Bro. J.W., t.i.a.r.", i.e., "Bro. J.W. there"
is a report”, which is usually translated into Portuguese as “Go 2nd V hit the
Temple door", but the most faithful translation should be: "Go 2ndV there is a
"communication", hence we used "Ir. 2ndV h.u.c."
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 Chapter X – Internal Guard

3. — When asked by the V.M. if he can attest that the

Can the dev prep respond: 'I can, V.M.'? The G.I.
You should not greet His Majesty when giving your response.
4. — The right moment for the G.I. to discharge the Sn is
when V.M. says: '... in due form.'
5. — The G.I. grabs the P...l and goes to the door. He must not open it.
until both Deacons have arrived to receive the
Candidate. The G.I. applies the P...l and asks the Can.: "Do you feel
Something?
The G.I. must place the P…l on the ped. of the 1st V after using it.
6. - When the Assembler makes the next announcement by
Who is waiting to be readmitted for the Lecture the
G.I. stands up, gives the P, does the Sn of Ap., and announces to the 2nd V: 'Go
2ndV., h.u.c.”. The G.I. will not discharge the Sn until the 2ndV has
given the answer with a The G.I. then goes to the door to
receive the announcement from the Cover, after which, he closes the door,
not forgetting to lock it, returns to its position
in front of your chair, gives the P, makes the Sn of Ap., and informs:
"V.M. is the Can upon his return." The G.I. after the response of the
V.M. unloads the Sn and then goes to the door again, but he
do not open it until the 2ndD arrives to receive the Can.

PASSING CEREMONY
1. — When the Coverer makes the announcement through the Can to the G.I.
should raise, give the P, make the Sn of Comp., and announce to the
2nd V: 'Ir. 2nd V h.u.c.' The G.I. must stand and to the O.
while the 2nd V informs the V.M. Upon receiving the instructions from the
2nd V will discharge the Sn, keeping both hands open. He
so go to the door, open it, and ask the Cobridor: 'Who is there?'
there with you?10

10
In each Degree, the G.I. must remember that he should not leave the Store.
take the Can exam. He must be standing by the entrance of the Store.
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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

2. — After ordering the Collector to 'Wait', the G.I. proceeds

as in the First Degree, returns the position, gives the P., does the Sn of
Comp. and repeat the statement to V.M.
3. — Again the G.I. must remember to greet the V.M.
When you are responding: 'I can, Your Majesty.'11.
4. — The right moment for the G.I. to discharge the Sn is
when V.M. says the words: '... in the due form'.
5. — Now the G.I. takes from the E., and goes to the door, waiting until
both Deacons arrive before opening it. He applies the E.
and raises it high so that the V.M. can see it.
6. — When the Coverer makes the announcement through the Can that
is waiting to be readmitted for the Explanation of the T.D.
the G.I. stands up, gives the P., makes the Sn of Comp., and announces to the 2ndV:
"Ir. 2ºV, h.u.c." The G.I. will not unload the Sn until the 2ºV
have responded with . The G.I. then goes to the door to
receive the announcement from the Collector, after which he closes the door, no
forgetting to lock it, returns to the position in front of it
chair, give the P, do the Sn of Comp., and communicate: “V.M., it is the Can
on your return. Download the Sn when the V.M. is available
answered. The G.I. then goes to the door again, but does not
open until the 1stD has arrived to receive the Can.
ELEVATION CEREMONY
1. — When the Coverer makes the announcement through Can the G.I.
should raise, give the P, make the Sn of M.M., and announce to the 2nd V:
"Ir. 2ºV h.u.c." The G.I. must remain standing and at O.
the 2nd V communicates to the V.M. Upon receiving the instructions from the 2ndV
will unload the Sn, keeping the hand open, and forgetting
to recover. He then goes to the door, opens it, and asks the
Coverer: "Who is there with you?"
11
The complete Ceremonial greeting to the V.M. of any Officer is
absolutely superfluous and out of place. The due respect to the Chair is
demonstrated by the greeting. Nothing else is needed.
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 Chapter X - Internal Guard

2. — After ordering the Collector 'Wait', the G.I. proceeds

like in the First and Second Degrees, it returns the position, gives the P,
make the Sn of a M.M., and repeat the announcement to the V.M.
3. — The right time for the G.I. to discharge the Sn is
when V.M. says the words: '... in the proper way'.
4. — Now the G.I. takes the C., and goes to the door, waits until
Both Deacons arrive before opening it. He applies the C.
raises it high so that the V.M. can see it.
5. — When the Collector makes the announcement through the Can that
is waiting to be readmitted to complete the
In the ceremony, the G.I. must lift, give the P, make the Sn of a
M.M., and announce to the 2nd V: "Brother 2nd V h.u.c.". The G.I. doesn't
it will download the Sn until the 2ndV has responded with . O
G.I. then goes to the door to receive the announcement from the Cobridor, after
what closes the door, not forgetting to lock it, returns to the
position in front of your chair, gives the P, makes the Sn of M.M., and
communicates: "V.M., it is Can on your return". Dismounts the Sn
when the V.M. has responded. The G.I. then again
go to the door, but do not open it until the 1stD has arrived to
receive the Can.
Finally, the Brother Internal Guard must pay attention to the
Cover when he announces to you a Visiting Brother who
search for admission. Astonishing and amusing nonsense are
frequently heard from nervous Internal Guards to
announce the level of a visitor. In all cases of doubt
one should not be afraid to ask the Brother Collector to
repeat your ad. Never rush to execute your
duties; remember that your work is of equal importance
like those of your senior officers. Make your announcements.
slowly and distinctly, maintaining an upright and confident attitude, and
will be doing your part towards the preservation of that
dignity and decorum that should characterize all our
procedures.
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 CHAPTER XI
SECRETARY ASSISTANT
THE BROTHER ASSISTANT SECRETARY is sixth on the list of
Allowed officials, i.e. those officials who, according to the
Regulamento 129 nasConstituições, podeser nomeado se o
Venerable Master, thus you desire. In the Stores where such
the appointment is made, the level of the Secretary's Assistant is
immediately above the Internal Guard. The Jewel of your Position:
two feathers forming a cross of Saint Andrew with a
bar over it with the word 'Assistant'.
As denoted by the name of his position, the duty of the Brother
Secretary's Assistant is to act as an aide to your Officer
Senior in the North. This assistance can be provided in various
ways, but it is very dependent on the personality of the
Brother Secretary, as much as the customs of the Lodge,
no usefulness would be the effort to put here in
details the duties of a Secretary Assistant.
In some stores, the position becomes progressive,1being
seen as the next step in the promotion after the position of
Internal Guard. Where such custom is practiced by the young Freemason
invested with the Assistant Secretary's Collar may, with
In all probability, to believe that the nature of your position is the
from sinecure. The lack of knowledge and experience makes
impossible for him to provide useful assistance in any
matters of importance, and few store managers are so

1
Strictly speaking, no position can be seen as
"progressive" in the sense that an Officer has any right to
to seek progress from the current position to a higher position in the following year. O
Regulation 129 of the Book of Constitutions emphasizes that no Brother
has "the right to seek advancement by rotation." The appointment of all
Officers, except for the Treasurer and the Collector, are solely for weighting and
power of the Master.
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 Chapter XI – Secretary Assistant

few have the time or inclination to teach a new one

Assistants every year.
In other stores, the practice of naming the same is adopted.
Secretary Assistant year after year. In these cases, the Brother
selected for the succession is a reliable Past Master, and here
a valuable assistance can be provided by the Brother
Secretary accepts it. The doubt implied by the use of italics.
it is not imaginary because, very strangely, there are some
Store secretaries who seem to feel when it's
appointed as an Assistant Secretary, apparently they see such
naming as a censorship of one's own abilities.
Where such a romantic state exists, the Venerable Brother.
The assistant to the secretary will most likely resign.
so wait to wear the Chain of Office in a hurry
laziness; but, where happy conditions are obtained, it can come
to be a great and real assistant to your Senior Officer and a
good for your store.
With the enormous and continued growth in size of
In some stores, the work at the Secretary's desk has been
proportionally increased. The unique responsibility
the development of that work must, it is evident, fall
about the Brother Secretary himself; however, where he accepts the
desirable help from an efficient Assistant, your job is
considerably smoothed out and there will be little possibility of
that the works of the Lodge's secretary fail in the background.

108
 CHAPTER XII
ORGANIST
The position of the Organist Brother is one of those, like
established in Regulation 129 of the Constitutions, which
It can be filled in if the Venerable Master so desires.
Should be filled depending on the available talent.
Certainly a Master will be wiser to leave the position vacant
What to name a brother devoid of musical talent.
Unfortunately, such appointments are made, however, the Brother
who accepts the Lyre as the Emblem of his Office without possessing the
essential qualifications that enable you to fulfill the obligations
performing the duties of the position efficiently is, in a way, more of
the origin of embarrassment for your store; it is a
disgust
In cases where no Brother skilled in the
divine art of Music can be found among the members
from the Store, and where financial or other considerations prohibit the
commitment of a paid musician, the Master will be better
It is advised to remember that music is not an essential part.
of Freemasonry and that our ceremonies cannot lose
nothing of your solemn beauty, although the music is
entirely absent from the procedures.
Assuming that an experienced musician brother is
available, your duties are such that they cannot be described
in detail in the space of a few paragraphs. O
monitoring of the Opening and Closing Odes, and that of
chanting responses to the Prayers is an obvious duty. On the other
side, everything must depend largely on the
costumes existing in any particular store.
In any case, I hope the Organist is a complete musician.
for he must study in isolation the Ritual of the various
Ceremonies if your efforts are to be effective. The recent-
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 Chapter XII – Organist
The appointed organist who is young in the Art will do well to limit himself.
your activities to the mentioned points, and not insert
accidentally music during as Ceremonies.
Later, gaining experience and confidence, you will be
enabled to make musical interpolations with advantage.
It will not mean any disrespect to Brother Organist if
it is better to be rarely heard than
frequently; the agency should never be allowed to obstruct
wrongfully the Ceremony. A huge care is necessary
in the interpolation of musical phrases; they should be
carefully marked, and end precisely at
right moment.
The selection of musical combinations for incidental phrases
during the ceremonies can satisfactorily be left
under the care of an experienced musician who also possesses
a refined sense of Masonic opportunity. Regardless of
In this way, there are two important points to which attention should be given.
The Organist Brother must be directed.
The first is during the Initiation Ceremony when, after
Oh Jur, the Candidate is about to have the L...z restored. In this
solemn moment when the Brothers, by a sign from the V.M.,
they make a certain movement, a noisy string of the organ is
frequently heard. Such procedure can solely
to be called unworthy and completely out of purpose.
Even more undesirable is the interposition of soft music.
secular following the investiture of the different Officials in
Installation Meeting. During these procedures the
present writer has heard the air of 'For He’s a Jolly Good'
"Fellow" coming from the agency during the appointment of the Secretary, and the

110
 Chapter XII – Organist

spots of 'Poor Old Joe'1as a greeting for

renaming of the Coverer.
It must be admitted that even Organists, of considerable
experience, sometimes they err in this regard. The Venerable
The master will act wisely if gently, but firmly,
determine that such musical interpolations are undesirable and
totally out of place.

1
He is a Jolly Good Fellow
Happy Good Companion and Poor Old Joe can be translated as Poor
Old Zé. It is clear that such songs are completely unworthy in
any of our Ceremonies, however, the author is
exemplifying how far the bad taste of an Organist can go
foolish.
111
112
 CHAPTER XIII
to grind
The position of the Brother Almsgiver is one of those of origin
modern; no mention of it is found in the
Constitutions until the year 1910. Its jewel is 'a bag about
to which a heart is aligned." In the precedence table, the level of
Esmoler is between the Assistant of the Ceremony Director and the
Organist.
During the course of the Initiation ceremony we are reminded
among our Brothers, those who are reduced to
most extreme degree of misery and affliction. To provide assistance to these
Afflicted brothers are the duty of the Poor Brother, and to supplement
funding for this worthy cause is customary in the majority of the Lodges of
Smaller circular to the Charity Fund among the Brothers. If this
it should be done in an Open Store or postponed until the period of
Rest is a matter on which there is disagreement about
opinions. The issue is one of those that should be left
for the Master of the Lodge, who will undoubtedly be guided by the
existing practice in its respective Store.
The question of whether the visiting Brothers should be
guests are allowed to contribute to the Box of
Charity is another subject about which there are various opinions.
It is hardly expected that at any store the cash register
Charity is unnecessarily imposed on a guest,
however, there can be no damage in allowing a
Visitor Brother who makes your small contribution to such a
excellent cause if he wishes to do so. When the present
a writer is asked by a Brother who is making it run
Charity box if it is to be passed to the Visitors
it invariably responds: 'Go slowly.'

113
 Chapter XIII – Beggar

In many stores, it is customary to make the beggar a

Progressive cargo1for the Brother who filled the position of
Internal Keeper (or perhaps Secretary Assistant) during a
Yes, act as a Beggar in the next one. There is much to be said.
again about such practice; it is highly unlikely that the
young Mason, who still has about five or six years of waiting
before reaching the level of an Installed Master, may
to have the necessary experience to qualify him to
fulfill the duties of the position of Almoner in a way
efficient.
Frequently, when a request for help is made,
considerable experience is essential to enable the Brother
Esmoler to decide if it is a case worth embracing, for
unfortunately the truth is that we have in our Masonic midst,
videos that seek to trade their connection with the Order
impressing the charitable instincts of the Brothers.
The Beggar who is renowned year after year, and who then comes
to be a permanent Officer of the Store such as the Treasurer and the
Secretary,2accumulates an amount of experience that does not
will fail to assist you in the execution of your duties. Under all
From the points of view, Brother Esmoler should be an Officer.
permanent Loja and an experienced Past Master.

1
See note 1 CHAPTER XI on Regulation 129 of the Book of
Constitutions.
2
In the literal sense, it is obvious that there is no 'permanent' Shop Officer.
Each Officer is appointed (or elected) each year. However, the custom of
many Stores as such Officials like the Treasurer, Secretary, D.C.
Organists, etc., remain in their positions for long periods, from this
they become in practice, if not in theory, somewhat Officials
permanents
114
 CHAPTER XIV
CEREMONY DIRECTOR ASSISTANT
The REGULATION 18 of the Book of Constitutions states that the
The Grand Master must appoint two Deputy Grand Directors of
Ceremonies and twelve Assistant Grand Directors of Ceremonies.
It should be noted that there is a huge difference between the two
Positions. The "Deputy", as its designation denotes, is a
Official appointed to act in place of your Senior Official
when the occasion demands, while 'Assistant' is an Officer
an assistant whose duty is to provide as much assistance as possible-
the requested.
It is evident, then, that in a Private Lodge our Brother
Ceremony Director Assistant would be more correctly
designated as 'Deputy', since it is generally expected that
the absolute absence of the Master of Ceremonies.
Just like in the case of the Beggar and the Assistant of
Secretary, the position of Assistant Director of Ceremonies in
many Stores become a progressive Role, the Brother acting
in that position for a year, progresses to the position of 2nd
Deacon in the following year, always under the condition that the
The Master is pleased to promote you.
There is much to be said about such practice and little in its
favor. The young Brother who is working his way of
ascension through various positions cannot assume that
have the great experience that is essential for the efficient
performance of the many duties of a Master of Ceremonies,
and is consequently unable to act in that
position in the absence of your Senior Officer. On the night of
Installation, for example, he will be compelled to be absent from
Store during the most important part of the procedures.
Undoubtedly, the Assistant Director of Ceremonies
should be a Past Master and, where the right Brother has been
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 Chapter XIV - Assistant to the Ceremony Director

found for the position, the newly installed Master will be

prudent in confirming the choice of his predecessor by
renaming of the previous holder of the position.
To detail the duties of the Director's Assistant
of Ceremonies it would be necessary to recap the points that
are distributed in Chapter XVIII, as an Assistant
efficient would have to be exemplary in all the passages of
mysteries of Art, as well as its Senior Officer. As already
mentioned, it is your duty to take over in the absence of the Director of
Ceremonies, and he will only be able to perform such a duty.
responsibility in an appropriate manner, if it is completely
versed in Masonic etiquette and in the conduct of our
ceremonial procedures. The Assistant Brother Director of
Ceremonies should read Chapter XVIII carefully, and the
Master the recommendations contained therein.
When the Junior Officer is serving in their position of
It is essential that he should obtain a perfect
understanding with your senior brother and knowing exactly what
what is expected of him. Anyway, I hope he can
to be a distinguished Past Master, the Assistant Director of
Ceremonies should always be attentive to not allow that
any excess zeal influences you to 'follow the trend' and
take upon oneself any duty belonging to the Director of
Ceremonies. Whatever the action, even if well-
intended, it will be better to master it than to obtain a
lamentable friction.
On the other hand, when a perfect understanding and a
fraternal goodwill exists between the Master of Ceremonies and
your Assistant, the ceremonial portion of our solemn
procedures will certainly be conducted majestically
dignity and decorum, and Profit and Pleasure will be the happy outcome.

116
 CHAPTER XV
DEACONS
It is difficult these days, even for the most imaginative.
Brother, to conceive a mental frame of our Ceremonies
Art executed entirely without the help of those of ours
Brothers who are distinguished by the familiar emblem of a
Dove carrying an Olive Branch, the symbol of Peace and of
Knowledge.
Meanwhile, the general adoption of the Office of Deacon, as
what we know today is certainly of modern origin in the Stores
private entities that operate under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge
from England. In the primitive Scottish and Irish Lodges the
Deacons were important officers, and in ancient records of
a few English Stores references to the Deacons are
found remotely at the beginning of the eighteenth century; however,
these useful officials were not often known in the
English stores working under the Regular Grand Lodge until
eighty years later.
It was on December 13, 1809, that the Brothers of the Lodge of
They resolved that:
Under due investigation, it was demonstrated that the existence
Deacons are not only ancient, but they are useful Officers and
necessary, therefore they are recommended.
The fact that, prior to that time, Brother Deacon
had not been considered a necessary Officer in the majority
the English Stores suggest that the respective Ceremonies of
To Make, Pass, and Raise a Freemason must have had an order.
extremely simple, with very little work of nature
ceremonial.
In these modern times, as is well known, the duties
The Deacons are of utmost importance. Really, if
Any position in a store can be said to be of higher status.
117
the importance that another has, is surely that of the Deacon.
It has often been said that it is the Deacons who make or
I ruin the success of any of our Ceremonies.
There is much truth in this statement. Even when despite
the work of the Master is imperfect, hesitant, and
dismantled, a brilliant and correct work of the Deacons
will do much in the direction of removing an unfavorable
impression about the procedures as a whole. To
On the contrary, it is equally true that, no matter how impressive and
excellent that the Master's work can be, the total effect of the
The ceremony will inevitably be ruined when the Deacons
perform their respective duties in a manner
indolent, hesitant.
It should be remembered that Brother Deacon is under the focus of
attention practically from start to finish. He is the center of
the interest of all eyes, for the simple reason that it is
continuamente a cargo do Candidato; e o Candidato é o centro
of interest and attraction. Without efficiency from the Deacons
there is no exaggeration in saying that our solemn and beautiful Ceremonies
they may possibly not produce that desirable effect that
they must always produce in the heart and mind of a
Candidate at any level.
Every Deacon, Senior or Junior, must possess a complete
knowledge of the Ritual; to be efficient and reliable in
performance of his important duties he must be so
familiar with the Ritual of the Three Degrees as with the ritual itself
Master. The Deacon who is fortunate enough to be knowledgeable about
Ritual will know exactly what to do, how to do it, and when.
do. As a result, any strange gap to the
procedures should thus be avoided.
In many work systems, the Deacons receive
frequent prompts to his movements by the Master, a
a way of proceeding that can hardly be added
118
dignity to any solemn ceremony. In the work of
Emulation, the system we are concentrated on here, does not
has such interruptions that ruin the smooth progress of
Ceremony. Brother Deacon is expected to know his
work.
Assuming that the newly ordained Deacon, to whom these
words are written, acquired some familiarity with the
wording of the Ceremonies, he will probably wish
proceed to discover that the responsibilities
the duties of your position are such that they require a
comprehensive knowledge of the many details that are not
learned in a printed Ritual. Despite the Ritual
printed can be exact in the current phraseology of the Ceremonies,
space limitations prevent the inclusion of those.
essential guidelines without which the young Mason,
recently invested or to be invested with a Necklace of
Deacon is left in a confused state of uncertainty.
Next, general recommendations and instructions are provided.
as a guide to the newly appointed Deacons, but here
we encourage our young Brothers, that there is a place and
just a single place where they can acquire the
knowledge required to adapt them to the due
performance of the duties of their positions. This place,
Needless to say, it is a regularly Instruction Store.
constituted, presided over by a competent and reliable Preceptor.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DEACONS
1. — When giving Instructions
The instruction to Can for ini... with the p. left should be
whispered or spoken in a low voice. Likewise, the instructions
on how he should position his feet to achieve the three Ps.
irregularities when advancing to the V.M. foot in the First Degree.

119
Many other instructions should be said this way.
absolutely different.
2. — When encouraging
Without murmuring or grumbling. Speak audibly and clearly.
so that the indications can be heard by all the Brothers
and much will already be done to maintain the attention of the assembly
concentrated on the Ceremony.
3. — The Deacon's Rod
The Deacon must remember that his staff is the 'Insignia of
Cargo. He should not use it as a staff while wandering.
neither through the Store, nor as a crutch when you are
stopped. There will hardly be a more unworthy sight in Loja
than that of a Deacon clinging to his staff with both hands.
hands and hanging over it. Unfortunately, such
The spectacle is also very common. The rod must be secure.
slightly and naturally centered, the bottom should
to keep an inch or more off the floor while wandering around
Store, and land gently on the floor when stopping. The Deacon
you must keep your rod perpendicular. Above all,
should be kept in the right hand and the Deacon then not
may err. The only occasions when a Deacon
needs to transfer your rod to the left hand is during the
Jurs and Prs, when the m.d. may be occupied in another way.
With a little practice, all the Sns can be given without
that the rod be transferred to the m.e. It is not necessary for the
1st D. take your staff when bringing the Secretary's Minutes Book
for the V.M. ped for signing; nor for the 2ndD. to take its
be when changing the T.D.; for any of the
Deacons while attending to their duties
related to a scrutiny. In all the others
Deacons must carry their staffs at certain moments.

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 4. — General Behavior
Maintain a polite, diligent attitude throughout the
ceremony. The Deacons can control the attention of
Brothers through their ways. Stay alert. Not
allow your thoughts to wander or your will
lose your targets. Follow the work of V.M. and Vigs
sincerely.
5. — Rotational Movements with the Candidate
Muita indecisão é mostrada por Diáconos ao girar para fora
of the foot of V.M., and again in the N.W. corner of the Lodge. The
Deacons should always remember to turn in such a way that
interpose themselves between the Can and the foot of the V.M. The only
the exception to this rule is immediately after having been entrusted to
The O. of the P. and the P. of the P. that leads to a higher Degree.
6. — Candidate's Social Networks

Never allow a Can to do a Sn until he has given

first the P. Always instruct the Can in whisper to give the P. and if
it is necessary to stop a premature Sn with its m.e.
7. — Scrutineers
When there is a scrutiny to be done, the 2nd D. goes ahead with
the balls1of voting, the 1stD. following closely behind with the box.
The 2nd D will cast the first vote for the P.M.I., and then it will proceed.
descending through S., crossing O., climbing through N., and so on
returning to L., giving the last vote to V.M.2The 1stD
you must first submit the ballot box to the V.M. or to
1
The custom of the Emulation Ritual is to use for the examinations.
white balls and black cubes and a wooden box with a lid
articulated in the middle, so that one of the lid's joints provides access to
a small hole through which the vote is deposited and the voter cannot
to know whether white balls or black cubes have been deposited. The other one
half of the hinged lid allows for the verification of the
votes.
2
This is the method followed by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.
In many regular stores, the practice is for the 2nd D to give the first vote to the V.M.

121
P.M.I. for examination before proceeding to collect the votes. It should
be absolutely sure that the ballot box is
empty before collecting the votes.
8. — Opening and Closing the Store
It is the duty of the Second Deacon to take care of the changes of the T.D.3.
9. — Minutes
When the V.M. declares the Minutes confirmed, it is the duty of the
1stD to take the Minutes Book of the Secretary's table, to present-
the signatures, and return them to the Secretary.4Class 1D must
to prevent placing the Book of Minutes on the L.S.E.
Further on, more detailed instructions regarding the
the work of the Deacons is covered in the two chapters
subsequent.

3
During the Opening and Closing of the Store at any Level the 2ndD does not
must leave your seat before the 2nd V has given the . It is for
to regret that in many of the recognized Instruction Shops the 2ndD is
taught to take care of this duty immediately after the V.M. has given the
in the Openings, or the 1st V did it during the Closings, as
result, in the Closures, the 2ndD causes confusion when moving through
Store while the 2nd V is speaking. A dignified and orderly ceremony
it surely requires that the 2nd V is allowed to complete the portion of the
Ceremony without such interruption. The assertion that the mentioned custom
"saving time" borders on the ridiculous. The time "saved" cannot
to be more than two or three seconds — a poor excuse for the sacrifice
of decorum.
4
At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, this is not done, as the Minutes do not
are signed.
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 CHAPTER XVI
SECOND DEACON
The place of the Second Deacon is to the right of the First
Vigilante, your duties, as they are explained to you in the
swearing-in, we include assistance to the Candidates during the
Initiation Ceremony. A small reflection can show
that these few words in italics refer to what perhaps
can be described as the most important duty in all
set of Masonic Ceremonial, with the sole exception of the
duties of the Venerable Master.
The first impressions in Freemasonry, as in others
spheres of life are often indelible. It is the Second
Deacon who receives from the hands of the Internal Guard, the blind
desperate in search of Masonic light. Any suggestions
of bad work, of undue nervousness, or, what could still be
pior, de leviandade, exibida pelo Segundo Diácono neste solene
junction point can very well destroy forever, the
favorable impressions of the Candidate about the charity
Fraternity in which he is seeking admission. Firmness
gentle, combined with complete self-control and knowledge
appropriate, on the part of the Second Deacon, can do a lot
to cultivate in the Candidate's mind a love for Art that
it will never fade away with the passing of the years.
The Brother Second Deacon can certainly pay attention to those.
impressive words contained in the Second Section of
First Lecture in which it is told how the Candidate was
neither naked nor dressed, neither barefoot nor shod, but in
a touching stance of misery and hesitation
amicably taken by the right hand.
Friendly taken by the right hand. The Second
Deacon must remember that the words about which are
emphasized and respected, they are not an unimportant part
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 Chapter XVI – Second Deacon

from your duty, are to constitute yourself as a guide

friend for the novice under your care. One can be very
widely calm regarding the Second Deacon if
to remain in the Candidate's mind a beautiful and lasting
impression of the solemn ceremony of your entry into our Order.
Much can be done through the touch of the Second Deacon
to assist a Candidate even before the Ceremony of their
Initiation. During a brief and friendly conversation at
antessala o gelo pode ser quebrado, e algumas recomendações
fraternal relations can be made, of course, without revealing anything of what
must remain hidden. A very nervous Candidate tends
to ruin a Ceremony; some Candidates anticipate
they make jokes - even dangerous ones. The Brother
According to the Deacon, he can explain with great tact that the
The ceremony in which you will participate is of a serious and solemn nature and
that there is no reason to be afraid.
The attached guide with recommendations related to the
Initiation and subsequent Ceremonies must be carried out carefully.
studied by the Second Deacon.
INITIATION CEREMONY
1. — In this Degree, during the royal Ceremony, the seniority
one can say that the role of the Deacons is inverted; it is the Second
Deacon who is in control of the Candidate, the First
Deacon acts in the position of assistant when necessary.
2. — Having the V.M. given the determination for the admission of the
Can, the 2ndD takes his stick in his hand and heads to the door. He
You should kindly receive the Can, but your safety must be
firm; nothing is more appropriate to increase the confusion and the
nervousness of Can that can be controlled weakly and
hesitant. The best method to control a Can,
particularly in the early stages of the Ceremony of
Initiation, it is the Deacon's responsibility to ensure that his b.e. is in

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 Chapter XVI – Second Deacon
in front of the b.d. of Can. The 2ndD gently guides the Can to the
[Link].
3. — The Second Deacon must promptly respond to
first question from V.M. in a low and clear voice. If Can
demonstrate hesitation after the first determination of the V.M.
2nd D will warn that [Link]. is in front of him. The 2nd D transfers the
raise for m.e., lift it and place m.d. in the correct attitude to
a Candidate becomes a master's degree in this Degree. While the
The 2ndD should never let go of its hand except
during the Jur and the Pr.
4. — After the Pr and subsequent question, the 2ndD assists the Can to
get up and wait for the proclamation of the V.M. before starting the
perambulation. Frame each corner of the Store
carefully, whispering to the Can at the beginning of each
movement for c.c.o.p.e. At the stops next to the Guardians the
strikes given to your o...s must be given firmly,
but not heavily.
5. — After the wandering, the 2ndD puts the m.d. of Can in the
m.e. of 1ºV. Check that the Can is facing L. and takes
place in line to your left. The Deacon should never be
hidden behind the Can. The 2ndD must be alert to be
to take charge of Can again at the appropriate moment, and standing
focused on the L. while receiving the instructions from the 1st V.
No Sn is made when addressed by the 1st V.
6. — The 2nd D leads the Candiagonally (without framing)
up to the correct position for the three irregular Ps.
Approximately a yard from the V.M. foot is enough.
Give the instructions clearly, keeping it securely fastened,
in such a way that it practically compels him to obey. The 2ndD
You shouldn't use your rod here to touch the p...s of Can.
7. — Before starting the Jury, 2nd D transfers the rod to his
m.e., raise it, gives the P and does the Sn of Ap. The correct moment
to des...r the Sn is immediately after the Can there may have been repeated

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 Chapter XVI – Second Deacon

final words of the Jur. The 2ndD must remember that when the Can
it is questioned by V.M. whether he is willing to provide the S...e
Jur, your response should be voluntary; it should not be
quickly say "I am"1.
8. — The restoration of L...z is of extreme importance.
2ºD often delays or anticipates when performing certain tasks.
Duty; the due understanding between the V.M. and the 2ndD is essential,
if it is to achieve an effective impression. The 2ndD must
capture V.M.'s gaze to indicate that he is ready,
removing the vein at the exact moment of the final movement of
V.M. with the If the dog can keep its eyes directed
For L.S.E. there is no need for the 2nd D to touch his cab…a.
9. — After the V.M. has completed certain duties, the 2nd D
You should place the Can on the N side of the ped. It should also not.
neither be delayed nor be premature in removing the color...a.
the right moment to remove it is after the V.M. has said,
thereby fulfilling his duty." During the broadcast the 2ndD
should be ready to assist if necessary, but should not
interfere improperly.2The 2nd D should give the Sn when the
V.M. will do it. The 2ndD must be quick to respond to the third.
question of V.M. or Can can answer voluntarily
incorrectly. When the V.M. gives the Pal. the 2ndD repeats it to the
Can, which should repeat it afterward. Similar repetition by
2ºD and Can is done when the V.M. spells the Pal.
10. — After the transmission, the Store must be carefully
framed when the 2nd D drives the Can at the stops next to
to the Watchmen. The 2nd D must remember to give the P and do the Sn
1
If the Can hesitates, the Deacon should urge him to respond, however the Deacon
it should not say audible and immediately 'Answer'. The word is not
part of the Ritual and in any case such practice is contrary to the work
correct of Emulation.
2 At this point and at the similar point in the Second Degree, the Can must be
only under the direction of the V.M. The Deacon should not interfere in
less than absolutely necessary.
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 Chapter XVI – Second Deacon

before speaking to the 2ndV at this stop. Likewise, at the stop

together with the 1st V, Elenã must transfer the department to her m.e. to
give Mr. If the base of the rod is slightly inclined to
in front of you, if you allow the upper extremity to rest against the
right shoulder, the Sns of all grades can be given without
transfer the rod to the m.e. unloading the Sn before it
2nd V respond. Likewise, when stopping next to the 1st V..3During the
The exam for the 1st V or 2nd D should remember that the Canaan must give the
If directed to approach. Should guide you
whispering and guarding against him doing any Sn
premature, and if necessary placing his m.e. over the shoulder and.
can do.
11. — It is the duty of the 1st V to invest the Can with the insignia
distinctive of a Mason, however the 2ndD must be attentive to
assist him if necessary. Upon concluding the speech of the 1st V the 2nd D
should return the Can facing L and stand aligned with
your right. After the observations of the V.M. about the apron the
2ndD will await instructions to proceed. The 2ndD must have the
be careful not to forget to give the necessary instructions to
In the N.E. corner. The correct position in the N.E. corner is to be
aligned with the front of the V.M. foot
12. — In the N.E. corner, the 2nd Dn must not leave the Can alone.
while looking for the charity bag; if it is not there
próxima é suficiente para o 2ºD estender sua m.e. quando fizer
the first question to Can. The 2ndD must lower the bag of
charity (or your hand) after the Can there have communicated that
nothing has to give. The 2ndD must remember that the Can is
often confused when asked if he has 'any'
thing to give...". If Can does not respond, the 2nd D should proceed.
with the second question. The 2ndD must be directly from
3 When the Can communicates the T or S to the Watchers in this and in the Degrees
subsequently the Deacon should adjust it with his m.e. on the m.d. of the Can,
while holding your rod in the m.d.

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 Chapter XVI - Second Deacon

front for the ped of V.M., give the P and do the Sn before
to communicate that 'Our new Brother affirms...'.
13. — The 2ºD must be alert to take the Can forward.
the moment of V.M. at the right time for the explanation of the Inst…s
of Trab, etc.
14. — When the Can is released by the V.M., the 2nd D leads it
directly to the e. of 1st Vsem framing. The 2nd D instructs the
greet the V.M. as a M. Then Can withdraws with the 2ndD
accompanying him to the door.
15. — Upon the return of the Can to the Preleção, the 2ndD receives him at
he leads you to the e. of the 1st V, and orders you to greet the V.M. as
M. O Can should not be placed in the center of the Store unless
As expressly ordered by the V.M. The correct Position
The presentation for the Preleção is at 1 PM after the conclusion.
from the Lecture, the 2ndD leads the Can to a seat and returns to his own
Place to D. of 1st C. The cannon must be oriented to salute after
a Lecture.
Note: Except for a few moments when it is in
in front of the Can for certain questions in the N.E. corner of the Store
2ºD should never, under any circumstances, leave the Can
alone during the Ceremony.
PASSAGE CEREMONY
1. — The 2ndD must remember that it is once again in charge of
Candidate until the store opens in the Second Degree, i.e.
during your examination by the V.M., and until the T is transmitted
P e a P of P by V.M. After V.M. announced that 'The
Mr. A.B. is tonight a Can ...”, the 2ndD leads the Can to the
O. to e. of the 1st V, and remains standing with him, both facing

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 Chapter XVI - Second Deacon

for L.4 The 2ndD must be ready for the exam, if

necessary.
2. — After completing the Exam, the 2ndD leads the Can to the N side.
Do feet of V.M. sem framework. The 2ndD repeats the P of P after the
V.M., and the dog repeats it after the 2nd D.
3. — After the T of P and the P of P are entrusted, the 2ndD leads
Go directly to O. to and at the 1st Vsem fit. The Can is
instructed to greet the V.M. as M. E then withdraws
with the 2ndD accompanying him to the door.
(Then the Store is Opened or Reverted to the Second Degree.)
The store is open in the Second Grade, class 2D.
immediately returns to assist your Brother 1stD. There is little to
the 2ndD to do during the Passage Ceremony, but its
duties must be carried out with the same scrupulousness
careful that the previous level. The Brother 2ndD must satisfy
with careful attention to the following recommendations:
4. — Before Can's admission, the 2nd D must place the [Link].
in the correct position and head towards the door with 1st D. After the
1ºD having instructed the Can on the method of moving forward, the 2ºD
you must be careful to observe if the [Link]. is in position
correct for the Can to use it without having to advance. If not
if the 2ndD should adjust it. The 2ndD takes its position at e. of
Can.
5. — During the Pr. the 2nd D transfers the rod to the m.e., raises
and makes the Sn of R. After the Pr., the 2ndD must withdraw the [Link]. to
allow the 1st D to start the walking with the Can. Then he
place the [Link]. in position before the ped of the 1stV and return to its
place.

4 At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, the 2nd D places the Can in position.
before the announcement of the V.M., but the method indicated above is the practice followed
through most regular Emulation Stores.
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 Chapter XVI – Second Deacon

6. — For the Jur, the 2ndD should reach the V.M. pad.
simultaneously with the 1stD and the Can. He must check if the
b.e. does Can is correctly placed in the â....o of E., and that the
an…e br…o of Can is for…o an E, pointing upwards
And above your O.E. The 2nd D must hold the E with its M.D.
transferring your baton to the m.e. Here, it is impossible for the
2ºD make the Sn of F, but he must remember to be in order.
taking the Step. After the Jur, the 2ndD removes the E, and lowers the b.e.
The 2ndD returns to its place without framing.
7. — Upon the return of Can to the Store for the Explanation of the T.D., the
2nd D does not go with 1st D to the door. 2nd D must wait until
that the 1stD leads the Can to the foot of the T.D., and passes his rod to
V.M. to use when pointing to the emblems.
ELEVATION CEREMONY
1. — During this Ceremony, the 2ndD is once again in
position of assistant to your senior colleague. Immediately after
the Opening or Reversion of the Store to the Third Degree, the 2ndD
help the 1st D to extend to Sep...a5and turn off the L...z.6When
the V.M. determines that the Can can be admitted to the 2ndD must take care
like in the Second Degree.
2. — During the Pr. the 2ndD transfers its stick to its m.e.
raise it, and make the Rev. Sn. After the Pr. the 2nd D removes the [Link].
When the 1st D had already started the wandering with the Can, the 2nd D
reposition the [Link]. before the ped of the 1st V and continue with the 1st D
and the Can. During the walk in this Degree, the 2ndD must

5
The Deacons must remember that the Sep... must be open. The Sep...
nunca deverá estar cobertadurante qualquer parte da Cerimônia.
6
For being the Emulation Lodge of Improvement truly a Lodge of Instruction
a L..z is never erased. So this indicates that the Emulation Committee
You can download the exact rule of at what point this should be done. The opinions
they vary, but the method indicated above is the practice followed by most of the
Regular stores in Emulation.
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 Chapter XVI - Second Deacon

I will remain immediately behind the Can, framing

carefully to the store in every corner.
3. — After the second walk, the 2ndD must align-
to the left of the Can in the O. After the proclamation of the V.M., the
2ºD again resumes its position behind Can for third place.
perambulation.
4. — After the third wandering, during the
presentation of the Can by 1st V, the 2nd D takes place in line with
or Can e is the 1ºD, staying to the left of his senior Officer.
5. — The 2ndD again follows behind the Can when the 1stD the
leads to the position where the method of advancing is demonstrated
for the L. The 2nd D takes place to the left of the Can while the 1st D
demonstrates the method. The 2nd D should arrive at the V.M. pedestrian.
simultaneously with the Can and the 1stD.
6. — During the Jury, the 2nd D transfers the case to the m.e., raises-
and makes the Sn P of a M.M. The right moment to
Downloading the Sn is when the Can repeats the final words of
I forgot to recover.
7. — When Can has already been assisted by V.M. the 2ndD should
recuar com o Can e o 1ºD até o pé da Sep….a.
8. — After the exhortation, when the V.M. calls the
Vigilantes to assist him, the 2nd D must wait until the 1st V
arrive immediately behind him. Then, move aside.
and returns to his place on the right of the foot of the 1st Vsem without framing.

131
132
 CHAPTER XVII
FIRST DEACON
The place of the first deacon is to the right or close to the
Unless expressly
to the right of the Venerable Master.
ordered by the Master in another way, he must take care to
do not interpose between the Chair and any Officers of the Grand
Store that may be present, those distinct Brothers
they have the prescriptive right to occupy the seats
immediately to the right of the Master.
The Jewel of the Office of the First Deacon is exactly the same
that of your junior colleague, a Dove carrying a Branch
de Oliveira, although it can be mentioned here, that the
the emblem of both was originally the Greek god Hermes,
herald and messenger of the gods, represented with wings in
hat and ankles, carrying a Caduceus adorned with wings
to symbolize Speed, and intertwined with a pair of
serpents representing Intelligence and Health.
An ancient Lodge of which the author is still a Past Master.
retain the winged messenger as the Jewel of the First Deacon.
Many antique shops have similar jewels, but such figures,
If lost or destroyed, they should not be replaced by a
replica. In these cases, the authorities stipulate that the new jewel
It must be the familiar Dove with an Olive Branch now.
Assuming that the newly appointed 1stD has gone through the
initial charges of G.I. and 2ndD, obtaining a well-deserved
promotion for your diligence in fulfilling obligations
belonging to those important positions, it is to be assumed that
now he has gained some confidence in his own
skill and knowledge, and that he is justified in looking
forward to the next promotion which will seek to have the pride of
occupy the position of Vigilante in the South. However, the year that should
to run, it is of considerable responsibility and work for
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 Chapter XVII - First Deacon

he, if your Store is one of those where the Ceremonies of

Passage and Elevation are conducted during the term of
Current master.
It is true that the immediate care of 1stD is not entrusted to them.
Candidate during the solemn and imposing Ceremony of
Initiation, however, the two subsequent Ceremonies are not
of lesser importance. The second stage, brief when
compared to the others, it is of great interest; despite
it can rarely be said that there is any Ceremony
Masonic beauty and inspiration more sublime than that of
Elevation.
During each of these Ceremonies, it is Brother 1stD who is
personally responsible for the conduct of the Candidate, and they
will depend greatly on the way he fills out his
important function.
The final stage will first be divided, and with detailed
properly formatted instructions for the guide of the 1stD newly-
invested.
ELEVATION CEREMONY
1. — The 1stD must remember that it is the Candidate's responsibility,
from the beginning, i.e., before the Store was open on the Third
Gray. After the announcement by V.M. that 'Brother A.B. is this
night a Candidate to be...", the 1stD leads the Can to the O., to the e.
from 1ºV, and remains standing with it both facing L.1
The 1stD must be ready to assist the Can if necessary.
2. — Upon completing the Exam, the 1stD leads the Can to the
lado N do ped do [Link] enquadrar. O 1ºD repete a P de P
after the V.M., and the Can repeats it after the 1st D.

1
At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, the 1st Degree places the Candidate in position.
[Link] anúncio do V.M., porém o método indicado acima é a prática
followed by the vast majority of regular Stores that work in
Emulation.
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 Chapter XVII - First Deacon

3. — After the Transmission, the 1stD drives the Can directly.

to O. at e. of the 1stVsem frame. The Can is instructed to greet the
V.M. as a Comp, first as an Ap. Then he withdraws and
the 1st D accompanies him to the door.

(Then the Store is Opened or Reverted to the Third Degree.)

Assisted by his junior colleague, the 1stD now attends to certain
preparation matters; he must extend to Sep...a2and verify
that the L…s be erased.
4. — Having the V.M. given instructions for the admission of the Can,
the 1stD takes its stick in its m.d. and continues without framing
to the door, where he will join the 2ndD after the latter
The official has been occupied with [Link]. The 1st D should take precautions.
in ensuring that this duty is not forgotten. The 1stD leads
At a convenient distance from [Link]., and orders that
advance as a Comp, first as an Ap.3The 1stD must
check that the Can gives the P before doing the Sn in each case.
5. - Before the Pr 1stD, one must ensure that the m.d. of the Can
be in the correct attitude of the Sn of Rev. The 1st D then transfers the
stand for your m.e., raise it, and place the m.d. in the correct position.
6. — After the 1stD helps the Can to get up and starts the
first perambulation, carefully framing the Lodge
in every corner. Assuming that the [Link]. is small
sufficient to be conveniently manipulated by a
Official, it should be removed to a position before the ped of
1st V by the 2nd D after the 1st D has started the wandering
with Can, but the 1stD should remember to start the
very slowly wandering, thus giving time to the 2nd D

2
The Sep... should not be covered.
3
The First Deacon must note that there are only two occasions when the Can
upon entering the Store, you are instructed to proceed instead of greeting i.e. when the
Can enter the Store to advance from the 1st to the 2nd Grade, or from e to the
3rd degree.
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 Chapter XVII – First Deacon
to reposition [Link]. and to get along with him without there being
press. We often see the 2ndD doing something like that
of the nature of a race, to reach your Senior Officer and the
Can. This view is unworthy and absolutely unnecessary. To
make the three wanderings with the Can the 1stD must in all
moments to remember that the 2ndD must be following
immediately behind the Can. The 1stD must be particularly
careful when making the movements to go around the corners of the
Store; the movements should be made slowly, allowing
thus the 2nd D remains in the correct position without difficulty. The 1st D
must be careful when inducing the Can to a stop in front of
foot of the V.M. before instructing him to greet the V.M. as a M.4
The dog must turn its head or body towards the V.M.
when making the greeting. Similar instructions apply
when the Can greets the V.M. or the Watchers in a stage
posterior. The 1st D must again induce the Can to a stop.
together with the 2ºV before instructing him on how to proceed. The 1ºD
should not give the Sns with the Can at the stops next to the
Vigilantes. After the examination by the 2nd V, the 1st D must be reassessed.
careful in inducing the Can to a stop near the 1stV pedestrian crossing
before instructing him to greet.
7. — The second perambulation follows immediately after
the first, Can again being induced to a stop
together with the V.M. and 2ºV to greet them as Comp. He is then
focused on how to progress to the 1stV for the exam. Afterwards
from this exam the Can is placed in the O. to the e. of the 1st V, facing
the L, to wait for the proclamation of the V.M. Then follows the
third and final walk.
4
It is essential to stop and give the P before doing any Masonic Sn. The Sn is
During the communication of the Ss in each Degree is
one of the Ss of the Degree.
emphasized to Can by V.M. that "it is in this position that the Ss of the Degree are
"communications". The mentioned position can only be achieved by giving the P.
Any instruction to greet 'in passing' is therefore directly
opposite to the Ritual.

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8. — During the third walk the Can greets again

the V.M. and the 2nd V as Comp, moving forward later to the
1st V to communicate the T. of P. and the P. of P. Following this
Check the 1st D again, place the Can in the O at the e of the 1st V, and
put the m.d. of Can in the m.e. of 1stV. The 1stD should verify
that Can should be turned towards L and will stand aligned with it
left. The 1stD must be alert to take charge of the Can
again at the right moment, and be focused on the L
while receiving instructions from the 1st V. No Sn
it should be given to the 1stV when receiving the
instructions.
9. — After the instructions had been given by the 1st Vicar, the 1st D
bring the Can to the appropriate position in the N to demonstrate
the method of advancing towards L. The 1ºD should stay in
in front of the Can to address him.5 The method is then
demonstrated. The initial position of the 1st D is with the p.e. pointing
for the L. and p.d. for the S. Starts with the p.e. and ends with
four distinct Ps.
10. — The 1stD must remember that when the V.M. asks the
Can before the Judge if he is "prepared to face them..." he
must respond voluntarily. Before the start of the Jur
1st D transfers the stick to his m.e., raises it, gives the P, and performs the Sn P
of a M.M. The right moment to unload the Sn is
immediately after the Can repeat the final words. Without
forget to recover.
11. — When the Can has already been assisted by the V.M.
1st D will retreat with the Can and the 2nd D until the foot of C…a.

5
According to the practice in Emulation, the correct position for 1st D
when heading to the Can at this point it is on the S side of the Sep...a. There,
however, some Store Rooms are so large that this practice would seem
inelegant. Here, as in other cases, the Deacons will be prudent in
use common sense and adapt to existing conditions.
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12. — When the V.M. calls the Watchers to assist him

after the Exhortation, the 1stD will wait until the 2ndV arrives
immediately behind him, then he will take a step to the side and
will return to its place without fitting in.
13. — After the Lecture, the 1st Dan must leave his place for
to take a position alongside the Can during the explanation of the
first three Sns. The 1st D must remain seated until the
V.M. informs Can that "you are now free to you
remove..." The 1stD then leads the Can directly without
will frame the left of the 1st V and instruct him on how to greet the V.M.
in the three Degrees. The 1st D must remember that at this point the Can
just do the Sn P of the Third Degree. The Can then withdraws with
the 1stD that accompanies you to the door.6Certain subjects of
preparation is now being carried out by 1stD and his colleague, and the
L...z is restored.7
14. — When Can is readmitted, the 1st D finds him at the door and
or leads to the left of the 1st V, instructing him to salute the V.M. at the
three degrees. Full SNS at this moment, the 1stD now places
a M.D. from Can to M.E. from 1st V for presentation to V.M.
Make sure that the Can is facing the L, and align it.
with him on your left. It is the duty of the 1st V to invest the Can with the
distinctive insignia of a M.M., but the 1stD must be attentive
to assist you if necessary.

6
The Can should always be allowed to leave the Store at this stage to restore.
Your c. p. The negligent custom of completing the ceremony without allowing to
What can be withdrawn (under the pretext of 'saving time') is opposite to all
what are faithful to obedience and ceremonial dignity.
7
The right moment to restore the L...z is after Can has left the Store.
to restore your c.p. Certain words spoken by the V.M. during the Lecture
regarding 'that bright Morning Star' do not have any
relationship that has to do with L...z. The undesirable practice of manipulating the key
electricity at this point is obviously a modern innovation, given that it never
such a method could have been followed in the days before the introduction of light
electrical.
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 Chapter XVII - First Deacon

15. — After the investiture and subsequent speech, the 1st D takes
or Diagonally (without framing) to a position between
twelve and eighteen inches of the foot of the V.M. During the His…a
The cannon should be moved back and forth like
oriented in some printed rituals. Such practice is contrary
to the teaching of Emulation.
16. — The 1stD must remember that the Cannon must take the Step
when the V.M. announces that 'one of the Brothers, looking around,
observed..." The 1st D should whisper to Can to copy the
Master when the Sns of H. and S. are made. Shortly after,
when V.M. stands up to demonstrate the five Sns, the 1st D
will instruct Can to give the P. Can copies the V.M. in each Sn,
but does not repeat the words used by the V.M. when making the
Sns of Jú...o and Al...a, and Af...o and An...a.
17. — After the explanation of the Work Tools, the
1stD will take the Can directly to its place in Store and
will return to its own place. The cannon must be
conducted to the O. in order to greet the V.M. at the end of the
Ceremony.
PASSAGE CEREMONY
1. — During the Exam and the Transmission, before the Ceremony
In Passagem, it is the 2ndD who is in charge of the Can. The 1stD is not.
has this duty until the Store is open in the Second Degree
and the V.M. orders the admission of Can. The 1st D then takes its
will be in your m.d. to fit directs to the door, in what will be
accompanied by the 2ndD after the latter Officer has
placed [Link]. The 1st D must take care to verify that
this duty has not been forgotten. The 1st D leads the Can to a
convenient distance from [Link]. and instructs him to advance as a
M. O 1stD must ensure that the Can gives the P before doing
Mr.

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 Chapter XVII – First Deacon
2. — Before the Pr 1stD will check that the m.d. of the Can is in the
correct attitude of Sn de Rev. The 1stD transfers its staff to the
I.e., lift it up, and place the right attitude on the d.
3. — After the Pr, the 1stD helps the Can to get up and starts the
first perambulation, framing each corner of the Lodge. He
will lead Can to a stop at the V.M. before instructing him
to greet the V.M. as M. The Can will have to be again
induced to a stop at the 2nd floor before instructing him to
advance. The 1st D does not do the Sns with Can near the places
two guardians.
4. — After the first walk, the 1stD will place the Can on
O to the 1stV and will await the proclamation of the V.M.
5. — On the second stroll, the Can is stopped at the peds of
V.M. is from the 2nd V to greet them as an M., later
advancing to the 1stV to communicate with the P of P and the T of P.
6. — After this exam, the 1stD leads the Can to the e. of the 1stV and
place the m.d. of Can in the m.e. of 1stV. You should verify that the
It can be turned towards the L and align with it to your left.
You must be alert to take the Can back on your shoulders again.
appropriate moment and stay focused on the L. while receiving
the instructions of the 1st V. No Sn is given upon receiving the
instructions of the 1st V.
7. — After receiving the instructions from the 1st V, the 1st D leads the Can
to the appropriate position in N to demonstrate the method of
advance to L. Class 1D will be in front of the Can to
to direct him. The method is then demonstrated. The position
the initial of 1ºD is with the p.d. pointing to O and the p.e.
pointing to the S. Starts with the p.e.
8. — Before the start of the Jury, the 1st D transfers the case to the
m.e., elevate it, give the P., and make the Sn of Comp. The correct moment
to download the Sn is when the Can completes the Jur. The Can
must respond voluntarily when asked by the V.M.
do you want to lend it...
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9. — After the V.M. helped the Can to raise the 1stD

will place Can to the right of V.M.'s foot. During the
Transmission the 1st D must be attentive to assist if
necessary, but should not interfere unduly. The 1st D does not
give the Sns as demonstrated by the V.M. The 1stD should be
quick to promptly answer the third question of V.M.
or you can respond voluntarily and incorrectly.
Quando o V.M. der a P o 1ºD repete-a para o Can, que deve
repeat it after him. Similar repetition occurs when the V.M.
spell out a P.
10. — After the Transmission, the 1stD leads the Can next to the 2ndV
for examination, being careful in framing the Store. The 1st D
must give the P and make the Sn before heading to the 2ndV
downloading the Sn before the 2ndV responds.
11. — The 1stD leads the Can to the 1stV for a further examination.
long. At this point, the 1stD should remember that the Cannãodê the
Comp's Sns when instructed to advance. After this exam the
1stD conducts the Can to the e. of 1stV and places the m.d. of the Can on the m.e.
the 1ºV for the presentation. The 1ºD will be aligned to the left
I can.
12. — It is the duty of the 1stV to invest the Can with the insignia.
distinctive of a C.F.M., however the 1st D will be attentive to
assist him if necessary. When the 1st V concludes its
Notes: the 1st D will have the Can facing directly towards the L.
aligning it to your right. After the speech of the V.M. about
The insignia, the 1stD will await instructions to lead the Can
at the S.E. corner of the store. He must be careful to remember the
instructions for the Can at this point. The store must be
framed when the Can is led to the S.E. corner A
The correct position in the SE corner is exactly aligned with the foot.
doV.M.

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13. — The 1st D will be on alert to guide the Can to the

appropriate position next to the V.M. foot at the right moment
for the explanation of the Work Tools.
14. — When the Can is released by the V.M., the 1stD it
conduzirá, sem enquadrar, para o O, à e. do 1ºV, e o instruirá
how to greet like a Comp, first as an Ap. The Can
then he leaves, with the 1stD accompanying him to the door.
15. — Upon returning from Can, the 1st D finds him at the door and the
leads to e. of the 1st V, instructing him to greet as Comp, first.
As Ap. The 1stD now leads the Can to the foot of the T.D., which will be
no floor in the center of the Store. After the Speech about the T.D. the 1st D
drives the Can to a seat and returns to his seat. The
Cannonirá for the O. to greet after the Explanation of the T.D.

INITIATION CEREMONY
The 1stD is now in the position of assistant to your Brother.
Junior, the 2ndD. Before Can's admission, the 1stD will verify that
o [Link]. should be in position. The 1st D does not fit the store to
leave your post to the right of the V.M. to take care of the [Link].
Having taken care of his duty, he joins the 2ndD at the door to
receive the Can.
2. — During the Pr 1ºD, he will transfer his rod to the m.e.
raise it, and make the Sn of Rev. Immediately after the 2ndD has
Can the 1stD remove the [Link] to the
side e, will be aligned with the 2ndD and Can during the
proclamation of the V.M. [Link]. will be placed back in its place
behind the foot of the 1st D as soon as the 2nd D has started to wander
the Store with the Can. The 1stD must then take the pu...al of the ped
go to 1ºV (where the G.I. must have placed it), proceed to L,
put the pu...al on the V.M. ped, and return to your seat. It is
must do the 1st D and not the G.I. take the pu...al to the V.M.
3. — When the 2ndD leads the Can to L by the three steps
irregular, the 1st D should arrive there simultaneously.

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4. — Before the jury, the 1stD will assist the Can by raising its m.e.
when V.M. makes the reference to C...o. Likewise, he
will lower the m.e. of Can when the C...o has been removed in
end of the Jur. During the Jur, the 1st D will transfer the baton to its
i.e., raise it, give the P, and make the Sn P of an Ap. The moment
The correct way to download the Sn is when the Can completes the Jur.
After the V.M. has assisted the Can, the 1stD returns to its seat.

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144
 CHAPTER XVIII
DIRECTOR OF CEREMONIES
Such as in the case of the Chaplain, Almoner, and certain others
Lodge Officers, this is how it is with the Brother Director of Ceremonies;
he is not, according to the Constitutions, a regular Officer,
but one of the permitted officers that can be appointed
according to the wish of the Venerable Master.
Assuming that in the vast majority of Stores, such
naming is always done when a competent Brother is
available, ready and willing to take responsibility for the
important duties related to the position; in this sense it can
it can really be said that a Master of Ceremonies perfectly
efficient is an advantage and a blessing for the Master, and without
no doubt for the Store as a whole.
There are a few (fortunately only very few)
Brothers who always seem ready to belittle the Director
of Ceremonies, Brothers who are used to adopting
preferably a superb attitude of critical superiority
regarding the Ceremony Directors. Possibly, the
The reason for this peculiar attitude is based on the fact that in
Emulation Lodge of Improvement does not have a Director of
Ceremonies. The reason for the absence of a D.C. in the Emulation
Lodge of Improvement is simple to understand. A
Emulation declares to work the Ceremonies exactly as
were established by the Lodge of Reconciliation in 1816 and
has not allowed changes or innovations over the passage of
years; and in 1816 there was no Official such as a Director of
Ceremonies in a private store.
The first Great Director of Ceremonies was Brother Sir
George Naylor (Garter-King-at-Arms), appointed in 1814,
immediately after the Union, and presided over the position until 1831. In
1832 was succeeded by Ir. Sir William Woods, (Garter-King-at-
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 Capítulo XVIII – Diretor de Cerimônias
Arms), which officiated until 1840. From 1841 to 1859 the position was
presided over by Brother Richard Jennings, followed by Brother Sir Albert
Woods, G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G. (Garter-King-at-Arms) of
1860 to 1904. Mr. Frank Richardson took over in 1904 and
served until 1912. That year was succeeded by Brother J. S.
Granville Grenfell, who presided over the position until 1926. The Mr.
Grenfell was succeeded by the current office holder, Lieutenant Ir.
Colonel E. R. I. Nicholl.
Before 1915, the Grand Director of Ceremonies had his
position below the Assistant of the Great Superintendent of
Work, and in private shops, the position of D.C. in the table of
precedence was immediately after the Second Deacon. In
Quarterly Statement of the Grand Lodge, organized on 3rd of
March 1915 a message sent by M.V. Grão-
Master, where he declared that he had the pleasure of recommending
that the holder of the position of Great Director of Ceremonies
should have put it in precedence immediately after the Past
Presidents of the Board of Benevolence, being designated the
treatment of 'Very Worshipful'. In the Quarterly Communication
from the Grand Lodge following, organized on June 2, 1915, the
Mr. Alfred Robbins, President of the Board of General
Purposes mobilized the necessary decision to request the
amendments to the Book of Constitutions, these amendments that make the
provision of the Director of Ceremonies in a private Store with the
position immediately after the Secretary.
In private stores, as stated, there was none.
Official just like a D.C. in 1816, and the position was not
introduced only a few years later. Thus, the Position
nonexistent in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, and during the
Installation Ceremony of the duties usually left to
D.C. tasks are performed by the Master Installer. Na
Lodge of Improvement, of course, the Installation Ceremony is
always led by an excellent Past Master, someone who is
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um profundo conhecedor da prática de Emulação e que sabe

exactly what to do; consequently the Ceremony
it runs smoothly and without setbacks.
If the same conditions will prevail in a private store
that adopts a similar practice, is a question that opens a
considerable doubt. In a few regular stores that
insist on proceeding enslaved to the exact method of
Emulation Lodge of Improvement, and they work on the Ceremony of
Installation without a D.C., the present writer has for more than
once witnessed an indignity confusion and uncertainty, which
undoubtedly would have been avoided by the presence of a
competent Master of Ceremonies.
Like the other Officers of the Lodge, the Director of
Ceremonies operate under the direct authority of the Master; however,
the great nature of your position requires that you be allowed,
at large, establish their own methods of
procedure for discharging its responsibilities. The
D.C. can be considered as the Master's assistant and, as
such, he is necessarily invested with considerable
authority; however, he must keep in mind that every position in
Loja is an annual appointment, and except for the Treasurer
And of the Cobridor, the Master is free to appoint anyone who
wish. In any case, it is to be presumed that an efficient
The ceremony director will be renamed year after year, and that he
will gradually become what can be considered a
of permanent officers. Indeed, the Lodge is fortunate that,
in your Master of Ceremonies, found the "right man to
the right place.
The desirable qualifications for the Director of Ceremonies are
many and varied. It is essential that the Brother Director of
Ceremonies be excellent in the Ritual of all Ceremonies; it
must be a master in matters such as Masonic Etiquette and
Jurisprudence; must be a great connoisseur of the content of
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Book of Constitutions. It is conveniently prudent,

also, that he has a commanding presence, combined with
kindness and courtesy in manners, because he, more than
any other Officer of the Lodge may need to exercise the 'hand
"firm" hidden beneath the softness of the velvet gloves.
An efficient Master of Ceremonies must undoubtedly be
Past Master, for your services (and possibly your
indications) will be necessary during the esoteric portions of
Installation Ceremony. It should also be remembered that
There will be occasions when this important Officer should speak.
with a voice of authority; that authority which necessarily
it will be reduced if he is not a Past Master in the Craft.
The above is, however, only part of the
required qualifications for an efficient Director of
Ceremonies; the Brother who possesses them will undoubtedly win.
respect and consideration, and consequently the prompt
obedience, of its young Brothers.
It should be kept in mind that no one can download rules
severe and permanent in relation to the Ceremony Director and
his methods of getting rid of the duties of his position;
it must be very dependent on the customs of the store; and very,
As already suggested, it should be left to your care.
individual. He who is favored as Director of
Ceremonies may be looked down upon by others; however
no one will have the right to condemn the methods of another as
being wrong.
The newly appointed Director of Ceremonies can only
aspire to achieve a certain level of confidence in your efficiency
by their older Brothers in the school of practical experience,
but we hope that he finds assistance from the guidance
below that are offered by this guide.

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GENERAL GUIDELINES TO D.C.

1. - Before the Store is Opened.
D.C. will take as a principle to arrive early to all the
Store meetings; at least a quarter of an hour before the
time established in the Call. No matter how skilled the
It may be a covering, it may make some mistake in the arrangement.
from the Store. The D.C. should verify for himself that everything
be in order. If there is a Ceremony to be worked on the
D.C. will verify that C or E are already on the pedestal of V.M.
He should check that the G.I. implements are in
your places; that the columns are correctly allocated,
etc., etc.
In the antechamber, the Covering Lord will likely check if the
Brothers signed the Attendance Book, but the D.C. will have to give
a view of eyes in this.
The D.C. must verify if all the Officers are present.
If there are absences, he will likely be able to
suggest to the Master efficient substitutes.
Promptly, if the Master and his Officials are ready,
the D.C. should ensure that the Brothers who do not occupy
Cargo enters the Store.
Masonic Suits, Vestments, Jewelry, etc.
It is the duty of the D.C. to ensure that all Brothers are
properly dressed. White gloves will be used.
with a weak and the apron used under the jacket. With tuxedo or
A smock or apron is worn over the jacket. White gloves must be.
can be used on all occasions, but some stores do not
they insist on using them always. In Craft Stores no jewelry
it is allowed except for those related to Craft or Freemasonry
of Arco Real.
3. — Entrance processions in the Lodge*

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The usual procedure for the procession in the Lodges of London

it's the following: —

D.C.
2ndD. 1stD.
2nd V. 1st V.
V.M.
Former Grand Officers
Grand Officers
Juniors Leading
A.D.C.
If other Brothers take part in the procession, it must be
remembered that in the Shops of London an Official Brother of
London is superior to a Provincial or District Officer.
In Provinces and Districts, the position is reversed.
Long processions are formed sometimes, more
particularly in Provincial Lodges. It is not uncommon in a Lodge
Provincial, all the brothers take part in the entrance procession.
Nestes casos a seguinte ordem é frequentemente adotada: Membros da
Store without Position (First Juniors), followed by:
Visiting Brothers (Junior First)
Coverer G.I.
Steward Steward
2nd D. 1stD.
A.D.C. D.C.
Assist. Sec. Beggar
Secretary Treasurer
Chaplain P.M.I.
1st V. 2nd V.
V.M.
Junior Leading Senior Officers
Such processions, however, are rarely seen in the area.
Metropolitan. Although few fixed rules may be established,
being very dependent on the Store or local customs, still
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 Chapter XVIII - Master of Ceremonies

it can surely be said that in all entrance processions the rule

will be juniors first, with certain exceptions where a Brother by virtue
In their particular position, they take a certain position in the procession.
D.C. leads the procession and at the entrance of the Store gives the
Stand up, Brothers, to receive the Venerable Master and
your Watchmen.1
Marching slowly to the NE part. The rows open up.
and the Deacons raise their staffs to form an arch under the
what is the V.M. passes and is led by the hand to his seat by the
D.C. The ranks close and proceed, the Grand Officers
they leave the procession to take their seats. The Deacons
again raise the rods next to the pedestal of the 2nd V, and he
he passes by them and is led by the hand to his seat by the D.C.
Likewise next to the pedestal of the 1st V. At this point, the 2nd D leaves.
the procession to take its place to the right of the 1st V. The D.C.
continues along the N with the 1stD, the A.D.C. following behind. If the
Treasurer, Secretary, etc., take part in the procession.
costume for them to leave her to have their
respective places as soon as the procession moves after the
Master was led to his seat by the D.C. The D.C. and
The A.D.C. are the last to take their places.2
There are some experienced Masters of Ceremonies, more
particularly in the Provinces, which disagree with the
recommendation given here that at the processional entrance the V.M.
and their Guardians must come before the Great Officers,
1
In no procession will any Brother be allowed to be among the
Master and his Watchers.
2
No specific position in the Store is allocated for the D.C. or the A.D.C.
in the Constitutions, it cannot be argued that any custom
particular is so little right or wrong. Because of convenience it seems-
we that the senior officer, of any level, must be sitting in some
place in the neighborhoods of the Master. It is also convenient that the D.C. and the
A.D.C. continues to occupy adjacent places, so that the D.C. can give to the
your Assistant, instructions during the night.
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 Chapter XVIII - Master of Ceremonies

arguing that, as the rule for the entrance processions

juniors first, then V.M., being the senior of all the
other Brothers in their own Store, must be behind
Great Officers. There is reason in the argument, theoretically
it may be correct; however, the theory can sometimes be
subordinate with advantage to convenience and circumstances.
In a private store there are obvious objections for large
Oficiais tenham precedência sobre o V.M. No evento de uma
enormous procession thus organized, the V.M., of course, passes
through the avenue formed by the Great Officers, and, when
he takes his place, the Grand Officers at the end of the procession
they enter and head to their positions to the right of the chair of
Master. The Watchmen are thus left abandoned
somewhere in the West, perhaps for a considerable period of
time, and the D.C. should try to bring one or both or call them
forward.
Although the present writer does not presume at any moment
suggest that those who differ from your opinion are wrong,
nevertheless, based on a clear, long, and varied experience,
believes that the procedure advocated prevents confusion, and
results in a smoother and more dignified entry than the practice
opposite.
4. — Accommodation of the Officers of the Grand Lodge
The Grand Officers will be seated to the right of the Master.
in their order of seniority. The D.C. will memorize the table of
precedence as defined in the Book of Constitutions. He
should also be skilled in counting the Insignias of the Greats
Officers at a glance.
A Grand Officer currently has precedence over a Past
Great Officer of the same level; however, no Great Officer.
current prevails over a Past Grand Officer of level
greater.

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5. — General Accommodation
The places to the left of the Secretary's table and the pedestal of the 2nd V,
sometimes they are occupied by [Link]. This will not be
allowed if higher level Brothers or whose are present
arrival is expected later.
6. —Entrance of Officers of the Grand Lodge after the opening of
Shop
D.C. will receive the distinguished visitor at the door, giving the order,
"To Order, Brothers," and then the Brothers stand up in their
places.3The D.C. leads the Grand Officer to a seat at
to the right of the V.M. and then gives the order, "Sit down, Brothers."
Although in his own Store the Master is supreme, it is
a courtesy act for him to stand up and offer his hand to
greet the illustrious visitor.
7. — Reception of other Visitors after the Store Opening
The D.C. or A.D.C. will verify that the visiting Brethren are
comfortably accommodated according to your level. A
Brother with London level or Provincial or District level
you will have to search around for a place and perhaps stay
squeezed somewhere else in the back line.
8. — Delays in Arrivals in General
When the Store is getting crowded, the D.C. should be
alert to notice where there are vacant places. It is embarrassing for
a visiting brother arriving late — and possibly
during an important ceremony — unable to find
a seat. Whatever the Masonic level of the visitor
D.C. will be on alert to help you find a place.

3
In many Stores, it is customary for the Deacons to organize themselves.
next to the door upon the arrival of an esteemed visitor. They then
they accompany the visiting Brother to L., the 2ndD to the right and his colleague to
left. In any case, such a custom is rare in Metropolitan Stores.
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9. — Visitors of Foreign Constitutions

There is always the possibility of a Brother arriving like a
visitor of a Store under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge
foreign, and doubts may arise such as whether it can be
admitted. Immense care is essential! No Brother
can be admitted, unless they are a member of a Lodge
that works under a Grand Lodge recognized by the Grand
United Shop of England.
10. — Greetings to the Grand Officers
Such greetings are best given in the highest degree in which the
Shop is open. If at the Third Degree, then the G. or R. Sn.
It is a common mistake to greet with G. or R. Sn. in the First or
High School. This is absolutely incorrect.
The correct greetings to the Grand Officers in the Lodge are the
following:
M.W.G.M. or [Link] G.M. …………………………… 11
R.W.D.G.M. ……………………………………………... 9
R.W. Brothers ……………………………………………... 7
V.W. Brothers ……………………………………………… 5
Other Senior Officers …………………………………. 3
4
Grand Provincial Officers:
[Link].G.M. ………………………………………….. 7
W. Dep. Prov. G.M. (in your province) …………………. 5
W. Asst. Prov. G.M. (in your province) …………………. 5
Other Great Provincial Officers (in your province)... 3

4
The table of greetings to the Great Provincial Officials also applies.
to the Great District Officers.
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No Brother who is acting temporarily in a

The person with a higher position than the one they occupy will receive another one.

greeting that one for which you are personally appointed.

Having verified the wishes of the V.M., and decided on the
a convenient moment for greetings, the D.C. gives the order:
"At ease, Brothers" or "Stand up, Brothers," and when the Brothers
They will lift the D.C. continues: 'By order of the V.M. I command you'
I invite you to greet the Great Officers of the Grand Lodge for X.
Sometimes, guiding you by me! At ease, Brothers!” Then the
Greeting is given. After the greeting, the D.C. says: 'Sit down,
Brothers. The Senior Chief Officer then thanks the
greeting. (NOTE — This, of course, assumes that everyone
The present Great Officers are below the level of Great
Inspector.
11. — Ceremonial Addressing
The current and past Grand Masters and the Pro Grand Masters
current and past receive the treatment of "Extremely"
Venerable (M.V.). The Delegates of the current Grand Masters and
past, the Provincial and District Grand Masters, and the
Great Guardians of the Grand Lodge, current and past, receive
the treatment of 'Eminent Venerable' (R.V.).5
The current and past Grand Chaplains, Grand Treasurers
current and past, the current and past Great Registrars,
the Delegates of the Great Registrars current and past,
Presidents of the Board of General Purposes, current and past,
Great current and past Secretaries, Presidents of
Curatorship of Benevolence, present and past, Great
5
N.T.: — With respect to the treatment to be given to the Brothers, we must
observe that in cases outside of England, the local Masonic obediences
they have their own nomenclature. In these cases, it is advisable to use the
nomenclature established by the local jurisdiction, since such terminology in
special, does not have a direct relationship with the Emulation Ritual, but rather with
the Jurisdiction to which the Store is subject. The same applies to
precedence within the hierarchy.
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Current and past Ceremony Directors, and the Great Ones

Current and past inspectors receive the treatment of 'Mui
"Venerable" (M.V.). The treatment of "Venerable" (V.) is used
for the other Grand Officers, current and past, and for the
Current and past Lodge Masters. All other Brothers are
designated as "Brother" only.
Masonic Applause
The only form of Masonic applause allowed is a single one.
slap with the palm of the hand on the apron, however, even
this is better to be omitted unless it is the Store's custom
and the wish of the V.M. determines the opposite. In any case
should only be given under the command of the D.C., who will raise
your hand and will let it be seen by everyone, thus the beats
may be simultaneous.
13. — Greetings and Salutations
At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, greetings (or
greetings) given during the Installation Ceremony or to the
Great Officers are given very loudly. The theory
advanced is that there is a difference between "greetings" and
greetings - all greetings must be silent,
While all greetings must be healthy and strong.
Perhaps there is a lot of theory, but the fact remains that
audible and noisy greetings are coldly received by the
Oficiais da Grande Loja, como pode ser visto em qualquer
Consecration Meeting. The Ceremony Directors
they need to use their own discretion to ascertain if
they accept the advanced theory of the Committee of Emulation
Lodge of Improvement or if they prefer to submit to the
example of the Great Director of Ceremonies and his Delegates.6
6 Since the publication of the first edition of this Manual, the instruction that has
widely circulated is that, the deceased Most Venerable Brother J. S.
Granville Grenfell (G.D.C. for fourteen years) was not in favor of the method.
silent in giving greetings. The author has, therefore, had some
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14. — When Opening the Store in the Second or Third Degree
Eventually, the V.M. may omit the request for withdrawal.
of the Apps. or of the Comps. D.C. should be alert and verify
that this is always done.
15. — Store Speed
All haste in the store should be avoided unless it is
essential; however, occasions may arise in which the V.M. and
the P.M.I. are lost. It is D.C. who will be qualified to
to provide the necessary silent suggestion without obstructing the
work as much as possible.
16. — The D.C. Court
The D.C. will not move in Store without its rod. Many
the distinguished D.C. are qualified to give all the Sns and
greetings without parting with your rods, yet in certain
cases or D.C. feels that he should put his stick aside
temporarily when greetings are given, then it should
to be placed on its support base. Deliver the rod under the responsibility of
the other, even if for a few minutes, is a vision, for
to say the least about her, amateur and unworthy.
17. — Examining Unknown Visitors
In the event of an unknown visitor requesting admission
it will probably be up to the D.C. to 'examine it'. He

problem to put the subject, in addition to all the disputes, and has
in communication, not just with the current Grand Director of
Ceremonies, but also with Brothers who have officiated for a long time.
as Delegates of the Grand Director of Ceremonies during the period of the Brother.
Grenfell. Two previous D.G.D.'s of C.'s, just one (one Brother who
was officiated sixteen years ago, and is a former Preceptor of a recognized
Emulation L.I.) declares that he prefers the audible greeting, and it should be
noted that even this Brother does not suggest that he has always been
instruído a seguir tal método pelo G.D.C. Other Brothers involved,
including the current G.D.C., are unanimous in their opinion that the late Brother.
Grenfell favored the silent greeting and instructed his Delegates to do so.
in the same way.
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 Chapter XVIII - Master of Ceremonies

must always be ready to fulfill this duty

completely. It can also never be complete.
18. — The Installation Ceremony
The D.C. will conduct the [Link] who will occupy the positions of
1st Degree, 2nd Degree, and G.I. After the opening of the Store in the Second Degree the

D.C. presents the Chosen Master. Remember that it is NOT

Venerable Elected Master.7
It is a good plan for D.C. to get along with the Collector.
so that, when the [Link] are readmitted to the Store the
Visiting brothers are requested to enter first, and the
Members, please wait a few moments. There being the
Visitors, having entered the Store and taken their places,8the
Members can then enter and be organized in the North.
by D.C. or A.D.C. for trouble-free walking or
confusion.
The D.C. should remember to take care of the T.D. change when
there wasn't a 2ndD available to do it.

7
There being no D.C. in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, this
duty is performed by the P.M.I.
8 At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, there is no greeting from the Brothers to the
Returning to the Store at this point, it should still be remembered that the Emulation
it is indeed a Store of Instruction, and that is why there is a small difference,
if any one of the Members is a Visitor; in the Emulation Lodge, the
Visitors do so, just like a test, by taking part in
perambulation. Although, for reasons of convenience, in the Emulation Lodge
allow some Brothers who feel the return to the Lodge, it is presumed that
everyone take a round of the store to greet the V.M. So, the Brothers do not
they greet the return. In a Regular Store, the same do not prevail.
conditions; the custom dictated in most Lodges is that the Brothers
Visitors please take your seats and are exempt from participating in the
perambulation, and the question arises: Should they greet? The author ventures
to answer the question without hesitation with an affirmative, even though
he did not question the propriety of the procedure in the Emulation at all
Lodge. The conditions in the Lodge of Improvement and in a regular Lodge
are, as expressed, totally different.
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When the [Link] are ordered to withdraw, the D.C. must

check that all officers who are leaving the store
leave your necklaces on your seats.9
According to the Emulation Lodge system, the Brothers do not
they greet when ordered to leave the Lodge. A
reason for the absence of the greeting that the author has heard from
one of the deans of Emulation and one of the most experienced
The supervisors are those whom the V.M. directly requests from the Brothers to
So,
they should withdraw, thus the duty of the G.I. is to open the door.
with the door open, the store is not properly covered, and
no Masonic sign should be shown. A reasoning
absolutely solid.
During the Closures in the Third and Second Degrees the
D.C. will take a look at the emblems that are over the
It is entirely possible that the newly invested P.M.I.
You might forget to take care of them.
Where there is a competent A.D.C. that is a P.M. some
vezes é costume para ele encabeçar a coluna para cada
round when the [Link], Comps, and Aps make the circle
from the Store to greet the V.M. When this custom is adopted it is
the D.C. who should give the greetings in the S.E. corner of the Lodge.
The Brothers should not be instructed to greet the V.M. "of
passage.
In the work of Emulation, there is no framing of the
Store, when the D.C. leads the newly invested Officers to
your places.10 In many other systems, the Store is
framed.

9
The V.M. does not have the power to declare 'All Positions are Vacant'.
10
After accompanying the newly sworn-in Vigilantes and I.G. to their
respective places or D.C. must remember to conduct the [Link] that were present
acting as temporary Officers to sit according to their
level.
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 Chapter XVIII - Master of Ceremonies

D.C. should not refrain from leading the Coverer to the e

to the teacher. to the V.M. with the same courtesy extended to others
Store Officers.11
19. — Procession of exit from the Lodge
In most of the shops in London, it is customary during the procession
Having left, the V.M. precedes its Vigilantes. The order for a
the small procession is as follows: —

A.D.C.
2nd D. 1stD.
V.M.
2nd V. 1stV.
Grand Officers
(Seniors First)
Past Great Stewards
Great Officers of London
Great Officers Provisional or District.12
[Link].
D.C.
Many Provincial Stores prefer long processions. A
safe rule to be followed for the processions of departure
Seniors First.13
Also immediately before the procession leaves the Lodge, or
in the anteroom (according to custom), it is usual for the D.C.

11
This is not done by the M.I. at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, which
it may seem like an unfortunate omission of fraternal attention towards
an official who is no less worthy of courtesy for being happy to be one
Servant Brother.
12
In the Provinces or Provincial Districts or Districts the High Officials
locals take precedence over the Officers at the London level.
13
The D.C. forms the procession from its end, being its duty to verify
that everyone else take their correct positions.
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announce the orders of the V.M. as well as verify if the Brothers

they are still with Necklaces, etc.14
20. — No Refreshment
The D.C. should arrive at the dining room first and launch a
view of the eyes on the arrangements to check that all the Brothers
be comfortably seated and arranged accordingly
at your level. Both in Refreshment and in Labor, it should
to observe the Masonic label. Officers of the Grand Lodge and
other distinguished guests should (unless arrangements
friendly ones being made otherwise) being seated
strictly according to your seniority. Considerations
similar ones should also be observed when they are
called to respond to the gifts.
Lack of space prevents the previous list from being
extended, and this chapter should be concluded with a
final observation to the Brother Ceremony Director that his
Cargo is essentially command. He must remember to
combine firmness and dignity with tact and kindness. All of the
commands should be given distinctly, but without yelling
improper; being scandalous is also risking being seen
like arrogant.
A tranquil dignity in the execution of your duties makes
The Director of Ceremonies deserving of respect and obedience.
He should always be careful to remember that the Venerable
Master reigns supreme; there should never be the slightest hint of
that the Master of Ceremonies is trying to govern the Lodge.

14 Even if the banquet takes place in a different location than the one in which the
The Lodge meets, the Masonic attire is maintained and cannot be neglected.
unless by waiver.
N.T.: — In this note, the author refers to the fact that the Brothers during the
Banquet guests must wait for the authorization of the V.M. to take off their jacket.
suit, which today is used instead of the Tailcoat or the Tuxedo.
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Every man does well to always keep a high standard before him.
ideal, and the newly appointed Master of Ceremonies cannot
do more than just oversee the Quarterly Announcements of
Great Lodge, in them study the methods of the Great Director of
Ceremonies, V.W. Brother C. R. I. Nicholl. The present writer was
very fortunate to receive several invaluable suggestions
of the deceased V.W. Ir. J. S. Granville Grenfell, who maintained the
Position of Grand Director of Ceremonies from 1912 to 1926, a
honorable Brother who combined courteous behavior with
gentle firmness, and was someone who certainly elevated the
responsibility of your position at the highest possible level of
worthy efficiency. It is unnecessary to say that your illustrious
successor dignifies that standard. Directors of
Ceremonies can do no more than aspire to achieve a
small part of your knowledge and skill.

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 CHAPTER XIX
SECRETARY
It is difficult to assess the importance associated with the Brother's Position
Secretary, whose Place is in the North, and whose Jewel is 'two feathers'
"in the cross of Saint Andrew." The ceremonial address directed to him
the Master in his investiture contains barely two dozen of
words. In some Stores it is slightly elongated, with the
Brother Secretary being reminded that your position is 'of
considerable importance." The Emulation Ritual, from any
mode, omit this memory, possibly based on the
premise that the Brother has to carry so much
responsibilities are fully aware of the importance
linked to this.
Only once a year is the Secretary called due to
from your position to take part in the ceremonial proceedings of the
Loja - at the Installation Meeting when he draws attention
of the Chosen Master for the Ancient Obligations and Regulations.
Still, the Secretariat is undoubtedly the most demanding job of
all the Officers.
If there are young Brothers sometimes inclined to speak
especially in an unexpected way about the "bossy" Brother
The Secretary will grant them a break for reflection.
silent. Let them ponder over the softness and speed
with which the store meetings take place; the certainty and
readiness with whose help and counsel arises instantly
when the Master is faced with any doubt or
difficulty; the regularity with which all members
receive the Store's summons and other communications; the
arrangements made for your comfort during the Refreshment; the happy
success of the Ladies' Festival or the annual Summer Outing.
Let them reflect on these and many other matters and
question themselves about whom they should be thankful to.

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That the Secretary must be an experienced Past Master is

It is unnecessary to say; he must, in the course of his duties, ...
divide among many subjects that require knowledge that
a young and inexperienced Brother cannot wait to possess.
In a store that is fortunate enough to have in its
Write a popular and experienced Past Master who has the
interests of the Store in the heart, the Brothers probably do not
will have the desire to see any change made to the occupant of
Position. Therefore, the Brother Secretary is, very often,
renamed year after year, and generally considered as a
"permanent official" of the Store. This fact, however, does not grant him
the right to renaming. Theoretically, under any evaluation,
he remains in the position for only one year; he is thus
like all Officers, subordinate to the Master who will appoint him;
and the next Master has total freedom to dismiss you without
fornecer razões para o fato. Tal contingência, no entanto, não
it is reasonable if the Secretary is the right man in the right place, in
to the extent that, fortunately, he often is so.
Obviously one of the most important duties of the Brother
The secretary is to record in the Minutes Book the procedures in the
Store meetings should be written the same way.
Only experience can teach you the best way.
to narrate those procedures in a way that combines,
a desirable brevity with a satisfactory fullness of
registry.
A violation of the Constitutions for which the Secretaries are
sometimes responsible, even in these enlightened days, is
the omission in the Minutes Book of the names of all the Brothers
presents. The Secretary Brother is often heard reading the
names of the Master, Officers, and Visitors, and adds: '... and the
Irmãos cujos nomes estão devidamente gravados no Livro de
Presences. Such practice is a direct violation of
Constitutions. With the permission of the Master, a long list of
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names can be "given as read", but Regulation 172, of

Book of Constitutions clearly establishes that the Secretary
It must be recorded in the Minutes: 'The names of all members
present at every meeting of the Store, along with those of all
Brothers visitors, your Stores and Masonic post.
At each Regular Meeting of a Lodge, the minutes of the last
Regular Meeting, along with any Meeting of
Unforeseen emergency, they must be read by the Secretary and, if
duly confirmed, signed by the Master. The Minutes do not
can be confirmed in an Emergency Meeting; a
such a meeting is called for a distinguished, emerging purpose,
which must be clearly stated in the Call, and no
another subject can be addressed in it. (See Regulations 166 and
172, Book of Constitutions.)
The issue of the confirmation (or non-confirmation) of the Minutes is
uma daquelas que, em várias ocasiões e em vários lugares, tem
has sparked a lot of discussion and arguments. Currently, the
the only issue regarding this subject is related to the accuracy of
records. If the minutes contain an exact record of
procedures they must be confirmed, although, it should be noted,
que a confirmação das Minutas não legalizamipso factotodos
the procedures referred to therein. The acceptance of the Minutes, then,
it merely means that the Secretary Brother registered
precisely the events of the meeting to which they
they refer.
There are some subjects, of course, that, due to their importance...
nature, or perhaps in obedience to the Internal Regulation of
Store, request confirmation in a subsequent meeting.
These subjects should become the object of a motion in
separate, in the Agenda. If, during the interval between a
in one meeting or another, the Brothers change their opinions, their
the procedure is to vote against the motion to confirm the
prior resolution. On the other hand, any matter that is
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finished, and does not require a confirmation vote, cannot be

banned, due to the mere non-confirmation of the Minutes. In this case
any change must be made through a new
motion, which must be communicated, to rescind the resolution
preview.
There is an example in the records of the Grand Lodge maintaining a
rule of a District Grand Master, in which a proposal for the
the non-confirmation of the Minutes cannot be done merely
with the purpose of allowing the Brothers to review their
opinions. As established, the only issue in this
this is the accuracy of the record by the Secretary.
In addition to reading the minutes of previous meetings and noting everything
the important facts of the present meeting, the duties of
Secretary in Store, they will include the reading of communications from
Great Lodge and others, and perhaps report to the Lodge about the
several subjects that may have been entrusted to your experienced
care in the previous meeting.
However, most of the Secretary's duties are
discharged outside the Store and requires the sacrifice of much of
your personal leisure time. Below is a typical excerpt from
Internal Rules of the Store reporting the duties of the Secretary:
The Secretary shall, under the direction of the Master, give to each
Member of the Lodge, at least every seven days, information about
all Regular Meetings, and, in case of emergency, of
in the same way as required by the Book of
Constitutions, and should include in this information the nature
of all the businesses to be conducted.
He must be present at all the Lodge Meetings, and
minutes of all procedures and business must be kept
so that they are duly written, such Minutes
should be read at the next Regular Meeting, when the
Brothers should either confirm them or correct them.

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 Chapter XIX – Secretary

He must file a copy of all call-ups.

citing the Meetings; arrange all Returns to the Great
Store; inform each member of the total of all subscriptions and
due taxes; collect all fees and subscriptions and pass them on
to the Treasurer; send a copy of the Balance Spreadsheet
annually to each Subscribed Member, along with a list of the
Members and their addresses, dates of Initiation or Membership; and
maintain an inventory of the store's assets.
This quote is enough to give some indication of how
there are many and varied responsibilities developed by
our Brother Secretary. The list can be considerably
extensive, but this is already enough to demonstrate that the Position
The scribe's work is not a sinecure.
In view of the many requests made to him, and the amount
of time that you must spend on your duties outside the Store,
muitas Lojas incluem em seus Regimentos Internos que o
Secretary Brother be exempt from the payment of the subscription
annual. Such exemption is sanctioned in the Book of Constitutions,
however, Regulation 235 makes it clear that in these cases the
Secretaries "will be considered in every way as
regular subscribing members of your Stores, being their
services equivalent to subscription, provided that their obligations
for the Grand Lodge to have been paid.
it can be noted that such exception cannot be guaranteed to
any of the other Officers. So little can the Brother
Secretary to be designated as 'Honorary Secretary'; the
"Secretary" is the only term recognized by the Constitutions.
An important point that the Secretary would do well to remember
is that, under the legislation attached to the Employers' Obligations,
a store is obliged in the case of accident or injury of
Corridor while occupied or moving to and from the Store.
This has definitely been established, and the Secretary will be
negligent with the interests of the Store by failing to verify
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that a few shillings are spent annually on a

preventive insurance policy. Fire protection and
theft is usually included in the Internal Regulations.
To succeed, what Brother Secretary needs to do is
maintain during the execution of your duties a considerable
amount of touch, patience, perseverance, and a sharp
understanding of human nature. It can be annoying - without
doubt it is — for an experienced Secretary to have to endure the
what can be considered as unnecessary
"interference" of a young and inexperienced Master. Still
thus, he must be reminded that the Master is the Master and,
As such, your word is law. The tattoo can overcome many things.
difficulties. No matter how experienced he may be, the
The secretary should avoid any commitment that may come up.
suggest that Master and the Lodge choose. It is your duty
consult the Master on all matters; certainly
no Store Call should be sent until a
the outline has been submitted to the Master for approval. É
through the due recognition of the authority of the Master who
difficulties are avoided and harmony is maintained.
We saw somewhere the following lines about the
Brother Secretary: —
If he writes a letter, it is very long; if he sends a
postcard, it is very short; if he attends a Committee,
he is messing things up; if he is out, he is running away; if the
the frequency in the store is low, he must have assaulted the
members; if he does it this way, he is a nuisance; if he
pressures a member to fulfill their duties, he
he is insulting; if he doesn't do it, he is lazy; if an event
it is a great success, praise be to the Committee; if it fails, the
The secretary is the one responsible; if he asks for suggestions, he is a
incompetent; if he doesn't do it, he is stubborn.

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There is a
In these cases, Brother Secretary conducts himself well as stated so far,
happily contributing to the comfort of their Brothers and
making oneself a tower of strength for the Venerable
Master.
We inform you that there are no recommendations that can be
offered as a guide to assist the Secretary Brother in
performance of his duties; he is very likely to
knows much better than we do.

169
170
 CHAPTER XX
TREASURER
BROTHER TREASURER shares with Brother Collector the
distinction of being an Elected Officer of the Lodge. The Positions of
none of these Brothers depend on the Master's favor; besides
thus, they are elected through the votes of their Brothers in a
Open and gathered store. In the precedence table, the Treasurer
has its position immediately after the Chaplain and before the
Secretary. The Jewel of your Position is the Key, emblematic in
its material sense of guardian of the vault of the Store.
The Treasurer does not take part in the ceremonial procedures.
There is little that needs to be said about your position in this Manual.
It should not be said that the position is of lesser importance. The occupant
a Cargo is generally a Past Master fixed in it for many
years, and the mere fact that he is elected, and not appointed by the Master,
there is sufficient evidence that he gained the trust and the
respect for your Brothers. The Election for this Position is,
a lot of justice, regarded as very honorable.
Possibly the most useful advice that can be offered
to the Treasurer Brother that he must adopt on all occasions
a moderate and fraternal attitude in your relationships
with that Brother with whom he will keep in touch more
intimate. We are referring, of course, to the Brother Secretary. It is a
unfortunate truth, that these two vital officers
importance never always works in complete harmony.
The duties of each person must be clearly defined in
Internal Regulations, and it should not contain any point that
allow any possibility of friction between them. In most
in two cases, the Secretary is responsible for the collection of all
money owed to the Store, which adds up and subsequently
pass it on to your colleague.

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 Chapter XX - Treasurer

In the case of payments, the customs vary that

prevail. In some cases, checks are signed only
by the Treasurer; in others, the Secretary also signs. A
two-signature policy seems to be a prudent practice.
Whatever the possible custom may be, the Treasurer never
should adopt an attitude of 'superiority' in your
relationships with your coadjutor.
In no way should we underestimate the Brother's position.
Treasurer, he can always be reminded that his
responsibilities and concerns are, in most cases,
tiny and insignificant when compared with
those from Brother Secretary. Each of these responsible persons
The officer is most likely a veteran Past Master with
long experience. As such, they must have long since
having had the pleasure of appreciating the meaning of the first of
Three Great Principles on which our Order is based
founded. The Treasurer and Secretary Brothers must, in the
interest of the Store, to cultivate and maintain at all times the most
friendly and fraternal relationship.

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 CHAPTER XXI
CHAPLAIN
The REGULATION 18, of the Book of Constitutions, establishes
that the Grand Master may appoint certain Officers, and the given list
Includes 'Two Great Chaplains'. Regulation 87
establishes that a Provincial or District Grand Master "has
powers" to appoint certain Great Provincial Officials or
Districts, and again the list includes 'Two Chaplains'. O
Regulation 129 establishes that the Master of a private Lodge
can appoint a Chaplain.
Therefore we verify that our Reverend Brother Chaplain
he is not a regular Officer. His position is one of the seven Positions
and can be filled by a Master in a
Private store. When the position of the Chaplain is filled in
the precedence table is rightly a high position, comes
immediately after the Second Vigilante and before the Treasurer.
The description of the Chaplain's Position Jewel, as determined
In the Constitutions, it is "a book with a triangle surrounded by
glory1. This Jewel is intended to emphasize the importance of
Cargo, the referred "book" is the L.S.E.2the first of the Three
Great Masonic Lights, a Landmark of the Order without which
no store can be opened.
It goes without saying that the position we are in
involved at the moment will be better occupied by a
Priest of a Religion. The question of whether it is prudent,
in the absence of a Reverend Brother, appoint a layperson to the

1
N.T.: — Glory is a common term in some religions and used for
to refer to that halo of radiance or luminous glow that surrounds
the sacred heads or bodies, and that should not be confused with the
aura that is a luminous ring over the heads of sacred figures.
2
N.T.: — We opted for L.S.E., that is, Book of the Holy Scriptures because in
In English, the abbreviation is V.S.L., that is, Volume of the Sacred Law.

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 Chapter XXI - Chaplain

Cargo is one of those that has sparked a lot of discussion.

Many maintain the opinion that, in general, it will be better
follow such a course; however, the issue is one of those that must be
left to the individual discretion of the Master.
It is a common consensus that our Brother Chaplain's place in
Store is close to the Master, usually a seat on the left
of Past Immediate Master. In many Lodges, the same position is
observed at the dinner table as a right of the Chaplain,
although, if our Reverend Brother is not a Past Master, he
may be, perhaps, act wisely not putting oneself in
a position prior to those Brothers who are your seniors in
Craft.
The duties of the Chaplain in the Lodge are obvious — to offer
Prayers to the G.A.D.U., — and these duties do not need to be
stretched in its extent. It is enough to say that there must be
a perfect understanding between the Venerable Master and the
Chaplain, and our Reverend Brother needs to be someone who
knows very well your role, possessing enough
knowledge of the Ritual to enable him to know without assistance
I need a moment when your voice should be heard. Nothing is
but degrading to dignity and to impressive procedures
than those unfortunate pauses that occur when a
inexperienced Chaplain "mistakes his cue"3, stumbling and
stuttering, losing the perception of the solemn words that already
they should be available for your language.
In addition to the praises to the G.A.D.U., there are certain portions of the

Ceremonies that can advantageously be entrusted to

Chaplain if he possesses the required Masonic knowledge.

3
"leave" is a typical expression in theater when an actor finishes
your speech is, your last words are the point at which the other actor must
start your speech. So "missing the cue" means that the other actor
forgot or erred due to inattentiveness the point at which he should start his speech or
action.
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 Chapter XXI - Chaplain
The Address to the Candidate after the Initiation is one of these
instances. Assuming that the Chaplain Brother is a
Religious Priest, he is by virtue of his training a
academic, and, as expected, a perfect speaker. The Address
The Apprentice can be entrusted to such a Brother with the certainty that
Benefit and pleasure be the result for both, the newly initiated.
Brother and all the others present.
Outside the store, the Chaplain has the interests of Craft in
the heart will undoubtedly find many directions to
your Masonic energies. The duty to visit Brothers who
absent due to illness is one of those that he can very well
take for oneself.
In the best store managements, small differences
opinions sometimes unfortunately occur among the
Brothers; and, if they are left unchecked, they may
assume dimensions that may likely cause something
of the nature of a "division" in the Lodge. The Brother Chaplain is,
by nature a peaceful man, capable of doing a lot to
heal such differences through a little kindness,
delicate words. Such mediation, coming from a Master
Religious, it will often be accepted where it possibly can.
to harbor resentment towards others.
If a Chaplain has extensive experience
Masonic, allied with your extensive knowledge of nature
human, can undoubtedly be a valuable acquisition
for any Store. The Master whose list of Officers includes such
Brother should be congratulated for his good fortune.

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VIGILANTES
Equally difficult, is not placing great emphasis.
about the fact that any well-managed and successful Store
must necessarily have two Brothers among its Guardians who
they are not merely experienced in the mysteries of the Craft, but
Brothers who, by their personal conduct, are excellent in all of the
ways to be considered as examples for your
young brothers.
There is much to be learned from the symbolism of the jewelry worn.
by these two high Officers of the Lodge. The distinctive Jewel of our
Brother First Vigilant is the Level, an emblem of impartiality.
and equitable conduct that must characterize all of your
relationships with your siblings. Your younger brother is
known by the family Plumb Line, the symbol of
integrity and righteousness. Happy is the Store whose Guardians are
they strive to live according to the moral teachings of their
respective insignias; and happy is the Master who has the support of
such lieutenants in the West and in the South.

The Guardians hold positions of responsibility

similarly close to that of the Master himself, and, while it is
a frequently repeated assertion that the power of
Master is supreme, yet there is still much evidence found.
as support for equality in the family statement that,
Shop is governed by the Master and his Watchers. It is certain that the
any store's work would be paralyzed without the efficient
cooperation of the Guardians.
During the Installation Ceremony, if it is done correctly
executed, the D.C. asks: "V.M., whom do you appoint"
First Vigilante?” In the case of the First Deacon, the question
: "V.M. whom do you appoint as First Deacon?" The word
"your" is omitted. To the Watchman during the investiture the

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Master says: "Bro. A.B., I have appointed you my First Vigilant."

To the Deacon he says: "I appoint you First Deacon of the
Store. The difference is worth noting.
Regulation 129 of the Book of Constitutions establishes
The Regular Officers of a Lodge consist of the Master
those two Watchmen, a Treasurer, a Secretary, ..."
the possessive case is emphasized to indicate the close connection
existing relationship between the Master and Watchmen. It can clearly
to be presumptuous, to a greater extent, than the control of the Store is
invested in the Master Watchmen. O Irmão Dr A. G.
Mackey, whose prolific pen produced Masonic writings almost
rivaling in number with those of the famous Ir. Dr. Oliver,
included in your additional list of the Ancient Landmarks of
Order — "The Governance of a Lodge by the Master and his
"Vigilantes." So, these three high officials must always be
present as a united front; in a well-run store
organized should never have the slightest suspicion of lack of
unanimity between the Master and the Watchers.
No Brother can claim any progress from a
I carry to another, but it can clearly be assumed that when
The Master appoints his First Vigilant, he is designating the
your successor. For this reason, even if for no one else, the
greater care is essential in realizing how important it is
Cargo. In the case of the selection of the Second Watchman the
responsibility is almost as great as that, which is why it has to
to be remembered that the appointment carries with it the necessary
qualification for the future occupant of the Chair of R. S.
Although no progression plea is recognized, no
it can be argued that every Brother has the right to aspire
to occupy the exalted position in the East. The Watchman, whether Senior
ou Júnior, está muito próximo da realização de sua ambição, e
it is your obligation to the Store and to Craft, the duty to

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VIGILANTES
Equally difficult, is not placing great emphasis.
about the fact that any well-managed and successful Store
must necessarily have two Brothers among its Guardians who
they are not merely experienced in the mysteries of the Craft, but
Brothers who, by their personal conduct, are excellent in all of the
ways to be considered as examples for your
young brothers.
There is much to be learned from the symbolism of the jewelry worn.
by these two high Officers of the Lodge. The distinctive Jewel of our
Brother First Vigilant is the Level, an emblem of impartiality.
and equitable conduct that must characterize all of your
relationships with your siblings. Your younger brother is
known by the family Plumb Line, the symbol of
integrity and righteousness. Happy is the Store whose Guardians are
they strive to live according to the moral teachings of their
respective insignias; and happy is the Master who has the support of
such lieutenants in the West and in the South.

The Guardians hold positions of responsibility

similarly close to that of the Master himself, and, while it is
a frequently repeated assertion that the power of
Master is supreme, yet there is still much evidence found.
as support for equality in the family statement that,
Shop is governed by the Master and his Watchers. It is certain that the
any store's work would be paralyzed without the efficient
cooperation of the Guardians.
During the Installation Ceremony, if it is done correctly
executed, the D.C. asks: "V.M., whom do you appoint"
First Vigilante?” In the case of the First Deacon, the question
: "V.M. whom do you appoint as First Deacon?" The word
"your" is omitted. To the Watchman during the investiture the

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 Chapter XXII – Watchmen

The responsibilities of the Guards do not end with the

store closing; at the Refreshment,1 like in Labor, they
they are the main Officers of the Master, and as such, they must
associate to preserve the dignity and harmony of
procedures. It is an unfortunate truth that it has to be
faced that the procedures in the social framework are not
always characterized by due decorum. In many Stores the
the costume of "demand and challenge" is often conducted
to excess. Brothers are on their feet every few
minutes shouting, crossing the room, and an atmosphere of
indignation prevails. The Master, of course, is responsible.
mainly for the maintenance of order, but the Guardians for
They can do a lot to assist you in the West and the South.
in this sense. No Vigilante would wish to take on the position
of a "party pooper", however, it is necessary to verify for
that nothing happens that is of an improper nature
hilarity or noisy behavior.
No Refreshment, as in Labor, the Guardians must be
ready to respond to the of the Master. And here is the Brother
The vigilante may be reminded that there is no need.
some, neither in the Store nor at the banquet, to exercise
excessive force in the use of Such strength is often
exacerbated, more particularly at the dinner table; peace is
disturbed by a series of resounding explosions, with a
enormity of glasses shining and often resulting in
spilling of wine. Similarly, to work out
heavily is absolutely unnecessary and is just a
unpleasant test for the nerves.
The question about whether the Watchmen should always be standing.
when the Master stands up to propose a toast it's one of those
regarding which there are differences of opinion. It is customary
widely followed the Master to ask the preliminary question:
1
The Refreshment period should never be referred to as the 'Fourth Degree.'
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 Chapter XXII - Watchmen

Brothers First and Second Wardens, inform how to

do they find the cups under your columns? Upon receiving the
statement: "All loaded in the West (or South), Venerable
Master,” he gives the order: “Please check the load,” or
Main Officers stand. Thus the Watchers are
assisting the Master and, in fact, the toast is made by the three
Main Officers of the Store.
Frequently, however, the Master omits the question or the
referido comando, e neste caso algumas vezes vemos os
Vigilantes will rise up voluntarily, while in others
in cases they remain seated. In the last case
we often see the Brother Director of Ceremonies or
some other Brother excitedly signaling to the Watchers
for them to rise. In the opinion of the present writer this is
absolutely incorrect. If the Master himself does not call his
Main Officers to rise no other Brother has
the right in acting this way usurps the powers of the Master.
We also find it undesirable that the Watchers...
voluntarily raise; this can only be considered
as a hint that the Master is negligent and omitted
a part of your duty. The most advisable path is to
that the Watchers arrive at a clearing first
understanding with the Master.
In many large stores, a Brother has to wait several
years before achieving the coveted dignity of a chair of a
Vigilante, and it is expected that such Brothers have succeeded
gain a lot of experience in the science of Freemasonry before
of their appointments. In these days of Masonic expansion, in
Meanwhile, new stores are emerging almost every week and
comparatively, young Masons see themselves elevated to
responsible Posts in the West and South. For their benefit
to our young Brothers, we offer some recommendations,
as a guide, in the following chapters.

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 CHAPTER XXIII
SECOND WATCHMAN
REPRESENTATIVE of Hiram Abiff, The Second Brother
Vigilante is the third Officer of the Lodge, holding a position
rarely less responsible than that of his colleague
senior. Your place is in the South. Your distinctive Jewel, the Ruler of
Plumb, it is the emblem of Rectitude and integrity. Its column,
what is of the Corinthian Order, is the symbol of Beauty; and must be
left in the horizontal while the Store is in Labor, and always
standing when the Store is Called for Rest or
Closed.
The Brother Second Vigilant must remember that none
The Lodge meeting can be changed. Under the English Constitution.
no Store — not even the Grand Lodge itself — has
the power to change a meeting. The days of the meetings
Regular employees of all Private Stores must be fixed and
approved by authorities of the Grand Lodge, being essential to
confirmation from that authority before any change
can be done. The Masters of Private Lodges can call
Emergency Stores, but in each meeting, whether Regular or
Emergency, the store must be opened and closed. Being the
Closed store, the meeting cannot be changed. It is, then,
absolutely incorrect for the Second Watchman to declare that the
The meeting has been changed.
All announcements are first made by
Internal Guard to the Second Watchman, this last being
Official nominally responsible for the admission of everyone
Brothers, be Members or Visitors. Perhaps rarely
occurs in a London Store that the Second Officer is
called to leave your chair and proceed to the anteroom with the
purpose of "examining" a Visiting Brother; however he
is required at any time to be taken to

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take responsibility for that duty. All Second Watchman

must know how to 'examine' a stranger.
It is assumed that even the comparatively1young Mason
that made sufficient progress to enable him to achieve dignity
the important position of Second Vigilante, has acquired the
necessary knowledge to make it complete
familiar with the duties of that position far beyond
From my Opening and Closing of the Store in the Three Degrees.
Those duties, however, do not relate to this.
Manual, nevertheless recommendations were attached to guide
the Brother Second Vigilant during the Initiation Ceremonies,
Passage, and Elevation.
INITIATION CEREMONY
1. - Upon receiving the information from the G.I. that h.u.c., the 2ndV
you should give three slow ones staying seated. Then he
raise, give the P, make the Sn. of Ap., and communicate to the V.M.2To
upon receiving the instruction from the V.M. the 2nd V., will unload the Sn with
precision, keeping the hand open, will sit, and will give the
necessary instructions to the G.I.
2. — When the Can is led to the 2ndV by the 2ndD, the 2ndV
must remain seated until the 2ndD has responded:
With God's help and to enjoy a good reputation.
So he rises, takes the m.d. from Can, and says, "Enter, free and of
good reputation," and sits.
3. — At the point where the L…z is restored to the Can os
Vigilantes should not use the Your action here is the same
from those of the other Brothers.
1
Note: - The term 'comparatively' here is used by the author to
to refer to the amount of time that a Mason has in the Order.
2
In all cases, when addressing the V.M., the 2nd V must
remember not to turn your body towards L. The 2nd V should stay in
square with the N, turning just its head towards the V.M. when
to address him.
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 Chapter XXIII - Second Vigilante

4. — Subsequently, when the Can is led again

to the 2nd V, after receiving from the V.M. the Ss of the Degree, the 2nd V must
remain seated until Can has responded that he does
something to communicate. The 2nd officer then stands up, gives the P, and continues
with the exam. The 2ndV should not give the T or S before the Can
or have done so. Upon completing the exam, the 2nd V says, "Pass..." and
sit down.
PASSAGE CEREMONY
1. — Upon receiving the information from G.I. that h.u.c., the 2ndV
raise (without ), give the P, make the Sn of Comp, and communicate to the
V.M. Upon receiving the response, the 2ndV will discharge the Sn with
precision, keeping both hands open, will sit down, and will give
the necessary instructions to the G.I.
2. — During the first exam of the Can, the 2nd V must
remain seated until the answer 'I have'. Then get up,
gives the P, and receives the T or S of a Franco-Masonic Ap. The 2nd V
nãodá o T ou S antes de o ter recebido do Can. Ao concluir o
Examine the 2nd V says, 'Pass...' and sits.
3. - In the next exam, when the Can is led to the 2nd V
after receiving from the V.M. the Ss of the Degree, the 2nd V remains
sitting while instructing the Can to advance towards you like
a Comp, lifting upon receiving the response 'I have'. The 2ndV
gives the P and continues with the exam. The 2nd V does not give the T or S beforehand
of having received from the Can. Upon concluding the examination, the 2nd V says,
"Passai..." and listen.
4. — Upon concluding the Explanation of the T.D., when the V.M.
alludes to certain symbols the P.M.I. gives a , which must be
simultaneously accompanied by the response of the 1stV and 2ndV in
unison.3
3
All Brothers must be present during the Explanation of the T.D.
Officers in their correct places and the other Brothers gathered around the
T.D. In the words "denoting D. the G.G.D.U." (not before) all the
Brothers do the Sn of Rev.
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 Chapter XXIII - Second Vigilante

Elevation Ceremony
1. — Upon receiving the information from the G.I. that h.u.c., the 2ndV
rise (without ), give the P, make the Sn, and communicate to the V.M. To
receive the instruction from the V.M. the 2nd V must unload the Sn with
precision, keeping the hand open and not forgetting to
recover. Then he sits down and gives the necessary instructions to
G.I.
2. — During the examination of the Can, the 2nd V must remain
sitting until the answer is 'I have'. Then he stands up gives the P, and receives
the T or S of a Franco-Mason. The 2nd Vn must give the T
or S before having received it from the Can. Upon concluding the examination the
2nd V says, "Pass..." and sits down.
3. — When the Watchers are summoned to assist the
V.M. or 2ndV leaves his foot on the left hand side and
proceeds to the correct position to the right of the Can, no
forgetting to bring the plumb bob with me. The 2nd V must
instruct the Can by whispering, to cross its feet. Hold the
You can firmly and at the right moment touch your temple.
slightly to the right with the Plumb Rule.
4. — Be very careful in supporting Can after the
words of V.M. “but with such force that it made him stagger…”.
There are known accidents that occurred at this stage. After this
dever o 2ºV se retira para a posição atrás do Can.
5. — When called by the V.M. to try to raise the rep.
our M with the T of Ap, the 2nd V will advance a few steps and
will take a step crossing the Can at the height of its knee... with the
p.s. Raise the m.d. of Can and give the T of Ap. Then put it back.
M.D. kindly do your side4and returns to its position at
side of the Can. The 2nd V should not go backwards. The 2nd V gives the P,
make the Sn P and make your communication to the V.M. Then unload it
Yes correctly, not forgetting to recover.
4
The Watchmen must notice that the hands of the Can must be placed alongside.
from your body it has taken other positions as is sometimes seen.
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 Chapter XXIII - Second Vigilante

6. — Assists the V.M. when called for a certain duty, and

returns to your seat when instructed to do so by the
V.M., not before.
CALL FOR REST AND FOR WORK
Every 2nd Watchman must have a perfect knowledge of the
procedure to Call the Labor Brothers for the
Refreshment vice-versa. (NOTE. — For details of this
portion of the Ceremony see Chapter XXVII.

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 CHAPTER XXIV
FIRSTGUARD
THE FIRST BROTHER VIGILANT in the West is representative of
Hiram, King of Tyre, and his column, is of the Doric Order,
characteristic of Strength. While the store is open this
the column must be vertical; when the Store is Closed, or
the call from the Laboratory for the Refreshment will be in horizontal.
The First Watchman is the next in level and power after the
the very Venerable Master, and in the absence of the Master he can be
required to accept responsibility for the procedures, if
It is true that no Vigilante, if he is not an Installed Master,
can really occupy the Chair of the R.S. In the event of death
or the incapacity of the Master, the Book of Constitutions
(Regulation 141) establishes that the First Watchman is the one who
"will act as Master" calling the Lodge; he will be responsible,
together with the Secretary, for the issuance of the Store's Summons.
The Constitutions are almost silent on how they are
developed the powers held by this Officer in such
emergência. Parecem existir pequenas dúvidas, no entanto,
that in the event of the Master's death or incapacity should
being the First Watchman, while Second Officer of the Lodge,
who will govern the Store in every way, with the only
exception that (unless he is already an M.I.) he cannot
to take the Chair of Master. Under those circumstances, it would be
it is your right and your duty to preside over any Lodge Committee.
Various opinions are held on this issue. O
First Vigilante, anyway, is the Second in level and
authority after the Master. In the absence of the Master, it seems like a
obvious inference that your authority should fall upon your
second in command
Thus we saw that strength of character and the ability to
firmly governing are desirable qualifications for the Brother

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First Vigilante to possess; despite that he will be wise to have.

in mind that, in all your relationships with the
Brothers, strength and firmness add additional dignity and
they gain increased respect when combined with
kindness and courtesy.
Perhaps the most stimulating memory that the First
The vigilante may receive the importance of their position, it is the
reminder that he is entrusted with the solemn duty to invest the
newly-made Mason with the distinctive insignia of the Order, the
Emblem of Innocence and Bond of Friendship.
One can note here, to speak of plan, that the white apron
merely as an emblem of an Apprentice is an inaccuracy;
he is the emblem of every Mason, whether he is an Apprentice or a
illustrate Officer of the Grand Lodge. The decoration does not matter that
it may have been added to the apron, underneath all of it is
the plan that underpins it, while the skin of a sheep, the Symbol
of Innocence.
Just like in the case of our Brother Second Watchman, we
we can assume that the First Vigilant Brother is already
familiar with your duties, in addition to those applicable in
Opening and Closing of the Store at Different Levels. We
so we are satisfied to attach recommendations as a guide
related to the three Ceremonies.
INITIATION CEREMONY
1. — During your first Can exam, the 1st V must
remain seated until the 2nd D has responded "With the
God's help for being free and enjoying a good reputation.
so get up, take the m.d. of Can, and say "Enter freely and in good spirits"
reputation. The 1st V must remain standing while the 2nd D
put Can in the appropriate position. The 1stV takes the m.d. of
Can with your m.e., give the P, do the Sn P of Ap, and present the Can

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 Chapter XXIV – First Vigilante

to V.M.1The 1st Year should focus on memorizing the name.

complete of the Can, and not having to consult a copy
of the Summons. They are apparently insignificant
points that make the difference between brilliant work and the
negligent.
2. — Upon receiving the response from the V.M., the 1st V will unload with
Precision, Sn, keeping the hand open, puts the Can back in charge.
from the 2nd D, and sit down.

3. — O 1º stays seated upon receiving the next

V.M. command to order the 2nd D certain
instructions.
4. — At the point where L...z is restored to Can os
Vigilantes should not use the Your action is similar to that of the
other Brothers.
5. — During the examination of the Can, after he had received in
confidence the Ss of the Degree by the V.M., the 1st V remains seated
until Can has responded that he has something to communicate. The
The 1st V should then get up, give the P, and proceed with the
exam. The 1st Vnã must give the T or S until it has been received
can do. The 1stV remains standing, and makes the Sn of Ap to
present the Can to V.M. to "receive some ..." 2

Download the Sn accurately after receiving the response from the V.M.
keeping the hand open.
6. — The Investiture of the Dog with the Insignia. The importance
this duty has already been mentioned. The 1st speaker should not begin their speech until
that the insignia is in position. Then he must hold the

1
The 1st V must remember that until this Stage of the Ceremony in the First Degree the
It is "Mr.", not "Brother" as in the subsequent Degrees. (See Chapter X
Internal Guard
2
In all cases when presenting a Can to the V.M., the 1st V must be
careful avoiding holding the m.d. of the Can too high. The 1stV is
often seen holding the m.d. way above his shoulders, a
exaggerated attitude whose aspect is shamefully inelegant.
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 Chapter XXIV – First Warden

lower right corner of the designation with its m.e. during its
speech. It is unnecessary to say that the 1stV must have memorized the
speak, and the words must be said with solemn impressiveness.
... never dishonor this Insignia ...
in the insignia with your M.D.3 The 1st vice puts the Can back in charge of
2ºD sits down. The 1ºV will never leave its place to invest in the Can.
at any degree.
PASSAGE CEREMONY
1. — During the first examination of the Can, the 1st V must
remain seated until the answer 'Yes'. So he
lift, give the P, and receive the T from P and the P from P. The 1stV should not
give the T of P until it has been received from the Can. After the examination the
1st V stands while the 1st D places the Can in position
appropriate. The 1stV then takes the m.d. of Can with its m.e.,
make the Sn of F, and present the Can to the V.M.
2. - Upon receiving the response from the V.M., the 1st V will unload the Sn.
with precision, keeping the hand open, places the can back in charge
do 1st D, sit, and give the 1st D the necessary instructions.
3. — In the next Can exam, after he has received in
trust the Ss of the Degree for the V.M., the 1st V will remain seated
while instructing the Can to move towards you
as Comp first as Ap, rising when the Can
responding that there is something to communicate. The 1st V then gives the P, and
receives the T or S from aComp F.M. The 1st Vnãodeve must give the T or
And until I have received it from Can; upon completing the exam the 1st V
say "Passai..." and remain standing while the 1stD places the Can
in the appropriate position. The 1st Officer then takes the m.d. of the Can with the
your m.e., makes the Sn of F, and presents the Can to the V.M. to receive
some, etc. It will download the Sn accurately while keeping the hand
open when you receive the response from V.M. The can is now

3
Here the Brothers should not clap at this stage; each Brother will clap.
in your Insignia.
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 Chapter XXIV - First Vigilante

invested with the Insignia of a Comp. The 1stV should not leave
your request to relieve yourself of this duty. The 1stV repositions the
Can a cargo do 1ºD and sit.
4. — In the conclusion of the T.D., when the V.M. refers to a certain
symbol, the P.M.I. gives a , which must be followed in
unison by the 1stV and by the 2ndV.

ELEVATION CEREMONY
1. - During the first exam of the Can the 1st V must
remain seated until receiving the answer 'I have'. Then if
lift, give the P, and receive the T or S of Comp. The 1stV should not
give the T or S until it has been received from the Can. The 1st V then
say: “Pass…” and sit.
2. — During the next exam, the 1stV remains again
sitting until Can replies 'I have'. The 1st V then if
Raise, give the P, and receive the T from P and the P from P. The 1stV should not
give the T of P until it has been received from the Can. Upon concluding the
the 1st V says, 'Pass...' and remains standing while the
1stD places Can in the appropriate position. The 1stV then takes the
m.d. do Can com a sua m.e. e apresenta-o ao V.M., fazendo o
Sn P of a M.M.
3. — Upon receiving the response from the V.M., the 1st V must unload the
Without precision, keeping the hand open and not forgetting
to recover. The 1st V puts the Can back in the 1st D and sits down.
So, he gives the necessary instructions to the Deacons.
4. — When the Watchers are summoned to assist
the V.M. the 1st V leaves his foot on the left hand side and
continues until the correct position to the left of the Can, no
forgetting to take the Level with you. Hold the Can
firmly and at the right moment touches his temple
slightly left with the N.
5. — The 1stV must be very careful to support the Can
properly when the V.M. says 'but with such force that the'

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made him stagger... There are known accidents that occurred in this
stage. After this duty, the 1st V moves back to the position behind the
Can.
6. — When called by the V.M. to 'try with the'
Comp, the 1st V will advance a few steps and take a step.
crossing the Can at the height of your jo...s with your p.e. Raises the
m.d. of Can and gives the T of Comp. Then reinstates the m.d. of Can
gently to your side and return to your position next to the Can.
The 1st V should not go backward. The 1st V gives the P and does the Sn P to the
address the V.M.; after his speech, unloads the Sn accurately,
not forgetting to recover.
7. - Assists the V.M. when called for a certain duty, and
returns to your seat when instructed to do so by the
V.M., not before.
8. — Upon returning to the Store, after he had given the
correct greetings, the 1stV stands up and takes the m.d. from the Can with
your m.e. So give the P, do the Sn P, and present the Can to the V.M.
to receive some, etc.
9. — O 1stV will discharge the Sn accurately after receiving the
response from V.M., keeping the hand open, and not forgetting
to recover. Now the 1st V invests the Can with the Insignia of
to M.M., taking care to verify that the insignia of Comp
should be removed first. Then the Can is placed under the responsibility of
1st D, and the 1st V sits down.

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 CHAPTER XXV
PASTMASTERIMMEDIATE
Strictly speaking, this brief chapter should not be
found nowhere in a Manual dedicated to
Store Officers and their duties, for the simple reason that the
Immediate Past Master is NOT an Officer of the Lodge. Arguments
On the contrary, they have been promoted and vociferated for a long time.
time, however the creators of such arguments still
they need to raise a single convincing fact that underpins their
theories.
Saying that the Brother Immediate Past Master uses a "Necklace of
"Cargo" is absolutely incorrect. He uses a Past Necklace.
Master in which exactly some emblems are fixed
like those used throughout MasterCraft
specifically, proposition 47 of the First Book of
Euclid suspended by the Square. The Immediate Past Master is
in fact the Junior Past Master of the Lodge; neither more nor less.
The Officers of a Private Lodge are clearly defined in
Regulation 129 of the Book of Constitutions.
Despite this, the Immediate Past Master has, due to the fact
to be the Junior Past Master of the Lodge, a certain fixed place
in Store for a year. Your place is immediately to the left of
Master and the Regulation 141, of the Book of Constitutions,
it stipulates that in the absence of the Master, it is the Brother Past Master
Immediate who must be first invoked to occupy the
Chair. The Book of Constitutions further stipulates
(Regulation 227) that if the Master of a Lodge is
unable to attend the meetings of the Ombudsman of
Benevolence 'the Immediate Past Master can fill your place'
It is evident, therefore, that under certain circumstances the Past
Immediate Master is generally considered as a representative
of Master in the mentioned absences. This fact, however, does not

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it must lead him to the erroneous impression that he is all powerful.
There are known examples when, due to the unfortunate death of
Master, the Immediate Past Master is taken to the wrong one.
impression that he has become ipso jure regent of the Lodge, and
Consequential friction has followed. Any foolishness of this sort
only the Immediate Past Master may have been born
due to the ignorance of the Book of Constitutions, for a
a copy of the same was undoubtedly presented to him in his
Initiation and again in its Installation. A consultation to
Regulation 141, from the Book of Constitutions, will make the
subject clarified to him.
The Immediate Past Master maintains the wrong impression that,
when the Master does not lead, he himself is a Ceremony, it is the
P.M.I. who has the right to act as its first
representative. He does not have the right to such a claim. The
Regulation 141, of the Book of Constitutions, as
mentioned above, makes it clear that it is the Brother Past Master
Immediate whoever first has to claim to occupy the Chair in
absence of the Master. When the Master is present he
alone has the power to decide which Past Master will take his
place if he temporarily vacates his Chair. Likewise, it is
for the Master to say who will give the Lecture after the Initiation, or
make the explanation of the T.D. after the passage, if he himself
did not perform these portions of the Ritual.
As it has been stated, the place of the Immediate Past Master is
immediately to the left of the Master, having he accepted the duty
to provide all necessary assistance in the governance of the Lodge
from time to time being asked to perform parts of the
Ritual. Obviously, the Immediate Past Master must be a
competent ritualist; otherwise he possibly does not

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you will be able to provide the necessary assistance to your boss with a
diplomatic 'prompt'1when the occasion demands it.
No matter how skilled he may be, allow me, Brother Past
Master Imediato reminded that he must be 'seen and not heard.'
Certainly, it is not part of your duty to show your ability to
cost of revealing the imperfections of the Master. Nothing is more
disconcerting for the Master and irritating for the Brothers than
the Immediate Past Master is constantly "bleaching" him
with totally unnecessary corrections. In a Store
It doesn't matter at all if the Master replaces one.
word of the Ritual for another different one, or transpose one
sentence, as long as the spirit of the Ritual is being
transmitted to the Candidate.
Unfortunately, many Immediate Past Masters seem
unable to realize this truth, and, very strangely, the
worst offenders are often experienced Mentors.
It should be remembered that there is a huge difference between the
functions of a Preceptor in their Instruction Shop and those of
a Immediate Past Master in a regular Lodge.
During the Labor, the duties of the Immediate Past Master Brother
includes the opening of the L.S.E. when the store is opened on
First Degree, and the correct placement of the E. and the C in that
as in subsequent Degrees. He must be careful in
check that the L.S.E. is correctly placed
that the Master may read it; and besides that, the points of the C.
estejamvoltadas para o Mestre.

1
N.T.: — The term 'prompt' that in this case should not be understood as
readiness or alertness, but rather as the equivalent of the 'point' in language
the theatrical or even the modern electronic point used in TV programming.
In the Emulation Ritual, the lines must be memorized, however to ensure
that can be carried out without reading, there is always a 'point' — that
it is usually done by the D.C. and in the case of the V.M. it is done by the P.M.I.

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At the closing of the Store to the Immediate Past Master it is
confident with a brief portion of the Ritual, where he reminds them of
that Brothers that "there being nothing else to discuss, except for,"
according to the old custom, we keep our Ss in a
safe repository (not 'sacred') bringing together in this act F.F.F.
The Immediate Past Master must add the excrescence 'E'
may God preserve the Craft. This is not part of the Ritual and is
absolutely redundant; the Master or the Chaplain has already offered
a pious prayer that the G.A.D.U. "preserve the Order".
When the store is closed, a frequently made mistake
by the Immediate Past Master is to rush taking as your own
place in the exit procession, being immediately behind the
Master. This is absolutely incorrect. This has the appearance
of a discourtesy, although probably such a manifestation
it is solely due to the lack of knowledge. The Past
Immediate Master not being an Officer of the Lodge, does not have such
designated place in the procession. Officers of the Grand Lodge must
to follow the Watchers in the proper order, followed by
Great Stewards, Brothers of the Classification of London and of
Grand Provincial and District Lodge. Then the Shepherds will come
Masters, among which the Immediate Past Master is numbered.
No Refreshment, oh Brother Immediate Past Master again
he occupies the seat to the left of the Master. In most Lodges,
it is customary that the Master 'drinks wine' with various
Brothers and groups of Brothers during the progress of the banquet.
It is the Immediate Past Master (as a general rule) who
raise to name the Brothers whom the Master may wish
honor. It is very likely that the Master will leave the selection.
largely to the Brother on his left, and the Immediate Past Master
it will be very prudent to discriminate this exercise by a strict
limitation on the number of times for the Master to "have wine".
costume to announce that the Venerable Master "will have wine
with the Brothers to your right" and subsequently "with the

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"Brothers to your left" is deplorable, generally resulting in

this in an outrageous mess. The procedures at the meal
they follow those of a Store meeting and must be characterized
with the same dignity and decorum that is expected, marked the
procedures during the Labor period. The Brother Past
Immediate Master can do a lot to preserve
dignity and decorum.

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Venerable Master
THE FRANCO-MASON who received from his Brothers the greatest

honor that they possess in their power to confer, which is the

election for the Chair of the R.S., is located in the East, — the
ancient seat of Wisdom and Common Sense. It is expected, therefore,
who has accumulated knowledge and common sense during their
passage through the other Positions; that one is well versed in the Noble
Science; and who is qualified and willing to take on the leadership
of the works and the government of the Store.
Still, perhaps, the newly installed Master
You probably believe that you still have a lot to learn. In
meanwhile, attempting within the scope of a single chapter, provide it with
all necessary knowledge would be to try the impossible; nothing
but it can be done with a very brief analysis of your
rights and responsibilities, and emphasize a few and
important rules as a guide.
1. — Master’s Oath
Todo Mestre-Eleito, antes de ser colocado na Cadeira, deve
to take an oath, solemnly committing to preserve the
Landmarks of the Order, observe the ancient uses and customs, and
strictly enforce them in your Store.
2. — Duration of the Position
No Brother can continue as Master for more than
two consecutive years, except for exemption; however, he can be
re-elected after being out of office for a year. This
the regulation does not apply to a Prince of Blood Royal, but
it will be applied to your Delegate if he is appointed.
3. — Double Master
A brother cannot drive like a Master more than one
Store by mandate, except for exemption.

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4. — Election and Installation

Regulation 130, from the Book of Constitutions, which is
refers to the Master Election, establishes: 'At the next Meeting
Regular the first subject to be addressed after the opening of
The reading of the minutes of the previous meeting will be held, and if they
forem confirmed if not completely, but at least,
as a report of the Master's election, he will be considered
elected, and will be duly installed in the Chair in accordance with
the ancient uses.
The expression in this regulation is not as explicit as
it can be; currently, it is the election itself that must be
confirmed. The inclusion of this point in the Constitution implies,
this is a vitally important issue, the Grand Lodge
assumes that the Brothers had time for reflection. Na
absence of any motion to the contrary, the confirmation of the
Atas means the confirmation of the election, but the Minutes, like
they are just confirmed or not confirmed while
indication of the imprecision of the record. (See Chapter XIX)
Strictly speaking, then, if the Minutes are an accurate
record of the procedures in the Election Meeting they will be
confirmed, and a motion for the non-confirmation of the election
"comes out" of the Minutes. Such motion can perfectly be
properly placed ahead under the premise that the
the election was not conducted in a constitutional manner, or
still that there was a change of will among the Brothers.
Even so, none of these reasons imply that the Secretary
has been inaccurate in recording the events of the meeting
previous
5. — The Right of the Master to Govern his Shop
Surely every Master has the right to govern his Lodge,
and, by doing so, exercise your own judgment
disregarding any pressure that may arise on him. The
The wise master will gladly listen to the advice of
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Brother Secretary and of the Past Masters, and in this way you will find
how to make your path comfortable. Even so, you will be able to
there will be a time when, in some cases of difficulties, he
I consciously feel unable to submit to the opinions of
your seniors in Craft. In such an unfortunate eventuality, it will not be
merely your right, but your duty to rely on your own
judgment to guide you, and exercise your authority without fear.
He can find solace in the thought of no one.
has the right to challenge that authority.
6. — The Master presides over all the Meetings
Naturally, the Master has the right to preside over all
store meetings during your year in office, a right
similar exists in the case of any meetings of a Committee
that relates to the Lodge. No Past Master or body
Past Masters can meet just like any Committee,
without the Master's authorization, and if any meeting is
kept this way, it will be irregular and its procedures
they will not have legal validity.
7. — The Right of the Master to Decide the Work
It is unfortunately a fact that many Secretaries of
They take for themselves powers with which they never
were invested. This occurs particularly with respect to the
Store Summons. Only the Master has the right
to decide which work will be included in the Call-ups, and
How much time from the store will be appropriate to use.
8. — The Master is the Supreme Conductor
In all Lodge Meetings, the Master is the supreme conductor.
and cannot be questioned. In the case of any illegality
The Brothers have as remedy, subsequently to the
possibility of appealing to a higher authority.
9. — The Master has the Vote of Minerva

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In the case of a tie in a vote (with certain

exceptions) the Master has the right to an extra vote or vote of
Minerva. In Regulation 182 of the Book of Constitutions,
it is definitely established that when the voting is
tied on any issue that requires a majority
Master will decide based on the vote of Minerva. The Master is,
of course, free to use the casting vote as he sees fit
understand; there is no written law to control it. To
At the same time, there is an unwritten fortelei. The Master must
remember that the intention proposed by the casting vote is not the
to enable him to impose his individual convictions on his
Brothers, but in fact assist the store in the case of a possible
impasse. Generally speaking, he should be prepared to
preserve the status quo ante, and there may arise cases where the duty
Master should vote again against his convictions
personal.
Assuming, for example, that there is a motion before the Lodge to
change the Internal Regulation, and that the Master personally
prefer the change. The matter is certainly of vital importance.
importance for all Brothers, and it should demand a clear
majority. With the vote tied, the Master will incur in
great responsibility in using your powers to force such
change due to personal inclinations. It will be wiser for him
to use the casting vote against your personal inclinations,
thus preserving the status quo ante until the matter
it may be considered in the future upon a re-presentation
in front of the store.

10. — Refuse the Admission of Visitors

In Regulation 151 of the Book of Constitutions, the Master
Every Private Store has the right to refuse admission to one.
Visitor Brother, although it should be noted that the Constitutions
they add a prerequisite: "Whose presence he has reason"

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to believe that it will disturb the harmony of the Lodge, or to anyone

visitor of a well-known bad character.
11. — Temporary Exclusion of Members
Only the ignorance of the Constitutions can promote the
wrong impression, sustained in many administrations, that
The Master has the power to summon a Brother to resign from
Store. He does not have such power.
Regulation 209 of the Book of Constitutions establishes
that any Brother may behave in Lodge such
in a way that disturbs the harmony of the Lodge, he will be formally
admonished by the Master; and, if he persists in his behavior
irregular, he will be punished with censure, fine, or exclusion from the
remaining of the meeting. However, it should be noted that the Master
the lonely one does not have the right or power to pronounce judgment
about the offender. The regulation adds: "...according to
with the opinion of the majority of members present
It is obvious, therefore, that in such an unfortunate eventuality a
motion for the exclusion of the offending Brother needs to be duly
made and supported, and supported by the majority of the members
presents. The italicized words are of vital importance.
Assuming that twenty-four Brothers are present, and that there is
twelve votes for the motion of exclusion, four votes against, and
eight abstentions, the motion will be lost. A majority of
Brothers present (not merely those voters)
it would require at least thirteen votes for the motion. It is worthy of
note also that in the case of a tie in the vote twelve in favor and
in contrast, the Master does not have, as in other cases, the power of
Minerva's vote, the regulation definitively establishes that
the decision depends on a majority of members present.
12. — Permanent Exclusion of Members
A Store permanently has the power to exclude a
Brother for what she assumes to exist 'sufficient cause.' In such
the case must be given to the Brother whose exclusion is under
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consideration, not less than seven days before the meeting,

a written notification, along with particular details of the
complaint against him, establishing time and place indicated for his
consideration, when he will be able to appear and be heard.
(Regulation 210, from the Book of Constitutions.)
In the case of a resolution for a permanent exclusion, the
Constitutions stipulate that such power can only be exercised
by a majority of no less than two thirds of the members
gifts. Again, the abstention votes will be
accounted against the motion. Assuming a presence
of forty-five members, with twenty-nine votes in favor
exclusion, three against, and thirteen abstentions, the motion will be
lost. A majority of two-thirds will require no less than
four hundred thirty votes for exclusion.
13. — Exclusion and Expulsion
It should be noted that there is a huge difference between
exclusion and expulsion. A Brother permanently excluded from
a Private Store is not prevented from seeking admission in
another Store. Expulsion, on the other hand, will mean a loss
total of Masonic status and privileges. Only the Grand Lodge
has the power to expel a Brother from Craft.
14. — The Master's Right to Appoint Officials
A prerogative of the Master that is at risk of being usurped
in some administrations it is your undeniable right to
appoint your own Officers, except for the Treasurer and the
Covering. The Master's power in this sense is clearly
defined in the Constitutions, and no one has even the slightest
authority to discuss it. The Master can, if he so wishes,
consult the Store Committee, but no Committee exists
any right to claim the decision of the nominations for oneself
two positions. The present writer knows of a little shop
prominent that works in Emulation, in which the prerogative
of Master in this sense is invariably usurped. Tal
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practice can only ever be considered as a

imprudent and dangerous precedent.
15. — The Master does not have the power to remove an Officer.
The Master has no power to remove any
Official once it has been duly indicated and
invested. Establishes Regulation 140, of the Book of
Constitutions, when the Master is dissatisfied with the conduct
of any Officer he must state the reason for his complaint
in front of the Store at a Regular Meeting, must be no less than
seven days before the Meeting send a notification to
Brother whom he complains about. The officer in question can be
dismissed only if the complaint is evaluated as very good
based on a majority of Brothers present. É,
therefore, absolutely obvious that, during the Ceremony of
Installation, the Mestrenão has the power to summarily
remove the Officers of the Lodge with a generic instruction in the
he declares "all the vacant positions".
16. — The Master must install his successor
It is not just a right, but rather the duty of a Master,
conduct the installation of your successor. Among the majority of
Masons of London, such a reminder may seem superfluous.
Still, even in these enlightened times, there are Lodges, more
particularly in the distant Provinces, in which Past
Senior masters lead this important ceremony.
It's been a year. The author knows of a certain store where
a white-bearded veteran habitually proclaims with
very pleased that he has already installed something close to two dozen
of Masters. This same Brother would consider as a
personal affront if you were suggested to stay aside to
allow the outgoing Master to conduct the Ceremony.
Such practice is incorrect and is against the interests of Craft.
It is determined that the Master who is leaving is
sufficiently a master in his work (as it should be
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it must also be strongly emphasized that

it is your right and your duty to complete your term in office,
Install your successor in the Chair of the R.S. No one has the
slight trace of the right to try to deprive him of it
prerogative.
17. — The Right of the Master to Conduct all the Ceremonies
The Master has the right to conduct the entire Ceremony that
to arise in the Agenda during your year in office, but when the
The ceremonial work list is very long and is inadvisable.
that he insists on his right if he is in the position, being
skilled, to call on experienced Past Masters to assist him. There is
many Stores that meet four or five times a year in
which Three Degrees Ceremonies are Scheduled for each
meeting. If the Master insists on carrying out all these twelve or
fifteen Ceremonies, he himself will experience the scent of the
arrogance and selfishness. Furthermore, although it may be the
Master being a competent ritualist, or may consider yourself
even as it is, such insistence on your rights
undoubtedly will cause annoyance to your Brothers.
When the Master has himself passed to the Chair
will be in a position to appreciate the fraternal consideration of
Master who shares his responsibilities with the Past
Masters will thus grant them a more active interest.
in the procedures. The author vividly recalls an occasion
when a well-known Emulation worker, during
during your master's year, you worked all three degrees
Installation Ceremony in a single meeting. There is nothing
of wise in such display; this merely annoys the listeners and
adds to the impression that the occupant of the Chair is being
exhibitionist
18. — The Master Does Not Hand Over His Necklace
A recent regulation from the authorities stipulated that when the
Master temporarily leaves his chair vacant in favor of
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a Past Master must deliver their collar, but that this

representative during this time must be duly
dressed according to one's own position.
So multifaceted and complex are the prerogatives of
supreme regent of the Lodge that the list can be extended
libitum; the lack of space, however, prohibits greater
unfoldings. The investigating brother, recently
installed or to be installed, it will do well to spend one or
two silent hours with the Book of Constitutions, a
volume of some concerns, they are also frequently
awakened, neglect aside, and all also rarely
studied.
Try to appropriately divide the responsibilities of
Master of the Store with quickness at our disposal is another task
loss. Meanwhile, it is possible to refer to a few
points on which the newly installed Master may have
Any questions?
19. — The Responsibility of the Master to Safeguard the Letter
Constitutive
No Store, except while acting under waiver wants
in the Domains either abroad, can meet without a Letter
Constitutive of the Grand Master. This regulation, however,
does not apply to Lodge of Antiquity, No. 2, nor to Royal
Somerset House and Inverness Lodge, No. 4, whose existence
it comes from the Constitutions of Timeless Times.
If the Articles of Incorporation are lost or improperly withheld
for those legally appointed to maintain or use it, or
held by a competent Masonic authority, a Lodge has
to suspend its meetings until a new Charter or
Confirmation of the Letter has been given and guaranteed by the Grand-
Master, or until the retained Letter is recovered.
A principal among the responsibilities of the Master is the
custody of the Founding Charter of the Lodge. To every Master this
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vital documents entrusted on the night of your

Installation; and one of its last duties is to transfer it to your
successor. In some Stores, the Incorporation Act is
framed and obstructs the passage inside the Store Room;
in others it is hung with a varied paraphernalia on
store cabinet. Of these practices, perhaps the last is preferable,
but both are wrong. The Master during his year in Office
he is the legal guardian of the Charter and, as such, he must do to himself
even responsible for the maintenance of your protection.
20. — The Responsibility of the Master to Observe the Laws
In Regulation 153 of the Book of Constitutions, it is
provided that the Master is responsible for the proper observance
the laws by the Store over which he presides. Obviously, then, the
Master must be completely versed in the Constitutions and in
Internal Regulations of its own Store.
21. — The Candidates must receive the Internal Regulations
A responsibility of the Master, sometimes
neglected, it is to verify that each Initiate and Member
Affiliates were provided with a printed copy of the Regulations.
Store Interior. This presentation of the Internal Regulations for
each Brother who becomes a member of the Lodge is not merely
A costume is a regulation defined by the Grand Lodge.
(See Regulation 163 of the Book of Constitutions.)
22. — The Master's Responsibility for the Scrutinies
The Master, of course, is responsible for ensuring that each
the scrutiny shall be conducted in a constitutional manner. Except
in certain emergency cases, as established in
Regulation 185 of the Book of Constitutions, no person
can be made a Mason unless proposed and
seconded in Store opened in a Regular Meeting, and
scrutinized "in a future Regular Meeting". If a
Candidate does not show up for the Initiation until one year later
your election, the election will be lost. An election for a
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Candidate for Initiation or Affiliation must be by ballot, and

no candidate can be elected if, in the voting, there arise
against him three negative votes. The Internal Rules of a
However, Loja may decree that one or two negative votes
They will exclude a candidate.
A collective scrutiny is perfectly regular, as long as, if
if there is a negative vote, each Candidate shall be scrutinized
individually. Candidate Scrutinizations for Initiation
Affiliations should be taken separately, as the reasons
the rules governing the voting in each case are absolutely distinct.
When announcing the result of a ballot, it will be very good for
the Master avoid the word 'unanimously' and instead use
"duly". If the Internal Regulations of the Lodge stipulate
two negative votes disqualify a candidate, and only one
for registered, the Candidate will be 'properly elected'.
Therefore, if the Master announces that he declares the Candidate
"duly elected" your instruction is absolutely accurate and
according to the Internal Regulations.
23. — Honorary Member
A poll is necessary for the election of a Member.
Honorarium, see the recent Regulation 167. In the Book of
Constitutions, Regulation 152 reminds us that to a Brother
that ceased to be an enrolled Member in a regular Lodge
visiting any store more than once will not be allowed,
still, this regulation will not apply to visits of a
Brother to any Store in which he has been elected as a
Honorary Member.
The election of Honorary Member does not confer upon a Brother
any status or privilege outside the Store in which he was thus
elected. He cannot, as an Honorary Member, occupy
any position in the store, nor take part in any voting;
nor should it be included in the list of the Rewarded
sent to the Grand Lodge.
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If an Honorary Member has any rights to

participating in the refreshment this should, of course, be a subject
for the Store's decision. As long as I sign the Book of
Presence as a member; he is virtually a guest,
and, as such, it is to be presumed that the Store will gladly
entertaining at social events.
24. — Proposal Forms
For many years it has been necessary for everyone
Candidates for Initiation and Membership must fill out a Form
Proposal, which must also have the signatures of
Proponent and of the Secondary, and to be endorsed by the Master after
the admission of the [Link] form, duly
completed, it must be handled by the Secretary, before the
the proposal must be made in an open store, and it must be read
immediately before the voting is done.
25. — Intervals between Degrees
Regulation 195 of the Book of Constitutions indicates that
a complete interval of four weeks must elapse
between the granting of the Degrees (with certain exceptions for Lodges
from overseas). Undoubtedly, it can be to the Brother Secretary.
trusted the verification that no wrong has been committed
error regarding this law, however in this, as in all the others
other matters, the responsibility lies with the Master.
26. - Quorum in Lodge
The Master must at all times remember that five
members need to always be present to form a
quorumantes that the Store can conduct any business
Masonic.
Dentre outrasresponsabilidadesvinculadas ao ocupante da
The chair of the R.S. can refer to the instruction of the Officers.
subordinates; a conviction as well as a complete
suitability of prospective Candidates; an absolute

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punctuality in the opening of all the Lodge Meetings; a

regular presence in the Quarterly Communiqués of the Grand Lodge;
a strict observance of the Landmarks of the Order in all of the
store meetings; a total knowledge of the Ritual in all
its branches.
With justice, the newly installed Master who reads these
words open your eyes and ask: I really possess
to hold accountable for all these matters? He is responsible
for them and for many others who cannot be here
statements.
Unless he is very unfortunately situated, the
The master will benefit from the advice of an experienced one.
The Secretary and the support and cooperation of the Past Masters always.
willing to assist him as well as in maintaining his power.
But he cannot really delegate his to anyone.
responsibilities. As the master of the lodge, the Master is
largely responsible for its continued progress and well-
to be. To quote the impressive speech made to him in his
Installation — the Honor, the Reputation, and the Utility of the Store
will materially depend on the skill and attendance with the
what you manage your interests, while happiness
of its members will generally be promoted in proportion to the
zeal and skill with which you will promulgate the genuine
principles of the Institution.
Some detailed recommendations to guide the newcomer
Installed Master is placed in the next chapter.
Concluindo, permita-me novamente instar a todos os atuais e
future Masters to familiarize themselves with the Book of
Constitutions. Allow me to remind you, also that, for
Those who achieve success in their governances will have to first
learn to serve faithfully.

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 Chapter VIII - Cobridor

For an hour or more before the store opening time

The Coverer is likely to be busy. Utensils and
the paraphernalia must be properly arranged, the anteroom
prepared, and several details attended to so that everything
may be available for the Secretary upon his arrival. A
shortly after, it is the Covering Brother who is generally
responsible for checking which signatures are placed on
Attendance Book for Members and Visitors. Many others
demands are made of him. The store being closed, utensils and
clothes must always be collected and stored in a location
sure, after which the services of the Collector are likely
required in the dining room. The first to arrive, he is the
last departure. In general, it can be correctly said that he is
one of the most burdensome positions of the Store.

Keeping in mind the words of our First Brother

Vigilante during the store closing, allowing those to
we who are more fortunately positioned to see the
closing of each happy night from the Brother Collector that
having had your obligation

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 CHAPTER XXVII
VENERABLE MASTER (CONTINUED)
STORE OPENING
1. — It is rarely necessary to emphasize that the V.M. must
arrive early for all meetings; punctuality in the V.M. is
more than a desirable virtue, it is a sacred duty.
There are perhaps many points on which the Secretary or some
another official may wish to consult the V.M. before the Store is
open, and a wide time shall be allowed. Possibly
some of the Officers may be absent, and the V.M. probably
will hold a meeting with the D.C. about whom
appropriately delegate the Posts. All of this takes time. The
A teacher who is always punctual and who makes the opening point of
Store at the exact moment established in the Call
you will discover that your example is contagious.
2. - If an Opening Ode is sung, it must be sung.
before the store opens.
3. — Immediately following the Ode, the V.M. gives for
call the Brothers to order and continues: "Brothers, help me to
"Open the Store." The V.M. must remember that when proposing the two
first questions to the Guardians, to address them
name. It is unnecessary to say that when the V.M. calls the
Brothers in the order "in the First Degree" he himself must be a
example of elegance in this sense. All the Sns of the V.M.
they must be given with military precision and elegance.
4. — At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement the question about
the place of the Master is always directed to the 1st V. In most of the
Regular stores that work in Emulation are directed towards
P.M.I.
5. — A perfect understanding is essential between the V.M. and the
Chaplain, if there is a Chaplain among the Officers. In many
The Lodge V.M. says, 'with the Lodge being duly constituted ...'
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

and the Chaplain then adds: "Before the V.M. declares it

open allow us to invoke ... This resembles a
clumsy and unnecessary procedure, to divide this way
a sentence between two speakers. A better method is
the Chaplain says: "The Lodge being duly constituted,
before the V.M. declares it open ...1 Where there is not a
Chaplain (like in the Emulation Lodge of Improvement), the V.M.,
Of course, perform this portion of the Ritual.
In the words: "I declare the Store duly open,"
The V.M. and all the Brothers must unload the Sn
elegantly, keeping the hand open.2So the V.M. gives the
appropriate. He should not sit until the Coverer
have answered the ba...s of G.I..3The P.M.I. will make the opening
do L.S.E. also including the E. and the C. The V.M., however,
It must be ensured that the L.S.E is correctly placed.
so that he can read it.4O E and C must be such
positioned so that the ends of the last are facing
for the V.M.
STORE OPENING
NO SEGUNDO GRAU
7. — Remembering your responsibilities, the V.M. must be
careful to check that any Ap leaves before the Store
to be open in the Second Degree. However, even if he
I have reasons to believe that there is no gift.
1
A similar practice is advisable when opening the store.
Second Degree, and upon conclusion, at Second and First Degrees.
2
Likewise in the Second and Third Degrees. The hand must be kept open.
to download all Masonic Sns.
3
Similarly, such instructions apply to the opening and closing of the Store.
in all degrees.
4
It is not necessary for the L.S.E. to be open in any chapter in
particular. The First Great Light in Freemasonry is the whole volume. It
You must be open while the store is in Labor, but there is none.
authority to insist on opening it on any chapter or page.
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

a wise precaution to use the familiar phrase: If there is

any present App I now have to invite you to leave
of the Store". The V.M. can never err by doing so, thus
How a store cannot be opened directly on the second.
or Third Degree.
8. — When downloading the Sn the V.M. must lower the m.e. in the
words 'properly opened', and slide the m.d. elegantly
through the pe... in the words 'in E.'.
9. — The store being open in the Second Degree the P.M.I. is
will take care of the E. and the C. It doesn't matter which p...ta of the C. stays

exposed.
STORE OPENING
IN THE THIRD DEGREE
10. — The V.M. must ask all Comp to leave
before proceeding.
11. — Upon downloading the Sn in the words 'duly opened
No Ce...o, the V.M. must remember that he will not recover.
at this point. This is the only occasion when there is no need to
recover when downloading the Sn P from the Third Degree.

CLOSING OF THE STORE

IN THE THIRD DEGREE
12. — There is probably no part of the ceremony
Masonic is more often ruined by incompetence and
inexperience of the communication of the Subs of a M.M.
among the Watchmen and between the V.M. and the 1st V. The procedures
cannot be described here in detail; the practice in a
L.I.5it is the only way to achieve perfection. It can be
mentioned, however, that there is often a
unnecessary delay after the communication of the Ss Subs by
1st to the V.M. Each waiting for the other to move. It is the
5
N.T.: — L.I. stands for Lodge of Instruction.
the reader will find a Chapter dedicated especially to this theme.
217
 Chapter XXVII - Venerable Master (Continued)

V.M., as a Senior Officer, who should go out first to

return to your seat.6
13. — When the Great or R Sn is given in the words 'All
"O Most High" must be returned immediately to
the position of Sn P, and not first lowered to the side.
14. — After giving his command to Brother 1st V to conclude the
The shop or V.M. must give the with your left hand, holding the
Sn P with its m.d. As correct at this stage are those of
Third Degree.
CLOSING OF THE STORE
IN HIGH SCHOOL
15. — After giving his command to the 1stV to end the
The store or V.M. must provide the with your left hand, and
immediately raising it again to return to Sn of
Sa...o or P...a As correct at this stage are those of
High School.
GENERAL CLOSURE OF THE STORE
16. — After giving his command to the 1st Lt. to close the
The store or the V.M. must give the with your left hand, keeping
the Sn P with its m.d. As correct at this stage are those
of First Degree.
17. — If a Closing Ode is sung, it must be
Shop will be closed.
THE LIFTS
In all Regular Meetings, before the Closing of
Store, 'surveys' for the first, second, and third time,
are made to 'ask if any Brother has something to propose

6 The first stage in the communication of the Subs Ss of a M.M. is the T.P. and the
P.P. that lead from the Second to the Third Degree. The following Sns. of H. and
And the Sn P. Finally the Pal…..s of a M.M. are given after the Five
After... as How. The degrees of App and Comp should not be given.
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

for the good of Freemasonry in general or for this Lodge

ABC in particular. This is not done in a Meeting of
Emergency, because such a meeting is called for a purpose.
specific emergency, which needs to be stated in the
Calling, and no other business can be conducted.
The correct procedure method of the Master for the
"Surveys" is to give a which is answered by the
Vigilantes. He then stands up for the first time to
to ask if any Brother has anything to propose ...
It is impossible to impose rigid and swift rules regarding
which subjects in particular should be addressed in each
"survey"; this is very dependent on local customs
or from the Store, and no one has any right to dogmatize
about the topic.
Generally speaking, however, it is a safe rule.
book the "first survey" for related matters
with the Grand Lodge.7 If there is no subject of the
The Grand Lodge to be addressed is a common practice for the Brother.
Secretary rise with P and Sn and announce: "Nothing from the Great
Loja, V.M.
So the V.M. gives a and stands up to repeat his question
for the second time. Again the local customs and of the Store
they must dictate the procedure. In many Provincial Stores it is
I will reserve this raise for related matters.
with the Grand Provincial Lodge, being the other matters
treaties in the "third survey". If there are none
the subject of the Grand Lodge to be addressed is a common custom
for Brother Secretary to rise with P and Sn and announce:
Nothing from the Grand Provincial Lodge, V.M.

7
Sometimes in this 'raising' the Brother Secretary happens
must read a statement from the Grand Master. If so, Brother D.C.
will call the Brothers to Order. The Brothers must always be standing to
receive a message from the Grand Master.
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 Chapter XXVII - Venerable Master (Contin.)

Concerning the matters of the 'second survey'

properly arranged, the Master again gives a and if
raises to place his inquiry for the third time, when
Any other topic can be brought before the Lodge.
At the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, the P.M.I. always...
stands in its place in the 'third lift', staying at
Order with P and Sn, and says: "Sincere Congratulations, Your Majesty."8
This is also done in recognized Instruction Stores, and in
many regular stores that follow the Emulation system.
In Provincial Stores, it is a common practice in the 'third
lifting" the Visiting Brothers to rise again and become
offer "Sincere Congratulations" from their respective Stores.
It has been widely established that such a procedure is
irregular, and a high official linked to the Grand Lodge, a
deceased Great Registrar expressed his opinion that
no Brother has the right to convey 'Sincere
"Congratulations" from a Store unless you are the Master of this
Store in particular, or have been authorized by the Master of your
Shop to do so. As a matter of fact, the Great
Store has not issued any regulations on this point.
the above quoted opinion should be viewed only as an opinion,
however, the Brothers will do well to follow the custom
local.

8
N.T.: — In this survey, it is customary to congratulate; or to give congratulations
To V.M. for the session and the original phrase is 'Hearty Good Wishes, W.M.'
a similar costume, very common among Masons in Brazil, of Brothers
visitors congratulate the V.M. for the session using the expression: “V.M. I want
congratulate you for the Brilliant Session tonight. This typical expression in
Brazil is similar - and of very close value - to the English expression used
since before the beginning of the 20th century. Anyway, the author disapproves
such behavior, recommending it only when it concerns a local custom or
when the Visitor IR is the current V.M. of some Store.
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 Chapter XXVII - Venerable Master (Continued)

CALL FOR REST AND FOR WORK

For the Ceremony of Calling the Brothers of Work to the
Rest9(or Calling Off, as it is generally known) the
V.M. must give a which is answered by the Watchmen. O
V.M. then says: “Main Officers stand,” when he and his
Vigilantes rise up, while the other Brothers
they remain seated. The V.M. then asks: 'Bro. 2nd V., what
What time is it?
V.M. asks: 'Your duty?' to which the 2nd V replies:
Call the Brothers of Labor for Rest.
I would appreciate if you doTheit.2nd V then announces:
"Brothers, the V.M. commands that you cease the Work and proceed to the
Rest; however, keep yourselves at a distance from being able to.
return in due time, so that benefit and pleasure can
be the result
The 2ndV gives a which is answered first by the 1st V and
So by V.M. The P.M.I. must close the L.S.E. without moving the E.
and the 2ndV raises its column and the 1stV lowers its column.
In many stores, it is customary for the 2nd floor to turn into the T.D. at this
point, however there is no precedent for such a procedure of
agreement with the strict work of Emulation, since the [Link]
modified in the openings and closures in the different
degrees at the Emulation Lodge of Improvement.
Being the Brothers gathered in Lodge to Call of
Rest for Work (or Calling On), the V.M. gives a
9
N.T.: — I translated Refreshment to Rest because it is the commonly used term
chosen in Portuguese, however, as noted in a previous note, the
the term refreshment is used to designate a small amount of
food and drink as found in the Cambridge Dictionary: "small
amounts of food and drink: for example – He stopped at a bar for a little
"refreshment". Therefore, this period is above all a pause, just like
those existing between the acts of a play, an 'Intermission' between
momentos distintos. Em assim sendo, nenhum trabalho que tenha interesse
for the Store it should be developed in this 'Interval' or 'Rest'.
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 Chapter XXVII - Venerable Master (Continued)

which is answered by the Watchers. The V.M. says: 'Main'

"Standing Officers," when he and his Watchers stand up,
permanecendo os demais Irmãos sentados. O V.M. pergunta:
"Ir. 2ºV, what time is it?" to which 2ºV replies: "It's more...
What is the time V.M.? The V.M. asks: 'Your duty?' and the 2nd V
"Call the Brothers of Rest to Work."
The V.M. says: “I would appreciate it if you do so.” The 2nd V then announces:
"Brothers, the V.M. orders you to stop the Rest and return to
Work, to continue with the handling of matters
Masons.
The 2ndV gives a and lowers your column. The 1st V then gives a
he raises his column. The V.M. then gives a The P.M.I.
open the L.S.E. If the T.D. was previously turned over, the 2nd D takes care
deal.
REVERSION OF THE STORE
The correct procedure to Revert the Store is as follows: The
V.M. gives just one that is answered by the Watchers. The
V.M. then announces: "Brothers, by virtue of the powers that
I am invested, I revert the Store to the ... Degree." He then
give to the Degree to which the Store is reverted. The
Vigilantes give similar ones . The G.I. heads for the door and gives
Similar bases, for which the Cover responds. The P.M.I.
adjust the E and the C and the 2nd D takes care of the T.D.

THE CEREMONIES
Tabular details to guide the Master in all Ceremonies
would require much more space than the writer has at his disposal
disposition. Perfection can only come from a careful
study of the Ritual combined with a diligent practice in a
trusted Instruction Store. The few recommendations below
indicated, however, may provide some assistance.

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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

INITIATION CEREMONY
1. - Before the Jur, V.M. must be very careful when adjusting.
one of the p...ts of C in the p.e.n. of the Candidate.
2. — The correct Sn during the Jur is the Sn P…al of each Degree.
3. — When making a certain movement during the Jur in the words
"for and about" the V.M. must use its m.e. keeping the Sn P...al
with your M.D.10
4. — The correct point at which the Sn is discharged is
immediately after Can had repeated the final words of
Jur. V.M. must remember to remove the C at this point.
5. - Restoration of L...z. The importance of this portion of the
The ceremony has already been extensively emphasized in Chapter XVI. A
Perfect understanding between the V.M. and the 2ndD is essential.
V.M. must keep his…te raised so that everyone
can see you. The three distinct and deliberate movements
will be done, i.e. cross to the left, cross to the right, and
so download, with the 2nd D removing the ve... as soon as the V.M.
descer seu in the final movement.
6. — Upon rising to communicate the Ss of the Degree to the
The V.M. must remember to give the P when communicating the T or S.
At this point, it is the V.M. and not the 2nd D who adjusts the po…ar.
do Can.
7. — Explanation of the Work Tools. Unless
that the V.M. being an excellent ritualist will improve, right?
manipulate the Tools of Work. The mere fact of doing it
it is often enough to cause a lapse of
memory. The V.M. does not stand to explain the
Work Tools.
8. — The Lecture after the Initiation. If the Lecture is given
by V.M. she will not stand to fulfill this duty.

10
These instructions apply to all Degrees.
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

PASSAGE CEREMONY
1. — The Sn correct during the Jury at this Degree is the Sn of Fi...e.
The V.M. must use his m.e. in the words 'for and about'.
keeping the Sn Fi… and with your m.d. The Sn must be
discharged when Can repeat the final words of the Jur.
2. — The V.M. must remember to give the P when getting up to
communicate the Ss of the Degree to the Can.
3. — The V.M. will not remain standing for the explanation of the
Work Tools. (See item 7 above.)
4. — Explanation of the T.D. When can the Can return to the
The store or the V.M. must wait until he has been greeted and the
2nd D should have placed the Can in the correct position at the foot of the T.D.
V.M. then leaves his pedestal to the left side and
head to the T.D. where the 2ndD will pass you your stick
to point out the external emblems.
ELEVATION CEREMONY
1. — The correct Sn during the Jur is the Sn P…al of the Degree.
V.M. must use its m.e. in the words 'for and about', maintaining
the Sn P...al with your m.d. The right moment to
downloading Sn is when Can repeats the final words of
Jur. Not forgetting to recover.
2. — In the words "Raise newly Jur... the M.M.", the V.M.
you must use only the right hand.
3. — In the words, "when the villain who was armed with
a heavy blow, struck him violently on the forehead
"he lay lifeless at your feet," the V.M. must make a
movement with the Ma…te. He should not leave his seat
to touch the Front of the Can with the Ma...te.
4. — The V.M. must remember that the Can must be er... in us
Five P.D.F. Practicing is essential before this can be done.
correctly.

224
 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)
5. — Following the conclusion of the words of the Prelection —
peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race
V.M. takes both of Can's hands with hers and turns them.
slowly to the right until each one occupies the place where
the other was, the V.M. facing the S and the Can facing the
N. Even among experienced Supervisors, there are often
a question about the correct direction of this movement.
No mistake can be made if the V.M. remembers that the
movement must be made counterclockwise.
6. — During Traditional History the V.M. must not give the P
when one of the Brothers stood up looking around,
observed ...
7. — Then, when the V.M. stands up to demonstrate the
five Sns, so he must give the P.
INSTALLATION CEREMONY
1. — By indicating your consent with the Sn of F for the
Old Obligations and Regulations read by the Secretary,
M.E. must remember that Sn is lowered, not discharged.
2. — Upon being instructed to advance to the podium to provide the
Solene Jur of M.E., the M.E. should not proceed until the M.I.
have completed your sentence.
3. — The Sn correct during the Jur is the Sn of Fi...and. The Sn must
to be downloaded when the M.E. repeats the final words of
Jur.
4. — The V.M. must not "declare all vacancies" in
any period during this Ceremony. A survey to
Regulation 140 of the Book of Constitutions will demonstrate the
the only method by which a Master has powers to
to dismiss an Officer. Under the Constitutions, no Master of
Loja has the power to simultaneously remove all the
officials by a mere declaration that all positions are
vagrants.

225
 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)
5. — The Installation of the Venerable. For obvious reasons,
detailed instructions cannot be placed here with
I respect this important part of the Ceremony. Oh M.I.,
meanwhile, you should remember that no movement is made there to
illustrate the words when he refers to the end of the...
Jur. The correct word here is 'hanging,' isn't it?
thrown11as is often heard. The meaning of
the sentence is that the m. should be hung over your sh...o is...
i.e. suspended by a clip so that everyone can see
it as a visible mark of degradation.
6. — When the Brothers are readmitted and they are
determined that they make the round of the Store and greet the V.M., they
devem ser instruídos a não fazê-lo “de passagem”.
7. — The Work Tools of each Degree must be
explain in detail M.I. However, the Tools
Work of any Degree has already been explained during the course
from the meeting12it is enough for the M.I. to say: Its uses and
meanings have already been explained tonight, and I will not take
your time with a repetition.
8. — The Store must be completely Closed at all times.
Groans.
9. — The Address to the newly installed Master during the
The conclusion of the Ceremony should be made at the O to the left of the 1st V.
The Lectures to the Watchmen and Brothers must be given
no L, to the left of the V.M. No V.M. nor so much as the
Vigilantes must stand during the Lectures.

11
N.T.: — In this passage, the English words "slunge flung" allow
some confusion due to their similar sounds and hence the author dedicating themselves
this observation which is unnecessary in Portuguese.
12
This will be possible if we remember that there may have been a
ceremony of Passage or Elevation prior to Installation in the same
night.
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
(DURING WORK)
1. — The first duty of the V.M. is to verify that the Letter
The patent is in evidence.13
2. — In the event of a visit from the Grand Master, from the Pro
Grand Master, or of the Grand Master’s Delegate (or, in a
Provincial or District Lodge, the visit of the Provincial Grand Master
or District or its Delegate), the V.M. of a Private Lodge
must offer your mallet to the illustrious visitor, but to no one
another Great Officer regardless of how high their rank may be.
3. — A copy of the Book of Constitutions and of
Internal Regulations of Lojasempre must be offered to
each Initiated.14
4. — If there are Minutes from more than one Meeting to be
Once read, they must be submitted for approval separately.
The master should not declare that the drafts have been transmitted.
A resolution is 'transmitted', but Minutes are confirmed.
5. - If any of the procedures in a Meeting
Store requires obtaining a Dispensation, such Dispensation
must be read in Open Store before the particular matter
about which she speaks. In the case of a Store currently
Gathering by Dispensa, it is customary to read the Dispensa immediately.
after the opening of the Store. This is not correct to read the Exemption
before the store is fully open. The meeting is legal.
not for the reading exemption but for the fact that it was
obtained.
6. — The V.M. can summon an Emergency Lodge to
any time, for which no exemption is made
necessary. No other business except that stated in the
Convening can be addressed in a Meeting of

13
See Chapter XXVI.
14
See Chapter XXVI.
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

Emergency.15As Atasnãosão read and the V.M. is not raised

to inquire "if any Brother has something to propose...".
7. — A collective scrutiny for more than one Candidate
Initiation is allowed; similarly for Candidates for Membership.
However, scrutinies for Candidates for Initiation and Affiliation
must be done separately. The V.M. must be careful and
check himself that the voting compartment is
empty before the ballot box circulates.
8. — In the case of the emergence of any situation
inadequate the V.M. has the power to suspend the proceedings
with the simple procedure of Calling the Labor Store to
The Rest. Difficult situations have sometimes been
overcome by the adoption of this method. All Master and 2ndV
they must be familiar with the Call Ceremony for
Rest and Call to Work.
9. — No appointment is allowed for the Positions of
Master and Treasurer. These officials need to be elected by
free voting. The Provider can be elected only by the signal of
costume.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
(DURING THE REFRESHMENT)
10. — The V.M. must remember that punctuality in finishing the
night procedures are almost as important as starting
It is a wise procedure to make a schedule table.
and follow it! The custom dictates that certain toasts must
be honest, however we can very well distribute them.
A long musical program is usually annoying. It's better
cut the musical program for the later speakers
will be compelled to move to empty seats.

15
See Chapter XIX, about "The Secretary," and about "The Uprisings."
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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

11. — Smoking can only be allowed after the toast to

"King" and to "M.W. Grand Master".16This condition, however,
it does not apply to the cigarette served with ice cream. If an ice cream is
served the V.M. should not make the toasts up to this point. Such
costume is a modern innovation as inconsistent as
unauthorized. If during the banquet smoking is allowed the
V.M. must ensure that it is not turned on until the
ice cream is served, nor should it be continued afterwards
the ice cream is finished.
12. — If the custom of the Lodge dictates that the V.M. must
"to raise a toast" to various Brothers during the banquet, he
must always stand to do it. Ordinarily to
courtesy requires, with Your Majesty in the role of host
dining table. Politeness also dictates that the Brother, or
Brothers, to whom the Master is 'raising the toast' must remain
standing. The very modern practice, when the Master is
"raising a toast" to "All Brothers", the toastmaster
announce: "The Brothers remain seated", it is regrettable.
The simplest courtesy requires that the Brothers should stand up.
as recognition of the Master's hospitable fulfillment.
13. — It is not customary for the Grand Officers to
they will raise when the Master 'toasts' to the
Visitors Possibly the explanation is that these
eminent Brothers, having already been greeted by the Master,
they should not be "bothered" a second time; however it is
It is absolutely incorrect to argue that the Grand Officer is not one.
visitor. Algumas vezes ouvimos de Irmãos ingênuos a
tentativa de explicar que, enquanto “ordinariamente” Irmãos
they are "visitors", Senior Officers are "guests" — a
distinction that makes no difference. The truth, of course,
is that a Great Officer visiting the dinner table is
16
N.T.: — In the case of non-monarchical countries, the toasts are
due to the President of the Nation and the Grand Master General of the Order.

229
 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

exactly in the same position as any other Brother

visitor; he is a guest being entertained by the Store. Except
that his rank orders him to have a particularly seat
specified for him, and to receive certain formal honors,
as a guest, your privileges are the same as those of
young Apprentice visitors, neither more nor less.
14. — The practice of "to toast" or "to challenge" among Brothers
during dinner it is often taken to excess, having
as a result, the prevalence of an unworthy atmosphere of
breakdown. It is the duty of the V.M. to exercise his authority to
ensure that there are no inappropriate conduct. The strict one
label determines that no Brother should "challenge" another
superior rank outro. Consequently, the V.M. can never
to be “scraped”. The Board of General Purposes has called for
attention to the deplorable habit of constantly 'challenging'
The initiated. The V.M. should not allow it to anyone.
may it be your class. The V.M. will be wise if he does not allow that to happen
announce that he wishes for the visiting Brothers to 'feel at home'
house" and join the "challenge". Very likely already
there will be enough noise if the deplorable practice is limited
to the members of the Lodge.
15. — The V.M. must not allow the Brother Organist
introduce a paid artist in the hall to sing the Anthem
National. The National Anthem is an anthem, and as such, it must be
sung by the Brothers as a whole.
16. — All V.M. must apply great care in supervision
of the musical program. No item of a questionable or
suggestive nature should be allowed in the atmosphere
Masonic. Nor, of course, should any Brother be allowed to
to narrate a story of such nature. Unfortunately such
phenomenon sometimes occurs, and the Master who immediately
exercising your authority will certainly earn you the respect and support of
Brothers.
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 Chapter XXVII - Venerable Master (Continued)

17. — Topics that enable the emergence of disputes or

vexatious topics should be avoided in conversations after meals.
A spirit of harmony and brotherhood must prevail.
during the entire Refreshment period; it should never be
allowed for him to take on the nature of a debate.

231
232
 PART III
MISCELLANEOUS

233
234
 PART III

MISCELLANEOUS

CHAPTER XXVIII
THEINSTRUCTIONSTORE
REGULATIONS 158 to 161 of the Book of Constitutions,
establish the procedure under which an Instruction Store
it can be organized, but the guide contained therein is necessarily
very brief. Regulation 158 stipulates that no Store
Instruction must be organized unless under sanction of a
Regular store, or by a special license and authorization from
Grand Master. Furthermore, the Lodge that grants its sanction, and the
Brothers for whom the license is granted will be held responsible for
procedures, and will also be responsible for
obtaining a sanction from the Grand Lodge for the mode of
adopted work. Regulation 159 reminds us that the
Notifications of time and place of meeting must be
submitted to the Grand Secretariat (or, in the Provinces and Districts,
for the Great Provincial or District Secretariat), and in
Regulation 160 states that the Instruction Stores
they must keep recorded in the minutes the names of all the Brothers
presents and of the Brothers indicated to hold office. No
Regulation 161 makes reference to the fact that a
Regular store may wish to remove the sanction from this store of
Instruction. There isn't much useful material here for use of the
Brothers who are looking for a guide on how to form and control a
Instruction Store.
Obviously, the first concern of a group of Brothers
eager to form an Instruction Store is, according to the
Regulation 158 of the Book of Constitutions guarantees oneself
those who can obtain the sanction of a Regular Store.

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 Chapter XXVIII – Instruction Store

No real permission is needed, the constitutions are

obedecidas através do registro no Livro das Atas onde foi
sanctioned the permission of the Store. It is usual for such permission
a letter communication from the regular Lodge Secretary to
Secretary of the Instruction Store proposal, and such a letter (or one
a copy of this) can be framed, hung, or in any
another way preserved to be used as "Brief
Constitutive
Even before this important issue was organized the
possible Founders of the suggested Instruction Store must,
without a shadow of a doubt, having given careful consideration to
other issues of equal importance. It seems rarely
it is necessary to emphasize that there must be absolute
unanimity regarding the particular mode of work to be
employee; and, the decision arises or, is rigidly adhered to by
everything. Nothing can be more harmful to harmony and success
from the management of a Training Store of what is different
Brothers strive to introduce various systems of
work. Any portion of such practice, if allowed,
will inevitably result in chaos, and 'profit and pleasure'
they will certainly stand out by their absence.
The selection of a competent Preceptor is obviously a
matter of supreme importance. Having elected its
Preceptor, the Brothers must give you their trust and in all things
occasions accept your judgment without questioning or
resentments; your greatest privilege means that from it
eles tomam seus princípios. Just like in the Regular Store the
The Master is the preeminent authority, so it is in the Lodge of
Instruction from the Preceptor, it must be supreme over
all subjects. If the Brothers find their
unacceptable regulation, so the only suitable path is
choose another Preceptor, or seek instruction elsewhere.

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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

The qualifications that contribute to the success of a

Preceptors are many and varied. It is not unnecessary to say
that he must be a master of the ritual in all details,
however, much more is required of him than a comprehensive one
knowledge of the different Ceremonies and Lectures. O
Preceptor to gain and maintain the trust of your mentees,
must possess a natural talent for leadership; needs to
all moments being skilled in commanding, yet commanding
it must be combined with a calm and courteous demeanor, a
friendly conduct that will eliminate the 'torment' of many
corrections he will be called to make.
The Preceptor Brother, if you gain the trust of your
pupils will undoubtedly be consulted about various
points beyond the work of the Ceremonies; it will be seen as
a reliable "authority." He must, consequently,
to be completely familiar with the etiquette, the
jurisprudence and the Masonic history. Above all, he
must possess the very rare ability to transmit your
knowledge to others. When making a comparison between the
Master of a Lodge and the Preceptor of a Lodge of Instruction; and
we can add that the powers and responsibilities of
Preceptors are always greater than those of the Master.
The next officer in importance after the Preceptor in a
The Instruction Store is the Secretary. Even if he doesn't need to.
must necessarily possess mastery in the ritual like your colleague,
he must, if he wishes to efficiently fulfill his duties
duties, to be a past master in other directions. He needs to be
an excellent organizer, courteous and patient in his
relationships with siblings sometimes irritating, and, in addition
above all, to be an tireless and determined worker.
meetings are held at frequent intervals, usually
weekly, the duties of the secretary concerning a Store
The instructions are very different from those of a store.

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 Chapter XXVII – Venerable Master (Continued)

exactly in the same position as any other Brother

visitor; he is a guest being entertained by the Store. Except
that his rank orders him to have a particularly seat
specified for him, and to receive certain formal honors,
as a guest, your privileges are the same as those of
young Apprentice visitors, neither more nor less.
14. — The practice of "to toast" or "to challenge" among Brothers
during dinner it is often taken to excess, having
as a result, the prevalence of an unworthy atmosphere of
breakdown. It is the duty of the V.M. to exercise his authority to
ensure that there are no inappropriate conduct. The strict one
label determines that no Brother should "challenge" another
superior rank outro. Consequently, the V.M. can never
to be “scraped”. The Board of General Purposes has called for
attention to the deplorable habit of constantly 'challenging'
The initiated. The V.M. should not allow it to anyone.
may it be your class. The V.M. will be wise if he does not allow that to happen
announce that he wishes for the visiting Brothers to 'feel at home'
house" and join the "challenge". Very likely already
there will be enough noise if the deplorable practice is limited
to the members of the Lodge.
15. — The V.M. must not allow the Brother Organist
introduce a paid artist in the hall to sing the Anthem
National. The National Anthem is an anthem, and as such, it must be
sung by the Brothers as a whole.
16. — All V.M. must apply great care in supervision
of the musical program. No item of a questionable or
suggestive nature should be allowed in the atmosphere
Masonic. Nor, of course, should any Brother be allowed to
to narrate a story of such nature. Unfortunately such
phenomenon sometimes occurs, and the Master who immediately
exercising your authority will certainly earn you the respect and support of
Brothers.
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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

that the Secretary needs to properly keep the Minutes of the

procedures, and moreover the Constitutions provide that
These minutes should be presented if requested by
Grand Master or his delegates, or by the Lodge that grants its
sanction.
Regulation 160 of the Book of Constitutions not only
determines that an Instruction Store must keep Minutes
accurate, he adds that the Minutes shall record the
names of all the Brothers nominated to hold positions. A
election of the Master and the nomination of Officers for a meeting
the following are subjects that should always be addressed
with due formality.
In recognized Instruction Shops, the election of the Master
is always done in the Second Survey. The procedure is
as follows: The V.M. raises for the second time to
ask if any Brother has something to propose...
moment or Preceptor (or any delegate of him who can
acting as P.M.I.) raises with P and Sn and says: "V.M., I
I have the pleasure of proposing" (or "I take the liberty of proposing")
that the Ir 1ºV takes (or 'assumes') the chair in our next
meeting." Another Committee Member stands up with P and Sn
and says: “V.M., I have the pleasure of seconding” (or “I take the
freedom to secondary the proposal. The V.M. (without ) says:
The Brothers heard the proposal. All those who are the
please manifest in the manner usually observed among
Masons”. (The Brothers express themselves.) Those who are
opposites?1 The V.M. then announces: 'Go 1st V (the 1st V goes
formally raises with P and Sn),2was unanimously elected
1
It is absolutely superfluous for the Master to say: "Brothers, it was proposed by the
Brother A. and supported by Brother B., that Brother 1st V be elected,” etc., etc. The Brothers
They heard the proposal; there is no need to repeat it.
2 There is an apparent exception to the rule given in Chapter VII, where it is
it is established that according to the practice of Emulation a junior does not
he remains at attention when a senior officer addresses him. However, he must
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 Chapter XXVIII – Instruction Store

to occupy this seat on the day …, night of the next meeting.

You must indicate your officials and specify the work.
1st V responds: "V.M. and Brothers, I thank you." He then
download the Sn, sit down and indicate your Officers, or say: “The
Officers will proceed by rotation, and the work will be the Ceremony of
... and ..." The Officials are always indicated by the Emulation
Lodge of Improvement. The procedure in this case is for the
1st V say: "Bro. 2nd V (The 2nd V stands with P and Sn), you will occupy"
this chair on the day ..., night of the next meeting? The 2ndV
responds: 'With pleasure, Master Elected,' then unloads the
He sits down. The 1stV says: “Go 1stD (The 1stD gets up with P and
So), will you occupy the 2ndV chair? The 1st D responds as
above, download Sn, and sit down. The 1stV continues: "Go 2ndD
(The 2ndD rises with P and Sn), will you act like 1stD?
A similar procedure is carried out with the other officers.
O procedimento para anunciar a Cerimônia a ser ensaiada é
as follows: The V.M. (without Brothers, the
The ceremony to be rehearsed tonight is that of ... and Brother A.B. will perform
as a Candidate" (or "I would appreciate it if any Brother
offer as Candidate”). The Brothers who rise up to
They should not offer it to Mr. If the Ceremony
specified is that of Initiation, the Brother selected as
Candidate goes to the left of the 1st V, greets the V.M., and leaves.
to be properly prepared. If the Ceremony to be
rehearsed for the Passing or Elevation, the Candidate
the selected one remains standing in their place, and the 2ndD or the 1stD
(according to the Ceremony) should take him and lead him to the left
of the 1st V. There is no greeting in this case before the Master.
brothers, Brother A.B. is tonight a Candidate to be
…”.

it should be noted that the rule given there refers only to the practice of Emulation
during the Ceremonies.
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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

In an Instruction Store, the First Survey must

to propose new Members, the Second Survey for
the election of the Master for the rehearsal meeting, and the Third
Survey for other matters. Of course, if there is
any communication from the Grand Lodge to be read, this will be done
in the First Survey just like in a regular Store.
The "atmosphere" inside an Instruction Store is approaching
from a Regular Store, there should be a thorough assessment
attention of the Brothers and a brilliant work. The issue of
equipment is consequently something considerable
importance; the furniture, the work tools and others
indicators must be as complete as possible. This
necessarily involves a significant initial amount of
expenses and possibly some sacrifice on the part of the
Founders, however, the positive results are worth the cost.
All Officers of an Instruction Shop must wear the
Masonic dress, aprons, and collars must be provided with
funds for such purpose. Other Brothers can logically
it is excused for them to wear Masonic attire.
The issue of a suitable meeting place for a Store
of Instruction is somewhat difficult, and the difficulty becomes
more pronounced each year with the continued expansion of
Craft. In relation to this, the Brothers in the Provinces are, in the
most cases, more fortunately located than
those from the Metropolitan area. Many Instruction Stores
Provincials are capable of gathering in their Temples.
Local Masons, often in the same Temple in which
they operate your Regular Stores.
In London, many Instruction Stores can be found.
accommodation only in licensed places, with the use of the room
hired with the administrator for a nominal sum, which
wait (perhaps not inappropriately) to attract business. Where
such conditions are found, the Committee of a Store of
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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

Instruction will do well to act rigidly against himself.

practice of allowing the refreshment to be consumed at
Temple of the Store while the Store is open.
The controversial issue of whether smoking should be allowed
during the work in a Training Shop is one of those
which has raised unlimited discussions, and is not intended here
argue osprósecontras. In recognized Instruction Stores
those who work in Emulation, smoking is strictly banned;
before the official recognition by the Emulation Committee
can be obtained, an Instruction Store needs to incorporate into
your Internal Regulations have a clause in which both, smoking and
Refreshments in the Lodge Temple are prohibited while the Lodge
is open. In most Instruction Stores, smoking is
allowed; in some, unfortunately, the refreshment
also. The present writer has been a Preceptor in Lodges in the
which places smoking is allowed, as well as those where it is taboo, and
must confess that I did not notice that the pleasure of tobacco has
affected in any way by dedication to work. However
where pipes and cigarettes are allowed, the Preceptor will be
judicious in determining that the Officers who take part in
During the ceremony, please refrain from smoking.
An important issue that often arises in Stores
The instruction is that a Brother who is not a contributing member
A Regular Store is eligible as a member of it. The Board
of General Purposes regulated that the Instruction Stores
are regulated in relation to this subject by Regulation 152,
Book of Constitutions. This regulation stipulates that the
A non-contributing brother will not be allowed to visit.
He shops more than once unless he returns again.
to be a contributing member of some Store, but that the rules are
It applies to a Brother's visits to any Lodge where he has been.
elected as an Honorary Member. It is evident, therefore, that a
Non-contributing sibling is not eligible as a member, however the

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 Chapter XXVIII – Instruction Store
The Instruction Store can overcome the difficulty if the Brothers
as they wish, by the election of the non-contributing Brother as
your Honorary Member.
A Store of Instruction must always have its Regulations
Internal archived as carefully as that of a Store
Regular, and if financial considerations allow it,
The Internal Regulations must be printed and distributed among the
members. The financial issue is often a
difficulty in a Training Store, however if exercised with
care must be possible to finalize meetings with a rate of
Affiliation of, 2s. or 2s. 6d.3(not an extravagant sum!), a
Visitor fee of 6d., and an attendance fee
weekly of 6d. Many Instruction Stores have a
Annual Subscription instead of an Attendance Fee
weekly, however, where this is insisted upon, the members
often suffer. A smart plan is to make the
Optional Annual Subscription, and allow those who prefer,
pay a weekly Attendance Fee as an alternative.
Instruction Stores should meet as frequently
as far as possible if the members intend to maintain the union and
enthusiasm. Speaking generally, the Instruction Stores
the most popular and successful are those that come together
weekly.
All renowned Instruction Stores distribute a copy
printout of the study program for the sessions, with which
a Brother can verify at a glance the Ceremony to be
properly rehearsed on a certain date. In many
3
N.T.: — These numbers refer to values suggested by the author, but
at a time when the English currency was not decimal. On this occasion,
that lasted until the last quarter of the twentieth century, the English currency
it was a pound (as it still is) and it was divided into 6 shillings and each shilling
was divided into 12 pence, and the combination of pounds, shillings, and pence
resulted in values almost incomprehensible to non-British people, except for
those whose profession was linked to the exchange.
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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

other Instruction Stores there is no defined program, and the

Brother elected to occupy the chair in the subsequent meeting
He has the freedom to establish the Ceremony that he will rehearse.
The practice of the Emulation Lodge to establish a program is
extremely recommendable. It is more efficient, and the
Ceremonies being held in rotation, a Brother who volunteers.
as a candidate for any particular ceremony knows
if he progresses to the position of Master in six more weeks
In the afternoon, the same Ceremony will be rehearsed.

In almost all recognized Instruction Stores Sections

the lectures have a constant place in the program of
studies. Masonic Lectures are all very rare.
heard; they are a valuable means to imprint the ritual of the
various Degrees in the minds of the Brothers, and provide invaluable
instructions and explanations that are not obtained in the Ceremonies
tangible. The Preceptor who hesitates to introduce the Lectures
in your resume in the belief that you will have difficulties leading
The brothers in learning them should not be very easily.
discouraged. An excellent plan is to devote a night
occasional for the work of a lecture, and invite a team
of the distinguished Speakers to lead the various Sections. O
the brothers' interest can be stimulated by such a demonstration,
and the Brother Preceptor may be pleasantly surprised when
to find many of your pupils in the near future
excited to make their debut as Speakers.
In addition to the Ceremonies and Lectures, there are many other methods.
with which a Preceptor can stimulate the interest of their
pupils.4 A Store of Instruction, as its name implies,
It should be a store where the Brothers can wait and receive.

4
The author organized many of these demonstrations of Lecture and
later had the pleasure of finding out that they have an effect
beneficial. He will be pleased at any time to organize such a demonstration
in an Instruction Store as communicated by the editor of this Manual.
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 Chapter XXVIII - Instruction Store

instruction outside of the tangible Ritual. Concise guidelines of the

Preceptor, or from some other competent Past Master, about
various topics of Masonic interest in general are always
welcome. It is also an excellent practice for the
Preceptor encourage the Brothers to ask questions in all of the
meetings, a plan that will undoubtedly result in
very interesting and instructive discussions. The Brother
The preceptor, no matter how skilled they may be, cannot wait.
know everything; without a doubt, sometimes he may find
a question that will "bring you down", however, if your heart is
in his work, he can always 'find the answer' and
to report it in another future meeting.
A final word of recommendation to Brother Preceptor is of
that he should make his teaching as individualized as possible.
The teacher who strives to have a personal interest in the
the efforts of your pupils will not only gain their trust and
respect, but your friendship and affection. It is through such methods that the
Preceptor turns his Instruction Store into what each Store should
to be a seminal assembly of a happy group of Brothers,
everyone imbued with the singular desire to prepare themselves for
perform their duties in their respective Stores with
that dignity, decorum, and precision that should be the hallmark
distinctive of all Masonic Ceremonial.

245
246
 CHAPTER XXIX
SMOKE NOREFRESHMENT
At what exact point during the post-meal period does
can grant permission to the Brothers to smoke, in
compliance with the generally accepted Masonic rules of
etiquette and courtesy? It is a safe prediction that in most of
such permission is eagerly awaited by a large
percentage of brothers eager for the comfort and delight of the aroma
from tobacco that William Lilye, in the legendary hundred and tenth
fifth grammar, qualified as 'our sacred herb
nicotinic.
The exact moment when permission can be granted to the
Brothers to "ignite it" did not enter the scale of controversies.
up to recent years. Since it has now emerged as a controversial topic
so there may be some doubt; the most varied opinions
were developed, each asserting itself as being
reliable, and acrimonious disputes have arisen among
various champions of the ceremonial label believing themselves
even in contradiction. There are some who declare that smoking
it is allowed as soon as the toast to the 'Grand Master' has been made
honored; others that must be postponed until the gift to the
“Oficiais da Grande Loja” tenha sido feito; outros ainda
they resolutely declare that the followers of My Lady
Nicotine should keep its desires under control until
the last mentioned toast has been answered. A few
but perfectionists go even further and deny the eager
permission awaited until the toast to the 'Grand Master'
The 'Provincial' has been done. This extreme, however, applies-
only in the case of a few Provinces and hardly
they could become part of a chapter dedicated to
generalities.

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 Chapter XXIX - Smoking in the Refreshment

If the disputing Brothers base their respective opinions

In observing the correct 'etiquette', it becomes interesting to
exam of the word in itself. The word derives from French,
and in the old French etiquette, it designates a 'note'
or 'license.' When consulting a reliable small volume, of
Cheshire dictionary maker, whose French-English dictionary,
published in the second decade of the seventeenth century, which is a
work of valuable historical importance, we find explained the
word in French like a 'to quarter'4for benefit or
advantage for those who received them; a way of
presentation. Also, like a pinned notification in
entrance of a court. The development of meaning in
French from a "note" to "ceremonial rules" is not difficult
to accompany. For our purpose, the definition generally
The acceptance of the word in its broad sense can be given as
meaning "the observance of correct social behaviors"
required by a good education.
Obviously, 'good education' and 'social observance' can
to be presumptuous to obtain loyalty to the Throne and imposes and brings
I gain respect for the reigning monarch. Therefore, a
the assembly of gentlemen has their meal solemnly — wants
be members of our Brotherhood whether or not — ceasing to
smoke even after the toast to the 'Queen', on any occasion if it is
tradition honors the toast of loyalty. Loyalty and appropriate
submission to the Throne has dictated the custom. It will be superfluous
emphasize that the Craft members are not providing any
tribute to a social sector first when the
the theme is loyalty to the Sovereign. At this point, then, we have the
irrefutable, basic fact, on which all Brothers will agree

4
N.T.: — The 'billet' is more than just quartering men; it is defined
as being 'accommodation for soldiers in private houses', that is,
it is a civilian lodging for military personnel, which brought some
advantages for the owners of these places.
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 Chapter XXIX – Smoking in the Refreshment

agreement that cigars and cigarettes must remain extinguished

until the loyalty reward is executed.
As the Queen is the supreme ruler of all those who
they are obliged by loyalty to the British flag, their
Domains and Dependencies, as well as the M.W. Grand Master
he is the supreme ruler of all the Brothers belonging to the Lodges
under the English Constitution. Here again we have a guide
unquestionable; loyalty and respectful submission to the Grand
Masters indicate that, among Freemasons, smoking is taboo even until
that the second drink on the list was made with the
traditional honors.
In recent years, the issue has been complicated by
recent statement that cigarettes are often served with
an ice cream is "out of the question" unless the gift to
"Queen" should have been honored before. Where does this arise from, certainly.
dogmatic mode, interference over a custom
long since established? What traces of authority
they have these amateur champions of etiquette for their
dogmatism? For many years the cigarette served with ice cream
it has been an accepted custom, and even in the last three or four
for years no mention has been heard of the harmless custom
have outraged decency or loyalty.
There is a small doubt regarding the opinion that is consensus.
Generally, it would have the consequence that smoking is allowed.
immediately after the toast to the Grand Master was honored.
As already mentioned, there are a few scrupulous stubborn ones in
some Provinces that pressure loyalty and patience
of the Brothers denying permission until after the toast to
"Provincial Grand Master", however such extremes are made by
few and distant Brothers. A Province is free to
establish your own customs, no matter how arbitrary they may be
they may seem at first glance. We can only ourselves

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 Chapter XXIX – Smoking at the Refreshment

sympathize with the Brothers who are compelled to submit

such capricious dictates.
The eccentricities of innovation creators are
notoriously contagious. Allow yourself to the self-proclaimed
I would call out to patrons for any artificial reform, vociferating.
enough, and some will be inclined to accept them in the
self-assessment. Consequently, it has sprouted from
in many directions the incongruent habit of making the toast of
loyalty in the midst of the banquet. In all spheres of life
sometimes we are surprised to realize how much many
people think they are ready to blindly follow leaders of the self-
pioneers of the so-called reform. It is still
but it is more surprising to find them in the Masonic "Yearbook" of
one of the most influential Provinces where it is established:
If, during dinner, the Brothers wish to smoke with the
ice cream, the Master must toast to the Queen to allow it
those who smoke.
For everyone except for the enslaved purists, the cigarette
during the meal is an accompaniment accepted with the
ice cream, something that can be enjoyed with that delicate
flavor, which should not be ignited before the ice cream is served,
not kept on after the poster has been finished. It is not seen nor
pretends to be like a smoker; hence this transient intrusion
not generally seen as the infringement of a norm
established, namely, an assembly of gentlemen, dining
ceremoniously, avoiding smoking until the toast of loyalty
has been honored.
The incongruity of the direction highlighted above of a
"Provincial Yearbook" is noticeable at a glance. A
proposal of the loyalty toast by the Master during the dinner
grants implicit permission to the Brothers so that they can
smoke freely and without restrictions, regardless of the
ice cream or any other accompaniment, an absolute
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 Chapter XXIX - Smoking in the Refreshment

careless with the universally accepted restriction that smoking

cannot be tolerated in any Masonic meeting even after
o brinde ao “M.W. Grão-Mestre”. Se for uma contravenção
the canons of etiquette tolerate a few puffs with the
ice cream before the loyalty toast is also a violation
according to the same canons do it before the toast to the Grand Master.
However arbitrary a determination may be, one can
to accept it willingly if it has the merit of consistency; not
Is there any consistency in the highlighted example above.
The regrettable consequences of this newly emerged custom
to make the toast of loyalty during the dinner can be
views in various directions. Brothers whose appetites are already
satisfied continue to smoke during the remainder of the banquet,
and its blatant disobedience to all the rules of courtesy
often pass unrestricted by those
same 'guardians of etiquette' who raise their hands with
scrupulous horror at the sight of a spiral of smoke from
tobacco during the consumption of ice cream unless the toast of
loyalty should have been done before.
The largest body of the Craft is recognized for being loyal to desires.
expressed by these rules. Uncertainty and confusion would be
banished with a direct guidance coming from one of the known ones
quarterly communications from which all Masonic authorities
emanate. In the absence of any guidance, common sense
and ordinary courtesy determines that the tribute to the 'Queen' is
entirely out of place until the Prayer has been offered.

251
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 CHAPTER XXX
OSMAÇÔNICOS "NO"
DO NOT use your Master Pendant and Jewel, if you are the Master of your
Store, when visiting another Store. Such
the practice is contrary to the Constitutions.
DO NOT be careless with your Sns. Remember that everyone
Es, Ns, and Ps, are proper and true Sns to put
one of them recognizes a Freemason. Remember,
also, that all Masonic Signs must be given
silently.
DO NOT make any 'mention' of a preliminary movement to
make the Sn P of Apprentice. A m.d. deve ser levada
directly to the position with the p.e.n.f.d.u.E.d.l.e.d.p.
Don't forget the difference between the Sn of R and the Sn of F.
the last or the p. is extended forming an E and the Sn is
executed. The anterior or [Link] not extended
forming an E. and the Sn is lowered.
Don't forget that when unloading the Sn P of any grade, the
hand should be kept open.
Don't forget to "recover" the Sn P of the Third Degree. There is
just one exception to this rule.
Don't forget to give the P before any Sn, with a unique
exception of Sn from R. In reality, this is not an Sn.
Masonic. It will possibly be more accurately
described as the attitude of R.
DO NOT propose a Candidate for Initiation unless
be absolutely sure that he is the right man,
not only for Freemasonry but also for
member of your particular Store. It would be wise to adopt
as a rigid norm it never offers one less candidate
that he be a close friend whose character is very dear to you
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 Chapter XXX - The Freemasons 'No'

well known.
One should not allow any recess when one is a Master.
in another room during the Installation Ceremony with the
purpose of allowing members of the Board of [Link].
we will take part in the refreshments. Recently in
March 1926 the practice was definitively condemned
by the Board of General Purposes as irregular and a
contravention of the tasks assigned to the House of
Secretary in 1902 by the Great Registrar that,
Masonic authorities condemn the practice of consuming
any intoxicating liquid in Loja, or in places
directly associated with the Store, regarding the
Installation Ceremony. It is regrettable that some
Well-managed stores continue to blatantly violate
this standard.
DO NOT allow your Lodge's Committee to be appointed as
"General Proposals Board" if it has any influence
to avoid it. The Book of Constitutions limits the use of
title "Board" to certain bodies specified there.
"Permanent Committee" or "Store Committee" are the
descriptions that should be used by these bodies in
Private Stores.
Do not frame the Grand Lodge Certificate for display.
publicly in your professional environment, nor in your
personal office. Such practice can only be
interpreted as an attempt to link to Franco-
freemasonry has commercial advantages, and this is emphatically
deplored by the Masonic authorities.
DO NOT talk to the companion next to you during the
progress of a Ceremony in the Lodge. The smallest
murmur sometimes produces much more loss of control than
what the murmurer imagines. Remember that the Master

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 Chapter XXX – The Masons 'No'

is focused on his task, and may be nervous; the

a minor interruption can throw you off your
path.
DO NOT mock at any time, nor even smile, if there is
a funny mishap at work during a Ceremony.
We have heard and seen sometimes some events
funny, but any suggestion of laughter can
totally destroy those solemn impressions that
must be created in the Candidate's mind.
DO NOT stretch out and spread out in your seat in the Store
even if it happens to feel tired and perhaps, a
so bored. Maybe you've already heard everything once.
a hundred times, but for the Candidate, it's the first time;
your interest will undoubtedly be stimulated if the
Brothers were interested.
Do not be too eager to join other stores,
You enter the 'Parallel' Degrees. Stop to consider the
financial aspect. Remember that the Masonic expense
it must always be 'without personal loss', etc.
Do not hesitate to join the Order of the Sacred Royal Arch.
This is not a "Parallel" degree, it is part of the "pure
Ancient Masonry. (See Regulation 1, Book of
Constitutions
DO NOT refer to the London Rank Officers as "London
Rankers. This is rude and offensive.
DO NOT attend a Installation Meeting without being
Wearing your uniform, if you are a commissioned officer.
from London or Provincial or District.
DO NOT make the work of the Treasurer or the Secretary even harder
heavier not responding promptly to your
communications.
DO NOT forget that the Cobridor is a 'Brother'. A squeeze of
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hand and kind words when greeting him can

mean a lot to him.
DO NOT imagine yourself inferior in your Masonic organization in
relation to those who hold a higher social position
than yours.
Do not behave distantly in your Masonic organization
with those whose social position is lower than theirs.
We are at the square, and we separated at the level.
DO NOT use Masonic decorations on your pocket watch, or as
any other form of adornment. This simply
it is not done
DO NOT be lenient with noisy behavior in
banquet. People usually don't shout from one side to the other.
in a room at a private dinner. So why do it
at a Masonic dinner?
DO NOT talk or move around the dining room while
a performer is on stage. The entertainment
musical can sometimes not be of good quality, and
many of us might wish it were dispensed with;
but, when such entertainment is provided, courtesy
it is common that artists should be granted
silence and absolute attention of your audience.
DO NOT address the Master as 'Venerable Sir' either in the Labor
want in the Refreshment; he must always be 'Venerable
Master. And NEVER, never be irresponsible if
addressing the Master as "V.M.". Such abbreviations
as "V.M.", "1ºV", etc., are allowed on the forms,
however, no Officer should be addressed orally by
a shortened title.
DO NOT make (or encourage) questionable jokes in the atmosphere
Masonic. (On June 12, 1933, the M.W. Grand-
Master, in response to a suggestion that was sent to you
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by M.W. Pro G.M., granted authorization for the

light suits were used instead of the Evening Dress
in Masonic assemblies, leaving the theme to the discretion of
Provincial and District Master Grain Masters and Masters of
Stores. A black suit is therefore no longer
mandatory).
Don't forget that 'Daytime Attire' means Daytime Attire, not
a light formal suit. Even the brothers who are most
they sometimes get it wrong about this.
DO NOT become a Mason "with knife and fork"; it will be much better.
leave the Order.
DO NOT criticize the Preceptor of your Instruction Lodge even.
considering it very autocratic, or perhaps
incompetent. Remember that he is doing his
better to give your time to attend and
help your Brothers.
If you are an excellent ritualist, DO NOT be overly quick.
to condemn the Brother who is not. Remember that
not all of us can be "stars".
Do not condemn any practice as wrong just because it occurs.
in a way different from the custom of their own Lodge, or
because it differs from what was learned in your store of
Instruction. Remember that your habit can be the
wrong.
DO NOT imagine that the perfection of the words of the Ritual is the Alpha and
the Omega in Freemasonry. It is important, but there is
other themes much more important.
DON'T think you did something extraordinarily brilliant if
managed to win the silver matchbox in
Emulation Lodge of Improvement. This simply
it means that you have a good memory — and that you have had some
luck.
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Do not forget the first of the Three Great Principles about the
what our Order is founded on. Keep that one
Principle always in mind, and 'Profit and Pleasure' will be the
result.

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 APPENDIX
[Link]
LETCWORTH, GRAND SECRETARY 1892 TO 1917.
UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND
FREEMASONS' HALL,
GREAT QUEEN STREET, LONDON, W.C.
Novembro22, 1912.
Dear Sir and Brother,
I received your letter dated the 20th of this month, and I am pleased to
discovering that a correct execution of the Ritual is a matter of
attention of the members of your Lodge.
While it is true that no edict was at any moment
issued by the Grand Lodge as much as any particular form
of work has been accepted, nor is it considered mandatory that
The stores must comply with what is determined by the system.
The ritual of "Emulation", on the other hand, is a historical fact that the
Great Lodge in 1816 definitely adopted and gave its
approval to the work system submitted to her by the Lodge of
Reconciliation, and it is also a fact that this is the system in which the
Emulation Lodge of Improvement was founded in 1823 to
to teach, and to be taught by that Store to this day.
The late Brother Thomas Fenn, who was considered the greatest and
but the most skillful exponent of the Masonic Ritual of his days, always
he supported the opinion that the work of 'Emulation' was
authorized, and that opinion is supported by Brother Sudlow, your
successor in the teaching of that system. Certainly no other
the ritual system has received official approval at any time
from the Grand Lodge.
Fraternally.
E. LETCHWORTH, G.S.
V. Ir. W. P. CAMPBELL-EVERDEN, L.R.
Lodge No.19, London.

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