Grand Lodge Of Ohio: Officer’s Manual Presentation Part I

Grand Lodge Of Ohio: Officer’s Manual Presentation Part I Prepared by:The Committee on Education & Information ofThe Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of OhioPublished 2012

Welcome and Introductions

General Information Our Laws1. Every officer should have an up-to-date copy of the Code2. Officers should be able to discuss and answer questions concerning the Code 3. Our Constitution is short, but every part is vital4. The Charges of a Free Mason should be read frequently • Uniform Code of By-Laws • The By-Laws recite many requirements that our membership should be familiar with • No amendments may be made except as prescribed • The By-Laws of every Lodge must conform to the Uniform Code of By-Laws as adopted by the Grand Lodge

The public announcement of the place, time, and purpose of a meeting The proceedings of a Lodge Names & pictures of Brothers Public Relations Kit Publicity Masonic Funeral Service may be conducted as authorized Suggested Service is not mandatory Preferable to be delivered from memory Aprons Funeral Services

“A Mason is obliged to obey the moral law…” No man is to make innovations in the body of Masonry’s principles and landmarks Masons should be foremost and preeminent in every activity of life For leadership, the Mason should be without a peer Behavior as a Citizen

Lodge Operations • Attire • Proper attire is a necessity • Each Lodge decides the proper attire for its officers • Every officer should be attired in a manner appropriate to the station or place he occupies • Aprons, Gloves, Jewels • Aprons should be worn on the outside of the coat • Aprons designated by the Grand Lodge • Master Masons and their aprons • Jewels of the Lodge Officers • Jewels of the Grand Lodge Officers • Jewels or regalia of bodies other than Grand Lodge or subordinate Lodges are not appropriate in a Lodge meeting

Punctuality & Arriving Late WM will begin meetings punctually When a Brother is late, he should be properly clothed before requesting permission to enter On gaining admission, report west of the Altar and salute with due guard and sign Anteroom, Tyler’s room, & Preparation room Behavior in the anteroom and Tyler’s room Preparation room is never to be used as a means of access to and from the Lodge

Visitors & Vouching • If a visitor has no one to vouch for him, he is required to show a photo ID and a current dues card • No test oath or examination questions shall be required • The Grand Lodge of Ohio recognizes the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio and Connecticut • The Code provides that a Brother cannot vouch for another Brother unless he has actually been in Lodge with the visiting Brother • Brothers who have been vouched for must still show ID and a dues card • One Brother may not vouch for another over the telephone • Presence in other Masonic bodies

Opening & Closinga Lodge Opening & closing ceremonies are REQUIRED Inspection meetings The Grand Master or his Designated Representative The manner in which a Lodge meeting is conducted is vital to the success of the meeting A comprehensive guide for conducting Lodge business can be found on pp. 9-11 of the Officer’s Manual Guide for Conducting LodgeBusiness

Lodge Prayer & the • Universality of Freemasonry • The universality of Freemasonry should never be forgotten or ignored. • The universality in Freemasonry MEANS universality-all the time • References to the Deity should be “God” or “Grand Architect of the Universe” • Musical selections of a particular faith are inappropriate in Lodge • Masonic Customs • The customs of Masonry have never been prescribed in our written laws • Freemasonry solicits no man • Harmony is the first law of the Lodge as it is of Heaven • In Lodge meetings, conduct takes the form of proper decorum

Master’s Cover No written law requiring a Master to remain covered Token of superiority of rank or office A chapeaux or fez as part of a uniform Hat should be remove during prayer or at the mentioning of Deity Masonry teaches its principles through emblems, symbols, and allegory The pillars The Perfect Ashlar & Rough Ashlar The letter G The Bible should be handled with care and reverence Emblems & Symbols

The Flag • The United States flag and its proper position in Lodge • Improper use of the flag • Other banners in the Lodge • The Altar • Proper position of the Altar in Lodge • The Altar should NEVER be moved during a meeting • No other objects except appropriate draping should be placed on the Altar • The space between the Altar and the East is deemed “sacred ground”, not to be trodden under foot • References to the Bible

The term, “Brother”, is a title, a distinction, and an honor Correct titles for officers and past officers Always address a Grand Lodge officer by his correct title Use of given names or nicknames When making announcements or speaking in open Lodge, rise at your place and wait to be recognized by the Master Acknowledgement of Grand Lodge officers Masonic Titles

The Reception of Grand Lodge Members, Officers, & Other Distinguished Guests • The reception of Grand Lodge officers and Distinguished Guests are an important part of our customs • A comprehensive guide for introducing Grand Lodge officers as well as Distinguished Guests is provided on pp. 15-18 of the Officer’s Manual. • Investigating Committee • CAREFULLY READ CODE, Chapter 24 • It is recommended to require petitioners to answer and sign a questionnaire • If there is anything questionable, give the Lodge the benefit of the doubt • Permanent investigating committees • Important pointers for the committee may be found on p. 19 of the Officer’s Manual

Except for the Holy Bible, the ballot is the most sacred thing in the Lodge A Mason will never be actuated by prejudice, selfish motives, or vindictiveness to influence his behavior at the ballot box It is strictly forbidden for a Mason to reveal how he will or has balloted. Proper balloting procedures can be found on pp. 19-21 of the Officer’s Manual The Ballot & Balloting on A Petitioner

Preparation Room • Solemn treatment of the candidate in the preparation room • Candidate should be alone except for authorized personnel • Candidate’s necessary preparation is symbolic • Conferring Degrees • Behavior during the conferral of the Degrees • The Lectures and Charges are vital and an integral part of the Degree • It is discourteous to retire before or during the delivery of the Lecture • Second section of the Master Mason Degree • Ritual • The function of the Ritual is to impress upon each Candidate the lessons and principles of the Fraternity • It is important to strive for perfection • It is improper to discuss the Ritual in public

Signs belong to the inner essence and esoteric life of the Craft Should be given with dignity and uniformity Omission of signs during non-tyled ceremonies Always stand when giving signs Signs The Master will appoint a Lodge Education Officer and an appropriate number of Master Masons The Lodge Education Officer should be provided with current copies of the available educational resources Apprentice Training

Education Courses • The Grand Lodge provides an Education Course for the enlightenment of the officers in particular and our members in general • Courses may be taken on line, or with a hard copy • Certificates of completion are available from your DEO’s • Election to Office • Lodge officers are elected or appointed • No guarantee of advancement by election to the next higher office • Vacancies in an elective office • Sole requirement, save where a member must have held a specified office to qualify, is fitness and ability • Election of officers is to be conducted at the Annual Meeting of the Lodge • The proper procedures for conducting the election of officers can be found on pp. 25-27 of the Officer’s Manual

Closing Comments Thank you for your dedication to Masonry!

Grand Lodge Of Ohio: Officer’s Manual Presentation Part I