HST communications 188

FROM THE EAST

My Brothers,

I would first like to publicly thank our Senior Warden, Bro. Matthew Donovan for rising to the occasion and opening the Lodge in my absence. Secondly, kudos to the Brethren who performed their duties flawlessly and gave a memorable performance for the Third Degree. We welcome our newly made Bro. Matthew Scholz to the rank of MM, and we thank our visiting Bro. Garrett A. Craver from ( site ) Nederlander Lodge No. 1368, Texas, and our visiting Bros. from the MW Prince Hall Lodge for their loyal attendance. The conclusion of the Third Degree work will occurred at the next meeting and, time permitting, a walk about the Lodge as prescribed in the LSOME program, and a reading of the Masonic Compact.

Although there is much information regarding proper behavior and protocol in studies relating to the ritual work, degree work, floor work, etc... very little is available on the subject of Blue Lodge Etiquette.

In polite society members exhibit proper decorum and propriety, qualities which govern their behavior. Failure to observe these rules causes the offender to look foolish, or even worse - disrespectful. As newly made Brothers, visitors, and distinguished guests observe the workings of our Lodge, they take with them an impression that may remain indelible. It is up to each and every one of us to show proper respect to not only the Master but also to other members of the Lodge, lest we give a bad impression to others.

To give a quick overview, I have quite liberally gleaned the following information from a Masonic Educational website on Masonic Etiquette:

1. Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the Lodge is open.
2. Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation.
3. Brethren do not enter the Lodge room either without their apron or while putting on that apron.
4. No man sits while speaking in the Lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or a Brother
5. A good Mason does not cross his legs while in the Lodge room.
6. A good Mason does not talk while a degree is being conferred.
7. If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for decorum, advise the Master beforehand.
8. You must immediately obey the gavel.
9. Never turn your back on the Master to address the Lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak directly to the brethren.
10. Each of the Brethren must salute the Master when entering or retiring from a Lodge room.
11. Do not enter or leave a Lodge room during a ballot.
12. If you are assigned a piece of work... it is Masonically discourteous to refuse.
13. When an issue is put to a vote, all Brethren should vote.
14. No smoking in the Lodge room.
15. It is good Masonic Etiquette not to refuse a request made in the name of the Lodge.
16. Lodge customs state that no one except for the W.'.M or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only if the error is a serious one.
17. Exhibit good posture.
18. No practical jokes or off color stories.
19. It is common courtesy to be accurate in speaking a Brother's name, so it is proper Masonic etiquette to address officers, members, and visitors by their correct Masonic titles and addresses.
20. When entering or leaving an open Lodge, a Brother should smartly go West of the altar and salute the W.'.M in the appropriate degree.
21. All prayers at Lodge functions are non-sectarian.
22. All cell phones should be turned off.

As can be seen from the above list, Masonic Etiquette is merely good manners and respect for your Lodge, its members, the W.'.M, and the convention of Freemasonry in general.

May the blessings of God rest upon us all and those that we hold dear, and may we be blessed as much as we are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick
drjonapatrick@comcast.net

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	Worshipful Master Jonathan S. Patrick calls all Brethren to Respect and Answer the
Trestle Board Awaiting Investigation: Messrs. Jonathan Berenson, William L. Davenport, Michael C. Iuzzolino Awaiting the Degree of Entered Apprentice: Messrs. Frank J. Balducci, Ronald R. Perrone, Jr. Awaiting the Degree of Fellowcraft: Brothers Harry Almodovar, Roman Babadzhanov, David Bogart, Russel P. Castro, Joseph J. Mancini, Shane R. O'Connor, Aaron Tannenbaum, Albert L. Vitarelli Awaiting the Degree of Master Mason: Brothers Joseph A. Ascolesi, Ian T. Brumgnach , Justin C. Favaloro, David M. Gordon, Bruno L. Soto	THE 188^th STATED COMMUNICATION Harry S Truman Lodge No. 1066 Grand Lodge of New York of Free and Accepted Masons American Room, 19^th floor, Masonic Temple 71 West 23^rd Street, Mailbox 5D, New York, NY 10010 Thursday, February 19 @ 7 PM For the transaction of such business that may regularly and constitutionally be brought before it. Conclusion of Master Mason Degree Walkabout & Masonic Compact
	Master W.'.Jonathan S. Patrick 11 Lindsey Lake Road N. Brandford, CT 06471 (Cell) 203-889-7939 E-mail:drjonapatrick@comcast.net	Secretary Bro. Theodore H. Jacobsen 118 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128 (Home) 212-289-3121 E-mail:thjnycusa@aol.com