The Master's Corner
MASONIC ETIQUETTE
Each profession has its code of ethics governing the actions of its members. Ethics and rules of conduct are quite different from etiquette. Etiquette, the consideration we show others, remains constant. While our relationship with other Masons is clearly explained by the ritual.
Etiquette, Masonic or other wise is nothing more than plain manners and politeness.
LODGE ETIQUETTE
When a visitor appears at a meeting it is only proper for each member to welcome him as he would in his own home. If the visitor is from another jurisdiction he will appreciate knowing the ritual of your jurisdiction at the meeting.
FOR THE MASON
Masonry has, for ages, taught lessons of tolerance, it is understood that another visitor’s signs and even words may be different, or how the apron is worn. Ritual or language may differ from your jurisdiction, but it would be discourteous to object to such in lodge.
FOR THE MASTER
The Master of a Masonic lodge has been endowed with the title of Worshipful Master. It is a term of respect for the office he holds or has held in the past. He does not call himself Worshipful but Master when referring to himself. As a mark of respect to the Great Architect of the Universe the Master should always remove his hat whenever the name of Deity is spoken. Also when the pledge of allegiance to his country or National Anthem is played. Grand Lodge or The Master of the lodge dictates rules of Order. Harmony and dignity among the craft must prevail and the Master will enforce it.
FOR THE VISITOR
The expression "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" is generally appropriate for the Masonic visitor. Many Brethren believe that there is a universal Masonic custom called the "right of visitation" this is not the case however. Missouri dose recognize this right, other are by "Reservation Only" In the United States a visitors dues card will be needed and he should expect to be examined in some manor unless someone will vouch for him.
At a Masonic gathering let us remember that the cardinal principle of Etiquette is thoughtfulness and concern for the effect of our actions on others.
SO MOTE IT BE
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Here are a few facts about his life.
DECEMBER 14, 1999 IS THE BICENTENNIAL OF HIS DEATH.
THE FIRST PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF HIS BIRTHDAY TOOK PLACE AT VALLEY FORGE DURING THE SEVERE WINTER OF 1778, WHEN THE BAND OF PROCTOR’S ARTILLERY SERENADED THEIR COMMANDER. WASHINGTON TIPPED THE MUSICIANS THE SUM OF ONE POUND, TEN SHILLINGS.
HIS FAVORITE BREAKFAST CONSISTED OF CORNMEAL PANCAKES SWIMMING IN BUTTER AND HONEY WITH THREE CUPS OF STRONG TEA. HE ALSO ENJOYED BARBECUES, ICE CREAM AND FINE DINING.
WASHINGTON EDUCATED HIMSELF BY READING AND HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE.
BY MODERN STANDARDS WASHINGTON HAD THE EQUIVALENT OF A GRADE SCHOOL EDUCATION.
YET WASHINGTON ROSE TO THE HIGHEST OFFICE IN THE LAND.
WASHINGTON LIBRARY AT HIS DEATH CONTAINED MORE THAN 800 BOOKS, NUMEROUS PAPERS AND PAMPHLETS.
BUSHROD WASHINGTON HIS NEPHEW BECAME AN ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT.
WASHINGTON ALLOWED HIS FACE TO BE COVERED WITH PLASTER TO FORM A LIFE SIZE MASK. SCULPTOR JEAN ANTOINE HOUDON USED TO FASHION THE HEAD FOR A FULL SIZE STATUE.
WASHINGTON AS PRESIDENT VISITED EVERY STATE OF THE NEW UNION. TAKING MORE THAN SIX MONTHS ON THREE SEPARATE TRIPS.
MORE THAN 500 SCHOOLS AND CITIES ARE NAMED AFTER WASHINGTON.
GEORGE WASHINGTON
Masonic facts about his life.
Washington joined Fredericksburg Lodge #4 in 1752. He was initiated on November 4, 1752, Passed on March 3, 1753 and Raised on August 4, 1753. The lodge had been in existence for less than one year and probably operated under dispensation from the Provincial Grand Master of Boston or under consent of individual mason’s, under what was termed "Immemorial Usage". In 1757 Fredericksburg Lodge #4 obtained a charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland. That charter is still in the possession of the lodge.
There is some indication that Washington may have also received the Royal Arch degree, which was included in symbolic lodges of the day.
When Washington joined masonry it was less than fifty years old in the New World and in its formative years. The conduct of the craft was less formal, meetings were often called by word of mouth and conducted in taverns and inns, following the English tradition.
During the Revolutionary War, Washington accepted charter membership in the lodge at Alexandria Virginia in 1783. To honor Washington who had just retired from the army as Commander in Chief, the lodge ask him to accept the honor of being the first Worshipful Master of the lodge under the new charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. On April 28, 1788, Governor Edmund Randolph of Virginia, who was also the Grand Master of Virginia, issued the charter to Alexandria Lodge #22. Washington served as master and was reelected to a second term as master. He was the first and so far the only brother to serve as President of the United States and master of his lodge at the same time.
After his death the brethren of the lodge desired to change the name of the lodge to Alexandria – Washington. This was approved by the Grand Lodge and is so know to this day.
REF. Masonic Literary Harvest #2
John Black Vrooman
Master of Masonic Research
John Black Vrooman became a Master Mason about 1921 in Montgomery Lodge #50, which is still working to day in Crawfordville Indiana. He then moved to Wichita Kansas where he affiliated with Wichita Lodge #99 in 1925. He was editor of the Kansas Masonic Digest for many years. He married and had one son John K. Vrooman.
In 1941 he relocated to Newburg, Missouri where he affiliated with Equality Lodge #497. He was worshipful Master of Equality in 1945 and Secretary of the lodge in 1946 and 1947.
John’s Masonic credentials were many and varied. He served in Rolla Chapter #32 R.A.M., Rolla Council #39 R&S.M. and Rolla Commandry #59 K.T. and was working for the Masonic Service Association. He also belonged to the Shrine, Eastern Star, White Shrine and other related organizations. He was a Fellow of the Philalethes Society, Fellow of the Grand Collage of Rites, Knight of the York Cross of Honor and coronetted an Inspector General of the Scottish Rite.
John worked at Jefferson Barracks Veterans Hospital in St. Louis for eight years, where he established the program of Hospital Visitation.
Brother Vrooman was not known as a ritualist, but he had a profound interest Ritual. John was a devoted mason, he was always ready and eager to pass on Masonic knowledge.
John at the age of 84 attended the 1983 Grand Lodge Meeting in St. Louis, where the Grand Master of Missouri, with the greatest of pleasure presented John with the very first Truman Medal. It was a total surprise to him and as they stood at the alter John began to cry.
John passed to the Grand Lodge above in November 1985.
John’s son; John K. Vrooman also a member of Equality Lodge passed to the Grand Lodge above March 1998 after a long illness.
REF. Giants of Missouri Freemasonry of the 20th Century