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Posted at: 10:22 am Of the few things that we truly regard as secret, our forms of recognition carry particular significance to Masons around the world. We know what they are and what they mean, but are we using them correctly? When rising to address… or when entering or leaving… are we really expressing, with the solemnity that is so deserved, our DGs and Ss as we ought? Taking a cue from “The Modern Day Voltaire”, I submit that we are not practicing that which we preach. Let us imagine for a moment that a debate regarding an important Lodge issue is being held in your Lodge. Men on both sides have staked out their rhetorical territorry, and the tone is getting a little testy and heated. When rising to address the East, the Dg is the only thing that makes this debate any different than that held in any Union Hall or VFW Post. It is a physical reminder of our obligation, and is, mostly, ignored when things get hot. Now imagine a WM sitting in the East, but one who has given his Lodge this positive injunction…”During this debate, we will hear from all sides. But when rising to address the issue, each of you WILL take a deep breath, and perform the Dg and S with the type of solemnity you remember from your own degrees.” The man who stands…and slowly, meaningfully and solemnly performs that simple physical Dg…will be reminded about peace and harmony. He will be mindful of the lessons of the Compasses. He will have the time to think and reflect prior to speaking. He will be practicing his Craft, with that promotion of Peace and Harmony that we should all practice. Slow and methodical execution of the Dg and S is a small thing. But given our fast-paced world and the quickness with which we want to do everything, perhaps adding a bit of majesty to our most basic tools will allow us to mature as a Craft, and take us forward to a time when we truly do treat each other as brothers…regardless of our differing opinions… |
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December 29, 2007
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And what about the step? In my jurisdiction, we are not only informed that the position of attention is on the step, but that the D-G and P-S are to be given while on the step.
In my experience, I am the only one in my lodge who adheres to this without fail, in spite of the fact that it is an injunction given on page 1 of our monitor & handbook.
I am tempted, in my year as Master, to only recognize brethren who rise and give the D-G and P-S on the step. (explaining why upon infractions, of course) That’d teach them right quickly.
Comment by Jeff Day — December 31, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
Jeff,
Do what you gotta do brother. I am not aware of any similar requirements (it wouldn’t be the first time I expose my own ignorance if there is one) in my jurisdiciton. However, I do encourage you to lower the boom on the sloppy work that may find its way into your Lodge, as I will do in mine.
Besides, why bother going-up into the East if you can’t make some positive changes?!?
Happy New Year my Brother.
-AEdifico
Comment by aedifico42 — December 31, 2007 @ 11:20 pm
About the step comment from Jeff, that isn’t required in our jurisdiction, but I have always done it when the Lodge is first opened. I do it to remind myself of where I am, where I have been and where I am headed next on my walk through life and Masonry.
Comment by Makers Mark — January 6, 2008 @ 5:49 am