History of Freemasonry – Worshipful Master
In 1717, members of four Masonic Lodges in London, England came together at the Goose
and Gridiron Tavern, declared themselves a Grand Lodge and elected Anthony Sayer as their
Grand Master. This was the first Grand Lodge in the world. Masonry or Freemasonry as it is
also known, spread across Europe and to the American Colonies, and eventually nine lodges
in Virginia broke from their mother Grand Lodges in Europe to form the Grand Lodge of
Virginia in 1778. There are now over 300 of these symbolic or "Blue" lodges throughout
Virginia, eleven in Norfolk alone, with more than 39,000 Master Masons statewide. These
lodges vary in size from under a hundred to over a thousand.
Masonic tradition and ritual make various claims about our history and origins prior to that
time, with allusions to King Solomon, Pythagoras, Moses, the Knights Templar, and even
Noah; but most of these are merely symbolic references. No one can say with certainty
where Freemasonry originated, but the general consensus is that we evolved from operative
stonemasons, who built grand cathedrals throughout Europe. These craftsmen developed
means of recognizing each other, even in different countries. These craft lodges eventually
began to admit gentlemen, or speculative masons as members. The tools of operative
masonry, the plumb, square, and level, which turned rough stones into perfectly squared
blocks; became symbols that describe of how to take good men, and make them better.
All Masonic Lodges meet in rooms similar to this one, in a building owned by one or more
lodges, known as a Masonic Temple. Every lodge room, when possible, is situated East to
West. All lodges follow the same set of rules for running their meetings. All of them are
governed by a group of officers; some elected, some appointed. The Presiding Officer sits in
the East, and is called the Worshipful Master. The title "Worshipful" does not imply that the
Master is holy or deserves to be worshipped; it is closer in meaning to the English tradition
where when speaking to a judge, you would say "Your Worship", just as here in America you
would say, "Your Honor".
The Worshipful Master and his officers are elected to serve for a term of one year. His duty is
to rule and govern his lodge. He opens and closes each meeting using the same ritual as all
other lodges in Virginia. Once a month, each lodge has a stated meeting, where all business
is conducted. The rest of the month, they meet as needed to initiate new members, or for
whatever occasion the Master has scheduled. Each speaker this evening represents an officer
of the lodge, and each will explain to you a different element of Freemasonry.
Why Join? – Senior Warden
The Senior Warden sits in the West. His duty is to assist the Worshipful Master in opening
and closing the lodge, and to preside over the lodge in his absence.
There are many benefits of membership in our fraternity, including fellowship, personal
growth, and leadership development. Freemasonry gives us the opportunity to associate with
other men of all social and economic backgrounds, where we leave all worldly rank and
privilege outside the lodge room, and meet on the level. Lodge meetings, dinners, ball
games, and social events are just a few of the opportunities to spend time with men of good
character. All Masons seek the opportunity to improve themselves and support one another.
There are many clubs and fraternities available to good men, but Masonry is the only
fraternal organization that has survived for centuries, with the same mission as when we
began: To take good men and make them better. The path to enlightenment and personal
growth starts with our rituals of initiation, but that is only the beginning of the journey. To
improve one's self takes years of self-reflection and study. Masonry simply offers the
framework to guide you on your way.
As a new member, you will have the chance to serve on a committee, to plan events, and
eventually to hold an office in lodge, perhaps even to serve as Worshipful Master. Every
position holds the opportunity to practice leadership traits and develop skills such as public
speaking, organization, fundraising, and conflict resolution.
Masonic Charity – Junior Warden
The Junior Warden sits in the South. He is responsible for seeing that refreshment is
provided to the members and that none go away dissatisfied. He is also responsible for
scheduling the degree teams for each initiation, and that each brother is proficient in his part
for the degree.
A central tenet of Masonry is charity and community service. Every day in America, Masons
contribute one and a half million dollars to charity. Perhaps the most well-known members of
our Masonic family are the Shriners. Their primary charity, the Shriners Hospitals, you are
likely already familiar with. They provide medical care to children with orthopedic conditions,
burns, cleft lip and palate, or spinal cord injuries. All medical care is provided at no cost to
the families. The funding for the Shriners Hospitals is provided by fundraising efforts and
donations of the Shriners and Masons. Some of our other charities and community services
include blood drives, Child ID programs, community clean up/adopt-a-spot, and of course,
the Masonic Home of Virginia.
The Masonic Home started out as an orphanage, raising 839 children from 1890 to 1975. It is
now one of the finest retirement communities in Virginia, and has cared for 1,200 elderly
Masons and their wives and widows. Any Master Mason, his wife, or his widow is eligible to
join the home. The majority of the cost for their care is provided by the generosity of the
Master Masons in Virginia. In addition, the Masonic Home now offers an outreach program,
where representatives of the Home help Masons and their wives and widows who do not live
at the Masonic Home. They identify state and local programs to meet the medical needs of
the recipient. If the proper care cannot be provided by existing programs, the Masonic Home
works to meet the medical needs of the brother, wife, or widow without requiring them to
move to the Home.
Appendant Bodies – Treasurer
The Treasurer sits at the right of the Worshipful Master in the East. His duty is to spend the
funds of the lodge as ordered by the Master or by vote of the brethren.
As mentioned earlier, all Masons are members of a symbolic or "Blue" lodge. The three
degrees of the blue lodge derive from the York Rite of England. In America there are three
bodies of the York Rite: The Blue Lodge, the Royal Arch and the Commandery. In the Royal
Arch Chapter there are additional degrees, based on scripture, that complete the story that
begins in the blue lodge. Royal Arch Masons may then receive the Orders of the
Commandery, which are based on the chivalric knights such as the Knights Templar. What
you learn in these two bodies expands on what you have already learned.
Albert Pike, a Master Mason and Renaissance man of the nineteenth century, received the
degrees of a little-known Masonic organization and was then asked to help rewrite and codify
the ritual. His intense effort spurred the popularity of these 29 degrees, and the Ancient and
Accepted Scottish Rite became a phenomenon across the world. The 4th through 32rd
degrees of the Scottish Rite are conferred twice a year on new members in large classes
called Reunions. These degrees delve deeper into the philosophy and spirituality of Masonry.
You may have heard of "32rd" or "33rd" degree Masons. These indicate the brother is active
in the Scottish Rite, but does not make him more important than any other brother. The
Master Mason's degree, received in the blue lodge, is the highest degree in Masonry. The
Scottish Rite, Royal Arch and Commandery only extend and deepen your knowledge of
Masonry, not supersede it.
The Shriners Hospitals were previously mentioned. You are probably familiar with the Fez, or
red Arabic hat, worn by Shriners at parades and other public ceremonies. A Master Mason
from the blue lodge may join the Shrine as well.
All of these appendant bodies, plus others such as the Grotto and Tall Cedars of Lebanon,
have something to offer a Mason who seeks a greater understanding of Masonry and,
indeed, himself. There are brothers who are active in every Masonic body available; there are
others who never venture beyond the blue lodge. Neither is right or wrong, you have your
entire life to involve yourself in Masonry. You must find the path that works best for you.
Famous Masons – Secretary
The Secretary sits on the left of the Worshipful Master in the East. His duty is to record the
proceedings of the lodge and receive all money due the lodge.
Fourteen American Presidents have been Freemasons, including George Washington, Andrew
Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Harry S. Truman. Grand Masters have the power to make
a "Mason at Sight", giving a brother all the rights and benefits of Masonry without receiving
the degrees. William Howard Taft was made a "Mason at Sight" right before he took office.
Gerald R. Ford, a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, was our most recent Masonic President.
As President, Ronald Reagan met with several prominent Masons, Scottish Rite Masons, and
Shriners. He commended them for their outstanding charity works, and received several
honorary certificates, but was not made a "Mason at Sight", as some would claim.
At least nine Masons, including Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock, signed the Declaration
of Independence; at least thirteen signed the Constitution. Some scholars claim this number
is closer to thirty. Other famous Masons include Thomas Paine, Samuel Adams, Patrick
Henry, and Francis Scott Key. Some claim Thomas Jefferson was a Mason, but this has
never been confirmed. Certainly his beliefs, like those of all our founding fathers, are shared
with Masonry: Liberty, Freedom of Expression, Freedom of Religion, the rights of man to
choose his own destiny. We take these freedoms for granted today, but the idea that each
man has rights that cannot be taken away by an oppressive government or King was far from
universal at that time.
A complete list of Masons in entertainment, sports and elsewhere would be a long list.
Actors John Wayne, W. C. Fields, Red Skelton, Will Rogers, and Clark Gable were Masons.
General Douglas MacArthur, Harry Houdini, John Phillips Sousa, Ty Cobb, Arnold Palmer, Roy
Clark, and all seven of the Ringling Brothers were Masons. If you're hungry, Dave Thomas,
Bob Evans, and Col. Harlan Sanders were members of the fraternity as well.
Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was a Mason; as were Voltaire, Rudyard
Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sir Walter Scott, Robert Burns, and Oscar Wilde. Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart made several Masonic compositions, the most famous of which, "The Magic
Flute", is thought by some scholars to have been written for Masonic initiations.
Masons have always been on the frontier, such as Davy Crockett, James Bowie and Daniel
Boone. Both Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were members, and first to explore the
Oregon Territory. Admiral Byrd, first to fly over the North Pole, was a Mason, as was Charles
Lindbergh. Masons have even gone into space, including John Glenn and Edwin Eugene
"Buzz" Aldrin, who brought a Masonic flag to the moon in 1969. All of these men have
accomplished great things and are immortalized in the history books, and each man knelt at
that altar, each one seeking to improve himself and help his fellow man.
Symbolism and Ritual – Senior Deacon
The Senior Deacon sits at the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the East. His duties
include preparing the lodge for the meeting, welcoming visitors, and guiding all candidates
through the degrees of Freemasonry.
What are the steps to becoming a Mason? We start with a simple slogan you may have seen
on bumper stickers: To Be One, Ask One. Masonry does not recruit; a man who joins for
someone else's sake will never be as dedicated and faithful as one who comes of his own
free will and accord. The purpose of this program is only to inform you about our
organization and answer any questions you may have. If you are interested, you must first
ask two Master Masons who have known you for some time to sign your petition for
membership. Your petition will read at a stated meeting, where it must lay over for a month
before being voted on at a second meeting. In between, an investigating committee will
come visit your home. Their purpose is as much to answer questions you or your family may
have, as to see what kind of man you are.
After a unanimous ballot is held, you will be informed when to appear at the lodge for the
first of three degrees, that of Entered Apprentice. Mostly likely, the men who signed your
petition will bring you to the Lodge. Wear a business suit or coat and tie to the meeting, this
will be your standard attire as a member of the Lodge. The degree will present an
introduction to you of what Masonry is, but it is only the first step of a life-long journey. You
will be assigned a coach to teach you the Entered Apprentice Catechism, a series of
questions and answers about the degree which you will commit to memory. How long it
takes to learn the catechism is up to you, and depends on how quickly you can learn and
how often you meet with your coach. When he is satisfied that you are ready, you will stand
before the lodge and recite your catechism. If the lodge is satisfied with your proficiency,
you will then be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft.
Likewise, after standing your Fellowcraft catechism, you will be raised to the sublime degree
of Master Mason. This entire process can take as little as a few weeks or as long as a year,
again depending on the effort you make. Once you are raised, you will enjoy all the rights
and benefits of Masonry, including the right to visit other lodges both here in Virginia and
around the world. You will have achieved a basic understanding of the meanings of the
Masonic symbols, such as the Square and Compasses. Every symbol you see in a Masonic
lodge has a meaning which you are taught to apply to your own life, as you seek knowledge
and self-improvement. Every degree builds on the previous one to show you more light and
more understanding as you proceed. You will have learned the lesson that your conduct
outside the lodge is just as important as your conduct within it.
Family Involvement and Social Functions – Junior Deacon
The Junior Deacon sits at the right hand of the Senior Warden in the West. His duties include
preparing the lodge for the meeting, guarding the door and only allowing members and
approved visitors to attend the closed meeting.
Masons do not limit themselves to just meetings and degree work within the lodge room.
Lodges have social activities as well; going to Tides games, bowling, picnics, and so on.
Whatever activity the members might be interested in, they get together as a group and go.
Masons plan larger trips as well. The George Washington National Masonic Memorial in
Alexandria is only one of the fascinating Masonic sites near our nation's capital, just a few
hours away. Local lodges routinely schedule day trips to Washington, D.C. to tour the
Memorial and other sites. There are even regularly planned trips to Europe, to visit the
United Grand of England and other places of interest.
Masonry firmly believes in the importance of the family. All lodges have social activities that
involve our wives and families. For example, a lodge may have a ladies night, where the
Masons and their wives have dinner together at a local restaurant. A lodge may have a picnic
at a local park, where the members bring their families and enjoy the afternoon together. We
look after our widows as well. Lodges hold dinners and other events to honor the wives of
our deceased brethren.
Religion – Chaplain
The Chaplain sits at the left hand of the Worshipful Master in the East. He offers a prayer at
the opening and closing of the lodge, and offers a blessing for every meal.
These prayers are non-denominational, and are not representative of any one faith. All
Masons must believe in a Supreme Being, but we are NOT a religion. Every Mason is
encouraged to follow his own path to God and enlightenment. We are not a replacement for
faith, nor a substitute for worship. Indeed, many Masons may be found as Sunday School
teachers or Deacons in their respective churches. Much of what you hear in Masonic ritual
comes directly from scripture. Our ritual encourages a deeper understanding of your own
personal spirituality. Nothing in Masonry ever contradicts a man's duty to God, his neighbor,
or himself.
As you see, the three stationed officers are placed in the East, West, and South; centered
around the altar in the center of the lodge. On the altar is open the Volume of the Sacred
Law, with the Square and Compasses on its open pages. Every Mason takes his obligation
upon that Sacred Book, as he obligates himself before God. In every lodge in Virginia that
book is the Holy Bible. In other Grand Lodges, it could well be the Koran, the Rig Veda, the
Scruti, the Bhagavad Gita, or the Pentateuch. The author Rudyard Kipling wrote of attending
lodge in India where three different holy books were present on the altar, one for each major
faith of that region. Each new initiate was allowed to choose the holy book on which he took
his obligation as a Mason.
Ladies and Youth Groups – Marshal
The Marshal sits at the left hand of the Senior Warden in the West. His duties are to present
the American flag at the opening of the lodge, and lead the brethren during public
ceremonies.
In addition to the appendant bodies already mentioned, there are two ladies organizations
available to Masons and their wives: The Order of the Eastern Star and the Order of
Amaranth. Both organizations are similar in their membership requirements: For men, you
must be a Master Mason in good standing; for women, you must be related to a Master
Mason, such as a wife, daughter, sister, or mother. These organizations conduct their own
meetings with their own unique and beautiful ritual, rooted in scripture as in the blue lodge.
They have their own charities as well, including Heart Disease and Diabetes.
There are three Masonic youth groups in Virginia: DeMolay, Rainbow for Girls, and Job's
Daughters. DeMolay is open to all young men between the ages of 12 and 21. Rainbow is
open to all young ladies between the ages of 11 and 20. Job's Daughters is open to all young
ladies between the ages of 10 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason, such as a
daughter, granddaughter, sister, or cousin. All three youth groups teach leadership, morality,
and service, and have their own initiation rituals. Master Masons volunteer as adult leaders
for these organizations; and the lodges and youth groups regularly have joint activities such
as picnics and dinners.
Why I am a Mason – Past Master
All Masons refer to each other as "Brother". After a brother has served as Worshipful Master,
he retains the title of "Worshipful" from then on, and is known as a "Past Master". Past
Masters, and brothers who are not officers, sit on the sidelines during the meetings, and are
as vitally important to the lodge as the officers.