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Click on any of the articles listed below
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Making Good Men Better
A Freemason is a man who, in searching for life's ineffable questions, finds his way into the company of fellow seekers. Comprised of men from every nation, races, social and economic level, all hold similar ideals and beliefs. The uniting idea is a faith in the divine founded in the certitude in an afterlife. This "belief" is grounded by certain landmark tenants and virtues which ultimately lead in exploration of those invisible questions, leading ultimately to the betterment of all mankind.
Practice of Botherly Love
Traditionally a male organization, Freemasons exist in most every country around the world guided by three principals: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The Fraternity is open to all men, with a belief in the divine, a passion towards humanity, and a desire to better themselves. Foremost is the practice of Brotherly Love, not just towards fellow Freemason's, but towards all mankind for the purpose of unity and cooperation. Within the lodge, the bonds made through fellowship are vitally important steps towards a better understanding one another. Outside of the lodge, Brotherly Love leads to a greater degree of understanding and compassion towards all men. Coming to the aid of those in true need, Relief is a second light that serves as a sanctuary for the weary and distressed, what ever the cause to those in need, whether it be poverty, infirmity or what ever their ailment. And Truth, whose search is unending, becomes its own virtue by relating to the nature of man and his transcendental state. Truth does not conform to any specific dogmatic practice of law instead accepting all faiths as sacred. Freemasons nurture and grow the divine spark in humanity through the tenants of Brotherly love, Relief and Truth.
Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice
But, why exist for the betterment of mankind? For too long man has looked through varying degrees of authority for the answers to those unanswerable questions, "what is our nature and purpose" asked since time immemorial. By looking to answer those questions, Freemasons have found, instead the virtue in which the answers reside. To help frame the questions, Freemasons rely on four of the cardinal virtues, which are Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. Temperance to suppresses our personal extremes, and promote modesty, Fortitude to keep good faith and careful watch over ourselves, Prudence which keeps the perils of corruption in mind, and Justice which gives each their sense of due and not stealing from another. By applying these virtues, the questions become transparent and unanswerable in terms of everyday ideas, instead they take on internal meaning, answerable only in the personal application of the virtues. The idea of personal growth this way is paramount to the craft, taught through lessons in allegory and symbols. The significance of learning this way is to convey their meaning symbolically, fostering individual introspection of their meaning. Exploration of these virtues is only part of the foundation of a Freemason with more enumerated throughout the allegorical degrees, all working to shape those who seek its light.
Open to all Faiths
But the quest for answers is not led by virtue alone. What many outside consider a barrier, is instead one of the strongest aspects of Freemasonry. Open to all faiths, Freemasonry has certain "landmarks" by which they live. One landmark in-particular is an acknowledged faith in God. Seeing the true nature of man through his works, a Freemason finds divine nature to be majestic in its meaning. But, to discuss faith, it would be problematic to not acknowledge the role of religion in the craft. Without any rule or requirement, Freemasonry neither prescribes to nor inflicts doctrinal controls over a member's beliefs, ideas, or duties, but instead builds on the nature of good men; it only requires a simple profession of faith. Within Freemasonry there are no cannons of absolute law or moral leader as with a church congregation. Instead within each body of Freemasonry, democracy rules along with the sacred books of law, as prescribed to by each member's faith. These books represent the backgrounds of the membership and the foundations from which they come, serving to link Freemasons to the transcendent. However, within the lodge, the conflicts of the sacred volumes are shunned, instead to embrace their celebration of the divine. What this represents is an open democratic society governed by mutual respect, advocating unity and harmony. No where is their represented malice or disunion, instead, men of all faiths are encouraged to make a harmonious fellowship.
Masonry builds on the Tenants of all Faiths
As such, the inclusion of all faiths has made tremendous enemies. The diligent observer can easily find dissent from all faiths about the brotherhood of Freemasonry. Some examples are as recent as tracts written by the Pope of the Catholic Church, denouncing membership as being in disharmony with Christian faith. Also, standing against the gentle craft are imams of Islam, pastors of protestant Christianity, and rabbi's of Judaism. The unique thing to all these groups is their agreement that their members should not join the fraternity and shun it as heretical. Their reasoning is that Freemasonry acts as a surrogate to religion, replacing their doctrines of faith. But reason shows us otherwise, as masonry builds on the tenants of all faith, embracing the primitive aspects of each faith, in that all faiths are sacrosanct.
Freemasons work to smooth the rough stone edge indifference to create a vibrant and living craft. Neither libertines, racists, nor atheists by creed, Freemasons should not suffer it to exist within its body. Therefore, it is accurate to say that masons are not irreligious; to the contrary their mandate is a belief in the divine. The obligations taken as Freemasons do nothing to stand in the way our family, our religion, or our civic participation, instead it necessitates our participation in all of these and more by advocating charity through brotherly love. Of this, love of our neighbor is to be paramount in our mind. We are, in fact, encouraged to perform our duties to God, our neighbor, and ourselves daily. Our fraternal bonds are made sacred by oaths and obligations between men, making us stronger and united in purpose. Those oaths make the bonds stronger and the bonds make the men stronger.
Bringing like Minded Men Together
Freemasonry strives in its membership to bring like minded men together to explore the four cardinal virtues in hopes to glimpse the divine transcendence of God. Existing in all lands membership relies on the members own free will and accord, each in his search for illumination through the hands of the divine. A freemason believes in the brotherhood of man and fatherhood of a compassionate deity. Surrounded by like minded men, masons are dedicated to Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, believing in their universality of the sacred and divine for the betterment of mankind.
Join Our Faternity
If what you read above piques your interest in Freemasonary and would like to join a faternity of like minded men dedicated to Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, visit our Contact page and send an Email requesting a petition.
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The House of the Temple on 16th Street in Washington, D.C., has served as the national headquarters of the Supreme Council since 1915.
More On Dan Brown's Latest Novel:
Best-selling author Dan Brown's latest novel, The Lost Symbol, draws heavily on the lore and mystique of the Freemasons. A visit to one of the locations in the novel, a prominent Masonic building in Washington, D.C., serves as an introduction to the history of the once feared and even reviled secret society.
The House of the Temple, the headquarters of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, is an impressive and dignified edifice on Washington's 16th Street. The design was inspired by the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, in Turkey. A couple of sphinxes on huge pedestals flank the steps.
In the center of the temple room is a large altar. Brent Morris, a mathematician by trade and editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, tells Robert Siegel that when a Masonic meeting is open, a volume of sacred law is open representing God's revelation to man.
"When a man becomes a member," Morris says, "he is asked to place his hand upon the book that he considers binding on his conscience." The temple has copies of the Bible, the Bhagavad-Gita, the Old Testament, the Zend-Avesta, the Sutras and the Quran.
"This, we figured, will cover 99.9 percent [of members]," Morris says. "And if it doesn't, we'll get whatever's needed."
Spiritual, But Not A Religion
The rites inside the temple are at some level spiritual, and though they are related to religion, Freemasonry is not a religion. Morris explains that when the group was organized from a stonemasons' guild in 1717, its members adopted the radical proposition that men of different faiths can agree on God's existence.
"They can agree that God compels them to do good in the community," Morris says. "And then they can stop talking about religion." There are an estimated 1.4 million Masons in the U.S. today.
Brown's novel The Lost Symbol includes scenes of secret initiation rites in which wine is drunk from a skull. Morris says that does not happen — anymore.
"There used to be another branch of Freemasonry in the United States, or another branch of Scottish Rite Masonry, in competition with us. ... It's been dead for over a century."
Still, Masonic secrecy often inspired opposition to the society. In the 19th century, the Vatican issued anti-Masonic encyclicals, one of them branding the Masons "the Synagogue of Satan." Hitler ranted against the Masons. But some Masons have had fun with the orders' secrets over the years.
Mozart was a Mason at the end of his life — The Magic Flute is said to be full of Masonic references.
Mozart was a mason, and his opera The Magic Flute is full of Masonic symbols. Rudyard Kipling was also a Mason. His story "The Man Who Would Be King" is a playful adventure story involving Masons.
Secrecy
Although there are secrets to being a Mason, the boundaries of secrecy of Masonry aren't very clear, says Jay Kinney, author of The Masonic Myth.
"A lot of Masons sort of assumed that everything about the organization is a secret, and they just sort of clammed up, and that gave them a real reputation for being close-mouthed," Kinney tells Siegel. "However, the actual secrets that are not supposed to be revealed tend to be just the modes of recognition, which boil down to a few handshakes and hand gestures and the specific wording of degree rituals."
He says Mason symbols can be found on aprons, certificates and coffee cups. "It's all out there, and it's all fair game to discuss," Kinney says.
Still, the organization has attracted suspicion, partly because of its roster of powerful members: more than a dozen U.S. presidents and many prominent businessmen were Masons. This, in part, has led to the belief that Masons run the world.
"There may have been a smidgen of truth to that suspicion at one time," Kinney says.
He says in smaller towns, at one time, leading members of the community were Masons, and membership provided a private venue to discuss things. Kinney says there may have been a time when members used Masonic connections, but that is no longer happening.
"It's largely, at this point, a social organization that people enjoy each other's company," he says. "But there isn't discussion of power politics or how we're going to run the universe."
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Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
Located on Chicago's North Side, is one of the state's largest, most comprehensive nonprofit medical centers. Illinois Masonic offers a range of medical specialties and is nationally recognized for expertise in cardiac care and its use of the most innovative technologies available to provide advanced care with attention to patient safety, quality and service. A commitment to community health and wellness programs, medical education and ongoing clinical research affirms our mission of providing patients the highest quality care in Chicagoland. Illinos Masonic is a part of Advocate Health Care, a Thompson Reuters Top 10 U.S. health care system for quality and clinical performance and the largest fully intergrated health system in Illinois
Overview
- A 408-licensed bed teaching hospital serving Chicago's North and Northwest Sides
- More than 880 active physicians on staff representing 43 medical specialties
- More than 2,400 associates, making us Lake View's largest employer
- One of only four Level I Trauma Centers in Chicago, treating more than 1,900 trauma patients a year
- Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the highest designation awarded by the state
- Trains 200 residents and 500 medical students a year
- One of Chicago's most active emergency departments with nearly 39,000 emergency visits annually
- State-of-the-art Vascular Institute with a comprehensive cardiac catheterization, interventional and electrophysiology program
- First hospital-based Gilda's Club in the U.S., offering support to cancer patients and their families
- 6,600 square-foot Women's Imaging Center, offering advanced services such as full-field digital mammography, ultradound, bone density and vascular exams
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The Masonic term to "go dark" means that a lodge ceases to operate as a lodge.
When a lodge "goes dark" or is said to have "gone dark"; it either:
1. Ceases to exist as a lodge (permanently closes its doors),...or
2. "Went dark" and ceased to have Stated Meetings for an agreed upon
period of time:
A. This occurs in farming communities wherein when a large number
of the lodge's members are farmers and must tend to their crops
during the Summer; it is agreed that the lodge should "go dark"
(no meetings) until Fall when their crops have been harvested.
This also applies to other trades and livelihoods such as if a
large number of the lodge's members are fishermen and are at
sea for periods of time or military lodges whose members are
deployed.
B. Some lodges "go dark" for a period of time each year. Some
lodges choose not to "go dark" during any period of time during
the year. And, some lodges "go dark" (do not have Stated
Meetings, especially during the Summer) and members are
delegated to tend to other Masonic duties such as:
1. Large job Lodge maintenance (cleaning, polishing or stripping
of the lodge's floors, painting, etc.)
2. Clean up and or mowing or trimming at Masonic cemeteries
and widow's homes; visiting the elderly or those in nursing
homes and hospitals.
3. Highway cleanup, community partnerships, charitable acts,
etc.
4. If the lodge offers a Masonic scholarship, the lodge's
delegated scholarship team contacts local area high school(s)
and begins the application process for the next school year.
Masonic scholarships are typically education scholarships
offered by the lodge to qualifying high school students in their
local community who wish to attend university. Qualifications
vary between lodges, but most are based on a student's
academic grades and their financial need. There are no
requirements placed upon the student to become a member
of the lodge in the future.
Here is what Albert Mackey, Freemason author and historian, said in his Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry (1929) page 262 about "Darkness":
"Darkness has, in all the systems of initiation, been deemed a symbol of ignorance, and so opposed to light, which is the symbol of knowledge. Hence the rule, that the eye should not see until the heart has conceived the true nature of those beauties which constitute the mysteries of the Order.
In the Ancient Mysteries, the aspirant (candidate) was always shrouded in darkness as a preparatory step to the reception of the full light of knowledge. Among the Druids of Britain, the period was 9 days and nights; in the Grecian Mysteries, it was 3 times 9 days; while among the Persians, according to Porphyry, it was extended to the almost incredible period of 50 days of darkness, solitude and fasting.
Because, according to all the cosmogonies, (the study of the origin of the universe) accounts of the universe, darkness existed before light was created, darkness was originally worshipped as the firstborn, as the progenitor of day and the state of existence before creation.
The apostrophe of Young to Night embodies the feelings which gave origin to this debasing worship of darkness:
O majestic night!
Nature's great ancestor! Day's elder born!
And fated to survive the transient sun!
By mortals and immortals seen with awe!
Freemasonry has restored darkness to its proper place as a state of preparation; the symbol of that antemundane (being or occurring before the creation of the world) chaos from whence light issued at the Divine command; of the state of nonentity before birth, and of ignorance before the reception of knowledge.
Hence, in the Ancient Mysteries, the release of the aspirant (candidate) from solitude and darkness was called the act of regeneration, and he was said to be born again, or to be raised from the dead.
And in Freemasonry, the darkness which envelops the mind of the uninitiated being removed by the bright effulgence of Masonic light, Freemasons are appropriately called the "sons of light."
In Doctor Oliver's Signs and Symbols, there is a lecture "On the Mysterious Darkness of the Third Degree." This refers to the ceremony of enveloping the room in darkness when that Degree is conferred - a ceremony once always observed, but now, in this country at least, frequently but improperly omitted.
The darkness here is a symbol of death, the lesson taught in the Degree, while the subsequent renewal of light refers to that other and subsequent lesson of eternal life.
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Learn the Do's and Don'ts
of Masonic Etiquette
Masonic Etiquette, for the most part, is merely good manners and respect for your lodge, its members, its Worshipful Master and the convention of Freemasonry, in general.
Unfortunately, Masonic Etiquette ...or Blue Lodge Etiquette, (as it is called in the United States) is largely unpublished as well as unspoken, therefore, up until now, it has been more difficult to learn its rules and nuances. You may study ritual work, degree work, floor work and know all Masonry’s glorious history, Masonic symbols, jewels, etc. but there is very little written about how to comport yourself so you do not look foolish or be regarded as disrespectful.
Some are small things, and some are not, but your Lodge conduct is continually on display.
Few Masonic mentors include a list of proper Lodge behavior, as they have learned it, themselves, incident-by-incident, and usually learned by them after their having made an error and being kindly informed by another member as to the correct Masonic etiquette of the situation.
CONFORMING TO MASONIC ETIQUETTE
Over time, and by watching others, members conform themselves to exhibit proper Masonic etiquette behavior to learn lodge customs. As a newly Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft or Master Mason, it is expected that you will exhibit the proper decorum and propriety in observance of the formal requirements which govern behavior in polite societies... BEFORE someone takes you aside to explain your errors...or you wouldn’t be reading this.
THE MASTER'S AUTHORITY:
During his term in office, the brother who has been elected as Master is the most powerful member of the Lodge. He also shoulders all of its many responsibilities.
The Worshipful Master has the authority to:
1. Rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time.
2. Decide what can and cannot be discussed. Should a brother believe that the Master is arbitrary, unjust or unfair or is acting in an illegal manner, he can appeal to the District Deputy Grand Master. If that officer agrees that the appeal is a valid one, he will forward the complaint to the Grand Master.
If, however, that brother insists on speaking after the Master has ruled that he is out of order, he may be committing a Masonic offense.
1. WALKING BETWEEN THE ALTAR AND THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER:
Brethren do not pass between the Altar and the East when the lodge is open.
Why? As a courtesy to the Master, it is necessary that the three Great Lights which shine their eternal light and wisdom upon the Master to help him govern the lodge should never be in shadow, not even for a millisecond, during the processes of an initiation or degree work.
2. SITTING IN THE EAST:
Brethren do not take a seat in the East without an invitation... even if all other seats are full.
Why? While all Brethren within a tiled room are equal to one another, and the officers are servants of the brethren, all lodge officers have worked and studied long and hard for their lodge. It is, therefore, the Master’s prerogative to recognize this devotion and their loyalty by inviting distinguished visitors or a special member whom the Master wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. In other words, if you were in church, synagogue or mosque and the pews were full, would you go up and sit beside the Pastor, Rabbi or Imam (Muslim Priest)?
3. ALWAYS FULLY DRESSED:
Brethren do not enter their Lodge room either without their apron nor while putting on that apron…not even the tying of its strings.
Why? In respect to the formalities of their Lodge, officers expect that the Brethren will have the courtesy to enter it fully dressed and ready for the labor. They should not have to wait for a member to be fully "dressed", even just tying or adjusting their apron, to salute that member. It is expected that you will be properly and entirely dressed when you pass by the Tiler and enter your lodge room.
4. STAND WHEN YOU SPEAK:
No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, no matter if he addresses an officer or another brother.
Why? All lodge activity is based on each man in the lodge as being a servant of the Brethren. This includes the Worshipful Master and his officers.
Courteous brethren accept the requests made by the Master to serve on various committees such as the examination committee, the investigation committee and other duties, as determined by the Lodge’s needs. The following items are not Masonic offenses, They are simply a lack of Masonic Etiquette…or in other words, considered to be “bad form” or bad manners.
So… Let’s begin:
While the man, himself, who has been elected Worshipful Master does not gain any special honor, personally, as the Worshipful Master, it is to the Worshipful Master as the Master of the Lodge that a member stands to address. It is simply a form of respect ...and no different than attending a shareholder’s meeting or a City Council meeting. It is expected that if you wish to address the audience, you will stand so all may see who is speaking.
5. TALKING:
"Side" talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.
Why? The lodge room is a Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren within are working to make the best ashlars (stones) for His spiritual temple. Just as it is impolite to talk in a church, synagogue or mosque service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree or the candidate.
Talking without asking to do so shows irreverence for the proceedings. God’s house is not for social conversation within the lodge room. It is for worship and learning the lesson of the day which is being taught. Unless you have requested of the Master to speak, silence is the rule. This also means no whispering.
HOW? If you have something of interest to say, raise your hand. When the Master recognizes you, you must stand up, and be recognized by the Master to speak. To address the brethren, you should say:
6. SPEAKING:
If you wish to offer a predetermined motion or matter for discussion, advise the Master beforehand.
Why? Advising the Master before the meeting that you intend to bring up a specific motion or a matter for discussion is an important courtesy. You may, indeed, do it without advising him in advance, but the Master may have plans of his own for that meeting, for which your proposed motion or discussion may not easily fit into the allotted time frame.
“Worshipful Master, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren”.
If the Most Worshipful Master is in attendance, you should say:
“Worshipful Master, Most Worshipful, Right Worshipfuls, Worshipfuls, Wardens and Brethren.
As a courtesy to him, his work, and his dedication to the members, it is best to ask him privately, beforehand, if he will be able to recognize you to speak your purpose. This saves "face" for both of you. You will not publicly be refused and he will not have to seem disagreeable or arrogant in his refusal of your motion. If you wish to speak, (see number 6.), above.
You must immediately obey the gavel.
Why? Failure to immediately obey the gavel is a GRAVE DISCOURTESY and VERY poor Masonic Etiquette. The Master is all powerful in the lodge and his word is final. He can put or refuse to put any motion. He can rule any brother out of order on any subject at any time. He can say what he will, and what he will not, permit to be discussed. Brethren who think him unfair, arbitrary, unjust, or acting illegally have redress.
7. OBEY THE GAVEL:
The Grand Lodge can be appealed to on any such matter. However, in the lodge, the Master’s gavel denotes his emblem of authority, is supreme. When a brother is rapped down, he should obey at once, without any further discussion. It is VERY bad manners to do otherwise. In fact, it is perilously close to the line between bad manners and a Masonic offense. Masonic etiquette decries anyone who does not obey the gavel.
8. TURNING YOUR BACK:
Never turn one’s back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak.
Why? Any debates that are in motion must be conducted using proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Customs differ in various jurisdictions as to the method of salute, however some salute should always be given when addressing the Master. Two brethren, both on their feet, simultaneously arguing a motion, who are facing each other and ignoring the Master is unacceptable.
9. SALUTE:
Some lodges (not all) offer salutes to the Master. Each of the brethren will salute the Master when they enter and when they leave their Masonic Mother lodge room or any other Masonic lodge room. Some lodges offer salutes to the Senior Warden.
Why? The Masonic etiquette of saluting the Master is your renewed pledge of fealty and service. It is your public display of decorum before all other brothers of your obligation. It shows your courteous respect for all that the Master stands for and shows that you acknowledge his authority.
Salutes should reflect your heart-felt respect for all that for which he stands. The salute to the Master is your pledge of honor and service, your publicly shown obligation. A lazy, sloppy or improper salute is to be Masonically impolite and, thus, to exhibit poor Masonic etiquette.
10. BALLOTING:
Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot.
Why? It is discourteous to leave the lodge room during a speech, during a degree, etc. There are several natural periods, such as at the end of one section and before the next begins, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease until the sound of the gavel. Then, and only then, you may leave the lodge without being considered rude. It is Masonic Etiquette that all brethren are expected to vote when requested to do so.
Failure to cast your ballot not only results in your failure to share in your duties, but is in direct disobedience of the Master’s request.
11. VOTING IS MANDATORY:
When an issue is put to a vote, all brethren should vote.
Why? A brother who does not vote is discourteous because he skews the ballot. He becomes the weak link in a strong chain. No matter what the reason of his non-vote, he injures the lodge’s ballot, its value and its secrecy. Failure to vote can injure a lodge’s feeling of brotherhood, and by that injury, can injure the Masonic fraternity. No matter what reason you may privately hold about voting, it is poor Masonic Etiquette to fail to vote when requested to do so by the Master.
12. SMOKING:
No smoking in the lodge room.
Why? While there are lodges who allow smoking during the business meeting (and you must be guided by the customs of your Mother Lodge), the ceremonies you take part in and watch are solemn occasions. In most lodge rooms, it is considered VERY disrespectful to smoke while the ceremonies are taking place. Smoking may take place in other parts of your building or outside and during refreshment.
13. SHOULDERING THE WORK:
It is good Masonic Etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge if it is within your abilities.
Why? A lodge is a working "beehive of industry". A request made of you from your lodge acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to competently fulfill such a request based upon your knowledge.
14. CORRECTION OF VERBAL ERRORS:
Lodge customs state that no one except for the Worshipful Master or his prearranged designee, may correct any mistake that may occur during the course of a Ceremony, and even he does so only when the error is a serious one.
Why? It is discourteous to point out others mistakes in front of the lodge brethren. If you are in possession of a mind which allows you to be able to perform each and every degree and ceremony, perfectly, please advise the Worshipful Master of such that he may take advantage of your services to mentor others.
15. EXHIBIT GOOD POSTURE:
Why? Good posture is necessary while within the Lodge room. Lounging, leaning and slovenly attitudes should be avoided. Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.
16. NO PRACTICAL JOKES NOR OFF-COLOR STORIES:
Why? The great lessons of Masonry, which are taught by our ritual, should never be demeaned by levity or pranks. The lodge room is not a proper location for the telling of practical jokes, pranks, horseplay nor off-color stories.
17. USE PROPER MASONIC NAMES:
Why? 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.
18. ENTERING LODGE AFTER THE MEETING HAS BEGUN:
If a brother should enter the Lodge after the opening ceremony is under way, he should go to the Altar to salute the Master. If he must leave before the meeting is over, the correct Masonic etiquette of his departure is that he should salute the Presiding Master at the Altar before he departs. The salute should always be given properly and not in a careless or perfunctory manner.
19. ALL PRAYERS AT LODGE FUNCTIONS ARE NON-SECTARIAN:
Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian views. Non-sectarian means not sectioned into one, specific religion. Freemasonry embraces all religions. A Mason may choose the religion of his choice in his private life but should be aware and open to the fact that others among the brethren do not necessarily share nor were they brought up with the religious dogmas and beliefs that you, personally, embrace.
Why? Prayers at lodge functions should be scrupulously in keeping with Masonic teachings. The Masonic Etiquette of offered prayers is that they should never be an expression of specific sectarian views or dogmatic creeds. It is a matter of courtesy that all prayers, speeches and discussions at Masonic affairs avoid sectarian, controversial or political tones.
Prayers are best directed to the Creator, the Master Architect of the Universe and not toward specific religious teachings such as Jesus Christ, Mother Mary, Muhammad, Jehovah, Allah etc. To do so omits the religions of others within the brethren, which can cause conflict and therefore not be harmonious to the whole.
In the spirit of non-sectarianism, we must remember that since the day that our Creator found that Man created the Tower of Babel to glorify themselves; it is HE who changed man's language into the many diverse languages now spoken on Earth. In so doing, our Creator has many names across the world.
20. TURN CELL PHONES OFF:
All cell phones should be turned off before entering the lodge room so as not to disrupt the proceedings.
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Lombard Lodge No. 1098 A.F. & A.M. 
