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Masonry has always served in a position that unites men of every country, sect and opinion through the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. In order to keep our organization pure and ensure that harmony prevails among the Craft, certain codes of polite conduct and appropriate behavior must be adhered to. What are some written or unwritten rules of lodge etiquette that we observe in our lodge?Masonic Etiquette defines the proper procedures and behaviors deemed acceptable in our society. It enables us to behave with decorum and dignity, and allows us to match our behavior to certain circumstances. Lodge Etiquette leads to proper, pleasant, respectful and appropriate interactions. Masonic etiquette is generally unpublished and often learned “as you go.” Some aspects of etiquette can be of minor importance, while others are integral to the peace and harmony which should always prevail in a lodge. Remember that each of us, at one point and time, have been guilty of lapses or ignorance of Masonic etiquette. This topic is designed for each of us to improve the operation and status of our Lodge.Please take time to address the following Masonic etiquettes:The Authority of the Worshipful MasterDress and AppearanceEntering or Retiring from a Tiled LodgeReceiving Official Visitors (such as a Grand Master)Etiquette while at laborClosingEtiquette while at refreshmentThis list does not include a complete listing of Lodge etiquette rules and procedures. Please take time to address any other Lodge etiquette rules that may be brought to the attention of the Lodge during this discussion.

Lodge Etiquette

Who was Euclid? Of the 465 mathematical and scientific problems proposed by Euclid, why is the 47th problem so important? What should the 47th problem of Euclid remind us of in our Masonic journey?Euclid was a Greek mathematician and generally recognized as the “Father of Geometry.” Very little information can be found regarding Euclid’s background but according to some Arabic authors, he is said to have been born in Tyre circa 330 B.C. It is also claimed that he came from a very wealthy family. Euclid contributed greatly to the field of mathematics. He is known to have taught in the Great Schools of Ancient Egypt during the reign of Ptolemy I, successor of Alexander IV, son of Alexander the Great. Euclid’s book Elements, is a collection of 13 books on the subjects of mathematics and geometrics. It offers definitions, theorems, and proofs and includes the first known source of geometric algebra and finding the square root of a number. His works were heavily influenced by Pythagoras, Aristotle, Eudoxus, and Thales.In order to understand the meaning behind the problem you must first understand the problem.&nbsp;It simply states that the square of the sides of right angled triangles (legs) is equal to the square of the side containing the right angle (hypotenuse). This is also referred to as The Pythagorean Theorem, due to its discovery by our ancient friend and brother, Pythagoras.The 47th problem of Euclid serves as a basis of common measurements for architects. Since a time of antiquity, builders have used this theorem, sometimes called the Rule of 3:4:5, in squaring a room. Engineers use the theorem to tunnel through mountainsides so that both tunnel shafts would meet in the center. By the study of this theorem, astronomers are provided with a mathematical equation whereby study the distances of the sun, moon and celestial bodies, thereby fixing the durations of times, seasons and cycles. Even the sailors used this theorem to study the longitude and latitude as well as true time.In the study of Masonic emblems, we learn that 47th problem of Euclid helps us to define and measure the universe around us, all framed by the Supreme Architect of the Universe. The square, as an emblem for masonry, is the base needed for any solution. As a mason serves his position in lodge (3:4), he becomes more complete (3:4:5). Further research into the 47th problem of Euclid will reveal to a well-studied mason many of the ancient mysteries of the fraternity.

The 47th Problem of Euclid

According to our Blue Lodge Textbook: Josephus informs us of several particulars in the building of the Holy Temple during the reign of King Solomon, but who was Josephus? How much do we know about him? Is his information reliable? Where did he come from? Why is he so important that he would render mentioning in our text?Titus Flavius Josephus was a Jewish priest, scholar, and historian whose works provide us with close-to-eye-witness and valuable details that do not survive in any other records. Josephus was born, Yosef ben Matthias, circa 37-38 A.D., roughly four years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His father was descendant of an ancient sect of Jewish priest and his mother was descendant of the royal and formerly ruling family of Judea. Both families were wealthy, which provided Josephus with many opportunities for exploration and education.At the age of 16, Josephus spent three years in the dessert with Bannus, the Jewish hermit. By the age of 19, he had studied the three principal Jewish religious sects- Pharisees, Essenes, and Sadducees. It is known that during his early 20’s, Josephus also served as an ambassador to negotiate the release of 12 Jewish priests in captivity from Emperor Nero, whose favored he gained through Nero’s wife.On his return, Josephus was appointed as the military governor of Galilee during the First Jewish-Roman War, a series of major rebellions by the Jews of Judea against the Roman Empire. He successfully fought the Roman Army until another hero from the resistance seized control and ordered him to be killed. Josephus fled for his life into the hills and caves with other loyal soldiers. After a time, he suggested that they draw lots to commit suicide to keep from being captured by the Roman Army. Josephus is said to have fixed the lots so that he would remain alive, which was later came to be known in mathematics as “The Josephus Problem.” When the Roman Army finally drew near, Josephus declared that he had had a vision that Vespasian Augustus would be the next emperor of Rome. Two years later, Caesar Vespasian Augustus was declared the 9th Emperor of Rome, founder of the Flavian Dynasty.In 69 A.D., Josephus was released from captivity and in 70 A.D. he acted as a negotiator for the defenders during the Siege of Jerusalem. Although the Jewish rebellion refused to surrender the city and was ultimately defeated, Josephus was allowed to bring some of his fellow priest and friends, as well as some sacred and historical writings, back to Rome. It is at this time that he adopted the title of “Flavius,” as a Roman embellishment. For his duty, serving as an aid to the Roman Empire, he was granted Roman citizenship, a pension, and an estate in Judea.Josephus dedicated himself to the preservation and writings of Jewish culture. His most famous works include: Jewish Wars, which details the disastrous revolt against Rome, Antiquities of The Jews, a 21 volume collection which expounds upon the history, laws and customs of Jewish history, and Against Apion, a 2 volume collection defending the classical religion, philosophy and antiquity of Jewish culture against the Greek commentator, Apion. Josephus died as a citizen of Rome in 100 A.D. He has been noted as one of the most influential and historical writers of his time.

Josephus

What is a Lewis? Who is a Lewis? What is the Lewis Jewel? What is the job of a Lewis Mason?A Lewis, or Lewisson, is a lifting tool that has been used by stonemasons for centuries. It provides anchorage in a stone and enables the stone to be raised or lowered to the desired height so that a proper base can be set. A Lewis consist of 3 parts: 2 wedge shaped pieces and one straight center piece. A dovetail cut is made in the center of the top of the stone and the pieces are inserted tightly. The three parts are then bolted or linked together and attached to a hook, rope or pulley. By this process, the stonemason is allowed to work in safety and precision while the Lewis keeps the stone securely tightened.In England, the word Lewis means strength. In speculative masonry it symbolizes the son of a mason who has been initiated and can take up his father’s duty to bear the heat and burden of the day. Historians agree that the term first came into use during the 18th century but was also greatly expounded upon in the 1780s through the early William-Preston Lectures. The Lewis Jewel has been adopted by many jurisdictions, and is still used in England to honor the father of a new mason. The jewel usually consists of two bars connected by chains. The upper bar is inscribed with the father’s name and initiation date, while the lower bar is inscribed with the son’s name and initiation date. It may be worn by both the father and the son as long as the father is living and in good standing during his son’s time of initiation.As this jewel is not associated with any position of authority or responsibility within the Grand Lodge of Mississippi or its subordinate Lodges, it is highly recommended that members wishing to purchase the Lewis Jewel should receive express permission from the Most Worshipful Grand Master before adopting it as part of their Masonic regalia.

Lewis

Have you ever made a humorous remark regarding a goat before the lodge begins its operations? Was the remark made at your initiation, passing or raising? How long do you think these types of remarks have been going around? Where did the idea of “riding the goat” start? What type of effect do you think these remarks have on our candidates? What type of expectation does this create in the mind of the candidate about our fraternity?The Grand Lodge of Mississippi, F. &amp; A. M. and its subordinate Lodges do not promote, encourage or tolerate any acts of hazing or harassment, as these acts are inconsistent with the teaching and principles of Freemasonry. Each mason is only responsible for his character while both inside and outside of the Lodge, but as a brotherhood our responsibility is to hold members accountable for their actions and provide council to help them in their errors. Vulgar and inappropriate conduct inside or outside of the Lodge hall does not promote the tenets of our institution and should not be encouraged.The ancient Greeks and Romans were known to have a very creative polytheistic belief. They portrayed the god of the forest and unkempt nature as a shaggy, horned and cloven hoof character named Pan, or sometimes called “the goat footed.” It is important to remember that as early Christianity evolved, some ancient and pagan symbols were adopted and modified to suit the visual needs of the Christian belief. The belief in the Greek god Pan, who also represented some aspects of fertility, gave way to a depiction of Satan, naturally inheriting his appearance and attributes. The devil became represented as He-Goat, with horns, beard and cloven hooves.During the Middle Ages, lasting from the 5th to 15th century, the Christian church condemned the beliefs and practices of witches, blasphemous rites, and satanic ceremonies. Inquisitions, witch trials, and trials of heresy were common and those found guilty were punished in cruel and unthinkable ways. As there was no police force, the law enforcement was left in the hands of the members of the community. This gave rise to the belief that the devil would appear riding on a goat. Even the noble Knights Templar’s were accused of worshiping The Goat of Mendes or Baphomet, which was a symbol of ancient alchemist to represent the balance in positive and negative force.Due to the “secret” nature of early Masonic rituals, a common belief began that their rituals were “trying to raise the devil.” Although the overall belief has died among the non-initiated, the saying generally remains the same. There has never been evidence in any major Masonic work to support that the practice of “riding the goat” has ever been a part of a Masonic ritual; however, the same cannot be said for all societies who claim to have originated from a time of antiquity.

Riding The Goat

Why are the first three symbolic degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry often called “The Blue Lodge”? What does the color “Blue” as a symbol in Masonry? Does Freemasonry use any other colors to represent similar meanings? What are some of the most symbolic colors associated with Freemasonry? Assigning a color to a symbol is probably as old as the symbol itself. Historians have found that in the study of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics: red represented man, yellow represented women, blue represented the king of the Egyptian gods, Amon, and black represented Anubis, the Egyptian god of death.Blue. Famous Masonic author and scholar Albert Mackey noted that in Old Testament scriptures, blue is the translation of the Hebrew word “tekelet” which derives from the root word meaning “perfection.” Throughout the cultures of the world the color blue represents, deity, the canopy of heaven, eternity, immortality, truth, purity, loyalty, fidelity, hope and faith. All of these define the characteristics of masonry. The color blue is the symbolic color of the spiritual or divine.Red. Red is the symbol of the earth. It is often used to represent war, blood, sacrifice, heroism or struggle. It can also be used to represent charity or devotion. Even the color red is present in the root word of Adam, the first man created of the earth and the breath of God. It is translated as “Adamah” meaning “red clay” or “of the ground.” It is often used as a symbol of faith, passion, fervency or zeal. In Freemasonry, it is most associated with Royal Arch Masons. Lodges conferring the first three symbolic degrees in formal Scottish Rite ceremonies are commonly called “Red Lodges.”White. White is one of only two color introduced throughout the first three symbolic degrees of masonry with a specific representation. The white apron reminds us of our hopes for a glorious immortality, purity and innocence. The classical Greek philosopher Plato notes that white is the color of the gods. In the Bible, Daniel sees God dressed as a very old man in robes as white as snow. It can also be used to represent beginnings or virtue. The word candidate derives from the Latin word “candidatus” meaning “clothed in white.” In ancient Rome a candidate aspiring for public office wore a white toga to represent their untarnished character.Green. The color green is associated with the color of life, renewal, nature, safety, growth, harmony and unchanging immortality of all that is divine and true. Ancient Egyptians used the color green in the depiction of the Egyptian gods Ptah, the divine preserver, and Thoth, the instructor of men in the sacred doctrines of truth. As Free and Accepted Masons we hold a particular awareness with the color green and the immortality of the soul. Green has been adopted as the official color of the Grand Lodge of Scotland.Purple. Purple is the combination of both of the colors blue and red. It is used to represent authority, kingship, wealth, richness, royalty or one of a higher statue, like the apron of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. It lends itself well to the union of the divine and that of the earth. In the Book of Mark, the roman soldiers mocked Christ by wrapping his body with a scarlet or purple robe. As the color purple required a blending of the color dyes, it was very expensive to make at the time and only reserved for the wealthiest or most important figures of the time.Black. Traditionally the color black is associated with darkness and death. It did not develop into a color of mourning until later into the 14th to 16th century. In some aspects of history, black has also been used to represent gravity and sobriety. During the age of European Reformation colorful clothes were frowned upon. Formal wear for day and evening occasions continues to be black.Yellow. Yellow is rarely seen in Lodge and is associated with the idea of light. The color yellow may also be represented in the presentation of gold. In the use of the color gold, it represents authority, kingship and power. It is commonly found adorning the aprons of Grand Lodge Officers.