Meeting Information Pages
A common question asked is "What goes on at Masonic meetings?"
Perhaps because someone has read various things about Masonic ceremonies, they're confused as to how it all works. The questions are understandable, particularly in light of the ravings of some anti-Masons on the web. We hope this page will help explain it to you just what happens.
Essentially, all local lodges do things pretty much the same way, despite slight differences in ritual from state to state. Basically two things occur: business and (perhaps 'or') ritual degree work during which a candidate is received into membership, or elevated to a higher degree level.
The business of the lodge is often quite mundane: voting to pay a utility bill, for example (although in some lodges that tedium is relieved by an expedited process wherein the Wardens - essentially the First and Second Vice President - pre-approve things and a single vote is cast relying on their good judgment rather than addressing each item in turn).
Other business might include anything which any local club or civic group would encounter. There are votes to admit new members, there are suggestions from the officers and/or the members about activities to hold and things to do and there are reports on events that have occurred. In addition, there is a Treasurer's Report and the reading of the minutes of the preceding meeting by the Secretary along with any correspondence which he might have.
Sometimes there may be a lengthy discussion on a matter of importance - or on a Committee's report on their deliberations pertaining to it. A question like repairing or replacing the roof, for example, would normally be referred to a committee that would consider all the options and make a recommendation. Sometimes too, there may be an award presentation for long-term service to the Fraternity, for example.
But this is, for all intents and purposes, what goes on at a Masonic meeting. Nothing that any normal person would find offensive in any way.
Meetings are begun with simple ceremony and a standard protocol (including memorized material) is recited. A prayer is said by the officer designated to serve as Chaplain. The brothers recite a pledge to the flag of the United States. Meetings conclude in similar fashion.
In addition to the above, there are times when a meeting might consist partially or entirely of the performance of a degree during which a candidate receives further advancement in Freemasonry. The Entered Apprentice (1st), Fellow Craft (2nd) and Master Mason (3rd) Degrees may be conferred on the same night as a business meeting or - depending on the will of the lodge - on a separate evening.
There is usually a great meal - usually served during a "refreshment break" in the meeting.
Is that all there is?
Actually, no! In many lodges, there's a time set aside for a program - generally after the meeting. It may consist of a wide variety of things, from a physician explaining the Heimlich Maneuver to a presentation by a member on his trip to some distant country. It may be a round-table discussion on Masonic history or perhaps a local scholarship recipient reading his/her essay on their country's past. Masonic programs can be, essentially, whatever interests the lodge. Most members find them intriguing even if prior to that time it was something they'd have never found interesting. It's an opportunity to learn and to broaden one's horizon: it's an advancement in education!
Beyond these things, there's the friendship and fellowship which is SO very much a part of Freemasonry. During the meeting, there is no 'free discussion' amongst members: the meeting is 'controlled' by the Master just as a President of any other organization would do - not allowing chatter to disrupt the proceedings. Before and afterwards, however, members and officers mingle freely and talk about essentially everything. Catching up on local events, finding out how things are going with other members and more, it's a process wherein Masons come to know each other better and the Brotherhood bond forms more tightly.
Are the meetings boring?
This depends on your viewpoint of two things: expectation and preparation.
If a member enters the meeting expecting to be totally bored and feeling that his time would be spent better elsewhere, then yes, it will be a very boring meeting indeed. A member arriving with a positive attitude, looking forward to an evening of friendship and fellowship among like-minded people, who - although from widely differing backgrounds and stations in life - all want to be there, will likely find the time spent to be of good value.
Preparation, however, is essential for a productive, anticipated, and enjoyed meeting. The Master as the presiding officer must take particular care to ensure preparations are made for all facets of the evening. Planning for any well-run meeting must be done in advance and include having an agenda for what will occur. At the time of the meeting, the Master will ensure that proper attention is paid to the welcoming of guests and visitors, the comfort of the membership before, during and after the meeting, and the friendship and hospitality that mark a well-run and interesting meeting. While the ritual will be the same, it's an essential part of Freemasonry and for Masons, should never grow boring!
