Page 15 - Essex Mason Issue 85

Provincial DC's Corner

Dear Brethren,

The Masonic season is now well on its way for another year. Thank you to all who responded
to the last article.

A few items and questions were generated, it is therefore my intention to try and address a
couple of them.

The Masters Collar
I can recall when I was Master of my Lodge for the first time, that I didn’t receive any guidance on
when or if I should wear my Masters collar when visiting and on one occasion, did just that and was
reprimanded by a seasoned Mason. The same question was generated after the last article.

In short, there is only one Worshipful Master in a Lodge meeting and therefore only one Masters Collar being worn.
This therefore means that if you are a visiting Master, you will be without your collar. The exceptions are when at Grand Lodge,

Provincial Grand Lodge etc.

This rule is within the Book of Constitutions - 263
The collars of the officers of private Lodges are to be worn only in their own Lodges, or when representing their
Lodges as Masters or Wardens in the Grand Lodge or in their Provincial or District Grand Lodges, or on any
special occasion when ordered by the Grand Master.

There is a separate rule regarding Past Masters Collars - 264
Past Masters of private Lodges shall wear collars of light blue ribbon, four inches wide, with a silver braid a
quarter of an inch wide in the centre.
Festive Boards & Wine Takings
Firstly I must point out that there are no rules regarding Festive Boards, generally common sense
prevails. Each Lodge conducts the Festive Board differently.

Each year there are approximately 300 official visits conducted by the Provincial Executive. The way
that the escorting DC’s conduct and assist at the meetings is therefore a well trodden path and could
be considered to be best practice.

If there is wine included in the meal, it is generally requested that this is served by the Stewards
immediately after all Brethren are seated after Grace. Due consideration is to be given to the staff
serving the first course. This is made even easier if there is a cold starter that is already plated and at
the tables. It also allows the Stewards to enjoy their starter uninterrupted.

Wine takings are then conducted as soon as the WM and the visiting APGM have finished their starter. The wine takings for an
official visit are all seated apart from the Royal Arch wine taking and Brethren can choose to remain seated should they wish. This
is all conducted before the Staff re enter to clear the plates as the Stewards will be the last to finish and the staff do not clear until
all Brethren have completed there starter.

An example of where this works for a busy meeting is Essex Masters Lodge, where there are generally over 180 in attendance at
each meeting. The process detailed above is used and runs relatively smoothly.
W.Bro Lee Taylor
PAGDC - ProvGDC

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