Resources
Masonic Etiquette
Rules of good manners that make lodge meetings pleasant, orderly, and respectful for every brother.
Masonic etiquette is simply the rules of good manners that make lodge meetings pleasant for everyone.
The Worshipful Master in the East holds the most exalted station in the lodge. A lodge that does not honor its Master — regardless of personal feelings toward the man himself — lacks Masonic courtesy. The honor the brethren confer by election, and the historical traditions of those who have gone before, deserve the utmost respect if the traditions of the Fraternity are to be observed.
Good manners mean observing formal courtesies and a sense of what is appropriate for men of high morals and good taste. The spirit of brotherly love by which we are bound together should be shown in our conduct, carriage, and behavior at all times.
Use the working tools of the Craft — not least the trowel — to cement brotherly love, for the more noble and glorious purpose of practicing these courtesies toward every brother.
- 01
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, the three Great Lights that shine their light and wisdom upon him while he governs the lodge should never be placed in shadow — not even for a moment.
- 02
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, lodge officers have worked and studied long for their stations. It is the Master’s prerogative to invite distinguished visitors or a brother he wishes to honor to sit with him in the East. As you would not take a seat beside the minister when the pews are full, so you do not seat yourself in the East uninvited.
- 03
Always Fully Dressed
Brethren do not enter the lodge room without an apron, nor while still putting it on — not even while tying its strings.
Why? Respect for the formalities of the lodge means entering fully dressed and ready for labor. Officers and brethren should not wait while someone finishes dressing. Be properly and entirely clothed when you pass the Tyler and enter the lodge room.
- 04
Stand When You Speak
No man sits while speaking in the lodge room, whether he addresses an officer or another brother.
Why? Standing to address the chair is a form of respect to the Worshipful Master as Master of the lodge — no different in spirit from standing to speak at a formal assembly so that all may see who is speaking.
- 05
Talking
Side talk while a degree is being conferred is considered bad manners.
Why? The lodge room is a temple dedicated to the Great Architect of the Universe. The brethren are at labor. As it is impolite to talk through a religious service, so it is improper to distract the officers, the workers in the degree, or the candidate. Unless you have leave of the Master to speak, silence is the rule — including whispering.
How? If you have something to say, seek recognition. When the Master recognizes you, stand and address the lodge with proper form (customs of address may vary by jurisdiction; follow local practice).
- 06
Obey the Gavel
You must immediately obey the gavel.
Why? Failure to obey the gavel at once is a grave discourtesy and very poor Masonic etiquette. In the lodge, the Master’s authority is supreme: he may put or refuse motions, rule a brother out of order, and decide what may be discussed. Brethren who believe him unfair or in error have redress through proper Grand Lodge channels — but in the lodge, when the gavel sounds, obey at once without further discussion.
- 07
Turning Your Back
Never turn your back on the Master to address the lodge without first receiving permission from the Master to speak.
Why? Debates must be conducted with proper Masonic etiquette. One always stands to order when addressing the chair. Two brethren on their feet arguing face-to-face while ignoring the Master is unacceptable. Customs of salute when addressing the Master may differ by jurisdiction; some form of proper recognition should always be given.
- 08
Salute
Brethren salute the Master (or the Senior Warden when he has been given charge of the door) when they enter or leave the lodge room, according to local custom.
Why? The salute is a renewed pledge of fealty and service, and a public show of decorum and respect for the authority of the East. A lazy, sloppy, or careless salute is Masonically impolite.
- 09
Balloting
Do not enter or leave the lodge room during a ballot.
Why? It is discourteous to leave during a speech, a degree, or a ballot. Natural pauses — between sections of work, or when the Master puts the lodge at ease — are the proper times to step out. All brethren are expected to vote when requested; failing to ballot is a failure of duty and disobedient to the Master’s request.
- 10
Voting Is Mandatory
When an issue is put to a vote, every brother present should vote.
Why? A brother who does not vote skews the ballot and becomes a weak link in a strong chain. Whatever private reason he may hold, it is poor Masonic etiquette to refuse a ballot when the Master has called for one.
- 11
Shouldering the Work
It is good Masonic etiquette to accept a request made in the name of the lodge when it is within your abilities.
Why? A lodge is a beehive of industry. A request acknowledges that the lodge trusts you to fulfill the task. Cheerful labor strengthens the Craft.
- 12
Correction of Verbal Errors
No one except the Worshipful Master, or his prearranged designee, may correct a mistake during a ceremony — and even then, only when the error is serious.
Why? It is discourteous to point out others’ mistakes before the lodge. If you are able to mentor ritual with patience and skill, offer that service privately to the Master rather than interrupting the work.
- 13
Exhibit Good Posture
Poor posture is considered poor Masonic etiquette.
Why? Good posture is proper within the lodge room. Lounging, leaning, and slovenly attitudes should be avoided.
- 14
No Practical Jokes or Off-Color Stories
The lodge room is not the place for practical jokes, pranks, horseplay, or off-color stories.
Why? The great lessons taught by our ritual should never be demeaned by levity or pranks in the tiled room.
- 15
Use Proper Masonic Names
Address officers, members, and visitors by their correct names and Masonic titles.
Why? Accuracy in a brother’s name and title is common courtesy and proper Masonic etiquette.
- 16
Entering or Leaving After the Meeting Has Begun
If you enter after the opening is under way, go to the Altar (or as the Tyler directs) and salute the Master — or the Senior Warden if he has charge of the door. If you must leave before closing, salute in the same proper manner before departing.
Why? The salute should always be given carefully, never carelessly or in a perfunctory way.
- 17
Prayers at Lodge Functions Are Non-Sectarian
Prayers, speeches, and discussions at Masonic affairs should avoid sectarian, controversial, or political tones.
Why? Freemasonry is worldwide and holds no sectarian test beyond a belief in a Supreme Being as required by the jurisdiction. A Mason may practice the religion of his choice in private life, but lodge prayers should be in keeping with Masonic teaching — typically addressed to the Creator, the Great Architect of the Universe — so that no brother’s faith is excluded and harmony is preserved.
- 18
Turn Cell Phones Off
All cell phones and similar devices should be silenced or turned off before entering the lodge room.
Why? Ringtones and alerts disrupt the proceedings and show disrespect to the work and to the candidate.
This guide is adapted in structure and spirit from commonly shared Masonic etiquette summaries, including material published by Bellevue Lodge No. 325 A.F. & A.M. We are grateful for brothers who teach courtesy by example and by the written word.