Opening the Lodge

One of the actions within the lodge is the opening ceremony, which begins each meeting of Masons. For many it is an oft heard routine, a short memory exercise, a time consuming ritual, and a responsibility of the officers. In some lodges the officers may run through the opening easily, while in other lodges they may struggle to complete their parts. Sometimes the floor work is a study in precision and at other times, a chore.
Members occasionally question the need to go through the ritualistic forms. "Just drop the gavel" and "get on with the meeting" is an easy answer, but this fails to consider other aspects of the opening exercises. As within the Craft, each activity holds deeper lessons and meanings, and the opening rituals are no different.

Certainly the tone of the meeting is set by its opening, for the command and leadership from the east is evident based on the competence and confidence of the Master. Light comes from the East and the sound of the gavel signals His presence. A lodge is being opened to "labor" and all present should be aware of that purpose. Likewise, only those eligible to attend are to be there, for this is a meeting of Masons, coming together to work.

As questions and answers move about the lodge room, tokens of respect, gaveling, prayer, and concluding remarks are given, there are lessons in responsibilities, focus, and leadership. There is a reaffirmation in our obligations, our commitments, and our sense of fraternity. Rather than simply hearing the words, one should listen to their meanings as a Mason and give them due attention and effort to understand. Learning is a life long journey and the openings contain much to be learned.

So, with these thoughts in mind, the officers must recognize their responsibilities to display good lessons in their openings. Practice is required to attain that ease and confidence which is due their membership. Leadership is a study in preparation and work, so it is with the opening ceremonies. Each officer of a lodge should review carefully the eight steps outlined in the "Monitor of the Lodge" to understand how important the openings and closings are to the Craft.

While not mandatory, there is a charge at the opening; which may be given by the Worshipful Master. Its concluding portion is: "Let us ever remember that the great objects of our association are the restraint of improper desires and passions, the cultivation of an active benevolence, and the promotion of a corrective knowledge of the duties we owe to God, our neighbor, and ourselves. Let us be united, and practice with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order; ever remembering that where brethren are, there should be peace and harmony, and each should wish for the good of the whole".
As we open each lodge meeting and greet each day, we should reflect upon the preceding as a challenge to be better men and better Masons.