The Worshipful Professor

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I know of no official Masonic library; perhaps others do!

Some, but few, Lodges and/or Masonic buildings have a small collection, but this is rare.

My personal library was built up by purchasing books that looked interesting, mainly from Lewis Masonic (https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/), publishers of many useful books. Just be aware that some are quite old.

Have you considered checking in your local community library?

This sort of request should be directed at Provincial Office, but as it is the weekend…

V. W. Bro. John Nigel Bruce, PGSwdB, DepProvGM

W. Bro. David Leslie Armstrong, PSGD, AssProvGM

W. Bro. David Southern, PSGD, AssProvGM

W. Bro. Geoffrey James Morrison, PSGD, AssProvGM

W. Bro. Raymond Dryden, PSGD, AssProvGM

W. Bro. Dr. Christopher Joseph Ainsley, PProvJGW, AssProvGM

The two forms of ritual used in our Lodges are the “Ritual of Craft Freemasonry by Northumbrian Past Masters” and, less commonly, “Emulation Ritual”. Neither of them mention the use of the letter “G”.

However, it has become custom for the “G" to be illuminated at the end of the opening in the Second Degree, and the illumination to be turned off at the end of closing in that degree. This is very useful when the letter is pointed out at the end of the Second Degree Tracing Board!

Out of interest, the “G" is supposed to stand for Geometrician, although I can find no written proof of this. This theory leads to the logical question "why is there no “A” for the Fist Degree and “H” for the Third Degree?” I cannot answer that one!

The simple answer to your question is “Yes, it would be more helpful”. But that needs further clarification.
Lodges do not need permission to “allow” them to make such changes - they can do so if they wish, but have probably never thought of doing so.
The reason many lodges have the working tools in a box on the floor is probably tradition - or to put it in plain text, they have “alwatys done it that way”. After all, if t works, why change it?
Your suggestion is sound and reasonable, especially for those of us getting on in age. It is however, not something that can be directed by anyone outside the lodge e.g. Province or Grand Lodge, as such matters are completely up to the individual lodge.
As a further suggestion, when you visit and see this, why not speak to the DC and make the suggestion? He may appreciate it, and you never know…

The Preliminary Declaration at the beginning of the General Laws and Regulations for the government of the Craft includes “…pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz., those of the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch”.

So, there are three degrees in Craft Freemasonry. The reference to the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch is there as Master Masons are encouraged to join that Order as well.

There are several Companion Orders (formerly known as Side Degrees) which you can join once you are a Master Mason. One of these is “The Supreme Council 33o for England and Wales and its District and Chapters Overseas”, often referred to as “The Rose Croix”. This Order does indeed have 33 degrees, the first three of which are the three Craft Degrees.

Hi Stephen,

Simply put: ask. We are all brothers no matter what colour apron we wear and are all approachable.

In the first instance ask your proposer and seconder. If their answer does not satisfy you, ask your Lodge Mentor and/or Membership Officer. 

Speak to the Lodge Secretary who may be able to advise you of visits to other lodges where you may pick up some tips.

Speak to other “younger” members and exchange ideas.

Please remember that no matter what the question, no one knows everything!

Yours faithfully and fraternally,

Prof.