Provincial Lodge of Instruction
The Quarry Stones
Sunday 18 September 22
The bright Sunday morning of 18 September saw many brethren from around our Province, including a “never too old to learn”
W. Bro. John Stannard, our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, meet at the Chelmsford Masonic Hall for the first Provincial LOI.
The meeting, led by John, together with the Prov. G.D.C. Tony Goater and other members of the Ceremonial Team, was to cover the ritual and work of the Overseers, intending, primarily, to cover the presentation of the “materials for the building etc.” by the Deacons and Candidate and the examination of the Quarry Stones by the Overseers themselves.
First there was a demonstration of the ritual as it should be done and then there was an opportunity to ask questions, and then other Brethren had the opportunity to practice those offices themselves. Thereafter the floor was opened for questions from Brethren at any point in the ritual they needed further explanation.
W. Bro. John Stannard, our new Assistant Provincial Grand Master, meet at the Chelmsford Masonic Hall for the first Provincial LOI.
The meeting, led by John, together with the Prov. G.D.C. Tony Goater and other members of the Ceremonial Team, was to cover the ritual and work of the Overseers, intending, primarily, to cover the presentation of the “materials for the building etc.” by the Deacons and Candidate and the examination of the Quarry Stones by the Overseers themselves.
First there was a demonstration of the ritual as it should be done and then there was an opportunity to ask questions, and then other Brethren had the opportunity to practice those offices themselves. Thereafter the floor was opened for questions from Brethren at any point in the ritual they needed further explanation.
One of the important points brought up concerned the examination of the stones and the point at which the ritual was to be spoken.
This is where the LOI came into its own for, as explained by the Dep.P.G.M. John Finlay, a full examination of the red rubric reveals that the examination takes place before any words are spoken.
He also covered some of the finer points of detail, for instance, the Junior Overseer does not put the stones down on the pedestal before handing them back to the workmen, but that the Senior Overseer and Master Overseer do, and place their hands on the stones when speaking to the Deacons.
In conclusion, Tony thanked all who had attended and taken part and was sure that everyone who had attended had learned something and would take away a better understanding and delivery of our Ceremony.
The next meeting will be on Sunday 20 November at 10 o’clock when it is intended to concentrate on the role of the Senior Deacon.
This is where the LOI came into its own for, as explained by the Dep.P.G.M. John Finlay, a full examination of the red rubric reveals that the examination takes place before any words are spoken.
He also covered some of the finer points of detail, for instance, the Junior Overseer does not put the stones down on the pedestal before handing them back to the workmen, but that the Senior Overseer and Master Overseer do, and place their hands on the stones when speaking to the Deacons.
In conclusion, Tony thanked all who had attended and taken part and was sure that everyone who had attended had learned something and would take away a better understanding and delivery of our Ceremony.
The next meeting will be on Sunday 20 November at 10 o’clock when it is intended to concentrate on the role of the Senior Deacon.
Posted 21/09/22
