GRAND LODGE
ANCIENT FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS
OF NEBRASKA
PROTOCOLS
DRAFT 02/28/2010
PROTOCOLS
This document is published to convey uniformity within the Grand
Lodge of Nebraska.
Exceptions are recognized in consideration to a brother's medical
condition or personal needs.
These protocols are not part of the Constitutions, Regulations and By
Laws of the Grand Lodge, therefore no penalty is sanctioned; but
conformity is encouraged.
This document is not all definitive.
Compiled by:
WBro. Alvin Benemerito
Corrected by:
MW Scott Krieger, PGM
Grand Custodian
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXVIII.
XXIX.
XXX.
XXXI.
XXXII.
XXXIII.
XXXIV.
XXXV.
XXXVI.
XXXVII.
XXXVIII.
Prayers
Attitude of Prayer
God
Altar
The Great Lights
The Three Lesser Lights
Balloting
Calendar
Candidates
Columns
Correspondence
Cover
Decorum During Lodge
Decorum After Lodge
Dress
Door
Due Form
Due Guard and Sign
Duties of Officers
East
Funerals
Gavel and Raps
Grand Honors
Grips or Tokens
Introductions
Investigating Committee
Lighting
Meetings
Personal Representative
Properly Clothed
Purging
Ranks
Remarks
Rings
Risings and Salutes
Rods
Titles
Visitors
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THE PROTOCOLS
I. PRAYERS
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All Masonic undertakings, either public or during our private ceremonies, should
begin and end with a prayer.
The Attitude of Prayer is executed when praying and dropped at the conclusion.
“So Mote It Be” is uttered as a reverential substitute to “Amen” at the conclusion of
every prayer.
II. ATTITUDE OF PRAYER
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The arms are crossed over the breast, the left over right.
The palms of each hand, with fingers extended, are placed over the opposite chest.
The head should be bowed reverently.
Placing the hands on the elbows is not in proper form.
The Attitude of Prayer can executed while standing, seated or kneeling.
It is not executed when seated or kneeling. This is not correct, it can be used in
both cases.
III. GOD
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Prayers should be done without naming any one particular Deity so as not to alienate
brethren of different religious conviction.
“The Grand Architect of the Universe“, “Supreme Architect of the Universe” or
“Supreme Ruler of the Universe” are largely accepted addresses to Deity.
IV. ALTAR
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The Altar must be situated in the center of the Lodge room.
Only the Volume of the Sacred Law, Square and Compass are to be found on it
during Regular and Special Communications.
It is a general rule that no one is to cross between the Altar and Worshipful Master
except in situations as stated on the ritual and the Continuous Floor Work Manual.
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V. THE GREAT LIGHTS
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Volume of Sacred Law (VSL)
 The use of the Holy Bible is predominantly used in our jurisdiction. However, the
Candidate is allowed to take his Obligation on the VSL of his choosing.
 The size and dimensions of the VSL and the color of the ribbons or book markers
are left to the Lodge's discretion.
 A brother may request to have the VSL of his Faith be displayed on the Altar.
 The Senior Deacon is encouraged to find and position the book marker prior to
the opening ceremony so as to eliminate awkwardness in looking for the exact
page.
 The proper handling of the VSL can be found on the Floor Work Manual.
 The Holy Bible is opened on the following pages:
 Entered Apprentice: Psalm 133
 Fellow Craft: Amos, Chapter 7
 Master Mason: Ecclesiastes, Chapter 12
Square and Compass
 Their size, material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
 Their position is dictated by the degree on which the Lodge is working.
 The proper handling of the Square and Compass can be found on the Floor Work
Manual.
 Nebraska Ritual only uses the term compass. However, the term compasses is
considered equally correct as used in literature.
VI. THREE LESSER LIGHTS
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The Three Lesser Lights are situated South of the Altar.
The Lodge is at liberty to use candles or electric lights as they prefer.
The Lesser Lights are arranged in a triangular manner with the apex pointing to the
North when the Lodge is closed and pointing to the South when the Lodge is opened.
When the Senior Deacon displays the lights - the candles are positioned first before it
is turned on or ignited.
When the Senior Deacon attends the Altar - the lights are turned off or extinguished
first before repositioning the candles.
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VII. BALLOTING
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Electing Candidates are done by secret ballot only. This process is done according to
the Book of Ceremonies as published by Grand Lodge.
A ballot may only be spread during a Regular Communication of the Lodge and is
opened in the Master Mason's Degree.
Only Master Masons of the Lodge in good standing are allowed to object or vote.
A unanimous vote is required for a Candidate to be admitted.
The Worshipful Master casts the first ballot.
The Senior Deacon casts the last ballot.
The Worshipful Master casts the first ballot and followed by the Senior Deacon. This
is not correct the S.D. ballots last.
The Senior Deacon handles the ballot box and collects the ballot from each brother.
The direction of the ballot is left to the discretion of the Lodge.
The Senior Deacon handles the ballot box with his right hand and collects the ballot
from each brother starting at the southeast corner of the Lodge. This is not correct, it
is up to the lodge in what direction the ballot is carried, therefore it could be in his left
hand, he may start in the north-east corner also.
After all have voted, the Senior Deacon holds the ballot at the Altar. Ballots himself,
then makes report.
After all have voted, the Senior Deacon holds the ballot box over the Volume of
Sacred Law on the Altar then reports to the Worshipful Master. This is not correct he
hold it at the alter and ballots himself, then makes report.
Casting a vote is done while standing.
No member is allowed to discuss the nature of his vote at any time.
If an objection is made, prior to any conferral, the degree is to cease immediately and
no discussion or explanation is expected from the brother objecting.
An applicant whose petition has been rejected may reapply for membership after (6)
six months.
VIII. CALENDAR
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The Masonic calendar begins at the creation of the world, styling it “Anno Lucis” or
the “In the Year of Light.”
This date is attained by adding 4000 to the common year. “Anno Domini” or the
“Year of the Lord” A:.D:. 2009 becomes A:.L:. 6009.
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IX. CANDIDATES
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A Candidate must signify a belief in a Supreme Being. This being the first question
the Investigating Committee should inquire.
A Candidate must be informed of his duties and responsibilities to the Lodge. This
should include the time required to attend meetings, financial obligations, etc.
All Fees required should accompany the Candidates Petition.
During the Entered Apprentice degree, care should be taken, so as not to have the
Candidate approach the Altar when being conducted to pray for the first time.
A Candidate must study and answer, at the minimum, The Standard Proficiency
Manual as established by Grand Lodge, before being advanced to the next degree. No
Lodge or Brother can demand of the Candidate what is beyond The Standard
Proficiency Manual. The Candidate can however volunteer to do so.
X. COLUMNS
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A small column is placed on top of the Warden's pedestal.
Their material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
The column is positioned on the right hand of the officer and should not obstruct the
sight between the Warden and Candidate.
The placement and position of the column on top of the pedestal is left to the Lodges
discretion. But it should not obstruct the sight between the Warden and Candidate.
This is incorrect the column is placed on the right hand of the officer.
XI. CORRESPONDENCE
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Correspondence with other Grand Lodges and Subordinate Lodges of other Grand
Jurisdictions should be directed and channeled to the office of our Grand Secretary.
XII. COVER
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Only Worshipful Master is entitled to wear a hat when the Lodge is at Labor.
The Worshipful Master uncovers:
 During prayers
 When mentioning God/Deity
 Saluting the Flag
 When scriptures are read during the Candidate's perambulation
 When receiving the Grand Master
The right hand is generally used when handling the hat.
The right hand is generally used when handling the hat, except during the Declaration
(and when explaining the working tool on the EA degree.) And several other places
The hat is held by the brim when it is placed over the heart.
Brethren maybe covered during outdoor degrees or ceremonies, with the permission
from the Worshipful Master.
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XIII. DECORUM DURING LODGE
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Brethren are to attend all Regular and Special Communications of his Lodge.
Apologies for not attending are encouraged.
It is the obligation of every Officer to make arrangements for a substitute if he is
unable to attend a meeting.
Discussion of the merits and faults of any religious doctrine is prohibited.
Discussion of any partisan politics is prohibited.
Brothers are to enter the Lodge through the door of the reception room.
Brethren are to sit upright with feet properly planted to the floor.
A Brother may only speak after being acknowledged by the Worshipful Master.
Prompting during any degree or ceremony should only be provided by the appointed
prompter.
There is no place for private conversations, laughing, horse playing, side comments
or any boisterous conduct when Lodge is in session.
Unnecessary movements about the Lodge during conferral of degrees are strictly
prohibited.
Talking and texting with the use of portable electronic devices are discouraged. This
precludes scheduling, silencing or powering off.
XIV. DECORUM AFTER LODGE
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Freemasons are moral men and treats everyone with respect.
Care should be taken not to use words or actions relating to Ritual in the presence of
non Masons.
Fellowship after the Labors are a custom, but no one should be hindered or restricted
from leaving as he pleases.
Defamation, slander or profanity in any form is never tolerated.
Any brother should only rebuke another, for failure to observe proper decorum, after
the Lodge is closed and in private.
XV. DRESS
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This Grand Jurisdiction is silent on a Dress Code. However, dark business suit is
encouraged, even for the side-liners.
Informing your visitor of such a custom, if your Lodge have a Dress Code, is
considered courteous so as not to make him feel out of place.
Wearing of Lapel pins is a tradition. The number of pins worn at one time is left to
one's own determination.
Wearing of Lapel pins is a tradition. However, do keep the number minimal. I don’t
believe there is anyone who can make this determination.
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XVI. DOOR
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The Master may turn the door over to the Senior Warden, if he chooses. Done only:
a. After the Senior Deacon and Stewards are seated, after propounding the questions
to the Candidate in the Entered Apprentice degree.
b. After the Opening Ceremony of the Fellow Craft and Master Masons degree.
Handling of the door is done with the right hand.
The Junior Deacon answers and acknowledges knocks on the reception room door.
The Junior Deacon does not knock on the door when letting a committee or a brother
retire while a Lodge is in session.
The Junior Deacon acknowledges a knock from the outside - with a single knock,
whenever the lodge is at a point when it should not be disturbed, through any part of
the meeting. (Example includes the opening/closing ceremonies, during obligations,
etc.) He reports the alarm to the Master only after the Lodge is done with the
ceremony.
The Junior Deacon acknowledges a knock from the outside - with a single knock,
when the opening and closing ceremonies are taking place. He reports the alarm to
the Master only after the Lodge is done with the opening ceremony. This is done
when ever the lodge is at a point when it should not be disturbed, through any part of
the meeting
The Senior Deacon answers and acknowledges alarms on the preparation room door.
The Senior Deacon does not knock when re-entering from the preparation room.
XVII. DUE FORM
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Achieving a comfortable due form is relative to the Senior Deacon positioning the
kneeling pad 4 inches away from the Altar and moved slightly offset to the North
during the EA degree and slightly offset to the South in the FC degree.
All Due Form are followed as explained in the Ritual.
I disagree with the explanation here the Hip is not part of the degree at all. Right
knee is forming a square to the south, However I don’t think this should be spelled
out here at all.
XVIII. DUE GUARD AND SIGN
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Only the head is turned, and not the entire body, when the Junior Warden orders the
brethren to "Look to the East."
They are executed in a four count stage.
Execute the This should not be in here!!!!!
Brethren entering a Lodge while in session must be specifically informed by the Tyler
of the degree the Lodge is opened on so he can salute the Worshipful Master with the
appropriate due guard and sign.
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XIX. DUTIES OF OFFICERS
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All officers are to strictly comply, abide by and enforce the Constitution, Laws and
Edicts of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
All officers are to strictly comply, abide by and enforce the By-Laws of his Lodge.
 Worshipful Master
Duties: Directs all of the business of the Lodge; he is in charge of all the
Lodge furniture and implements; he is the custodian of the Charter; and
presides over the ritual and ceremonies.
 Senior Warden
Duties: Assists in the government of the Lodge in the presence of the Master;
and, governs it in the Master's absence.
 Junior Warden
Duties: Is charged with the supervision of the Lodge while it is in recess for
meals or other social purposes.
 Treasurer
Duties: To keep records of accounts; and pay bills with the approval of the
Lodge.
 Secretary
Duties: Issues 'Summons'; record meeting minutes; completing statistical
returns to the Grand Lodge; advises the Worshipful Master on matters of
procedure; collect annual dues from the members and deposit it to the
Treasurer; to observe the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure.
 Chaplain
Duties: The principal role of the Chaplain is to lead prayer before and after the
lodge meeting, and to say grace while the lodge is at dinner.
 Senior Deacon
Duties: To welcome and accommodate visiting brethren; to receive and
conduct Candidates; to carry orders from the Master to the Senior Warden.
 Junior Deacon
Duties: To guard the entrance of the Lodge and is therefore the only one in
charge of handling the door; to see that no one enter or retire from the Lodge
without the permission of the Worshipful Master; to carry messages from the
Senior Warden to the Junior Warden.
 Senior and Senior Steward
Duties: To assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their respective
duties; and when the Lodge is at refreshment to extend to visiting brethren
such attentions as circumstances shall suggest.
 Marshal
Duties: To organize, form and conduct all processions; to make
proclamations when directed to do so, and to conduct such other duties as the
Worshipful Master shall direct.
 Organist
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Duties: To provide musical accompaniment to lodge proceedings under the
direction of the Worshipful Master.
 Tyler
Duties: To guard the door from the outside, with a drawn sword, and ensure
that only those who are duly qualified manage to gain entry into the lodge
meeting. The Tyler is traditionally responsible for preparing the lodge room
before the meeting, and for storing and maintaining the regalia after the
meeting.
XX. EAST
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The East is a representation only and not considered the exact direction of a compass.
Only the head is turned, and not the entire body, when the Junior Warden orders the
brethren to "Look to the East."
Turning the body to the East is appropriate when Saluting the Flag and when giving
Grand Honors.
XXI. FUNERALS
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All Freemasons who are in good standing are entitled to a Masonic Funeral Service.
The Masonic Funeral Service should be open to all non-Masons.
It is a duty of every Freemason to attend a funeral of a Brother Mason, be he known
to him or not, if he is in the geographical area of the services.
Freemasons should be properly clothed, with an Apron, when attending such service
in any capacity. (Example: Pastor, Usher, Cantor, Choir Member, Color Guard, Pall
Bearer, Funeral Director, etc.)
The use of Dress Aprons are highly encouraged.
The use of the Lodge Jewels and Dress Aprons are highly encouraged. I don’t believe
jewels are ever to be used at a funeral.
Heads should be uncovered except in the official capacity. (Example: Rabbi, Color
Guards, etc.)
The Worshipful Master has the option of wearing his hat during the services but
should uncover accordingly.
The Oration should be delivered from memory.
Name tags are not to be worn.
Every brother is encouraged to put his wishes in writing, to receive Masonic Funeral
Service, so as to spare his family from the added emotional anguish of this decision.
This deed should be stored with other important documents.
XXII. GAVEL AND RAPS
 A gavel
 Is placed on the Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens stations as a
symbol of authority and to show their executive powers.
 Their size, material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
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
The Worshipful Master and Wardens acknowledges a salute by placing the gavel
over the left breast.
 Raps
 One rap:
 The Junior Warden will raise his column on the very first rap.
 Is generally done to call the craft to attention.
 To seat the brethren if standing.
 The Deacons and Stewards stand as directed on the Continuous Floor Work
Manual.
 After all declarations from the Worshipful Master.
 Two raps:
 To raise the elected Officers during the Opening Ceremony.
 Three raps:
 To raise the Lodge.
XXIII. GRAND HAILING SIGN OF DISTRESS
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This should not be in this at all!!!!
XXIII. GRAND HONORS
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This Grand Jurisdiction only has one salutary Grand Honor which may be executed in
both public and private ceremonies.
It is executed by clapping the hands three times to the left, then, three times to the
right, and, three times to the left.
XXIV. GRIPS or TOKENS
There are five types of grips as shown in the Ritual:
a. The Grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason
b. the P--s Grip of a Fellow Craft Mason,
c. the T--e Grip of a Fellow Craft Mason,
d. the P--s Grip of a Master Mason, and,
e. the St---g Grip of a Master Mason or L---’s P--.
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The Candidate is to be given an opportunity to move his own thumb to the right
position when the grip is given and explained to him. The Master may assist if the
newly made Mason does not respond. Remember he has been admonished: "Take me
as I take you..."
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XXV. INTRODUCTIONS
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Introductions should be performed according to the precedence of rank. See Ranks.
Introducing dignitaries from other Concordant, Affiliated or Allied Masonic Bodies
are encouraged after the above precedence.
XXVI. LIGHTING
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The Three Lesser Lights are never extinguished when a Lodge is at labor.
Lodge lights are turned off, when the Stewards have crossed their rods, to assist in
bringing the new brother to light.
Lodge lights are turned on in full as the Master says, "You now discover me..."
Lodge lights are turned off when the Ruffians leave until low twelve.
Lodge lights are turned on in full when the 3rd Ruffian says, "Now let us escape..."
Lodge lights are lowered to ____________
XXVII. MEETINGS
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Our meetings are styled as:
a. Regular Communications - are the scheduled business meetings as established in
the Lodge By-Laws.
b. Special Communications - are Lodge meetings for the purpose of Initiation,
Passing and Raising of Candidates. No other Lodge businesses are allowed.
c. Emergent Lodge - Masonic funerals should be recorded as such.
d. Occasional Lodge - When the Grand Master exercises his prerogative to declare a
Mason in Sight. This can’t be done in NE.
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One of the first declarations of the newly installed Worshipful Master is to declare the
Emergent Lodge open. This allows the Lodge to carry out a Masonic Funeral Service
without having to ceremonially open the Lodge in the Masters Degree.
XXVIII. PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Personal Representatives of the Grand Master, when acting as such, maybe received into
a subordinate Lodge in the same manner when receiving the Grand Master.
Personal Representatives of the Grand Master, when acting as such, are received into a
subordinate Lodge in the same manner when receiving the Grand Master. May be.
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XXIX. PROPERLY CLOTHED
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A Mason is deemed properly clothed when he is wearing an Apron during any
Masonic Work.
Aprons are to be worn outside any matter of clothing including jackets and coats.
Aprons are considered as worn outside when wearing a Tuxedo with tails.
Officers wear the Apron of office they were installed in even when functioning in a
different capacity.
The Jewel of Office is worn only in that capacity or chair.
Past Masters are entitled to wear a Past Masters Apron.
Grand Officers are entitled to wear the Grand Officers Chain Collar and Grand
Officers Apron when sitting as an officer of a subordinate Lodge.
XXX. PURGING
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No brother may vouch for another until he himself, has passed the Purging
Ceremony.
The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden or Junior Warden may vouch for any brother
at any time.
The Deacons turn toward each other, when arriving in the East, after purging.
XXXI. RANKS
 The members of the Grand Lodge rank in the following precedence:
1. The Grand Master
2. The Past Grand Masters
3. Deputy Grand Master
4. Grand Senior Warden
5. Grand Junior Warden
6. Grand Secretary
7. Grand Chaplain
8. Grand Orator
9. Grand Historian
10. Grand Custodian
11. Grand Marshal
12. Grand Senior Deacon
13. Grand Junior Deacon
14. Grand Senior Steward
15. Grand Junior Steward
16. Grand Tyler
17. Grand Musician
18. Personal Representative of the Grand Master
19. The Deputy Grand Custodians?
20. The Apprentice Grand Custodians?
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21. The Worshipful Master
22. Past Masters
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Emeritus Grand Officers follow directly after the active Grand rank.
XXXII. REMARKS
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The Grand Master or his Personal Representative should be the last scheduled speaker
on the program. All announcements, introductions, remarks or other comments are to
be made prior to the Grand Master's remarks.
The brethren should rise, without raps, when the Grand Master is introduced.
The brethren should rise, without raps, at the conclusion of the remarks of the Grand
Master and express their appreciation with dignified applause in respect to the office.
The Master of Ceremonies, or whomever is in charge, should then call for closing
benediction which ends the program.
XXXIII. RINGS
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This Grand Jurisdiction is silent on the orientation of the square and compass when
worn on a ring.
The finger placement of the ring is left to the Masons discretion.
XXXIV. RISINGS AND SALUTES
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The Senior Deacon rises when the Junior Deacon is called up by the Master.
Stewards will rise when the Senior Deacon is called up by the Worshipful Master for
the reception of a Candidate. They salute at the Altar prior to retiring from the Lodge.
The Junior Deacon rises when the committee leaves the Altar. He does not knock but
opens the door for them to exit.
The Senior Deacon rises when announcing an alarm to the preparation room door.
The Junior Deacon rises when announcing an alarm to the reception room door.
Stewards will approach the Altar and salute the Worshipful Master when instructed
by the Senior Deacon to prepare the Candidate. The Senior Deacon is seated when the
Stewards salute the Worshipful Master.
Following instruction from the Worshipful Master, both Stewards retire to the
Preparation Room without saluting.
Brethren must rise when addressing the Master or the Lodge. No salute is necessary.
Brethren who come in late, must be specifically informed by the Tyler as to the
degree the Lodge is open on, so he can execute the proper salute when entering.
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XXXV. RODS
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The Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward and Junior Steward carry a rod
when the Lodge is at Labor.
The rods are placed in a holder on the right side of their seat.
Their size, material and color are left to the Lodge's discretion.
Picking up the rod:
1. The rod is picked from its holder using the right hand
2. It is lowered to floor on the left side
3. Flick the wrist upright to lift the rod 4 inches off from the floor
4. Hold the rod with the left hand keeping it to the side of the body
They are not to be lowered to the floor by letting it slide off the hand.
The right hand is used to lower the rod or when returning it to the holder.
The rods are lowered to the sides and kept upright when saluting.
The Senior Deacon advances his right foot, places the rod against his right instep and
in the crook of his left elbow, when receiving the Candidate; and when removing the
cable tow and hoodwink off a Candidate.
The Senior Deacon raps the rod in front of him when calling up the Stewards.
The Senior Deacon raps the rod behind the Candidate during degrees.
XXXVI. TITLES
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The following salutations are appropriate for each office:
Grand Master / Past Grand Master
Most Worshipful
Deputy Grand Master
Right Worshipful
Grand Senior Warden & Grand Junior Warden
Right Worshipful
Grand Secretary
Right Worshipful
Grand Chaplain
Very Worshipful
All other Grand Officers
Worshipful
Worshipful Master and Past Master
Worshipful
Masons not having held the office of Worshipful Master is addressed as Brother.
Salutations are to be used when addressing in Lodge.
XXXVII. VISITORS
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Credentials of visitors should be examined prior to sitting in Lodge to avoid
embarrassment.
A visitor from our jurisdiction maybe required to show a current Dues Card and
examined for other evidence before being admitted to a meeting.
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Visitors from other Jurisdictions must be from a recognized Grand Lodge as
determined from information found on the book “List of Lodges” published by
Pentagraph Printing; and undergo the same examination above.
It would be courteous for the Worshipful Master to order the Senior Deacon to
conduct the visitor(s) to the West of the Altar and introduced to the Master and
brethren - with his Name, Lodge and Title.
Visitation to other recognized Lodges within and without this Grand Jurisdiction is
highly encouraged.
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