A
LODGE
Of
TABLE
INSTRUCTION
PROLOGUE
Essentially, a table lodge is a Masonic banquet with toasts,
and yet it is more than that. It is a very special lodge ceremony in
itself, very ancient, with a ritual, formalities, and a special
terminology, which is of some interest. Table Lodges may be
traced back over two centuries in English Masonry and may have
been practiced in Scotland during the reign of King James I, about
1430.
At the present time in England, these ceremonies are called
“the after proceedings” and are conducted after the business of the
evening is disposed of. Traditionally, Table Lodges are held on one
of the Saints John days, December 27 or June 24, but they may be
held at other times, as the Lodge desires.
According to custom, Table Lodges were always held in the
Entered Apprentice Degree. The French Masons had a very formal
system of rule for Table Lodges, long and elaborate. The source of
this programme has abbreviated them, but yet endeavoured to
retain all the significance of the former times.
Some of the military terminology applied to the items used at
banquets may prove to be of interest. Glasses are called cannons;
bottles are casks; bread is rough ashlar; food, materials; lights,
stars; plates, tiles; knives, swards; and salt is white sand.
The only true traditional holidays of ancient Craft Masonry
are the feasts of the holy Saints John, to whom all lodges are
dedicated. The origins of these feasts are veiled in antiquity. But
they were regularly celebrated by all Masons as late as the
American Revolution.
It is impossible to determine when and where the first Table
Lodge was held. We do know that our ancient brethren were great
trenchermen. The method of giving toasts, no longer practiced, but
one very common, seems to have originated among Freemasons at
Table Lodges. The very title of the presiding officer, “Toast
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Master”, is quite significant, and some evidence of the Masonic
origin of the practice. The combination of exuberance and good
fellowship with high minded discussions of the important Masonic
topics at hand is quite characteristic of the old style Table Lodge
A Table Lodge is often called “the ceremony of the seven
toasts.” The Masonic author Ragon refers to these seven toasts of
obligation to the seven libations made by the ancients in their
banquets in the honour of the seven planets; the Sun, Moon, Mars,
Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, and the seven days of the
week are named after them. He assigns some striking reasons for
the reference. But this symbolism, although very beautiful, is
evidently very modern.
MINIMUM STANDARDS
A Table Lodge is part of the mysteries of the Order, therefore
the proceedings should be held in a place as securely Tyled as the
lodge room. The tables are set up in the shape of a horseshoe that
is large enough, if the room will allow, to permit all to be seated on
the outer side of the tables.
Minimum standards require that a Table Lodge be held in
connection with a dinner, served, with a menu that will enhance
the image of the Masonic Fraternity.
A Table Lodge calls for passing the Box of Fraternal
Assistance and use of the gift in the box for a charitable purpose
consistent with Symbolic Masonry.
The successful Table Lodge calls for an address by a
Masonic Speaker.
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A TABLE LODGE
1 W.M.
4 Treas
7 J.D.
10 J.S.
2 S.W.
5 Secty
8 Chap
11 Tyler
3 J.W.
6 S.D.
9 S.S.
12 Guests
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THE PROGRAMME
i)
Open in the Entered Apprentice Degree.
ii)
Assembling the Craft at the Festal Boards.
iii)
Opening a Lodge of Table Instruction.
iv)
133rd Psalm.
v)
The Worshipful Master’s Charge to the Brethren.
vi)
Ceremony of the Seven Toasts.
1)
To Our Country.
2)
The Loyal Toast.
3)
To the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of Manitoba.
4)
To Mystery Lodge No.174
5)
To Our Visiting Brethren.
6)
To Our Absent Brethren.
The Guest Speaker
7)
The Tyler’s Toast.
vii) Closing of a Lodge of Table Instruction.
viii) Closing in the Entered Apprentice Degree.
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THE “TAKE WINE” LIST
In his article “Masonic After-Proceedings” (AQC vol. 78, p.23440) Bro. Harry Carr records a list of possible opportunities for the
Worshipful Master to “take wine” with the brethren. He states that
the numbers 1 and 5 are standard and the rest optional.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
the Wardens
the Grand Officers
holders of London Grand Rank
holders of Provincial and District Grand Rank
all the brethren (seated)
the Immediate Past and Installing Master
(on Installation Night only)
the Initiates (on Initiation Night only)
all the brethren with the Initiates
the guests
hid personal guests
the Masters of Lodges
the Treasurer and Secretary
the Officers of the Lodge
the Preceptor and Officers of a Lodge of Instruction
the Brother who gave the Charge
Brethren who were raised
Brethren who were passed
Special congratulatory items
The Organist
The Tyler
Understandably the above list shall be adapted to the needs of
Mystery Lodge for this evening.
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OUR “TAKE WINE” LIST
During the dinner this evening, the Worshipful Master will be
pleased to “take wine” with:
1.
2.
3.
4.
the Wardens
the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge Officers
all the brethren (who remain seated)
our visitors
THE EVENING’S MENU
Mashed Potatoes
Vegetables
Tossed Salad
Jellied Salad
Pickles
Roast Beef & Gravy
Horseradish
Rolls with Butter
Coffee or Tea
Dessert
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RITUAL FOR OPENING THE TABLE LODGE
(After dinner has been served, completed, cleared away, and
everything has been arranged, the Worshipful Master rises, knocks
three times, and the Wardens reply in like manner.)
W.M.
Brother Senior and Junior Warden, invite our brethren
on the columns of the North and the south to assist us in
opening a Lodge of Table Instruction.
S.W.
Brethren on the Column of the North, I invite you, on
behalf of the Worshipful Master, to assist us in opening
a Lodge of Table Instruction.
J.W.
Brethren on the Column of the South, I invite you, on
behalf of the Worshipful Master, to assist us in opening
a Lodge of Table Instruction.
W.M.
Bro. Junior Warden, are you a Mason?
J.W.
All my brethren know me as such.
W.M.
What is the first great care of a Mason?
J.W.
To see that the Lodge is Tyled.
W.M.
Satisfy yourself.
J.W.
It is, Worshipful Master.
W.M.
Bro. Senior Warden, what is the second care?
S.W.
To see if the brethren are in order, Worshipful Master.
W.M.
S.W.
Satisfy yourself.
They are, Worshipful Master.
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W.M.
Bro. Junior Warden, why are we met together?
J.W.
To erect temples to virtue and dig dungeons for vice.
W.M.
Bro. Senior Warden, how must we work?
S.W.
From mid-day to midnight.
W.M.
How long a time is required to make an Entered
Apprentice?
J.W.
Three years.
W.M.
What is your age?
J.W.
Three years.
W.M.
What is the hour?
J.W.
Almost mid-day.
W.M.
Brother Wardens, In consideration of the hour and the
age, inform our brethren that a Lodge of Table
Instruction is open and we are about to begin our work
in the usual manner.
S.W.
Brethren on my column, I inform you, on behalf of the
Worshipful Master, that a Lodge of Table Instruction is
now open and we are about to begin work in the usual
manner.
Brethren on my column, I inform you, on behalf of the
Worshipful Master, that a Lodge of Table Instruction is
now open and we are about to begin work in the usual
manner.
(knocks once)
J.W.
W.M.
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133rd PSALM
“Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the
head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s
beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; As
the dew of Hermon and as the dew that decended upon
the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded
the blessing, even life for evermore.”
(King James Version)
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CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN
W.M.
BRETHREN, in this solemn hour I charge each of you
to rededicate yourselves as a Freemason to the noble
and glorious purpose of bringing light to dispel
darkness … to the service of Him in whom you put
your trust … to the precepts set forth in the Great Light
of Masonry, the rule and guide of our faith.
I charge each of you to keep your apron an
emblem of innocence, unspotted by the world … to
practice the most excellent gift of charity … to make
constant and proper use of the Square of Virtue, the
Level of Equality, and the Plumb of Rectitude.
Craftsmen in the quarries, I summons you to a
greater loyalty to your lodge and your Fraternity … to
integrity in all your dealings with your fellow men … to
study to shoe yourself approved unto God, a workman
that needeth not be ashamed.
Guard against innovations, my brethren. Preserve
the landmarks. Maintain the reputation of our
Fraternity. Aid and succor the needy. Remember your
brother's welfare. Be circumspect always in your
speech. Assist and support him who is falling. Whisper
good council in the ear of him who needs
encouragement.
Let each of us make use of the Trowel to spread
the cement of brotherhood. Let us labour with the
Common Gavel that these Rough Ashlars may be made
Perfect Ashlars.
And finally, my brethren, remembering how once
we stood in the Northeast Corner a just and upright
Mason, I give to you strictly a charge ever to walk and
act as such.
AMEN
Response - So may it be.
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THE RITUAL FOR THE TOASTS
For each toast, the Worshipful Master will call on his Wardens to
have the cannons charged and aligned (the glasses filled and lined
up one knife length from the edge of the table).
After the cannons are charged and aligned, the toast is proposed
(then three knocks are given and all rise).
"Right hand to arms!"
The right hand touches the glass.
"Ready!"
The glass is raised, the arm extended
to the height of the breast.
"Fire!"
All drink.
"Present Arms!" The arm is returned to
the second position, all imitate the Worshipful Master. The glass is
then carried to the left breast, then to the right breast then again to
the second position, so that the movement is a triangle.
When this has been repeated three times, then the glass is
brought to the table in three movements. First it is carried a little to
the left, then a little to the right, and then forcibly to the table.
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CEREMONY OF THE SEVEN TOASTS
1)
To Our Country
By the Worshipful Master
My brethren, let us drink to the honour, peace and prosperity
of our country.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To our Country!
(Drink and present arms)
2)
The Loyal Toast
My brethren, let us drink to the Queen and the Craft.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To the Queen and the Craft!
(Drink and present arms)
3)
To the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge of Manitoba
By the Worshipful Master
To his long and honoured career, his steady adherence to our
principles, his unfailing answer to the call of distress, and his
encouragement to all those who seek further light in
Masonry, may he direct in wisdom, decide with justice, and
plan with vision worthy of the Fraternity he serves.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To the Grand Master and the Grand
Lodge of Manitoba!
(Drink and present arms)
4)
To Mystery Lodge No.174
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by the Junior Warden
Worshipful Master, I beg permission to propose a toast to our
own Lodge. To the Lodge so close to the hearts of its
members, and to the brotherhood that has existed throughout
the years, an interest and loyalty unshaken by adversity and
unspoiled by prosperity. So may we reflect its integrity and
stability in our daily lives.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To Mystery Lodge No.174!
(Drink and present arms)
5)
To Our Visiting Brethren
by the Senior Warden
To our guests of the evening, who will not doubt the sincerity
of our welcome. May this occasion persuade them to share our
hospitality whenever their circumstances permit.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To Our visiting Brethren!
(Drink and present arms)
6)
To Our Absent Brethren
by the Chaplain
"Great Architect of wond'rous power,
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go.
And evermore shall rise to thee
Our grateful thanks from land to sea."
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To Our Absent Brethren!
(Drink and present arms)
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Guest Speaker is asked to make his presentation at this time.
7)
The Tyler's Toast
by the Tyler
Then to our final toast tonight, our glasses freely drain, happy
to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
"Dear brethren of the Mystic Tie,
The night is waning fast;
Our work is done, our feast is o'er,
This toast must be our last.
Good night to all, Once more good night,
Again that farewell strain,
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again."
To all the poor and distressed Masons, wheresoever dispersed
(over the face of earth or water), a speedy relief to their
suffering and a safe return to their native land, if they so
desire.
(3 knocks)
With me, my brethren: To All Poor and Distressed Masons!
(Drink and present arms as before, glasses down at the same
instant as the Tyler's)
PASSING THE BOX OF FRATERNAL ASSISTANCE
SINGING OF "AULD LANG SYNE" (all standing)
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintence be forgot?
And days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my friend,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
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CLOSING A LODGE OF TABLE INSTRUCTION
W.M.
Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens, are all the
brethren in order?
S.W.
They are, Worshipful Master
J.W.
They are, Worshipful Master.
W.M.
What is the hour?
J.W.
Midnight
W.M.
What is your age?
J.W.
Three years.
W.M.
In consideration of the hour and the age, inform our
brethren on the columns in the North and South that we
are about to close this Lodge, ending our work in the
usual manner.
S.W.
Brethren on my column, I inform you, on behalf of the
Worshipful Master that we are about to close this
Lodge, ending our work in the usual manner.
J.W.
Brethren on my column, I inform you, on behalf of the
Worshipful Master that we are about to close this
Lodge, ending our work in the usual manner
W.M.
(Knocks once, repeated by the Wardens)
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