Fascinating - Speaking of talks

Speaking of talks article

Speaking of talks - In the early days of Speculative Freemasonry the Degree floor workings were much shorter than ours today; instead for much of the meeting the Brethren would sit around a candlelit table taking part in Degree lectures designed to test and expand their Masonic knowledge. Much of the content of these lectures was later incorporated into our present longer floor workings, including the explaining of tracing boards. Degree lectures as such are now rarely given in lodges; but we do have lectures on other Masonic topics, and also sometimes on non-Masonic topics of interest.

Speaking of talks continued - The early lodges, even without a candidate, would often work all or part of a catechismal Degree lecture at their meetings; to do so the Brethren would sit around a communal table, the proceedings interspersed by the singing of song and taking of refreshments, including many toasts and salutations. Heavy drinking was commonplace in those days; but Freemasons were probably one of the better-behaved elements of society, as they had strict rules to govern behaviour and limit drinking at their meetings.

Typical of such rules were the 1760 Bylaws of the Lodge of Antiquity; these stipulated fines for anyone who discussed religion or politics, bet, cursed, or was ‘disguised in liquor’; and be warned in 1786 they also fined a Brother 2 pence for falling asleep during a lecture! Some lodge Bylaws would stipulate even worse penalties for repeat offenders; the rules of the Grenadiers Lodge No.66 said they should be dragged out of the lodge room, and then kicked or pushed down the stairs. 

Speaking of talks continued - Three candlesticks would be set upon the lodge table in the ‘form of a triangle’; the Master sat in the east, the Bible before him, and the Wardens in their respective places with their columns. Various Masonic items might also be set upon the table, such as ashlars and working tools; some more affluent lodges had ornate sets of ‘table jewels’, the set owned by the City of Lancaster Lodge No.281 included a miniature beehive and coffin. The lodge’s tracing board or cloth might also be placed upon the table; although some lodges had smaller Master’s boards or tablets, these depicted Masonic symbols and allegorical scenes often in fine marquetry or mosaics.

Speaking of talks continued - The Master would usually ask the set questions for each Degree lecture, they would be about the form of the lodge, the ceremony, and its symbolism. The principal officers or Past Masters probably gave the responses; although one Masonic Exposure says that all the Brethren did so in turn, and if they could not answer they had to stand, place a hand on their chest and ask to be excused. Candidates would also be asked to repeat their Degree obligations, and then be tested on its signs, grips and words, lettering or halving the latter with the Brother sat by them; if time allowed a charge from the Book of Constitutions might also be read.

Speaking of talks continued - The 18^th century was the age of the English Enlightenment; and many Freemasons would enthusiastically embrace its new spirit of human progress and rational enquiry. This led to the development of a much more philosophical and intellectual style of Freemasonry, with new lectures that added significantly to the ritual’s symbolism and allegorical imagery. Some lodges also had table lectures on intellectual topics such as architecture, astronomy, history, art, and science; the Masonic writer Dr Oliver described an 18^th century lodge that had on its meeting table an ‘air pump, armillary sphere, and a small philosophical apparatus’.

Speaking of talks continued - The Old King’s Arms Lodge No.28 in London held a series of such lectures in the 1730s and 40s, one even included an anatomical dissection! In another a Bro. Grieme spoke about the fermentation of intoxicating liquors; he possibly brought samples to taste, as the minutes record that the Brethren were ‘greatly delighted’ with this talk and he was asked to speak again on the same subject on no less than three occasions! In 1733 another Old King’s Arms lecture discussed the question of whether someone who was shot dead would hear the pistol’s report; they decided yes, unless the nervous system had been immediately destroyed by the pistol ball.

Speaking of talks continued - Today lodge talks remain an important, although sometimes undervalued, part of Freemasonry; as they not only inform Brethren about the nature of Freemasonry, but can also enthuse and entertain them. To encourage Masonic debate and understanding a number of lecture prizes have been established; the most prestigious is the Prestonian Lecture, named after the renowned Masonic ritualist and lecturer William Preston (1742-1818). There are also a number of provincial lecture competitions; such as the Cornwallis Lecture competition in Kent, named after the late Right Honourable Lord Cornwallis who delivered its inaugural lecture in 2002.

Speaking of talks continued - Although not even the most accomplished speakers can entirely captivate every audience. That excellent speaker and distinguished Masonic historian Yasha Beresiner tells the story of the time he spoke at a Military Lodge in Southern England. Most of the Brethren were in full military uniform, and Yasha was rather disconcerted that as he began to speak the Wardens unholstered their pistols and placed them ready on their pedestals. Yasha turned to the Master and worriedly asked if ‘everything was okay?’, the Master replied ‘Oh yes, you carry on speaking, the guns are intended for the Brother who invited you to speak!’.

‘Please don’t shoot the Speaker!’

This speaking of talks post has been provided by the West Kent Military Lodge. If you would like to know more about the Lodge contact us here