The Table Lodge Ritual

The opening of the Table Lodge:

(* * *) Master calls up the lodge for invocation Chaplain: Supreme Ruler of the Universe, we would reverently invoke Thy blessing at this time. Wilt Thou be pleased to grant that this meeting, thus begun in order, may be conducted in peace and closed in harmony. Amen. Response: So mote it be. (*) W.M.: Brothers Senior and Junior Warden, invite our brethren to assist us in opening a Lodge of Entered Apprentices and one of table instruction. S.W.: Brethren, assist us in opening a Lodge of Entered Apprentices and one of table instruction. W.M.: Brother Senior Warden, are you a Mason? S.W.: All my brethren know me as such. S.W.: To see if the lodge is tiled. WM.: Satisfy yourself. S.W.: It is W.M.: What is the second? S.W.: To see if the brethren are in order. (After looking about), They are, WM. WM.: Why are we met together? S.W.: To erect a temple of virtue. W.M.: How long must we work? S.W.: From midday to midnight. W.M.: How long a time is required to make an Entered Apprentice? S.W.: Three years. W.M.: What is the hour? S.W.: Almost midday. W.M.: In consideration of the hour and age, inform our brethren that a Lodge of Entered Apprentices and one of table instruction is open and we are about to begin our works in the usual manner.

S.W.: (Calls up lodge) (* * *) Brethren, in consideration of the hour, a Lodge of Entered Apprentices and of table instruction is open and we are about to begin our works in the usual manner.

J.W.: Brethren, in consideration of the hour, a Lodge of Entered Apprentices and of table instruction is open and we are about to begin our works in the usual manner.

There then follows the Ceremony of the Seven Toasts. The brethren who are to offer the toasts are chosen in 18th Century Table Lodge advance and should be fully prepared. They should have cards or notes with the toasts written on them. The seven toasts which follow are recommended but may be changed or substituted for at the option of the lodge. These are:

1) To country—Master 2) To the Holy Saints John—Treasurer. 3) To the memory of our departed brethren—Chaplain. 4) To the Grand Master—Secretary. 5) To our Lodge—J.W. 6) To our visiting brethren—S.W. 7) To all Freemasons wheresoever dispersed—Tiler.

The lodge can choose which toasts and by whom they will be delivered. The toast to the Saint(s) John could be an explanation. The rest are really read by card (or memorised) and can be seen on: https://freemasonry.bcy.ca/ritual/ Ceremony-of-Seven-Toasts.pdf English masons will probably recognise this as a Festive Board, but it’s more formal if ritual is used and this is where lodges can personalise it. At the end of the day, it’s only a Scottish harmony done up!

Lodge Paisley St. Mirren’s No.129

THE FREEMASONS' QUARTERLY REVIEW, MARCH 31, 1844:

Almost the only town's fete now maintained with regularity and spirit, is the celebration of the Masonic holiday of St. John and this year it has been kept up with at least all its usual eclat. The Members met in their Lodge-room at twelve o'clock and proceeded to choose their Office-bearers for the ensuing year when the following were elected—James McCaig RWM, Peter Mills DM, Robert Orr SW, John Baillie JW. At half-past four, the Members sat down to an excellent dinner . Shortly after six, they drew up in front of the Lodge in Masonic order and proceeded by torchlight to the house of the Grand Master , Moss-street, the Paisley instrumental band in front playing the " Merry Masons." Sounds like a good day out!