Freemasonry in the Eastern Archipelago
Initiates Guide initiated /ɪˈnɪʃɪeɪtɪd/ noun: The completion by a candidate of the 1st Masonic degree.
Welcome
Welcome to the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago, DGLEA for short. This is now your District and the Lodge that you have just been initiated into is your "Mother Lodge". Congratulations on your initiation as an Entered Apprentice Freemason and thus beginning your Masonic journey. If there isn’t an initiation ceremony in your Lodge in the near future, I would strongly advise you to visit another Lodge and see someone else being Initiated as soon as possible; so that you may gain a greater understanding of what happened to you and why. You will however need a senior Brother to accompany you as an introduction, until you are a Master Mason. Rest assured that the ceremony which you have just experienced has been unchanged and is time immemorial where Monarchs and Statesmen have gone through exactly what you have. You were for this once, in their shoes or those in the future, in yours. This certainly proves that freemasonry is purely on the level and by that I mean that in this fraternity we believe that all men are equal. This guide serves to set the foundation and to get you acquainted with Freemasonry in the Eastern Archipelago which is the largest
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District Geographically and by Membership under the United Grand Lodge of England. I hope it will also remove much apprehension about your Masonic journey. Unique to our District is that we have established many avenues to assist you in this journey. The Education Committee has monthly virtual meetings that discuss Masonic topics, the Liberal Arts and Sciences group has virtual meetings that discuss Non-Masonic topics to enhance you. I believe you will get out of it what you put in and I encourage you to be as involved but never at the expense of family and work. Certainly, involve your family and friends so that they too can understand the virtues of Freemasonry. You will undoubtedly make a positive contribution to society by immersing yourself in all the various aspects that Freemasonry is involved in and as such you have much to be proud. Till we meet... I am yours ever, Dato’ Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy Right Worshipful District Grand Master District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago.
Agenda INTRODUCTION HISTORY OF THE DISTRICT GRAND LODGE OF THE EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO (D.G.L.E.A.) MAP IS NOT THE TERRAIN
WHAT YOU WANT TO KNOW BUT ARE TOO AFRAID TO ASK THE RITUAL
YOUR PROGRESS
RULES, REGULATIONS & ETIQUETTE TO COLLECT ALMS
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
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Introduction…
F
reemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations. Its roots lie in the traditions of the stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.
Freemasonry has always adapted to accommodate the needs of its members throughout its history, while retaining its character, forms, and overall philosophy.
“Those that are working for the enlightenment and wellbeing of their neighbours - striving for the triumph of good” - Mozart, Freemason
Is society in need of Gentlemen?
Integrity: Building good people.
A chivalrous, courteous, or honourable man is always needed in society and every Freemason aspires to be better than what he was yesterday.
Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.
“We are relevant now more than ever!”
Friendship: Building together. Freemasonr y provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Respect: Building unity. Fre e m a s o n r y b r i n g s p e o p l e together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.
British Ambassador flanked by the Singapore Military Guards on remembrance day
Charity: Building compassion. Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry and the organisation provides the structure for members to make positive contributions to their communities and various causes. Source (left side): https://www.ugle.org.uk
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The Universality of Freemasonry is one of many reasons that men are attracted to the fraternity. You have about six million like minded members worldwide who are always there to be a Brother. When a Master Mason has received his Grand Lodge Certificate, he is then permitted to visit Lodges in our district and meet the more than 2300+ Masons in our District. Visiting worldwide he will need to follow certain protocols which the Lodge secretary can advise.
Around our region, Hong Kong has over 1000 masons, Australia has over 45,000 masons, Philippines has over 19,000 masons and on and on. The Secret of Masonry "The secret of Masonry, like the secret of life, can be known only by those who seek it, serve it, live it. It cannot be uttered; it can only be felt and acted. It is, in fact, an open secret, and each man knows it according to his quest and capacity. Like all things worth knowing, no one can know it for another and no man can know it alone.” - Dr. Joseph Fort Newton
Kampung … Province … District …
1811
- The first known petition, to form a Province in the jurisdiction of the present District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago, was sent from Lodge Neptune No. 344 in Penang. It did not meet with success. Lodge Neptune subsequently went dark in 1819. It was the same year that Sir Stamford Raffles founded modern Singapore.
1822
- The second Lodge Neptune surfaced from the choppy waters of a military lodge named Humanity with Courage No. 826, which met in Penang under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bengal. The newly installed Worshipful Master W. Bro. H. Stewart, proceeded to England to present a petition to the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) for Lodge Neptune to be constituted a Province. The outcome was unfruitful.
headmaster of the Singapore Institution.The brethren in Singapore implore him to draw up a petition for the first lodge in Singapore. He does so.
1851
- From Singapore, W. Bro. J. C. Smith continues the fight to form a Province. A petition from 1847 renamed The Zetland In The East Lodge to ‘...establish a Provincial Grand Lodge at Singapore for the Straits of Malacca and the Eastern Archipelago’ is sent adding, ‘... the expenses of procuring the Charter, estimated at £20, should be borne by the Lodge’. A letter dated 5th October 1852, from The Zetland In The East Lodge to UGLE states ‘we deeply regret that the recommendation we took the liberty to submit , to have this constituted as a Masonic Province and to to appoint our excellent, zealous and worthy Brother W. H. Read our Provincial Grand Master, did not meet with more favour; and we still have every reason to think such an appointment would be very serviceable for the extension of the Craft in the Straits of Malacca and throughout the Eastern Archipelago.’
1856
- W. Bro. J. C. Smith and the brethren of The Zetland In The - W. Bro. John Colson East Lodge renewed their Smith, a barrack sergeant efforts with Grand Lodge with another petition. On of impeccable character 8th November 1856, W. Bro. J. C. Smith proposed arrived in Penang from Madras to be the that the lodge committee draw up a memorial to headmaster of the Penang Free School. In 1831, Grand Lodge, ‘... setting forth the inconvenience he wrote the first of his four petitions to Grand which we felt from the absence of any chance of Lodge. The first was to constitute the ‘Provincial obtaining dispensations for purposes which require Grand Lodge of the Straits of Malacca and the immediate attention and which in the absence of a Coast of Tenassarim’. W. Bro. J. C. Smith proper authority to refer to, have in many instances nominated Bro. Kenneth Murchison, resident of compelled the lodge to act in violation of the Penang, to be the first Provincial Grand Master. In Constitutions and praying therefore that a Deputy 1833, a disappointing denial is received on Provincial Grand Master may be appointed for the grounds that, ‘there is but a single lodge this Settlement which appears to be the only Coat of Arms of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago in the whole Province’. Incidentally, a new practicable and legitimate manner of relieving lodge in Malacca is proposed. But due to ill the lodge for the difficulties in which the In February 1845, The Zetland Lodge No. 748 is feelings between the brethren of Penang and brethren so isolated and distant must necessarily warranted. It is consecrated in December, with W. Malacca, the new lodge does not materialise. continue to labour.’ He again wrote and sent on the Bro. J. C. Smith installed as its Founding Master. petition. This time it was for a ‘Deputy Provincial Since W. Bro. Smith was the heartbeat of Lodge - W. Bro. J. C. Smith is Grand Lodge’. A reply from Grand Lodge in 1857 Neptune, it fades out of existence soon after he left transferred from the Penang rejected that too. Penang. Free School to be the
1828
1844 5
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Artist: YIp Yew Chong, Mural in Freemasons’ Hall Singapore
Kampong … Province … District …
1858
- A petition sent to form a second lodge in Singapore met with favour. Lodge Fidelity No. 1042 is warranted in April and consecrated in August, with W. Bro. J. C. Smith as its Founding Master. The fact that another lodge was founded in Singapore strengthened W. Bro. Smith’s next petition for favourable consideration of a Province. Grand Lodge now had no reason to not allow a Province to be constituted on the grounds that ‘there is but a single lodge in the whole Province’. In August, a letter from Grand Secretary was read in The Zetland In The East Lodge. It said, “The Most Worshipful the Grand Master had been pleased to appoint R. W. Bro. William Henry Read as Provincial Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago.” Almost thirty years of endeavour by W. Bro. J. C. Smith finally met with success. Add to that the two petitions from 1811 and 1822 from Lodge Neptune, and the Provincial Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago (PGLEA) was almost fifty years in the making. R. W. Bro. W. H. Read served from 1858 to 1885. In 1866, the Province was re-termed the District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelago (D.G.L.E.A).
1942
- 45, With the onset of the Second World War the Masonic Temples were ransacked and Freemasonry in Malaya lost everything-Temples, Warrants, furniture and documents. Many Freemasons were among the 50,000 POWs interred in Changi Prison, Singapore. Here, even under the trying conditions and ill health, secret Masonic Meetings were held. It is incredible to note that The Lodge St Michael (No.2933), Singapore held its first regular meeting 6 days after the end of the War and release of the Prisoners of War! The District has 40 Lodges and 19 Royal Arch Chapters scattered across three sovereign countries-Malaysia (East & West), Singapore and Thailand. West Malaysia has 23 Lodges; East Malaysia has 5 Lodges; Singapore has 9 Lodges; Thailand has 3 Lodges. The oldest Lodge being The Zetland in the East Lodge No.508 (1845) and the youngest being Oldham Lodge No. 9961 consecrated on 24th February 2018 in Singapore, the first in nearly 60 years. Membership numbers are around 2300 and 49% of them are also members of the Royal Arch.
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18 District Grand Masters have ruled the District; the first Asian being RW Bro Dr Mustapa Osman (1967-1974). The longest serving being RW Bro JWY Eu (1974-2002) leaving a legacy of 28 years! The current District Grand Master is RW Bro Dato Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy, who was installed on 20th February 2016. Dato’ Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy continues to, with his heart for charity and desire to improve the experience of Freemasonry for the brethren, take it from strength to strength. Source: Freemasonry In Singapore & www.dglea.com
The Structure… Grand Lodge is governed by The Grand Master, and because the Grand Master is a member of the Royal Family, there is also a Pro Grand Master appointed to act on his behalf when the Grand Master needs to attend to his Royal duties.
The 33 Districts are each ruled by a District Grand Master (DGM), his Deputy District Grand Master (DDGM) and in larger Districts by Assistant District Grand Masters (ADGM). Owing to our geographical size we have 3 ADGMs.
The Grand Lodge has a CEO for Freemasons’ hall, V. WB Dr David Staples who is also the Grand Secretary. A team of secretariat work under him.
D.G.L.E.A is a unique District which has 3 sovereign countries. We have 12 Masonic Buildings (Freemasons’ Hall).
Grand Lodge meets four times a year at what are known as “Quarterly Communications". Those eligible to attend include Grand Officers, and the Masters, Past Masters and Wardens of Lodges under its banner. Foreign Grand Lodges have descended directly from UGLE. Where the Constitutions, Rules and Regulations are recognised as ‘regular’ Masons under the D.G.L.E.A are permitted to join in the meetings. Some Grand Lodges, Constitutions, Rules and Regulations that are not acceptable or ‘irregular’ to the UGLE and we are not permitted to attend the meetings of their Lodges. Your Lodge Secretary via the District Grand Secretary will have the information should you require it. The Metropolitan and Pr o v i n c i a l G r a n d L o d g e s administer the Lodges that fall within their jurisdiction.
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UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND (U.G.L.E) FREEMASONS HALL, GREAT QUEEN STREET
The Grand Master, The Most Worshipful His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent. Pro Grand Master is MWB Peter Geoffrey Lowndes. Deputy Grand Master is RWB Jonathan Spence Assistant Grand Master is RWB Sir David Hugh Wootton
UNATTACHED LODGES
Our secretariat consists of 2 District Assistant Secretaries being in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The one in Singapore runs the administrative work for Thailand. All this is overseen by one District Grand Secretary. As in all Districts, the District Board of General Purposes ensures that the Rules and Regulations of the District are observed. The District Board of Benevolence ensures that Brethren and their families who are in need are cared for. The Hall Boards ensure that the buildings are well maintained. The 2 Charities work to ensure needy students in society get an education. The committees are; the Investment Advisory Committee, District Disciplinary Panel, D.G.M’s Advisory Council, Membership Committee, Education Group and the Preceptors Committee.
1 METROPOLITAN GRAND LODGE
47 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGES
33 DISTRICT GRAND LODGES
DISTRICT GRAND LODGE of the
EASTERN ARCHIPELAGO
FREEMASONS’ HALL, SINGAPORE & READ MASONIC HALL, KUALA LUMPUR
District Grand Master is RWB Jeyaraj Ratnaswamy
DISTRICT
BOARD OF GENERAL PURPOSES
DISTRICT BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE
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MASONIC HALL BOARDS
DISTRICT COMMITTEES
40 CRAFT LODGES
JWYE FOUNDATION
MASONIC CHARITABLE FUND
20 ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS
The map…
DGLEA TEMPLES DGLEA LODGES
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D.G.L.E.A. Temples… NEGRI SEMBILAN
FREEMASONS’ HALL, SINGAPORE
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
SANDAKAN, SABAH
JOHOR BAHRU
PENANG MASONIC TEMPLE
IPOH, PERAK
MELAKA
READ MASONIC HALL, KUALA LUMPUR
SUNGAI PETANI, KEDAH
TAIPING, PERAK
TAWAU, SABAH 10
Don’t be afraid to ask… PRIORITY 1. Family comes First…. Always! 2. Work comes Second, 3. Freemasonry ranks Third and your Brothers fully understand this and look forward to seeing you soonest. You get out of life, what you put in. Freemasonry and its teachings are no different. While your progression through freemasonry rests solely on your involvement and commitment, each individual finds a good balance. Involve your family as much as possible, so that you get their support, short of giving away our secrets.
Fixed Dates The dates for all 3 meetings are fixed in the ByLaws of the Lodge so none can plead ignorance. Best to mark it so you don’t forget!
LODGE SUMMONS Before each Regular meeting you will receive a Summons by email. Print and bring this to each meeting if you need to, as most Lodges have stopped printing copies to be more environmentally friendly. Masons are expected to give “Prompt attention to all Summonses”. This was charged to you when the
SECRETS? Remember, at your initiation, you were
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HOW MANY MEETINGS?
Committee and Practice meetings These are to prepare for the Regular meeting. The former pertains to business and the latter to the Ritual work. Since there are 3 degrees being worked every year, one may tend to forget what you learnt a few months prior, so practice makes perfect. Some Lodges call their Practice meetings, Lodge of Instruction (LoI) because they are granted permission in accordance with the Book of Constitutions and thereby follow the necessary protocols set out therein.
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Alms At the end of the agenda is the collection of Alms, where you are expected to contribute a cash sum. There is no upper or lower limit to the amount you give. A $10 note would be typical. Remember, at your initiation, when you were made poor and penniless and would have gladly given. Should you not be present, you may like to reach out to your Treasurer to see how you can participate.
THE FESTIVE BOARD
taught to be cautious. You were then taken around to the Wardens for trial and probation - our Words, Signs and Tokens are our Secrets. It wouldn't be fun if everyone knew them. It serves to make you special and distinguishes a Freemason. is usually the number of meetings per month for most Brethren of our Lodges in the District. They are: 1. Regular Lodge Meetings, 2. Committee Meetings (for key officers only) and 3. Practice Meetings (for all those performing the ritual, although others may attend for their own education).
that may need to be voted upon. Most of the proposals and communications in the agenda would have been discussed in the committee meeting, including the plan of work but it is only in the Regular meetings that all the members of the Lodge will have their say and their vote. It is where final decisions are made..
Brother delivered the Antient Charge at your Initiation. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please notify the secretary at your earliest convenience to record your apologies. This is mandatory. In the not too distant past, the summons was mailed to the residence! Where do you sit? All Officers have designated seats and an Entered Apprentice (E.A) sits in the North East, Fellow Craft (F.C.) in the South East and the Master Mason (M.M.) any seat in the Lodge except in the East (Left, Right or behind the Masters Chair). Agenda The agenda in the summons outlines the administration to be discussed, including some items
The formal dinner following the Regular meeting. Every Freemason attending the Regular meeting is expected to attend unless necessity precludes him from doing so. Last minute cancellations may be subjected to a meal charge. The Junior warden, whose duty it is to organise this meal may call upon you to assist in the collection of the meal charges. This is an age old tradition that has been done for over 300 years and signifies Humility. In fact, for many country Lodges around the world, the Stewards tend the bar and serve the meals. It should be taken as an Honour to serve your fellow Brethren. Festive Board is the best opportunity to be acquainted with your Lodge and visiting brethren, keeping etiquette in mind. Toasts are given after the meal following a specific format as you encountered at your initiation. You can imagine that heckling and uncomfortable jokes can make some Brethren uneasy and may spoil the great atmosphere. After the Festive Board some members may choose to carry on the evening elsewhere, making the evening a very social affair.
Rituals… Ritual is defined as an established form for a ceremony. Originally, the ritual was not called "the ritual"; it was called "the work" because it was the preservation of the ac tivities, prac tices, and customs of the Operative Masons.
Types of Rituals- 90% of the Lodges In
D.G.L.E.A adopt either the Revised or the Emulation Ritual. There are over 500 different types and languages of rituals in the world. Before print it was memorised and passed down verbally. So accuracy is important so as not to alter the meaning.
MAKING A GOOD MAN BETTER
MEMORISING RITUALS
✤ Become a better person. It
2 REASONS WHY?
contains the basic explanation of what it m e a n s to b e a mason, and how to become a better person.
1. It’s a lesson in discipline and you are stimulating your mind improving both your cognition and memory.
2.
To p a s s o n t h a t knowledge to the next generation of masons. It is a key step in passing on the light.
✤ Life on the square. It
contains symbols and metaphors for living life on the square.
HOW?
There are many methods and you will develop your own. Here are some:
✤ Standard of measure for
you to continually challenge yourself.
✤ Benefitting us. It explains
why we are are a fraternity why that benefits us.
and
✤ Source of answers for being the best mason you can be, and being the best person you can be.
Our ritual work is the life’s-blood of Freemasonry. It is what sets us apart from every other fraternal and charitable society in existence.
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✴ Understand it. ✴ Write it out. ✴ Recite out loud and use mnemonics. ✴ Use visual and spatial techniques. ✴ Practice practice practice
Repetition leads to retention and ultimately understanding the teachings better and this is a vital part of learning the teachings of Freemasonry.
EXPERENTIAL NATURE It is composed of three parts: (i) when it gets done to you (when you are the candidate); (ii) when you see it done to others (you observe the ritual in a meeting being done to another candidate); and (iii) when you do it to others (when you perform the ritual for another candidate). The "Masonic experience" comprises all 3 elements that give you three different perspectives of the same piece of the ceremony.
Constitution - You have just been given the United Grand Lodge of England’s Book of Constitutions and the byLaws of your Lodge which you should browse. For the one are the rules of your Lodge in particular and the other the rules of the Craft in general. They cover most eventualities and have stood the test of time since 1723.
Your Progress…
Can you spot the difference?
TIP- The cords are tied in the front with the flap down
The operative Entered Apprentice wears his apron in a way that protects his clothing, the speculative Entered Apprentice wears his apron as a symbol of protecting his character.
Fellow Craft apron displays two blue rosettes to signify your elevation in rank and denotes that you are midway in your primary Masonic education.
TIP - One is Master Mason and the other Past Master
The 7 chains represent the Liberal arts and Sciences. The 2 ribbons represent the 2 pillars revealed to a Master Mason.
Your new duty is to study the questions on the card in readiness for your elevation to the Degree of a Master Mason After 4 weeks or more to complete the 4th Degree
"In the three Craft Degrees you are presented with a series of eminently practical principles and tenets which if you practise you may hope to live a life pleasing to your God, however you worship Him, and of service to your fellow man. But man is not simply a practical being, he has an essential spiritual aspect to his nature.
THE VAULT The Craft teaches you about man’s relationship to his fellow creatures and the material world, whereas the
Holy Royal Arch “Chapter”
That spiritual aspect is introduced in the Third Degree and becomes the central message of the Royal Arch. In that sense, the Royal Arch completes the practical lessons of the three Craft Degrees by a contemplation of man's spiritual nature."
turns your attention to the spiritual dimension of our existence and mans relationship to his creator.
Jewel always worn closest to the heart
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Lodge Office… The usual path
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Junior Warden
Roles usually given to any worthy Brother
Roles usually given to any worthy Brother
Roles usually assigned to Senior Brethren
Immediate Past Master
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Office usually assigned to a Senior Brother as they assist the WM with the day to day running of the Lodge
In some Lodges the Tyler is paid and need not be a Past Master
DISTRICT GRAND RANK
GRAND RANK
BIGGER SHINIER
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Credits: W. Bro. Saptak Santra, District Grand Director of Ceremonies
Rules, Regulations & Etiquette… VISITING U.G.L.E Lodges – as a Master Mason: ✓ Invitation from host, ✓ Grand Lodge Certificate, ✓ Letter of Good standing from your Lodge secretary.
Why limit yourself to attending only your Lodge? Why confine yourself to just your jurisdiction? The world is vast, and Freemasonry is practiced differently all over it; to experience jurisdictional differences is to get a more complete picture of the whole.
Visiting Non- U.G.L.E Lodges ✓ ONLY approved Grand Lodges (other “Constitution”) ht t p : / / w w w. u g l e. o rg. u k / a b o u t / foreign-grand-lodges ✓ Letter from Lodge secretary
Giving Greetings – Sometimes your
host Lodge may take greetings from visiting Freemasons . It typically does so towards the end of the meeting before it formally closes. There is nothing to worry about and the more you visit, this will become second nature. The format is, rising with the step and Sign of an E.A (hold it and say) “Worshipful Master and Brethren, I bring warm and fraternal greetings from the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Brethren of <your Lodge name and number>. Thank you for allowing my visitation and for an enjoyable meeting” then discharge and resume your seat.
ADDRESSING THE WORSHIPFUL MASTER
The method of executing this is by a STEP first and then the SIGN. Please be cognisant as to which degree the Lodge is in so that you do not inadvertently give the wrong Sign. Hold the sign if what you are saying is short and then discharge. If you are going to be saying something fairly long whereby holding the sign would be
uncomfortable, then discharge the sign at the first instance and when you have finished give the step and sign again and resume your seat.
Conduct, Dress & Electronic devices ✦ Follow the protocols and customs of that Lodge with due respect. ✦ Sign the attendance book as it is an official record of your visit. ✦ Dress code of the Lodge must be adhered (dark suit and tie with a white shirt and of course black shoes and socks). ✦ Phone is to be switched off or left with the Tyler if you are expecting an urgent call (Doctors, Emergency services personnel etc.). ✦Talking distracts the presenters. ✦Apron and Gloves are to be brought along with you. Place it in a suitable case, treated with care and respect and not worn in public. You will receive your own Master Mason’s apron after your 3rd Degree ceremony.
Call of Nature – meetings can last as
long as 3 hours in the worst case scenario, as adults we must certainly plan our drinks at the bar before the meetings or when we have to step out temporarily if a higher degree is being worked.
VISITORS’ TOAST
Should you be given the honour of a reply, response, starts with…“Worshipful Master and Brethren” The precise format will depend on the occasion and if in any doubt please consult the Lodge Director of Ceremonies, your Mentor or any other senior member of your Lodge. The response should be short and uncomplicated – remember there is no such thing as a “Masonic speech” – there are only toasts, and responses to those toasts. At the minimum you should thank the Brethren of the Lodge for their hospitality, their invitation and their hard work at the meeting. Directed by: W. Bro. Saptak Santra, District Grand Director of Ceremonies
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Charities… DISTRICT BOARD OF BENEVOLENCE MISSION
To provide the appropriate relief and assistance to needy and deserving freemasons and their dependents as well as make contributions to deserving non-masonic charities.
CHARITABLE MISSION:
๏ To provide scholarships and other assistance to
needy and deserving students, regardless of race, creed, religion or nationality, and to advance their education in universities, colleges, schools or elsewhere.
๏
To provide grants for research in institutions of higher learning.
๏
For the furtherance of any general charitable object for the benefit and advancement of education and research and training.
๏
For the furtherance of any general charitable object or betterment or benefit of society in general including but not limited to any and all citizens of Malaysia.
๏
Such other purpose which the Trustees may unanimously deem fit and proper.
HISTORY
1889 the Dunlop Masonic Benevolent Society 1902 they reconstituted it as District Board of Benevolence (DBB). They then only had $3000. 1902, the DBB levied lodges $10 per AGM and $1 per member to build up the Fund. They also set up the St John’s Fund (SJF) named after St Johns island as it remains today a quarantine area for Ships carrying immigrants who were sick, reminiscent of when 448 died during the cholera epidemic of 1873 so the SJF was later set up to assist the orphans of Freemasons.
FUNDS:The District Benevolent Fund - financial relief and
assistance to needy and deserving Freemasons or their wives, widows and dependants
OBJECTIVES: ✴
Education to the needy and deserving students in Singapore,
✴
To provide grants for research to Singapore Institutes of higher learning; and
✴
For the benefit and advancement of education and research and training.
TAX DEDUCTION
The Masonic Charitable Fund has been awarded Grant Maker Status by IRAS. Donations in excess of $500.00 will be entitled to a 2.5 x tax
The St. John’s Fund - established for the education, clothing and maintenance of the children of indigent and deceased Freemasons Non-Masonic Charity Fund - 20% of the net income from investments accrued in the preceding year for disbursement
Individual Lodges also have various long standing projects with Non-Masonic charities.
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deduction.
History of Freemasonry…
The questions of when, how, why and where Freemasonry originated are still the subject of intense speculation. The general consensus amongst Masonic scholars is that it descends directly or indirectly from the organisation of operative stone masons who built the great cathedrals and castles of the middle ages.
MIDDLE AGES
Elias Ashmole recorded his initiation with these words: 'October 16, 4.30pm - I was made a freemason at Warrington in Lancashire with Colonel Henry Mainwaring [a Roundhead parliamentarian friend related to his father-in-law] of Karincham in Cheshire. The names of those that were then at the Lodge, Mr Richard Penket Worden, Mr James Collier, Mr Richard Sankey, Henry Littler, John Ellam, Richard Ellam and Hugh Brewer.' This is the first evidence of the initiation of an English speculative mason - notwithstanding the fact that those present and listed would have certainly been initiated at an earlier date.
1646 From the 1660s more evidence exists of gentlemen being made Masons in non-operative Lodges.
1660
On St John's Day, 24 June 1717 four London Lodges, which had existed for some time, came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard, declared themselves a Grand Lodge and elected Anthony Sayer as their Grand Master. This was the first Grand Lodge in the world.
1717 1723 1725
The Grand Lodge of Ireland was established.
The Grand Lodge of Scotland was established. The three Home Grand Lodges began to take Freemasonry overseas and the development of Freemasonry abroad mirrors the 18th and 19th century development of the British Empire.
1736 A rival Grand Lodge appeared in London. Its original members were Irish Masons who claimed that the original Grand Lodge had made innovations. They dubbed the first Grand Lodge the Moderns and called themselves the Antients. The two existed side by side - both at home and abroad - for nearly 63 years, neither recognising each other as regular.
1751 After four years of negotiation, the two Grand Lodges in England united on 27 December 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England. This union led to a great deal of standardisation of ritual, procedures and regalia.
1813 Some 647 Lodges were in existence. The 19th century saw a great expansion of Freemasonry both at home and abroad.
1814 2,800 Lodges had been established despite losses when independent Grand Lodges were formed in Canada and Australia in the later part of the century.
1900 The two World Wars both had a great effect on English Freemasonry. In the three years after the First World War over 350 new Lodges were set up, and in the three years after the Second World War nearly 600 new Lodges came into being. In many cases the founders were servicemen who wanted to continue the camaraderie they had built up during their war service, and were looking for a calm centre in a greatly changed and changing world.
WORLD WARS On 14 June 1967 the 250th anniversary of Grand Lodge was celebrated at the Royal Albert Hall. Centrepiece of the celebrations was the installation as Grand Master of HRH The Duke of Kent, who still holds that office today.
1967 On 10 June 1992 over 12,500 freemasons and guests gathered at Earls Court in West London to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Grand Lodge. For the first time press and television were present at a meeting of Grand Lodge and the event featured on television newscasts around the world.
1992 2017
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Source: https://www.ugle.org.uk
By this time the new Grand Lodge had published its first rule book - The Book of Constitutions of Masonry - and was meeting quarterly and recording its meetings. It had extended its authority outside London.
The tercentenary of Grand Lodge in June 2017 was celebrated in style throughout the year, culminating with an Especial Meeting of Grand Lodge in the Royal Albert Hall, which was presided over by the Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent KG, and attended by representatives of 136 sovereign Grand Lodges from around the world.
Did you know… Sir Stamford Raffles, came to South East Asia with the British East India Company, in 1805 and was made a freemason (and a Past Master of Lodge de Vriendschap at Pondok Gede in Java, 5th July 1813), even before he founded Singapore in 1819. That “Jack the Ripper” was central to the controversy surrounding the secretive masons in England? W Bro General Sir Charles Warren, then Commissioner of London Metropolitan Police, was unfairly accused of covering-up the Jack the R i p p e r m u r d e r s. Wa r r e n r e s i g n e d a f t e r disagreement with the Home Secretary on the day the last body of the serial killings were discovered. He came out to the Far East a few months later as “His Excellency Major General Sir Charles Warren KCB, KCMG”, General Officer Commanding, HM Forces. Warren was District Grand Master of the Eastern Archipelago of freemasons in 1891-1895 when he defined a broadened territory for the District to include Borneo. He was promoted to Lt. General prior to his retirement. W Bro Colonel His Highness Sir Ibrahim, Sultan of Johore, was initiated into Freemasonry on 11th April 1906 in the Empire Lodge No 2108 E C, London, whilst on a visit to England and subsequently passed to the second degree. He was raised in Johore on 5th June 1920 and was Worshipful Master of Lodge Johore Royal No 3946 E C (1921-1922). He also brought his two sons into the Craft. A book of Quotations regarding Islam and the Craft were collated and published by him in a precious little volume: The First Bye-Laws of Johor Royal Lodge, first printed 1920, (reprinted 1999). W Bro Raja Idris ibni Sultan Iskander Shah, who was initiated into Napier Lodge 9th July 1960,
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passed 14th July 1961, raised 11th March 1961, Worshipful Master 1976- 1977, Grand Lodge Certificate No 196406, "saved" the masonic movement in Malaysia from being de-registered. The inside story is told for the first time in this volume. When the British founded the first freemasons’ lodge in Penang in 1809, the first “local” was initiated only 81 years after its consecration. The “black balling” of an Indian Freemason from Bombay from joining a masonic lodge in Klang in 1949 triggered a back-lash that forged the formation of an “all races” multi-faith lodge, named after the then District Grand Master Baldwyn Lowick in 1951. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Mubin Sheppard, “Brother Mac Sheppard” of Klang Lodge, who sponsored the nomination (of the Bombay mason) resigned on principle, rather than be associated with some of the narrow-minded bigots. Mubin was then a civil servant in the colonial and later Malaysian service, a Scotsman who converted to Islam, great on Burn’s night, Malay scholar, and editor of Journal of the Malaysian Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. The many foundations and landmarks throughout the District were named after freemasons who were also pioneers in the construction and development of our present day Malaysia and Singapore: Braddell, Cargill, Church, Craig, Dalhousie, Dempsey, Dunlop, Gottlieb, Joaquim, Keppel, Makepeace, Mayhew, Napier, Rajah Brooke, Read, Swettenham etc, etc, Raffles notwithstanding...More untold stories...
The Brethren in Singapore met in several locations in Armenian street and more often in No. 6 Armenian Street and that house was later named Zetland House. Lt. Col. Sir Charles Mitchell was installed as the 4th DGM of DGLEA but he was NOT an installed Master. So he would have to leave the lodge room just like all EAs, FCs and MMs. Gloves are not worn in some Lodges in DGLEA as a tradition started by Brethren who held meetings during the war. In the Military, white gloves are part of the ceremonial dress code and if worn while carrying a rifle, would soil the glove and the grease from the guns is hard to clean.
The term "Mystic Tie" stands for the Spiritual tie not easily broken, a fellowship amongst masons. The expression was used by poet, lyricist, and Brother - Robert Burns in his farewell to the Brethren of Saint James Lodge, Tarbolton, Scotland. To a Freemason on the level means just that, all Freemasons are Brothers who meet on the same level, regardless of their social or economic status outside the lodge. Princes, Presidents, and Leaders of business are no better or more important than bus drivers, plumbers and paper boys when they sit in the lodge together. Freemasonry does not detract from a man’s accomplishments, nor does it exalt him above his Brethren because of his position outside the lodge. th Source: The Pentagram 150 Anniversary Issue Volume LV December 2008 P6.
Terminology… Lodge is a group of Freemasons assembling
under the authority of a Charter issued by a Grand Lodge. It is also a building or a room where Masons meet..
Regular is a classification of Freemasonry that practices customs which conform to the laws and regulations of a Grand Lodge
“Worshipful” is a term given to someone who has attained the dignity of a Worshipful Master and thereafter. It is derived from an old English term of respect where you would call someone “honourable” and “your worship”. It doesn’t imply that we worship that Brother.
“So mote it be” is a Masonic term of the Hebrew word “Amen”.
Court Bow is way of acknowledgement and it is
done by standing upright and simply bowing the head sharply chin to chest and back up. You do not bend your body, as you would bow in certain customs.
Squaring the Lodge is a custom of Revised
Ritual Lodges and not in Emulation. This must be followed should you be visiting a Revised lodge. If you have to leave, please take your cue from the Lodge Director of Ceremonies. When squaring, it is done clockwise and you should Step-off with the left foot, moving towards each corner until you reach your intended point.
Brother - At a Lodge meeting, when addressing or referring to a Brother by name, the format is “Brother (name)” or “Worshipful Brother...”. Whether first names or surnames are used will depend on how formal the proceedings are at the time. However, when addressing an officer of the Lodge by his job title you do not add the word
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“Worshipful” Brother Secretary, even if he is a Past Master. He will be addressed simply as, “Brother Secretary”.
Allegory is a literary style that uses symbols, characters or events to represent an abstract idea.
Cowans are profanes, pretenders, intruders,
eavesdroppers, referring to those seeking to obtain the Masonic words and secrets of Masonry, without having been admitted to the fraternity.
Sublime- the Ultimate. The greatest or most supreme and elevated degree. Exalted.
Awe-inspiring.
Sitting in the East refers to the position in the
lodge room where the Worshipful Master sits, also known as the Oriental chair; lodges are symbolically situated east and west.
Step is a position of the feet used as a mode of
recognition between Masons, different for each degree.
Blurr is a local term of what happens to a Worshipful Master at his first meeting.
Brotherhood
is the third key term of the Masonic motto. It is the basic concept of any initiatory society. All the Brothers must support and protect their brethren unless they have broken the law. It should not be done unwillingly because that would be in opposition to the universal principle of Freemasonry.
Esotericism - The secret portion of Masonry
which is hidden in emblems, symbols, allegories, legends, and other forms of mystery, and are wholly apar t from monitorial teachings.
Esotericism aims at clearing the man off the limits of the human condition, to make effective the ability he received to access upper states, thanks to rigorous and precise rituals in an active and sustainable manner. Corresponds to the material world: the body of the man, to the psychic world: his soul and the spiritual world: his mind!
Fraternal is a non-ritual assembly of Freemasons
from different Obediences but who share common concerns: professional, geographical and so on.
Hail, Hele, Hale is to hide or conceal ; to cover ; to keep out of view.
Indite is to write down ; to put down in writing. Inviolate - not broken or disregarded ; not told to others ; respected.
"Irregular lodge" is a lodge that does have a charter from a Grand Lodge, but its Grand Lodge is not recognised by other Grand Lodges.
The ‘Moveable Jewels’ are the Square, the Level and the Plumb-Rule, which are the Jewels of the Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden respectively. They are transferred to their successors yearly.
The ‘Immovable Jewels’ are the Rough and Smooth Ashlars and the Tracing board. They lay open for the brethren to moralise upon.
Rough Ashlar - a reminder to the Candidate that he is to think of himself as if he were a building stone and that he will be expected to polish himself in manners and character in order to find a place in the finished Work of Masonry.
Hungry much… Masonic Research Lodges
details of District year end business reports and the roll of Lodges and Officers.
Lodge St. Michael No. 2933 in Singapore and Fidelity Lodge No. 8469 in Kuala Lumpur are our research Lodges where masonic topics are researched, presented and discussed. Lodge St George and Lodge St. Michael are part of the Quartuor Coronati Correspondence circle. https://www.quatuorcoronati.com
U.G.L.E.’s Solomon
Pentagram Since 1909, the Pentagram has recorded the significant milestones of District Grand Lodge, District Grand Chapter and the Lodges and Chapters under our jurisdiction. It is published once every two years, this issue sets out important events in the life of the District’s 40 Lodges and 20 Chapters.
Freemasonry in Singapore
This is a comprehensive one stop learning initiative for Freemasons.
The Ashlar This is the D.G.L.E.A.’s online newsletter.
https://www.ashlar.online
This limited edition, commemorative bicentenary book should be in the collection of every discerning Freemason in the Eastern Archipelago. There are only 30 of 1000 copies, left for purchase. If you can't get hold of one for your library, they are available to be browsed at your local masonic library. For queries, contact the District Grand Secretary or the author W. Bro. Manoj Sharma at FreemasonryInSingapore@gmail.com
MASONIC AUTHORITY IN A DISTRICT *
THE GRAND MASTER (HEAD OF U.G.L.E.)
THE DISTRICT GRAND MASTER (HEAD OF D.G.L.E.A)
D.G.L.E.A. Education Committee Monthly virtual sessions are conducted for enhancement of Masonic Education. The District Grand Secretary sends out these details monthly so please mark your calendar and enrich yourself.
D.G.L.E.A. Website https://dglea.com
DEPUTY /ASST DISTRICT GRAND MASTER (REP OF D.G.M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences Group
Library and Museum Committee We have a Library and museum in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which are furnished with a vast range of books for general reading. The Singapore Masonic Library website is: https://www.singaporemasoniclibrary.com
Year Books D.G.L.E.A publishes a Year Book annually and your Lodge Secretary will be able to get you a copy. This contains the
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Monthly virtual sessions are conducted for enhancement of Non-Masonic Education. The District Grand Secretary sends out these details monthly so please mark your calendar and enrich yourself.
Tours
WORSHIPFUL MASTER (HEAD OF THE LODGE) *From Book of Constitutions.
Tours for the public will be conducted periodically. Please do enquire with the D.G.L.E.A. Membership Committee. membership.dglea@gmail.com
Created in 2021 By: D.G.L.E.A. Membership Committee Feedback: membership.dglea@gmail.com A labour of love for those that have contributed to this guide. #noNames #justWork