
SPECIAL BULLETIN
UPCOMING EMAIL SUMMONS COURSES
(no pre-registration required)
Saturday November 7TH – Woodstock Masonic
Lodge (9:00am)
Thursday November 12TH – Elliot Lake Masonic
Lodge (6:30pm)
Saturday November 21ST – Peterborough Masonic
Lodge (9:00am)
Saturday December 5TH – Waterloo (TENATIVE
DATE)

August 15, 2009
My Companions.,
Once again, we venture into the Fall season of our
Convocations and, it is appropriate that we consider the
Protocol of the running of our Chapters. One of the
most important aspects of the meeting night is the
protocol observed, before, during and after our meeting.
In accordance with the Protocol Manual I have listed
some of the protocol that must be observed to ensure
that the working of the evening is presented to both the
Candidate and visitors in a timely and appropriate
manner:
VISITORS:
-
Visitors who
require a Board of Trial should arrive early enough
that they may be examined without disrupting
or delaying the opening of the Chapter.
-
The number of
groups of visitors must be kept to a minimum, with
the general visitors being received prior to the
Grand Chapter Officers.
-
The Director of
Ceremonies must not prolong his introduction to the
extent that it detracts from the welcome to be
extended by the Excellent First principal.
-
All visitors must
be received cordially and fraternally by the
Excellent First principal.
-
If
Grand Honours are in order, the Excellent First
Principal shall instruct a Companion to lead the
Grand Honours, then invite the Guests to the East to
be received personally. All three principals of
the Council will descend from the Dias, to greet the
visitors on the level.
NOTE: The Principals
shall retain the same positions on the level, as when
they are seated in the East, when receiving any
Companion or Guest in the East.
-
Those entitled to
assume the Sceptre will always be PRESENTED. Those
not entitled to receive the Sceptre will always be
INTRODUCED.
-
Those entitled to
assume the Sceptre “WILL” sit in the East. Present
Elected and Appointed Grand Chapter Officers will be
“entitled” to sit in the East. No other person
shall sit in the East
unless specifically invited to do so by the
Excellent First Principal or Worshipful Master.
NOTE: Courtesy
dictates that, depending on the quantity of seating
available in the East, Grand Chapter Officers who choose
to sit in the East, will do so in order and respect of
those who are senior as defined in the current
Constitution under Section: “Title and Rank of Officers
and Members of Grand Chapter”
If it is the occasion
of the Installation and Investiture of Officers, and a
current Grand Chapter Officer
(entitled to receive the Sceptre) is in
attendance, then the
Installing Principal will also be introduced, being
entitled to assume the Sceptre on that evening. The
remaining Companions in attendance will assemble on the
North and South sides of the Chapter Room and, would
simply be introduced as Distinguished Companions.
NOTE: The Director of Ceremonies
introduction of Grand Chapter Officers, will only
include those officers entitled to assume the Sceptre or
current Elected and Appointed Grand Chapter Officers