VWB Ned Daniels Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4 of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington for 1999-2000

"Free from Restraint'" (May 2000)

During the installation of officers, the lnstalling Officer presents the Book of Constitutions to the new Worshipful Master with the following admonition:

"The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times.  Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend to ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins."

In the same manner, we as Masons should also be familiar with the Book of Constitutions, as well as the many official handbooks and guides of our Fraternity.

For example, when a Lodge is at labor, and then is called "free from restraint' by the Worshipful Master, just what does it mean?

From our Washington Masonic Lodge Officers Handbook (1999), we find: "Remember that the Lodge is either: open and at labor, open and at refreshment, open and off-session, or closed."  This source further states that "Free from restraint may be declared for the Lodge for a period of time at the Worshipful Master's direction."

In our Washington Monitor and Freemason's Guide (Rev. 1983), "A Guide to Pronunciation," we find:  "Rcstraint - This direction is used at those times when the business of the Lodge is interrupted for a short conference, or the setting up of paraphernalia.  The Master remains in charge of the Lodge.  The brethren do not leave the room without his permission."

And last, but certainly not least, from the Washington Masonic Code, 1983 "Rulings and Decisions," (Part I, Chapter 8.01 Standard Work. Section 26.), we find:

"Free from restraint.  Direction that the Lodge be free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East is used at a time when the Master desires to give a break in ordinary routine of the Lodge; Lodge is still at labor. Master presiding, necessary salutations and alarms are given but the brethren are free from ordinary restraints which prevail when ceremonies are in progress or business is before the Lodge.  Dec. G.M. approved. 1956, XXXIX, 431, 534."

In the same manner that our Worshipful Master is enjoined "to search at all times" the Book of Constitutions, so should we as Masons make use of the, many handbooks and guides of our Fraternity that are available to us.  In this way we may likewise become increasingly knowledgeable of the various meanings and workings within our Lodge.

Thanks to both the District Deputy of the Grand Master in District 4, and the Masonic Monitor which publishes his articles for allowing us to reprint them.  The Masonic Monitor is published monthly (except August) under approval of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.  The Masonic Monitor can be contacted at: 6619 132nd Avenue NE, PMB 237, Kirkland, WA, 98033-8627, USA.  Phone: (425) 822-4605 - FAX: (425) 822-2535 - Email: masonicmonitor@earthlink.net.