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  • Nov. 24, 1877
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  • CORRESPONDENCE.
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Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of ow Cor . respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .

PRECEPTORS OF LODGES OE INSTRUCTION . To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE .

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Presuming that , from the many years during which I have had tho honour of holding tho position , I havo justly earned the appellation of " Old Preceptor , " the fact seems to impose upon me a duty to say a few words to " a now Preceptor " in reply to questions propounded by him in your last week's issue . To

tho first question , " Am I not to be considered the Master and ruler of ihe Lodge in all matters connected with Freemasonry ? " 1 answer , no , because a Lodgo of Instruction is governed upon precisely the same principles as a Mother Lodge . The presiding Master for the time being is tho absolute ruler of tho Lodgo , a W . M . of a regular Lodgo is responsible only to tho Grand Lodge , and tho Master of an

Instruction Lodgo indirectly to tho same authority , but directly to tho Mother Lodge nndor whose sanction it exists . To the second question , " If my working differs from others , has any one the right to interrupt me , or try to alter my working ? " As a matter of courtesy , no , as a mattor of duty , yes . A Preceptor may bo an old and experienced Past Master , and in such a case the brethren would instinctively havo

confidence in his teachings and abido by his decisions ; but , on tho other hand , it is not impossible , indeed it has of late been not unfrequontly the case , that a comparatively young , - and in matters of importance , totally inexperienced brother , who happens to possess a decent knowledge of tho Ritual , is , for various reasons , and more especially for failing to secure tho services of a moro export

Craftsman , chosen to fill the responsible position . Under such circumstances those present would naturally incline to accept tho ruling of an old Master Mason , who is not only justified , but should most certainly consider it his duty to watch tho proceedings , and , in caso of need , interfere . To tho third question , " Has any member the right to bring propositions before the Lodge without my consent , although they

have nothing to do with the Ritual ? I reply , decidedly , yes . The very question is sufficient ovidence of tho newness , not only of the brother ' s Preceptorship , but of his knowledgo of Masonic procedure altogether . A very apprentice , immediately upon his initiation , has the inalienablo right to mako propositions , oven as to the admission or rejection of candidates or joining members , aud to the exertion

of his will , power and influence in turning tho scale in tho election of Worshipful Master and other important officers . Why should the right be denied to a member of an Instruction Lodge to exercise these functions ? To the fourth question , " Have I the right to vote on questions referring to the bye-laws , although I am an honorary member ? " I should say no , unless elected distinctly " with all the

privileges of a subscribing member . " Whether the fees amount to a penny or a pound tho principle is the same . Honorary members in a regular Lodgo do not enjoy the right to vote , and in this as in all other instances , the same course must be pursued by a Lodge of Instruction . Now I wish to give a word of advice to " A new Preceptor . " As I havo observed above , it is certainly uncourteous

to interrupt a Preceptor , or indeed any of the officers in the discharge of their duties , unless necessitated by a flagrant deviation from the established landmarks , but it would be well for him to remember that the truly wise and cultivated aro invariably tho most diffident and humble , ever distrustful of their powers and capabilities , susceptible to correction , ready to lend an eager and willing ear to

honest criticism , and an eye to the reception of a now ray of light from whatever source it may emanate . " A new Preceptor " may be full of wisdom and replete with knowledge and learning , but he will not , I presume , go so far as to consider himself infallible and immaculate . He should therefore set an example in courtesy by patient attention to the reasonings of his adverse critics , and either frankly

acknowledge error or state grounds for adhering to his opinions . It is by such demeanour he may in the end succeed in establishing his authority and efficiency as a teacher , and secure the kindly consideration , esteem and goodwill of his pupils . ] Trusting "A new Preceptor" will take theso remarks in the fraternal aud friendly spirit in which they are given ,

I am , yours fraternally , E . GOTTIIEIL , P . M ., P . Z ., and Preceptor .

To the Mitor of THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —It seems to me that " A NEW PRE - CEPTOR" ha 3 very crude ideas of the duties and responsibilities which properly belong to him , and that in him is concentred the whole governing power of tho Lodge . Now , very little is said in the Constitutions about Lodges of Instruction , but that little , I think , is sufficient to guide us in the way we should go .

Lodges of Instruction are held cithor " under the sanction of a regular Lodge , or by tho special authorit y of the Grand Master . " The working must have " received the sanction of the Grand Lodge . " In the case of those in the London district , " notice of the time and place of meeting " must be sent to tho Grand Secretary . They are to keep minutes of those present and those appointed to office , and these minutes must be produced whenever " called for by the Grand Master , tho Board of General Purposes , or the Lodge granting the sanction . " For all this , seo our Constitutions , page 88 . When a

Correspondence.

Lodge of Instruction is assembled for the purpose of work , it has the usual complement of Officers , both priucipal and subordinate who possess for tho timo being , all the rights , powers , and privileges which belong to their respective offices in a regular Lodge . A Lodge of Instruction has tho right to frame its own bye-laws , and these in my judgment must of necessity receive tho approval of tho paront Lodge ;

my reason for thus thinking being the ordinance in the Constitutions ( p . 88 ) , by which " the Lodgo giving its sauction" as well as tho brethren , to whom such licence is granted aro mado " answerablo for tho proceedings . " In the alternative ease , where tho licenco emanates from the Grand Master , the byo-laws enacted for tho government of tho said Lodge , must receive his approval . It also

follows that all subscribing members must have a voice in the regulation of tho Lodge proceedings . In short , a Lodge of Instruction must be conducted in the same manner as a regular Lodge , so far aa relates to its constitution and proceedings . It cannot , of course , initiate , pass , or raise candidates . It 3 officers and members enjoy no rights or privileges outside tho Lodge-room . For instance , its

Masters and Wardens have no right to a seat in Grand Lodge ; nor could its members claim admission into a regular Lodge , by virtue of their membership . So far , in tho absenco of any thing laid down to the contrary , I feel that I am right in making theso assertions . As regards the duties of a Preceptor , these appear to be simply those of an instructor , and nothing more . He is usually some ex .

perienced and onlightoned Craftsman who is willing to give his time and services so that others may benefit by his knowledge and ex . perionco . He is or ought to be capable of rehearsing all the ceremonies and working the lectures perfectly . He should further be able to explain diffionlt or obscure passages . He has a right to

expect that the members of the Lodgo of which he is Preceptor will accept unreservedly his mode of working , provided , of course , it has received tho sanction of the Grand Lodge . But when I have said this , I think I havo stated all the rights and privileges whioh a Preceptor enjoys . Therefore , taking his four questions seriatim , I should answer them thus : —

First . —The Precoptor is " not to be considered the Master and ruler of the Lodge in all matters connected with Freemasonry . " It would be a direct violation of our laws , which vest the government of Lodge in the Master and Wardens , wero he so considered . Second . —I do not think a Preceptor could reasonably object to a member suggesting another reading or interpretation , nor

do I suppose that any member would rndely interrupt him in tho discharge of his duties . Instruction is not confined to the mere parrot utterance of set f ormulco , but includes explanation ; and ex . planation involves discussion . This , however , is or ought to bo in nowise subversive of the just authority of an efficient teacher who , moreover has , as I havo said , a right to expect that members

will bow to his judgment in matters of work , provided such has received the sanction of Grand Lodge . Thirdly . —Every member has a perfect right to bring propositions before a Lodge of Instruction without the Preceptor ' s consent , " although they have nothing to do with the ritual . " Otherwise it becomes a farce when the W . M . rises , just previous to closing the

Lodge , and asks members if they have any to make . Fourthly . —An honorary member , and therefore a Preceptor , who i 3 an honorary member , has no right " to vote on questions referring to the bye-laws . " Honorary membership is a compliment paid to worthy brethren , whether members or not of the Lodge so complimenting them , and therefore it confers no statns whatever that I am

aware of . Indeed , I do not seo how a Preceptor can bo an honorarymember ; for the latter is a non-subscribing member , and as such can hold no office , and has no voico in tho government of the LocVo . A Preceptor may not pay any subscription , but he gives his services which are an equivalent . Evidently " A NEW PRECEPTOR " has much to learn as to his position

and duties . He describes himself as an honorary member , yet by virtue of his office of Preceptor he claims to be considered as Master and Ruler of the Lodge , and would deny subscribing members the right of bringing forward propositions unless they have first of all obtained his consent . I would suggest , in no unkindly spirit , that

he should study our Constitutions , and the bye-laws of his Lod » e of Instruction . Let him , also , dip occasionally into some work on jurisprudence ; and , lastly , let him exercise a little common sense , whenever ho finds himself in doubt as to the right thing to do under certain circumstances .

Apologising for the length of my communication , I subscribe myself neither an Old nor a New Preceptor , nor yet an aspirant for the office , but very fraternally yours , HONORARY MEMBER OF A L . or I .

To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As an old Preceptor , I venture to answer the question of a " New Preceptor , " in your last issue : — 1 . You are not the Master of tho Lodge , only the teacher ; you are to seo that the brethren acquire a proper and correct knowledge of tho Rituals and Sections .

2 . Your working ought to bo guided by tho Mother Lodge from whence the Warrant is granted , and to which tho majority of tho brethren belong . 3 . You have no right to interfere in any proposition brought before the Lodge any more than another member , so long as it is not contrary to the Book of Constitutions , and then only to draw the attention of the members to such a law . You have no right

whatever to lay down rules or regulations against the will of the members . And—4 . You have a right to vote , but if a New Preceptor will follow the advice of an Old Preceptor , ho will not exercise that right j let him remain nentral on every question . Ho may propose tho brother to occupy the chair ; or , that such or such ceremony be worked ; but this is about all . AN OLD PRECEPTOR .

“The Freemason's Chronicle: 1877-11-24, Page 4” Masonic Periodicals Online, Library and Museum of Freemasonry, 3 June 2025, django:8000/periodicals/fcn/issues/fcn_24111877/page/4/.
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Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.

Correspondence.

CORRESPONDENCE .

We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of ow Cor . respondents . We cannot undertake to return rejected communications . All Letters must bear the name and address of the Writer , not necessarily for publication , but as a guarantee of good faith .

PRECEPTORS OF LODGES OE INSTRUCTION . To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' S CHRONICLE .

DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —Presuming that , from the many years during which I have had tho honour of holding tho position , I havo justly earned the appellation of " Old Preceptor , " the fact seems to impose upon me a duty to say a few words to " a now Preceptor " in reply to questions propounded by him in your last week's issue . To

tho first question , " Am I not to be considered the Master and ruler of ihe Lodge in all matters connected with Freemasonry ? " 1 answer , no , because a Lodgo of Instruction is governed upon precisely the same principles as a Mother Lodge . The presiding Master for the time being is tho absolute ruler of tho Lodgo , a W . M . of a regular Lodgo is responsible only to tho Grand Lodge , and tho Master of an

Instruction Lodgo indirectly to tho same authority , but directly to tho Mother Lodge nndor whose sanction it exists . To the second question , " If my working differs from others , has any one the right to interrupt me , or try to alter my working ? " As a matter of courtesy , no , as a mattor of duty , yes . A Preceptor may bo an old and experienced Past Master , and in such a case the brethren would instinctively havo

confidence in his teachings and abido by his decisions ; but , on tho other hand , it is not impossible , indeed it has of late been not unfrequontly the case , that a comparatively young , - and in matters of importance , totally inexperienced brother , who happens to possess a decent knowledge of tho Ritual , is , for various reasons , and more especially for failing to secure tho services of a moro export

Craftsman , chosen to fill the responsible position . Under such circumstances those present would naturally incline to accept tho ruling of an old Master Mason , who is not only justified , but should most certainly consider it his duty to watch tho proceedings , and , in caso of need , interfere . To tho third question , " Has any member the right to bring propositions before the Lodge without my consent , although they

have nothing to do with the Ritual ? I reply , decidedly , yes . The very question is sufficient ovidence of tho newness , not only of the brother ' s Preceptorship , but of his knowledgo of Masonic procedure altogether . A very apprentice , immediately upon his initiation , has the inalienablo right to mako propositions , oven as to the admission or rejection of candidates or joining members , aud to the exertion

of his will , power and influence in turning tho scale in tho election of Worshipful Master and other important officers . Why should the right be denied to a member of an Instruction Lodge to exercise these functions ? To the fourth question , " Have I the right to vote on questions referring to the bye-laws , although I am an honorary member ? " I should say no , unless elected distinctly " with all the

privileges of a subscribing member . " Whether the fees amount to a penny or a pound tho principle is the same . Honorary members in a regular Lodgo do not enjoy the right to vote , and in this as in all other instances , the same course must be pursued by a Lodge of Instruction . Now I wish to give a word of advice to " A new Preceptor . " As I havo observed above , it is certainly uncourteous

to interrupt a Preceptor , or indeed any of the officers in the discharge of their duties , unless necessitated by a flagrant deviation from the established landmarks , but it would be well for him to remember that the truly wise and cultivated aro invariably tho most diffident and humble , ever distrustful of their powers and capabilities , susceptible to correction , ready to lend an eager and willing ear to

honest criticism , and an eye to the reception of a now ray of light from whatever source it may emanate . " A new Preceptor " may be full of wisdom and replete with knowledge and learning , but he will not , I presume , go so far as to consider himself infallible and immaculate . He should therefore set an example in courtesy by patient attention to the reasonings of his adverse critics , and either frankly

acknowledge error or state grounds for adhering to his opinions . It is by such demeanour he may in the end succeed in establishing his authority and efficiency as a teacher , and secure the kindly consideration , esteem and goodwill of his pupils . ] Trusting "A new Preceptor" will take theso remarks in the fraternal aud friendly spirit in which they are given ,

I am , yours fraternally , E . GOTTIIEIL , P . M ., P . Z ., and Preceptor .

To the Mitor of THE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —It seems to me that " A NEW PRE - CEPTOR" ha 3 very crude ideas of the duties and responsibilities which properly belong to him , and that in him is concentred the whole governing power of tho Lodge . Now , very little is said in the Constitutions about Lodges of Instruction , but that little , I think , is sufficient to guide us in the way we should go .

Lodges of Instruction are held cithor " under the sanction of a regular Lodge , or by tho special authorit y of the Grand Master . " The working must have " received the sanction of the Grand Lodge . " In the case of those in the London district , " notice of the time and place of meeting " must be sent to tho Grand Secretary . They are to keep minutes of those present and those appointed to office , and these minutes must be produced whenever " called for by the Grand Master , tho Board of General Purposes , or the Lodge granting the sanction . " For all this , seo our Constitutions , page 88 . When a

Correspondence.

Lodge of Instruction is assembled for the purpose of work , it has the usual complement of Officers , both priucipal and subordinate who possess for tho timo being , all the rights , powers , and privileges which belong to their respective offices in a regular Lodge . A Lodge of Instruction has tho right to frame its own bye-laws , and these in my judgment must of necessity receive tho approval of tho paront Lodge ;

my reason for thus thinking being the ordinance in the Constitutions ( p . 88 ) , by which " the Lodgo giving its sauction" as well as tho brethren , to whom such licence is granted aro mado " answerablo for tho proceedings . " In the alternative ease , where tho licenco emanates from the Grand Master , the byo-laws enacted for tho government of tho said Lodge , must receive his approval . It also

follows that all subscribing members must have a voice in the regulation of tho Lodge proceedings . In short , a Lodge of Instruction must be conducted in the same manner as a regular Lodge , so far aa relates to its constitution and proceedings . It cannot , of course , initiate , pass , or raise candidates . It 3 officers and members enjoy no rights or privileges outside tho Lodge-room . For instance , its

Masters and Wardens have no right to a seat in Grand Lodge ; nor could its members claim admission into a regular Lodge , by virtue of their membership . So far , in tho absenco of any thing laid down to the contrary , I feel that I am right in making theso assertions . As regards the duties of a Preceptor , these appear to be simply those of an instructor , and nothing more . He is usually some ex .

perienced and onlightoned Craftsman who is willing to give his time and services so that others may benefit by his knowledge and ex . perionco . He is or ought to be capable of rehearsing all the ceremonies and working the lectures perfectly . He should further be able to explain diffionlt or obscure passages . He has a right to

expect that the members of the Lodgo of which he is Preceptor will accept unreservedly his mode of working , provided , of course , it has received tho sanction of the Grand Lodge . But when I have said this , I think I havo stated all the rights and privileges whioh a Preceptor enjoys . Therefore , taking his four questions seriatim , I should answer them thus : —

First . —The Precoptor is " not to be considered the Master and ruler of the Lodge in all matters connected with Freemasonry . " It would be a direct violation of our laws , which vest the government of Lodge in the Master and Wardens , wero he so considered . Second . —I do not think a Preceptor could reasonably object to a member suggesting another reading or interpretation , nor

do I suppose that any member would rndely interrupt him in tho discharge of his duties . Instruction is not confined to the mere parrot utterance of set f ormulco , but includes explanation ; and ex . planation involves discussion . This , however , is or ought to bo in nowise subversive of the just authority of an efficient teacher who , moreover has , as I havo said , a right to expect that members

will bow to his judgment in matters of work , provided such has received the sanction of Grand Lodge . Thirdly . —Every member has a perfect right to bring propositions before a Lodge of Instruction without the Preceptor ' s consent , " although they have nothing to do with the ritual . " Otherwise it becomes a farce when the W . M . rises , just previous to closing the

Lodge , and asks members if they have any to make . Fourthly . —An honorary member , and therefore a Preceptor , who i 3 an honorary member , has no right " to vote on questions referring to the bye-laws . " Honorary membership is a compliment paid to worthy brethren , whether members or not of the Lodge so complimenting them , and therefore it confers no statns whatever that I am

aware of . Indeed , I do not seo how a Preceptor can bo an honorarymember ; for the latter is a non-subscribing member , and as such can hold no office , and has no voico in tho government of the LocVo . A Preceptor may not pay any subscription , but he gives his services which are an equivalent . Evidently " A NEW PRECEPTOR " has much to learn as to his position

and duties . He describes himself as an honorary member , yet by virtue of his office of Preceptor he claims to be considered as Master and Ruler of the Lodge , and would deny subscribing members the right of bringing forward propositions unless they have first of all obtained his consent . I would suggest , in no unkindly spirit , that

he should study our Constitutions , and the bye-laws of his Lod » e of Instruction . Let him , also , dip occasionally into some work on jurisprudence ; and , lastly , let him exercise a little common sense , whenever ho finds himself in doubt as to the right thing to do under certain circumstances .

Apologising for the length of my communication , I subscribe myself neither an Old nor a New Preceptor , nor yet an aspirant for the office , but very fraternally yours , HONORARY MEMBER OF A L . or I .

To the Editor of TnE FREEMASON ' CHRONICLE . DEAR SIR AND BROTHER , —As an old Preceptor , I venture to answer the question of a " New Preceptor , " in your last issue : — 1 . You are not the Master of tho Lodge , only the teacher ; you are to seo that the brethren acquire a proper and correct knowledge of tho Rituals and Sections .

2 . Your working ought to bo guided by tho Mother Lodge from whence the Warrant is granted , and to which tho majority of tho brethren belong . 3 . You have no right to interfere in any proposition brought before the Lodge any more than another member , so long as it is not contrary to the Book of Constitutions , and then only to draw the attention of the members to such a law . You have no right

whatever to lay down rules or regulations against the will of the members . And—4 . You have a right to vote , but if a New Preceptor will follow the advice of an Old Preceptor , ho will not exercise that right j let him remain nentral on every question . Ho may propose tho brother to occupy the chair ; or , that such or such ceremony be worked ; but this is about all . AN OLD PRECEPTOR .

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