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NM Freemason · Skills & Drills · Chapter 25

Masonic Procession

Drawn from published Masonic monitor content. See site Credits for source citations.

Vocabulary (7)

Masonic Procession
The formal order in which Masons walk together to a public ceremony. The order is fully published and varies slightly by jurisdiction but follows a stable pattern: officers and visiting dignitaries near the rear, with brethren of the host Lodge between.
Marshal
The officer responsible for forming and conducting the procession. The Marshal arranges brethren in their proper order, sets the pace, and directs the column. His published jewel of office is a baton or rod.
Order of march
The published sequence: typically Tyler (or Marshal) leading, followed by the brethren two by two, then the principal officers, then visiting Past Masters and dignitaries, with the Grand Lodge (when present) at the rear. The exact order is set by published jurisdictional practice.
Tyler
The officer charged with guarding the door of a tyled Lodge. In a public procession he leads the column with his drawn sword as published in older monitorial works, purely ceremonial in the open-air context.
Regalia
The aprons, collars, jewels, and other insignia worn during a procession. The published rule: aprons are always worn outside the coat in procession, never concealed.
Banner
Many Lodges carry a banner identifying themselves in procession: typically a square cloth with the Lodge's name, number, and emblem. Carried by a designated brother behind the Marshal.
Public character
Like installations and cornerstone-layings, processions are wholly public. The community is invited to observe. The Lodge displays itself openly as a body of organized fraternity.

Multiple-choice (4)

1. Which officer is responsible for forming and conducting a Masonic procession?
  1. The Tyler
  2. The Marshal ✓
  3. The Senior Warden
  4. The Secretary
2. Where in the procession is the Grand Lodge stationed when present?
  1. At the front, leading the column
  2. Behind the Marshal but ahead of the brethren
  3. At the rear of the column ✓
  4. In the middle, surrounded by the principal officers
3. How is the lambskin apron worn in procession, per the published rule?
  1. Always inside the coat, modestly concealed
  2. Always outside the coat, never concealed ✓
  3. Folded and carried under the arm
  4. Tied around the waist with the bib down
4. Are Masonic processions open to public observation?
  1. No; only members may attend
  2. Yes; they are wholly public events with the community invited ✓
  3. Only with Grand Lodge dispensation
  4. Only after sunset