Lodge Mentoring notes
LODGE MENTORING NOTE No. 1
Q1. What is the origin of the words “So mote it be” which we use at the end of our Opening and Closing odes, etc.
A. From the Masonic point of view, they came into our usage in the 14th century, and our two earliest versions of the Old Charges both include the phrase in their closing words, which I render in modem spelling, as follows:
The Regius MS., c. 1390, after a closing prayer, adds “Amen, amen, so mote it be, Say we so all, for charity”.
The Cooke MS., c. 1410, has “Amen so mote it be”. The phrase means literally “So be it” and it was used in the middle ages in England as a pious finale to prayers or blessings.
It should be noted that the medieval formula began with the Hebrew word “Amen”, nowadays often omitted from Masonic usage. The word “Amen” has a range of meanings all related to fidelity, constancy, sureness, trust, and when used at the end of Hebrew prayers and blessings it was a formula.
Q2. Have Freemasons always worn black ties?
A. No we have not. The attire at Lodge would be varied and appropriate for the brother’s station and purse through the 18th and early 19th centuries. Gradually a suit becoming the norm worn and with a tie (although these varied in style)
The standard black tie becoming commonplace after the first World War as a mark of respect for fallen brethren. So the answer is that it became commonplace from 1918 but is now becoming less frequent following the introduction of Festival, Provincial and Grand Lodge ties.
Q3. Why do we set off with the left foot?
A. This probably comes from a military influence. To begin an orderly movement of a group, that is anything above one, it would be necessary for all to step off with the same foot. If as a soldier carrying a heavy weapon, or an official possibly carrying a staff or badge of office, usually in the right hand, for the sake of balance it is necessary to step off with the left foot.
If you are unsure about this try lifting a sack of potatoes in your right hand and setting off with your right foot. What happens next will clearly demonstrate the necessity of setting off with the left foot!
Compiled by W. Bro. Brian Baker
St. Giles Lodge Mentor
05/18 Revision 0
Q1. What is the origin of the words “So mote it be” which we use at the end of our Opening and Closing odes, etc.
A. From the Masonic point of view, they came into our usage in the 14th century, and our two earliest versions of the Old Charges both include the phrase in their closing words, which I render in modem spelling, as follows:
The Regius MS., c. 1390, after a closing prayer, adds “Amen, amen, so mote it be, Say we so all, for charity”.
The Cooke MS., c. 1410, has “Amen so mote it be”. The phrase means literally “So be it” and it was used in the middle ages in England as a pious finale to prayers or blessings.
It should be noted that the medieval formula began with the Hebrew word “Amen”, nowadays often omitted from Masonic usage. The word “Amen” has a range of meanings all related to fidelity, constancy, sureness, trust, and when used at the end of Hebrew prayers and blessings it was a formula.
Q2. Have Freemasons always worn black ties?
A. No we have not. The attire at Lodge would be varied and appropriate for the brother’s station and purse through the 18th and early 19th centuries. Gradually a suit becoming the norm worn and with a tie (although these varied in style)
The standard black tie becoming commonplace after the first World War as a mark of respect for fallen brethren. So the answer is that it became commonplace from 1918 but is now becoming less frequent following the introduction of Festival, Provincial and Grand Lodge ties.
Q3. Why do we set off with the left foot?
A. This probably comes from a military influence. To begin an orderly movement of a group, that is anything above one, it would be necessary for all to step off with the same foot. If as a soldier carrying a heavy weapon, or an official possibly carrying a staff or badge of office, usually in the right hand, for the sake of balance it is necessary to step off with the left foot.
If you are unsure about this try lifting a sack of potatoes in your right hand and setting off with your right foot. What happens next will clearly demonstrate the necessity of setting off with the left foot!
Compiled by W. Bro. Brian Baker
St. Giles Lodge Mentor
05/18 Revision 0
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