10. Second Lodge of Instruction

I attended my second Lodge of Instruction, again in Lowell. I arrived on time but fewer people were around than last time, at least to begin with. The meal (American chop suey) was slow to start, too. Six candidates from Thomas Talbot were ushered to a table by a Mason, who I think sponsored three of the candidates. The four of them talked a lot about the Moose Lodge.

The Worshipful Master of one of the Lowell Lodges sat at our table. He showed interest in the Moose talk.

Candidates were allowed to participate in the opening of the Lodge because it opened on the First Degree, and we were all Second Degree. It is beginning to make sense to me. This Lodge was Masons only, no outsiders. I do not know how that is determined. I mean, there seems to be a regular calendar of events.

Partway through, Candidates were led away for instruction by degree. Us from TTL were joined by three from a lodge in Tewksbury. Chris, TTL’s Senior Deacon, brought us to a parlor by the front entrance, and gave instruction in Second Degree.

Chris talked about the two ciphers we have been working with, the ritual and symbolism therein. I really like that symbolism. Likening a person’s spiritual growth to how an operative mason—that is, an actual stone mason—begins as an unknowing apprentice and through study and work gains knowledge and understanding: this is rich imagery.

Chris explained other aspects of Freemasonry, as well as his interest in the Templers. I too am fascinated by the Templers, though not in the Dan Brown sense.

The parlor had high ceilings, old furniture, and its  walls were lined with dusty portraits of dour looking men. It felt like another world. In the hall where we ate there was a sign adverting the need for renovation of the roof. The Thomas Talbot Lodge, which is a good 120 years old, seems fresh in comparison. Not to say that I do not enjoy the presence of the building.

In comparison, the Tewksbury Lodge is less than 40 years old. It probably lacks the settled mystery of these older buildings. In addition to the large meeting room, and the Egyptian Room, there is a Grecian Room. I look forward to seeing that!

After instruction, there was a gathering in the lobby, where a lot of people smoked. I do not mind smoking, it is just so verboten nowadays that it is worth noting.

Returned to the meeting, we candidates were given the gist of the talk that we missed while in instruction. It was essentially a sermon, based on a psalm. The person who spoke was a practiced and effective speaker.

As occurred the last time, someone who must be from the Grand Lodge (district headquarters, so to speak) spoke. He wore a jaunty brimmed hat, very British looking. I gather that this hat is a badge of office.

I do not recall if I mentioned it last time, but there is a cup that is awarded to the Lodge with the most members attending Lodge of Instruction. TTL commonly wins the cup but last time we tied with another Lodge. Our Worshipful Master (I have incorrectly been saying just Master) graciously let the other Lodge take the cup home. TTL won it back this month.

The meeting closed on time. When I was outside, a passerby across the street called over to me. He asked if I was lost. Before I could answer, he said, “This is Merrimac Street,” then went on his way, having helped his fellow man.

Sunday will be another breakfast, which I will help with. A week from tomorrow I will get Third Degree. The use of that term in common parlance is explained in that the Third Degree asks the most of a Candidate. At any rate, the upcoming meeting is scheduled to be an hour longer than the usual meeting. All to be written of later.