In order to assist the Brethren in feeling the need to treat these rituals appropriately, a lodge can adopt a dress code that is representative of the desired atmosphere. I think that all Masons will agree that a degree conferral should be conducted with reverence and professionalism and the process of opening and closing a lodge should be treated no differently. Every time that we open or close a lodge we can be reminded of our obligations and the solemn duty that we must perform as Freemasons. These ceremonies remind us of the very lessons and symbols that are taught in the degrees.
The rituals that we use to open and close are lodge are more than just an elaborate form of parliamentary procedure. However, it is the reverence with which the Brethren treat the forms for opening and closing the lodge and the pursuit of Masonic knowledge that can really make the lodge feel like a sanctuary. Whether it is a discussion about paying the lodge’s bills, conducting a charitable event, or electing officers, it is perfectly acceptable to discuss business within the sanctum sanctorum of today’s Masonic lodges. In fact, a little bit of research into the protocol of Freemasonry in its earliest days reveals that this is where business was intended to be conducted. There is absolutely nothing wrong with discussing the business inside a tyled lodge. Most lodges make sure that general order is kept, that proper courtesies are given to officers, and that particular parts of the ritual are done correctly, but often the lodge room is simply a place to discuss business. It is true that there are certain regulations and protocol that we follow while in the lodge room. I’m sure that any Freemason that takes a moment to consider this will realize that we do not treat the tyled lodge room as a sanctum sanctorum. Masons are taught in the third degree that when the lodge is opened in the Master Mason degree that it represents the sanctum sanctorum of King Solomon’s Temple. It was here in this most sacred place that the Ark of the Covenant was placed during the dedication of the temple. Sanctum sanctorum is a Latin term that may be literally translated translated as “Holy of Holies.” This term is used to describe the innermost chamber of King Solomon’s Temple.
In order to discuss this subject, we must first examine the term ‘sanctum sanctorum’ and what it means in Freemasonry.
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