A Short Quiz

1.    What is the symbolism of the Three Great Lights?

A.    The Three Great Lights may be said to symbolise duties – the duties we owe to T.G.A.O.T.U., to our neighbour, and to ourselves. The V.S.L. reminds us of duty to God; the square teaches us our duty to our neighbours; while the compasses impress upon us our duty to ourselves.

2.       Is the government of a Lodge vested solely in the Master?

A.       No. The Ancient Landmarks and our own ceremony of installation both tell us the government of the Lodge is by the Master and his Wardens.

3.       Why are the Tracing Board and the Rough and Perfect Ashlers called the “Immovable Jewels”?

A.       Because they lie open and immovable in the Lodge for the Brethren to moralise on.

4.       Is the Immediate Past Master an officer of the Lodge?

A.       The Immediate Past Master is not an Officer of the Lodge. In the printed list of Officers found in the regulations, the name of the Immediate Past Master is to be found listed after the Master and before the other Officers, but that does not make him an Officer. He is the junior Past Master who, for one year, occupies a stated position in the Lodge, and who enjoys certain privileges by virtue of the fact that he is the junior Past Master. The Immediate Past Masters jewel is not an Officers jewel, but the jewel of every Past Master in the Craft.

5.       What is the length of a Master Mason’s Cable-tow?

A.       There are several answers to this question, but the generally accepted response is that to which the Brother may attend to lodge or his duty, with out creating a hardship upon himself or family.

6.       Are the By-laws of a Lodge approved by Grand Lodge?

A.       No. The By-laws of a Lodge must be submitted to the Grand Secretary for approval of the Grand Master.

7.       What two symbols adorn the Deacon’s emblem?

A.       The Dove and Olive Branch? 

8.       What was the original symbol on the Deacon’s emblem?

A.       The Deacon’s emblem was originally the Greek god Hermes, the herald and messenger of the gods, represented with a winged cap and ankles, bearing the caduceus adorned with wings to symbolise speed, and entwined with a pair of serpents representing wisdom and health.

9.       What is the meaning of the phrase “Just, Perfect, and Regular” as applied to a Masonic Lodge?

A.       A Lodge is said to be “Just” when it contains the V.S.L. open; “Perfect” when it comprises seven members; and “Regular” when the Charter or Warrant of Constitution is in evidence.

10.   What are the seven liberal arts and sciences?

A.       They are: Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy.

11.   What is the symbolism of the Lily-work on the two Great Pillars?

A.       Among the Egyptians the lily-work was in the form of a lotus flower, a symbol representing humanity, universality, and at times, the passive principle of life. Hence the explanation in the second degree tells us that Lily-work denotes “Peace”.

12.   What is the symbolism of the broken column?

A.       It is emblematic of the chief supporter of the Craft who fell before his work was completed. It denotes sudden death.

13.   What famous Poet was made a Mason on July 4^th 1781, in Lodge St. David at Tarbolton?

A.     Robert Burns.

14.   What are the Cardinal Virtues?

A.       Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice.

15.   What part of the Canadian Rite Ritual is permissible to use at an emergent meeting, but forbidden at a regular meeting?

A.       Lowering the Lodge in short form.

16.   When was the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund established?

A.       The Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund was instituted by the Grand Lodge of Alberta at its Annual Communication in June of 1957. The intent was and is to provide assistance to those students wishing to receive a higher education but lacking the ever increasing funds to do so. 

17.   What two Rituals of Work are recognised for use in Alberta by our Grand Lodge?

A.     The two works are the “Canadian Rite” Work and the “Ancient York Rite” Work.

18.   What does it mean, to demit?

A.       To demit means to withdraw or resign one’s membership in a Lodge.

19.   What Grand Lodge was the sponsoring or Mother Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of Alberta?

A.       The Grand Lodge of Manitoba.

20.   What is the 22^nd Letter of the Hebrew alphabet?

A.       Tau. The Tau cross is found on the Past Masters Apron in place of the Rosettes.

Scoring:

If you scored 0 – 5, your Masonic knowledge is lacking. There is no better way to increase your Masonic knowledge than to research, write and deliver a paper to your Lodge.

If you scored 5 – 10, your Masonic knowledge could use some work. There is no better way to increase your Masonic knowledge than to research, write and deliver a paper to your Lodge.

If you scored 10 – 15, your Masonic knowledge is good, and this knowledge should be shared. There is no better way to share your Masonic knowledge than to research, write and deliver a paper to your Lodge.

If you scored 15 – 20, you Masonic knowledge is exceptional. And, you will share your Masonic knowledge by researching, writing, and delivering a paper to your Lodge.

Thank you Brethren.

W. Bro. Wm. David Maddin

District Masonic Education,

Beaverhills District,

Grand Registry of Alberta