Page 34 - Ashlar June - September 2024

N A L G R
I O
G E AND LODGE
The Ashlar R Vol. XIX Issue II
Master Mason Wages

R.W.Bro.J.N.Chowdhary, P.DyRGM, Past Dy G.M.(GLI)

Brethren it is a fact that our ritual is silent on every Freemason enjoys as a result of
this issue, while the Lodge is closed in the payment of fees, initiation and the payment of
First Degree the S.W. informs the WM “Having annual dues to his Lodge; second, those more
seen every Brother has had his due.” WM then precious privileges which are his if he will but
asks stretch out his hand to take.
Have all the wages been paid. “So far due and The first right of which any initiate is conscious
demanded W.M” is that of passing the Tyler and
Now as per the Ritual the EAFM are paid Corn attending his Lodge, instead of being
Wine and Oil while the F.Craft are paid in conducted through the West Gate as a
Specie which they receive in the middle preliminary step to initiation. For a time this
chamber of the KSTemple. right of mingling with his new brethren is so
Then what about Master Masons. What MM is engrossing that he looks no further for his
paid is not clearly explained. We have to M.M's Wages.
search and interpret the meaning in the ritual. Later he learns that he has also the right of
Brethren let us go in retrospect and remember visitation in other Lodges, even though it is a
the Final Charge of the Degree of Master "right" hedged about with restrictions. He
mason which says Quote “Brother your zeal must be in good standing to exercise it.
for the institution of Freemasonry, the Generally this right of visiting other Lodges is
progress you have made in the art , and your a very real part of what may be termed his
conformity to general regulations have concrete Master's Wages, and many are the
pointed you out as proper object of our favour Freemasons who find in it a cure for loneliness
and esteem. In the character of a Master in strange places; who think of the opportunity
Mason you are hence forth authorized to to find a welcome and friends, where
correct the errors and irregularities of otherwise they would be alone, as wages of
Brethren and Fellows and Guard them against substantial character.
breach of fidelity.” Unquote. The opportunities to see and hear the
In ancient days a Masons' wages were paid in beautiful ceremonies of Freemasonry, to take
coin of the realm. They are no less so paid from them again and again a new thought, are
today, but the realm is of the Inner man, not wages not to be lightly received. For him with
the world or society. The wages received by a the open ears and the inquiring mind, the
Master Mason who has fitted himself to earn degrees lead to a new world, since familiarity
them are paid in that which money cannot with ritual provides the key by which he may
purchase. Not by favoritism or influence or read an endless stream of books about
high estate can any man win a M.M's wages; if Freemasonry
he receives them, it is because of what he is, The Wages of Master mason are paid in the
what he thinks, and how he thinks it. From the knowledge of human heart; its dependence
time a Fellowcraft goes alone to the Altar to upon love and friendship, its eagerness to
make his petition to Deity he stands alone or give for the love of giving, its humble hope of
falls. When he is raised to the Sublime receiving for the simple human joy of being
Degree, his brethren and his lodge has done loved. They are paid in knowledge which girds
all they can for him; if he is ever to receive a a man in armour through which misfortune,
M.M's wages, it will be because of what he hard times, ill luck, cannot pierce. They are
does for himself. paid in security which comes from certain
The wages of a M.M. may be classified under knowledge of millions of Brethren sworn to
two heads: first, those inalienable rights which your aid and support- and make no mistake

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