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why do we say so mote it be at the end of lodge prayers
The phrase serves as an archaic expression of assent, equivalent to "Amen," inherited from the early manuscript constitutions of the operative Craft. In the fourteenth-century Regius Manuscript, the text closes its initial benediction with "Amen! Amen! so mote it be!".
WilmshurstNewtonClaudyAnderson
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where did the office of chaplain come from in the craft and what are his duties
The office of Grand Chaplain was instituted on 1 May 1775 on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of Freemasons' Hall in London. Although the English Constitutions of 1784 note that the office was revived on that day after having been discontinued for several years, no record exists of any appointment prior to 1775. Within individual lodges under American ritual practice, the office is not formally recognized in the ritual—though often conferred by courtesy—and the Master generally performs the chaplain's duties himself.
Mackeygrandlodgeofindia.inugle.org.uksingletonlodge.org.uk
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why was the Lodge of Reconciliation formed in 1813
The Lodge of Reconciliation was constituted in 1813 at the time of the Union of the English Lodges to arrange a uniformity in the Making, Passing, and Raising of Freemasons throughout all of England. It brought together an equal number of chosen workers from each of the two uniting Constitutions to settle and align the ritual practices.
Mackey
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where did the office of senior deacon come from in craft masonry and what are his duties
The office of Deacon was not present in the earliest eighteenth-century rituals, where its functions were divided between the Junior Warden and the Senior and Junior Entered Apprentices. It entered English practice at the Union of 1813, having been adopted from the "Antients," who derived the office from Irish usage.
MackeyWaite
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The end of the stream
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