Addressing the East

Ok, I'm sitting in lodge and wish to address the Master and/or the lodge to offer greetings from my lodge, to announce an upcoming event, raise money, or for any other reason. Before I get started with my message, I know I must address the east, but there are a number of brothers up there of various ranks. How do I do this?

If this is you, then read on. There is a protocol and it follows here:

Addressing the East

There are well-established protocols for addressing the East, designed to honour and uphold the dignity of the offices and brethren present. While these rules can sometimes seem complex, hopefully this brief guide helps you navigate them with confidence, maintaining our cherished traditions and respecting those being addressed.

Initial Procedures:

Always begin with the D.G. and S. in a tyled lodge. The Sign of Fidelity is used only during open installations or special presentations when the lodge is at ease.

Addressing the Worshipful Master (WM):

• The brother in the Master’s chair (King Solomon’s chair) is always addressed first, with no exceptions, even if the Grand Master is present.

• Regardless of rank, the WM is addressed simply as “Worshipful Master” (WM) and not with additional titles like “V.W. Bro. WM”.

Speaking in Lodge:

When addressing the Chair, rise, salute, and say “WM,” “R.W. DDGM,” or “MWTGM, or R.W. DGM” waiting for recognition before continuing.

Order of Address:

Follow this general order when addressing members:

• Lodge Meeting: WM, most senior Grand Lodge officer (ex. MWTGM, RW DDGM), PGMs, DDGM, Distinguished East, brethren.

• District Meeting: R.W. DDGM, most senior Grand Lodge officer, PGMs, Distinguished East, Ruling Masters, brethren. (the DDGM runs the district meeting)

• Installation Ceremony: WM, most senior Grand Lodge officer(ex. MWTGM, RW DDGM), PGMs, DDGM, Distinguished East, Ruling Masters, brethren.

Titles and Formality:

Officers are addressed by their role, not their rank. For example, a V.W. Bro. occupying the Junior Warden’s seat is referred to as “Brother Junior Warden,” not “Very Worshipful Brother Junior Warden.”

Respect for Protocol:

Formality and respect are key to preserving Masonry’s traditions. Avoid casual names like “Bro. Bob”; instead, use formal titles “Bro. Jones”

Communication should be directed through the Chair or addressed to the Chair before reaching another brother (e.g., “WM, to you and through you to the brethren present…”).

Preparation for Officers:

It’s essential for all brethren, especially WMs, Directors of Ceremonies, and DDGMs, to learn proper titles and protocols when addressing Grand Lodge officers. This ensures adherence to the established order of proceedings in any Masonic setting.

For the full protocol of addressing the east, consult the Grand Lodge Protocol and Etiquette handbook at https://www.nsmasons.ca/operatingdocumentlibrary

Please note that you must be a member of the Grand Lodge website to access this document.