Signs
of Recognition
by Lawrence B. Jones PHP (Delaware)
THE
ROYAL ARCH MASON Winter 1964
In all walks of life there
are signs which people use to signify mutual recognition and to
indicate the work they do or certain clubs and organizations to
which they belong. In the office, a firm handclasp or pat on the
back may signify congratulations on a promotion or a contract,
job or speech well handled. In construction, a workman on the
ground will use signs to signal up or down to a crane operator.
In sports, a referee will use hand signals to call a foul,
indicate a player is safe, or throw out a heckler. A
gentleman will doff his hat upon the arrival of ladies in a
group or in their presence in an elevator, or he will uncover his
head on entering someone's home. And even though in this age some
of these signs of amenity are being flagrantly forgotten, they
are still recognized as good usage and their origins date far
back in history. Masonic signs of recognition are also used
in like manner, but with more than one reason or purpose. Certain
signs are used in each degree to acknowledge one's presence, to
acknowledge being recognized, and to request permission to do
certain things. The first reason is to show respect for authority
and to recognize the seat of authority. The second reason is to
request permission to perform certain duties and also to indicate
our qualifications to do these things in the lodge room. But I
would add, also, a third reason: that of -signifying our constant
and unwavering fidelity to the First Great Light of Masonry, each
and every time we give or recognize these signs. On the street,
at a sports event, in a crowded room, a stranger uses a
recognizable sign. He indicates his calling and his oath by using
it, and you signify the same in recognizing and answering
it. In signifying a request within the lodge, or
acknowledging a greeting therein, your sign has a two-fold
purpose. First, to indicate your respect for authority, as
previously stated, and second, to restate your pledge of fidelity
made on admittance and by which you retain your membership in a
particular Masonic body. Remember that any Masonic sign you
use should be regarded as inviolate, a gauge of the manner in
which you conduct transactions with all mankind and expressive of
your desire to spread the Light of Masonry to your less-informed
brethren. back to top |
