W Bros Mick Forsdick and Jim Mitchell
“This is our Warrant of Constitution ….. it is available for your inspection tonight or at any future meeting.”
Familiar words spoken to every new Mason on his initiation, but how many of us have actually asked to inspect that Warrant at any time? What exactly is the Warrant and what does it contain – literally.
On 17th May members of Norman Moore Lodge No 7976 and their guests were presented with a rare opportunity to inspect the Warrant of their Lodge during a fascinating presentation by W Bro Michael Forsdick, Senior Administrator within Masonic Services at Grand Lodge, in which he explained:
- a brief history of why we need a Warrant,
- the material (Vellum) on which Warrants are written,
- how Vellum is made and why it is used,
- who writes and signs the Warrants,
- why they are so expensive.
The brethren present listened with rapt attention to this wide-ranging explanation, through which every one of them made a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
It was particularly interesting to learn about the complicated and highly skilled process to turn animal skin into Vellum or parchment and the procedure of getting the requisite signatures.
Those attending also learned of problems associated with having Warrants damaged by fire, weather or even neglect and how to overcome such difficulties.
This presentation was only the second time it had been delivered and it cannot be too highly commended to Lodges and Chapters. It is certain to be in demand in the future and Secretaries and Scribes E are encouraged to consider booking it for meetings in which they have no ceremonies to perform.
It could also serve as a means of building attendance at meetings by inviting other Lodges or chapters to take part in joint meetings to increase numbers, to learn something really interesting and to make festive boards that bit livelier and more enjoyable.
Thanks to W. Bro David Pearson PAGDC for the article.
