When the first operative stonemason's lodges began to spring up in the late 1300's they were self-governing under documents known as Charges. These 'Charges' consisted of a mythical history of the craft, the rules and regulations of the lodge and lastly, a procedure for making a candidate a full member of the lodge. This admission ceremony took place in 4 sections.
First, there was an opening prayer, followed by a 'Reading' of the history of the craft. This history extended from Biblical times and the Holy land across Europe and into England late 14th century. Even though the history lesson was mythical with no real basis in fact, it helped give the craft legitimacy. The third step was a 'Reading' of the regulations or 'Charges' to the candidate as his hands rested on the 'Holy Book'. Finally, the candidate took an oath of fidelity to his King, his Employer and the craft of masonry.
It has been estimated that even into the 1800's the literacy rate in England was less than 40% and at the time these lodges were formed almost no one could read. Thus when the term 'Reading' is used it really refers to reciting of the prayer, history, charge and oaths from memory. Here is where we can see the importance of ritual to the continuity of the craft over the centuries. The charges were set down in the form of rituals to help prevent errors creeping in over time. The wisdom of these early stonemason's creation of a ritual that regulated their profession and their rigorous adherence to that ritual assured that the knowledge and wisdom of past generations would be infallibly passed into the future.
By 1800, organized masonry had evolved from an operative to a largely speculative craft. The rituals which codify what masons are, what they believe and their place in society were well realized but inconsistent. The great masonic scholar, William Preston unified these various rituals into one considered by many the ultimate and most perfect version.
Today over 200 years later we still follow the same system, passing 'Charges' from one man to another. Charges bound in our ritual assuring that the grand ideas and principals set down all those years ago continue to be transmitted infallibly to future brothers of the craft.
In closing, don't forget to keep Norm and me informed of whats going on in your lodges. If you need help or a program, we are just an email or phone call away.