Masonic Lodge

With Masonic Lodge ( lodge of english, hut ',' box ', Old High German loubjà, arbor ') on the one hand a Bauhütte (or lodges temple ) refers, in the Freemasons gather to "work" there, according to their customs. Secondly, the associations are even called that.

• 3.1 Internal organization
• 3.2 External Organization

Meeting

The meeting place is equipped according to his task a quiet and protected space with symbols of brotherhood, of light and truth. The place at which a lodge is located is also called Orient.

Union

Locust lodges

The patron saint of so-called locust lodge is John the Baptist. These boxes work in the three degrees of apprentice, journeyman and master. All Masons understand, regardless of their degree or their tasks as equal brothers and make decisions democratically their box. Especially in continental European lodges heard the lecture ( so-called drawing) about Masonic or other topics related to temple work.

High degree lodges

In addition to the three degrees of the Craft lodges also exist high degree systems, the " edit " in its own, independent of the locust lodges lodges a different number of additional degrees. These degrees are not intended to supplement St. John's grade, but have the goal to deepen the teachings of the apprentice, journeyman and master degree. Therefore, they are now referred to as knowledge or improvement stages. A member of a high degree of system other Freemasons always meet at the same level ( and vice versa), a hierarchy does not exist.

Organization

Internal organization

Masonic Lodges are organized generally as civil associations, that is, they are faced with a chairman ( Worshipful Master ) and his deputy ( First and Second Warden ). Defined by law as with registered associations, moreover, a treasurer and secretary ( secretary ) are elected. Together, these officers shall constitute the Executive Board of the Lodge ( Beamtenrat ). In addition, other members with specific tasks to be entrusted: the speaker ( a special continental lodges ), Schaffner ( rarely also Schaffer in northern Germany, responsible for the food and lodging ), the gifts Pfleger, Music Teacher, Archivist, master of ceremonies, plus committees (eg, Admissions Committee, Court of Honour ).

During the ritual work some of the officials have special tasks; so the work is led by the Master of the chair, while the overseer one part each of the brothers ( divided into two columns ) project.

Exterior organization

Freemasonry has no central governing body, but is divided into separate, independent, civic associations ( lodges ), who join together in federations ( Grand Lodge / Great Orients ) and thus acknowledge each other. These umbrella organizations need a recognition by older umbrella organizations to be recognized as a Grand Lodge of Freemasonry. Masonic lodges are registered pursuant to the provisions of the Civil Code in the register as a registered association. Legal representative of a box according to the Associations Law, the elected annually Executive Board, consisting of the Worshipful Master, the First and Second Supervisors and the Treasurer.