The ultimate objective of Freemasonry is to provide a climate where men may collectively strive toward Masonic Formation in the service of God. Masonic Formation can be described as that process of spiritual and intellectual growth that all Masons must undertake to smooth the rough ashlar in preparation for the house not made with hands. This goal is best accomplished in an environment where Freemasons are allowed to internalize the lessons of Freemasonry. An open lodge should allow the observant Mason to transport his mind from the profane to the mystical and the spiritual. In an effort to create such an atmosphere, and as a member of Prometheus Lodge, I hereby solemnly swear and affirm that I will conform to and abide by the following Lodge Principles:
- At all communications of the Lodge, I will dress in a manner appropriate for this Lodge and in conformity to the provisions of Article XIX, Section 5 of the By-Laws of the Lodge.
- I acknowledge that the purposes of this lodge are to create an atmosphere conducive to learning the lessons of Freemasonry and how they can be inculcated into our daily lives; to exploration; to self-awareness; and to personal intellectual and spiritual growth. Therefore, I agree that discussions of lodge business will be kept to a minimum while the lodge is at work in order that the true purpose of the Lodge may be conducted without interference or abridgement,
and I agree to the resolution of lodge business by means of a “Consent Agenda.” - I affirm the letter and spirit of the traditional Masonic prohibition against discussion of partisan politics and sectarian religion at all lodge events.
- I agree that the focus of the lodge degrees will be on the candidate, and I will adequately prepare myself for any part I take in the ritual. If I am not able to adequately prepare myself, I will remove myself from that part.
- I agree that I will directly mentor and guide candidates and new Master Masons as I am able and when requested, and will at all times indirectly mentor by example through my words and deeds.
- I will support the following lodge policies:
a. Each candidate for the degrees will be placed in a chamber of reflection prior to each degree.
b. In addition to returning a catechism, each candidate will be required to present either a written paper or oral presentation on the most recent degree prior to proceeding to the next.
c. A festive board, or agape, will be integral to the lodge experience, and will be held at meetings as determined by the Master and Wardens.
d. Lodge meetings will be conducted with solemnity, dignity, reverence and decorum. There will be no talking during the degrees unless a brother has an assigned speaking part. The five senses of human nature will be involved in lodge meetings through human interaction, appropriate music, candles, and incense.
e. Lodge members will form a Chain of Union at the conclusion of each meeting. This will be incorporated into the ritual as part of the Closing Charge.
f. Frequent attendance at regular meetings is earnestly solicited; therefore, I agree that if I expect to be absent from a meeting I will notice the Master of the Lodge in advance.
g. I will not engage in idle talk or otherwise distracting behavior while the lodge is at work.
h. I will not discriminate against any petitioner, candidate, or brother based on his race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual orientation, or disability, visible or invisible. I acknowledge that all men are created by a Supreme Being, and that no man can claim superiority or
dominance over another.