What is a masonic Lodge?
Historically, when freemasons were actually a real, stoneworking craftsmen, the term "lodge" described simply the place where workers gathered to build. In other words, it was just a workshop outside the guild's seat, for instance - in a place where a new cathedral was to be erected. In a lodge of a such type, the subject of discussions was related to technical (architectural) matters.
At the turn of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when the operative Freemasonry began transformation into speculative (or philosophical), a lodge became a meeting place for Masons "new type". People meeting there were not working there physically, but rather trying to get spiritual perfection - by following the paths of philosophy, science and enlightment. A way to follow was usually in a form of a discussion. The freemasons followed a specific ceremony (a ritual), which regulated the the behavior, costumes, mutual relations, etc.
Current look inside a lodge
The term "lodge" has now two meanings. It can denote a place of masonic meetings or the group of freemasons. In the latter sense, it is consisted of masons of all ranks (entered apprentices, fellowcrafts and masters), working under guidance of a presiding Honourable Master. Some masons take the position of staturory officers, including:
- First Warden
- Speaker
- Second Warden
- Secretray
- Almoner
- Master of Harmony
- Treasurer
- Tyler
- Master of Ceremony
- Great Expert