Encyclopedia Masonica

The positions occupied by the subordinate officers of a Lodge are called Places, as "the Junior Deacon's place in the Lodge." But the positions occupied by the Master and Wardens are called Stations, as "the Senior Warden's station in the Lodge." This is because these three officers, representing the sun in his three prominent points of rising, culminating, and setting, are supposed to be stationary, and therefore remain in the spot appropriated to them by the instructions, while the Deacons and other officers are required to move about from place to place in the Lodge.

A representative explanation of the location of the Stations to be occupied by Grand Lodge Officers of Massachusetts is given (see page 100, in the 1918 book of Constitutions and Regulations of that State) The M. W. Grand Master, in the East, at the Head of the Grand Lodge. The R. W. Deputy Grand Master, in the East, next to and left of the Grand Master.The R. W. Senior Grand Warden, in the West. The R. W. Junior Grand Warden, in the South. The M. W. Past Grand Masters, in the East at the right of the Grand Master, and the Junior Past Grand Master, next to the Grand Master. The R. W. Past Deputy Grand Masters, in the East at the right of the Past Grand Masters. The R. W. Past Grand Wardens, in the East, at the right of the Past Deputy Grand Masters. The R. W. Grand Treasurer, on the right in front of the Grand Master. The R. W. Grand Secretary, on the left, in front of the Grand Master. The R. W. District Deputy Grand Masters, in the East on the left of the Deputy Grand Master. The R. W. Grand Marshal, Upon the left of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Secretary. The W. and Rev. Grand Chaplains, in front of and on the right and left of the M. W. Grand Master, near the altar. The W. Grand Lecturers, on the right of the Senior Grand Deacon. The W. Senior Grand Deacon, upon the right of the Grand Master, in front of the Grand Treasurer. The W. Junior Grand Deacon, in the West at the right of the Senior Grand Warden. The W. Grand Stewards, in the South, two upon the right and two upon the left of the Junior Grand Warden, upon each side, one Steward in front of the other. The W. Grand Sword-Bearer, at the left of the Grand Marshal. The W. Grand Standard-Bearer, at the left of the Grand Sword-Bearer. The W. Grand Pursuivants, near the door of entrance to the Grand Lodge. The Wor. Grand Organist, at the Organ. The Wor. Grand Tyler, outside of the entrance to the Grand Lodge.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.