st. john's lodge no 2 - The Trestleboard

of Freemasonry as a philosophical and moral society. ECLs offers its members an opportunity to partake in a thoughtful approach to ritual and emphasis on sociability. The lodges maintain a dignified and intellectually engaging atmosphere, where the members can study the lessons of Freemasonry and learn to enact them in their daily lives.

Many EC lodges prefer to be selective in their encouragement of visitors (while adhering to the Masonic "open door policy") to maintain and enjoy the particular atmosphere of these lodges. EC lodges are often involved in social activities in conjunction with organizations other than the blue lodge.

The ECL movement, while still gaining popularity, has started a new trend called the Traditional Observance Lodge(TO). TO lodges generally follow the established ritual of their Grand Lodge, with some ceremonial additions, so far as they may be allowed by their Grand Lodge. TO lodges begin with the North American Masonic lodge model and enrich it with traditional initiatic elements practiced in Continental Freemasonry.

TO Lodges are characterized by:
1)A solemn approach to holding stated communications and conferring degrees.

2)The use of the Chamber of Reflection as part of the initiation ceremony

3)Demanding candidate advancement requirements that reflect an internal consideration of the ritual and Masonic tenets, proving themselves expertly proficient.

4)Fellowship of the Festive Board that is catered and further masonic duscussion is encourged.

5)Manditory attendence at all meetings and degrees.

6)Formal dress (Tuxedos) at all meetings.

7)Higher dues, often the equivalent of an everage week's salary per year.

8)Membership limits, unsually no more than 50 members.

Traditional Observance lodges have an emphasis on the initiatic process and regard the degrees as a transformative process of personal reflection and consideration of how one can engage in self improvement in a community dedicated to that aim.

Unlike the ECLs, TO lodges are less apt to have social functions with external organizations, emphisising a place