Bro. Naunton Liles emphasizes the importance of preserving the traditions and rituals of the Lodge, highlighting the deep historical roots of Craft Freemasonry. He notes that even minor deviations in ritual can provoke strong reactions from senior members, reflecting a commitment to maintaining established practices. The document raises concerns about the potential decline of some Lodges and the implications of merging with others. It questions whether unique traditions should be sacrificed for the sake of unity and strength within the Craft. Liles urges reflection on what should be maintained versus what could be adapted in the face of changing circumstances. The overarching message advocates for a careful balance between honoring longstanding customs and addressing the evolving needs of the fraternity.
Bro Naunton Liles
December 17th, 2025
March 4th, 2026
manual
history and_heritage
Paper 62/2007
Title Landmarks of This Lodge
Author Bro Naunton Liles - Wales
Let us dwell for a few moments on the traditions of this Lodge. Do some of you wonder why our more
senior Past Masters are adamant about preserving unchanged some seemingly trivial things we do in our ritual and in the words we recite. The mere slip of a syllable can invoke apoplexy in some of our older
brethren, and a foot wrong in the floor-work can invoke St Vitus’s dance at our Lodges of Instruction. So
why is this so important? Or indeed, is it important?
We belong to a fraternity that is steeped in history, and we guard our landmarks with a vigour that
sometimes seems all too ardent. Why? Is it that the older brethren are just trying to demonstrate their
superior knowledge or their elephant -like memories of time past; or is there some benefit in all this
attention to detail?
No other institution like Rotary or the Church has more solid foundation for its customs and ceremonies
that of Craft Freemasonry. There are just under 10,000 Lodges in the UGLE, and all of them differ just a
little bit. You must have visited other Lodges where you have seen things done differently. But I beseech
you, do not bring home ‘better’ ideas to change things in this Lodge. The way we work has been set down
for very many years, and who are we, this year, to suggest that we have something better to add?
The snag is, little changes creep in almost unnoti ced until one of the grandees on the back benches
wakes up and says: “It wasn’t done like that when I was in the Chair”. And he’s probably right - and
certainly if two or three are gathere d together from his period in the C hair, they probably know what we
used to do then and we should be very wary of opposing them and introducing a change, unless it is really
wise.
Now here’s another thought! You probably know of some Lodges that have falling numbers, and the time
must come when we have to address the problem of too few people trying to support a lodge in decline.
Now what? Should we all go across and join them to boost support? It seldom works in the long term.
Should we merge with another Lodge? Imaging this Lodge with all our peculiar little difference in ritual.
Would we agree to give up our “standards”, our particular or should I say peculiar, way of doing things?
Would we merge with another Lodge?
So I leave you with this vexed question. Our traditions are long standing and not to be meddled with lightly