It is important for the new freemason to understand that the object of a lodge meeting is twofold; namely moral instruction and social intercourse.

Bearing this in mind, it becomes obvious that our refreshment period, or festive board, is an integral part of our system and, although a feeling of informality and sociability should be present during it, good manners and protocol still apply.

It necessarily follows that nothing that is of questionable taste or offensive in nature should be condoned. The rule that nothing of a religious or political nature should be discussed in the lodge room is just as applicable to the festive board.

While use of alcoholic beverages is tolerated in most refreshment halls, their overuse is severely censured.

The use of proper masonic protocol and etiquette is as important at the refreshment board as in the lodge room.

The Banquet Room