Special thanks to George Helmer FPS

Signs of Recognition

LAWRENCE B. JONES, PHP (Delaware)

THE ROYAL ARCH MASON ­ Winter 1964

In all walks of life there are signs which people use to signify
mutual recognition and to indicate the work they do or certain
clubs and organizations to which they belong. In the office, a firm
handclasp or pat on the back may signify congratulations on a
promotion or a contract, job or speech well handled. In
construction, a workman on the ground will use signs to signal up
or down to a crane operator. In sports, a referee will use hand
signals to call a foul, indicate a player is safe, or throw out a
heckler.

A gentleman will doff his hat upon the arrival of ladies in a group
or in their presence in an elevator, or he will uncover his head on
entering someone's home. And even though in this age some of
these signs of amenity are being flagrantly forgotten, they are still
recognized as good usage and their origins date far back in history.

Masonic signs of recognition are also used in like manner, but with
more than one reason or purpose. Certain signs are used in each
degree to acknowledge one's presence, to acknowledge being
recognized, and to request permission to do certain things. The first
reason is to show respect for authority and to recognize the seat of
authority. The second reason is to request permission to perform
certain duties and also to indicate our qualifications to do these
things in the lodge room. But I would add, also, a third reason: that
of -signifying our constant and unwavering fidelity to the First
Great Light of Masonry, each and every time we give or recognize
these signs. On the street, at a sports event, in a crowded room, a
stranger uses a recognizable sign. He indicates his calling and his
oath by using it, and you signify the same in recognizing and
answering it.

In signifying a request within the lodge, or acknowledging a
greeting therein, your sign has a two-fold purpose. First, to indicate
your respect for authority, as previously stated, and second, to
restate your pledge of fidelity made on admittance and by which
you retain your membership in a particular Masonic body.

Remember that any Masonic sign you use should be regarded as
inviolate, a gauge of the manner in which you conduct transactions
with all mankind and expressive of your desire to spread the Light
of Masonry to your less-informed brethren.

POTS
The Masonic system represents a stupendous and beautiful fabric, founded
on universal purity, to rule and direct our passions, to have faith and 
love in
God, and charity toward man. STEPHEN JONES.

George Helmer FPS
PM Norwood #90 GRA
PZ Norwood #18 RAM
MBBFMN #362

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