Classic Edition - Observing the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellence in Masonic Labour and Observance

by Andrew Hammer

This is a collector's edition of the Masonic bestseller, bound in blue buckram with gold detail on both covers and spine, with illustrations and type design evocative of the late 19th century. A must-have for the Masonic collector. Written by Andrew Hammer, Past Master of one of the world's most historic Masonic lodges (Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22), Observing the Craft is a manifesto of sorts for the observant Mason, who seeks quality over quantity in every aspect of Freemasonry. It is a stringent argument for the Symbolic Lodge as being the whole of Masonry, calling for nothing but the utmost effort and commitment to be put into the operation of a Masonic lodge and its meetings.

252 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

About the author

Andrew Hammer is the Past Master of Alexandria-Washingon Lodge N. 22 (A.L. 6010), and holds a Gold Card in the Grand Lodge of Virginia, which certifies his proficiency in all aspects of Masonic ritual. He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Companion of the Allied Masonic Degrees and a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He is a member of the Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle, the Philalethes Society, the Masonic Society, and sits on the Executive Committee of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial Association. He resides in Alexandria Virginia.

Reviews

[S Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, interesting read. Very well written. Definitely worth a re-read at some point.

[Macx]

This volume is a very educational tool for giving another concept of how a lodge should be administered, who should be permitted to become a Mason and how one should conduct oneself as a Mason.
This concept presentation belittles so many Masons from the history of Freemasonry. I have read and heard stories about dedicated Masons who walked for hours, in all kinds of weather, to get to their communication, paid their dues in installments, only had one suit to wear on lodge nights and help built their lodge by hand from used materials but this book describes a different type individual who should be attending lodge

This book also prescribes to inconsistency with each lodge decide its rictual, selection policy, creation of uniqueness other than adhering to consistency mandated by the Grand Lodge of its jurisdiction.

Performance in lodge and dedication to the fraternity can be equated in many ways other than excellence in Rictual presentation, cost of the attire, wealth, putting forth an air in lodge which is not apparent outside the lodge. But in this book skills perfection assessment is limited to a few skills while many men benefit their lodge and fraternity in other ways with the same dedication as those who are proficient in preferred skills listed in this volume.

This book is very good reading and educational in what may be possible but should not be used to classify lodges and Masons pertaining to either abilities or means.

Recommended reading for all Masons but should not be considered gospel of Fraternity.
The constitution and Ritual books should set the standard.