Frequently asked questions:
What is an Orator and what does he do?
The office of Orator is not a new one in English Freemasonry and a number of early English Lodges such as Antiquity No.2 had a Lodge Orator. More recently, Thomas Harper Lodge (9612) revived the office on its consecration in 1996 and Internet Lodge (9659) then replicated this idea.
In very simple terms he delivers a short oration approved by UGLE and afterwards facilitates discussion on the content of that oration. The difference between an oration and a lecture is that the focus of learning should arise out of the debate, thus providing a stimulus for Brethren to research further into the subject and to reflect on their own views.
Why do we need an Orator to do this?
You don’t. Anyone with experience and a good general knowledge about Freemasonry may be able to deliver the oration and answer questions but in addition, the Orator should be able to stimulate and facilitate debate.
The future of the Craft relies heavily on our ability to not only recruit the right people but, more importantly, to retain them. The emphasis on retention has been the focus of the Mentoring Scheme and the Orators’ Scheme compliments this by providing a focus on our rituals.
Many candidates go through the three Degree ceremonies without their meanings ever being explained to them. A number of research lodges such as Quatuor Coronati and the Manchester Association for Masonic Research which research the origins and historical side of Freemasonry but there are very few opportunities for Brethren to be exposed to and explore the lessons and symbolism found in the ritual. The role of the Provincial Grand Orator, supported by his team, will be to actively develop this aspect of Freemasonry as well as developing further orations for official approval.
What is the difference between an Oration, Lecture and Talk?
They all impart knowledge but the difference lies in the system of approval and the content and overall aim.
An Oration should be short, lasting no more than 10 minutes, and should focus on the deeper meaning of the ritual and its symbolism. It will have been submitted to and approved by a small committee at UGLE. This committee aims to ensure that the content is historically accurate and that the content does not seek to impose the author’s ideas but rather, in the case of subjective thought, it puts forward a number of ideas for debate and discussion. It is important to note, that the Committee members do not aim to stifle free thought, in fact they encourage new ideas as this will stimulate interest and debate.
A Lecture typically will last around 20 – 30 minutes and will generally be on some historical aspect of Freemasonry or on a subject of particular interest to a Lodge in the Province, e.g. “The Development of Freemasonry in Manchester” or “The Grand Lodge of Wigan”. The lecture will have been submitted for review by either a learned Brother or committee, who will check it for historical accuracy before giving it the Provincial ‘seal of approval’. The author of the Lecture is then listed as one of the Provincial Lecturers and Lodges can contact him to request if he can deliver a lecture in their Lodge.
A Talk is simply just that. It is a talk on any subject, which has not gone through any form of peer review, and its content has not been checked for historical accuracy. It should appear on the Lodge summons as “Bro. Smith will give a Talk on Freemasonry in Spain” or “Masonic Lodges I have Visited”.
What is the Orators' Network?
The office of Provincial (or District or Metropolitan) Grand Orator is such a new role, being instituted by UGLE in 2008, and effective implementation is vital for its success. The Orators' Network was initially formed during several symposia held by Grand Lodge at Great Queen Street and contacts made between Provincial Grand Orators were maintained and built upon to help each other by sharing experiences for the common promotion of the scheme.