France - Document - Rituel pratique à l’usage des Frères Experts et Maîtres des Cérémonies des Ateliers de la Grande - 1970

Franc-Maçonnerie – Grande Loge De France – Danter (Raymond).
Practical ritual for the use of Brothers Experts and Masters of Ceremonies of the Lodges of the Grand Lodge of France.
Without place or date [France, circa 1950-1970].
Typewritten brochure reproduced by duplicating method, small 4to, beige stiff paper cover, stapled; 7 pages numbered.
Internal document proposed by T∴R∴F∴ Raymond Danter and “approved by the Rituals Commission.” Practical instructions intended for lodge officers, detailing the preparation and ordering of the Temple, the place and functions of the Expert and the Master of Ceremonies, as well as the opening and closing of the works at the first three symbolic degrees: Apprentice, Companion and Master. Notably described are the arrangement of the three pillars — Wisdom, Strength and Beauty —, the lighting and extinction of the stars, the unfolding of the lodge tablets, the position of the square and compasses and the ritual movements around the mosaic pavement.
Rare working document of the Grand Lodge of France, apparently distributed in small numbers and reserved for lodge officers. The text corresponds to the practice of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, historically predominant within the GLDF. The function of these two officers remains today explicitly distinguished by the Grand Lodge.

Complete copy according to the continuity of the text and the conclusion of the third degree; uniformly yellowed paper, a few small stains, creases and signs of use, corners slightly worn, cover soiled; old staples. Overall condition is fair for this type of confidential and utilitarian document.