Temperance

The First of the Four Cardinal Virtues

[The “Tavern Myth” is based on something factual: that our 17th-18th century brothers often met in taverns. It has been termed a myth because it is presented in many writings about Freemasonry as if it were true.] The thrust of the Tavern Myth states that Masonic assemblies were held chiefly for drinking and feasting. Because these were times of merriment, the mood within these Lodges must have been raucous, albeit perhaps structured to a certain degree by simplistic ritual. There is very little, however, within Masonic writing of the time to support this assertion. On the contrary: the vast majority of early Masonic literature speaks to clearly defined expectations of proper decorum when in Lodge assembled. This included the essential requirement of temperance among Freemasons, and a clear delineation between the serious work of the Lodge and the celebrations that followed. …

[A 1722 pamphlet known as Roberts’ Constitutions included a Speculative Charge not to “frequent Taverns or Ale-houses, which should be “recognized as the first of such charges offered in the Grand Lodge era.”] Freemasons were therefore dutybound to avoid what Provincial Grand Master Isaac Head would call the “shameful Sin of Drunkenness.” [In a 1726 speech, Bro. Edward Oakley] cautioned his Brethren to be mindful of prospective members: “I therefore, according to my duty forewarn you to admit, or even to recommend to be initiated Masons, such as are Wine-Bibbers or Drunkards.” … Within these examples, two simple and corresponding themes emerge: Temperance as duty, and the absence of Temperance being anathema to Freemasonry. …

None of the above should be construed as a denial of the festivities enjoyed by our early Brethren, nor should the virtue of Temperance be confused with abstinence. One needs only to look to the volumes of Masonic songs and toasts to find evidence that Freemasons have always rejoiced in fellowship. But these times were decidedly separate from the serious work of the Lodge.

[Paraphrased and excerpted from Christopher Murphy, “Assessing Authentic Lodge Culture: Moving Beyond the Tavern Myth,” in Exploring Early Grand Lodge Freemasonry: Studies in Honor of the Tricentennial of the Establishment of the Grand Lodge of England, Christopher Murphy, Ed., Shawn Eyer, Executive Editor. (Alexandria, VA: Plumbstone, 2017), 390–455.]

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