Page 65 - MML - Journal - Centenary Edition - Vol. 01 / 2023

The Sword Bearer
By R W Bro. Rajan Sekri, P.DY.G.M., P.DY.R.G.M.
The office of the Sword bearer in most craft Lodges is considered merely titular, and not taken seriously. This is so since most Lodges are hard pressed for time and want the ceremony to be gone through as quickly as possible. If the Sword Bearer were indeed to perform his role, then it would necessitate the formation of a deputation while the Ruling Master entered the Temple and the same would have to be the case while the Lodge was closed. Most Lodges as a consequence of this make short shrift of this office of the Sword Bearer. In fact, only on nights of installation is the name of the Sword Bearer even mentioned in the Temple. Alas, a golden opportunity is lost for the incumbent and this writer has been a witness, as have most of the Brethren reading this article, to the Sword Bearers futile year of office.
However, if for some masons the role and office of the Sword Bearer is taken as a challenge, then the year can be very fruitful, educative, and enlightening.
The Ruling Master, RW The RGM & MW The GM are the three who enjoy being preceded by the Sword Bearer while being received and retiring from the Temple. The alacrity of the display of the Sword Bearers craft is indeed worth the while and can inject the right amount of awe in the minds of the brethren. It would be appropriate if the selected Sword Bearer is capable of taking straight steps, have an erect posture and generally at ease with himself. The handling of the sword involves a lot of finesse, and a bit of practice would be in order.
The sword is carried in the right hand, as a
general recommendation, because almost 85% of the population is right-handed. The manner of carrying the sword is a matter of cautious discipline, as the sword is meant to be an item of pomp & regal display and not an item of aggression or offence. It will not be out of place to mention that the sword must become an extension of the hand and not an appendage. The right thumb must at all times cover the fore finger, thus ensuring the positioning of the sword while escorting the dignitary. Consider the scenario where the sword bearer is unfamiliar with the handling of the sword, his few minutes of handling the sword will become interminably long and cause great embarrassment to all concerned. It is important that the gait of the sword bearer is steady and measured. While stepping of he needs to remember the prime dictates of Freemasonry, wherein he was instructed to stand erect, at all times. The walk needs to be measured and consistent with the arm and the sword at right angles to his body and wrist respectively. Care has to be taken that he does not outpace the senior officers to his right and left while entering and the dignitary he is escorting out of the temple. His pace at all times has to show that he is in control and not being controlled.
At the altar his manner of discharging the sword has to be such that neither the dignitary nor the VSL’s are touched. The manner of discharge of the sword is to be worked out so that neither his wrist nor his hand is bent at an angle which is alien to his comfort. No one would like to see a sword bearer spraining his wrist while discharging his duties. It has been seen in the past that the sword is brought to the lips, almost as if
Madras Masonic Journal Vol. 01 / 2023 - Centenary Year Edition
A Publication of Madras Masters Lodge No. 103, GLI
64