EMULATION WORKING TODAY, Graham Redman Lewis Masonic, Hersham, 2007. Hardback, xi and 164 pages, £14.99. ISBN 978-0-85318-276

No single version of the English Craft ritual has been pronounced as the ‘official’ one by the United Grand Lodge of England, in fact, so long as the ‘ancient landmarks’ are retained, considerable variation is permitted. Nevertheless, the most common by far is Emulation Working which has its origins in the ritual settled upon by the Lodge of Reconciliation which began working late in 1813 immediately prior to the union of the two Grand Lodges. In October 1823 the Emulation Lodge of Improvement was founded in order to teach and maintain the ritual. This Lodge still meets and the author, our Assistant Grand Secretary, Graham Redman, has been a member since 1980 and the senior member from 2002.
     In the 1950s H.F. Inman published a book offering guidance in the working of the Ritual but his useful text has long been out of print. In any case, due to subsequent changes this book no longer served as well as it might, in fact, in 1969 the first official version of the Ritual was authorised by Grand Lodge and subsequently printed. Since then there have been further changes, most obviously those concerning the penalties.
     Redman describes his work as a supplement to the Emulation Ritual Book; he has an easy prose style coupled with a wry humour and gentle, but pointed, criticisms: ‘Many word-perfect ceremonies’ he relates, ‘can only be described as pedestrian’ while others by Brethren who will never win the ‘silver matchbox’ for excellence ‘have worked inspirational ceremonies.’ He agrees that the ritual should be delivered as accurately as possible but reminds Brethren that ‘Masonic ceremonies are not a form of magic that will fail altogether of its effect if there is even the minutest departure from the appointed wording.’
     The book is broken up into simple informative chapters: Tyler, Inner Guard, Junior Deacon and the other offices up to the Master and beyond; the Immediate Past Master, Installing Master and other permanent offices such as Secretary. It is hard to think of any relevant area which he has not addressed.
     Every lodge should possess a copy of this book; in fact, every Freemason passing through the offices should have one. It will help instil understanding and insight; for with these, comes confidence.

Michael Baigent