District Traveling Gavel makes the rounds and a tour of duty
The Gavel in operative and speculative Freemasonry has a similar meaning and varies in its use. The Masonic gavel is an emblem of authority used by the Master of the lodge to show his executive power over the assemblage by punctuating its actions.
In this capacity, order is maintained and a structured outcome to the proceedings is achieved. The common gavel is also one of the working tools of the Entered Apprentice.
Operative Gavel
In the operative stonemason era, the common gavel was a tool used to hew (break) the rough edges from the stones (ashlars) so that they would fit perfectly into place.
Speculative Gavel
In speculative Freemasonry, the Masonic Gavel is used to symbolically divest the heart and consciousness of all the vices and superfluities (excesses) of life in order to ready ourselves as if we were living stones, open to be shaped into a spiritual being that is pleasing to our Creator.
Not An Auctioneer’s or Judge’s Gavel
The lightweight, rounded-end gavels, such as the one below, commonly used by auctioneers and presiding judges, are inappropriate for use in a Masonic lodge.
A Masonic gavel should not be confused with the Setting Maul, which is one of the working tools of the Fellowcraft. The setting maul is a heavy wooden hammer with which the operative mason set (knocked) the polished stones into proper alignment.
Traveling Gavel
Many jurisdictions and/or districts have a Traveling gavel program to promote visitation and a bit of friendly competition. The rules are somewhat similar from place to place. In general, the visiting Lodge, who wish to take the gavel, need to have a certain number of brothers and come to a stated communication of the possessing lodge and notify the Master that they are there for the gavel in advance of the meeting. etc., etc.
The Suffolk District Traveling Gavel has its rules as well. The last changes to the rules were to ‘simplify’ them a bit. In years past it was a requirement that most if not all the elected and appointed officers are present at the meeting to take possession. This could be sometimes difficult for a lodge to do in more recent times. The ‘rules’ are changed now and then and last time by the Masters, Wardens & Deacons Association. If you are unfamiliar with the current rules you should head on over to the Traveling Gavel Page right here > Suffolk District Traveling Gavel
On this page you can also learn some addition history and check-out the leaderboard. Each ‘season’ begins in September and Runs through April and recognition of the most possessions at the District Dinner.
If you are planning on attending the Suffolk District Dinner, make sure you have your tickets as they will not be selling any at the door. You can get those here > 2025 Suffolk District Dinner
As of this writing Potunk Lodge #1071 has possession of the Suffolk District Traveling Gavel and the District Dinner is quickly approaching. As it tradition it’s a lot more fun if the gavel has pictures of its travel. Below are the travels of the Suffolk District Traveling Gavel currently.
Brothers have fun and DO travel and attend meetings of other lodges as your cable tow allows.
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- Awaiting a duty flight from a secret location
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- The gavel waiting for the Lodge to open for business
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- Casa Baso Westhampton landmark soon to be a Suffolk county park
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- Brush fire north of Gabreski Airport 2025 Brush fire north of Gabreski Airport 2025
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- The original building home to Potunk Lodge 1926-1968
- Posted by William Arnold
- On April 10, 2025
- 0 Comment
