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With more than forty five lodges in the three constitutions many brethren belong to more than one lodge indeed many boast cross-constitution loyalties. Sometimes this affiliation is evident in the ritual. Phrases heard in one constitution turn up in dialogue in another code. Invariably the audience notices an aberration with muffled amusement. Nonetheless the constitutions attempt to ensure the best “purity” of working attainable. There is no prospect of the constitutions amalgamating. Their individual quirks and foibles are respected and enjoyed by all Jamaican freemasons.

The rituals are fundamentally the same at the core but different theatre to watch. The most dramatic thing seen in the Irish lodges is the running fire greeting the appointment of an officer or greeting a guest of note. “..honour (dignitary) with eleven on the third coming down......” Fascinating. Even more surprising is how often a brother miscounts ending up embarrassing himself with the extra solitary clap; always the loudest noise. Some lodges are inflexibly rigid in squaring the lodge while other reflect pedestrian crossings in America when everyone goes where they please once the light turns to red.

With the polyglot population of Jamaica, skins of every hue are in evidence reinforcing the national motto of “ Out of many One People”. With so many backgrounds on show many variations of formal dress are present. At installations normal dark suits are adorned by constitutional paraphernalia, with all kinds of Masonic jewellery being seen. The Constitutions follow orthodox practice of the most senior officials being in morning dress. Somehow the green and gold, enhanced by the sashes of office make those of the Scottish fraternity spectacular. On occasions leaders of the Scottish Constitution have sported white tuxedo jackets which coupled with a dark complexion have made the regalia truly magnificent to behold.

In most Jamaican lodges the festive board or harmony is a light meal of chicken, beef, ham and mutton (goat flesh), rice and salad followed at installation meetings by iced fruit cake. Coffee is not served but all manner of drink is available. The cost of the repast is borne by the lodge.

The light meal is an attractive incentive for most freemasons coming as it does at the end of a business day, allowing some in congested areas like Kingston relief from the need to return home first. Lodge installations are very well supported, on occasions there being two hundred and more including non-masons, wives and ladies. Invariably the host lodge membership is dwarfed by those visiting. Regular meetings are supported too but on a lesser scale.

As most meetings do not Tyle until early evening the brethren are at labour in the temple until well after nine o’clock. Unsurprisingly there is no tradition of a toast to absent brethren other than that included in the Tyler’s Toast.