A Lodge
A Lodge is an assemblage of Masons, duly congregated, having Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and a dispensation or charter, authorizing them to work.
Ancient Lodges — Where Held
Our ancient brethren held their Lodges on high hills or in low vales, the better to observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, ascending or descending.
Lodge meetings at the present day are usually held in upper chambers—probably for the security which such places afford. This custom may have had its origin in a practice observed by the ancient Jews of building their temples, schools and synagogues on high hills, a practice which seems to have met the approbation of the Almighty, who said unto the Prophet Ezekiel, “Upon the top of the mountain, the whole limit thereof round about shall be most holy.”