What happens at a lodge meeting?

There are generally three types of meetings:

1. Those in which men are initiated or advanced to a higher degree through a ceremonial ritual,
2. Those in which the lodge conducts routine business, elects new members, and participates in a Masonic education program, and
3. Ceremonial occasions when families are often invited, such as the annual election of officers or presentation of awards.

In addition, many lodges have a dinner before the meeting or refreshments afterward. Much of the conviviality and fellowship of Masonic members happens before and after the meetings.