The greatly increased solemnity of Masonic Ceremonies after the creation of the United Grand Lodge of England led to a desire for more serious forms of musical accompaniment in Lodges.
Freemasons have always sung songs during Lodge meetings. The Entered Apprentice`s Song goes back to the early 18th century and the first Book of Constitutions, has section for Masonic songs, but the musical accompaniment was often just a violin, harpsichord or piano.
As Lodges began to move out of rented rooms in pubs and hotels in the 19th century into purpose-built Masonic Halls, there was a desire to adorn them with the most solemn of musical instruments, the organ.
As the popularity and respectability of Freemasonry increased, many parish church organists became Freemasons, and Masonic choirs developed, who sang specially composed music for Ceremonies such as the consecration of a new Lodge. More music of a hymn-like nature became a regular feature of Lodge meetings, and many Masonic regalia suppliers and publishers began to publish sheet music too.
Today, sadly, professional full-time church organists are threatened with extinction and most Lodge Organists are unpaid amateurs.
However, technology has come to the aid of many Lodges without organs or Organists, as many recordings are now available that can be played through a laptop, so the provision of musical accompaniment is open to anyone who can push the right buttons!
