Altar

Most churches have an Altar, as does Freemasonry, even though a Freemasonry is not a Religion.  When voting on a candidate for Freemasonry takes place the Ballot Box is placed upon the Altar while the members vote.

The Altar is perhaps the most important piece of furniture in a Lodge.

The Altar holds the Three Great Lights of Freemasonry during all meetings of the Lodge.

The Altar is considered to be Sacred Ground in a Lodge.  Behave accordingly.

At least in a Pennsylvania Lodge the VSL, normally the Holy Bible, is opened upon the Altar where it supports the Square and Compasses.  However during the initiation of a candidate who does not belong to the Christian Religion the VSL of his Religion will or may be used.  The only reason that a candidate for Freemasonry may be asked his Religion is so that the correct VSL can be used during his initiation.

The Altar is located directly to the North of the Junior Warden and about midway between the Stations of the Senior Warden and the Worshipful Master.

In most ancient Religions and probably in most modern Religions the priests and the church goers move around the Altar in a Clockwise (Deosil) direction that follows the path of the Sun as viewed in the Northern Hemisphere.  Most modern Religions still follow most of the rituals of Sun Worshipers.