CEREMONY OF CLOSING THE LODGE

(W. M gives single K. followed by the S. and J. Ws.)

W. M – Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge.

(All rise).

W. M. – Bro. J. W., what is the constant care of every Mason?

J. W. – To prove the Lodge close T…d.

W. M. (to J. W.). – Direct that duty to be done.

J. W. – Bro. I. G., prove the Lodge close T…d

(I. G. goes to the door and gives the E. A. Ks. Being answered by the T., he goes to position at left of S. W., takes Sp., and with E. A. Sn. Says:)

Bro. J. W., the Lodge is close T…d (Dis. Sn.)

J. W. (gives one K., take Sp., and with E. A. Sn. Says:) Worship Master, the Lodgeis close T…d. (Dis. Sn.)

W. M. – Bro. S.W., the next care?

S. W. – To see that the Brethren appear to order as Masons.

W. M. – To order. Brethren, as Masons in the First Degree.

(W. M. and Brethren take Sp., and stand to order as E. As.)

W. M. – Bro. S. W., your constant place in the Lodge?

S. W. – in the W.

W. M. to S. W.). – Why are you placed there?

S. W. – As the Sun sets in the W. to close the dy. So the S. W. is placed in the W. to close the Lodge by command of the W. M., after having seen that every Brother has had his due.

W. M. – Brn., before we close the Lodge, let us with all reverence and humility express our gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for favours already received; may He continue to preserve the Order, by cementing and adorning it with every moral and social virtue.

All – So mote it be.

W. M. – Bro. S. W., the labours of the evening being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. 9Gives the E. A. Ks. With l. h.)

S. W. – Brethren, in the name Great Architect of the Universe, and by command of the W. M., I close (all dis. Sn.) the Lodge. (Gives the E. A. Ks. and lays down his Cn.)

J. W. – And it is closed accordingly, until the ____ day of ____ emergencies expected, of which every Bro. will have due and timely notice.

(Gives the E. A. Ks. and raises his Cn.

(I. G. goes to the door and gives E. A. Ks. … being answered by the T

S. D. attends to T. B. when the T. has given Ks.)

I. P. M. (removes S. and Cs. And closes V. S. L. and saysJ Brethren, nothing now remains but, according to ancient custom, to locking up our Ss. in the safe and scared repository of our hearts uniting in the act of F., F., F. (he strikes his l. b. with his r. h. each time as these words are sung by the Brn. Doing likewise.) And may god be with us all unclothed and untyled.

END OF THE CEREMONY OF CLOSING THE

LODGE

THE CLOSING ODE IS

NOW SUNG

Risings

The W. M. rises for the first, second and third times to ask if any Bro. has aught to propose for the good of F… in general, or his the Adams Lodge in particular. On the second rising he substitutes ‘in Adams Lodge number one five eight’ ad on the third rising ‘the Adams Lodge number one hundred and fifty-eight.’

Address

W. M. – Let me add to the observations of my Bro. the S. W., that you are never to put on that badge should you be about to visit a Lodge in which there is a Bro. with whom you are at variance or against whom you entertain animosity; in such cases it is expected that you will invite him to withdraw, in order amicably to settle your differences, which being happily effected, and work with that love and harmony which should at all times characterise freemasons. But, if unfortunately, you differences be of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire, that that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.

W. M. – Bro. J. D., you will place out new-made Bro. at the N. E. part of the Lodge.

(The J. D. does so and instructs Cand. to stand perfectly erect with his f. in the form of a s.)

W. M. (to Cand.) – It is customary at the erection of all stately and superb edifices to lay the first of foundation stone at the N. E. corner of the building; you, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at he N. E. part of the Lodge , figuratively to represent that stone; and from the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand to all external appearance a just and upright mason, and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such; indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart – I mean Charity. I need not here dilate on its excellences; no doubt it has often been felt and practised by you; suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and, like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives. In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches if which are spread over four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence, neither can it concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Bro., by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairy warrant; whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the J. D.; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.

(J. D. stands in front of Cand. holding up plate).

J. D (to Cand.). – Have you anything to give the C. of C.?

CAND. – …

J. D. (lowers plate and says to Cand.). – Were you dpvd of everything v…l…e previously to entering the L.?

CAND. – …

J. D. (to Cand.). – If you had not been so dpvd would you give freely?

CAND. – …

J. D. (faces the W. M. takes Sp., and with E. A. Sn. SaysJ W. M., our new-made Bro. affirms that he was dpvd of everything v…l…e previously to enering the Lodge, or he would give freely. (J. D. dis. Sn., and takes position on r. of Cand.)

W. M. (to Cand.). – I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them; believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with feelings; far be from us any such intention; it was done for three especial reasons – first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test; secondly, to evince to the Brethren that you had neither … nor … substance about you, for if you had, the ceremony of your initiation, thus far, must have been repeated which would have brought a blush of shame to the face of your guide for having neglected so important a part of his duty: and thirdly. As a warning to your own heart that should you at any future period meet a Brother in distressed circumstances who might solicit your assistance, you will remember the peculiar moment you were received into Masonry, poor and p…s, and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that virtue you have professed to admire.

(The J. D. places the Cand. in front of the W. M.)

W. M. – I now present to you the working tools of an E. A. Freemason: they are the 24-in. G…e, the common G…l, and C…l. (W. M. gives them to the Cand. who returns them to the W. M. via the S. D.) The 24-in. G…e is to measure our work, he common G…l to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the C…l to further smooth and prepare the stone, and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But as we are not all operative masons, but rather free and accepted, or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense the 24-in. G…e represents the 24 hours of the day; part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshments, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need without detriment to ourselves or connections. The common G…l represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the afore-mentioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The C…l points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised society . (Brn. clp. hds.)

W. M. – As in the course of the evening you will be called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is proper you should know by what authority we act. This is our Charter or Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England, which is for your inspection on this or any future evening; this is the book of Constitutions, and these are our By-Laws (gives a cop of each to the Cand.), both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as by one you will be instructed I the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and by the other, in those you owe to this Lodge in particular. This is a card of questions and answers, which your Proposer or Seconder or any well known Brother will assist you to learn before you are able to take your next step in F. M. R. Y. You will now be taken to my Bro. the J. W. who will deliver to you a charge founded on the excellences of the Institution and the qualifications of its members.

(J. D. places Cand. under G.)

J. W. (to Cand.). – Bro. A. B., as you have passed through the ceremony of your initiation, let me congratulate you on being admitted a member of our ancient no doubt it is, a having subsisted from time immemorial; and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make those so who are obedient to its precepts. Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests, the practice of every moral and social virtue; and to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced, that in every age monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the Sceptre for the Trowel, have patronised our mysteries, and joined in our assemblies.

As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the V. of the S. L., charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of the truth and justice, and to regulate your actions by the Divine precepts it contains. Therein, you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your neighbour, and to yourself. (Gives one K. at this point, and the Brn. Rise with S. of.) To God by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all our lawful undertakings, and by look up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support. (All discharges S. R. and sit). To your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require , by relieving his necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar cases you would wish he would do to you. And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to His Glory as the welfare of your fellow-creatures.

As a citizen of the world, I am to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties; by never proposing, or at all countenancing, any act that may have a tendency to subvert he peace and good order of society ; by paying due obedience to the laws of any State which may, for a time, become the place of your residence, or afford you its protection; and above all, by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the sovereign of your native land, ever remembering that Nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture .

As an individual, let me recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue. Let Prudence direct you, Temperance chasten you, Fortitude support you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain, in their fullest splendour, those truly Masonic ornaments which have already been amply illustrated: Benevolence and Charity.

Still, as a Freemason, there are other excellences of character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed. Amongst the foremost of these are secrecy, Fidelity, and Obedience. Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the O. you have entered into, never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future period be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you so to do. Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the constitutions of the Fraternity, by adhering to the ancient Landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to extort, or otherwise unduly obtain, the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation of our secrets, unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice. Your Obedience must be proved by a strict observance of our laws and regulations, by prompt attention to all signs and summonses, by modest and correct demeanour in the Lodge, by abstaining from every topic of political or religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the Brethren, and by perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices.

And as a last general recommendation, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to be respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member; to study, more especially, such of the liberal arts and sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.

From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope you will duly appreciate he value of Freemasonry, and indelibly imprint on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, of Honour, and of Virtue.

(Brethren all clap hands once.

J. D. then takes Cand. to N. W. part of the L. facing South J. D. then moves across Lodge faces Cand. and says:). – It is your duty on entering or leaving the Lodge to salute the W. M. in the Degree in which the Lodge is working. This being the 1^st Degree you will sauté as an E. A. F. M. For your instruction I will go through it and you Will afterwards copy me. (Demonstrates. J. D. then moves back to right side of Cand., places his facing W. M. and instructs:-) – Bro. … advance and salute the W. M. as an E. A. F. M. (J.D. gives assistance as required. Cand. leaves Loge and Ds. resume seats with courte bow to each other).

Obligation

I, …AB in the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe, and of this worthy, worshipful, and warranted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby (Worshipful Master touches Candidate’s right hand with his own left hand) and hereon (Worshipful Master touches Volume of Sacred Law with his left hand) sincerely and solemnly promise and swear, that I will always hele (hide), conceal, and never reveal, any part or parts, point or points, of the secrets or mysteries, or of belonging to Free and Accepted Masons in Masonry, which may heretofore have been known by me, or shall now, or at any future period, be communicated to me, unless it be a true and lawful Brother or Brothers, and not even to him or them until after due trial, strict examination, or sure information from a well-known Brother that he or they are worthy of that confidence; or in the body of a just, perfect and regular Lodge of Ancient Freemasons. I further solemnly promise that I will not write those secrets; indite, carve, mark, engrave, or otherwise them delineate; or cause or suffer it to be so done by others, if in my power to prevent it, on anything movable or immovable, under the canopy of Heaven, whereby or whereon any letter, character, or figure, or the least trace of a letter, character, or figure may become legible or intelligible to myself, or any one in the world, so that our secret arts and hidden mysteries may improperly become known through my un-worthiness. These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any kind, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them, than that of having, m.t.e.a.m.t.t.o.b.i.r.a.b.i.t.r.s.o.t.s.a.c.t.l.f.t.s.w.t.t.r.e.a.f.t.i.t.c.o.a.n.d.; or the less horrid but more effective punishment of being branded as a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and totally unfit to be received into this worshipful Lodge, or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune. So help me, God, and keep me steadfast in this my G. and Solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice Freemason. (Worshipful Master removes Cs)

Worshipful Master – What you have repeated may be considered but a serious promise; as a pledge of your fidelity, and to render it a Solemn Obligation, you will s.. it with your Lips. On the Volume of the Sacred Law. where your right hand now rests (all dis. S. of R., Deacons. lower their wands.)

Worshipful Master – Having been kept for a considerable time in a state of darkness, what in your present situation is the predominant wish of your heart?

CANDIDATE. (prompted by Junior Deacon). – …

Worshipful Master – Brother Junior Deacon, let that blessing be restored to the Candidate.

(The Worshipful Master takes his G., and at the proper time the Brethren simultaneously c… their h…s, the Junior Deacon at that moment restoring the C. to L., removing h.w. at exact moment of Worshipful Master.’s final movement with G.

C. T. is taken from Candidate, and passed to Worshipful Master.

Junior Deacon inclines Candidate’s head to the Volume of Sacred Law)

Worshipful Master – Having been restored to the blessing of material…, let me point out to your attention what we consider the three great, though emblematical, Ls. In Freemasonry; they are, the Volume of the Sacred Law, the S. to regulate our actions , and the Cs. Keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren in Freemasonry.

Worshipful Master (takes the Candidate by the right hand with his own right hand, and says:) Rise, newly obligated Brother among Masons. Brethren be seated.

(The Candidate is wheeled back North East by Junior Deacon to face South)

Worshipful Master – You are now enabled to discover the three l…r Ls.; they are situated East, South, and West, and are meant to represent the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge; the Sun to rule the day, the Moon to govern the night, and the Master to rule and direct his Lodge.

(Candidate is now wheeled back to face the Worshipful Master by the Junior Deacon)

Worshipful Master (continues). – Bro. A. B., by your meek and candid behaviour this evening, you have escaped two great dangers, but there is a third which will await you until the latest period of your existence. The dangers you have escaped are those of … and…, for on your entrance into the Lodge this P. was presented to your naked left breast, so that had you rashly attempted to rush forward you would have been accessory to you own death by …, whilst the brither who held it would have had remained firm and done his duty. There was likewise this C.T. with a r.n. about your n., which would have rendered any attempt at retreat equally fatal; but the danger which will await you until your latest hour is the penalty of your O., of having, y.t.c.a.y.t.t.o.b.t.r. should you improperly disclose the Secrets. of Masonry.

(Candidate. is wheeled back to face South by the Junior Deacon. Worshipful Master leaves East and goes to the F. of the L. to face Candidate)

Worshipful Master – Having taken the G. and S. O. of a mason. I am now permitted to inform you that there are several Degrees in Freemasonry, and peculiar Ss. restricted to each; these, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred on candidates according to merit and abilities. I shall, therefore, proceed to entrust you with the Signs of Degree, or those marks by which we are known to each other, and distinguished from the rest of the world; but must premise for your general information that all Ss.,

Ls., and proper Sns., to know a Mason by; you are therefore expected to stand perfectly erect (done), your feet formed in a Square (done); your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet of the rectitude of your actions. When you advanced from West to East this evening you did so by three irregular steps, irregular from your then situation not knowing from whence you came or in what direction you were going. These lead to more regular steps, morally teaching us well squared lives and upright intentions.

Worshipful Master – You will now take a step towards me with your left foot, bringing the right heel into it’s hollow, that is the first step in Freemasory, and it is in this position that the Ss. of the Degree. Are communicated; they consist of a Sn., T., and W. Place your hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a s.t.t.t.l.o.t.w.p. (Worshipful Master illustrates, Candidate copies). The Sn. Is giving by dr. the h.s.a.t.t. and d.i.t.t.s.i.t.f.o.a.s. (Worshipful Master illustrates Candidate Copies). This is allusion to the P. of your O . wherein you swore that as a man of honour and an Entered Apprentice Freemason, you would rather have your t.c.a.y.t.t.o.b.t.r. (Worshipful Master illustrates Candidate copies) than improperly Disclose The Ss. entrusted to you. The Grip or Token is given by a distinct pressure of the thumb on the first knuckle joint of a Brothers right hand (Worshipful Master not Junior Deacon adjust it). This when regularly given and received serves to distinguish a Brother by night as well as day; when given by day it should always be covered thus (Worshipful Master illustrates Candidate copies). This Grip or Token demands a Word, a Word highly prized amongst Masons as a guard to their privileges. Too much caution. Therefore, cannot be observed in communicating it; it should never be given at length, but always by Ls. Or Ss.; to enable you to do which I must first tell you what that Word is: it is… (Cand. repeats prompted by the Junior Deacon, Worshipful Master then spells Word repeated by the candidate.) As in the course of the ceremony you will be called on for this Word, my Brother the Junior Deacon will now dictate the answers you are to give.

(Junior Deacon to approximately centre of Lodge facing Worshipful Master about three paces distant.)

Worshipful Master – I will thank my Brother the Junior Deacon to advance to me as at his inititiation (Junior Deacon takes Step.)

Worshipful Master – What is that ?

Junior Deacon – The first step in Freemasonry.

Worshipful Master – Do you bring anything else?

Junior Deacon – I do (makes Entered Apprentice Sign.)

Worshipful Master – What is that?

Junior Deacon – The P.S. of an Entered Apprentice Freemason

Worshipful Master – To what does it allude ?

Junior Deacon – The penalty of my O. wherein I swore that as a man of honour and an Entered Apprentice Freemason I would rather have my throat cut and my t.t.o.b.t.r. than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to me.

Worshipful Master – Have you anything to communicate ?

Junior Deacon – I have (gives Grip of Entered Apprentice Freemason)

Worshipful Master – What does this grip demand ?

Junior Deacon – A word

Worshipful Master – Give me that word.

Junior Deacon – At my initiation I was taught to be cautious but with you Worshipful Master I will letter half it.

Worshipful Master – Which you please and you begin.

(the examination is gone through. At this stage the Word is halved. The Junior Deacon returns to his place and the Worshipful Master turns back to the Candidate)

W. M. – This W. is derived from the l.h.p. at the py. Or e. of K. S. T., so named after…, the G.

G. of D., a P. and R. in I.; the import of the W. is in…

W.M. – Pass,…

J.D. (takes Cand. by the r.h. an conducts him to the J. W., carefully ‘squaring’ the Lodge. J. D. takes Sp., shows E. A. Sn., and says:) Bro. A. B. on his initiation (Dis. Sn.).

J. W. – I will thank Bro. A. B. to advance to me as an E. A. F. M.

(The J. D. instructs Cand. how to advance with the Sp. and Sn.)

J. W. – Have you anything to communicate?

CAND. (prompted by J.D.). – I have.

(The J. W. rises and Cand. gives G… J. W. adjusts it.)

J. W. – What is this?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – The G. or T. of an E. A. F. M.

J.W. – (retaining hold odf Cand’s h.). – Give me hat W.

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; but with you Bro. J. W. I will l. or h. it.

J. W. – Which you please , and you begin. (The examination is gone through. At this stage the W. is lettered).

J. W. – Pass,…

J. D. (takes Cand. by the r. h. and conducts him to the S. W., shows E.A. Sn., and says:) Bro. S. W., I present to you Bro. A. B., on his initiation (Dis. Sn.).

S. W. – I will thank Bro. A. B. to advance to me as a Mason. (J. D. instructs Cand. to take Sp. only; no Sn.)

S. W. (to Cand.) – What is that?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – The first R. Sp. in Freemasonry.

S. W. – Do you bring anything else?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – The Py. Of my O. wherein I swore as a man of honour, and an E. A. F. M., I would rather, have m. t. c. a., m.t.t.o.b.t.r. (Cand. gives the P. Sn.). than imp… di…the Ss. entrusted to me.

S. W. – Have you anything to communicate?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – I have.

(The S. W. rises, and Cand gives G… S. W. adjusts it.)

S. W. – What is this?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – The G. or T. of an E. A. F. M.

S. W. (retaining hold of Cand’s h.) – What does this G. demand?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – At my initiation I was taught to e cautious; but with you Bro. S. W. I will l. or h. it.

S. W. (retaining hold of Cand’s h.). – Which you please and you begin. (The examination is gone through. At this stage the W. is halved).

S. W. – Whence is this W. derived?

CAND. (prompted by J. D.). – From the l. h. p. at he py. Or e. of K. S. T., so names after…, the G. G. of the D., a P. and R. in I.

S. W. – The important of the W.?

(The J. D. conducts Cand. to l. of the S. W., who remains standing and takes Cand’s. r. h. in his own l. h. J. D. turns Cand. to face E.)

S. W. (takes Sp., shows E. A. Sn., and saysJ

W. M. – Bro. S. W., I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Mason.

S. W. (dis. Sn. And sits. J. D. conducts Cand. to N. W. and faces him to South. S. W. leaves his ped., puts badge on CAnd.) Bro. A. B. in the name of the G. A. of the U. and by the W. Master’s command I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter, or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence, and the bond of friendship. I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such; and further inform you that if you never disgrace that badge (S. W. strikes Cand’s badge with his r. h., and all the Brn. clap their hands at his point) it will never disgrace you. (S. W. salutes the Cand. to face the W. M. who delivers to him the following;)

PRAYER

Vouchsafe Thine Aid, Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the universe, to our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service as to become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine Wisdom , that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may the better be enabled to unfold the beauties of true Godliness to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name.

All. – So mote it be. (All discharge Sign. Of R. and Deacons Lower their wands.)

Worshipful Master (to Candidate) – In all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?

CANDIDATE. (prompted by Junior Deacon) – In God

Worshipful Master – Right Glad am I to find your faith so well founded: relying on such sure support you may safely rise and follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence, for where the name of God is invoked we trust no danger can ensue. Let the Candidate Rise and be conducted round the Lodge. Brethren be seated.

(Junior Deacon assists Candidate to rise. Senior Deacon draws k.s…l aside. Worshipful Master and Brn. Resume their seats. The Senior Deacon replaces k.s…l takes P from Inner Guard to give to Worshipful Master on arrival. Junior Deacon takes Candidate by right hand and leads him round Lodge 3 times. Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, and Junior Warden give one Knock when Junior Deacon and Candidate have completed 2^nd circuit. Deacons and Candidates stop, facing Worshipful Master)

Worshipful Master – The Brethren from the North, East, South, and West will take notice that MR. A. B. is about to pass in view before them, to show that he is the Candidate properly prepared, and a fit and proper person to be made a Mason.

(Continue 3^rd circuit until reaching the Junior Warden, then with the Candidates r.h.s. the Junior Warden t.. times on r. sh.)

Junior Warden (to Junior Deacon)- Halt, whom have you there?

Junior Deacon (no Sign). – Mr. A. B. a poor, etc. (same report as at the door.)

Junior Warden – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

Junior Deacon – By the help or God, being free and of good report.

Junior Warden (rises, takes the r.h. of the candidate and says :) Enter, free and of good report.

(Junior Warden resumes his seat. Carefully ‘squaring’ the Lodge, the Junior Deacon conducts Candidate. To the Senior Warden, who puts him through the same examination. Junior Deacon then conducts Candidate To left of the Senior Warden, who remains standing and still holding the Candidate’s right hand in his own left hand. Junior Deacon should turn the Candidate to face East)

Senior Warden (takes Step, and with Entered Apprentice Sign Says:)

Worshipful Master, I present to you Mr. A. B., a Candidate Properly prepared to be made a Mason.

Worshipful Master – Brother Senior Warden, your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the Candidate, which I trust he will answer with candour. (Senior Warden discharges Sign, restores Candidate to Junior Deacon, and resumes his seat.)

Worshipful Master (to Candidate). – Do you seriously declare on your honour that , unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends against your own inclination, and un-influenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a Candidate For the mysteries and privileges of ancient Freemasonry?

CANDIDATE. (prompted by Junior Deacon) - I do .

Worshipful Master – Do you likewise pledge yourself that you are prompted to solicit those privileges by a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution, a general desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow creatures?

CANDIDATE (prompted by Junior Deacon) - I do .

Worshipful Master – Do you further seriously declare on your honour that, avoiding fear on the one hand, and rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your initiation, and, if once admitted, you will afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the order?

CANDIDATE (prompted by Junior Deacon) - I do .

Worshipful Master – Brother Senior Warden. (Senior Warden rises with Sign)

You will direct the Junior Deacon to instruct the Candidate to advance to the P. in due form. (Senior Warden discharges sign and sits.)

Senior Warden – Brother Junior Deacon. (Junior Deacon gives Sign), it is the Master’s command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the P. in due form.

(Carefully squaring the Lodge, the Junior Deacon leads Candidate to within about a yard of the Worshipful.Master’s P. and then directs him.)

Junior Deacon – The method of advancing to the P. in this degree is by three irregular steps. Of approximately 9, 11 and 13 inches. Place your heels. together right foot turned out to a form a square.

Junior Deacon (out loud) Take a short step forward with the left foot bringing the heels together as before.

Take another step a little longer, heels together as before.

Take another step a little longer still, heels together as before.

Worshipful Master (to Candidate) – It is my duty to inform you that Masonry is free, and requires a perfect freedom of inclination in every Candidate for its mysteries; it is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue; it possesses great and invaluable privileges; and in order to secure those privileges to worthy men, and we trust to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required; but let me assure you that in those vows there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties; are you therefore willing to take a Solemn Oath, founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the Order?

CANDIDATE. (prompted by Junior Deacon) – I am.

Worshipful Master – Then you will kneel on your left knee, your right foot formed in a Square, give me your right hand (Junior Deacon assists), which I place on the Volume of the Sacred Law, while your l.

(Senior Deacon assists) will be employed in supporting these … one … presented to your n. l. b. taking care not to hurt yourself.

(Worshipful Master gives single Knock which is answered by Senior and Junior Wardens. All rise, take Step, and stand to Order with S. of R. Ds. cross wands above candidates head.

Deacons should hold the wands with l. h. showing Sn. of R. with r. h.)

Worshipful Master (to Candidate) – Repeat your several names at length, and say after me:

CEREMONY OF INITIATION

( The Tyler gives one Knock on the door with his fist.

The Inner Guard then rises, takes Step, and with Entered Apprentice Sign Says:)

Inner Guard – Brother Junior Warden, there is an alarm (keeps up the Sign.)

(While seated the Junior Warden gives one Knock then Rises, takes Step, and with Entered Apprentice Sign. says:)

Junior Warden – Worshipful Master, there is an alarm.

Worshipful Master – Brother Junior Warden, ascertain the cause.

Junior Warden (discharges Sign and resumes his seat). – Brother Inner Guard, see who seeks admission.

( Inner Guard discharges Sign; he leaves the Lodge, closing the door behind him and enquires)

Inner Guard (to Tyler). Halt. Whom have you there?

TYLER (to Inner Guard). – Mr. A. B., a poor candidate in a state of darkness, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed, balloted for, and approved in open Lodge, and now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.

Inner Guard (to Tyler). – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

Tyler – by the help of God, being free and of good report.

Inner Guard ( to Tyler) – Wait while I report to the Worshipful Master.

(the Inner Guard re-enters the Lodge, closes the door, goes to position at left of Senior Warden, takes Step, shows Entered Apprentice Sign, and says:)

Inner Guard (to Worshipful Master. – Worshipful Master, outside the door of the Lodge stands Mr. A.B., etc. (same report as the Tyler)

Worshipful Master (to Inner Guard). – How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

Inner Guard ( keeping up the Sign). – By the help of God. Being free and of good report.

Worshipful Master – The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour; do you Brother Inner Guard vouch that he is properly prepared?

Inner Guard – I do, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master – Then let him be admitted in due form.

(Inner Guard should discharge Sign) Brother Deacons. (Junior Deacon places k. s…l.

The Candidate Is met at the door by the Inner Guard, who applies the … to his l. b.; the Inner Guard asks him, Do you feel anything prick you? and after a reply in the affirmative)

Inner Guard (to Candidate) – So may your conscience prick you, should you ever divulge any of those Masonic Secrets which may now, or at any

future period be communicated to you.

(The Inner Guard raises the p…n…d above his head to show the Worshipful Master that he has so applied it and at the same time gives the Candidates. name. The Senior Deacon then takes the right hand of the Candidate with his left , and leads him to the Junior Deacon before the k…g s…l near the left of the Senior Warden. Junior Deacon on right of Cand.)

Worshipful Master (to Candidate) – Mr…A B., as no person can be made a mason unless he is free and of mature age, I demand of you, are you a free man and of the full age of twenty-one years?

CANDIDATE. (prompted by Junior Deacon) – I am

Worshipful Master (to Candidate) – Thus assured, I will thank you to k…l, while the blessing of heaven is invoked on our proceedings . ( Gives single knock answered by Senior and Junior Wardens.

The Deacons Cross their wands over the head of the Candidate. All stand with the sign of R...J. D. places Candidate’s hand to sign of R.)

First Degree

OPENING THE LODGE IN THE FIRST DEGREE

The Brethren being assembled, the Opening Ode is sung. The Worshipful Master then gives a single Knock which is answered by the Senior and Junior Wardens.

Worshipful Master - Brethren, assist me to open the lodge.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden, calling him by name)

-Brother. …, what is the first care of every Mason?

Junior Warden – To see that the Lodge is properly Tyled.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden). – Direct that duty to be done.

Junior Warden ( to Inner Guard by name.. – Brother. …, see that the Lodge is properly Tiled.

(Inner Guard goes to door and gives Entered Apprentice Knocks Being answered by the Tyler, he goes to position at left of the Senior Warden, and, with no Step or Sign., says to Junior Warden, by name) Brother…, the Lodge is properly Tiled.

Junior Warden (gives one Knock. no Step, no Sign And says to Worshipful Master, no name). – The Lodge is properly Tiled.

Worshipful Master (to Senior Warden, by name). – Brother. …, the next care?

Senior Warden - To see that none but Masons are present.

Worshipful Master – to order, Brethren as Masons in the First Degree.

(Worshipful Master and Brethren take Step and stand to order as Entered Apprentices.)

Worshipful Master – Brother Junior Warden, how many principal officers are there in the Lodge?

Junior Warden – Three: the Worshipful Master, and the the Senior and Junior Wardens.

Worshipful Master – Brother Senior Warden, how many assistant officers are there?

Senior Warden – Three, besides the Tyler or Outer Guard.: namely the Senior and Junior Deacons and the Inner Guard.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden.) . – The situation of the Tyler.?

Junior Warden - Outside the door of the Lodge.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden. – His Duty

Junior Warden – Being armed with a drawn sword, to keep off all intruders and Cowans to Masonry and to see that the Candidates. are properly prepared.

Worshipful Master (to Senior Warden). – The situation of the Inner Guard?

Senior Warden. – Within the entrance of the Lodge.

Worshipful Master ( to Senior Warden). – His duty?

Senior Warden – To admit Masons on proof, receive the Candidates in due form, and obey the commands of the Junior Warden.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden). – The situation of the Junior Deacon?

Junior Warden – At the right of the Senior Warden.

Worshipful Master - (to Junior Warden).- His duty?

Junior Warden – To carry all messages and communications of the Worshipful Master from the Senior to the Junior

Warden, and to see that the same are punctually obeyed.

Worshipful Master (to Senior Warden). – The situation of the Senior Deacon?

Senior Warden – At or near to the right of the Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master (to Senior Warden). – His duty?

Senior Warden – to bear all messages and commands from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and await the return of the Junior Deacon.

Worshipful Master – Brother Junior Warden, your place in the Lodge?

Junior Warden – In the South.

Worshipful Master (to Junior Warden) – Why are you placed there?

Junior Warden – To mark the sun at its Meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment, and from refreshment to labour, that profit and pleasure may be the result.

Worshipful Master – Brother Senior Warden, your place in the Lodge?

Senior Warden – In the West.

Worshipful Master (to Senior Warden). – Why are you placed there?

Senior Warden – To mark the setting Sun; to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master., after having seen that every Brother has had his due.

Worshipful Master (to Immediate Past Master.). – Worshipful Brother, Immediate Past Master, the master’s place?

Immediate Past Master – In the East.

Worshipful Master (to Immediate Past Master). – Why is he placed there?

Immediate Past Master – As the sun rises in the East to open and enliven the day, so the Worshipful Master is placed in the East to open the Lodge, and employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry.

Worshipful Master. – The Lodge being duly formed, before I declare it open, let us invoke the assistance of the Great Architect of the Universe in all our undertakings; may our labours , thus begun in order, be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony.

Immediate Past Master – So mote it be.

Worshipful Master – Brethren, in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, I declare the Lodge duly open (all discharge Sign.) for the purpose of Freemasonry in the First Degree,

( The Worshipful Master gives Entered Apprentice Knocks, which are repeated by the Senior Warden, who raises his Column, and by the Junior Warden, who lowers his Column. Inner Guard goes to the door and gives Entered Apprentice Knocks, being answered by Tyler. The Senior Deacon attends to the Tracing Board when the Tyler has given Entered Apprentice Knocks. Immediate Past Master opens Volume Sacred Law., and arranges the Square and Compasses Thereon with both Points Of the Compasses. Under the Square. It does not matter at which particular Book or Chapter the Volume Sacred Law is opened; the First Great Light in Masonry is the entire Volume.)

Worshipful Master Brethren be seated.

END OF THE CEREOMNYOF OPENING

THE LODGE IN THE FIRST DEGREE