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MASONIC RITUAL
GRAND LODGEOF
F.. AND A.. M..
I4k).
ALABAMA
CompiledUnderAuthority of the GrandLodge
1963
Reprinted1978—1984
Brown Printing CompanyMontgomery,Alabama
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NineteenthEdition of the Ritual
The previouseditions, publishedin 1963, and re-printedin 1978 havebeendepleted,necessitatingtheprinting of this NineteenthEdition
The edition of 1978 hasbeenpainstakinglychec1~edand sucherrors in the text asdiscoveredhave beencorrected.One n~w portion hasbeen insertedin thesection,Installation of Officers, on Page 185, namelythe installation of The Historian. This is by the ..
authority of a resolution presentedto the GrandLodge and recordedin the 1974 Proceedings,Page140-141. Adoption of the resolution is recorded inthe JurisprudenceReport,Page 157-[58.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masonsof the Stateof AlabamawasorganizedJune11, 1821,in Cahawba,then Capital of Alabama, growing outof a five day convention assembledin the hail ofHalo LodgeNo. 21 (GeorgiaCharter)for that purpose.Fifteen Lodges had existedin Alabamaas openter-ritory, and nine surrenderedtheir chartersback totheir motherjurisdictions (Kentucky1, Tennessee5,SouthCarojina 1, North Carolina 1, Georgia 1) andwereassignedthefirst ninenumbersof thenew GrandLodge.
The first Annual Communicationwas set for sixmonthsforward, and the GrandLodge met on De-cember11, 1821, almost exactly two yearsafter Ala-bama Statehood
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The Ritual as presentedherewith is fittingly in-scribedasa memorialto thehistory of the past 163yearsand asan incentive for the yearsahead.
September,1984 David L. Shirey, ChairmanCommitteeon Work
GrandSecretaryJosephP. Jonesand your GrandMasterexpressappreciationto BrotherShirey for hisdedicatedandpainstakingendeavorin servingaschiefeditor of this Ritual Edition.
Jack Smith, GrandMaster
Page
Prefaceto Eighteenth Edition — 3Table of Contents ... 5Opening and Closing of the Lodge 7-10Declaiation of Candidatesfor Degrees 11Degreeof Entered Apprentice 12-34Degreeof Fellow Craft 35-46Degreeof Master Mason - 47-65Ancient Landmarks 66-72Masonic Funeral Seivice 73-96Ritual foi- a Lodge of Sorrow - - 97-120Ceremonyof Laying Corner-Stone 121-137Dedication of Masonic Halls 138-149Instituting Lodge Under Dispensation450-158Constituting of a New Lodge 159-174Installation of Lodge Officers ... 175-195Installation of GrandLodge Officers - 196-207Ceremony for the Pi-esentationof the
Grand Lodge Fifty-year Award ---- 208-213Reception of Visitois - - 214-216
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Degreeand CeremonialWork
OPENING OF THE LODGE
* * * ~ * * *
OPENING PRAYER.
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowedbe Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy willdone in earth as it is in heaven.Give us thisday our daily bread. And forgive us our debts,as we forgive our debtors. And lead us notinto temptation, but deliver us from evil: ForThine is the kingdom, and the power, and theglory, forever Amen.. So mote it be
Or this
Most holy andglorious Lord God, the GreatArchitect of the Universe,thegiver of all goodgifts and graces: Thou hast promised that“where two or three are gatheredtogether inThy name, Thou wilt be in the midst of themand bless them.” In Thy name we assemble,mosthumbly beseechingTheeto blessus in allour undertakings,that we may know and serveThee aright, and that all our actionsmay tendto Thy glory, andto our advancementin knowl-edgeand virtue. And we beseechThee,0 LordGod, to bless our present assembling, and to
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8 MASONIC RITUAL.
illuminate our minds, that we may walk in thelight of Thy countenance;and when the trialsof our probationary state are over, be ad-mitted into THE TEMPLE “not made withhands,eternal in the heaven” Amen. So moteit be.
An appiopriale ode is admissibiebut not obligatory
* k * * * * *
CLOSING THE LODGE.* C * * * * *
PRAYER AT CLOSING.
Supreme Architect of the Universe, acceptour humble praises and hearty thanks for themany merciesand blessingswhich Thy bountyhas conferred on us, and especially for thisfriendly and social intercourse. Pardon, webeseechThee, whatever Thou hast seen amissin us sincewe have beentogether,and continueta us Thy presence,protection and blessing.IVIake us sensibleof the renewedobligations weare under to love Thee supremely, and to befriendly to each other. May all our irregularpassionsbe subdued,and maywe daily increasein Faith, Hope and Charity, but more es-pecially in that Charity which is the bond ofpeaceand the perfection of every virtue. ~iaywe so practice Thy precepts in the rigid ob-servanceof the tenets of Freemasonry, that
4 DEGREE AND CEREMONIAL WORK. 9
we may finally obtain Thy promises,and findan entrancethrough the gatesinto the Templeand City of our God. Amen. So mote it be.
Here may foilow an ode.
* * * * * * *
CHARGE AT CLOSING.
BRETHREN:
We are now aboutto quit this sacredretreatof friendship and virtue, to mix again withthe world. Amidst its concerns and employ-ments, forget not the duties which you haveheard so.frequently inculcated and so forciblyrecommended in this Lodge. Remember thataround this sacred altar, you have solemnlybound yourself to befriend and relieve everybrother who shall need your assistance. Youhave promised in the most friendly mannertoremind him of his errors, and aid a reforma-tion. These generousprinciples are to extendfurther; every human being has a claim uponyour kind offices; do good unto all; recom-mend it more especially “to the householdofthe faithful.” Finally, brethren, be ye all ofone mind; live in peace; and may the God ofpeaceand love delight to dwell with and blessyou.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
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10 MASONIC RITUAL.
IBENEDICTION AT CLOSING
And so may we ever meet, act and part, mybrethren. Maybiotherly love prevail and everymoral and social virtue cement us! May theblessingsof heavenrest upon us and all reg-ular Masons! Amen. So mote it be.
POSITION OF LIGHTS IN LODGE
As prescribedby Grand Lodge, Proceedings1922, page 137.
North
East
South
West
Declarationof Candidatefor theDegrees
Every candidate, previous to his reception, is requiredto make the foiiowing declaration to a proper officer, in
a room adjoining the Lodge.
Do you solemnly declare, upon your honor,before these gentlemen,that, unbiasedby theimproper solicitation of friends, and unin-fluencedby mercenarymotives, you freely andvoluntarily offer yourself a candidatefor themysteriesof Masonry?
Answer—I do.
Do you solemnly declare, upon yotir honor,before thesegentlemen,that you are promptedto solicit the privileges of Masonry by a fav-orable opinion conceived of the institution, adesire for knowledge and a sincere wish ofbeing serviceableto your fellow creatures?
Answer—I do.
Do you solemnly declare, upon your honor,before these gentlemen, that you will cheer-fully conforni to all the ancient establishedusagesand customs of the fraternity?
Answer—I do.
State upon your honor, whether you havebeen rejected by another Lodge; if yes, statewhat Lodge, and when.
Answer—
Are you maimed in any way7 If so, ex-plain.
0
0 0
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12 MASONIC RITUAL.
The Degreeof EnteredApprentice
SECTION FIRST.
The first sectr2n consists of generni heads, which,
though short arid simr,]e, carry weight with them, sndquelify us to try and e~amrnc the iights of others to ourprivileges, while they piove them ejvcs it also accurateiv
elucidates the mode of initial ing a candidate into our
unciest Order
CLOTHING
Apron—white la’ribskrn o. inen, with no ornanrent,device or edging, fourteen inches wide by fourteen inchesdeep, squareat the bottom, uvith a triangular fall at thetro live inches deep
OPENING.
* * * * *. ~ *
RECEPTION
* * * * * ~
PRAYER USED AT THE INITIATIONOF A CANDIDATE
VouchsafeThine aid, Almtghty Fatherof theUniverse, to this our presentconvention; andgrant that this candidate for Masonry maydedicateand devotehis life to Thy service,andbecomea true and faithful brother amongus!Endue him with a competencyof Thy divinesvt’olnm, that by the secretsof our art he may
I
ENTERED APPRENTICE. Th
be better enabled to display the beauties oi~holinessto thehonor of Thy holy name!Amen,So mote it be.
* * C * * * ~
The following passageof Scripture (Psalms CXXXUI)is rehearsed
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is foibrethren to dwell together in unity! Itis likethe precious ointment upon the head,that randown upon thebeard,even Aaron’s beard; thatwentdown to the skirts of hts garments;as thedew of I-Iermon, and as thedew that descendedopenthemountainsof Zion. for therethe Loidcommanded the blessing, even life forever-
more!
* C * * * * *
Towards the close of this section is explained thatpeculiar ensign r)f Masonry, the lambskin, or white
leather apron
I will now piesent you with a
LAMBSKIN, OR WHITE LEATHER APRON
It is an eniblem of innocence,and the badgeof a Mason; more ancient than the GoldenFleeceor Roman Eagle; more honorablethan
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Ithe Star and Garter, os any other Order thatcan beconferredupon you at this or any future
period by king, prince, potentate,or any otherperson, unless he be a Mason.
It may be, my brother, that, in the comingyears, upon your head shall rest the laurelleaves of victory; on your breast may hangjewels fit to grace the diadem of an Easternpotentate; nay, more than these, with lightadded to the coming light, your ambitious feetmay tread round after round the ladder thatleads to fame in our Mystic Circle, and eventhe purple of our Fraternity niay rest uponyour honoredshoulders;but neveragain frommortal hands,never again until your enfran-chised spirit shall have passed upward andinward throtigh the pearly gates, shall anyhonor so distinguished,so eniblematicof purityand all perfection, be bestowed upon you asthis which I now confer.
It is yours—yours to wear throughout anhonorable life, and at your death, should youso will, be placed upon the coffin which shallcontain your earthly remains, and with thembe laid beneath the silent clods of the valley.Let its pure and spotlesssurfacebe to you anever-presentreminder of a ‘purity of life andrectitudeof conduct,” a never-endingargumentfor nobler deeds,for higher thoughts,for pureractions. And when at last your weary feetshall have come to the end of life’s toilsomejourney, and from your nervelessgrasp shalldrop forever the working tools of life, maythe record of your life and actions be as pureand spotlessas the faIr emblem which I placewithin your hands tonight. And when yourtrembling soul shall stand before the GreatWhite Throne, may it be your portion, my
brother, to receive from the Supreme GrandMaster the welcome words, “Well done, goodand faithful servant; enter thou into the joyof thy Lord.”
Accept it, my brother, and may you everwear It with pleasure to yourself and honorto the Fratesitity. Take it to the * * * * whowill teach you to wear it as * ~ * * * *
* * * * * * *
I wtll now present you with the workingtools of Entered Apprentice, which are the
‘4
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MASONIC RITUAL.
TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE ANDCOMMON GAVEL
The Twenty-four inch Gauge is an instiu-ment usedby opeiative Masonsto measureandlay out their work; but we, as Fice and Ac-cepted Masons, ase taught to make use of it
fot the more noble and glorious purpose ofdividing our time. It beingdivided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematicof the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to(livi(le into three equal parts, xvheieby stefound eight hours fos the service of God, anda distressed worthy brother; eight for ourusualvocations,and eight for refreshmentandsleep.
The Common Gavel is an instrument madeuse of by operative Masonsto break off thesuperfluouscornersof rough stones, the betterto fit them for the builders use; but we, asFree and Accepted Masonsare taught to makeuse of it for the more noble and glorious pur-pose of divesting our hearts and consciencesof all thevices and superfluitiesof life; there-
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
by fitting our minds as living stones for thatspiritual building, that house“not made withhands,etelnal in the heavens.”
* * * * * * *
SECTION SECOND
The second section rationally accounts for the cere-loony of ,nit,ating a candidate into our ancient inatito-
lion
k * * * *
THE BADGE OF A MASON.
been deemedanThe lamb has in all agesemblem of innocence; thelambskin is, therefore, toremind you of that purityof life and rectitude of con-duct which is so essentiallynecessaryto your gaining admission into theCelestial Lodge above, where the SupremeAichitect of the Universe presides.
* * * * * * *
SECTION THIRDThe third section explains the nature and pi incipics of
our institution, in it, also, we receive instructions rela-tive to the Focm, Supports, Coverings. rurniture, Oina-menta, Lights and Jewels of the Lodge, how it should
be situated and to whom dedicated
ii
.4
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I8 MASONIC RITUAL.
Freemasonryis not only the most ancient,but most moral scienceknown to man. Everycharacter, emblem and figure depicted in alodge has a moral and useful meaning, andforcibly inculcatesthe practice of virtue
A LODGE
is a certain number of Masonsduly assembled,with the Holy Bible, Square and Compassesand a Charter or Warrant empowering themto work.
Ic—
Our ancient brethren usually held theirLodgeson high hills or in low vales,the betterto observethe approachof cowansand eaves-droppers, either ascendingor descending.
ENTERED APPRENTICE. 19
THE FORM OF A LODGE
is an oblong square—fromeast to west, andbetweennorth andsouth, from earth to heaven,and from surface to centre. These vast di-mensions denote the universality of Masonry,and a Mason’s charity should be equally ex-tensive. OUR INSTITUTION
is supportedby three great pillars, Wisdom,Strength and Beauty, becauseit is necessarythat there should be wisdom to contrive,strength to support, and beauty to adorn allgreat and important undertakings.
MASONIC RITUAL.20 ENTERED APPRENTICE, 21Txv. stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nliw.stichtingargus.nltw.stichtingargus.nl~w.stichtingargus.nliw.stichtingargus.nliw.stichtingargus.nlrw. stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw . stichtingargus.nliw.stichtingargus.nlw.stichtingargus.nl;w.stichtingargus.nlW N lie h ii ngargus.nl
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ITS COVERING
is no less than a clouded canopy or starry-deckedheaven,where all good Masonshope atlast to arrive, by aid of the theological ladderwhich Jacob,in his vision, saw extendingfromearth to heaven; the three principal roundsof which are denominated Faith, Hope andCharity, and which admonishus to have faithin God, hope in immortality, and charity toall mankind.
The greatestof these is Charity, for faithmay he lost in sight; hope ends in fruition;
but charity extendsbeyondthe grave throughthe boundless realms of eternity.
THE FURNITURE OF A LODGE
is the Holy Bible, Squareand Compasses. TheHoly Bible is dedicated toGod, the Square to theMaster, and the Compassesto the Craft. The Bible is(ledicated to God becauseit
is the inestimable gift ofGod to man * * * ; theSquare to the Master, be-cause it is the proper Masonic embleni of hisoffice; and the Compassesto the Craft, be-cause, by a due attention to their use we aretaught to circumscribe our desiresand keepour passionsin doe bounds.
THE ORNAMENTS OF A LODGE
are the Mosaic Pavement,the Indented Tesseland the Blazing Star. The Mosaic Pavement
‘S
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22 MASONIC RITUAL.
is a representationof theground floor of KingSolomon’s Temple. The Indented Tessel, thatbeautiful tesselated border, or skirting, withwhich it was surrounded,and the Blazing Starin the Centre, the S: S: or Holy of Elolies.
The Mosaic Pavement is emblematic ofhuman life, checkeredwith good and evil; thebeautiful border which surrounds it, thosemanifold blessings and comforts which sur-round us, and which we hope to enjoy by afaithful reliance on Divine Providence,whichis hieroglyphically representedby the blazingstar in thecenLre.
THERE ARE THREE LIGHTS
ain Lodge, situated in the south, west andeast. There is none in the north, becauseKingSolomon’s temple was situated so far northof the ecliptic that neither the sun nor moonat meridian could dart any rays to the north-
ENTERED APPRENTICE 23
erly part thereof. The north, therefore, isMasonicaflv termed a placeof darkness.
A LODGE HAS SIX JEWELS,
three immovable and three movable.
THE IMMOVABLE JEWELSare the Square,Level and Plumb. The Squareteachesmorality, the Level, equality, and thePlumb, rectitude of life.
THE MOVABLE JEWELS
are the Rough Ashlar, Perfect Asidar andTrestle-board.
The Rough Ashlar is astone as taken from thequarry in its rude andnatural state
II iI~l~I
The Treslie-board
The Perfect Ashlar isa stone made ready bythe hands of the work-men, to be adjusted bythe working tools of thefellow-craft.is for the master work-
man to draw his designs upon.
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Dy theRough Ashlar we areremindedof ouirude and imperfect state by nature; by thePerfect Ashlar, that state of perfection atwhich we hope to arrive by a vii tuous educa-tion, our own endeavors,aiid the blessingsofGod and by the Trestle-board we are alsoiemindcd that, as the ope’~ative workmanerects his temporal buildiiig agreeably to therules and designslaid down by the niaster onhis trestle-board,so should we, both operativeand speculative,endeavorto eiect our spiritualbuildiiig agreeablyto the rules and dcsignslaiddowii by the Supieme Aichitect of the Uni-verse,iii the gicat books of natiiie afl(l revela-tion, which is our spii tual, mmal and Ma-sonic tiestic-board.
SITUATION OF LODGES-~ - ~
Lodges are situated due east and west;, be-causeKing Solomon’stemple was so situated.King Solomon’s temple was so situated, be-cause after Moses had safely conducted thechildren of Israel through the RerI Sea whenpursued by Pharaoh and his host, he, by adivine command, erected a tabernacle. Thistabernacle was an exact model for King Sol-omen’s temple, and was situated due east and~vest to perpetuate a remembrance of thatmiraculous east; wind by which their mightydeliverance was wrought; also to receive theiays of the rising sun.
DEDICAT[ON OF LODGES.
Lodges were anciently dedicated to KingSolomon,becausehe was ourFirst Most Excellent GrandMaster, but modern Masonsdedicatethcirs to St. John theBaptist and St. John theEvangelist, who were twoeminentpatrons of Masonry;ann since their time there isrepresented,in every regular
and well governed Lodge, acertain pointwithin thecircle,embordered by two perpen-jicular parallel lines, representing- St. John
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26 MASONIC RITUAL.
the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, andupon the top rests the Holy Scriptures. (Thepoint represents an individual brother, thecircle, the boundary line beyond which he isnever to suffer his prejudices or passionstobetray him.) In going round this circle wenecessarilytouch upon thesetwo lines as wellas the Holy Scriptures, and while a Masonkeeps himself circumscribed within their pre-cepts, it is impossible that he should ma-terially err.
THE TENETS OF OUR ORDER AREBROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF
AND TRUTH.
BROTI-IERLY LOVE
By the exercise of brotherly Love we aretaught to regard thewhole human speciesasone family, the highand low, the rich andpoor, who, as createdby one Almighty Par-ent, and inhahitants ofthe sameplanet, are toaid, support and pro-tect each other. On this principle, Masonryunites men of every country, sect and opinion,and conciliates true friendship among those
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
who might otherwise have remained at a per-petual distance.
RELIEF.
To relieve thedistressedis a duty incumbenton all men, but particularly on Masons who
are linked together by an indissoluble chainof sincere affection. To soothethe unhappy,to sympathizewith their misfortunes, to corn-rassionatetheir miseries,and to restore peaceto their troubled minds is the great aim wehave in view. On this basis we form our friend-ships and establish our connections.
MASONIC RITUAL.28ENTERED APPRENTICE. 29
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TRUTH
is a dLvine attrLbute, and the foundation ofevery virtue To be good and true is the firstlesson we are taught in Masonry- On this
~s’t ‘-~ __-iitheme we contemplate,and by its dictates en-deavor to regulate our conduct; hence, whileinfluenced by this principle, hypocrisy and de-ceit are unknown among us; sincerity andplain dealing distinguish us, and the beartandtongue join in promoting each other’s welfareandrejoicing in eachother’s prosperity.
THE PERFECT POINTS
of your entranceare four, the ~ * * ~ ~, andallude to the four cardinal virtues (Ternpe-ance, Foi tit~tde, Prudence end Justice), andare thus explained:
TEMPERANCE
is that due iestraint upon our affections and
Passionswhich rendersthe body tameand governable, and frees the mindfrom the allurements of vice. Thisvirtue should be the constantpracticeof every Mason, as he is thereby ~taught to avoid excess,or contractingany licentious or vicious habit, the in-dulgenceof which might lead him todisclosesomeof thoso valuablesecretswhich he haspromised to concealandnever reveal, and which would consequentlysubjecthim to the contemptand detestationofall good Masons * ~
FORTITUDE
is that noble and steady purposeof the mindwhereby we are enabledto undergoany pain, peril or danger,when pru-dentially deemed expedient. Thisvirtue is equally distant from rash-ness and cowardice, and, like theformer, should be deeply impressedupon the mind of every Mason, as asafeguard or security against anyillegal attack that may be made byforce or otherwise, to extort fromhim any of those valuable secrets
w-ith which he has beenso solemnly entrusted,and which were emblematically representedupon his first admissioninto the Lodge K
MASONIC RITUAL.30 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 81rw.stichtjngargus.nI
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PRUDENCE
teachesus to regulate our lives and actionsagreeably to the dictates of reason,and is thathabit by which we wise4yjudge, and prudentially determine,on all things relative to our presentas well as to our future happiness. ‘I
This virtue should be the peculiarcharacteristic of every Mason, not Ionly for thegovernmentof his con- /‘
duct while in the Lodge, but alsowhen abroad in the world. It shouldbe particularly attended to, in all strange andmixed companies,never to let fall the leastsign, token or word whereby the secretsofMasonry might be unlawfully obtained
JUSTICE
is that standard or boundary of right whichenablesus to render to every manhis just due, without distinction. Thisvirtue is not only consistent withdivine and human laws, but it is thevery cement and support of civilsociety; and as justice in a greatmeasureconstitutestherealgood man,so should it bethe invariablepracticeof every Mason never to deviate fromtheminutestprinciples thereof * *
‘1
p
CHALK, CHARCOAL AND CLAY.EnteredApprenticesshould servetheir mas-
tei-s with freedom, fervency and zeal, emble-matically representedby
Thei-e is nothing freer than chalk, becauseon theslightest touch it leavesa tracebehindit; there is nothing morefervent than charcoal,becausewhen properly ignited, to it the mostobdurate metals yield; theie is nothing morezealous than clay, our mother earth, which isconstantly employed in man’s use, and shouldas constantly remind us that from it we came,and unto it we must all return.
Our mother earthalone,of all theelenients,has never proved unfriendly to man. Thebodiesof watei delugehim with rain, oppresshim with hail, and drown him with inunda-tions; the air rushesin storms, preparesthetempest,and fires light up the volcano;but theearth, ever kind and indulgent, is found sub-servient to his wishes. Though constantlyharassed,more to furnish the luxuries thanthe necessariesof life, she never refusesher accustomedyield, spreadinghis path withflowers andhis table with plenty Though she
32ENTERED APPRENTICE. 38
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MASONIC RITUAL.
producespoison, still shesupplies the antidote,and returns with interest every good com-mitted to her care; and when at last he iscalled upon to passthrough the “dark valleyof theshadowof death”, sheoncemore receiveshim and piously covershis remainswithin herbosom. This admonishesus that from it wecame,and unto it we must shortly return.
CHARGE AT INITIATION [NTO THEFIRST DEGREE.
MY BROTHER
As you are now introduced into the firstprinciples of Masonry, I congratulate you onbeing acceptedinto this ancient and honorableOider—ancient, as having existed from timeimmemorial, and honorable,astending in everyparticular so to render all men who willbe conforniable to its precepts No institutionwas ever raised on a better pi iiiciple or moresolid foundation; nor were ever more excellentrules and useful maxims laid down than areinculcated in the seveial Masonic lectures Thegreatestandbestof men, in all ages,have beenencouragersand promoters of the art, andhave never deemed it derogatory to their dig-nity to level themselveswith the fraternity,extend their privileges, and patronize theirassemblies.Therearethreegreatduties which, I
as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate-—toGod, your neighbor, and yourself. To God, Innever mentioning His name but with thatreverential awe which is due from a creatureto his Greatoii to implore His aid in all yourlaudable undertakings, and to esteem Him asthe chief good. To your neighbor, in actingupon the square,and doing unto him as youwish he should do unto you, and to yourself,in avoiding all irregulasity and intemperancewhich may impair your faculties, or debasethe dignity of your profession. A zealousat-tachmentto theseduties will insure public andprivate esteem.
In the State you are to be a quiet and peace-ful subject, true to your government,and justto your country; you are not to countenancedisloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit tolegal authority and conform with cheerfulnessto thegovernment of the country in which youlive. In your outward demeanor, be par-ticularly careful to avoid censure and re-proach.
Although your frequent appearanceat emregularmeetingsis earnestlysolicited, yet it isnot meant that Masonry shall interfere withyour necessaryvocations; for these are on noaccount to be neglected; neither are you tosuffer your zeal for the institution to lead you
34 MASONIC RITUAL.
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into argument with those who, through ignor-ance,may ridicule it.
At your leisure hours, that you may improvein Masonicknowledge,you are to conversewithwell-informed brethren, who will always be asready to give as you will be to receive in-struction.
Finally, keep sacredand inviolate the mys-teries of the Order, as theseare to distinguishyou from the rest of the community, and markyour consequenceamong Masons. If, in thecircle of your acquaintance,you find a persondesirous of being initiated into Masonry, beparticularly attentive not to recommend himunless you are convincedhe will conform toour rules; that the honor,glory and reputationof the institution may be firmly established,and the world at large convinced of its goodeffects.
CLOSING.
* ~& * * * * *
FELLOW CRAFT. 35
The Degreeof Fellow Craft
SECTION FIRST
The first section recapitulates important ceremonies.
and instructs the diiigent craftsman how to proceed inthe proper arrangement of the seveiai cel emonies used
on the occasion It shoniri, therefore, be weii understoodby every officer and member of the Lodge
CI.OTEING
Same as in the Entered Apprentice Degree
OPENING.
* * * * * * *
RECEPTION.
* * * * * * *
The foliowiog passage of Scr;piui e from Amos. chapter
,,ii, vei~e~ and 5. is rehearsed
~Thus he shewedme’ and, behold,the Lordstootl upon a wall made by a plumb-line, witha plumb-line in His hand.
“And thc Lord said unto me, Amos, whatseest thou? And I said, a plumb-line. Thensaid the Lord, behold, I will set a plumb—linein the midst of my people Israel: I will notagain pass by them any more.”
* * * * * * *
FELLOW CRAFT.
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36 MASONIC RITUAL.
I will now presentyou with the workingtoolsof Fellow Graft, which arethe
PLUMB, SQUARE AND LEVEL.
The Plumb is an instrumentmade useof byoperativeMasonsto raiseperpendiculars;theSquare,to square thework, and the Level, tolay horizontals; but we, as FreeandAcceptedMasons,are taught to make use of them formore nobleand glorious purposes. The Plumbadmonishesus to walk uprightly in our severalstations before God and man, squaring ouractionsby theSquareof viitue, and remember-ing that we are traveling upon the level oftime to “that undiscoveredcountry from whosebourneno traveler returns
* * * * C * *
SECTION SECOND
The second section of this degree refers to the originof the institution and views Masonry under two denom-nations, operative and specuiative The period stipulated
for rewarding merit is here fixed, and the inimitablemoral to which that circumatance alludes is explained.The cele’itial and terrestriai globes are considered, and
here the accomplished Mason may display his talents toadvantage in elucidating the Ordera of Architecture, the
Senses of Human Nature, and the Liberal Arts andSciences, which aie severally classed in a regular arrange-
ment.
* * * * Masonry is considered under two
denominations—operativeand speculative.
OPERATIVE MASONRY.
By OperativeMasonrywe alludeto a properapplication of the useful rules of architecture,whencea structurewill derive figure, strengthand beauty, and whence will result a due pro-portion and a just correspondencein all itsparts. It furnishes us with dwellings and con-venient sheltersfrom the vicissitudesand in-clemenciesof seasons;andwhile it displaystheeffectsof hunianwisdom,as well in the choice,as in thearrangement,of thesundrymaterialsof which an edifice is composed, it demon-stratesthat a fund of scienceand industry isimplanted in man, for the best, most salutaryand beneficentpurposes.
SPECULATIVE MASONRY.By SpeculativeMasonrywe learn to subdue
thepassions,act upon the square,keepatongueof good report, maintain secrecyand practicecharity. It is so far interwoven with religionas to lay us under obligation to pay that ra-tional homageto theDeity which at oncecon-stitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads
38 MASONIC RITUAL.FELLOW CRAFT. 39
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I
the contemplativeto view with reverenceandadmirationtheglorious works of creation,andinspires him with the most exalted ideas ofthe perfections of his divine Creator. OurancIentbrethren wrought in operativeas wellas speculativeMasonry. We work in specula-tive only. They -wrought six days, and restedupon the seventh, because in six days Godcreatedthe heavenand the earth, and restedupon the seventh day; the seventh,therefore,our ancient brethrenconsecratedas a day ofrest from their labors, thereby enjoying fre-quentopportunItiesto contemplatethegloriousworks of creation, and to adoi’e their greatCreator.
* * * * * * *
e
They were eighteencubits high, twelve incircumference,and were hollow, the better toserve asa safe repository for thearchivesofMasonry against inundations and conflagra-tions.
Theywereornamentedwith chapitersof fivecubits each,making their wholeheight twenty-three cubits.
Thesechapiterswereadornedwith lily work,network and pomegranates,denoting
PEACE, UNITY AND PLENTY.The lily, from its purity, and the remote
situation in which it grows, denotesPeace;thenetwork, from the Intimate connectionof allits parts,denotesUnity; andthepomegranate,from the exuberanceof its seeds, denotesPlenty.
They were further ornamented with twoartificial spherical bodies,one on the top ofeach, represeiiting
THE GLOBEScelestial and terrestrIal, which denotetheuni-versalIty of Masonry. They were cast in theplains of Jordan, in theclay groundsbetweenSuccoth and Zaradaitha,where all the holyvesselsof King Solomon’s Temple were cast
-i * ~ * * * *
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40 MASONIC RITUAL.
FLIGHT OF WINDING STAIRS.
ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE.By Order in Architectureis meanta system
of all themembers,proportions,andornamentsof columns and pilasters,or It 15 a regulararrangementof the projecting parts of abuilding, which, united with thoseof a column,form a beautiful, perfect and completewhole
ITS ANTIQUITY.From the first formation of society, Order
in Architecturemay betraced. When the rigorof seasonsobliged men to contrive shelterfrom
FELLOW CRAFT. 41
the inclemencyof the weather,we learn thatthey first plantedtreeson ends,andthen laidothers across, to support a covering. Thebandswhich connectedthosetrees at the topand bottom are said to havegiven rise to theidea of the base and capital of pillars, andfrom this simple hint originally proceededthemore improved art of architecture.
The five orders are thus classed: The Tus-can, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.
THE INVENTION OF ORDERIN ARCHITECTURE.
The ancientand original Orders in Archi-tecture revered by Masonsare no more thanthree—theDone, Ionic and Corinthian,whichwere invented by the Greeks. To these theRomanshaveaddedtwo—the Tuscanand theComposite. To the Greeks,therefore,and notto the Romans,are we indebted for what isgreat, judicious anddistinct in Architecture.
* * * i * * *
As the Five Orders of Architecture are considered in
this section, a brief description of them may not beimproper.
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42 MASONIC RITUAL
THE FIVE SENS~ES OF HUMAN NATURE.The Five Senses of Human Nature, which are Hearing,
Seeing, Feeling. Smelling and Tasting. are next referredto and explained.
* k * * * * *
THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS ANDSCIENCES
are Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic,Geometry, Music and Astronomy.
The scienceof Geometryis most reveredbyMasons. Geometry treats of the powers andproperties of magnitudes in general, wherelength, breadthand thickness are considered;from a point to a line; from a line to a super-ficies; and from a superficiesto a solid.
A point is position without magnitude.A line is a point continued, and a figure of
one capacity—namely,length.A superficiesis a figure of two dimensions
—namely, length andbreadth.A solid is a figure of three dimensions—
namely, length, breadthand thickness.
THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY
By this sciencethe architect is enabledtoconstructhis plansandexecutehis designs;thegeneral, to arrange his soldiers; the geog-rapher,to give us the dimensionsof theworldand all things therein contained;to delineate
theextentof seas,andspecify thedivisions ofempires, kingdoms, and provinces. By it, also,theastronomeris enabledto makehis observa-tions, and to fix the duration of time andseasons,yearsand cycles. In fine, geometryisthe foundation of architecture,and the rootof mathematics.
* * i * * * *
A SYMBOL OF PLENTY.
-~
What does it denote?How was it represented?How did it originate?
* * * * * * *
THE MORAL ADVANTAGESOF GEOMETRY.
Geometry,the first and noblest of sciencesis the basis on which the superstructureofMasonry is erected. By Geometry we may
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44 MASONIC RITUAL.
curiously trace nature through her variouswindings to her most concealedrecesses.Byit we may discoverthepower, thewisdom andthe goodnessof the Grand Artificer of theUniverse, and view with de]ight the propor-tions which connectthis vast machine.
By it we may discoverhow theplanetsmovein their different orbits, and demonstratetheirvariousrevoluUons. By it we accountfor thereturn of seasons,and the variety of sceneswhich each seasondisplays to the discerningeye. Numberlessworlds are around us, allframed by the samedivine Artist, which rollthrough the vast expanseand are all con-ductedby thesameunerring law of nature.
A surveyof nature,ahd the observationofher beautiful proportions, first determinedman to imitate thedivine plan,andstudy sym-metry and order. This gave rise to societies,and birth to every useful art. The architectbeganto design,and the plans which he laiddown, being improved by experienceand time,haveproducedworks which aretheadmirationof every age.
The lapse of time, the ruthless hand ofignorance and the devastationsof war, havelaid wasteanddestroyedmanyvaluablemonu-mentsof antiquity, on which the utmostexer-tions of human genius have been employed.
FELLOW CRAFT. 45
Even the temple of Solomon, so spaciousandmagnificentand constructedby so manycele-bratedartists, escapednot the unsparingrav-ages of barbarousforce. Freemasonry,not-withstanding,hasstill survived. The attentiveear receives the sound from the instructivetongue,andthemysteriesof Freemasonryaresafely lodged in the repository of faithfulbreasts. Tools and instrumentsof architecture,and symbolic emblems, most expressive, areselectedby the fraternity, ~o imprint on themind wise and serious truths; and thusthrough a successionof ages,are transmitted,unimpaired, the most excellent tenets of ourinstitution.
* ,A * * * * i
CHARGE AT PASSING TO THE DEGREEOF FELLOW CRAFT.
MY BROTHER:
Being passed to the second degree of Ma-sonry, we congratulateyou on your preferment.The internal, and not the external, qualifica-tionsof a man arewhat Masonry regards. Asyou increasein knowledge,you will improvein social intercourse.
It is unnecessaryto recapitulatethe dutieswhich, asa Mason,you areboundto discharge.or to enlarge on the necessity of a strict ad-herenceto them, as your own experiencemust
7
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46 MASONIC RITUAL.
have establishedtheir value. Our laws andregulations you are strenuouslyto support,and be always ready to assist in seeing themduly executed. You are not to palliate oraggravatethe offenseso~ your brethren; butin the decisionof every trespassagainstourrules, you are to judge with candor, admonishwith friendship, and reprehendwith justice.
The study of the liberal arts, that valuablebranch of educationwhich tendsso effectuallyto polish andadorn themind, is earnest]yrec-ommendedto your consideration,especiallythescienceof Geometry, which is establishedasthe basis of our art. Geometry, or Masonry,originally synonymousterms,beingof a divineand moral nature, is enrichedwith the mostuseful knowledge; while it proves the won-derful propertiesof nature, it demonstratesthe more important truths of morality.
Your past behavior and regular deportmenthave merited the honor which we have nowconferred,andin your new characterit is ~x-pectedthat you will conform to the princ~plesof the Order, by steadily perseveringin thepractice of everycommendablevirtue. Such isthe nature of your engagementas a FellowCraft, and to these duties you are bound bythemost sacredties.
CLOSING.* * * * * * *
F‘1
MASTER MASON.
The Degreeof Master Mason
SECTION FIRST
Tbe ceremony of raising to the Subiime Degree ofMaster Mason is particuiariy specified, and other usefuiinstructions are given in this branch of the Lecture. Toa compiete knowiedge of the whoie Lecture few, indeed.ever arrive, but it is an infaiiibie truth, that he whoaciiuires by merit the mark of pre-eminence which thisdegree confers receives a reward which ampiy com-pensates for aii his past diligence end assiduity
CLOTHING.Same as in the preceding Degree.
OPENI NG.* * * * * * ii
RECEPTION.
* * * * * * ii
The foiiowing passage of Scripture, from Ecciesiastes,
chapter xii. verses i-7, is introduced.i~Remembernow thy Creator in the daysof
thy youth, while theevil dayscomenot, northeyearsdraw nigh, when thou shalt say, I haveno pleasure in them; while the sun, or thelight, or the moon, or the stars,be not dark-ened, nor theclouds return after the rain: inthe day when the keepersof the house~ihalltremble, and the strong men shall bow them-selves,andthegrindersceasebecausethey arefew; andthosethat look out of thewindows be
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48 MASONIC RITUAL.
darkened, and the doors shall be shut in thestreets;when the soundof thegrinding is low;and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird,andall thedaughtersof music shall bebroughtlow; Also, when they shall be afraid of thatwhich is high, and fears shall be in the way,and the almond tree shall flourish and thegrasshoppershall be a burden,and desireshallfail; becauseman goeth to his long home, andthe mournersgo aboutthe streets: or ever thesilver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl bebroken, or the pitcher be broken at the foun-tain, or the wheel broken at thecistern. Thenshall the dust return to the earthas it was:and the spirit shall return unto God who gaveit.”
* * * * * * *
I will now presentyou with the
WORKING TOOLS
of Master Mason, which areall the imp]ementsof Masonry indiscriminately,but more especially theTrowel. The trowel is an in-strumentmadeuseof by Op-erative Masonsto spread thecementwhich unites a build-
ing into one commonmass; but we, as Free andAccepted Masons,are taught to make useof it
MASTER MASON.
for the more noble and glorious purposeofspreading the cement of brotherly love andaffection; thatcementwhich unitesus into onesacredband,or societyof friendsandbrothers,amongwhom no contentionshould ever existbut that noblecontention,or ratheremulation,of who can bestwork, andbest agree.
* * * * * * *
SECTION SECONDThis section recites the historicai traditions of the
Order, and presents to view a finished picture of theutmost consequenceto the Fraternity It exempiifies aninstance of virtue, fortitude and integrity unparaiieied
in the history of man.
* * * * * * *
NEARER, MY GOD, TO THEE.
Nearer,my God, to Thee,Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a crossThat raisethme;
Still all my song shall be,Nearer,my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee.
Though, like a wanderer,The sungonedown,
Darknessbe over me,My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreamsI’d beNearer,my God, to Thee’
Nearer to Thee.
50 MASON[C RITUAL.
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There let theway appear,Stepsunto heaven;
All that Thou sendestmeIn mercy given;
Angels to beckonmeNeaier, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!Then with my waking thoughts,
Bright with Thy praise,Out of my stony griefs,
Bethel I’ll raise;So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee!Nearerto Thee!Or, if on joyful wings,
Cleaving the sky,Sun, moon and stars forgot,
Upward I fly;Still a]l my song shall be,
Nearer,my God,to TheeNearerto Thoc!
* * * * * * *
MASTER MASON.
Hark! from the tombs a doleful sound!Mine earsatteiid the cry;
Ye living men comeview the ground,Whereyou must shortly lie.
Princes, this clay must be your bed,In spite of all your towers;
The tall, the wise, the reverendheadMust lie as low as ours.
Great God, is this our certain doom?And are we still secure?
Still walking downward to the tomb,And yet preparedno more?
Grant us the power of quick’ning grace,To fit our souls to fly,
That when we drop this dying flesh,We’ll rise above the sky.
Or the foiiowing may he used
PLEYEL’S HYMN.Solemnstrikes the funeral chime.Notesof our departingtime,As we journey herebelowThrough a pilgrimageof woe.Mortals now indulge atear;For mortality is here!Seehow wide hertrophieswaveO’er the slumbersof the grave.Here anotherguest we bring:Seraphoe Celestial wing,To our funeral altar come;Waft this friend and brother home.Lord of all! below—above—Fill our hearts with truth and love;When dissolvesour earthly tie,Takeus I~o Thy Lodgeon High.
k * * * * * *
51
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MASONIC RITUAL.
PRAYER AT RAISING A BROTHER TOTHE SUBLIME DEGREE OF MASTER
MASO N~Thou, 0 God! knowestour down-sittingand
our uprising, and understandestour thoughtsafar off. Shield and defend us from the evilIntentions of our enemies,and support us un-der the trials and afflictions we are destinedto endurewhile traveling throughthis vale oftears. Man that is born of a woman is of fewdays,andfull of trouble. He cometh forth likea flower, and is cut down; he fleeth alsoas ashadow,and continueth not. Seeinghis daysare determined,the numberof his months arewith Thee. Thou hast appointedhis boundsthat he cannot pass; turn from him that hemay rest, till he shall accomplishhis day. Forthereis hopeof a tree, if it be cut down, thatit will sproutagain,andthat thetenderbranchthereof will not cease. But man dieth andwastethaway; yea, man giveth up the ghost,and where is he? As thewatersfail from thesea,and the flood decayethand drieth up, soman lieth down, and riseth not up till theheavtnshall be no more. Yet, 0 Lord! havecompassionon the children of Thy creation;administerthem comfort in time of trouble,and save them with an everlastingsalvation.A nien
So mote it be.
* * * * * * *
SECTION THIRD
54 MASONIC RITUAL. MASTER MASON. 55
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‘rhe thud ~e.ction i!lu,tratcs ~eitain hiejoglyphical ,m-
blems and inculcates m~jny useful lessonsto extend knowl-edge and promote virtue It also details maxiy particularsrelative to the buildinv of the Temple of King S~,Jomon
HISTORICAL LECTURE
Sacied history inform~, us that it was de-termined by infinite wisdom that a templeshould be founded at the City of Jerusalem,to be erectedto God anddedicatedto his holyname. The high and distinguished honor ofperfoiming this sacred service was deniedDavid, King of Thiael, becausehe had becnaman of blood. But he i eceiveda pronnsefromthe true and living God that he would raiseupa seedto servehim, which divine and graciouspromisewasfulfilled in thepersonof Solomon,his son,who succeededhim in thekingdoim Nosooner had this wise k]ilg ascendedthe throneof his father and begunto wield the sceptreover Israel than he took measuies to executethe high andholy task which hadbeenimposedupon hIm, that of building a houseto theLordhis God At this time the noise of war hadceased in all the land, and peace reignedthroughout its boiders. The children of Israelnow looked forward with peculiar satisfactionfor a display of that wisdom which was toastonish the world. We are informed by thewritings of Josephus,as well as the Holy
Scriptures,that in the second month of thefourth year of King Solomon’s reign, and inthe third year after the death of David, hebeganto build thetemple; andduring its wholeprogress,which wasaboutsevenyearsand sixmonths, Masonic tradition informs us that itrained not, except in the night or at a timewhen the craft was at refreshment,therebyevincing a miraculous inteiposition of divineprovidencein that great and glorious work.This famous edifice was situated on MountMoriah, near the placewhere Abraham, thefatherof the faithful, was about to offer uphis son Isaac in trial of his faith, and whereDavid met andappeasedthe destroyingangel,who was visible over the threshing floor ofOman, the Jebusite,and when near its com-pletion it shonewith suchrefulgentsplendorasto excite thewonderandadmirationof all whobeheldit.
* * ~ * * * *
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Thesethreepillars havebeenexplainedin aformer degree. They are here intended torepresent* * * * * * * is representedbythe pillar of Wisdom, becauseby his wisdomthat stupendousmodelof excellencewaserectedwhich immortalized his name * * * * i isrepresentedby thepillar of Strength,becausehe strengthenedand supported* * * * in thatgreatandglorious work. * * * * is representedby thepillar of Beauty,becauseby his curiousworkmanshipthe Temple was beautified andadorned.
MASTER MASON. 57
This famous edifice wassupportedby four-teenhundredandfifty-three columns and twothousand,nine hundred and six pilasters,allhewn from the finest Parianmarble.
There were employed in its erection threeGrand Masters;threethousand,threehundredOverseersof theWork; eighty thousandFellowCrafts, or hewerson themountainsandin thequarries, and seventy thousand Entered Ap-prentices,or bearersof burdens.
These were all so classedand arrangedbythewisdom of King Solomon thatneitherenvy,discordnor confusionwassufferedto interruptthat universal peace and tranquillity whichpervadedthe world at that important perioduntil * * * *
I. —
MASTER MASON. 59
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58
7~6 I]
MASONIC RITUAL.
The division of Lodges is next expiained.* * * * * * *
THE THREE STEPSusually delineatedon the Master’s carpet, areemblematicof the three prin-cipal stagesof humanlife, viz.:Youth, manhoodand age. Inyouth, asEnteredApprentices,we ought industriously to oc-cupy our minds in the attainment of usefulknowledge; in manhood,as Fellow Crafts, weshould apply our knowledge to the dischargeof our respectiveduties to Cod, our neighborsand ourselves;that so in age as Master Ma-sons, we may enjoy the happyreflectionscon-sequenton a well-spent life, and die in thehope of a glorious immortality.
THE POT OF INCENSEis an emblem of a pure heart,which is always an acceptablesacrifice to the Deity; and asthis glows with fervent heat, soshould our heaits continuallyglow with gratitudeto thegreatboneficeni Author of our exist-
ence, for the manifold blessingsand comfortswe enjoy.
THE BEE HIVE
is an emblemof industry, andrecommendsthe practice ofthat virtue to all createdbe-ings, from thehighestseraphin heavento the lowest rep-tile of the dust. it teachesus that as we cameinto theworld rational andintelligentbeings,so we should ever be industrious ones,never sitting down contentedwhile our fellowcreaturesaroundus are in want, when it is inour power to relieve them without incon-venienceto ourselves.
THE BOOK 0~’ CONSTITUTIONS,
GUARDED BY THE TILER’S SWORD,
reminds us that weshould beever watchfuland guarded in our
-, wordsandactions,par-ticularly when beforetheenemiesof Masonry;
ever bearingin remembrancethosetruly Ma-sonic virtues, silenceand circumspection.
60 MASONIC RITUAL.MASTER MASON. 61
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THE SWORD POINTING TO A NAKEDHEART
demonstratesthat justice will sooneror laterovertakeus, and al-though our thoughts,words and actionsmay be hiddenfrom the eyesof men,yet that
ALL-SEEING EYE
whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, andunder whose watchful care even Comets per-form their stupendousrevolutions, pervadesthe inmost recessesof the human heart, andwill reward us according to our merits.
THE ANCHOR AND ARKare emblemsof a well groundedhope and a
weli-spent life.They areemble-maticof that di-vine Ark whichsafely wafts usover this tem-
pestuoussea of troubles, and that Anchorwhich shall safely moor us in a peacefulhar-bor, where the wicked cease from troublingand the weary shall find rest.
THE FORTY-SEVENTH PROBLEMOF EUCL[D
was an invention of our ancient friend anubrother,thegreat Pythagoras,who, in his travels throughAsia, Africa and Europe,wasinitiated into severalorders ofpriesthood, and raised to thesublime degreeof Master Ma-son. This wise philosopheren-richedhis mind abundantlyin a generalknowl-edgeof things, but more especiallyin geometry,or Masonry. On this subjecthe drew out manypioblems and theorems;and among the mostdistinguished,he erectedthis, which, in the joyof his heart,he called iiEureka~~ in theGrecianlanguagesignifying, “I have found it”, andupon the discoveryof which he is said to havesacrificed a hecatomb. It teachesMasons tobe general lovers of the arts and sciences.
THE 1-IOUR GLASS
is an emblemof humanlife. Behold how swiftlythe sandsrun, and how rapidly our lives are
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drawing to a close!We cannot,without as-tonishnient,beholdthelittle particles whichare contained in thismachine — how theypass away almost im-perceptibly, and yet,to our surprise,in the
short spaceof an hour they areall exhausted.Thus wastesman! Today he puts forth thetenderleavesof hope, tomorrow blossoms,andbearshis blushing honors thick upon him; thenext day comesa frost, which rdps the shoot;andwhenhe thinks his greatnessis still aspir-ing he falls, like autumn leaves,to enrich ourmother earth,
THE SCYTHE
is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittlethread of life and launchesus into eternityBehold what havoc thescythe of Ume makesamongthehumanrace!Ifby chance we should es-capethenumerousevils in-cident to childhood andyouth, andwith heahhandvigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet,withal, we must soon be cut down by the all-
devouringscytheof time and be gatheredintothe landwhereourfathershavegonebeforeus.
The last class of emblems are the
SETTING MAUL, SPADE, COFFINAND SPRIG OF ACACIA.
~=->~.
/
~“
* * * * * * *
Thus we close the explanationof the em-blems upon the solemn thought of death,which, without revelation,is dark andgloomy;but we aresuddenlyrevivedby theever-greenand ever-living sprig of faith in themerits oftheLion of theTribe of Jiidah,whichstrength-ens us with confidenceandcomposureto lookforward to a blessed immortality; and wedoubt not but that in the glorious morning ofthe resurrectionour bodies will be raisedandbecomeas incorruptible as our souls
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64 MASONIC RITUAL.
Then let us all, my brethren,ever imitate theexample of * * * * * in his virtuous andamiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety toGod; in his inflexible fidelity to his trust, thatwe, too, like him, may welcomethegrim tyrantDeath, and receive him as a kind messengersentfrom our SupremeGrandMasterto trans-late us from this imperfectto that all-perfect,glorious and celestial Lodge above,where theSupiemeArchitectof the Universepresides.
CHARGE AT RAISING TO THE SUBLIMEDEGREE OF MASTER MASON.
MY BROTHE1~
Your zeal foi the institution of Masonry,theprogressyou havemade in the mystery, andyour conformity to ourregulationshavepointedyou out as a proper object of our favor andesteem You arenow boundby duty, honorandgratitudeto be faithful to your trust; to sup.port the dignity of your characteron everyoccasion, and to enforce by precept and ex•ample, obedienceto the tenetsof theOrder.
In thecharacterof a Master Mason,you areauthorizedto correct the eirols and irregu-larities of your uninformed brethren,and toguard them against a breachof fidelity. Topreservethe reputation of the fraternity un-sulli9d must be your constantcare; and for
MASTER MASON. 65
this purposeit is your provinceto recommendto your inferiors obedienceandsubmission; toyour equals courtesy and affability, and toyour superiors kindness and condescension.Universal benevolenceyou are always to in-culcate,andby the regularity of your own be-havior afford the bestexamplefor the conductof otherslessinformed.The ancientlandmarksof the Order, intrusted to your care, you arecarefully to preserve,and neversuffer themto be infringed, or countenancea deviationfrom the establishedusagesand customs ofthe fraternity.
Your virtue, honor and reputationare con-cernedin supportingwith dignity thecharacteryou now bear. Let no motive, therefore,makeyou swerve from your duty, violate your vows,or betrayyour trust; hut be true and faithful,and imitate the example of that celebratedartist whom you this eveningrepresent. Thusyou will renderyourse]fdeservingof thehonorwhich we have conferredand merit the con-fidence that we have reposed.
CLOSING,
* * * * * * *
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Ancient Landmarks
OF THE OLD CHARGES OF FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS, COLLECTED FROM RECORDS AS
PUBLISHED BY THE GRAND
LODGE OF ENGLAND,
1722.
I. CONCERNING GOD AND RELIGION.
A Mason is obliged by his tenure to obey the morai iaw,and if he rightiy understands the Art he will never be astupid atheist nor an irreiigious iibertine. But though inaneient times Masons were charged in every country to beof the reiigion of that country or nation, woatever it was.yet it is now thought more expedient oniy to obiige themto that reilgion in which sii men agree, leaving theirparticuiar opinions to themselves—that is, to be good menand true, or men of honor and honesty, by whateverdenominations or persuasions they may be distinguished,whereby Masonry becomes the centre of union, and themeans of conciliating true friendship among persons thatmust have remained at a perpecu~sl distance.
II. OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND
SUBORDINATE
A Mason is a peaceable subject to tne civil powerswherever he resides or works, and is never to be con-cerned in plots and conspiracies agairst the peace andwelfare of the nation, nor to behave himself undutifullyto inferior magistrates, for as Masonry bath been oisvaysinjured by war, bloodshed and confusion, so ancient kingsand princes have been much disposed to encourage theCraftsmen, because of their peaceabieness and 1nsalty.whereby they practically answered the ravils of rneiradversaries, and promoted the honor of the Fraternity.who ever flourished in times of peace; so that if a brothershould be a rebel against the State, he is not to tie coun-tenanced in his rebellion, however he may be pitied as anunhappy roan, and if convicted of no other crime, thoughthe loyal brotherhood must and ought to disown his re-
hellion, and give no umbrage or ground of political jeal-ousy to the government for the time being, they cannotexpel him from the Lodge and his reaction to it remainsindefeasible
III. OF LODGES.
A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work:hence that assembly or duly organized society of Masonsis called a Lodge, and every brother ought to belong toone, and be subject to its by-laws and general regulationsIt is either particular or general, and will be best under-stood by attending it. and by the regulations of the Gen-eral or Grand Lodge hereunto annexed. In the ancienttimes no Mason or Fellow could be absent from it. es-pecially when warned to appear at it, without incurringa severe censure, until it appeared to the Master orWarden that pure necessity hindered him.
The persons admitting members of a Lodge must begood and true men, free born and of mature and discreetage. No boodmen, no women, no immoral or scandalousmen, but of good report.
IV OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS AND
APPRENTICES
All preferment among Masons is grounded upon realworth and personal merit only, that so the Lord may bewell served, the brethren not put to shame, nor the RoyalCraft despised, therefore no Master or Warden is chosenby seniority, but for his merit. It is impossible to describethese things in writing, and every brother must attendin his place, and learn them in a way peculiar to hisFraternity Only candidates may know that no Mastershould take an apprentice unless he have sufficient em-ployment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth,having no maim or defect in his body that may renderhim incapable of learning the Art, of serving his Master’sLord, and of being made a brother, and then a FellowCraft in due time, even after he has served such a termof years as the custom of the country directs, and thathe should be descended of honest parents, that so, whenotherwise qualified, he may arrive to the honor of beingthe Warden, and then the Master of the Lodge. the GrandWarden and at length the Grand Master of all the Lodges,according to his merit.
68 MASONIC RITUAL.ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 69
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No brother can be a Warden until he has passed th~part of a Fellow Craft, nor a Master until he has actedas a Warden, nor Grand Warden until he has been Masterof a Lodge, nor Grand Master unless he has been aFellow Craft before his election, who is also to be noblyborn, or a gentleman of the best fashion, or somecuriousarchitect, or other artist, descended of honest~parents,and who is of singular great merit in the opinion of theLodges. And far the better and easier and more hon-orable discharge of his office, the Gratid Master has apower to choose his awn Deputy Grand Master, whomust be then, or must have been foi-rnerly, the Masterof a particular Lodge, and has the privilege of acth2gwhatever the Grand Master, his principal, should act.unless the said principal be present, or interpose hisauthority by a letter.
These rulers and governors, supreme and subordinateof the ancient Lodge. are to be obeyed in their respectivestaUons by a!! the brethren, according to the old chargesand regulations, with aD humility, reverence, love andalacrity.
V. OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT
IN WORKING.
AU Masons shall work honestly on working days, thatthey may jive creditably on holy days. and the timeappointed by the jaw of the land or confirmed by custom,shall be observed.
The most expert of the Fellow Craftsmen shall beeho~en or appointed the Master or Overseer of the Lord’swork, who is to be culled ?~1aster by those that workunder him The Crattsmen are to avoid all ill language,and to call each other by no disobliging name, butBrother or Fellow, and to behave themselves courteouslywithin and without the Lodge.
The Master, knowing himself to be able of cunning,shall utidertake the Lord’s work as reasonably as possible.and truly disperid his goods as if they were his own, norto give more wages to any Brother or Apprentice than hereally may deserve.
Both the Master and the Masons receiving the¶r wagesjustly shall be f~uthfuI to the Lord, arid honestly finishtheir work, whether task or ~ourne~I, nor put the workto task that has been accustomed to ~ou~ietj.
None shall discover envy at the prosperity a~ a brother,nor supplant him, or put him out of his work, if he becapable to finish the same. Cor no man can finish an-others work so much to the Lord’s profit, unless he bethoroughly acquainted with the designs and draughtB ofhim that began When a Fellow Craftsman is chosenWarden of the work under the Master, he shall be trueboth to Master and Fellows: shall carefully overRee thework in the Master’s absence, to the Lord’s profit, atidhis brethren shaU obey him.
A~J Masons employed shall meekly receive their wages,without niurrnurzng or mutiny, and not desert the Masteruntil the work is finished.
A younger brother shall be instructed in workiiig. toprevent spoiling the materials for want of judgment,arid for increasing and continuing of biotherly love.
A]! the tools used in working shall be approved by theGrand Lodge.
No Jaborcr shall be empIo~’ed in the proper work otMasonry nor shall Freemasons work with those that arenot free, without an urgent necessity, nor shall they teachJaboreys and u’.~accepted Masons, as they should teach aBrother or Fellow.
VI OF BEHAVIOR—VIZ:
I In the Lodge Wh~le Co,istrtuted.
You are not to hold private committees, or separatecotiversabon, without leave from ~he Master, nor to talkof anyUiing impertinent or unseemly, nor interrupt theMaster or Wardens, or any brother speaking to theMaster: nor behave yourself ludicrously or jestingly whilethe Lodge is engaged in what is serious arid solemn, noruse any unbecoming language upon any pretense what-.soevel-.but to pay due reverence to your Master. Wardens,arid FeUows, and put them to worship.
If any complaint be brought, the brother found guiltyshall stand to the award nnd determination of the Lodge,who are the proper and corn”etent audgesof all such con-troversies (unless you carry it by appeal to the GrandLodge) and to whom they ought to be referred, unless aLords work be hindered the meanwhile, in which case aparticula reference may be made, but you must never go
70 MASONIC RITUAL.rw.stichtingargus.nI
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to law about what concerneth Masonry, without an ab-solute necessity apparent to tue Lodge.
I. Behavior After the Lodge is Over, and the Brethrensot Gone.
You may enjoy yourself with innocent mirth,treating one another accordingto ability, but avoid-ing all excess,or forcing any biother to eat or drinkbeyond his inclination, or hindering him from goingwhen his occasion calls him, or doing or saying any-thing offensive, or that may forbid an easy and freeconversation,for that would blast our harmony anddefeat our laudablepurposes Therefore, no privatepiques or quarrels mutt be brought within the doorof the Lodge, far less any quarrels about religionor nations or State policy We being only, asMasons, of the catholic religion above mentioned,we are also, of all nations, tongues, kindreds andlanguages, and are resolved against ali politics, aswhat never yet conduced to the welfare of theLodge, nor ever will This chargehas always beenstrictly enjoined and observed, but especially sincethe reformation in Britain, or the dissent and seces-sion of these nations from the communion of Rc,nie
3 Behavior when Brethren Meet W,fhout Strangers, butnot in a Lodge Formed,
You are to salute one another in a courteous mannei,as you wiii be instructed — calling each other brothei,freeiy giving mutual instruction, as shall be thought,xpeilient, without being overseen or overheard and ~vith-out encroaching upon each other, or derogating from thatrespect which is due to any brother were he not a Mason,for, though all Masons are as brethren upon the sameLevel, yet Masonry takes no honor from a man that behad before—nay, ruther it adds to his honor, especiallyif he has deservedwell of the Brotherhood, who mustgive honor to whom it is due, and avoid ill manners
4. Behavior in Presenceof StrangersNot Masons,
You shall be cautious in your words and carriage, thatthe most penetrating stranger shall not be able to dis-cover or find out what is not pioper to be intimated;and sometimes you shall divert a discourse, and manageit prudently, for the honor of the Worshipful Fraternity
ANCIENT LANDMARKS. 71
ii. Behavior at Home and in Your Neighborhood.
You are to act as becomesa moral and wise man, par-ticularly not to let your faniily. fiiends and neighborsknow the concerns of the Lodge, etc, but wisely consultyour own honor, and that of the ancient brotherhood, forreasons not to be mentioned here You must also consultyour health, by not continuing together too late, or toolong from home after Lodge hours are past, and by avoid-ing of gluttony and drunkenness, that your families benot neglected or injured, nor you disabled from working.
6 Behavior Towards a Strange Brother.
You are cautiously to examine him on such a methodas prudence shall direct you, that you may not be im-posed upon by an ignorant, false pretender, whom you areto reject with contempt and derision, and beware ofgiving him any hints of knowledge, but if you discoverhim to be a true and genuine brother, you are to respecthim accordingly; and if he is in want you must relievehim if you can, or else direct him how he may be re-lieved, you must employ him come days, or else recom-mend him to be employed But you are not charged todo beyond your ability—only to prefer a poor brother,that is a good man and true, before any other poor peoplein the same circumstances,
Finally, all thesecharges you are to observe, and also,those that shall be communicated to you in another way—cultivating brotherly love, the foundation and capStone—the cement and glory of this ancient Fraternity, avoidingall wrangling and quarreling, all slander and backbiting,not permitting others to slander any honest brother, butdefending his character and doing him all good offices,so far as is consistent with your honor and safety, andno farther. and if any of them do you injury, you mustapply to your own or his Lodge, and from thence youmay appeal to the Grand Lodge at the Quarterly Com-munication, and Irom thence to the Annual Grand Lodge,as has been the ancient laudable conduct of our fore-fathers in every nation—never taking a legal course but
when the case cannot be otherwise decided, and patientlylistening to the honest and friendly advice of Masterand Fellows, when they would psevent you going to lawwith strangeis, or would excite you to put a speedyperiod to all law suits, that so you may mind the affairsof Masonry with more alacrity and success But with
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respect to brothers or fellows at law, the Master andbrethren should kindly offer their mediation, whichought to be thankfully submitted to by the contendingbrethren, and if that submission is impracticable, theymust, however, carry on their process, or law suit, with-out wrath or rancor (not in the common way), saying ordoing nothing which may hinder brotherly love, and goodoffices to be renewed and continued, that all may see thebenign influence of Masonry, as all true Masons havedone from the beginning of the world, and will do to theend of time. Amen, So mote it be.
Masonic Funeral ServiceGENERAL DIRECTIONS.
I. No brother can be interred with the formalities of
the Order unless he has received the Third Degree ofMasonry.
II. The Master of a Lodgebeing notified of the deathof a brother and of the request to be buried with Masonicceremonies shall convene his Lodge and make all suitablearrangementsto that effect.
III. If two or more Lodges attend, the ceremonies willbe conductedby the Lodge of which the deceasedwas amember.
IV, AU the brethren who walk in the processionshould observe as much as possible a uniformity of dress,
A proper badge of mourning, with white gloves andaprons, are most suitable It is secommendedto avoid allostentatious display of Masonic costume
V. Musicians, if belonging to the Fraternity, willwalk in processionimmediately after the Tiler; if they arenot Masons they will precede him Solemn and appro-priate pieces of music only should be performed; aliothers are expressly interdicted.
VI. The cushion on which the Holy Bible is placedshould be covered with black, A piece of black crepeshould be tied around all furniture carried in procession.around each Steward’s rod and on the musical instru-ments The procession will immediately precedethe corpseand the brethren will walk two and two, except suchofficers as from their stations are to walk otherwise
VII. On the coffin will be placed or tied a whiteapron.
VIII. If the Grand Master. Deputy Grand Master orGrand Wardens attend any funeral procession, they willtake precedence, and preside over and conduct the care-
moflies, unless they desire otherwise. Their place in theprocession will be after the Master of the Lodge. Two
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Deacons, on the right and left. will attend a GrandWarden When the Grand Master or Deputy GrandMaster is piesent, the Book of Constitutions is borne be-
fore him and the Deacons,with black rods, are placed onhis right and left, on a line, seven feet apart. If a PastGrand officer appears in the procession he will be recog-
nized with the customary respect
ORDER OF PROCESSIONThe folloiving order of procession will be proper to be
observed when a single Lodge conducts the ceremoniesTiler with drawn sword;
Stewards with white rods;Musicians (if they areMasons,otherwise in advance
of the Tiler);MasterMasons;
Secretary and Treasurer;is Junior and Senior Wardens;
PastMastersof the Lodge;The Holy Writings, on a cushion carriedby ihe oldestmemberof the Lodge present;
The Master, supportedby the Senior and JuniorDeaconswith black rods,
Clergy;
isThe
*
with the insignia
Body
*isB
placed thereon.
I
THE LODGE SERVICE.
(May be omitted at the discretion of the Master IThe brethren being assembled at the Lodge-room, the
presiding officer will open the Ledge on the Third Degree
After having stated the object of the meeting the serviceivill commence, all the brethren standing:
Master—Man that is born of a womanhathbut a short time to live, andis full of misery.He comethup, and is cut down like a flower;he fleeth as it were a shadow,and nevercon-tinueth in onestay. In themidst of life we arein death. Of whom, then, may we seek forsuccor but of Thee, 0 Lord, who for our sinsare justly displeased?
My brethren,where is the man that liveth,that shall not see death?
Responseby the Brethren—Man walketh ina vain shadow;he heapethup riches,andcan-not tell who shall gather them.
Master—Can we offer any preciousthing toredeemour brother?
Response—Wehavenot a ransom. The placethat once knew him shall know him no moreforever.
Master—Shall his name,then, be lost upontheearth?
Response—Wewill treasureit in our mem-ories,we will record it in our hearts.
*
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76 MASONIC RITUAL.
Master—How,then,will it be known?Response—Itshall live in theexerciseof his
virtues.Master—Whenou~ brotherdied,did he carry
nothing away with him?Response—Hefulfilled his destiny: Naked
he cameinto the world, andnakedhe hasde-parted out of it.
Master—Hear, then, the conclusion of thewhole matter: It is the Lord only that cangive, and it is theLord that hath taken~away.
Response—Blessedforever be the nameofthe Lord.
Master—Let us endeavorto live the life oftherighteous,thatour last endmay be like his.
Response—Godis our God for ever andever.He will beour Guideandsupporteventhroughthe dark valley of the shadowof death.
Master—Ihearda voicefrom heaven,sayingunto me, “Write from henceforth,Blessedarethedeadwho die in the Lord! Even so, saiththe Spirit: for they restfrom their labors”.
The Master here takes the roll on which is inscribedthe name, age and Masonic history of the deceased, and
says:
ALMIGHTY FATHER! In thy handswe leave,with humble submission,the soul of our de-parted brother.
The brethren will respond three times, giving thefuneral grand honors each time.
The will o~ God is accomplished.So mote itbe. Amen.
The Master here deposits the roll in the archives andrepeats the following or some other suitable prayer:
Most glorious and merciful Lord God! OurHeavenly Father! Author of all good andgiver of all mercy! Pour down Thy blessingsupon us, and strengthenour solemn engage-mentswith the ties of sincereaffection! Maythepresentinstanceof mortality remind us ofour approachingfate, and draw our attentiontowardThee,the only refuge in time of need:that,when theawful momentshall arrive thatwe are aboutto quit this transitory scene,theenlivening prospectof Thy mercy may dispelthe gloom of death;that after our departurehencein peace,we may be receivedinto Thineeverlastingkingdom,and thereenjoy, in unionwith our departedfriends, the just reward ofa pious and virtuous life. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.Some appropriate hymn may be sung.
The Master or Chaplain will repeat the following orsomeother appropriate prayer:
Almighty and Heavenly Father, infinite inwisdom, mercy and goodness,extendto us theblessingsof Thy everlastinggrace. Thou alone
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78 MASONIC RITUAL.
art a refuge andhelp in trouble andaffliction.In this bereavementwe look to Thee for sup-port and consolation. Strengthenour beliefthat Death hasno power over a faithful andrighteoussoul. Thoughthe dust returneth tothe dust as it was, the spirit returneth untoThee. As we mourn thedepartureof a brotherbelovedfrom thecircle of our fraternity, maywe trust that he hath entered into a higherbrotherhood,to engagein noblerdutiesand inheavenlywork, to find restfrom earthly laborand refreshmentfrom earthly care. May Thypeaceabidewithin us, to keep us from all evil!Make us grateful for presentbenefits, andcrown us with immortal life and honor. Andto Thy nameshall be all glory forever. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.A procession is then formed, which moves to the house
of the deceased, and from thence to the church, or place
of interment:
THE CHURCH SERVICE(May be omitted at the discretion of the Master.)
To be used at the church or at the house of the de-
.‘eased. Immediately after the benediction the Masterand Chaplain will take their stations at the head of thecoffin; the Senior Warden at the foot, facing the Master,
his column on the floor erect. The Junior Warden willoccupy a position on the left, midway between the Masterand Senior Warden, his column prostrate on the floorThe brethren will form a circle, when the service will
Commence.
I’
FUNERAL SERVICE. 79
Master—”I amtheresurrectionandthelife,”saith the Lord, “he that believeth in Me,though he were dead, yet shall he live: andwhosoever liveth and believeth in Me shallnever die.” (*St John xi, 25, 26.)
Takeye heed,watch and pray; for ye knownot when the time is. For the Son of man isas a man taking a far journey, who left hishouse,and gaveauthority to his servants,andto every man his work; and commandedtheporter to watch. Watch ye, therefore: for yeknow not whenthemasterof thehousecometh,at even,or at midnight,or at thecock-crowing,or in the morning; lest coming suddenly, hefind you sleeping. And what I say unto youI say unto all. Watch. (*St. Mark xiii, 33-37.)
Master—Whatman is he that liveth, andshall not see death? Shall he deliver his soulfrom thehand of thegrave? (Ps.lxxxix, 48.)
Response—Iwill ransomthemfrom thepowerof thegrave: I will redeemthem from death.O death,I will be thy plagues:0 grave, I willbe thy destruction! (Hoseaxiii, 14.)
Master—Asfor man,his daysare asgrass;asa flower of the field, so he flourisheth. Foi’
5Lodges or Masters objecting to the use of selectionsfrom the New Testament may omit the above paragraph;it was selected, however, for its peculiar fitness andbeauty.
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the wind passethover it, and it is gone;andthe placethereof shall know it no more. (Ps.ciii, 15, 16.)
Response—Likea fatherpitieth his children,so the Loid pitieth them that fear Him. ForHe knoweth our frame; He remembereththatwe are dust. (Ps. ciii, 13, 14.)
Master—Thedays of our years are three-score years and ten; and if by reason ofstrengththey be fourscoreyears,yet is theirstrengthlabor and sorrow: for it is soon cutoff; andwe fly away. (Ps.xc, 10.)
Response—Soteachus to number our days,that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.(Ps. xc, 12.)
Some appropriate hymn will then be sung
The Master then asys’
My brethren,let us pray!All kneel and join with the Chaplain in saying the
Lord~s Prayer:
Our Father, which art in heaven,hallowedbe Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will bedone in earth as it is in heaven Give us thisday our daily bread. And forgive us our debtsas we forgive our debtors. And lead us notinto temptation,but deliver us from evil: ForThine is thekingdom, and thepower, andtheglory, forever. Amen. (Matt. vi, 9-13
81PUNERAL SERVICE.
onse—Somote it be.
ocession Is again formed, which proceeds to thecemetery. When the procession arrives at the grave theLodge will form a circle, the Master and Chaplain, sup-
ported by the Senior and Junior Deacons, standing at
the head; the Senior Warden, supported by the Stewards,standing at the foot, and the Junior Warden at thesouth side Opposite the centre of the grave. The Marshaiwill occupy a place near the foot of the grave and cause
a vacant place to be left in the line, for the mournersAfter all other ceremonies have been performed the
Masonic service is again resumed:
SERVICE AT THE GRAVE
Master—Fromtime immemorial it hasbeenthe custom of the Fraternity of Free andAcceptedMasons, upon requestto accompanythe body of a deceasedbrother to the placeof interment, and there to deposit it withMasonichonors.
In conformity to this ancientusage,we haveassembledat this time in thecharacterof Ma-sonsto offer beforetheworld the last tributeof our aflection for our deceasedbrother andtherebyto demonstratein the strongestpos-sible manner, the sincerity of our past esteemfor him and our steady attachment to theprinciples of the Fraternity.
Man that is bornof a womanis of few days,and full of trouble. He cometh forth like aflower, and is cut down; he fleeth also as a
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shadow,and continueth not. In the midst oflife we are in death. Of whom may we seeksuccorbut of Thee, 0 Lord, who for our sinsart justly displeased? Let us pray.
Chaplain—Mostglorious and merciful LordGod, Author of all good, and Giver of everyperfectgift, vouchsafe,we implore Thee, Thyblessing; and under the solemnities of thisoccasionbind us closerin the ties of brotherlylove and affection. May the presentexampleof Mortality sensibly remind us of our ap-proachingend; and may it tend to weanouraffections from the things of this transitoryworld, and to fix them more devotedly uponThee, the only sure refuge in time of need,and at last, GreatArchitect of the Universe,when our journey shall be near its end, whenthe silver cord shall be loosed and the goldenbowl be broken: 0, in that moment of mortalextremity,maythe “Lamp of Thy Love” dispelthe gloom of the dark valley: andmay we beenabled “to work an entrance” into the Ce-lestial Lodge aboveand in Thy glorious pres-ence, amid its ineffable mysteries, enjoy aunion with the souls of our departedfriends,perfectin thehappinessof heaven,anddurableas eternity. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.Master—Brethren,we areagaincalled upon
by a solemn admonition to regardthe uncer-
tainty of humanlife andthecertaintyof death.Decrepitudeand decayare written on every.thing. But a span—aheart beat—abreath—divides thecradlefrom thegrave; and it is amelancholytruth, that so soon as we begin tolive, that momentalso we beginto die. Frailtyand imperfection are the incidents of ourearthly condition; the Almighty fiat hasgoneforth—”Dust thou art, and unto dust shaltthou return”.
The last offices we pay to thedeadare use-less except as they constitute lessons to theliving. The cold, marble form enclosedin the“narrow house” before you is alike insensibleto our sorrowsandour ceremonies. It mattersnot now to him whether two or three gatheraround the grave to perform these funeralrites, or that hundredshaveassembled,withthe bannersandinsignia of our Fraternity, todeposit him in his final resting place. [t isof little moment how or in what manner hisobsequies are performed: whether the wildwinds chanthis requiem,or it be accompaniedwith rare andcostly music andtheminstrelsyof many voices. His spirit has gone to ac-complish the destiny of all our race;while hisbody, in the slumberof the grave, will be re-solved into its original elements.
The monarch at whosebidding nations payobeisance,and the beggar at his gate, are
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84 MASONIC RITUAL.
equalsin death. The one must part with hissceptreandhis crown, theother with his staffandhis rags;both areindebtedto their motherearth for a common sepulcher. In the graveall fallacies aie forgotten, all ranks are lev-eled, and all artificial distinctions are obliter-ated.
While we drop thesympathetictear overthegraveof our departedbrother, let us not with-hold from his memory the commendationthathis virtues claim at our hands.
The foilowing invocations are then made:
Master—Maywe be trueandfaithful to eachother, and may we live and die in love.
Response—Somote it be.Master—Maywe professwhat is good, and
always act agreeablyto our profession.Response—Somote it be.Master—Maythe Lord blessus andkeepus!
May the Lord be gracious unto us, and mayall our goodintentionsbe crownedwith success.
Response—Somote it be.Master—Glory be to God in the highest; on
earth peaceand good will towardsmen.
Response—Somote it be, now, henceforth,andforever. Amen.
Hcre the apron is taken from the coffin and handedto She Master and the coffin is deposited in the grave.The Secretary will then advance and deposit the roll inthe grave with the usual form
Ii
I
FUNERAL SERVICE. 85
Master (or Secretary)—Friendandbrother,we bid theea last, a long farewell. Thou artat rest from thy labors: may it be in peace!
Response—Somote it be. Amen.The Master then presents the apron and says:
The Lambskin, or White Apron, is an em-blem of innocenceand the badgeof a Mason.It is more ancient than the Golden FleeceorRoman Eagle, more honorablethan the Starand Garter. Let its pureandspotlesssurfacebe to us a perpetual reminderof a purity oflife and rectitude of conduct,a never-endingargumentfor noblerdeeds,for higherthoughts,for pureractions. And when at last our wearyfeet shall have cometo the end of life’s toil-some journey, and from our nervelessgraspshall drop forever the working tools of life,may the record of our life and actions be aspureand spotlessas the fair emblemwhich Inow deposit in the grave of our departedbrother.
This opengraveremindsus of theuniversaldominionof Death. The arm of friendshipcan-not interposeto preventhis coming: thewealthof theworld cannotpurchaseour release,norwill the innocenceof youth, nor thecharmsofbeauty propitiate his purpose. The mattock,thecoffin andthemelancholygraveadmonishus of our mortality; andthat, sooneror later,
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thesefrail, weak bodiesmustmoulder in theirparentdust.
The Master, holding tim eveigreen in his hand, con-tinues•
This evergreenis an emblemof our faith inthe immortality of the soul. By this we areremindedof nur high and glorious destiny be-yond the “world of shadows” and that theredwells within our tabernacleof clay an im-perishable, immortal spirit, over which thegravehasno dominion, and deathno power.
This, too, I deposit in thegrave.
The brethren then move in procession clockwisearound the place of interment, the Master iemains stand-ing at the head of the grave stepping back about twopaces to allow the brethren to pass him. As theyseverally pass Use )sead oI the giave each brother will
drop a sprig of acacia into it In depositing the ever-gicen, all should strictly obseive the proper form, whichis by extending the right hand horizontally over thegrave, diopping the evergreen, then placing the open
palm of the right hand on the left breast, then raisingthe right hand pointing with the index finger to thezenith and then dropping it to the side, thereby signify-ing that his memory is faithfully cherished in ourhearts, that we commend his spirit to Him who gave it
and that we consign the body of our departed brotherto the tomb
The Funers,l Ciand Honors sic then given in the fol-
lowing manner
Both arms are crossed on the breast, the left upper-most, the palms of the hands striking the shoulders, they
are then raised above the head, the palms striking eachother, looking upward at the same time, and then madeto fall sharply on the thighs, with the head bowed Thejsrst and second time in aziesice, but during the third
time the brethren will audibly pronounce the followingwords, the arms being crossed on the breasts “Wecherish his memory heie”, when the hands are extended
above the head “We commend his spirit to God whogave it”, and when the hands are extended towards theground ‘And consign his body to the earth whence it
came”
Master—Forasmuchas it has pleasedAl-mighty God, in His insci’utableprovidence, totake out of the world the soul of our deceasedbtother, we thereforecommit his body to thegrave—earthto earth,ashesto ashes,anddustto dust—looking for the general resurrectionin the last day, when the eai’th and the seashall give up thedead.
~1’hcii the following ode may be sung
Hark! from the tombs a doleful soundtMine ears attendthe cry;
Ye living men, come view the ground,Whei’e you must shortly lie.
Princes,this clay must be your bed,In spite of all your towers;
The tall, the wise, the reverend head,Must lie as low asours.
Great God, is this our certain doom?And are we still secure?
Still walking downwardtoward the tomb,And yet preparedno more?
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Grant us thepower of quick’ning grace,To fit our souls to fly,
That when we drop this dying flesh,We’ll rise abovethe sky.
Or this
Solemn strikesthe funeral chime,Notesof our departingtime,As we journey here belowThrougha pilgrimage of woeMortals now indulge a tear;For mortality is here!Seehow wide her trophieswaveO’er the slumbersof the grave.Heieanotherguestwe bring;Seraphof Celestial wing,To our funeral altar come;Waft this friend and brotherhome.
Loi’d of all I below—above—Fill our heartswith truth and love,When dissolvesour earthly tie,Takeus to Thy Lodge on High.
fhc Master then says
Having with the usual Masonic ces’emoniescommitted the hody of our brother to its kin-dred dust, we leave him in the hands of aBeing who doethall things well, who is gloriousin holiness,fearful in praises,doing wonders
With those of his immediaterelatives andfriendswho aremost heartstrickenat the losswe have all sustained,we sincerely, deeply,and most affectionately sympathize iii their
afflictive bereavement,and commendthem tothe Infinite Fatherwho looks down with com-passionupon thewidow and fatherlessin thehour of their desolation. He will fold thearmsof His love ann protection aroundthose whoput their trust and confidence in Him.
Then let us each in our respectivestationsso improve this solemn warning that at last,when the volume of the record of our life isopen, we may receive from the Omniscient,EternalJudgethe thrilling invitation: “Come,ye blessedof my Father, inherit thekingdomprepared for you from the foundationof theworld~
LET US PRAY.
Chaplain—Almightyandmostmerciful God,in whom we live andmoveandhaveourbeing,and before whom all men must appear torender an account for the deedsdone in thebody: we do most earnestlybeseechThee, aswe now surround the grave of our deceasedbrother, to impressdeeply upon our minds thesolemnities of this hour. May we ever re-memberthat “in the midst of life we are indeath” and so live and act that we shall befittingly preparedto die when thehour of ourdepartureis at hand.
And 0, graciousFather,vouchsafeto ur, wepray Thee, divine assistanceto redeem our
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mis-spent time; and in the dischargeof theduties Thou hast assignedus in the erection
ourmoral edifice,may ~vehavewisdom fromon high to direct us; strength commensuratewith our task to support us, and the beautyof holinessto adorn and renderall our laborsacceptablein Thy sight. And at last when ourwork on earth is done,when themessengerofdeath shall call us from our labors, may weobtain an everlasting rest in that spiritualhouse not made with hands, eternal in theheavens. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.
The Master then approaches the head of the graveand says
Soft andsafeto thee,my brother,be this thyearthlybed! Bright and glorious be thy risingfrom it! Fragrant be the Acacia sprig thathere shall flourish! May the earliestbuds ofspring unfold their beauties o’er this, thyresting place, and here may the sweetnessofthesummer’s last rose linger longest!Thoughthe cold blastsof winter may lay them in thedust, and foi’ a time destroy the loveliness oftheir existence,yet thedestructionis not final;and in thespringtime they shall surelybloomagain. So, in thebright morningof theworld’sresurrection, thy mortal frame, now laid in
the dust by the chilling blast of Death, shallcome again into newnessof life, and espandinto immortal beauty in realms beyond theskies. Until then, dear brother—until thenfarewell!
If there is an undertaker in charge of the burial, theservice is ciosed with the following benediction by therhaplain
The peace that passeth all understandingrestand abidein you now andfoi’ever. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.
If there is no undertaker, the brethren may remainto assist in fliling the grave if the Master so desires
When the duties are performed the procession will re-turn to the place where it set out and the Lodge is
closed in the Third Degree
7
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92 MASONIC RITUAL.
Short Form of FuneralService
Compiled and ai ranged by Guy T. Smith. Grand Secretary.
(To be used at the discretion of the Master when thehour is late or time is short or the weather inclement orin ease of other emergency.)
The Master—MyBrethren, we haveassem-hled today, in accordancewith the ancientcus-tom of our Craft, to hid farewell to themortalhody and godspeedto the immortal spirit ofhim who lately dwelt a hrother among us.
Ours is aceremonynot of hittergrief, hut offaIth; not of despair,hut of hope. Theselastrites whIch we accordour hrother signify onlyour partIng with his flesh, from which the im-mortal spirit hasalready achievedits emanci-pation. We perform them serenely,supportedby our knowledgethat each of us in his tunemust follow the pathway his soul has taken,and by our faith that heyond this vale ofsorrow we shall meet again to part no more.
“There 15 no death! What seemsso is transi.tion.” All that is heautiful andgood and truein human life is no more affected hy theshadow of death than it is hy the shadow ofdarknessthat divides today from tomorrow.
Our pathslead not to the gravehut heyondit Immortal we are and ever shall he. Welook not to anotherlife hut to the perfecting
SHORT FO~RM OF FUNERAL SERVICE. 93
of this life. In God’s good time we shall heraisedhy his right hand to that higher, fairerphaseof life for which this is only a prepara-tory stage. Let us pray.
The Chaplain or Master — Almighty andEternal God, in Whom we live and moveandhaveour heing, we heseechTheeto he presentwith us in this hour andduring all thedaysofour earthly life; lead us hy the handof love;point out to us thepathwayof duty. PouroutThy continual hlessingupon the relatives andfriends of our departedhrother. Perfect theirfaith that he is waiting to greet them in aworld wherelight and hliss areeternal. Grantus Thy divine assurance,Oh! most mercifulGod, to retleemour misspenttime, and in theImportantduties which Thou hast assignedusin theerectionof our spiritual temple,give uswisdom to direct us, strengthto supportus andtheheautyof holinessto adorn our lahorsandrenderthem acceptahlein Thy sight, so thatwhen our lahors here on earth are ended,wemay he with Theeamidst the radiant splendorof eternal truth. Amen!
Response—Somote it he.
The Master— When our brother hecameaMasonhe waspresentedwith alamhskin apronas a symhol of his associationwith us in our
1r
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94 MASONIC RITUAL.
earthly Lodge, and as a constantreminder ofpurity of life and rectitudeof conduct.
(Holding the apron in his hand the Mastercontinues)
As a reminderto the living of that rectitudeof conductwhich should characterizeman inthis life, we deposit this apron with the hodyof our deceasedhrotherwith the hopethat thevirtues symholizedhy it will gain readypass-age for him froni our imperfect lodge heretothat all-perfect, celestial lodge ahove wherethereis ahigher, awider anda hrighter realmof life andlahor.
(The Master holding the evergreen in his hand con-
tinues)
This evergreenis an emhlemof our faith inthe immortality of the soul. By this we aleremindedof our high and glorious destiny he-yond the “world of shadows” and that theredwells within our tahernacleof clay an im-perishahle, immortal spirit, over which thegravehasno dominion anddeathhasno power.This, too, I deposit in thegrave.
(The Brethren appanach. surrounding the grave, then,in unison with the Master they deposit the sprig as fol-
lows’ Holding the evergreen in the right hand, armextended hoi izontally ovei the grave, the evergieen is
dropped into the grave. The right hand is then placedupon the left bieast, then raised above the head, pointingupward, then bringing it down to the side The FuneralGrand Honors are then given, as follows~ Both arms are
crossed on the breast, the left uppermost, palms of the
SHORTFORM OF FUNERAL SERVICE. 96
hands striking the shoulders; then raised above the head.palms striking each other; then made to fall sharply to
the thighs, with the head howed. The first and secondtime in silence, but during the third time the brethrenwill say, the arms being crossed on the breasts: “Wecherish his memory here”; when the hands are extendedabove the head: ~‘We commend his spirit to God who
gave it”; and when the hands are extended toward theground. “And consign his body to the earth whence itcame”.)
(The Master then says)
To the family and relatives of our hrotherwe offer all the comfort and consolationthatfriendship andhrotherhoodcan give. We too,loved him. We too, feel the pain of parting.Our sympathy,our love aretheirsasthey werehis. Our fraternity surroundshis loved oneswith theassuranceof its affections. We offerthe support of our sympathy,the comfort ofourhope,the inspirationof our faith, that theywith us,maylook heyondthis hourthroughtheopeningportalsof theinfinite. So then,let ushe unceasinglygrateful for every God-givenvirtue which the life of our hrotherexpressed,andlet us he comfortedhy the assurancethatlife goes on unhrokenand uninterruptedandthat God alone is the life and light of men.
(The Master then approaching head of grave says)
Soft and safe to thee, my hrother, he thisthy earthly hed. Bright and glorious he thyrising from it. Fragrant he the Acacia sprig
‘7
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96 MASONIC RITUAL.
that hereshall flourish. May theearliestbudsof spring unfold their beautieso’er this thyrestingplace,may eachspringtimerenewtheirloveliness and may here the sweetnessof thesummer’s last rose linger longest.
iiNow thelaborer’stask is o’er;Now the battle-dayis past;
Now upon the farther shoreLands the voyagerat last.
Father in Thy graciouskeeping,Leavewe now Thy servantsleeping.”
The Chaplain or Master— The Lord blessthee and keep thee; the Lord make his faceto shineupon theeand he graciousunto thee,theLord lift up his countenanceupon theeandgive theepeace. Amen!
Response—Somote it be
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. U7
Ritual for a Lodge of SorrowThe following Rilual for a Lodge of Sorrow is recom-
mended for use in the lodge. While necessarily of afuneral character, it differs essentially from the burialservice. In the latter case we are in the actual presence
of the departed, and engaged in the last rites of affectionand respect fox one who has been our companion in life.and whose mortal remains we are about to consign tctheir last resting place. The Lodge of Sorrow, on th*
contrary, is intended to celebrate the memory of our departed brethren; and while we thus recall to our recollection their virtues, and temper anew our resolutions
so to live that when we shall have passed the silentportals. our memories may be cherished with gratefulremembrance We learn to look upon death from a moreelevated point of view, to see in it the wise and necessary
transition from the trials and imperfections of this world.to the perfect life for which our transient journey herehas been ihe school and the preparation. Vocal and in-strumental music are indispensable to the proper effect
of the ceremonc. The brethren should wear dark clothingand white gloves and aprons. There is no necessity forany attempt at secrecy in the ceremonies of SorrowLodges. They may he held in churches or puhlic halls.or in the presence of friends at the Lodge-rooms with
henefit to all concerned.
PREPARATION OF THE HALL.
1. The Lodge-room or hail bhould he appropilatelydraped in black, and the several stations covered withthe same emhlem of mourning.
I On the Master’s pedestal is a skull and lighted taper
I In the centre of the hail is placed the catafaique.which consists of a rectangular platform, about six feetlong by four wide, on which are two smaller platforms.
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so that three steps are represented, On the third oneshould be an elevation of convenient height, on which is
placed an urn. The platform should be draped in black,and a canopy of black drapery may be raisedover the urn
4. At each corner of the plalforin will be placed acandlestick, bearing a lighted taper, and near it facingthe East, will be seated a biother provided with an ex
tinguisher to be used at the proper time
5. During the first pai’t of the ceremonies the lightsin the hail should burn dimly.
6. Arrangements should be made to enable the lightsto be increased to brilliancy at the appropriate point in
the ceremony.
7. On the catafaique will be laid a pair of white gloves.a lambskin apron, and if the deceasedbrother had beenan officer the appropriate insignia of his office.
8. When the Lodge is held in memory of several brethren, shields bearing their names are placed around the
catafaique
The brethren being assembled at the Lodge-room, theMaster of the Lodge to which the deceased brother be’longed will open the Ledge in the Third Degree A pro-
cession will then be formed in the hail where the Lodgeof Sorrow is to be held in the same order as prescribedin the “Funeral Service”.
On arriving at the door of the hall where the Lodgeof Sorrow is to be held, the brethren will turn to theright and left, that is. face inward. The Master at theLodge to which the deceased brother belonged will thenpass through betweenthe brethren, supported by a Deacon
with iod on either side, followed by the brethren ininverted order to his station in the East. The otherofficers will take their usual stations and places~ and thebrethren will take their places in seats especially reservedfor them The door of the hail should then be shut and
II
not opened again until the ceremony is concluded and thet.odge of Sorrow closed.
OPENING THE LODGE
The several officers being in their respective stationsand places, and the brethren seated, the ceremonies will
begin by a voluntary upon the organ, appropriate to theoccasion After which the Master will call up the Lodgeand say:
WorshipfulMaster—BrotherSeniorWarden,for what purposeare we assembled?
Senior Warde~—To honor the memory ofthosebrethren whom deathhath taken fromus; to contemplateour own approachingdis-solution, and by the remembranceof immoi’-tality, to raiseour souls abovethe considera-tion of this transitory existence.
Worshipful Master—BrotherJunior Warden,whai~ sentimentsshould inspire ~he souls ofMasons on occasionslike ~he present?
Junior Warden—Calmsorrow for the ab-senceof our brethrenwho havegonebefore us;earnestsolicitude for our own eternalwelfare,anda firm faith andrelianceupon the wisdomand goodnessof the great Architect of theUniverse.
Wor8hipful Master—Brethren,commendingthesesentimentsto your earnestconsideration,and invoking your assistancein the solemn
‘47
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100 IMASONIC RITUAL.
ceremoniesabout to take place,I declarethisLodge of Sorrow opened.
The Chaplain will then offer the following or some
othei’ suitable prayer
Grand Architect of the Universe, in whoseholy sight centuriesarehut asdays,to whoseomnisciencethe past and the future are butas one eternal present, look down upon Thychildren,who still wanderamongthedelusionsof time, who still tremble with dread of dis-solution and shudderat the mysteriesof thefuture; look down, we beseechThee, from Thyglorious and eternal day into the dark nightof our erroran~ presumption,andsuffera rayof Thy divine light to penetrateinto our hearts,that in them may awaken and bloom the un-certaInty of lIfe, reliance upon Thy promises,and assuranceof a place at Thy right hand.Amen,
Response—Somote it be.‘1 he choir will then sing an appropriate hymn, such as
“l~’riend After Friend Departs”, or “Brother, Thou Art
Gone to Rest”, or “Lead Kindly Light, Amid the Encircl-ing Gloom”
The Woishipful Master, taking the skull in his hand,will the-i deliver an address, beginning as follows
Brethren—[n the mIdst of life we are in~leath,andthewisestcannotknow what a daymay bring forth, We live hut to seethosewelove passingaway into the Silent Land
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 101
Behold this emblem of mortality, once theabodeof a spirit like our own; beneaththismouldering canopyonceshonethe bright andbusy eye; within this hollow cavern onceplayed the ready, swift and tuneful tongue;and now, sightless and mute, it is eloquentonly in the solemn lessons it teachesus.
Think of thosebrethrenwho, but a few daysSinceWere amongus in all thepride andpowerof life; bring to your mind the remembranceof their wisdom, their strength and theirbeauty, and then reflect that, “to this com-plexion havethey comeat last”, think of your-selves,thus will you he when the lamp of yourbrief existence has been burned out. Thinkhow soon death,for you, will he a reality.
Man’s life is like a flower, which bloomstoday and tomorrow is faded, cast aside,andtroddenunder foot. The mostof us,my breth-ren, are fast approaching,or have alreadypassedthe meridianof life; our sun is sinkingin thewest,and0 how muchmore swift is thepassingof our declining yearsthan when westartedupon the journey and believed,as theyoung are too apt to believe, that the roseatehues of the rising sun of our existencewerealwaysto he continued.
When we look backupon thehappydaysofour childhood,when thedawningintellect first
102
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1MASONIC RITUAL.
began to exercise its powers of thought itseemsbut asyesterday,and that by a simpleeffort of the will, we could put asideour man-hood, and seekagainthe loving caressesof amother, or be happy in the possessionof abauble;andcould we now realizethe ideathatour last day had come, our whole earthly lifewould seembut as thespaceof time from yes-terday until today. Centuriesupon centurieshaverolledawaybehindus; beforeus stretchesout an et;ernityof yearsto come;andupon thenarrow boundarybetween the past and thepresentflickers the puny taper we term ourlife.
When we came into the world we knewnaught of what; had been before us, but, aswe grewup to manhoodwe learnedof thepast;we sawthe flowersbloom as they hadbloomedfor centuries;we beheldthe orbs of day andnight pursuing their endless course amongthe stars,and as they pursued it from thebirth of light we learnedwhatmen hadthoughtand said and done, from the beginningof theworld to our day; but only throughthe eye offaith can we beholdwhat is to comehereafter,and only through a firm reliance upon theDivine promisescan we satisfy the yearningsof an immortal soul.
The cradlespeaksto us of remembrance;the
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 108
coffin, of hope,of a blessedtrust in a gloriousimmortality, and a neverending existencebe-yond thegloomy portals of the tomb!
Let these reflectionsconvince us how vainare all the wranglings and bitternessesen-genderedby the collisions of the world, howlittle in dignity above the puny struggles ofantsover amorselof food or for thepossessionof an inch of soil.
What shall survive us? Not, let us hope,thepetty strifes and bitternesses,the jealousiesand heartburnings,the small trials andmeanadvantageswe have gained, but rather, thenoblethoughts,the words of truth, the worksof mercy and justice, that ennoble and lightup theexistenceof everyhonestman,howeverhumble, and live for good when his body, likethis remnantof humanity, is moulderingin [tsparentdust.
Let the proud and vain consider how soonthegapsarefilled that aremade in societybythosewho die aroundthem,andhow soon timeheals the wound that death inflicts upon theloving heart; and from this let them learnhumility, and that they are but drops in thegreat oceanof humanity.
And when God sendsHis angel to us withthe scroll of Death let us look upon it as an
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104 MASONIC RITUAL.
act of mercy, to preventmany sins andmanycalamitiesof a longer life, and lay our headssoftly down, like one
“Who wraps thedrapery of his couchabouthim,
And lies down to pleasantdreams”.For t;his, at least,man learnsby death that
his calamitiesarenot immortal. To beargriefhonorably and temperately,and to die will-ingly, arethedutiesof a good man anda trueMason.
Singing of hymn by choir, such as “Nearer My God,to Thee’, or piece of solemn mu8ic. or both
Worshipful Maater (calling up theLodge)—Lord, Thou hastbeenour dwelling placein allgenerations.
Senior Warden—Beforethe mountainswerebrought forth or ever Thou hadst formedtheearth and theworld, even from everlastingtoeverlasting,Thou art God.
Junior Warden—Thouturnest man to de-struction and sayest,Return, ye children ofmen.
WorshipfulMaster—ForathousandyearsinThy sight are but asyesterdaywhen it is past,and as a watch in the night.
Senior Wardcn—Thoucarriest them awayas with a flood they are as asleep;in themorning they arelike grasswhich growethup
RITUAL ~‘OR A LODGE OF SORROW. 105
Junior Warden—Inthemorning it flourishesand groweth up; in the evening it is cutdown and withereth.
Worshipful Master—For we are consumedby Thine anger, and by Thy wrath are wetroubled.
Senior Warden—Thouhastset our iniquitiesbefore Thee,our secretsinsin ~helight of Thycountenance.
Junior Warden—Forall our daysare passedaway in Thy wrath; we spendour yearsasatale that is told.
Worshipful Master—Thedays of our yearsare three scoreyearsand ten; and if by rea-son of strengththey be four score years, yetis their strength labor and sorrow; for it issoon cut off, and we fly away.
Senior Warden—Whoknoweth the power ofThine anger? Even accordingto Thy fear, sois Thy wrath.
Junior Warden—Soteachus to number ourdays that we may apply our heartsunto wis-dom.
The Ma8ter and wardens resume their seats, thebrethren are seated, and the Chaplain risea, who readsor recites the following passage of Scripture:
Chaplain—Lo! He goeth by me, and I seeHim not. He passethon also, but I perceive
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106 MASONIC RITUAL.
Him not. Behold! He taketh away and whocan hinder Him?
Man that is born of a woman is of few daysand full of trouble. He cometh forth like aflower and is cut down; he fleeth also as ashadow,and continuethnot. Seeing his daysare determinedthenumber of his months arewith Thee. Thou hast appointedhis boundsthat he cannotpass; turn from him that hemay rest, till he shall accomplish,as an hire-ling, his day. For there is hopeof a tree if itbe cut down that it will sproutagain,andthatthe tender branchesthereof will not cease.Thoughthe roots thereofwax old in the earthand the stock thereof die in the ground, yetthrough the scent of water it will bud andbring forth boughslike aplant. But man diethand wasteth away; yea, man giveth up theghost, and where is he? As the waters failfrom the sea, and the flood decayeth anddrieth up, so man lieth down and riseth notup till the heavenbe no more; they shall notawakenor be raised out of their sleep.
My daysarepassed,my purposesarebrokenoff, even the thoughtsof my heart. If I wait,thegrave is mine house. I havemade my bedin the darkness. I have said to corruption,“Thou art my father”. And whereis now thyhope? As for my hope,who will see it? They
RITUAL FORA LODGE OF SORROW. 107
shall go down to the bars of thepit, where ourresttogetheris in thedust.
My bonecleavethto my skin andto my flesh.Oh! that my wordswerenow written; Oh! thatthey were printed in a book; that they weregraven with an iron pen andlead in the rockforever! For I knowthat my Redeemerliveth,and He shall standat the latter day upon theearth. And though after my skin worms shalldestroythis body, yet in my flesh shall I seeGod. Whom I shall see for myself and mineeyes shall behold, and not another.
For Thoucastme into the deep, in themidstof the seas; and Thy floods compassedmeabout; all Thy billows and Thy waves passedover me. Then I said, I am castout of Thysight; yet will I look again toward Thy holytemple. The waterscompassedme about,evento the soul, thedepthsclosedmeround about,the weedswere wrappedaboutmy head.
I said, in the cutting off of my day I shallgo to thegatesof thegrave; I am deprivedofthe residueof my years; I said,I shall not seethe Lord, even the Lord in the land of theliving; I shall behold man no more with theinhabitants of the world. Behold! for peaceI had greatbitterness;but Thou hastin loveto my soul delivered it from the pit of cor-ruption. For the grave cannot praise Thee,
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108 MASONIC RITUAL.
death cannot celebrateThee; the living, theliving, he shall praiseTheeas I do this day.
Are not my days few? Cease,then, and letme alone, that I may take comfort a littlebefore I go whence I shall not return even tothe landof darkness,andtheshadowof death.A land of darknessas darknessitself, and ofthe shadowof death, without any order; andwherethe light is as darkness.
An interval of profound silence, all the lights in thehall put out, save the three small burning tapers at theEast, West and South Stations, the four brethren aroundthe catafal~ue will also extinguish their tapers, afteranother period of silence, Low Twelve will be soundedon a gong, verii ~slowli.’. then the Master will address the
Senior Warden:
WorshipfulMaster—BrotherSeniorWarden,in this hour of gloom and darkness,whendeathstaresus in theface, when theskin slipsfrom the fingers, and the flesh cleaves fromthe bones,what shall we do?
Senior Warden—Worshipful Sir, the lightof nature and of reason fails us here. Theirfeeblerays penetratenot the darknessof thetomb! Let us look above to Him whoseom-niscienceruleth both death and the grave.
Worshipful Master—BrotherChaplain,leadus in addressingour earnestpetitions to thatAlmighty Father, who ever lends a listeningear to His suffering children.
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 109
Chaplain—Our Father, who art in Heaven,it hath pleasedThee to take from among usthosewho were our brethren. Let time, as ithealsthewoundsthus inflicted upon our heartsand upon the hearts of those who were nearand dear to them, not erasethe salutary les-sons engraved there; but let those lessons,always continuing distinct and legible, makeus and them wiser andbetter. And whateverdistressand trouble may hereaftercomeuponus, may we ever be consoledby the reflectionthat Thy wisdom and Thy love are equallyin-finite, and that oursorrowsarenot thevisita-tions of Thy wrath,but the resultof thegreatlaw of harmonyby which everything is beingconductedto a good and perfect issue in thefullness of Thy time. Let the loss of ourbreth-ren increaseour affection for thosewho areyet spared to us, and make us more punctualin the performanceof the dutiesthat Friend-ship, Love andHonor demand.When it comesto us also to die may a firm andabiding trustin Thy mercy dispel the gloom and dreadofdissolution. Be with us now, that we mayserve Thee in spirit and understanding. Andto Thy name shall be ascribedthepraise for-ever. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.
WorshipfulMaster—BrotherSeniorWarden,
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110 MASONIC RITUAL.
your advice was timely and well. Masonsshould always remember that when humanstrengthand wisdom fail, they have an inex-haustiblefountain of both opento them fromabove,throughthemediumof prayer. BrothersSenior and Junior Wardens, join me aroundthesesolemn emblemsof mortality, and assistme in paying the last Masonic honors to ourdepartedbrethren.
The wardens, Deacons and Stewards will now ap.proach the East and form a procession, thus:
Two Stewards with white rods;
Two wardens with columns;The worshipful Master, supported by the Senior and
3unior Deacons with black cods.
The procession will move once around the catafaiqueto slow and solemn music (Pleyci’s Hymn is very ap-propriate). On arriving at the East, the procession willhalt and open to the right and left. The 3unior wardenwill then advance to the catafaique, and, placing upon
it a bunch of white flowers, will say
Junior Warden—Inmemory of our departedbrethren,I deposit thesewhite flowers, emble-matic of that pure life to which they havebeen called, and reminding us that as thesechildren of an hour will droopand fade away,so, too, we shall soon follow those who havegone before us, and inciting us so to fill thebrief spanof our existencethat we mayleaveto our survivorsa sweetsavorof remembrance.
1’
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 111
Here the Funeral Grand Honors are given once.
The 3unior Warden then returns to his place and aninterval of profound silence will be observed.
The procession will then be formed and move as beforeto the sound of slow music twice around the catafaique
They will open as before, and the Senior Warden ap-proaching the catafaique, will place upon it a wreath of
white flowers, and say•
SeniorWarden—Asthe sun setsin thewest,to close the day and herald the approachofnight, so one by one we lay us down in thedarknessof thetomb to wait in its calm reposefor the time when the heavenshall passawayasa scroll, and man standingin the presenceof the Infinite, shall realizethe true endof hispilgrimage here below. Let these flowers beto us the symbol of remembranceof all thevirtues of our brethrenwho haveprecededusto the Silent Land, andtokenof that fraternalalliance which binds us while on earth, andwhich we hopewill finally unite us in heaven.
Here the Funeral Gi and Honors are given tsosce
The Senior Warden then returns to his place, and aninterval of profound silence will be observed.
The procession will again be formed, and move threetimes around the catafalque to slow music as before.
Arriving in the East. the Master will advance and
place upon the urn a wreath of evergreen, and say:
Worshipful Master— It is appointed untomen once to die, and after death cometh the
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112 MASONIC RITUAL.
resurrection. The dust shall return to theearth, and the spirit unto God who gave it.In the grave all men are equal; thegood deeds,the lofty thoughts, the heroic sacrifices alonesurviveand bearfruit in the lives of thosewhostrive to emulatethem.
While, therefore,nature will have its way,andour tearswill fall upon the gravesof ourbrethien,let us be remindedby theevergreen,symbol of our faith in immortal life, that thedeadare but sleeping,andbe comfortedby thereflection that their memorieswill not be for-gotten; that they will still be loved by thosewho are so soon to follow them; that in ourarchivestheir namesare written, andthat inour heartsthere is still a placefor them. Andso, trusting in the infinite love and tendermercy of Him without whose knowledge noteven a sparrowfalls, let us prepareto meetthem where there is no parting, and wherewith them we shall enjoy eternal rest.
Here the Funeral Grand Honors are given three times,
all repeatine togethei at the last ‘The will of God isaccomplished So mote it be Amen.”
After an interval of profound silence, the Master hav-ing returned to his place in the East, and the Wardens.Deacons and Stewards to their places, the Master will
lead in the following service, all joining in the responses•
Worshipful Master—Oh, give thanks untothe Lord, for He is good.
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 1Ii~
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.Worshtpful Master—Oh, give thanks unto
the God of gods.Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master—Oh,give thanks untothe Lord of lords.
Response—ForHis mercy endureth forever.
Worshipful Master — To Him who alonedoeth great wonders.
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master—ToHim that by wisdommade the heaven.
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master— To Him that stretch-ed out the earth above the waters.
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master— To Him that madegreat lights.
Response—ForHis mercy endureth forever.
Worshipful Master—Thesun to rule by day.Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master—Themoon and stars torule by night.
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master—Whorememberedus inour low estate.
114 MASONIC RITUAL. RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 115
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Roeponse—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
Worshipful Master— Oh, give thanks untoGod of heaven.
Response—ForHis mercy endurethforever.
After which the Master will address Ihe chaplain asfollows
Worshipful Master—BrotherChaplain, readto us from Holy Writ, that Great Light in~Iasonry, words of comfort and hope,to cheerus in our darknessand despondency.
The chaplain will then proceed to the catafaloue,where he will conduct the following service:
Chaplain—Butsomeman will say: How arethe dead raised up? and with what body dothey come? Thou fool, that which thou sowestis not quickenedexceptit die; and that whichthou sowest, thou sowestnot that body thatshall be, but bare grain; it may chance ofwheat or of someother grain; but God givethit a body asit hath pleasedHim, andto everyseedHis own body. All flesh is not the sameflesh; but there is one kind of flesh of men,anotherflesh of beasts,anotherof fishes, andanother of birds. There are also celestialbodies.
Response(by all)—And bodies terrestrial.
Chaplain—But the glory of the celestial isone.
IU
Response—Andthe glory of the terrestrialis another.
Chaplatn—There is one glory of the sunand another glory of the moon and anotherglory of the stars.
Response—Forone star differeth from an-other star in glory.
Chaplain—Soalso is the resurrectionof thedead. It is sown in corruption.
Response—Itis raised in incorruption.Chaplain-—It is sown in dishonor.
Response—Itis raised in glory.
Chaplain--It is sown in weakness.Response—Itis raised in power.
Chaplain—It is sowna naturalbody.Response—Itis raised a spiritual body.
Chaplain—Thereis a naturalbody andthereis a spiritual body; and so it is written, Thefirst man, Adam, was madea living soul.
Response—Thelast Adam wasmadeaquick-ening spirit.
Chaplain—The first man is of the earthearthy.
Response—Thesecondmanis the Lord fromheaven.
Chaplain—Asis the earthy, such are theyalso that are earthy.
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116 MASONIC RITUAL.
Response—Andas the heavenly, such arethey also that are heavenly.
Chaplain—Andas we havebornethe imageof the earthy.
Response—Weshall also bear the imageofthe heavenly.
Chaplain—Behold! I show you a mystery.We shall not all sleep.
Response—Butwe shall all be changed.
Chaplatn—Ina moment,in the twinkling ofan eye, at the last trump; for thetrumpetshallsoundand the dead shall be raised incorrup-tible, and we shall be changed. For this cor-ruptible must put on incorruption.
Response—Andthis mortal mustput on im-mortality.
Chaplain— So when this corruptible shallhaveput on incorruption andthis mortal shallhaveput on immortality, then shall be broughtto passthe saying that is written:
Response—Deathis swallowedup in victory.
Chaplain—O Death, where is thy sting?
Response—OGrave, where is thy victory?As the concluding words are pronounced. ~‘Ograve.
where is thy victory?’ the lighta in the hail will be raisedto great brilliancy: the four brethrcn sitting around theeatafaique will relight the tapers while a strain of
triumphant music will be played, simultaneously with theturnIng on of the lights.
The chaplain will return to his place in the East andthe choir should sing a triumphant hymn.
The Master will then address the Orators, who havebeen chosen to pronounce the eulogium on the deceasedbrethren as follows:
Worshipful Master — Brother Orators, letMasonry speak to us through your lips of ourdeceasedbrethrenwho havegone away fromus. Tell us thestory of their lives, andrecounttheir virtues that we may rememberand imi-tate them. But ]et their faultsandtheir errorsbe forgottenand forgiven,for to saythat theyhad theseis but to saythat they werehuman.
The Orator or Orators will then pronounce theeulogium or eulogiums. Should there be more eulogiumsthan one, they should be Interspersed with music.
Afte, the concluding oration, the choir will sing aclosing ode to the tune of “Old Hundied~’
CLOSING CEREMONY.
WorshtpfulMaster—BrotherSeniorWarden,ourrecollectionsof our departedbrothershavebeenrefreshed,andwe may now askourselveswere they just and perfect Masons, worthymen, unwearied toilers in the vineyard, andpossessedof so many virtues as to overcometheir faults and shortcomings? Answer thesequestionsas Masonsshould answer.
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118 MASONIC RiTUAL.
Senior Warden — Worshipful Sir, manjudgeth not of man. He, whoseinfinite andtendermercy passethall comprehension,whosegoodness enduretli forever, has called ourbrethren hence. Let Him judge.
In ancient Egypt, no onecould gain admit-tanceto the sacredasylum of the tomb untilhe had passedunder the most solemn judg-ment before a grave tribunal.
Princes and peasants came there to bejudged,escortedonly by their virtues andtheirvices. A public accuserrecountedthe historyof their lives, and threw the penetratinglightof truth on their actions. If it wereadjudgedthat the deadman had led an evil life, hismemorywascondemnedin thepresenceof thenation, and his body was denied the honorsof sepulture.
Masonryhasno suchtribunal to sit in judg-ment upon her dead;with her, the good whichher sons have donelives after them, and theevil is interred with their bones. She doesrequire, however, that whateveris said con-cerning them shall be the truth; and shouldit ever happenthat of a Masonwho diesnoth-ing goodcanbe truthfully said,shewill mourn-fully andpityingly bury him out of her sight,in silence.
RITUAL FOR A LODGE OF SORROW. 119
Worshipful Master—Brethren,let us profitby theadmonitionsof this solemnoccasion;layto heartthe truths to which we havelistened,and resolve so to walk that when we lay usdown to the last sleep,it may be the privilegeof the brethren to strew white flowers uponourgraves,andkeepourmemoriesasa pleas-ant remembrance.
Brother Senior Warden, announce to thebrethren that our labors are now concluded,and that it is my pleasurethat this Lodge ofSorrow be now closed.
Senior Warden—BrotherJunior Warden,thelabors of this Lodge of Sorrow being nowended, it is the pleasure of the WorshipfulMaster that it be now closed. Make due an-nouncementto thebrethren, and invite themto assist.
Junior Warden (calling up the Lodge) —
Brethren, the labors of this Lodge of Sorrowbeing now ended, it is the pleasureof theWorshipful Master that it be now closed.
Worshipful Master—Letus unite with ourChaplain in an invocation to the Throne ofGrace.
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Usual closing prayer by the chaplain.
Worshipful Master—This Lodge of Sorrowis now closed.
Usual Masonic benediction by the chaplain.
The Master will then seat the Lodge in the usual way.
After the public has retired, the procession will thenbe reformed in the same order and return to the placefrom whence it set out, wh&re the duties of Freemasonrywill be resumed and the Lodge closed in due form.
Ceremonyof LayingaCorner-stone
This is distinctively a Grand Lodge ceremony, and re-quires the opening of the Grand Lodge. It cannot heperformed by a Subordinate Lodge.
These ceremonies are conducted by the Grand Masterin person, or by some brother actins for him, underspecial written authority, assisted by the Grand Offirers,or brethren appointed to fill their places for the timebeing. All affiliated Masons are entitled to a place inthe procession.
No corner-stone should be laid with Masonic cere.monies except those of acknowledged public structures.such as churches, court-houses, school buildings, or asy-lums, or buildings which are to be used for Masonicpuiposes, and then only by special request of the properauthorities.
when practicable, the stone should be laid in the north-east corner of the building, and engraved with the year ofMasonry in whirh, and the name of the Giand Masterby whom, it is laid
Suitable arrangements mutt be made for lowering thestone by three gradual motions. A platform sufficientlylarge to accommodate the Grand Master and the officers
of the Grand Lodge, the chiefMagistrate and other civilofficers of the place, and the off irial body under whosecharge the structure is to be erected, Is necessary. It isthe duty of the local Lodge to see that all the prepara-tions are made, and also the proper solemnity observed
by the spectators
care should be taken to provide the proper elementsof consecration. These are wheat. souse and olive oilThese are what were used by our ancient brethren andnone other should ever be used by us we retain, how-
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122 MASONIC RITUAL.
ever, the ritualistic word “corn” because wheat w
anciently known by that name.
A band of music may be provided and the brethrenshould appear in the insignia of the Order, dressed inblack with white gloves and aprons.
The Grand Lodge is convened at the appointed time,at some convenient and suitable place, and is opened inAmple Form.
The proper instructions are given by the Grand Master,after which the procession, being arranged by the GrandMarshal, sets out in the following order:
Music;Tiler, with drawn sword.
Two Stewards, with white rods.Master Masons, two and two.
Two Stewards, with white rods;
Junior Deacons;Senior Deacons.
Secretaries.5
Treasurers,Past Wardens,
5Junior wardens.
Senior wardens,
Past Masters,
Masters of Lodges;
(irand Tiler, with drawn sword,Deputy Grand Tiler;
Grand Stewards, with white rods,A brother with a golden vessei containing corn’,
Two brothers with silver vessels, one containing wine,the other out;
Principal Architect with Squsie, Level and Plumb,
‘Wheat.tOlive Oil
LAYING CORNER-STONE
Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer.The Holy Bible. Squareand Compasses,Carried by aMaster of a Lodge, supportedby two Deaconswith
black rods,Grand Chaplain,Grand Orator,
Grand Marshal,The Five Orders.Grand Historian,z
PastGrand Wardens,0
Past Deputy Grand Masters.Past Grand Masters,
Chief Magistrate of the place (if a Mason),Grand Wardens,
Deputy GrandMaster,Book of Constitutions, carried by the Master of the
oldest Lodge,Grand Master, supported by the two Grand
Deacons with black rods
On arriviig at the structure where the stone is to belaid, the procession opens to the right and left, anduncoverina, the Grand Master and his officers repair tothe platform, which will be surrounded by the rest efthe brethren.
The band will then discourse music, or a choir will singsome appropriate ode.
After which the Grand Master will say
As Masonswe are taught in all our work,before engaging in any great or importantundertaldng,first to invoke the blessingsofGod. I thereforecommandsilenceand dueat-tention, and call upon you to unite with ourRight Worshipful Grand Chaplain in an ad-dressto the Throne of Grace.
The Grand Chaplain will then offer the following oran extemporaneous pi~ayer
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Almighty, Eternal God, Creator and up-holder of the universe,who in the beginninghast laid the foundation of the earth; andthe heavensare the work of whose hands; aschildren of Thy creation we, too, create andmake, plan and mold; and we, Thy servants,by Thy kind providence, are assembledhereto-day to lay this foundationstone, on whichshall rest a building to be closely identifiedwith the highest interests of this city andcounty. Thou, 0 God, knowest our needs inthis, our presentwork. In Theeis our wisdom,in Thee is our strength. Vouchsafeto us, weimplore Thee, grace,wisdom and understand-Ing, that we may dischargethe solemn dutiesof this hour to Thy honor and glory.
We fervently implore Thy blessing on allwho shall be engagedin the erection of thisbuilding. May all their bonesbe kept, that notone of them be broken. Give Thine angelschargeover them, to keep them in all theirways. May the Master, Fellow Crafts andApprenticesbe directed by Thy most graciousfavor, and furthered by Thy continued help.And may that more glorious building, of whichthis shall be typical, becementedand adorned,completed and preservedby thosegoodly of-fices and kindly affectionswhich He requireswho will lay judgment to the line, and right-
LAYING CORNER-STONE 125
eousnessto the plummet. And from this cor-ner-stone,well-tried, true andtrusty, may thegood work advancein peaceandharmony,untilall worthy brethrenshall bringforth thehead-stonewith shoutings,crying grace,graceuntoit.
Assist us mercifully, 0 Lord, in theseoursupplicationsand prayers,anddisposethewayof Thy servantstowards the attainment ofeverlasting salvation, that among all thechangesand chancesof this mortal life theymay ever be defendedby Thy most graciousand readyhelp. And to Thy name will wegive all the praise, both now and forever.Amen.
Response—Somote it be.Some appiopriste anthem is then song
The Grand Master ~vill then say:
Right Worshipful Senior Grand Warden, ithasbeen thecustom among the fraternity ofFree and Accepted Masons, from time im-memorial, on invitation, to assemblethe Craftand lay, with appropriate ceremonies, thefoundation stones of public edifices. In obe-dience to that custom, and having acceptedthe invitation of the building committee tolay, in due and ancient Masonic form, thecorner-stoneof this building now in processof erection, I am here today with the officers
LAYING CORNER-STONE. 127
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126 MASONIC RITUAL.
of the Grand Lodge to perform that duty. Itis, therefore, my order, that we proceed tothe laying of the corner-stoneof this building.This you will proclaimto theRight WorshipfulJunior Grand Warden, and he to ~he Craft,and others present, that they having due andtimely notice thereof, may govern themselvesaccordingly.
Senior Grand Warden— Right WorshipfulJunior Grand Warden, it is the order of ~heMost Worshipful Grand Master of Masonsofthe State of Alabama, that the corner-stoneof this building be now laid in dueandancientMasonic form. This you will proclaim to theCraft andall present,that the proceedingsofthis occasion may be observedwith due andbecoming solemnity.
Junior Grand Warden—Brethrenof theMa-sonic fraternity, and all present,take noticethat the Most Worshipful Grand Master ofMasons of the State of Alabama will nowcauseto be tested and tried the corner-stoneof this building, that he may lay the same indue and ancientMasonic form. You will there-fore observe that order and decorum whichbecomesthe dignity and solemnity of the oc-casion.
If the building is intended for Masonic uses, the to1-lowing will be introduced, bet not otherwise.
The Grand Msster will call for the working tools of aMason, anoint them with oil, and deliver them to theMaster of the building Lodge.
[Grand Master—WorshipfulMaster ofLodge, No. , what will your Lodge belike?
The Master answers nothing, but, lifting up his righthand points first to heaven, then, letting it fall, pointsto the earth, and then extends both arms to their utmostlimit.
Grand Master—It is a good plan, Worship-ful Master, but have you nothing more to tellme?
The Master makes no verbal reply to this question,but puts his right hand on his heart and presses theforefinger of his left hand on his lips.
Grand Master—TheWorshipful iVI aster doeswell, brethren; let us copy his example.]
Grand Master — Right Worshipful GrandTreasurer,it has ever been the custom of theCraft, on occasions like the present, to de-posit in the cavity of the stone placed at thenortheastcorner of the building certain me-morials of the period in which it waserected,so that if, in the lapseof ages,the fury of theelements,the violence of man, or the slow butcertain ravages of time should lay bare itsfoundation,an enduring evidencemay be foundby succeedinggenerations to bear testimonyto the untiring industry of Free and Ac-
128 MASONIC RITUAL.LAYING CORNER-STONE. 129
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ceptedMasons. Has such a deposit beenpre-pared?
Grand Treasurer—It has, Most WorshipfulGrand Master, andthe memorials are now inthe casketbeforeyou.
Grand Master — Right Worshipful GrandSecretaryyou will read the list of memorials,that all may be informed.
The Grand Secretary then reads the list of articles,amongst which there should be a copy ot the Holy Writ-ings, a list of the officers of the Grand Lodge for thecurrent year and of the officers of the acting GrandLodge by whom the stone is laid, and if the building isfor Masonic uses a roll of the building Lodge, and if thebuilding is a church or public edifice, a list of theOfficial Board having charge of its erection; to whichthere may be added copies of the local papers, the namesof the public officers of the city and county, the orderof procession and the programme of the occasion; thecoins and currency of the country, etc. The stone shallbe of sufficient sire for the cavity therein to contain saidarticles
At the conclusi,,n of the reading of the articles de-posited~
Grand Master — Right Worshipful GrandTreasureryou will now deposit the casketinthecavity preparedfor it, andmay the GrandArchitect of the Universe,in His infinite wis-dom, grant that ages upon ages shall passaway ere it again be seenby human eyes.
All respond—Somote it be.
Then, during music, the Grand Treasurer will make thedeposit
Grand Master — Right Worshipful GrandMaishal, you will direct the Craftsmen tofurnish the cement, and the Architect to bepreparedto lower thestoneto its properposi-tion.
Grand Marshal—Craftsmen,you will fur-nish thecement,and, Architect, youwill be prepared to lowei~ the stone as youmay be directed.
The cement is furnished by the Craftsmen, and theArchitect states that the stone is ready to be lowered.and presents the Grand Master with a trowel; when theGrand Master spreads the cement over the top of thestone on which the corner-stone will rest.
Grand Master A rchitect, let thestone be lowered one-third of the distance.Brethren, join with me in the Public GrandHonorsonce. (The order is obeyed.) Let thesto~’ie be lowered two-thirds of the distance.Brethren,thePublic GrandHonorstwice. (Theorder is obeyed.) Let the stonebe lowered toits position. Brethren, join with me in thePublic Grand Honors thrice. (The order isobeyed.)
Duiing the lowering ol the stone appropriate musicwill be furnished by the band, or the following may besung by the choir, to the tune of ~Old hundred”
130 MASONIC RITUAL.LAYING CORNER-STONE.
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Master Supremel to Thee this day.Our corner-stone with praise we lay,And resting on Thy word fulfilid,To Thee, 0 Lordl our house we build,
Nor build we here with strength alone,
Or carven wood or sculptured stone;But squarely hewed and broadly planned,Our lines we raise, like ashlars grand
By Thee, 0 Lord, our work designed,The widow’s son his help shall find;
And we shall frame, for trembling youth,The winding stairs that lead to Truth.
In Faith we toil, in Hope we climbTo Charity, our Arch sublime;
And evermore the Key-stone see,o Masterl Lordl in Theel in Theel
‘The principal Architect then present~s the Grand Masteiwith the Plumb, Level and Square, saying;
Most Worshipful Grand Master, the neces-sarypreparationshaving beenmadefor layingthecorner-stoneof this building, I presentyouthe Plumb,Level, andSquare,thoseuseful im-plements of the Craft by which you will beable ~oascertainthat the materialshavebeenproperly prepared,and the corner-stoneyouhavelaid is well formed, true andtrusty.
The Grand Master, taking the three implements in
his hand, distributes them successively, the Plumb to theJunior Grand Warden, the Level to the Senior GrandWarden, the Square to the Deputy Grand Master, andsays
Grand Master — Right Worshipful Deputy
Grand Master—What is the jewel of youroffice?
Deputy Grand Maste’r—The Square, MostWorshipful GrandMaster.
Grand Master—Whatareils moral andMa-sonic uses?
Deputy Grand Master—To squareour ac-tions by the squareof virtue, and prove ourwork.
Grand Master—Applythe implementof youroffice to thatportion of thecorner-stonewhichneedsto be proved, and makereport.
The Deputy Grand Master applies the Square to thestone and says
Most Worshipful Grand N aster, I find thecorner-stoneto be square.The Craftsmenhaveperformedtheir duty.
Grand Master — Right Worshipful SeniorGrand Warden, whal is the jewel of youroffice?
Senwr Grand Warden— The Level, MostWorshipful Grand Master.
Grand Master—What are lts moral andMasonic uses?
Senior Grand Warden—Morally, it teachesus equalIty,andits useis to lay horizontals.
GrandMaster—Applythe implementof youroffice to the corner-stoneand make report.
132 MASONIC RITUAL. LAYING CORNER-STONE. 188wstichtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1w.stjchtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1w.stichtingargus.nl1W.stichtingargus.n1~rw.stichtrngargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtrngargus.nl1W.stichtingargus.nl1W.stichtingargus.nl1W.stichtingargus.nl1W.stichtingargus.nl‘w,sI ichi i ngargus.nl
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The order is obeyed
Sen%or Grand Warden—MostWorshipful, 1fInd thecorner-stoneto be level, The Crafts-men have performed thelr duty,
Grand Master — Rsght WorshIpful JunlorGrand Warden, what is the jewel of youroffice?
Junior Grand Warden— The Plumb, MostWorshipful Grand Master.
Grand Master—Whatare Its moral andMa-sonic uses?
Junsor Grand Warden—Morally, lt teachesrectitude of conduct, and we use it to tryperpendiculars.
GiandMaster—Apply the implementof youioffice to the severaledgesof thecorner-stoneandmakereport.
The order is obeyed
Junior Gi-i and Warden—MostWorshipful,fInd thecorner-stoneto be plumb. The Crafts-men haveperformedtheIr duty.
Thc Grand ?ilaster approaches the stone and strikingit three times with his gavel, will say
Grand Master— This corner-stonehasbeenduly testedby the proper implementsof Ma-sonry. I find that the Craftsmenhaveskill-fully andfaithfully performedtheir duty, andI do declarethe stoneto be well formed, true
andtrusty, and correctly laid, accordingto therules of our ancientcraft. And may this work,auspiciously begun, be continued and com-pleted by the benign principles of peace,har.mony and brotherly love.
Let theelementsof consecrationnow be pre.sented.
The Deputy Grand Mastei comes forward with thevessel of corn, and scattering it on the stone, says~
I scatter this corn as an emblemof plenty.May the blessings of bounteousheaven beshoweredupon us, and upon like patriotic andbenevolentundertakings,andinspiretheheartsof the people with virtue, wisdom and grati-tude.
Response—Somote it be.The Senior Grand Warden then comes forward with
the vessel of wine, and pouring It upon the stone, says -
I pour this wine as an emblem of joy andgladness.May theGreatRulerof theUniversebless and prosperour national, stateand citygovernments,preservetheunion of the States,and may it be a bond of friendship and bro-therly love that shall endurethrough all time.
Response—Somote it be.The Junior Grand warden then comes forward with
the vessel of oil, and pouring It u~ion the stone, says:
I pour this oil asan emblemof peace. Mayits blessings abide with us continually, and
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MASONIC RITUAL. Imay the Grand Master of heaven and earthshelter and protect the widow and orphan,shield and defend them from the trials andvicissitudesof theworld, and so bestow mercyupon the bereaved and afflicted, that theymay know sorrow and trouble no more.
Response—Somote it be.The Grand Master, standing in front of all and ex-
tending his hands makes the following
INVOCATION.
May theall-bounteousAuthor of natureblesstheinhabitantsof this placewith an abundanceof the necessaries,conveniencesand comfortsof life; assistin the erectionand completionof this building; protect theworkmen againstevery accident; long preserve the structurefrom decay; and grant to us all a supply ofthe corn of nourishment,the wine of refresh-ment, andthe oil of joy.
Grand Master—Brethren,assistme in giving the Public Grand Honors.
The Grand Master then delivers over to the Architectthe implements of Architecture, saying:
Worthy Brother (or Sir), having thus far,as Grand Master of Masons, laid the corner-stoneof this structure,I now deliver theseim-plementsof your professioninto your hands,intrusting you with the superintendenceand
LAYING CORNER-STONE.
direction of the work, having full confidencein your skill and capacityto conductthe samein such a mannerthat the building may risein order, harmony and beauty, and perfectedin strength, that it may answerevery purposefor which it is intended,to your credit andthesatisfactionandhonorof thosewho havetrust-ed you with thework, having no doubt that asit hasbeenhappily begun,it will be carriedon,by God’s will, to a happy ending.
Some appropriate anthem may now be sung.
Then follows an
ORATION.
or the Grand Master may address the assembly as
follows
Men and brethren here assembled,be itknown unto you that we be lawful Masons,true and faithful to the laws of our country,and engaged,by solemn obligations to erectmagnificenl-buildings, to be serviceableto thebrethren,andto fear God, theGreatArchitectof theUniverse. We haveamongus, concealedfrom theeyesof all men, secretswhich cannotbe divulged, andwhich haveneverbeenfoundout; but thesesecretsare lawful and honor-able, andnot repugnantto the laws of God orman. They were intrusted in peaceandhonorto the Masonsof ancienttimes, and havingbeenfaithfully transmittedto us, it is ourduty
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to convey them unimpairedto the latest pos-terity. Unless our Craft were good and ourcalling honorable, we should not have lastedfor so many centuries, nor should we havebeenhonored with the patronageof so manyillustrious men in all ages, who have evershown themselves ready to promote our in-terests and defend us from all adversaries.We are assembledhere to-day in the face ofyou all, to build a house,which we pray Godmay deserveto prosper, by becoming a placeof concoursefor good men,andpromotinghar-mony andbrotherly love throughouttheworld,till time shall be no more.
Response—Somote it be. Amen.
A~r—Amerlca.Hail, Masonry divine,Glory of agesshine;
Long may’st thou reign.Where’erthy Lodgesstand,May they havegreat command,And always grace the land;
Thouart divine.Greal~ fabrics still arise,And gracethe azureskies--
Greatare thy schemes;Thy noble ordersareMatchlessbeyondcompare,No art with theecan share,
Thou art divine.
Hiram, the Architect,Did all the craft direct
How they should buildSolomon,great Israel’s King,Did mighty blessingsbring,And left us room to sing,
Hail, Royal Art!Grand Master — Right Wos-shipful Grand
Marshal, make proclamationthat this corner-stonehasbeenlaid agreeablyto theusagesofAncient Craft Nasonry,and in Ample Form.
Grand Marshal—Byorderof theMost Wor-shipful Grand Masterof Masonsof the Stateof Alabama I proclaim that this corner-stoneis laid agreeably to the usagesof AncientCraft Masonry, and in Ample Form.
The folloss ,rg or some other appropriate bened~ct,onis then pronounced by the Grand Chaplain -
The Lord blesstheeandkeepthee; theLordmake his face to shine upon thee and begraciousunto thee: the Lord lift up his coun-tenanceupon theeandgive thee peace. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.
Afte- which the procession returns in the same orderto the place whence it set out, and the Grand Lodge isclosed in Ample Form.
9/
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138 MASONIC RITUAL.
Dedicationof Masonic HallsAt the time appointed for the celebration of the cere-
mony of dedication, the Grand Master and his officers.accompanied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meetin a convenient room near the place where the cere-mony is to be performed and the Grand Lodge is opened
in Ample Form.The procession is then formed under the direction of
the Grand Marshal, when the Grand Lodge moves to thehail to be dedicated in the following order•
Music;Grand Tiler, with drawn sword;
Deputy Grand Tiler,
Grand Stewards, with white rods;A Past Master, with light;
A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings. Square andCompasses;
Two burning tapers, borne by two Past Masters:Grand Chaplain;Grand Oratar;
Grand MarshalGrand HistorianPasi Grand Wardens;
Past Deputy Grand Masters,Past Grand Masters,
Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer,Junior Giand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with corn.Senior Grand Warden, carrying a silver vessel with wine,
Deputy Grand Master, carrying a golden vessel with alit,
I”The Lodge’, covered with white linen, carried by fourbrethren;
Master of the Oldest Lodge, carrying a book of Consti-
tutions.~Whest but we retain the ritualistic word “corn” be-
cause anciently wheat was known by that name,tolive Oil is the proper one.IA box of convenient sire covered with white linen.
symbolical of the ark of the covenant.
4
DBDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 189
Grand Master, supported by Senior and Junior GrandDeacons
When the Grand Officers arrive at the centre of theLodgeroom the Grand Honors are given.
The Grand Officers then repair to their respective sta-tions.
“The Lodge” is placed in front of the altar, towards
the East, and the gold and silver vessels end lights areplaced around it
An ode may be sung
The Master of the Lodge to which the ball to be dedi-cated belongs then rises and addresses the Grand Master
as follows:
Most Worshipful GrandMaster: Thebreth-ren of LodgeNo. , beingani-matedwith a desireto promotethehonorandinterest of the Craft, haveerecteda MasonicHall for their convenienceandaccommodation.They are desirous that the same should beexaminedby theGrandLodge; andif it shouldmeet their approbation, that it be solemnlydedicatedto Masonic purposes,agreeablytoancientform andusage.
The Architect or brother who has had the managementof the structure then addresses the Grand Master asfollows
Mosl Worshipful GrandMaster;Havingbeenintrusted with the superintendenceand man-agementof theworkmen employedin thecon-structionof this edifice, andhaving,accordingto thebestof my ability, accomplishedthe task
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MASONIC RITUAL.
assignedme, I now return my thanks for thehonor of this appointment,and beg leave tosurrender the implements which were com-mitted to my care, whenthe foundationof thisfabric was laid (presenting to ~he GrandMaster theSquare,Level andPlumb), humblyhoping that the exertions which have beenmade on this occasion will be crowned withyour approbation,andthat of theGrandLodge.
To which the Grand Master replies:
Brothei’ Architect: The skill andfidelity dis-played in theexecutionof the trust reposedinyou at thecommencementof this undertakinghave secured the entire approbation of theGrand Lodge; and they sincerely pray thatthis edifice may continuea lasting monumentof the taste,spii’lt and liberality of its foun-ders.
The Deputy Grand Master then rises and says:
Most Worshipful Grand Master: The hall inwhich we are now assembled,and the planupon which it has been constructed,havingmet with your approbation,it is the desireofthe Fraternity that it should benow dedicated,according to ancient form and usage.
‘The Lodge” is then uncovered arid a procession is
made around it in the following form, during whichsolemn music is played
Grand Tiler, with drawn sword,Deputy Grand Tiler;
Grand Stewards, with white rods:
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 141
A Past Master, with light,
A Past ?~l aster bearing the Holy writings, Square andCompasses,
Two Past Masters, each with a light;
Grand Secretary and Treasurer;
Junior Grand warden, with vessel of corn,
Senior Grand Warden, with vessel of wine,
Deputy Grand Master with vessel of oil,
Grand ?~l aster, supported by Senior and Junior GrandDeacons
Whrn the procession arrives at the East it halts, the
music ceases and the Grand Chaplain makes the following
CONSECRATION PRAYER.
Almighty and ever-glorious and graciousLord God, Creatorof all things, and Governorof everything Thou hastmade,mercifully lookupon Thy servants, now assembledin Thynameandin Thy presence,andblessandpros-per all our works begun, continuedand endedin Thee, Graciously bestow upon us Wisdomin all our doings; 5trength of mind in all ourdifficulties, and the Beauty of harmony andholiness in all our communicationsand work.Let Faith be the foundation of our Hope, andCharity the fruit of our obedienceto Thy re-vealed will.
May all the proper work of our institutionthat may be donein this housebe suchas Thywisdom may approveand Thy goodnesspros-
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per. And, finally, graciously be pleased, 0Thou Sovereign Architect of the Universe,tobless the Craft, wheresoever dispersed,andmake them true and faithful to Thee,to theirneighbor, and to themselves. And when thetime of our labor is drawing nearto an end,and the pillar of our strength is decliningto the ground, graciously enable us to passthrough the “valley of the shadowof death”,supportedby Thy rod and Thy staff, to thosemansions beyond the skies, where love, andpeace,andjoy forever reignbeforeThy throne.Amen.
Response—Somote it be,All the other bietiiri~n keep their places and assist in
singing the ode, which continues during the procession,
ejicepting only at the interval, of dedication,
ODE
Aii—Old Hundred
Genius of Masonry attend,And with theebring thy spotlesstrain,
Constantour sacredrights attend,While we adorethy peacefulreign.
The first procession being made around “the Lodge”,the Grand Master having reached the East, the JuniorGrand warden presents the vessel of corn to the GrandMaster, saying’
Most Worshipful Grand Master: In thededicationsof Masonic Halls, it hasbeen ofimmemorial custom to pour corn upon the
Lodge, asan emblemof nourishment. I, there-fore, presentyou this vesselof corn, to be em-ployed by you according to ancient usage.
The Grand Master then, striking thrice with his gavel,pours the corn upon “the Lodge”, saying:
In thenameof thegreatJehovah,to whomall honorandglory, I do solemnly dedicatethishall to Freemasonry.
The Grand Honors are given.
Bring with thee Virtue, brightest maid!Bring Love, bring Truth, bring Friendship
here;While social Mirth shall lend her aid
To smooth the wrinkled brow of care.The second procession is then made around “the
Lodge”, and the Senior Grand Waiden presents thevessel of wine to the Grand Master, saying:
Most Worshipful Grand Master: Wine, theemblemof refreshment,having been used byour ancientbrethrenin thededicationandcon-secrationof their Lodges, I presentyou thisvesselof wine, to be used on the presentoc-casionaccordingto Masonic form.
The Grand Master then sprinkles the wine upon “theLodge”, saying:
In the nameof the holy Saints John, I dosolemnly dedicatethis hall to Virtue.
The Grand Honors are twice repeated.
Bring Charity, with goodnesscrowned,Encircledby thy heavenlyrobe!
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Diffuse thy blessingsall around,To every corner of the Globe.
The third psocession is then formed around “theLodge”, and the Deputy Grand Master presents thevessel of oil to the Grand Master, saying:
Most Worshipful Grand Master: I presentyou, to be used accordingto ancientcustom,this vesselof oil, an emblemof that joy whichshould animateeverybosom on thecompletionof every Important undertaking.
The Grand Master then pours the oil upon “theLodge”, saying:
In the name of the whole Fraternity, I dosolemnly dedicate this hall to Universal Be-nevolence.
The Grand Honors are thrice repeated,
To heaven’shigh Architect all praise,All praise,all gratitude be given,
Who deigned the human soul to raise,By mystic secrets,sprung from heaven.
The Grand Chaplain, standing before “the Lodge”,
then makes the following
INVOCATION.
And may the Lord, the giver of every goodand perfect gift, bless the brethren here as-sembled, in all their lawful undertakings,and grant to each one of them, in needfulsupply, the corn of nourishment,the wine ofrefreshmentandthe oil of joy. Amen.
Response—Somote it be.
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 145
The Grand Maishal will then slowly re-cover the em.blem of the Lodge, accompanied by a strain of music,after which the Grand Master will reaume his chair andthe other Grand Officers will take their respective sta.tions and places.
Grand Master — Right Worshipful GrandMarshal, you will make proclamation that thehall in which we are now assembledhasbeensolemnly dedicatedto the purposesof Free-masonryin Ample Form.
Grand Marshal—I am directedby the MostWorshipful Grand Master to proclaim, anddo hereby proclaim, that this hall has beensolemnly dedicatedto the purposesof Free-masonry in Ample Form.
This proclamation is made from the East(here the Grand Master strikes one rap withhi.s gavel), from the West (here the SeniorGrand Wardenstrikes onerap with his gavel),and from the South (here the Junior GrandWardenstrikesone rap with his gavel). Once(here the Junior Grand Warden strikes oncewith his gavel), twice (here the Senior GrandWarden strikes twice with his gavel), thrice(here the Grand Master strikesthrice with hisgavel). All interestedwill take duenoticeandgovern themselvesaccordingly.
Some suitable ode is then sung.
The following or an appropriate original
ORATIONis then delivered:
146 MASONIC RITUAL.
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Brethren: The ceremonieswe have per-formedarenot unmeaningrites,nor theamus-ing pageantsof an idle hour,but havea solemnand instructive import. Suffer me to point itout to you, and to impress upon your mindsthe ennobling sentiments they are so welladaptedto convey.
This hall, designedand built by Wisdom,supportedby Strength,andadornedin Beauty,we are first to consecratein the nameof thegreat Jehovah; which teachesus, in all ourworks, begun and finished, to acknowledge,adore and magnify Him. It reminds us, also,in His fear to enter the door of the Lodge, toput our trust in Him while passingits trials,and to hope in Him for the reward of itslabors.
Let, then, its altar be devotedto His service,and its lofty arch resound With His praise.May the eyewhich seethin secretwitnessherethe sincereand unaffected piety which with-draws from the engagementsof the world tosilenceand privacy, that it may be exercisedwith less interruption and less ostentation.
Our march aroundthe Lodgeremindsus ofthe travels of human life, in which Masonryis an enlightened,a safe,anda pleasantpath.Its tessellatedpavementof Mosaic work inti-
DEDICATION OF MASONIC HALLS. 147
mates to us the chequereddiversity and un-certainty of human affairs. Our step is time,our progression,eternity.
Following our ancient Constitution, withmystic rites we dedicatethis hall to thehonorof Freemasonry.
Our best attachmentsare dueto the Craft.In its prosperity,we find our joy; and, in pay-ing it honor, we honorourselves.But its worthtranscendsour encomiums,and its glory willoutsoundour praise.
Brethrei’, it is our pride that we have ournamesor. tht recordof Freemasonry. May itbe our high ambition that they should shedalustre on the immortal page!
The hall is also dedicatedto Virtue.This worthy appropriation will always be
duly regarded,while the moral duties whichour sublime lecturesinculcate, with effectiveandimpressivepertinency,arecherishedin ourheartsand illustrated in our lives.
As Freemasonryaims to enliven thespirit ofPhilanthropyandpromotethecauseof Charity,so we dedicatethis hall to Universal Benevo-lence;in theassurancethat everybrother willdedicatehis affections andhis abilities to thesamegenerouspurpose;thatwhile he displaysa warm and cordial affection to thosewho areof the Fraternity, he will extend his benevo-
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148 MASONIC RITUAL.
lent regards and good wishes to the wholefamily of mankind.
Such, my brethren, is the significant mean-ing of the solemn riteswe havejust performed,becausesuch are the peculiar duties of everyLodge. I neednot enlargeupon them now, norshowhow they diverge,as rays from the cen-tre, to enlighten, to improve, and to cheer thewholecircle of life. Their import andtheir ap-plicationis familiar to you all. In their knowl-edgeandtheir exercisemay you fulfill thehighpurposesof the Masonic Institution.
How manypleasingconsiderations,my breth-ren, attend the presentinterview! While inalmosteveryother associationof men,politicalanimosities,contentionsandwarsinterrupt theprogressof humanityand thecauseof benevo-lence, it is our distinguishedprivilege to dwelltogether in peace,and engagein plansto per-fect individual and social happiness. Whilein many other nations our Order is viewedbypoliticians with suspicion,andby the ignorantwith apprehension,in this country its membersare too much respectedandits principles toowell known to make it the object of jealousyor mistrust. Our private assembliesare un-molestedand our public celebrationsattracta more generalapprobationof theFraternity.Indeed,its importance,its credit, and, we trust,
DEDICATLON OF MASONIC HALLS. 149
its usefulness,are advancingto a height un-known in any former age. The present oc-casion gives fresh evidenceof the increasingaffection of its friends; and this noble apart-ment, fitted up in a style of sucheleganceandconvenience,does honor to Freemasonry,aswell as reflects the highest credit on the re-spectableLodgefor whoseaccommodationandat whoseexpenseit is erected.
We offer our best congratulations to theWorshipful Master, Wardens, officers andmembersof the Lodge. We commendtheir zealand hope it will meet with the most amplerecompense. May their hall be the happy re-sort of piety, virtue and benevolence;may itbe protected from accidentsand long remaina monumentof their attachmentsto Freema-sonry! May their Lodge continueto flourish,their union to strengthen,and their happinessto abound! And when they andwe all shall beremovedfrom the labors of theearthly Lodge,may we be admittedto thebrotherhoodof theperfect, in the building of God, the hall notmade with hands,eternal in the heaven.
The Grand Master will then call up the brethren andrequest the Grand Chaplain to pronounce a suitable
BENEDICTION.The Grand Lodge is again formed in procession, as at
first, returns to the room where it opened and is closedin Ample Form.
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150 MASONIC RITUAL.
Instituting a LodgeUnderDispensation
The new Lodge will meet in its hall, and the GrandMasteror his deputized officer, will take his seat in theEast, and open the Lodge. filling the various stationsvro tern.
The Lodge being opened in the third degree, the off ,-
ciating officer will causethe dispensationto be read bythe acting Secretary.
This being accomplishedthe officiating officer will thencausethe officers namedin the warrant to sssumetheirrespectivestations After which the namesof the officersappointed by the Master of the new Lodge will be an-nounced, when the officiating officer will deliver thefollowing charges
CHARGE TO THE MASTER
Worshipful Master—TheGrand Lodge hav-ing committed to your carethesuperintendenceand governmentof the brethren who are tocomposethis new Lodge, you cannotbe insen-sible of the obligations which devolve on youastheir head,nor of your responsibilityfor thefaithful dischargeof the important dutiesper-taining to your appointment.
The honor, reputation,andusefulnessof thisLodge will materially dependupon your skillandassiduity;while thehappinessof themem-hers will be generally promotedin proportionto the zeal and ability with which you propa-
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INSTITUTION UNDER DISPENSATION. 151
gate the genuine principles of Freemasonry.For a patternconsiderthe great luminary ofNature, which, rising in the East, regularlydiffuseslight andlustreto all within its circle.In like mannerit is your duty to spreadlightand instruction to the brethrenof this Lodge.Forcibly impress upon them the dignity andhigh importance of Masonry, and seriouslyadmonish them never to disgraceit. Chargethem to practiceout of the Lodgethosedutieswhich they have been taught in it, and, byamiable,discreetand virtuous conduct,to con-vince mankind of the goodnessof the institu-tion, so that, when a person is said to be amemberof it, the world may know that he isone to whom theburdenedheartmay pour outits sorrows; to whom distressmay prefer itssuit; whose hand is guided by justice, andwhoseheart is e,cpandedby benevolence. Inshort, by a diligent observanceof the laws ofour Grand Lodge, ancienl landmarksandreg-ulations of Masonry, and aboveall the HolyScriptures,which are given as the rule andguide to your faith, you will be enabled tomerit the confidence reposed in you.
CHARGE TO THE WARDENS.
Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens (whoare called up by two raps): You should be
152 MASONIC RITUAL.INSTITUTION UNDER DISPENSATION. 153
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examplesof good order and regularity, for itis only by a due regard for the laws, in yourown conduct, that you can expect obedienceto them from others. You are assiduouslytoassist the Master in diffusing light and im-parting knowledgeto all whom he shall placeunderyour care. In theabsenceof theMasteryou will succeed to the higher duties; youracquirementsmust thereforebe such that theCraft may never suffer for want of properinstruction. From the spirit which you havehithertoevinced,I entertainno doubtthatyourfuture conduct will be such as to merit theapproval of your brethren and the testimonyof a good conscience.
CHARGE TO THE BRETHREN OF THELODGE.
Brethren of LodgeU.~.D.. (who arecalled up by three raps): You have beenformed under a dispensationinto a Lodge ofFreeandAcceptedMasons,andareempoweredto confer theseveraldegreesof Ancient CraftMasonry, and to transact the necessarybusi-nessincidentthereto. Your authority is strictlylimited by the law of theGrand Lodge, of F..& A.. M... of Alabama,andyour continuanceas a Lodge under dispensationis subject tothe will and pleasureof the Grand Master,
who may at any time revoke the authorityunder which you are now working.
It is your duty, asofficers andmemberstostrictly obey ~helaw, andin orderto do so youshould carefully study all of its provisions,asany departuretherefrom may subject you tocensure,and might result in the recalling ofyour dispensation.
Lodges are first instituted under dispensa-tion asa test of ~heability of theofficers andbrethren to properly perform the duties in-cumbent upon them, and if, after due trial,they arefound worthy andwell qualified, theyareconstitutedandformed into regular Lodges,with full power to work under charter.
In addition to observingthe law, it will alsobe the duty of the officers to conform to theiules and regulationsof the Grand Lodge inregardto work. The Grand Lodgehas its ownesotericor secretwork, and has District Lec-turers to teach it, and Lodgesare requiredtoconform strictly thereto. The ritual adoptedby the Grand Lodge must be used, and noother. The desireon thepart of Lodgesunderdispensationto conferdegreesupon applicantstoo oftenresultsin theadmissioninto our Fra-ternity of some who are not worthy and wellqualified. Bear in mind that the stability of aLodge depends upon the quality of its mem-
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‘54 MASONIC RITUAL.
bers, andnot upon thenumber upon whom itsfavors are bestowed. As the strength of achain is tested by its weakest link, so thestanding of a Masonic Lodge is measuredbyfts weakestmember. I especiallyadmonishyouto inquire carefully into the character andstandingof thosewho seekadmissioninto ourFraternity. No man can add to or shedlustreupon Freemasonry;no o~e should be solicitedto becomeone of us. We confer favors uponthosewhom we accept, and we should knowbeyondquestionthat the recipienLsare worthyof what we have to impart.
I chargeyou to guard‘well theportalsof thisLodge, as we havea right to know that everyFreemasonyou createis entitled to be greetedby the Fraternity as a friend and brotherwheresoeverdispersedthroughout the globe.
PROCLAMATION.
Insbtuting Officer: In thenameand by theauthorityof theIViost WorshipfulGrandMasterof Free and AcceptedMasonsof Alabama,Ido proclaimthaL~~Lodge U. D. of________hasbeenduly instituted in conformity to therites of our institution, and the charges ofour ancientandhonorableFraternity,andmayour HeavenlyFatherprosper,direct, andcoun-sel you in all your doings.
INSTITUTION UNDER DISPENSATION. 155
BENEDICTION BY INSTITUTINGOFFICER OR CHAPLAIN.
The Lord blesstheeandkeepthee. The Lordmake his face to shine upon thee, and begraciousunto thee. The Lord lift up his coun-tenanceupon theeandgive thee peace.Amen.
Response~by all the brethren)—Somote itbe.
CONCLUDING INSTRUCTIONS.
I. The Instituting Officer may concludewith such personal instructions as he deemsproper for the occasfon; and handing to theWor~hipfu1 Master the dispensation and thegavel of authority, he will resign the chair,andtaketheplacevacatedby the Master. Thebrethren are seatedand the Lodge proceeds‘with its business.
2. Officers of the Lodges under di~peima-tion are not entitled to be installed.
3. The dispensationis to be copiedinto theLodge RecordBook. The Secretarywill com-mencehis minutesof the first communicationthus: “Under and by virtue of the followingDispensation,viz.”, and then set out the dis-pensationin full. After thedispensationis setout in full, theSecretarywill continue: _____
Lodge No._______wasthis day organizedbyBrother__________Master (or Past Master, as
I
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156 MASONIC RITUAL.
thecasemay be) of LodgeNo.________with the following officers andmemberspres-ent:
(Herefollows a form for the Secretary.)Hall of LodgeNo.(Here insert the date and place.)At thefirst communicationof Lodge
No. therewere present:_________ _________ (The instituting officer).
W. M. (or P. M.) of Lodge No. _____
with Brother (the Master namedin the dispensation)on the right.”
The Secretarywill then proceedaccordingto the form laid down in the Masonic Manualof Alabama for keeping the minutes of aLodge.
4. The first communicationneedbe openedonly in the M. M. Degree;but all succeedingoneswill be opened,andtheminuteskept,pre-cisely aslaid down in this Manual.
5. The full nameof all petitionersmust beinserted in the minutes; and the full namemust also be inserted in the Ledger, or thebook where the accountsagainstthe membersare kept.
6. And in case of those who petition foraffiliation the full name and number of theLodge from which they hail. The Dimit, of
11’JSTITU’TION UNDER DrSPENSATION 157
course,mustaccompanythepetition. All peti-tions must be signed by the petitionersthem-selves,in their own handwriting.
7. The Committee to which petitions mustbe referred must consist of three membersoftheLodgeand their namesmust appearin theminutes.
8. The fee for initiation must accompanythe petition; and in every casethe fee mustbe paid before a ballot is had. If theparty isrejected, the fee is returned, of course.
9. Therecan be no remissionof feesto anycandidate who receives the degrees,on anyexcuse or plea whatever. (Ministers of theGospel in the active dischargeof their min-isterial duties excepted.)
10. Lodges under dispensation do not payany annualduesto theGrand Lodge, but mustmake out their annual reports.
11. The record should be written plainly,and in commencingany new subject the Sec-retary should commenceon anotherline, andnot mix up thematter in onecontinuoussen-ence.
12. The Lodgemust send up to the GrandLodge its Record Book for inspectionof theGrand Lodge Committee on Dispensations.Acopy of the Recordwill not answer.
158 MASONIC RITUAL.
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13. Every Lodge under dispensationmustform a Code of By-Laws for its government.These by-laws must also be sent up to theGrand Lodge, but they must be entirely sep-arateand apartfrom theproceedings,as theygo to a different committee.
14. As every Lodge is chartered for alltime, it is always best to get a good, sub-stantial, well-bound Record Book at the be-ginning. It will last longer, and there is lessdanger of its being lost; consequentlyit ischeaper.
15. The Masonic Ritual and M as on i cManual of Alabama is for sale by the GrandSecretary,Masonic Temple,Montgomery,Ala-bama.
16. An accountof the first communicationmust alwaysbe promptly sentthe Grand Sec-retary; also the namesof the officers andthename of the Postoffice to which communica-tions for the Master and for the Secretarymust be addressed.
CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
Constituting a LodgeUnder Charter
when a iawfui number of Master Masons have or-ganized under the ruies and reguiations of the GrandLodge, and worked a certain tome as a Lodge, by au-thority of a letter of dispensation, they may petition theGrand Lodge at its Annual communication for a charterEvery letter of dispensation expires by limitation, andwhen the term of probation expires the petitioners cannotconvene as a Lodge of Masons until the Grand Lodgeshall have granted a charter to the petitioners or con-tinued the letter of dispensation If the prayer of thepetitioners be granted, a charter will issue, and theGrand Master may commission a Present or a Past GrandOfficer, a Present worshipful Master or any affiliatedPast Master to install the officers, which ceremony shalltake place after the Lodge has been duly consecrated,dedicatedand constituted If the Grand Master or a PastGrand Master, in person, attends the ceremony, the Lodgeis said to be constituted in Ample Form; if the DeputyGrand Master only, it is said to be constituted in Dueform, if the power of performing the cereononly be vestedin any other person it is said to be constituted in formOn the day and hour appointed for consecrating, dedi-cating and constituing a new Lodge, the brethren thereofwiil assemble in its appointed Lodge-room, and the newLodge wiil be opened in the Third Degree, By wayof preparation, it is necessaryto procure a small oblongbo~, covered with white cloth. tochnicsliy called “theLodge”, which is placed on a small table midway betweenthe Altar and the East, npon which the Great Lightsshould be placed, and around which the representativesofthe less lights should be arranged.
The Grand Master and his officers, or their representa-tives and proxies, meet at the same time in some piace
160 MASONIC RITUAL. CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
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convenient to the Lodge-room, and open in the ThirdDegree
CEREMONY
The new Lodge then sends to the Grand Master thefollowing message
Most Worshipful: The officers andbrethrenof Lodge No. , who are now as-sembledat , haveinstructedme to in-form you that the Most Worshipful GrandLodge was pleased to giant them a charter,authorizing them to form aiid open a Lodgeof Freeand AcceptedMasonsin the Town of
They are now desirousthat theirLodge should be Consecrated,Dedicated andConstituted,andtheir officers installed in dueandancientform; for which purposethey arenow met and await the pleasureof the MostWorshipful Gi-and Master,
The Grand Lodge then moves in procession to the hallof the new Lodge when the Grand Master enters, the
Grand Honors arc given by the new Lodge, the officersof which resign their seats to the Grand Officers, and
take their several stations on the left
ORDER Ol~ PROCESSION
Grand Marshal,
Grand Chaplain.Guand Orator.
Grand Historian.Grand Tiler,
Deputy Grand Tilei.
Grand Stewards,Grand Chaplain (Bearing the Three Great Lights),
Grand Secretary,Grand Treasurer,
Past Grand wardens;Past Grand Masters;
Junior Grand warden (Bearing Silver Cup of 0i1 and aBurning Taper of Blue wax),
Senior Grand warden (Bearing Silver Cup of wine5 and
a Burning Taper of Red wax);Deputy Grand Master (Bearing Golden Vessel of Corn
and a Burning Taper of white wax);Grand Deacon, Grand II aster, Grand Deacon.
The procession passes once around “the Lodget”, and
the Deputy Grand Master places the golden vessel ofCorn and the burning taper of white wax at the Eastof “the Lodge”. The Senior Grand Warden places the
silver cup of wine and the burning taper of red waxat the west of “the Lodget”. The Junior Grand wardenplaces the silver cup of Oil and the burning taper ofblue wax at the South of “the Lodge”. The procession
then moves, opens to the right and left and the GrandMaster and other Officers pass through to their respective
stat ions.
The following hymn is’ sung,
Air—~-Auld Lang Syne.Behold! how pleasantand how good
For brethrensuch as we,Of the “Accepted” brotherhood,
To dwell in unity.‘Tis like theoil on Aaron’shead,
Which to his feet distills;Like Rermon’sdew so richly shed
On Zion’s sacredhills.Care should be taken to provide the proper elemente
of consecration which are wheat, wine and olive oil, weretain the ritualistic word “corn” because wheat wasknown to our ancient brethren by that name None othershould ever be used by us
ISymbolical of the ark of the covenant it is a con-venrent size box covered with white linen
rl162
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~4ASONICRITUAL.
For therethe Lord of Light and loveA blessingsentwith power;
Oh! may we all this blessingprove,E’en life for evermore.
On friendship’s altar, rising here,Our handsnow plighted be,
To live in love, with heartssincere,In peaceand unity.
The Grand Chaplain is conducted to the Altar and
offers the following
PRAYER.
GreatandeternalGod,theUniversalFather,Creatorof worlds and Ruler of Men. we bowbeforeTheeto renderpraisesto Thy greatandholy name. We pray Thee to bless the worknow begunwith the corn of strength, thewineof refreshment,and the oil of joy. We invokeThy blessingupon this great brotherhood,andThy aid in promoting its unity, harmonyandprosperity. 0, Thou Creatorof the Universe,look down from Thy heavenlyabode,andfromThy handpour out upon this Fraternity thoseblessings with which Thou didst aforetimebless our fathers. And when we shall haveendedour laborson earthmay we foreversingthesongsof deliveranceandjoy in that Heav-enly Lodgewherelove is supremeandthe tiesof fraternity and friendship are never to bebroken, Amen.
Resijonse—Somote it be.The Grand Chaplain is then conducted back to his
place.
CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. 168
A~J ORATION MAY NOW BE DELIVERED BYA BROTHER.
The following hymn is sung
Air—Old Hundred.Row blest the sacredtie that binds[n sweetcommunion kindred minds;Row sweettheheavenlycoursethey run,Whose hearts,whose faith, whose hopesare
one.How dearto us the loved retreat,Wherepuredelightseach brother greet;Within it, how our rapturesswell,There’snonebut kindred soulscan tellNor shall suchglowing flame expire,When sinks andfadesfrail nature’s fire;But brighter beam in realmsabove.In heavenlyjoy, in heavenlylove,
The Grand Master then says
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, form thebrethren in line in the rear of the altar, astheir namesare called.
Right Worshipful Grand Secretary,call theroll of the Chartermombers.
The order is obeyed, the officers forming in front of
the other brethren
The Deputy Grand Master then addresses the GrandMaster as follows:
Most Worshipful: The brethrennow presentbeforeyou, duly instructed in themysteriesofMasonry, having assembledtogetherat statedperiods, by virtue of a dispensationgrantedthem for that purpose,andhavingbeengranted
VI
164 MASONIC RITUAL.I 6~CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
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a Charter by the Most Worshipful GrandLodgeof Alabamaunderthename of________Lodge No.______ do now desire to be consti-tuted into a regular Lodge, agreeablyto theancientusagesandcustomsof theFraternity.
The Grand Master responds~
My brethren,the Grand Lodge of Alabamahas examined and appioved therecord of yourwork as a Lodge while under dispensation,andafter due deliberation, has been pleased togrant you this Charter,or warrant of Consti-tution, conferring on you all the rights andprivileges of a regularly constituted Lodge,which the Right Woi shipful Grand Secretarywill now read.
The Grand Secretary does so and hands Charter to theGrand Mastre
After the Charter i9 read the Grand Master then says
We will now proceed,accordingto ancientusage,to constitute these brethren into a reg-tilar Lodge
Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge de-
liver their ~eweis. or badges, to their Master, who pre-sent~ them with his own to the Deputy Grand Master
The Giand Master then says
Right Worshipful Deputy GrandMaster,youwill presentto me the brother whom the breth-ien have designated as their WorshipfulMaster.
The Deputy Grand Master now presents the Master-
elect to the Grand Master, saying
Most Worshipful: I presentto you Brothei’whom the membersof this
Lodge, now to be constituted, havechosenfortheir Master.
The Grand Master then requests the Mastei-elect to
face tho West, and says.
Brethren,you now behold Brotherwhom you have selected as your WorshipfulMaster. [ chaige you and each of you to beloyal to him in his efforts to rule and governthis Lodge.
The Granil Master then says
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, you willseverally presentthe Wardens and other offi-cers of this new Lodge.
The Grand Marshal says:
Most Worshipful, I present to you Brother________________ who hasbeenchosenSeniorWarden of the Lodge about to be constituted;Brother , who has beenchosenJuniorWarden; Brothei~ , who hasbeenchosen Treasurer; Brother , who hasbeen chosenSecretary; Brother , whohas beenchosenChaplain; Brother___________who hasbeenchosenMarshal; Brothersand , who have been chosen respec-tively Senior and Junior Deacons; Brothers________ and , who havebeenchosenrespectivelySeniorand Junior Stewards;andBrother _________ who has been chosenTiler.
The Grand Master requests the officers to face thewest, and Ihen says:
166 MASONIC RITUAL.CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE. 167
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Pt, Brethrenof Lodge No._____you now behold the brethren who have beenchosen to serve the Lodge about to be con-stituted, as its officers until the next regularelectioii. I chargeyou and each of you to beloyal to them in their efforts to dischargetheirduties.
The officers each in bin resumes his place in line
as before
CONSECRATION
The Grand Master then says:
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, you willform thebrethrenof the LodgeandtheGrandOfficers around the emblem of the Lodge inproper order.
The Grand Mastei then says:
The Grand Officers will form a squarearotind theEmblem.The brethrenof theLodgewill form a squareoutside of that formed bythe Grand Officers.
The Grand Marshal conducts the Grand Chaplain tothe Altar, who reads as follows
And Jacobroseup earlyin themorning,aiidtook the stonethat he had put for his pillow,and set it up for a pillar and pouredoil uponthe top of it.
And thou shalt take the anointing oil andanoint the tabernacle,and all that is therein,andshalt hallow it, andall thevesselsthereof;and it shall be holy. I will give you the rainof your land in his due season,the first rainandthe latter rain, that thou mayestgatherin
thy corn andthy wine andthine oil. The firstfruit, also, of thy corn, of thy wine and ofthine oil, and the first of the fleece of thysheep,shalt thou give him.
I have found David, my servant; with myholy oil have I anointed him.
And wine that maketh glad the heart ofman,andoil to make his faceshine,andbreadwhich strengthenethman’s heart.
The Grand Master directs the brethren to kneel, and apiece of solemn niusic is rendered while ~‘the Lodge” isuncovered by the Grand Marshal, after which the Grand
Chaplain begins the
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION.
GreatArchitectof theUniverse! Maker andRuler of all worlds! Deign from Thy celestialtemple,from the realmsof light and glory, tobless us in all the purposesof our presentas-sembly. We humbly invoke Thee to give us atthis, andat all times,wisdom in all our doings,and strength of mind in all our difficulties,and the beauty of harmony in all our com-munications! Permit us, 0, Thou Author oflight and life, great sourceof love and hap-piness,to erectthis Lodge, and now solemnlyto consecrateit to thehonorof Thy holy name.Amen.
Resi~onseby the Grand Master: Glory be toGod on High!
Responseby the I3retltren: As it wasin thebeginning, is now, and ever shall be, worldwithout end! Amen.
4!
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168 MASONIC RITUAL.
All rise. The Grand Marshal presents the golden vesselof corn to the Deputy Grand Master, who sprinkles thecorn upon “the Lodge,” saying:
I sprinklethis corn asan emblemof nourish-ment. May the Giver of every good and per-
fect gift strengthenthis Lodgein all its phil-anthropic undertakings.
The following is sung:
Air—Old Hundred.
Whenceonce of old, in Israel,Our early brethrenwrought with toil,Jehovah’sblessingon them fell,In showersof CORN and WINE and OIL.
The Deputy Grand Master and Grand Marshal lightthe representative of the less light in the East, from the
burning taper of white wax and return to their stations
The Grand Marshal presents the silver cup of wine tothe Senior Grand warden, who pours the wine upon “theLodge”. saying~
I pour this wine as an emblemof refresh-ment. May this Lodgebe continuallyrefreshedat the purefountain of Masonic virtue.
The following is sung’
Air—Old Hundred.When therea shrine to Him aboveThey built, with worship, sin to foil,On thresholdand on corner-stoneThey poured out CORN and WINE and OIL.
The Senior Grand warden and Grand Marshal lightthe representative of the less light in the west, fromthe burning taper of red wax, and return to their stations
CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
The Grand Marshal presents the silver cup of oil to theJunior Grand warden, who pours the oil upon “theLodge’, saying
I pourthis oil asan emblemof joy. May theSupremeRuler of the Universe preservethisLodgein peace,andvouchsafeto it everybless-ing.
The following is sung:
Air—Old Hundred.And we have come, fraternal band,With joy and pride and prosperousspoil,To honor Him by votive hands,With streamsof CORN and WINE and OIL.
The Junior Grand Warden and Grand Marshal light
the representative of the less light in the South, fromthe horning tapeS of blue wax, and return to their,tatso’is
The brethren again kneel aiid the Grand Chaplainpioceeds with the
PRAYER OF CONSECRATION.
Grant, 0 Lord our God, that thosewho arenow about to be invested with the governmentof this Lodge may be enduedwith wisdom toinstruct their brethrenin all their duties. Maybrotherly love, relief andtruth alwaysprevailamong the membersof this Lodge; and maythis bond of union continueto strengthentheLodges throughout the world!
Bless all our brethren wherever dispersed;and grant speedyrelief to all who are eitheroppressedor distressed.
4!
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MASONIC RITUAL.
We affectonatelycommendto Theeall themembersof Thy whole family; may they in-creasein grace,in theknowledgeof Theeandlove of eachother.
Finally, may we finish our work herebelowwith Thy approbation;andthenhaveourtran-sition from this earthly abodeto Thy heavenlytemple above,there to enjoy light, glory andbliss ineffable and eternal.
Responseby the GrandMaster: Glory be toGod on High!
Responseby theBrethren: As it wasin thebeginning, is now, and ever shall be, worldwithout end! Amen.
DEDICATION,
Then sounds solemn music while “the Lodge’ Is covered.
The brethren rise and the Grand Master then dedicates“the Lodge” in these words’
To thememory of the Holy SaintsJohn,wededicatethis Lodge. May everybrotherreveretheir characterandimitate their virtues.Glorybe to God on high!
Responseby the Brethren: As it wasin thebeginning, is now, and ever shall be, worldwithout end! Amen.
The Grand Master, with outstretched arms, then says’
And may the Lord, thegiver of every goodand perfect gift, bless the brethrenhere as-sembledin all their laudableundertakings,andgrant to each of them, in needful supply, the
CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
CORN OF NOURISHMENT, the WINE OFREFRESHMENT andthe OIL OF JOY.
The Grand Officers form a line across the East, theGrand Master at his station,
A piece of music is performed, while the brethren oCthe new Lodge led by the Master-elect, face to the rightand advance in procession to salute the Grand Lodge,their arms crossed upon their breasts and bowing asthey pass They then return to their places in iine asberore.
The Grand Master then says:
The Grand Officers will resumetheir sta-tions and places.
CONSTITUTION.
The Grand Master then rises and constitutes the newLodge in the following form, all the brethren standing
at the same time
In thename of the Most Worshipful GrandLodge of Free and Accepted Masonsof theState of Alabama,I now constitute and formyou, my beloved brethren, into a regularLodge of Free and AcceptedMasons by thenameof_____________ LodgeNo,___From henceforthyou are empoweredto meetas a regular Lodge, constituted in conformityto the rites of our Order, and the chargesofour AncientandHonorableFratenity; andmaytheSupremeArchitect of theUniverseprosper,direct andcounselyou in all your doings.
Amen.
Responseby theBrethren: So mote it be
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172 MASONIC RITUAL.
The Gsand Honors are then given and the GrandMaster seats the brethren The officeis of the newLodge will then be installed according to the ceremonyprovided for the annual installation of officers, after
which they will be sested alongside the Grand Lodgeofficers
The Lodge is then called up and the Grand Master says
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, you willmake proclamationthat Lodge No,hasbeenregularly constituted,andtheofficersthereof duly installed.
The Grand Marshal then says
I am directedby theMost Worshipful GrandMaster to proclaim, and I do herebyproclaim,thaL~Lodge No._____hasbeen legallyConsecrated,Dedicatedand Constituted,andtheofficers thereofduly installed,___I
This proclamation is made from the East(here the Grand Master strikes one rap withhis gavel), from the West (here the SeniorGrand Wardenstrikes onerap with his gavel),and from the South (here the Junior GrandWardenstrikes one rap with his gavel). Once(here the Junior Grand Wardenstrikes oncewith his gavel), twice (here the Senior GrandWardenstrikes twice with his gavel), thrice(he~e tite Grand Master strikes thrice with hisgavel). All interestedwill takeduenoticeandgovern themselvesaccordingly.
The following is then sung’
CONSTITUTING A NEW LODGE.
Air—America.Hail, Masonry divine,Glory of agesshine;
Longmay’st thou reign!Where’erthy Lodgesstand,May they have great command,And always gracethe land’
Thou art divine.Great fabrics still arise,And gracethe azureskies—
Greatare thy schemes;Thy noble ordersareMatchlessbeyondcompare,No art with thee can share,
Thou art divine.Hiram, theArchitect,Did all the craft direct
How they should build:Solomon,greatIsrael’s King,Did mighty blessingsbring,And left us room to sing,
Hail, Royal Art!The members of the new Lodge advance in procession,
pay due homage to the new Master, and signify their
pion,ise ol subjection and obedience by the usual marksof distinction in the different degrees of Masonry.
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal toform the procession, when the Grand Lodge returns toits own hell and the Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodgeare then closed
where it is not prscticsble to have two halls, the
Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodge may respec-tively open and close in the same hall
~e77
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174 IMASONIC RITUAL.
A full iecord 01 the proceedings should be kept by theSecretary of the new Lodge and a copy of the sametransmitted at once to the Grand Secretary, with a fulllist of the officers installed.
Should the proceedings be conducted in public, eitherin a church or public hail, it will be necessary to openand close the Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodge in theLodge-room, and in passing back and forth, to form aprocession as for public ceremonies. It is better, however,
to have all public Masonic ceremonies take place in theLodge-room when practicable. In such case, the Grand
Lodge and Subordinate Lodge should be opened In thehall before the public is admitted, or opened in an
adjoining apartment, after which they will march intothe Lodge-room; and at the close of the exercises, returnwhencethey came, and close
A
INSTALLATION OF OPFICERS. 176
Annual Installationof Lodge_Officers
After every annual election in a Subordinate Lodge, itis necessary that the officers should be installed. In-
stalling his successoris inherently the prerogative of theincumbent or retiring Worshipful Master, although anyPast Master (and by that term Is meant the Past Masterof a Lodge) may act as installing officer for the oc-casion A competent brother, usually a Pest Master, will
be appointed to act as Marshal, who will present theOfficers-elect for installation. The jewels of the severalofficers should be laid orderly and conveniently upon atable in front of the installing officer.
This ceremony, like that of constituting a Lodge under
charter, or dedicating Masonic Halls, may be conductedin public or in the presence of Masons only. The Lodgeshould be opened in the Third Degree at its hail, andmarch in procession to the place where the ceremonies
are to be performed; and, after they are finished, returnto its hall and close. If public services are held at itshall, the Lodge should be opened and closed in an ante-room, and never in the pi’esence of profanes
All things ~eiirg in order the exercises will be openedwith a’-. appropriate
MUSICAL SELECTION.
After which the Installing Officer will say
As Masonswe are taught in all our work,thatbeforeengagingin anygreator importantundertaking,we should first invoke the bless-ing of God. I thereforecommandsilence, andcall upon all to unite with our Chaplain in anaddressto the Throne of Grace.
Chaplain—Letus pray.
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176 MASONIC RITUAL. 177INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.
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when the following or other appropriate prayer will
be offered:
Grant. 0 Lord our God, that those who arenow about to be invested with the governmentof this Lodge may be enduedwith wisdom toinstruct their brethrenin all their duties. Maybrotherly love, relief andtruth always prevailamong the membersof this Lodge; and maythis bond of union continueto strengthentheLodges throughout the world! Bless all ourbrethren,whereverdispersed,andgrant speedyrelief to all who are either oppressedor dis-tressed. We affectionately commend to Theeall themembersof Thy whole family. May theyincreasein grace, in the knowledge of Thee,and in the love of each other. Finally, may wefinish all our work here below with Thy ap-probation; and then have our transition fromthis earthly abode to Thy heavenly templeabove, there to enjoy light, glory and bliss in-effable andeternal, Glory be to God on high!Amen,
Rcsponse—Somote it be.
MUSICAL SELECTION
At the conclusion of which the Installing Officer willsay
Brother Marshal, conduct Brothei’_________who hasbeenelectedWorshipful Masterof thisLodge, to the East.
The Marshal conducts the Master-elect to the Eastand says
Worshipful Master, I presentBrother ______
to be installed Worshipful Master of thisLodge.
INSTALLING OFFICER
Calls up the brethren and says
Let him face the WestBrethren,you now beholdbefore you Brother
who hasbeen duly elected to servethis Lodge as Worshipful Master, and is nowpresentedfor installation. I chargeyou andeach of you to be loyal to him in his efforts torule and govern the lodge in continual peaceand harmony.
The brethren are seated
The Master-elect then faces the East and the Installingofficer says
Brother , I congratulate you uponyour election as Worshipful Master of thisLodge, and it will afford megreat pleasuretoinvest you with the authority and the insigniaof your office. Previous to your investiture,however, it is necessarythat you shouldsignifyyoui assentto thoseancient Chargesand Reg-ulations which point out the duty of theMasterof a Lodge.
I. Do you promise to be a good man andtrue and strictly to obey the moral law?
Answer—I do.
II. Do you promise to be a peaceablecitizen,and cheerfully to conform to the laws of thecountry in which you reside?
Answer—I do.
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III. Do you promisenot to be concernedinplots and conspiraciesagainst the governmentof the country in which you live, but patientlyto submit to the decision of the law and theconstituted authorities?
Answer—Ido.IV. Do you promise to pay proper respect
to the civil magistrates,to work diligently, livecreditably, and act honorably by all men?
Answer—I do.V. Do you promiseto hold in venerationthe
original rulers and patrons of the Order ofFreemasonry, and their regular successors,supreme and subordinate, according to theirstations;andto submit to theawardsand res-olutions of your brethrenin Lodge convened,in everycaseconsistentwith theconstitutionsof theOrder?
Answer—Ido.VI. Do you promise,asmuchas in you lies,
to avoid private piques and quarrels,and toguard against intemperanceaiid excess?
Answer—I do.VII. Do you promiseto be cautiousin your
behavior,courteousto your brethien, and faith-ful to your Lodge?
Answer—I do.VIII. Do you promise to respect genuine
and true brethren, and to discountenanceim-postors and all dissentersfrom the AncientLandmarksand Constitutionsof Masonry?
Answer—Ido.
IX. Do you promise, accordingto the bestof your ability, to promotethe generalgood ofsociety,to cultivate the social virtues, and topropagatethe knowledge of the mystic art,accordingto our statutes?
Answei—I do.X. Do you promiseto pay homageto the
Grand Master for the time being, and to hisofficers when duly installed; and strictly toconform to everyedict of theGrand Lodgethatis not subversiveof theprinciplesandground-work of Masonry?
Answer—Ido.XI. Do you promise a regular attendance
on the committeesand communications of theGrand Lodge, on receiving propernotice; andto pay due attention to all the duties of Ma-sonry?
Answer—Ido.XII. Do you admit that it is not in the
power of any man, or body of men, to makeinnovations in the body of Masonry?
Answer—Ido.
XIII. Do you admit thatno new Lodgecanbe formed without permission of the GrandLodge; and that no countenanceought to begiven to anyirregular Lodge, or to any personclandestinelyinitiated therein, as being con-trary to the ancientchargesof the Order?
Answer—I do.XIV. Do you admit that no person can be
2
INSTALLATION OF OPFICERS. 181
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180 MASONIC RITUAL.
iegularly madea Freemasonin, or admittedamemberof any regular Lodge, without prev-ious notice,and dueinquiry into his character?
Answer—Ido.XV. Do you agreethat no visitors shall be
receivedinto your Lodgewithout dueexamina-tion, and producing proper vouchers of theirhaving beeninitiated in a regular Lodge?
Answer—Ido.These are the regulations of Free and
Accepted Masons. Do you submit to thesechargesand promiseto support theseregula-tions as Mastershave done in all agesbeforeyou?
Answe?—Ido.
Installing Officer—Brother , inconsequenceof your cheerfulconformity to thechargesandregulationsof theFraternity, youare now to be installed Master of this Lodge,in full confidenceof your skill and ability togovern the same.
With pleasureI invest you with the newelof your office, and place in your chargethefurniture of the Lodge and the implementsofour profession. These ase emblematicalof atrue Masoniclife.
The Holy Writings, that great Light in Ma-sonry, will guide you to all truth. It will directyour path to thetempleof happinessandpointout to you thewhole duty of man.
The Squareteachesus to regulate our ac-
tions by rule andline, and harmonizeour con-duct with theprinciplesof morality andvirtue.
The Compassesteachus to limit our desiresin every station; that rising to eminencebymerit, we may live respectedanddie regretted.
The Rule directs that we should punctuallydischargeour duty, pressforward in thepathof virtue, andneitherinclining to theright norto the left, in all our actions haveeternity inview.
The Line teachesthecriterion of moral rec-titude, to avoid dissimulation in conversationandconduct,andto direct ourstepsto thepathwhich leads to a glorious immortality.
The Book of Constitutioiisyou areto searchat all times. Cause it to be frequently read,that none may be ignorant of the excellentpreceptswhich it enjoins.
You now receivein chargethe Charter, bythe authority of which this Lodge is held.You arecarefully to preserveandduly trans-mit it to your successorin office
The installing officer hands the new Master thecharter
You will also receivein chargethe by-lawsof your Lodge, which you areto seecarefullyand punctuallyexecuted.
The new Master is then placed on the right of the In-9tiiliing Officer until the other officers are installed
The other officers are then severally presented by theMarshal to the Installing Officer, who delivers to eachhis appropriate charge, as follows•
2
182INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS. 188
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MASONIC RITUAL.
THE SENIOR WARDEN.
installing Officer—Brother , youhavebeenelectedSeniorWardenof this Lodge.Do you solemnly promisethat you will servethe Lodge as Senior Wardenbr the ensuingyear, and will perform all the duties apper-taming to that office to the best of yourability? (He consents.) You will now be in-vested with the jewel of your office.
The Level teachesthat we are descendedfrom the samestock, partakeof the samena-ture, and sharethesamehopes;“that we areall children of onecommon father, heirs of thesameinfirmities andexposedto thesamevicis-situdes.” It also reminds us that, althoughdistinctions among men are necessaryto pre-serve subordiation, no eminence of stationshould make us forget that we are brethren,and that in tha Lodge and in all our Masonicassociationswe areon a Level. This implementteachesus thata time will come,andthewisestknows not how soon, when all distinctionsbutthat of goodnessshall cease,and death,thegrand leveler of all human greatness,reduceus to thesamestate. Your regular attendanceon thestatedand other meetingsof the Lodgeis essentiallynecessary.In the absenceof theMasteryou areto govern the Lodge, andin hispresenceassisthim in the governmentof it.Henceyou will perceivethe necessityof pre-paringyourself for the importantdutieswhichmay devolveupon you. Look well to theWest,
andguardwith scrupulouscare thepillar com-mitted to your charge.
He is conducted to hia station
THE JUNIOR WARDEN.installing Officer—Brother , you
havebeenelectedJunior Wardenof this Lodge.Do you solemnly promisethat you will servethe Lodge as Junior Warden for the ensuingyear, and will perform all the duties apper-taming to that office to the best of yourability? (He consents.) You will now be in-vestedwith the jewel of your office.
The Plumb admonishesus to walk uprightlyin our severalstationsbeforeGod andman; todo unto othersas we would haveothersto dounto us; to observethe just medium betweenintemperance and pleasure, and make ourpassionsand prejudicescoincide with the lineof our duty.
In the absenceof the Master and SeniorWarden,upon you devolvesthegovernmentofthe Lodge; but to you is especiallycommittedthe superintendenceof the Craft during thehoursof refreshment;it is, therefore,not onlynecessarythat you should be temperateanddiscreetin the indulgenceof your own inclina-tions, but carefully observethat none of theCraft convert thepurposeof refreshmentintointemperanceor excess.Look well to theSouth.Guard with vigilance the pillar committed toyour charge,that nothing may disturb thehar-mony of theLodge or mar its beauty.
He is conducted to his station
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THE TREASURER.Installing Officer—Brother , you
havebeenelectedTreasurerof this Lodge, andwill now be invested with the jewel of youroffice. It is your duty to receive all moneysfrom the handsof the Secretary,make due en-tries of the same,and pay them out by orderof the Worshipful Master and the consentofthe Lodge. I trust your regard for the Fra-ternity will prompt you to the faithful dis-charge of the duties of your office.
He is conducted to his place
THE SECRETARY.
Instatting Offtcer—Brother , youhavebeenelectedSecretaryof this Lodge, andwill now be invested with the jewel of youroffice. It is your duty to observeall the pro-ceedingsof the Lodge; make a fair recordofall things proper to be written; to receiveallmoneysdue the Lodge, and pay them over tothe Treasurer, and take his receipt for thesame.
Your good inclination to Masonry and thisLodge, I hope, will induceyou to dischargetheduties of your office with fidelity; and, by sodoing, you will merit the esteemand applauseof your brethren.
He is conducted to his place.
THE CHAPLAIN.Instailing Officer—Brother , you
havebeen appointedChaplain of this Lodge, 1
andwill now beinvestedwith thejewel ofyour office.It will beyourduty to performthosesolemnservices
which we should constantly render to our InfiniteCreator,“to point to heavenandleadthe way”, andby refining our souls, strengtheningour virtues,andpurifying our minds, prepareus for admissionintothe society of thoseabove,whosehappinesswill beas endlessas it is perfect.
He is conducted to his place
THE MARSHAL.Installing Officer—Brother ,you have
beenappointedMarshal of this Lodge,and will nowbe investedwith thejewel of your office.
It will be your duty to havechargeof and conductprocessionsof the Lodge, and to assist the SeniorDeacon,wheneverthat officer may requireyour serv-ices On all suchoccasions,thegood order that maybe displayedmainly dependsupon your zeal,knowl-edgeanddiscretion.
He is conductedIs his place
THE HISTORIAN.Installing Officer—Brother , you have
beenappointedHistorian of this Lodge, andwill nowbe investedwith the Jewelof your office.
It will be your duty to recordfor posterity, themomentouseventsof your tenure of office, and tosearchthe recordsof the past and compile theseespeciallysignificant landmarks and ancientusageswhichaccording to your esteemedopinion should bepreservedfor thepleasureand benefitof the Craft.
He io conducted to his place
MASONIC RITUAL186 INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS 187
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THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR DEACONSInstalling Officer—Brother , you have
been electedSeniorDeacon of this Lodge, and willnow be investedwith the jewel of your office
It is your duty to carry ordersfrom theWorshipfulMasterin theEastto the SeniorWardenin theWest,and elsewhereabout the Lodge, as you may be di-rected; to attend all alarms at the inner door; toreceiveandconductcandidates,to introduceand ac-commodatevisiting brethren
Brother ,youhavebeenelectedJuniorDeaconof this Lodge, and will now be investedwiththe jewel of your office.
It is your duty to carry messagesfrom the SeniorWarden in the West, to the Junior Warden in theSouth, and elsewhereaboutthe Lodge, asyou maybe directed, to attend all alarms at the outer door,and to see the Lodge duly tiled.
Brethren,the rods,now intrusted to your care,areto beborne in the performanceof every official duty
They are conducted to their places
THE STEWARDSInstalling Officer—Brothers , and
you have beenappointedStewardsof this Lodge, and will now be investedwith thejewels of your office.
It will be your duty to assistthe Semor Deaconandother officers in performingtheir respectivedu-ties,to assistin the collection of duesand subscrip-tionsandto makeall necessaryarrangementsfor the
convenienceof the brethrenwhen assembledYourregularattendancewill give us the bestevidenceofyour zeal andattachmentfor the Lodge.
They are conductedto their places
THE TILER.Installing Officer—Brother , you have
been electedTiler of this Lodge, and will now beinvestedwith thejewel and implementof your office
As the sword is placedin the handsof the Tilerto enablehim effectually to guard the Lodge againsttheapproachof cowansandeavesdroppers,andsuffernoneto passorrepassexceptsuchasareduly qualifiedandhave the Worshipful Master’s permission,so it
should morally serveas a constantadmonitionto usto seta guardover our thoughts,a watchat our lips,and a sentinelover our actions, therebypreventingthe approach of every unworthy thought, word ordeed,andpreservingconsciencesvoid of offenseto-ward Godand towardman. Your early and punctualattendancewill give us the best proof of your ap-preciationof andlove for the Institution.
He is conductedto his place
The InstallingOfficer then addressesthenew Master,presentshim
with the gavel, and says
Worshipful Master, I now placein your handsthisgavel, which is also called the Hiram, becauseasSolomoncontrolledanddirectedtheworkmenin thetemple by the assistanceof Hiram, the builder, sodoesthe Masterpreserveorder in the Lodge by theaid of the gavel. One rap calls the Lodge to order,and, in openingand closing, the JuniorDeaconwill
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1S8
LMASONIC RITUAL
rise two rapscallsup all the officers;threerapscallsup all the brethren,when you will rise yourself.
I now seatyou in the Oriental Chair, andcoveryou wit-h that distinction which it is alone yourprivilege to wear.
The installing Officer then calls up the brethrenandsays
WorshipfulMaster,beholdyourbrethren1Brethren,
beholdyourWorshipful Master1And join mein givingthe GrandHonors.
ii,fter the grandHonoraaregiven andtimeandconvesssenteperisut,
thebrethrenwill loins aprocersson,single file, andunderthe direction
of the Marshal will pass around ihe hail, making three circuits In
passingthe Easteachbrother will salutethe Worshipful Master who
remainsstanding in his place) in the mannerpeculiar to the several
degrees (Should installation ceremoniesbe conducted in public, ol
coursethe processionandceremoniestheretowill he entirelyomitted,
exceptthe ode, which at this time may be sung) Someappropeiste
installs1ion ode may nOw he sung
The brethrenare now seatedThe installing Officer may dehveran
ORATiON,
oi recite the following charges,in his d,scretson
Worshipful Master, having beenchosento presideover this Lodge, you cannotbe insensible to theobligationswhichdevolveupon you.Thehonor,repu-tation andusefulnessof your Lodge will materiallydependupon the skill and ability with which youmanageits concerns.As Master of this Lodge,it willbe your especialduty to attendto the administration
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
of its ceremonies,preservetheancient landmarksofthe Order now committed to your care, and permitno innovation in the principlesor rites of theOrder.
Upon all suitableoccasionsremind the brethrenthat Masonryis foundedupon the greatmoralprin-ciplessetforth in the sacredvolumewhich we receiveastherule andguidefor ourfaith andpractice Exhortthem to govern themselvesby these principles, aswell with theworld at largeaswith eachother Teachthem to reverencethe Three Great Lights, compre-bendingthe Holy Bible, the perfectSquare,andtheextendedCompasses,thebeautifu] symbolismof whichis familiar to you, and the explanationsof whichincludesomeof the mostimportant dutiesinculcatedin our Order.
The leadingobjects of our institution are to in-culcate sound morality, to make men honestandupright, true to their God andfaithful to their coun-try, andto unite them by thestrongbondsof charity,friendshipand brotherlylove. Greatcare, therefore,should be taken in the admissionof members, lestby the introduction of bad material the institutionshould be corrupted It should be constantlybornein mind that the respectabilityand usefulnessof aLodge doesaot consist in the number, but in thecharacterof its members.
It is better that no workmanbe added to the rollthanthat oneunworthy foot be allowedto crossthe
190 MASONIC RITUAL INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS 191
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thresholdof the Lodge The uninitiated,judge Ma-sonryby theconductol’ its individual members.Youshould be as careful of the reputationof your Lodgeas thatof your family; andas you would admit noneto the societyof your family whosecharacteris bad,so should you carefully e~iclude all such from theLodge.
As it is the purpose of Freemasonryto createfriendship,to makeprovision for the relief of pooranddistressedbrethren,andprotectthe widow andtheorphan,to inculcatereverencefor Almighty God,and to encouragethe growth of the social virtueswhich dignify and adornhumannature and rendermankindpeacefulandhappy,the doorsof theLodgeshouldbesternly closedagainsttheidle, theprofligate,theintemperateandlicentious If unfortunately,un-worthy membersgain admission,it will be your dutyto exerciseproper discipline, to correctabusesandto restrainthe refractory. Unruly membersmust bereducedto order. The first risings of vice must besuppressed,and when kind and affectionateadmo-nitions fail, the unworthy should be removedas ablot upon the Order
It is also your duty, and will no doubt be yourpleasure,to spreadlight andimpartknowledgeto thebrethrenof your Lodge. To preservethe purity ofthe Order, and maintain unimpaired its rites andceremonies,instructionis necessaryThe mysteries
Ii
of the Ordermust be unfoldedand its moral dutiesinculcated.The minds of the brethrenmust be en-larged and informed. They are to be frequently re-mindedof the duties they owe to Almighty God, thegiver of every good and perfect gift. They must betaughtto be good men and true; to be sober,indus-trious, charitable,upright in their dealings,friendlyin their social intercourse,and to live in love andpeace,having consciencesvoid of offense, and un-spottedfrom theworld. Thustaughtandthus acting,they will convincemankind of the value of the in-stitution.
whenaddressed,the Seniurand Junior wardenswill rise
BrothersSeniorand Junior Wardens,to you arecommitted the pillars of Strengthand Beauty It isyour duty, therefore,to setbefore the brethrenwhosurroundthesepillars the corn of nourishment,thewine of refreshment,andthe oil of joy, symbolicallyinculcatedin the moral lessonsof the Order taughtfrom your respectivestations in the Lodge. In yourown personsyou should give evidencethat you aregovernedby theprinciplesof the Order, asit is onlyby a due regardfor them in your own lives andconduct that you can expect obediencein others
You are to assistthe Master in the dischargeofhis trust, diffusing light and impartingknowledgetoall whom he shall place under your care In theabsenceof theMaster you will succeedto the higher
7
192
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MASONIC RITUAL
duties, your acquirementsmust, therefore,be suchthat the Craft may never suffer for want of properinstruction.The spirit whichyou havehithertoevincedin your attendanceto the duties of Freemasonry,wherebythebrethrenof the Lodgeexerciseda sounddiscretionin this selection,leavesno doubtthatyourfuture conduct will be such as to merit the appro-bation of your brethren,and that the just rewardwhich is duefor meritoriousserviceswill berenderedin your advancementto higherstations.
TheLndgeheingcalled up,theinstallingOfficer cuntinuesasfniisws
TO THE BRETHREN OF THE LODGE.Brethrenof Lodge No , such
is thenature of our Constitutionthat somemust ofnecessity rule and teach, others must submit andobey. The officers you have chosen, and who havebeenregularly installed, are sufficiently acquaintedwith the rules of propriety and the laws of the in-stitution to avoid exceedingthe powerswith whichthey are intrusted The harmony of the Lodge willmaterially dependupon thegood orderyou may pre~servein theconductof its businessandthe courtesyandforbearanceyou may observetowardeachotherin its deliberations.
I chargeyou, then,as you shall answerat the lastday, that you act worthy of the vocation to whichyou arecalled,andsufferno faults, no imperfectionson your part, to tarnish the lustre of your jewels or
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS
bring discreditupon the Craft. RecommendMasonryto the world by the rectitude of your conduct Tothis endmakeyourselvesintimatelyacquaintedwithall its principlesandobligations,andpracticein yourlives all itsdutiesandrequirements.Divestyourselves,brethren,of coldnessand apathy, so fatal to yourbest interests. Shun those affections and grovelingpassionsunworthy of asoul that claimsaffinity withthe “Sonsof Light”, andput forth all your energiesto graspwhatever is noble or elevating in thought,and whatevercan revealnew andsublime ideasper-tainingto our lofty destiny.Guardagainstdissensionsamongyourselves.Let no root of bitternessspringup to trouble you Useall your exertionsto preserveyour Lodgepure,andpreventtheintroductionof viceor error in its thousandforms If in frailty of mor-tality, a brotherfalls underthe influence of unholyfeelingsand wandersinto forbidden paths,seek thewandererout, bring him backto the fold, and showhim the superiorlovelinessof virtue. Much may beaccomplishedby the force of good exampleand byoffering good counsel in a friendly spirit, ever re-memberingthat to err is human,to forgivedivine.
Finally, brethren,be of one mind, live in peace.Let nothing disturb that pure, warm and holy lovewhichourritual enjoins.Follow theseinjunctionsandyour Lodgewill flourish May thetenetsof ourprofes-sion betransmittedthroughyour Lodge unimpairedfrom generationto generation
The Issialling Officer then addressesthe Marshal asfulluws
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T194 MASONIC RITUAL
Brother Marshal, I now declarethe severalofficesof Lodge No duly installedintooffice for theensuingyear.You will thereforeproclaimthe same to the brethren, that having due noticethereof, they may govern themselvesaccordingly.
The Marshal then says
By order of the Worshipful Master, and in thename of the Most Worshipful GrandLodge of FreeandAcceptedMasonsof the Stateof Alabama,I doherebyproclaimthat the officers of LodgeNo. _________ are now duly installed in their re-spective stationsandplaces,with the GrandHonorsof Masonry by threetimes three.
MUSICAL SELECTION.
The Chaplainthen prunsuncesthe fulinwing ur uther apprupriare
BENEDICTION.Almighty andeverlastingGod, from whom cometh
every good and perfect gift, send down upon Thyservantshereassembledthe healthful spirit of Thygrace,that they may truly pleaseThee in all theirdoings Grant, 0 Lord, power of mind and greatunderstandingto thosewhom we havethis dayclothedwith authority to presideover and direct the affairsoF this Lodge, and so replenishthem with the truth
INSTALLATION O~’ OFFICERS 195
of Thy doctrine and adornthem with humility of lifethat both by word and example they may faithfullyserve Thee, to the glory of Thy holy name,and tothe advancementof our beloved institution. Amen
Response—Somote it be.The Ledgeis then cinsedin due andascieni furm
196 MASONIC RITUAL.INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 197
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1
‘II
Installation of the Officersof the GrandLodge
On the last day of the sessionof the Grand Lodge theand Master or some Past Grand Master instaiis theGr Oflicers.eiect as foiI:ws says.
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, you willpresentthe Grand Master-elect.
The Grand Master-elect is then presented hy the Grand
Marshal, who says~
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I presentyou Brother , who, havingbeendulyelectedto presideover the Craft astheir GrandMaster, now declares himself ready for in-stallation.
The Grand Master-elect is then caused to face thewest.
The presiding Grand Master tnen i ises and says:
Brethren, you here behold Brotherwho, having been duly elected to preside oveithe Craft as their Grand Master, now (leclareshimself ready for installation.
The Grand Master-elect then faces the East and thepresiding Grand Master says
It affords me great plcasure, Most \Vos -
shipful Sir, to install you in your high officeof Grand Master of Masons
Do you promise on the honor of a Mason,that in theoffice of GrandMaster you will, ac-(ording to the best of your abilities strictly
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comply with theLaws andRegulationsof thisGrand Lodgeandall Ancient Masonic usages?
The Grand Maater.elect answers.
I do.Presiding Grand Master—Having thus sol-
emnly pledged yourself to the faithful dis-chargeof your dutiesas the ruler of theCraftduring the ensuing year, I will now investyou with thejewel of your office.
Let me congratulateyou, Most WorshipfulSir, on thehonorof beingraised from the levelof equality to the high station of presidingover all theLodgesin theStateof Alabama.
We look up with confidence to a brotherwhosepersonis endearedto us by that love ofthe Fraternit~i which is sanctified by the ex-perience of many revolving years. May theFatherof light, of life, andof love invest youwith His choicestgifts; may heavenlywisdomillume your mind; may heavenlypower givestrengthto your exertions;mayheavenlygood-nessfill and enlarge your breast; may yourfeet rest upon the rock of justice; from yourhandsmay streamsof beneficencecontinuallyflow; and round your head may there benda circle made splendid by the rays of honor;and late, very late in life, may you be trans-mitted from the fading honorsof an earthlylodgeto themansionspreparedfor the faithfulin anotherand a betterworld.
Let mecongratulateyou, theGrandOfficers,and other brethren, on the election of our
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MASONIC RITUAL.198
Grand Master. As it is his duty to commandaccording to our constitutions, so it is ourswith readinessto obey. Look to the sun, andbehold the planetaryworlds revolving aroundhim in continual orderand harmonywith thehappiesteffect and learn to imitate their reg-ularity, in thehopeof obtaining from thechairof 5olomonthe light of wisdom andthewarmthof love. Or look higher still and behold thecherubim and seraphim,who are exhibitedtous in the oracles of revelation as flamingspirits, burning with zeal andlove before thethroneof God. Behold theheavenlyhost, filledwith love of their Creatorandlove to our race.Seethese ministering spirits exercisingtheirkind offices to men, relieving their wants, se-curing them from dangerand endeavoringtopromote their good.
“Myriads of spiritual beings walk the earthUnseen, or when we sleep, or when we wake.”
Of them let us learnto rise in our affectionsto thegreatFatherof all, andthencedescend-ing, expandtheheart from brotherto brother,andto all mankind. Of them let us learnneverto be weary in well doing, but to “mourn withthem thatmourn,andto rejoice with themthatdo rejoice,” until, having finished our workon earth, we shall be admitted to the templeabove, “not made with hands, eternal in theheaven.”
The new Grand Master is then placed in the Orientalchair and the Installing Officer says:
I now hail, saluteand proclaim you Grand
5”
INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 199
Master of Masonsof the State of Alabama.Brethren,beholdyour GrandMaster! Grand
Master, behold your brethren!The Grand Honors are then given by all the brethren.
The following ode is then sung:
Air—America.Hail, Masonry divine,Glory of agesshine;
Long may’st thou reign!Where’er thy Lodgesstand,May they have great command,And always grace the land;
Thouart divine.The Grand Master then proceeds to install the rest of
the Grand Officers, or he maY waive the right and invitethe Past Grand Master officiating in his installation.
The Grand Marshal then Introduces the Depaty Grand
Master-elect, saying:
Most Worshipful Grand Master, I presentyou Brother , who,havingbeenelectedDeputy Grand Master, now declareshimselfready for installation.
The Grand Master then says:
Right Worshipful Brother, the station towhich you havebeencalled by thesuffragesofyour brethrenis oneof greatdignity andmuchimportance. In the absence of the GrandMaster, you are to exercise his prerogativesin presiding over the Craft; in his presenceyou are to assist him with your counselandco-operation.But while your powersandpriv-ilegesare thus extensive, rememberthat they
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200
I
MASONIC RITUAL.
carry with theni a heavy shareof responsi-bility. The honor that hasbeenconferreduponyou, andthe trust thathasbeenreposedin you,demanda correspondingfidelity and attach-ment to the interestsof thoseto whosekind-nessandconfidenceyou are indebtedfor yourofficial elevation. Let the Book of Constitu-tions be your constantstudy, that you may bebetter enabled to preserveinviolate the lawsandancientlandmarksof our Order, andthatyou may beever readyto exercisethefunctionsof that more exalted office to which you areso liable to be called. Receivethis jewel ofyour office, andsit at the left hand to aid uswith your counsel.
The remaining Giand Officers are introduced in likemanner by the Grand Marshal end receive their appro.
psiate charges as follows:
SENIOR GRAND WARDEN.Right Worshipful Brother,by the suffrages
f your brethren,you havebeenelected theirGrandWarden,and we now invest youSenior
~‘ with the jewel of your office.Your regular attendanceat the communi-
cations of the Grand Lodge is essentiallynec.W essary. In the absenceof the Grand Master
and his Deputy you are to govern the Craft;in their presenceyou are to strengthen andsupport the authority of your chief.
We firmly rely on your knowledgeof Ma-sonry and your attachmentto our Institutionfor the faithful dischargeof theduties of thisimportant trust. Look well to theWest.
INSTALLATION OF GRAND O~’FICERs. 201
JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN.Right Worshipful Brother, by the suffrages
of your brethren, you have been elected theirJunior GrandWarden, and we now invest youwith the jewel of your office.
Your regular and punctual attendanceatthe communicationsof the Grand Lodge isearnestly requested. In the absenceof yoursuperior officers, you are to govern the Craft;in their presenceyou will aid them in theii-arduous labors.
We have no doubt that you will faithfullyexecute the duties which are incumbent onyou in your present position. Look well to theSouth.
GRAND TREASURER.Right Worshipful Brother, you have been
elected to the responsible office of GrandTreasurer, and we now invest you with thejewel of your office.
It is your duty to receiveall moneysdue theGrand Lodge, to make dueentriesof thesameand pay them out by theorder of the GrandMaster,and with the consentand approbationof the Grand Lodge. The office to which youhavebeenelectedembracesan important trust,andthechoiceof your brethrenis an evidenceof the high opinion they entertain for yourfidelity and discretion.
We do not doubt that your regard for theFraternity will prompt you to the faithful dis-chargeof your duties.
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L GRAND SECRETARY.Right Worshipful Brother, you have been
electedto thevery important office of GrandSecretary,and we now invest you with thejewel of your office.
It is your duty to observeall the proceedingsof theGrand Lodge, andto makea fair recordof all things proper to be written; to receive
rJ all moneysduetheGrandLodge, andpay themover to the Grand Treasurer.
You are alsotheofficial organof theGrandLodge, and in that capacity will conduct itsvariouscorrespondenceandact as themediumof intercoursebetweenthis and other GrandLodges,and betweenthe Fraternity and their
rand N aster.In the dischargeof theseextensivedutieslet
your carriage and behavior be marked withthat promptitude that will at once reflectcredit on yourself and honor on the GrandBody you represent.
GRAND CHAPLAIN.Right Worshipful and Reverend Brother,
thesacredposition of Grand Chaplainhasbeenintrusted to your care,andwe now investyouwith the jewel of your office.
In the dischargeof your duties you will berequired to lead the devotional exercisesofour Grand Communications and to performthe sacredfunctions of your holy calling atour public ceremonies.ThoughMasonrybe not
INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 208
religion, it is emphaticallyreligion’s handmaid,andwe aresurethat in ministering at its altar,tbeservicesyou may performwill lose nothingof their vital influence,becausethey areprac-ticed in tbatspirit of universaltolerancewhichdistinguishesour [nstitution. The doctrinesofmorality and virtue which you areaccustomedto inculcate to the world, as the minister ofGod,will form the appropriatelessonsyou areexpectedto communicateto yourbrethrenin theLodge. The professionwbich you havechosenfor your lot in life is thebest guaranteethatyou will dischargethe dutiesof your presentappointmentwith steadfastnessand persever-ancein well doing. The Holy Bible, that GreatLight of Masonry,we intrust to your care.
GRAND ORATORRight Worshipful Brother, you have been
appointedGrand Orator and will now be in-vestedwith the jewel of your office, which isthe Torch of Liberty. It will be your duty toassist the Most Worshipful Grand Masterwhen he shall needyour assistancein makingpublic addresses,to help in the ceremoniesoflaying corner stonesand to give the orationat the Grand Lodge. You will now be con-ductedto your place.
GRAND MARSHAL.Right Worshipful Brother,you havebeenap-
pointedGrandMarshal,andwe now investyouwith the jewel of your office and presentyou
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iii
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204 MASONIC RITUAL.
with this baton, as the ensign of your au-thority.
It is your duty to proclaim the Grand Of-
ficers at their installation; to arrangeall pro-cessionsof the Grand Lodge, and to preserveorderaccordingto the forms prescribed. Skilland precisionare essentiallynecessaryto thefaithful dischargeof these duties.
GRAND HISTORIANRight Worshipful Brother, you have been
appointedGrand H i s to r i an of this GrandLodge, and we now invest you with the jewelof your office, which is the partly unfurledscroll andquill. As GrandHistorian it will beyour duty to record for posterity the mo-mentouseventsof your tenureof office andtosearchthe recordsof the pastand compile ina permanentrecordthoseespeciallysignificantlandmarksandancientusages,which accordingto your esteemedopinion, should be preservedfor thepleasureandbenefit of the craft.
You will now be conductedto your place.
GRAND DEACONS.
Worshipful Brethren, you have been ap-pointed the Grand Deacons of this GrandLodge, andwe now investyou with the jewelsof your office and theserods as ensigns ofyour authority.
It is your provinceto attendupon theGrandMaster and Grand Wardens, and to act astheir proxiesin theactive dutiesof theGrandLodge. Let vigilance and attention actuate
INSTALL A~TION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 205
you in the dischargeof the functions of youroffice.
GRAND STEWARDS.
Brethren, you have been appointed GrandStewards, and we now invest you with thejewels of your office and placein your handsthesewhite rods as ensigns of your station.
It is your duty to superintendthe tablesatthe hour of refreshment,and see that everybrother is suitably provided. It is, therefore,indispensably necessarythat you yourselvesshould be temperate and discreet in the in-dulgenceof your own inclinations, carefullyobservingthat noneof thecraft transgressthedueboundsof moderationin tbeenjoymentoftheir plcasuies.
GRAND TILER.
Brother, you havebeenelected Grand Tilerof this Grand Lodge, and we now invest youwith the jewel of your office and place thissword in your hands,the more effectually toenableyou to guard against the approachofcowansandeavesdroppers,and to suffer noneto passor repassbut suchasareduly qualified.
It is your duty to guard the door of theGrandLodgeon theoutside;to guardandpro-tect the regalia,clothing andother propertyoftbeGrand Lodge placedin your chargeduringvacationand, underthedirectionof the GrandMaster, to have them always ready for use;to summon the membersof the Grand Lodge
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206 MASONIC RITUAL.
under the direction of the Grand Secretary,and to attendto such other dutiesasmay berequired of you by the Grand Lodge. Yourpunctual attendanceis essentiallynecessaryat every Grand Communication.
DEPUTY GRAND TILER
Brother, you have been appointed DeputyGrandTiler of this Grand Lodge, andwe now.~ you with the jewel of your office, whichinvesis the unsheathedsword.
You will assisttheGrandTiler andperformsuch other duties as the Grand Master maydirect. Your punctualandundivided attentionto your dutieswill insure privacy and protec-
~j tion, whichis necessaryfor a successfulgrandcommunication.
V The Grand Master tben ssys:
Right Worshipful Grand Marshal, I nowdeclaretheseveralofficers of theGrand Lodgeof Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
Alabamaduly installed into office for the en-ing year in Ample Form. You will, there-
fore, proclaim the sameto the brethren,thatthey, having due notice thereof, may governthemselvesaccordingly.
The Grand Master calls up the brethren.
The Grand Marshal then says:
By order of the Most Worshipful GrandMaster, and by authority of the Most Wor-shipful Grand Lodge of Free and AcceptedMasonsof the State of Alabama,I do herebyproclaim that its Grand Officers are now
INSTALLATION OF GRAND OFFICERS. 207
amply installed in their respective stations andplaces,with the Grand Honorsof Masonrybythree times three.
The private Grand Honors are then given by all thebrethren. Some appropriate ode may then be sung.
After which the Grand Chaplain pronounces the bene-diction, and should no other businesshe presented, theGrand Lodge is then closed In Ample Form.
—WI
I
208 MASONIC RITUAL. FIFTY-YEAR AWARD 209w.stichtingargus.nlw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw. stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nI‘VV~ ~4tIt’htii~~a i’gii~ n I
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‘I
Ceremonyfor the Presentationof the GrandLodge Fifty-year
AwardNote Whether the cesemoniesfor the presentation by
the Grand Lodge of Alabama of the Award for FiftyYears a Mason, are conducted within a tiled meetingor at a meeting open to the public, or whether suchceremoniesare held at a place other than the LodgeHall, the following ceremony may be used, with suchchanges as may be deemed appropriate by the Wor-shipful Master and the Grand Master or his Rep-resentative.
Worshipful Master—Brethren,We are as-sembledupon this occasionto pay a tribute ofrespectandesteemto a distinguishedbrotherofLodgeNo. , F. & A. M. Fromtime immemorial, Freemasonryhas taught aproperreverenceandvenerationfor age. Thisis particularly so when years of age standunitedwitb yearsof serviceandwhen anhonoris conferred upon a recipient who is bothwortby andesteemed.Agehasalwaysbeenthe‘ glory of man.” It affords an oppor-
tunity to reflect upon the past and from theexperiencesof the past, the presentreceivesits most usefulcounseland guidance. It is toagewe look for wisdom and it is upon wisdomthat Freemasonrybuilds eachandevery laud-able enterprise.
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There are three steps which are symbolicof the threeprincipal stagesof human life,namely: Youth, Manhoodand Age. In Youthwe may industriously occupy our minds inthe attainmentof useful knowledge; in Man-hood we may apply that knowledgeto thedis-charge of our respective duties to God, ourneighborandourselves;but it is only in Age,that we may enjoy the happy reflectionscon-sequentupon a life well spent.
It is, therefore,a sourceof great pride andpleasurethatLodge No. , F. & A. M. haswithinits midst, upon this occasion,a beloved mem-ber, who for fifty yearshasbeena Mason.
Worshipful Master—Bi-otherSecretary:Youwill read the full Masonic Recordof Brother
Secretary reads the full Masonic Record of theBrother or Brothers who are to receive the GrandLodge Award
WorshipfulMaster—Brother Senior Deacon:You will conductBrother__________________________________________~“ theAltar.
As this is done appropriate music may be played
Worshipful Master—Brother_____________
_______________ [t is with pleasurethat webehold you before the Altar of Freemasonry.It was the Altar of Freemasonrywhich you
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I210
I
.4
-4
MASONIC RITUAL.
were taughtto approach50 yearsago. There,ou assumedobligations which should have
made lasting impressionsupon your mind andave had an uplifting and spiritualizing in-
fluence upon your life and character. Youhave approachedthe Altar of Freemasonryagain to receive a recognitionwhich comestobut few men. Heavenhasbounteouslylength-enedthe yearsof your life and thus are youenabledto receive,asan award from theMostWorshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Ac-cepted Masonsof the State of Alabama, adistinguishedhonor. As you were taughtearlyin your Masonic careernever to enter uponany great or important undertakingwithoutfirst invoking theblessingsof Deity, I, there-fore, call upon our Chaplain to invoke theblessingsof God upon our presentconvention,that our labors may in all things meet withHis approval.
W. M —Calls up the Lodge.
PRAYERChaplain: Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty
Father of the Universe, to this our presentconvention. Grant unto this brother, who hasfor fifty yearsof his life been a member ofour Fraternity, life, health and strengthandthedaily provisions of Thy good and all-wiseprovidence. Grant, 0 Lord, We beseechThee,
FIFTY.YEAR AWARD 211
that as our brother enters into the eventideof his life, he may haverestfrom every bur-den; grace to meet every need and receivefrom Theean abiding peacethat passethallunderstanding. May the light of Thy coun-tenanceshineupon him and may Faith, Hopeand Love ever brighten his declining years.Takenot from him Thy Holy Spirit but grantthat he may passthe remainderof his life inThy love, Thy fear, and to Thy glory. Allof this we ask in the name of the SupremeArchitect of the Universe to whom be theglory and honor forever. Amen.
Response- 5-M-I-BW M.—Seats the Lodge.
Worshipful Master—BrotherSeniorDeacon:You will conductour Brother to theEast.
Note• Senior Deacon conducts the Brother from theAltar to the East. Appropriate march muqic may heused or a Vocal selection may be rendered at thispoint. Senior Deacon and Brother stop about half-way between Altar and station of the WorshipfulMaster.
Worshipful Master—Brethren,it is now mybappyprivilege and distinct honor to presentBrotherwho, for andon behalf of the Most WorshipfulGrand Lodge of Alabama, will present theFifty-year Grand Lodge Award to our Brother.
Grand LodgeOfficer or Deputy—Worshipful
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MASONIC RITUAL.212
Master, Distinguished Brother, Brethren andFriends ofLodge, we have heard the reading of theMasonic record of our brother, whom we arehonoringat this time.
My Brother,within theSacredBook of Law,which alwaysrestsupon our Holy Altar, it iswritten that length of life is an award be-
stowed by theGrandArchitect of the Universeupon the righteous. The Psalmisthasdeclaredthat “The daysof our yearsareas three scoreand ten” and “if by reasonof strengththeybe four scoreyears” the additional days aretheheritageof thosewho fear thenameof theLord.
It hasbeenyour blessedprivilege, My Bro-ther, to be a Mason for fifty years. For halfa century, you havegiven of your time andyour substance.
Therefore, My Brother, in recognition ofyour record as a Mason for fifty years, the
‘-‘I Grand Lodge of Alabamahasseen fit to pre-pare and bestow upon you a gold emblem as
I’ a fitting award for your fifty years of Ma-sonicservice.
(W M. calls up the Lodge)
My Brother, by virtue of the authority inme vested,it is now my happy privilege, forand on behalf of the Most Worshipful Grand
FIFTY-nIAR AWARD. 21J1
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masonsof theState of Alabama,to presentto you the Ala-bamaGrand Lodge Award of Gold, as a visibletoken of its fraternal love and grateful ap-predation.
(Invests the Brother with the Emblem
May you wear this emblemin Health, Hap-pinessand Prosperity; always with pleasureto yourself and with honor to your GrandLodge, your subordinateLodge and all of theCraft wheresoeverdispersed.
We congratulate you upon your high anddistinguishedrecognition.
Brother Senior Deacon: Conduct our Hon-ored Brother to a seat in the East upon theleft of the Worshipful Master.
W. 51 seats the Lodge.
Note The ceremonies may be continued by a re-sponse from the honored Brother followed by aMasonic oration: addresses,special music or programas desired
214 MASONIC RITUAL. RECEPTION OF VISITORS. 215w.stichtingargus.nl1‘w.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nlrw . stichtingargus.nlrw.stichtingargus.nI‘~Va4tICht I~3IirgtIH.I) I
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L Receptionof Visitors
CEREMONIES TO BE OBSERVED WHEN A GRANDOFFICER VISITS A LODGE.
Whenever a Grand Master or a Grand Officer visits aLodge in an official capacity he should be received withhonors due to his official station.
It having been made known that a brother entitled tobe received with honors Is about to visit a Lodge, theMaster should appoint a committee composed of thosewhose rank most nearly corresponds with that of thevisitor, to attend upon him and ascertain his pleasureand accompany him to the Lodge.
Being in the ante-room, the Tiler gives the alarm andannounces Brothers A, B, C and D, escorting M. w.Brother E F, Grand or Past Grand Master of Masons In__________ unless it be on the occasion of an officialvisit by the Grand Master, when the announcementwillbe, The Most Worshipful the Grand Master, or the R. W.the Deputy Grand Master, or the R. W. the Senior Grandor Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge.
The Master then places the Deacons at the sides of thedoor with their rods crossed. The brethren arrange them-selves in line from the door, on each side, extending to-wards the altar with a sufficient interval between them.
The Deacon opensthe door and the visitor, escorted bythe committee, passesup through the lines to the altar,where the usual sign of recognition is given. The Masteror some one deputed by him will then welcome thevisitor. At the conclusion of the remarks the privateGrand Honors will be given, when the visitor will respondIf he seesfit; after which he will be escorted to a seatin the East.
when the Grand Master visits a Ledge and Is escortedto the East. the Master resigns to him the seatand gavel
If there be other Grand Officers, the correspondingofficers of the Lodge will resign their respective seatsto them also.
The Grand Master, if he desices,may appoint pro Iota.Grand Officers to assist him in the visitation and in-spection. In such case they enter the Lodge immediatelyfollowing him.
All being seated, the Master then delivers to the GrandMaster the Charter. the Treasurer’s and Secretary’sbooks, and a statement of the funds of the Lodge for hisinspection. Having examined them and made such in-quiries as he may deem necessaryconcerning the affairsof the Lodge, etc. he expresseshis approbation, ormakes such observations as the circumstances and situa-tion of the Lodge may seem to require.
The Grand Master may then resign the chair to theMaster, the Grand Off icei’s (if there be any) leavingtheir seats and repairing to the East, the officers of theLodge resuming their stations, and its labors will proceedas the Grand Master may direct.
Receptionof Visiting BretbenWhen a brother visits a Lodge and has been examined
or vouched for, the Worshipful Master will send theSenior Deacon to introduce him. That officer conductshim to the West of the altar and says:
Worshipful Master, I have the pleasureofintroducing to you Brother , of_______Lodge, No , of the GrandLodge of_______
The Worshipful Master calls up the Lodge and says:
Brother , it gives me pleasul-etointroduce to you the membersof _____________
Lodge, No. , and to welcomeyou to a seatamongus. We meet on , and shall be
217
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ii216 MASONIC RITUAL.
very glad to welcomeyou to any of our meet-ings.
The Senior Deacon conducts the visitor to a seat, andthe Lodge is sealed. No brother should he allowed tovisit a Lodge for the first time without an introduction.If the visitor is a Past Master, he should be invited to aseat in the East. and if he is an officer of any GrandLodge, or a Past Grand Officer (elective) of our ownGrand Lodge, he should he i eceived with the GrandHonors at the time of his introduction. The WorshipfulMaster should seethat the proper courtesies are extendedto visiting brethien lo make them feel that they arewelcome.
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INDEX OF CEREMONIES.
Indexof CeremoniesPage
Acacia,sprig of 63All Seeing Eye 611Anchor and Ark — — 611Apron, white leather 11-14Ark and Anchor — - 60Ashlar, perfect and rough 24Badge of a Mason 17Beehive ~. 59Benediction at closing 111Book of Constitutions 59Brotherly love 26Ceremonial, degree work 7-65
Entered Apprentive 12Fellow Craft 35Master Mason 47
Chalk 31Charcoal 31Clay 31Closing of Lodge 5
Chargeat 9Prayer at 5
Closing, at Funeral 84Entered Apprentice 34Fellow Craft — 48Master Mason 65
Coffin 83Constituting Lodge onder charter 159Constitutions, the book of 59Contents, Table of 5Corner-Stone. ceremony of 121Covering of the Lodge 20Declaration of Candidate 11Dedication of Lodges 25
of Masonic Halls 138Degrees, Ceremonial Work 7-61
Entered Apprentice - 12Fellow Craft ~. —--— — - ---—-——
Master Mason —-— —— 47Ancient Landmarks 88.72Entered Apprentice, Ceremonial 12
Clothing 13Working Tools — 18
Euclid, 47th problem of — 61Fellow Craft, Ceremonial 35
- ~,
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218 MASONIC RITUAL.
PageClothing 85Working Tools 26
Five Senses,The 42Fortitude — 29Funerals,Clothing 73
Services — 73Furniture of Lodge 21Geometry, the moral advantagesof 42Globes.The — 39Historical Lecture of M.M. Degree 54Hour Glass,The 61Initiation Ceremony 12Installation of, Grand Lodge Officers 196
Lodge Officers — 175Instituting Lodge, U.D — 1511Jacobs’ Ladder 211Jewelsof the Lodge 23Justice — 30Leather Apron, White AS-IsLevel 26Libesal Arts and Sciences 42Lights of the Lodge 111-22Ledge Officers — 176
Ceremonyconstituting — —- 159U D. Ceremonyof instituting 1511
Lodge of Sorrow, Ritual 97Lord’s Prayer - 7Masonic Hall Dedication ~ 138Master Mason.Ceremonyof 47
Clothing of — 65Working Tools 48
New Lodge, Constituting ~ -— 159Officers of Grand Lodge, Installation 196
Lodge. Installation 175Opcning of Lodge, charge 7
Prayer 7Operative Masonry 37Order in Architecture — 411Orientation of Lodges 24-25Ornamentsof a Ledge 21Peace, Unity and Plenty 39Perfect Ashlar 24Perfect Pointe —-------- 29Pillars, the two brazen 29Plenty. Symbol of 43
INDEX OF CEREMONIES. 219
PagePresentationof the Grand Lodge
Fifty-year Award 2118-213Plumb - -----— 36Point within the circle - 25Pot of Incense,the 58Piayer, at Iniation of EA — 12
Openingand closing 7.9Raising of M.M - 52Lord’s —
Pieface to 17th Edition 9-4Prudence — 311Reception of Visitors — 214-216Relief —----— — 27Rough Ashlar, the - — 24Saint John,the Baptist~ —- 25
the Evangelist — 25Scythe, the — — — 62Setting Maul, the - 69SevenLiberal Arts and Sciences —-- 42Situation of Lodges — 24Spade, the — 63SpeculativeMasonry 37Sprig of Acacia 63Sword, the — 811Tshle of Contents 6Temperance — 28Tenants of Order 26Theological Ladder, Jacobs 20Three Steps, the 68Trestlehoard — 24Truth — — — 28White Leather Apron — 15-14Work Degreesand Ceremonial — 7working Tools of, Entered Apprentice — — 16-17
Fellow Craft — — — - 86Master Mason 48
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