Opening

Worshipful Master gavels once, repeated by Senior Warden and Junior Warden
WM: Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge.
All rise.
WM: Brother Junior Warden, what is the first care of every Mason?
JW: To see that the Lodge is properly tyled.
WM: Direct that duty to be done.
JW: Brother Inner Guard, see that the Lodge is properly tyled.
IG goes to door, does not open it, gives three distinct knocks and returns to position in front of his chair.
Tyler responds with same knocks.
IG, no Sign: Brother Junior Warden, the Lodge is properly tyled.
JW three distinct knocks, no Sign, to WM: The Lodge is properly tyled.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, the next care?
SW: To see that none but Masons are present.
WM: To order Brethren in the First Degree.
All take Step with Entered Apprentice Sign.
WM: Brother Junior Warden, how many principal officers are there in the Lodge?
JW: Three: the Worshipful Master and the Senior and Junior Wardens.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, how many assistant officers are there?
SW: Three, besides the Tyler or Outer Guard: namely, the Senior and Junior Deacons and the Inner Guard.
WM to JW: The situation of the Tyler?
JW: Outside the door of the Lodge.
WM: His duty?
JW: Being armed with a drawn sword to keep off all intruders and cowans to Masonry and to see that the Candidate's are properly prepared.
WM to SW: The situation of the Inner Guard?
SW: Within the entrance of the Lodge.
WM: His duty?
SW: To admit Masons on proof, receive the Candidate's in due form, and obey the commands of the Junior Warden.
WM to JW: The situation of the Junior Deacon?
JW: At the right of the Senior Warden.
WM: His duty?
JW: To carry all messages and communications of the Worshipful Master from the Senior to the Junior Warden, and to see that the same are punctually obeyed.
WM to SW: The situation of the Senior Deacon?
SW: At or near to the right of the Worshipful Master
WM: His duty?
SW: To bear all messages and commands from the Worshipful Master to the Senior Warden, and await the return of the Junior Deacon.
WM: Brother Junior Warden, your place in the Lodge?
JW: In the South.
WM: Why are you placed there?
JW: To mark the sun at its meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment and from refreshment to labour, that profit and pleasure may be the result.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, your place in the Lodge?
SW: In the West.
WM: Why are you placed there?
SW: To mark the setting sun, to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, after having seen that every Brother has had his due.
WM to SW: The Master’s place?
SW: In the East.
WM: Why is he placed there?
SW: As the sun rises in the East to open and enliven the day, so the Worshipful Master is placed in the East to open the Lodge, and employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry.
WM: The Lodge being duly formed, before I declare it open, let us invoke the assistance of the Great Architect of the Universe in all our undertakings; may our labours, thus begun in order, be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony.
Immediate Past Master: So mote it be.
WM: Brethren, in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, I declare the Lodge duly open all cut Sign for the purposes of Freemasonry in the First Degree.
WM gives EA-gavel.
SW gives EA-gavel and raises Cn.
JW gives EA-gavel and lowers Cn.
IG goes to door, gives EA knocks and returns to position in front of his chair.
Tyler responds with same knocks.
Immediate Past Master, meanwhile, opens Volume of Sacred Law and arranges Square and Compass.
Volume of Sacred Law is placed so that Worshipful Master can read it; points of the Compass are directed to Worshipful Master and hidden by the arms of the Square angle towards Worshipful Master.
WM sits when this has been completed.
All the brethren take their seats when the Worshipful Master sits.
 

Initiation

Tyler prepares Candidate and when ready to proceed with Ceremony gives three distinct knocks. By giving the EA-knocks with longer intervals the Tyler indicates that the Candidate is ready.
IG rises in front of his chair, takes step and gives EA-Sign: Brother Junior Warden, there is a report.
JW seated, also gives three distinct knocks and rises. Takes step and gives and EA-Sign: Worshipful Master, there is a report.
WM: Brother Junior Warden, inquire who wants admission.
JW cuts Sign and sits: Brother Inner Guard see who wants admission.
IG cuts Sign and goes to door of Lodge, unlocks it, does not leave Lodge, but remains on threshold with hand on door handle, and assures himself that Candidate is properly prepared.
IG to Tyler: Whom have you there?
Tyler names Candidate: Mr. …, a poor candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
IG: How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
Tyler prompting Candidate aloud: By the help of God, being free and of good report.
Candidate repeats.
IG: Halt, while I report to the Worshipful Master. Closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his chair, takes Step, gives EA-Sign which he holds.
IG: Worshipful Master, Mr. …, a poor candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
WM: How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
IG: By the help of God, being free and of good report.
WM: The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour. Do you, Brother Inner Guard, vouch that he is properly prepared?
IG: I do, Worshipful Master.
WM: Then let him be admitted in due form.
IG cuts Sign.
WM: Brother Deacons.
SD places kneeling stool in position.
IG takes poniard and goes to door followed by JD and SD, JD on left.
IG opens door, retaining hold on it as before, presents poniard to Candidate's naked left breast.
IG: Do you feel anything? After an affirmative answer from Candidate raises the poniard above his head to show that he has so presented it.
JD with left hand takes Can firmly by right hand, SD on Candidate's left, and leads him to the kneeling stool. All three stand facing East.
IG after Candidate is admitted, closes and locks door, places p on SW’s pedestal and resumes his seat.
WM: Mr.. …, as no person can be made a Mason unless he is free and of mature age, I demand of you, are you a free man and of the full age of twenty-one years?
JD prompting Can aloud: I am.
WM: Thus assured. I will thank you to kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.
JD assists Candidate to kneel, instructing him if necessary in a whisper, and then releases his right hand.
WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW.
Deacons hold wands in left hands, cross them over head of Candidate and give Sign of Reverence.
All stand with Sign of Reverence.
 

Prayer

WM: Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe, to our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service as to become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may the better be enabled to unfold the beauties of true godliness, to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name.
Immediate Past master: So mote it be.
All drop Sign of Reverence.
Deacons uncross wands and hold them again in right hands.
WM: In all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: In God.
WM: Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded: relying on such sure support you may safely rise and follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence, for where the name of God is invoked, we trust no danger can ensue.
WM sits.
JD assists Candidate to rise, taking his right hand firmly as before.
All, except Deacons and Candidate sit.
SD draws kneeling stool aside to his left out of way of JD and Candidate.
WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW.
WM: The Brethren from the North, East, South and West will take notice that Mr. … is about to pass in view before them to show that he is the Candidate, properly prepared, and a fit and proper person to be made a Mason.
JD keeping hold of Candidate's right hand firmly as before instructs him in a whisper to step off with the left foot and begins the perambulation by leading him up the North to North-East corner of Lodge, which is ‘squared’, then past WM to South-East corner where the Lodge is again ‘squared’, and finally to East of JW's pedestal where they stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from it. JD instructs Candidate at each corner, after ‘squaring,’ to step off with left foot. These instructions are whispered.
SD meanwhile replaces kneeling stool in normal position and when JD and Candidate have passed North-East corner, takes poniard from SW’s pedestal to WM and resumes seat.
JD holding Candidate right hand firmly, strikes JW on right shoulder thrice with Candidate's right hand.
JW: Whom have you there?
JD: Mr. …, a poor Candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
JW: How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
JD: By the help of God, being free and of good report.
JW rises and faces Candidate.
JD places right hand of Can in that of JW.
JW: Enter, free and of good report. Replaces right hand of Candidate in left hand of JD and sits.
JD holding Candidate's right hand firmly leads him to South-West corner of the Lodge, which is ‘squared’, and then to South of SW’s pedestal where the stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from it.
JD holding Candidate's right hand firmly, strikes SW on right shoulder thrice with Candidate's right hand.
SW: Whom have you there?
JD: Mr. … a poor Candidate in a state of darkness who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, and now comes, of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry.
SW: How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
JD: By the help of God, being free and of good report.
SW rises and faces Candidate.
JD places right hand of Candidate in that of SW.
SW: Enter, free and of good report Replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of JD and remains standing.
JD holding Candidate's right hand firmly leads him to North of SW's pedestal, makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Candidate's right hand in left hand of SW and turns Candidate to face East; he stands on left of Candidate, also facing East.
SW holding up Candidate's right hand, takes step and gives EA-sign: WM, I present to you Mr. …, a Candidate properly prepared to be made a Mason. Maintains Sign and continues to hold Candidate's right hand.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the Candidate which I trust he will answer with candour.
SW cuts Sign, replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of JD and sits.
JD takes Candidate's right hand from SW and positions himself on right of Candidate still holding Candidate's hand, both facing East.
WM: Do you seriously declare on your honour that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends against your own inclination, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a Candidate for the mysteries and privileges of Freemasonry?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I do.
WM: Do you likewise pledge yourself that you are prompted to solicit those privileges by a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution, a general desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow-creatures?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I do.
WM: Do you further seriously declare on your honour that, avoiding fear on the one hand and rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your Initiation, and if once admitted, you will afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the Order?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I do.
WM: Brother SW, you will direct the JD to instruct the Candidate to advance to the pedestal in due form.
SW: Brother Junior Deacon, it is the Worshipful Masters command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the pedestal in due form.
JD instructs Candidate to step off with left foot and leads him diagonally to position facing Worshipful Master and about four feet from the pedestal, and, still holding Candidate's hand, instructs him in a whisper to place his feet together, then to turn out his right foot so as to form a square, the left foot pointing East and the right foot pointing South.
JD aloud to Candidate and ensuring Candidate suits action to word: Take a short pace with your left foot, bringing the heels together in the form of a square. Take another, a little longer, heel to heel as before. Another, still longer, heels together as before. Candidate should arrive so that he can kneel without further advancing, and with his left foot directed to the East and his right foot in the form of a square directed South.
SD takes up position on left of Candidate simultaneously with arrival of latter and JD so that all three stand facing WM, JD on right and SD on left of Candidate.
WM: It is my duty to inform you that Masonry is free, and requires a perfect freedom of inclination in every Candidate for its mysteries. It is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue. It possesses great and invaluable privileges, and in order to secure those privileges to worthy men, and we trust to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required; but let me assure you that in those vows there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral, or religious duties. Are you therefore willing to take a Solemn Obligation, founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the Order?
Candidate: I am.
WM: Then you will kneel on your left knee, your right foot formed in a square Candidate complies; give me your right hand which I place on the Volume of Sacred Law while your left will be employed in supporting these Compasses, one point presented to your naked left breast
JD assists by raising Candidate's right hand, SD assists by raising Candidate's left hand.
WM places one leg of Compasses in Candidate's left hand and directs the Point to his naked left breast. The Compasses are held by Candidate with upper point on breast.
WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW.
All stand with Step and give EA-Sign.
Deacons hold wands in left hands, cross them over head of Candidate, take step and give EA-Sign.
WM: Repeat your name at length and say after me: I. …, in the presence of the Great Architect of the Universe, and of this worthy, worshipful, and warranted Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons , regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby, and hereon, sincerely and solemnly promise and swear, that I will always hele, conceal, and never reveal any part or parts, point or points of the secrets or mysteries of or belonging to Free and Accepted Masons in Masonry which may heretofore have been known by me, or shall now or at any future period be communicated to me, unless it be to a true and lawful Brother or Brothers, and not even to him or them, until after due trial, strict examination, or sure information from a well-known Brother that he or they are worthy of that confidence; or in the body of a just, perfect and regular Lodge of Ancient Freemasons. I further solemnly promise that I will not write those secrets, indite, carve, mark, engrave, or otherwise them delineate, or cause or suffer it to be so done by others, if in my power to prevent it, on anything, movable or immovable, under the canopy of Heaven, whereby or whereon any letter, character, or figure, or the least trace of a letter, character, or figure, may become legible, or intelligible to myself or anyone in the world, so that our secret arts and hidden mysteries may improperly become known through my unworthiness. These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, in the certain knowledge that on the violation of any of them I shall be branded as a willfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and totally unfit to be received into this worshipful Lodge, or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this my Great and Solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice Freemason
All cut Sign.
Deacons lower wands to right hand.
WM removes Compasses from Candidate's left hand.
SD lowers Candidate's left hand to side. Candidate's right hand remains on Volume of Sacred Law.
WM: What you have repeated may be considered but a serious promise; as a pledge of your fidelity, and to render it a Solemn Obligation, you will seal it with your lips on the Volume of Sacred Law. Candidate complies.
Having been kept for a considerable time in a state of darkness, what, in your present situation, is the predominant wish of your heart?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: Light.
WM: Brother Junior Deacon, let that blessing be restored to the Candidate.
JD should catch WM’s eye to indicate that he is ready.
WM raises gavel, moves it left, right, and down.
All give one clap as gavel strikes pedestal.
JD removes hoodwink at the same moment.
WM pausing till Candidate is used to light and ready to continue: Having been restored to the blessing of material light, let me point out to your attention what we consider the three great, though emblematical, lights in Freemasonry: they are the Volume of Sacred Law, the Square, and Compass. The Sacred Writings are to govern our faith, the Square to regulate our actions, and the Compass to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren in Freemasonry.
WM takes Candidate's right hand from the Volume of Sacred Law with his right hand: Rise, newly obligated Brother among Masons. Restores Candidate's right hand to Junior Deacon.
WM sits.
SD returns to seat.
All, except JD and Candidate sit.
JD takes Candidate's right hand, turns left and conducts him to North side of WM’s pedestal so that both are in a position parallel to the pedestal and about two feet from it, facing South towards WM. and releases hand.
WM: You are now enabled to discover the three lesser lights; they are situated East, South, and West, and are meant to represent the Sun, Moon, and Master of the Lodge; the Sun to rule the day, the Moon to govern the night, and the Master to rule and direct his Lodge.
WM: Brother …, by your meek and candid behaviour this evening you have, symbolically, escaped two great dangers, but there was a third which, traditionally, would have awaited you until the latest period of your existence. The dangers you have escaped are those of stabbing and strangling, for on your entrance into the Lodge this poniard picks up poniard from pedestal, unsheathes it, and shows it to Candidate, suiting actions to words was presented to your naked left breast, to imply that had you rashly attempted to rush forward, you would have been accessory to your own death by stabbing, whilst the Brother who held it would have remained firm and done his duty sheathes poniard and replaces it on pedestal.
JD removes cable-tow from neck of Can and hands it to WM.
WM shows cable-tow to Candidate: There was likewise this cable-tow, with a running noose about your neck, which would have rendered any attempt at retreat equally fatal hands cable-tow to Immediate Past Master.
WM: But the danger which, traditionally, would have awaited you until your latest hour was the physical penalty at one time associated with the Obligation of a Mason, that of having your throat cut across had you improperly disclosed the secrets of Masonry. The full penalty was that of having the throat cut across, the tongue turned out by the root and buried in the sand of the sea at low-water mark or a cables length from the shore, where the tide regularly ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours. The inclusion of such a penalty is unnecessary, for the Obligation you have taken this evening is binding on you for so long as you shall live.
Having taken the Great and Solemn Obligation of a Mason, I am now permitted to inform you that there are several degrees in Freemasonry, and peculiar secrets restricted to each; these, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred on Candidates according to merit and abilities. I shall therefore proceed to entrust you with the secrets of this Degree, or those marks by which we are known to each other and distinguished from the rest of the world; but must premise for your general information that all Squares, Levels, and Perpendiculars are true and proper Signs to know a Mason by. You are therefore expected to stand perfectly erect Candidate complies, your feet formed in a Square Candidate complies, your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet of the rectitude of your actions.
You will now take a short pace towards me with your left foot, bringing the right hell into its hollow Candidate complies. That is the first regular step in Freemasonry, and it is in this position that the secrets of the Degree are communicated. They consist of a Sign, Token and Word WM rises, faces Candidate and takes Step.
Place your hand in this position with the thumb extended in the form of a square to the left of the windpipe WM illustrates and ensures that Candidate copies. The Sign is given drawing the hand smartly across the throat and dropping it to the side. WM illustrates and ensures Candidate copies.
WM: This is in allusion to the symbolic penalty of the degree, which implied that, as a man of honour, a Mason would rather have had his throat cut across than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.
The Grip or Token is given WM takes Candidate's right hand and adjusts grip by placing Candidate's thumb in position before placing his own by a distinct pressure of the thumb on the first joint of the hand. This, when regularly given and received, serves to distinguish a Brother by night as well as by day. This Grip or Token demands a word, a word highly prized amongst Masons as a guard to their privileges. Too much caution, therefore, cannot be observed in communicating it; it should never be given at length, but always by Letters or Syllables, to enable you to do which, I must first tell you what that word is: it is BOAZ
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BOAZ.
WM: B O A Z.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: B O A Z.
WM retains grip: As in the course of the ceremony you will be called on for this word, the Junior Deacon will now dictate the answers you are to give. What is this?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
WM: What does it demand?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: A word.
WM: Give me that word.
JD prompting Candidate aloud and quickly to prevent him giving word at length: At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you.
WM: Which you please, and begin.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BO.
WM: AZ.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BOAZ.
WM: This word is derived from the left hand pillar at the porchway or entrance to King Solomon's Temple, so named after Boaz the great-grandfather of David, a Prince and Ruler of Israel. The import of the word is In Strength; pass BOAZ.
WM places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
JD turns right, controlling Candidate by holding his right hand, regains floor of Lodge, turns left, instructs Candidate in whisper to step off with left foot passes in front of WM’s pedestal to the South-East corner which they square. JD leads Candidate to East side of JW’s pedestal, where they stand parallel to the pedestal and a convenient distance from it. Releases hand.
JD rests butt of his wand on floor, with top resting against right shoulder. Takes step and gives EA-Sign: Bro Junior Warden, I present to you Brother … on his initiation. Cuts Sign and takes wand in right hand again.
JW: I will thank Brother … to advance to me as a Mason.
JD instructs Candidate in a whisper to take Step and give EA-Sign and then to cut Sign, and ensures Candidate does so.
JW: Have you anything to communicate?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I have.
JW rises, faces Candidate, and takes Step and offers hand.
JD places right hand of Candidate in that of JW, and with left hand adjusts grip from above.
JW gives grip, after JD has adjusted Candidate's right thumb, retaining grip throughout the whole of colloquy: What is this?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
JW: What does it demand?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: A word.
JW: Give me that word.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you.
JW: Which you please and begin.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: B.
JW: O.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: A.
JW: Z.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BO.
JW: AZ.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BOAZ.
JW: Pass. Replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of JD and sits.
JD leads Candidate via South-West corner of the Lodge, squaring as before, to the South of SW’s pedestal. Both Candidate and JD face North parallel to SW’s pedestal and a convenient distance from it. Releases hand.
JD rests butt of wand on floor with the top resting against right shoulder, takes Step and gives EA-Sign: Brother Senior Warden, I present to you Brother … on his initiation. JD cuts Sign and takes wand in his right hand again.
SW: I will thank Brother … to advance to me as a Mason.
JD instructs Candidate in whisper to take Step only and ensures he does not give Sign at this stage.
SW: What is that?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The first right step in Freemasonry.
SW: Do you bring anything else?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I do.
JD instructs Candidate to give EA-Sign and cut it.
SW: What is that?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The Sign of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
SW: To what does it allude?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The symbolic penalty of the degree, which implied that, as a man of honour a Mason would rather have had his throat cut across than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.
SW: Have you anything to communicate?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: I have.
SW rises, faces Candidate, takes Step and offers hand.
JD places Candidate's right hand in that of SW and with left hand adjusts grip from above.
SW gives grip after JD has adjusted Candidate's right thumb and retains grip throughout the whole of the colloquy: What is this?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
SW: What does it demand?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: A word.
SW: Give me that word.
JD prompting Candidate aloud and quickly to prevent him giving word at length: At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you.
SW: Which you please, and begin.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BO.
SW: AZ.
JD prompting Candidate aloud: BOAZ.
SW: Whence is this word derived?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: From the left hand pillar at the porchway or entrance to King Solomon's Temple, so named after Boaz the great-grandfather of David, a Prince and Ruler of Israel.
SW: The import of the word?
JD prompting Candidate aloud: In strength.
SW: Pass. SW replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of JD and remains standing.
JD takes Candidate by right hand to North side of SW’s pedestal, by passing in front of it. He then, makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Candidate's right hand in left hand of SW and lining up on left of Candidate, ensures they are both facing East.
SW takes Step and gives EA-Sign which he holds: Worshipful Master, I present to you Brother … on his initiation for some mark of your favour.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Mason.
SW cuts Sign, releases Candidate's hand and with Candidate facing him, puts on him badge of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
SW picks up lower right hand corner of badge with his left hand: Brother … by the Worshipful Master's command, I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a Mason. It is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship. I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such; and further inform you that if you never disgrace that badge. Strikes badge of Candidate with his right hand; all Brethren strike theirs simultaneously; it will never disgrace you. with his left hand restores right hand of Candidate to left hand of JD and sits.
JD takes Candidate's right hand from SW and positions himself on right of Candidate, both facing East, and releases hand.
WM: Let me add to the observations of the Senior Warden, that you are never to put on that badge should you be about to visit a Lodge in which there is a Brother with whom you are at variance, or against whom you entertain animosity. In such cases it is expected that you will invite him to withdraw in order amicably to settle your differences, which being happily effected, you may then clothe yourselves, enter the Lodge and work with that love and harmony which should at all times characterise Freemasons. But if, unfortunately, your differences be of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire than that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.
Brother Junior Deacon, you will place our new-made Brother at the North-Eastern part of the Lodge.
JD takes Candidate's right hand leads him up North to North-Eastern part of the Lodge. Both face South, as near as convenient to the corner of the Lodge. JD releases hand.
JD: Left foot across the Lodge, right foot down the Lodge; pay attention to the Worshipful Master.
WM: It is customary, at the erection of all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first or foundation stone at the North-East corner of the building. You, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at the North-East part of the Lodge figuratively to represent that stone, and from the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand, to all external appearance, a just and upright Mason and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such. Indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason’s heart; I mean Charity. I need not here dilate on its excellences: no doubt it has often been felt and practiced by you. Suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives.
In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches of which are spread over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence; neither can it be concealed that among the thousands who range under its banners, there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unavoidable calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every new-made Brother by such a claim on his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant. Whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the JD; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.
JD moves to a position in front of WM and facing Candidate, holds out alms-dish and makes appeal: Have you anything to give in the cause of Charity?
Candidate: …
JD lowers alms-dish and, if Candidate does not answer quickly, proceeds with second question: Were you deprived of everything valuable previously to entering the Lodge?
Candidate gives affirmative.
JD: If you had not been so deprived would you give freely?
Candidate gives affirmative.
JD turns right and faces WM, takes Step and gives EA-Sign which he holds, and retains wand in crook of right shoulder: Worshipful Master, our new-made Brother affirms that he was deprived of everything valuable previously to entering the Lodge or he would give freely. Cuts Sign and resumes position on right of Candidate.
WM: I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated; likewise on the inability which in the present instance precludes you from gratifying them. Believe me, this trial was not made with a view to sport with your feelings; far be from us any such intention. It was done for three especial reasons: first, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test: secondly. to evince to the Brethren that you had neither money nor metallic substance about you, for if you had, the ceremony of your initiation thus far, must have been repeated; and thirdly, as a warning to your own heart, that should you at any future period meet a Brother in distressed circumstances who might solicit your assistance, you will remember the peculiar moment you were received into Masonry, poor and penniless, and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practicing that virtue you have professed to admire.
Immediate Past Master places working tools in readiness on WM’s pedestal if has not previously done so.
JD takes Candidate's right hand and places him in front of WM, in a position as close as convenient to pedestal and releases it..
WM: I now present to you the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemason: they are the 24-inch Gauge, the common Gavel, and Chisel. The 24-inch Gauge is to measure our work, the common Gavel to knock off all superfluous knobs and excrescences, and the Chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workman. But, as we are not all operative Masons, but rather free and accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to our morals. In this sense, the 24-in Gauge represents the twenty-four hours of the day, part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshment, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need, without detriment to ourselves or connections. The common Gavel represents the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which might obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace. The Chisel points out to us the advantages of education, by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly organised Society.
As in the course of the evening you will be called on for certain fees for your initiation, it is proper you should know by what authority we act. This is our Charter or Warrant from the Grand Lodge of England opens and shows Warrant of Lodge to Candidate which is for your inspection on this or any future evening. This is the Book of Constitutions hands Candidate a copy and these are our By-laws hands Candidate a copy both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as by one you will be instructed in the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and by the other in those you owe to this Lodge in particular.
You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore yourself to your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge, I shall call your attention to a Charge, founded on the excellences of the Institution and the qualifications of its members.
JD takes Candidate by right hand and guiding him, moves anti-clockwise so as to face West and takes Candidate directly, no squaring to North of SW’s pedestal. Here he wheels Candidate clockwise so as to face East, halts and releases hand.
JD: Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason. JD instructs Candidate in whisper to take Step and give EA-Sign and cut it, and ensures Candidate does so.
JD takes Can by right hand, makes an anti-clockwise wheel and conducts him to the door.
IG goes to door in front of JD and opens it, closing and locking it again after Candidate has gone out.
JD and IG resume seats.
Outside Lodge Candidate resumes his ordinary dress with EA badge. When Candidate is ready, Tyler gives EA-knocks on door of Lodge.
IG rises in front of his chair, takes Step and gives EA-Sign: Brother Junior Warden, there is a report. IG holds Sign.
JW seated gavels once.
IG cuts Sign, goes to door, opens it, and looks out without speaking.
Tyler: The Candidate on his return.
IG makes no reply, closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his chair, takes Step and gives EA-Sign which he holds: Worshipful Master, the Candidate on his return.
WM: Admit him.
IG cuts Sign, awaits arrival of JD and goes to door.
JD follows IG to door.
IG opens door and admits Candidate.
JD receives Candidate and conducts him by right hand to North of SW’s pedestal both facing East. Releases hand.
IG when JD has received Candidate, closes and locks door, returns to chair and sits.
JD: Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason. Both remain standing without handclasp at North of SW’s pedestal while the Charge is delivered.
 

CHARGE AFTER INITIATION

WM: Brother …, as you have passed through the ceremony of your initiation, let me congratulate you on being admitted a member of our ancient and honourable institution. Ancient no doubt it is as having subsisted from time immemorial, and honourable it must be acknowledged to be, as by a natural tendency it conduces to make those so who are obedient to its precepts. Indeed, no institution can boast a more solid foundation than that on which Freemasonry rests; the practice of every moral and social virtue. And to so high an eminence has its credit been advanced that in every age monarchs themselves have been promoters of the art, have not thought it derogatory to their dignity to exchange the sceptre for the trowel, have patronised our mysteries and joined in our assemblies.
As a Freemason, let me recommend to your most serious contemplation the Volume of Sacred Law; charging you to consider it as the unerring standard of truth and justice and to regulate your actions by the divine precepts it contains. Therein you will be taught the important duties you owe to God, to your, neighbour and to yourself. To God, by never mentioning His name but with that awe and reverence which are due from the creature to his Creator, by imploring His aid in all your lawful undertakings, and by looking up to Him in every emergency for comfort and support. To your neighbour, by acting with him on the square, by rendering him every kind office which justice or mercy may require, by relieving his necessities and soothing his afflictions, and by doing to him as in similar cases you, would wish he would do to you. And to yourself, by such a prudent and well-regulated course of discipline as may best conduce to the preservation of your corporeal and mental faculties in their fullest energy, thereby enabling you to exert those talents wherewith God has blessed you, as well to His glory as the welfare of your fellow creatures.
As a citizen of the world, I am to enjoin you to be exemplary in the discharge of your civil duties, by never proposing or at all countenancing any act that may have a tendency to subvert the peace and good order of society, by paying due obedience to the laws of any State which may for a time become the place of your residence or afford you its protection, and above all, by never losing sight of the allegiance due to the Sovereign of your native land, ever remembering that nature has implanted in your breast a sacred and indissoluble attachment towards that country whence you derived your birth and infant nurture.
As an individual, let me recommend the practice of every domestic as well as public virtue: let Prudence direct you, Temperance chasten you, Fortitude support you, and Justice be the guide of all your actions. Be especially careful to maintain in their fullest splendour those truly Masonic ornaments, which have already been amply illustrated; Benevolence and Charity.
Still, as a Freemason, there are other excellences of character to which your attention may be peculiarly and forcibly directed: amongst the foremost of these are Secrecy, Fidelity and Obedience. Secrecy consists in an inviolable adherence to the Obligation you have entered into; never improperly to disclose any of those Masonic secrets which have now been, or may at any future period be, entrusted to your keeping, and cautiously to avoid all occasions which may inadvertently lead you so to do. Your Fidelity must be exemplified by a strict observance of the Constitutions of the fraternity, by adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order, by never attempting to extort or otherwise unduly obtain the secrets of a superior degree, and by refraining from recommending anyone to a participation of our secrets unless you have strong grounds to believe that by a similar fidelity he will ultimately reflect honour on your choice. Your Obedience must be proved by a strict observance of our laws and regulations, by prompt attention to all signs and summonses, by modest and correct demeanour in the Lodge, by abstaining from every topic of political or religious discussion, by a ready acquiescence in all votes and resolutions duly passed by a majority of the brethren, and by perfect submission to the Master and his Wardens whilst acting in the discharge of their respective offices.
And as a last general recommendation, let me exhort you to dedicate yourself to such pursuits as may at once enable you to be respectable in life, useful to mankind, and an ornament to the society of which you have this day become a member; to study more especially such of the liberal Arts and Sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment, and without neglecting the ordinary duties of your station, to endeavour to make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge.
From the very commendable attention you appear to have given to this charge, I am led to hope you will duly appreciate the value of Freemasonry. and indelibly imprint on your heart the sacred dictates of Truth, of Honour, and of Virtue.
JD leads Candidate to seat beside SD and resumes his seat.
 

Closing

Before finally closing the Lodge at the end of a regular meeting, there are three risings according to the following formula:
WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW.
WM: Brethren. I rise for the first (or second or third) time to ask if any Brother has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or of this Lodge … in particular.
On each rising such business is transacted as is customary in the Lodge. When all business on the third rising is completed:
WM gavels once, repeated by SW and JW.
WM: Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge.
All rise.
WM: Brother Junior Warden, what is the constant care of every Mason?
JW: To prove the Lodge close tyled.
WM: Direct that duty to be done.
JW: Brother Inner Guard, prove the Lodge close tyled.
IG goes to door, gives EA-knocks and returns to position in front of his chair.
Tyler responds with same knocks.
IG takes Step and gives EA-Sign: Brother Junior Warden, the Lodge is close tyled. Cuts Sign.
JW, gives EA-knocks, takes Step and gives EA-Sign: Worshipful Master, the Lodge is close tyled. Cuts Sign.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, the next care?
SW: To see that the Brethren appear to order as Masons.
WM: To order, Brethren, in the First Degree.
All take Step with EA-Sign.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, your constant place in the Lodge?
SW: In the West.
WM: Why are you placed there?
SW: As the sun sets in the West to close the day, so the Senior Warden is placed in the West to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, after having seen that every Brother has had his due.
WM: Brethren, before we close the Lodge. let us with all reverence and humility express our gratitude to the Great Architect of the Universe for favours already received; may He continue to preserve the Order by cementing and adorning it with every moral and social virtue.
Immediate Past Master: So mote it be.
WM: Brother Senior Warden, the labours of the evening being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. Gives EA-knocks with left hand.
SW: Brethren, in the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, and by command of the Worshipful Master, I close All cut Sign the Lodge.
SW gives EA-knocks and lowers Cn.
JW: And it is closed accordingly until …day of …, emergencies excepted, of which every Brother will have due notice. Gives EA-knocks and raises Cn.
IG goes to door, gives EA-knocks and returning tot position in front of his chair.
Tyler responds with same knocks.
Immediate Past Master, meanwhile, removes Square and Compass. Closes Volume of Sacred Law and places Square and Compass in convenient position on pedestal.
Immediate Past Master: Brethren, nothing now remains, but, according to ancient custom, to lock up our Secrets in a safe repository, uniting in the act Fidelity, Fidelity, Fidelity.
All touch left breast lightly with right hand, with each word Fidelity.

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