FIRST DEGREE OR CEREMONY OF INITIATION
Tyler - prepares Candidate and when ready to proceed with Ceremony gives three distinct knocks. By giving the Entered Apprentice knocks with longer intervals the Tyler indicates that the Candidate is ready.
Inner Guard - rises in front of his chair, Step. and Entered Apprentice Sign. -Brother Junior Warden, there is a report holds Sign.
Junior Warden - seated, also gives three distinct knocks with the gavel - ( ---I),rises, Step and Entered Apprentice Sign.- Worshipful Master, there is a report - holds Sign.
Worshipful Master - Brother. Junior Warden, inquire who wants admission.
Junior Warden - cuts Sign. and sits - Brother Inner Guard, see who wants admission.
Inner Guard - 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. (The colloquy between Inner Guard and Tyler. should be spoken loud enough for it to be heard in all parts of the Lodge)
Inner Guard - 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.
Inner Guard - 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).
Inner Guard. - Halt, while I report to the Worshipful Master - closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his chair, Step, Entered Apprentice Sign. which he holds.
Inner Guard .- Worshipful Master, - 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.
Worshipful Master - How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
Inner Guard - By the help of God, being free and of good report.
Worshipful Master - The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour. Do you, Brother Inner Guard, vouch that he is properly prepared?
Inner Guard - I do, Worshipful Master
Worshipful Master - Then let him be admitted in due form.
Inner Guard - cuts Sign.
Worshipful Master - Brother Deacons.
Senior Deacon - places kneeling stool in position.
Inner Guard - takes poignard. and goes to door followed by Junior Deacon and Senior Deacon, Junior Deacon on left.
Inner Guard - opens door, retaining hold on it as before, presents poignard to Candidate's naked left breast.
Inner Guard. - Do you feel anything? - and after an affirmative answer from Candidate raises the poignard above his head to show that he has so presented it.
Junior Deacon - with left .hand takes Candidate firmly by right hand. (Senior Deacon on Candidate' s left) and leads him to the kneeling stool. All three stand facing East.
Inner Guard - after Candidate is admitted, closes and locks door, placespoignard. on Senior Warden's pedestal and resumes his seat. .
Worshipful Master - names Candidate - 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?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I am. (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Thus assured, I will thank you to kneel while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings.
Junior Deacon assists Candidate to kneel, instructing him if necessary in a whisper, and then releases his right hand.
Worshipful Master - one ---I;
Senior Warden - one ---I;
Junior Warden - one ---I.
Deacons.- holding wands in left hands cross them over Candidate' s head and give Sign of Reverence. .
ALL - stand with Sign. of Reverence. (Candidate does not give Sign. of Reverence.).
PRAYER
Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father and Supreme Governor of the Universe, to our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service as to become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may the better be enabled to unfold the beauties of true godliness, to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name.
Immediate Past Master.- So mote it be.
ALL - drop Sign of Reverence.
Deacons - uncross wands and hold them again in right hands.
Worshipful Master - In all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - In GOD (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Right glad am I to find your faith so well founded: relying on such sure support you may safely rise and follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence, for where the name of GOD is invoked, we trust no danger can ensue.
Worshipful Master - sits.
Junior Deacon - assists Candidate to rise, taking his right hand firmly as before.
ALL - (except Deacons and Candidate) sit.
Senior Deacon - draws kneeling stool aside to his left out of way of Junior Deacon and Candidate
Worshipful Master - one ---I;
Senior Warden - one ---I;
Junior Warden - one ---I.
Worshipful Master- The Brethren from the N., E., S. and W. 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.
Junior Deacon - 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 N. to N.E. corner of Lodge, which is 'squared', then past Worshipful Master to S. E. corner where the Lodge is again 'squared,' and finally to E. of Junior Warden's pedestal where they stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from It. Junior Deacon instructs Candidate at each corner, after 'squaring,' to step off with left foot These instructions are whispered.
Senior Deacon - meanwhile replaces kneeling stool in normal position and when Junior Deacon and Candidate have passed N. E. corner, takes poignard. from S. W to Worshipful Master and resumes seat.
Junior Deacon - holding Candidate's right hand firmly, strikes Junior Warden on right shoulder thrice with Candidate's right hand.
Junior Warden - Whom have you there?
Junior Deacon - 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 .
Junior Warden - How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
Junior Deacon - By the help of God, being free and of good report.
Junior Warden - rises and turns to Candidate
Junior Deacon - places right horse of Candidate in that of Junior Warden
Junior Warden - Enter, free and of good report - replaces right hand of Candidate in left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - holding Candidate's right hand firmly leads him to Senior Warden corner of the Lodge which is 'squared' and then to S. of Senior Warden’s pedestal where they stand parallel to the pedestal, and a convenient distance from it.
Junior Deacon - holding Candidate's right hand firmly, strikes Senior. Warden on right shoulder thrice with Candidate's right hand.
Senior Warden - Whom have you there?
Junior Deacon - 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.
Senior Warden - How does he hope to obtain those privileges?
Junior Deacon - By the help of God, being free and of good report.
Senior Warden - rises and turns to Candidate
Junior Deacon - places right hand of Candidate in that of Senior Warden
Senior Warden - Enter, free and of good report replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of Junior Deacon and remains standing.
Junior Deacon - holding Candidate's right hand firmly leads him to N. of Senior Warden's pedestal makes an anticlockwise wheel, places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Senior Warden and turns Candidate to face E: he stands on left of Candidate also facing E.
Senior Warden - holding up Candidate's right hand Step and Entered Apprentice Sign.- Worshipful Master, I present to you Mr................, a Candidate properly prepared to be made a Mason - maintains Sign and continues to hold Candidate's right hand.
Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden, your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the Candidate which I trust he will answer with candour.
Senior Warden - cuts Sign., replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand from S. W. and positions himself on right of Candidate still holding Candidate's hand both facing E.
Worshipful Master - to Candidate - 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?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I do. (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master-Do you likewise pledge your self 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? .
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I do. (Candidate repeats ).
Worshipful Master - Do you further seriously declare on your honour that, avoiding fear on the one hand and rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your Initiation, and if once admitted, you will afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the Order?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I do. (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden, you will direct the Junior Deacon to instruct the Candidate to advance to the pedestal in due form.
Senior Warden - Brother Junior Deacon, it is the Worshipful Master's command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the pedestal in due form.
Junior Deacon - 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 (i.e., the left foot pointing E. and the right. foot. pointing S.)
Junior Deacon - aloud to Candidate and ensuring Candidate suits action to word -Take a step 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 E. and his right foot in the form of a square directed S.)
Senior Deacon - takes up position on left of Candidate simultaneously with arrival of latter and Junior Deacon so that all three stand facing Worshipful Master, Junior Deacon on right and Senior Deacon on left of Candidate
Worshipful Master - 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 Obigation founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the Order?
Candidate - I am. (If Candidate does not answer voluntarily, Junior Deacon should whisper to him 'Answer.' The Candidate is supposed to give this answer of his own free will and he is at liberty to refuse. If he does so, the ceremony cannot continue and he is led out of the Lodge.)
Worshipful Master - Then you will kneel on your left knee, your right foot formed in a square (Candidate does so); give me your right hand which I place on the Volume of the. Sacred Law - does so - while your left. will be employed in supporting these Compasses., one point presented to your naked left breast.
Junior Deacon - assists by raising Candidate's right hand on reference to right hand
Senior Deacon - assists by raising Candidate' s left hand on reference to left hand.
Worshipful Master - 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
Worshipful Master - one ---I;
Senior Warden - one ---I;
Junior Warden - one ---I.
ALL - stand with Step and Entered Apprentice Sign.
Deacons.- hold wands in Ieft hand, cross them over head of Candidate, Step and Entered Apprentice Sign.
Worshipful Master to Candidate - Repeat your name at length and say after me:- I,.............................. Candidate gives name in full - 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 - with left hand touches Candidate's right hand - and hereon - with left hand touches Volume of the Sacred Law - sincerely and solemnly promise and swear, that I will always heal,* (pronounced hail)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, under no less a penalty, on the violation of any of them than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the root (singular) and buried in the sand (singular) of the sea at low water mark, or a cable's length from the shore, where the tide regularly ebbs and flow twice in 24 hours or the more effective punishment of being branded as a wilfully perjured individual, void of all moral worth, and totally unfit to be received into this worshipful Lodge, or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virtue above the external advantages of rank and fortune. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this my Great and Solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
ALL - cut Sign.
Deacons - lower wands to right hand
Worshipful Master - removes Compasses from Candidate's left hand.
Senior Deacon - lowers Candidate's left hand to side. Candidate's right hand remains on Volume of the Sacred. Law.
Worshipful Master - What you have repeated may be considered but a serious promise; as a pledge of your fidelity, and to render it a Solemn Obligation, you will seal it with your lips on the Volume of the Sacred Law (Candidate does so).
Junior Deacon - if necessary instructs Candidate in whisper.
Worshipful Master - Having been kept for a considerable time in a state of darkness, what, in your present situation, is the predominant wish of your heart?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - LIGHT (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Brother Junior Deacon, let that blessing be restored to the Candidate
Junior Deacon - should catch Worshipful Master's eye to indicate that he is ready.
Worshipful Master - raises gavel, moves it left right and down.
ALL - give one clap as gavel strikes pedestal
Junior Deacon - removes hood wink at the same moment.
Worshipful Master - 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 the Sacred Law, the Square and Compasses. The Sacred Writings are to govern our faith, the Square to regulate our actions, and the Compasses to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren in Freemasory - takes Candidate's right hand from Volume of the Sacred Law with his right hand
Worshipful Master - Rise, newly obligated Brother among Masons - restores Candidate's right hand to Junior Deacon
Worshipful Master - sits.
Senior Deacon - returns to seat.
ALL (except Junior Deacon and Candidate) sit.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand, turns left. and conducts him .to N. side of Worshipful Master's pedestal so that both are in a position parallel to the pedestal and about two feet from it, facing S. towards Worshipful Master, and releases hand.
Worshipful Master - to Candidate 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.
Worshipful Master - Brother................by your meek and candid behaviour this evening you have escaped two great dangers, but there is a third which will await you until the latest period of your existence.
Worshipful Master - The dangers you have escaped are those of stabbing and strangulation, for on your entrance into the Lodge this poignard - picks uppoignard from pedestal, unsheathes it, and shows it to Candidate - was presented to your naked left breast, so 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 poignard and replaces it on pedestal
Junior Deacon - removes cable tow from neck of Candidate and hands it toWorshipful.Master
Worshipful Master - 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 on his left.
Worshipful Master - But the danger which will await you until your latest hour is the penalty of your Obligation of having your throat cut across should you improperly disclose the secrets of Masonry.
Worshipful Master - 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 does so), your feet formed in a Square. (Candidate does so), your body being thus considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet of the rectitude of your actions.
Worshipful Master - You will now take a short pace towards me with your left foot bringing the right heel into its hollow. (Candidate does so). 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 - 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 - illustrates and ensures that Candidate copies - The Sign is given by drawing the hand sharply across the throat and dropping it to the side - illustrates and ensures Candidate copies.
Worshipful Master - This is in allusion to the penalty of your obligation implying that as a man of honour and a Mason you would rather have your throat cut across. - gives Penal Sign and ensures that Candidate Copies - than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to you.
Worshipful Master -The Grip or Token is given - 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, can not 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
Junior Deacon - repeats word aloud and ensures that Candidate repeats it aloud after him.
Worshipful Master - Spells the word.
Junior Deacon - Spells word aloud and ensures that Candidate Spells it aloud after him.
Worshipful Master - 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?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud-- The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Free Mason (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - What does it demand?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - A word (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Give me that word.
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud (if necessary by phrases) 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 (Candidate repeats).
Worshipful Master - Which you please, and begin. (At this stage the word is halved.)
Junior Deacon - gives first half (Candidate repeats) BO
Worshipful Master - gives second half. AZ
Junior Deacon - gives complete word (Candidate repeats). BOAZ
Worshipful Master - This word is derived from the left hand pillar at the porchwayor entrance of King Solomon’s Temple so named after Boaz, the Great Grandfather of David, a Prince and Ruler in Israel. The import of the word is – In Strength; pass BOAZ places Candidate’s right hand in left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - turns right, controlling Candidate by holding his right hand, regains floor of Lodge, turns Ieft instructs Candidate in whisper to step off with left foot passes in front of Worshipful Master's pedestal to the S. E. corner which they 'square'. Junior Deacon leads Candidate to E. side of Junior Warden's pedestal, where they stand parallel to the pedestal and a convenient distance from it. Releases hand
Junior Deacon - rests butt of his wand on floor, with top resting against right shoulder, Step. and Entered Apprentice Sign.- Brother Junior Warden, I present to you
Brother ____________ on his initiation - cuts Sign and takes wand in right hand again.
Junior Warden - I will thank Brother ______________to advance to me as a Mason.
Junior Deacon - instructs Candidate in a whisper to take Step. and give Entered Apprentice Sign. and then to cut Sign., and ensures Candidate does so.
Junior Warden - Have you anything to communicate?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I have (Candidate repeats).
Junior Warden - rises, faces Candidate, and takes Step and offers hand.
Junior Deacon - places right hand of Candidate in that of Junior Warden, and with left hand adjusts grip from above.
Junior Warden - gives grip after Junior Deacon has adjusted Candidate' s right thumb, retaining grip throughout the whole of the colloquy - What is this?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason (Candidate repeats).
Junior Warden - What does it demand?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - A word (Candidate Repeats).
Junior Warden - Give me that word.
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud (quickly and, if necessary, by phrases) - At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you (Candidate repeats in similar phrases).
Junior Warden - Which you please, and begin. (At the Junior Warden's pedestal the word is first lettered then halved)
Junior Deacon - gives first letter aloud (Candidate repeats). B
Junior Warden - gives second letter. O
Junior Deacon - gives third letter (Candidate Repeats). A
Junior Warden - gives fourth letter. Z
Junior Deacon - gives first half( Candidate Repeats). BO
Junior Warden - gives second half. AZ
Junior Deacon - gives whole word (Candidate repeats).BOAZ
Junior Warden - Pass, ______________ - replaces Candidate's right hand in left hand of Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - leads Candidate via Senior Warden corner of the Lodge, 'squaring' as before, to the S. of Senior Warden's pedestal Both Candidate and Junior Deacon face N. parallel to Senior Warden's pedestal and a convenient distance from it.
Junior Deacon - rests butt of wand on floor with the top resting against right shoulder, Step. And Entered Apprentice Sign - Brother Senior Warden, I present to you Brother ____________ on his initiation - cuts Sign. And takes wand in his right hand again.
Senior Warden - I will thank Brother _____________ to advance to me as a Mason.
Junior Deacon - instructs Candidate in whisper to take Step. only and ensures he does not give Sign. at this stage.
Senior Warden - What is that?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - The first regular Step in Freemasonry (Candidate repeats).
Senior Warden - Do you bring anything else?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I do (Candidate repeats).
Junior Deacon - instructs Candidate to give Entered Apprentice Sign and cut it.
Senior Warden - What is that?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - The Sign of an Entered Apprentice Freemason. (Candidate repeats).
Senior Warden - To what does it allude?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud and by suitable phrases. (Candidate repeating). The penalty of my obligation implying that as a man of honour and a Mason I would rather have my throat cut across - as Candidate says 'my throat cut across’ prompts him to give Sign and cut it - than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to me.
Senior Warden - Have you anything to communicate?
Junior.Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - I have (Candidate repeats).
Senior Warden - rises, faces Candidate, takes Step and offers hand.
Junior Deacon - places Candidate' s right hand in that of Senior Warden and with left hand adjusts grip from above.
Senior Warden - gives grip after Junior Deacon has adjusted Candidate's right thumb and retains grip throughout the whole of the colloquy - What is this?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - The Grip or Token of an Entered Apprentice Freemason. (Candidate repeats).
Senior Warden - What does it demand?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - A word (Candidate repeats).
Senior Warden - Give me that word.
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud (quickly and if necessary by phrases ) - At my initiation I was taught to be cautious; I will letter or halve it with you(Candidate repeats in phrases ).
Senior Warden - Which you please, and begin. (Here the word is halved)
Junior Deacon - gives first half aloud (Candidate repeats). BO
Senior Warden - gives second half. AZ
Junior Deacon - gives whole word (Candidate repeats). BOAZ
Senior Warden - Whence is this word derived?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud by phrases - From the left hand pillar at the porchway or entrance of Kings Solomon’s Temple so named after Boaz the Great Grandfather of David a Prince and Ruler in Israel (Candidate repeats. in phrases).
Senior Warden - The import of the word?
Junior Deacon - prompting Candidate aloud - In Strength (Candidate. repeats).
Senior Warden - Pass BOAZ.- replaces Candidate's right hand in left of Junior Deacon and remains standing.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate by right hand to N. side of Senior Warden's pedestal by passing in front of it. He then makes an anti-clockwise wheel, places Candidate's right hand in left hand of Senior Warden and lining up on left of Candidate ensures they are both facing E.
Senior Warden - Step and Entered Apprentice Sign which he holds
Worshipful Master - I present to you Brother .................... on his initiation for some mark of your favour.
Worshipful Master - Brother Senior Warden, I delegate you to invest him with the distinguishing badge of a Mason.
Senior Warden - cuts Sign, releases Candidate's hand and with Candidate facing him, puts on him badge of an Entered Apprentice Freemason.
Junior Deacon - assists if necessary.
Senior Warden - picks up lower right hand corner of badge with his left hand to Candidate - 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 Junior Deacon and sits.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand from Senior Warden and positions himself on right of Candidate, both facing E; and releases hand.
Worshipful Master - 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.
Worshipful Master - Brother Junior Deacon, you will place our new-made Brother at the N. E. part of the Lodge.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand and leads him up N. to N. E. part of Lodge. Both face S., as near as convenient to the corner of the Lodge. Junior Deacon releases hand.
Junior Deacon - to Candidate: - Left foot across the Lodge, right foot down the Lodge; pay attention to the Worshipful Master - ensures Candidate forms square with his foot.
Worshipful Master - It is customary, at the erection of all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first or foundation stone at the N. E. corner of the building. You, being newly admitted into Masonry, are placed at the N. E. part of the Lodge figuratively to represent that stone, and from the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure - perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand, to all external appearance, a just and upright Mason and I give it you in strong terms of recommendation ever to continue and act as such. Indeed, I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue which may justly be denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason's heart - I mean Charity. I need not here dilate on its excellences; no doubt it has often been felt and practised by you. Suffice it to say, it has the approbation of Heaven and earth, and like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives as well as him who receives. In a society so widely extended as Freemasonry, the branches 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 Junior Deacon; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.
Junior Deacon - moves to a position in front of Worshipful Master and facing Candidate, holds out left hand (or alms-dish if he has been handed one) and makes appeal
Junior Deacon - Have you anything to give in the cause of Charity?
Junior Deacon - lowers hand or 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.
Junior Deacon - If you had not been so deprived, would you give freely?
Candidate - gives affirmative.
Junior Deacon - turns right and faces Worshipful Master, Step and Entered Apprentice 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
Worshipful Master - 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 practising that virtue you have professed to admire.
Immediate Past Master. - places working tools in readiness on Worshipful Master's pedestal if he has not previously done so.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate's right hand and places him in front of Worshipful Master, in a position as close as convenient to pedestal and releases hand.
Worshipful Master - I now present to you the working tools of an Entered Apprentice Freemasonry: they are the 24-in. gauge, the common gavel, and chisel. The 24-in gauge 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.
Worshipful Master - 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.
Worshipful Master - 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.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate by right hand and guiding him moves anti-clockwise so as to face W. and takes Candidate directly, no 'squaring,' to N. of Senior Warden's pedestal Here he wheels Candidate clockwise so as to face E., halts and releases hand.
Junior Deacon - to Candidate aloud - Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason - instructs Candidate in whisper to take step and give Entered Apprentice Sign and cut it, and ensures Candidate does so.
Junior Deacon - takes Candidate by right hand, makes an anticlockwise wheel and conducts him to the door.
Inner Guard - goes to door in front of Junior Deacon and opens it, closing and locking it again after Candidate has gone out.
Junior Deacon and Inner Guard resume seats.
Outside Lodge Candidate resumes his ordinary dress with Entered Apprentice badge. When Candidate is ready, Tyler gives Entered Apprentice knocks on door of Lodge.
Inner Guard - rises in front of his chair, Step. and Entered Apprentice Sign. - Brother Junior Warden, there is a report. - holds Sign.
Junior Warden - seated, one ---I
Inner Guard - cuts Sign, goes to door, opens it, and looks out without speaking.
Tyler - The Candidate on his return.
Inner Guard - makes no reply, closes and locks door, returns to position in front of his chair, Step and Entered Apprentice Sign which he holds - Worshipful Master, the Candidate on his return.
Worshipful Master - Admit him.
Inner Guard - cuts Sign., awaits arrival of Junior Deacon and goes to door.
Junior Deacon - follows Inner Guard to door.
Inner Guard - opens door and admits Candidate
Junior Deacon - receives Candidate and conducts him by right hand to N. of Senior Warden's pedestal both facing E.
Inner Guard - when Junior Deacon has received Candidate closes and locks door, returns to chair and sits.
Junior Deacon - to Candidate. Salute the Worshipful Master as a Mason -instructs Candidate if necessary and ensures he takes Step and gives Entered Apprentice Sign and cuts it. Both remain standing without handclasp at N. of Senior Warden' s pedestal while the Charge is delivered.
CHARGE AFTER INITIATlON
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 the 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.
Junior Deacon leads Candidate to seat beside Senior Deacon and resumes his seat.
