opening and closing a master masons lodge

This Degree has a reference to the Christian dispensation, when the day of salvation is more fully revealed; atonement is made for sin; and the resurrection from the dead plainly communicated and confirmed by the resurrection of Christ from the grave. We will suppose the business of the Lodge finished, and that the Master proceeds to close. One of the brothers, representing one of the three ruffians, in a corner near by, is now heard to exclaim, in a loud, but deep tone of voice: "Oh! . The Junior Deacon advances, followed by the Stewards, with rods, when the Senior Deacon stops them, by placing his hand against the candidate, at the same time saying: S. D.--Brother Gabe, on entering this Lodge the first time, you were received on the point of the compasses, pressing your naked left breast, the moral of which was explained to you. WM: How many compose a Master Masons Lodge? Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure, while travelling through this vale of tears. Then he would retire at the south gate of the outer courts of the Temple; and, in conformity with the custom of our Grand Master, whose memory we all so reverently adore, we will now retire at the south gate of the Temple. Conductor (for candidate.) never--no, never dies. (They all kneel.). It is my orders that you be taken without the gates of the court, and be executed, according to your several imprecations, in the clefts of the rocks. See pp. The brethren representing the twelve repentant conspirators now walk out near the spot where the candidate is lying, and, when close to him, one of the party says: "Well, brothers, can we find where the acacia was pulled up?". This Degree is very lengthy, and to give the lecture at an initiation would take up too much of the night; but if there is time, the Master and Senior Warden usually go through with the first section before closing the Lodge, so that the candidate and brethren may become conversant with it. The ceremony of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum, is therefore universally admitted among masons; and though the mode in some lodges may vary, and in every degree must vary, still an uniformity in the general practice prevails in every lodge; and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a little 87:1 Our present Third Degree is not architectural, but traditionary, historical, and legendary; its traditions being unfortunately hyperbolical; its history apocryphal, and its legends fabulous.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 222. SW: Let him enter, and be received in due form. W, M.--Is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? Brethren with the right-hand corner tucked up, and he wears a yoke with a Senior Warden's jewel attached to it. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will please approach the east. W. M.--Is it of his own free-will and accord? The avenues to the Lodge are carefully inspected by the meridian officer, whose knowledge and fidelity have entitled him to the confidence of the brethren, and, after he had publicly proclaimed the security of the Lodge, the business of closing proceeds. A. After the obligation, what were you asked? In the second section, the historical traditions of the Order are introduced, and an important instance of Masonic virtue is exemplified. What induced you to become a Master Mason? THE ceremony of opening and conducting the business of a Lodge of Master Masons is nearly the same as in the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Crafts' Degrees, already explained. however, the connection of the widow's son with the building of the Temple was endeared to the two monarchs; and, to preserve and consecrate his memory, a new arrangement of discipline was adopted; and a legend incorporated into the system, which served to promote a similar object with the fabulous narrative used in the spurious initiations, viz., to inculcate and impress on the candidate's mind the doctrine of a resurrection and a future state--Theo. and sits down near the candidate. Q. grand Masonic word on the five points of fellowship. The first great care of Masons when convened? After the signs are gone through with by the whole Lodge, the Master gives one rap with his gavel, which is responded to by the Senior Warden, and then by the Junior Warden, and then again by the Master, one rap. "Further, that I will not give the Grand Hailing Sign of Distress, except in case of the most imminent danger, in a just and lawful Lodge, or for the benefit of instruction; and if ever I should see it given, or hear the words accompanying it, by a worthy brother in distress, I will fly to his relief, if there is a greater probability of saving his life than losing my own. This latter is accomplished as follows: a canvas, seven feet long and about six feet wide, with five or six strong loops on each side, is produced from a closet or chest in the room; and a buckskin bag, stuffed with hair, about the size of two boxing-gloves, is taken from the same receptacle. left to right: S. D., or Conductor. permission They usually meet on the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple. The first was the voice of Jubela exclaiming:2 'Oh! Sorority & Fraternity. He made me a Master Mason in due form. In the mean time, the canvas is slipped out of the Lodge, and as the Master commences to give or whisper the word in the candidate's ear, some one of the brethren slips off the hoodwink, and this is the first time he has seen light, probably, in an hour. JD: Brother Senior Warden. As the Sun is in the West at the close of the day so is the Senior Warden in the west to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing his Lodge; to pay the craft their wages if an be due, and to see none go away dissatisfied, harmony being the strength and support of all societies more especially of ours. As they start, the conductor commences to relate to the candidate the following: Conductor--Brother, it was the usual custom of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff (this is the first he hears about Hiram Abiff), to enter into the unfinished "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple, each day at high twelve, while the craft were called from labor to refreshment, for the purpose of drawing out his designs upon the trestle-board, whereby the craft might pursue their labors; after which, it was further his custom to offer up his devotions to the Deity. --Historical Landmarks, vol. 1. The false brethren are represented by Judas, who proved false to his Master; and the sprig of cassia represented the cross, of which wood it is said to have been composed." "A few years afterward, on his return to his brethren in Vermont, he stated to them, as I have been credibly informed and believe, that he found in the Western and Southwestern States different systems of lecturing prevailing, and that, upon presenting Gleason's Lectures to them, they were objected to by the different Grand Masters, who would not sanction his lecturing in their respective jurisdictions, unless he would adopt the lectures then in use among them; that, desiring to pursue his occupation there, he learned the different systems of lecturing existing among them, and made use of his newly acquired knowledge under the sanction of the respective Grand Masters." They meet in the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies of King Solomon's Temple.". i. According to Katherine Thomson, there are many other examples of specific musical symbols taken from the Masonic rites that appear throughout Mozart's compositions. A Royal Arch Chapter meets as a Mark Lodge, confers the Mark Degree on a candidate making him eligible to become a Royal Arch Mason at a subsequent meeting. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon's Temple. On your return to the Lodge, where were you placed? mountains of Zion; for there the Lord. They now retire from the body, in different directions. and after a few more names, that of the Third Ruffian, "Jubelum! You say they turned back into the country? That I might obtain the Masters Word, travel in, foreign This communicate to the. Brother Gabe, permit me to call your attention to the last emblem on the carpet--the spade, setting-maul, coffin, grave, and sprig of acacia. A rope, technically called, by Masons, a cable-tow, is wound around his body three times, and a bandage, or hoodwink, is tied very closely over his eyes. How did the Junior Warden dispose of you? either through closing completely or amalgamating with another Lodge/Chapter. At this time Brother Barney wrote a portion of them in cipher. (Gives one rap (), when the Junior Deacon, at the inner door of the Lodge, rises to his feet.) The candidate generally gets this from some of the brethren who are well posted in the work. Brother Grand Secretary (turning to the Secretary of the Lodge), you will go out and see to calling the several rolls of the craft, and report to me as soon as possible. A. WM: This is all intended to produce its effect upon the ears of the candidate. and have not obtained that which we have sought: this is no time for vain reflection--the question is, what shall we do with the body? Let us imitate, in all his various perfections, him who, when assailed by the murderous band of rebellious craftsmen, maintained his integrity, even in death, and sealed his pledge with his own blood. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) In the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. so stands the Senior Warden in the west to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing the lodge pay the craft their wages if any be due and see that none go away, dissatisfied, if in my power to prevent. He informed them that he had seen three, who, from their appearance, were workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage into Ethiopia; but, not having King Solomon's pass, were unable to obtain one, and had returned back into the country. Here Lodges differ in their mode of work; some only pass the candidate around the Lodge once, and as he passes the Junior and Senior Wardens he gives the Master's sign. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for, Brethren WM: The Master either reads or repeats the following from a Monitor, which by many is committed to memory; but when he has the "work" (i.e., that part which is not monitorial), it is not necessary that he should commit to memory what is called the Master's carpet of emblems, but as it is a part of the initiation of the Third Degree, the author proposes to give it in its regular order of Lodge business. Not since high twelve yesterday, &c., &c. J. G. W.--Most Worshipful King Solomon, diligent search has been made. King Solomon, believing him to be indisposed, ordered strict search and due inquiry to be made for him through the several apartments of the Temple, that he might be found, if possible. Is the Tyler of the Lodge present? 14.). [paragraph continues] Problem of Euclid, the Hour-Glass, the Scythe, and the Three Steps on the Master's Carpet. Some Lodges have a small box with a house-plant or dry twig in it, which is set down on the floor near the candidate's head. J. W. (Jubela, First Ruffian.) This reference to Jeremiah, where the prophet denounced the curse of the Lord upon the Princes and rulers who had broken the covenant which they had made with King Zedekiah, may explain the self-imposed penalty of J------ (Jubelum)." "5th. Phil., p. 232. Phoenixmasonry, Inc. ), A. 299-300. Sec.--Assemble, Craftsmen! On receiving this order, the Junior Warden takes from his desk a small wooden column, about eighteen inches in length, and sets it in an upright position at his right hand, and at the same time he gives three raps () with the gavel, and says: J. W.--Brethren, you are accordingly at refreshment. W. M.--To what do you allude, my brother? and signing your name to the constitution and by-laws--which will then make you a member of this Lodge. 96% (57) 96% found this document useful (57 votes) 43K views. The Master gives one rap with his gavel, when all take their seats except the candidate, who remains standing before the Master, by whom he is addressed as follows: W. M.--Brother Gabe, in closing this Degree, I now give you the following. . tokened the place of his interment, so may virtue's ever-blooming loveliness designate us as free and accepted Masons. Lodge Locator. It is a very common practice in lodges to close a lodge of Entered Apprentices, and open a lodge of Fellow Crafts, and close that, and open a Master Mason's lodge, all in the same evening. but which, he adds, "I can find only twice particularly described. Remember that you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother, who shall need your assistance; you have promised to remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors, and, if possible, to aid him in a reformation. name we have assembled, and in Thy name. W. M. (looking candidate seriously in the face.) Jubelum!!!" --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! J. D.--By a brother of this Degree within the outer door. "Further, that I will not knowingly strike a brother Master Mason, or otherwise do him personal violence in anger, except in the necessary defence of my family or property. As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not up till the heavens shall be no more. "Mortals, now indulge a tear, For Mortality is here: See how wide her trophies wave Oer the slumbers of the grave! two were GRAVELOT, QUIBO, and AKIROP. JD: Freemasons For Dummies Cheat Sheet - dummies 115:1 Their real names (if there be any thing real in the whole transaction, which is more than doubtful), as preserved in a subsidiary degree. His business is to teach the subordinate Lodges the Ritual of Freemasonry, and he is paid generally by salary, or so much from each Lodge before whom he may lecture. After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! SW: Brother Junior Deacon. A. Seraphs of celestial wing, To our funeral altar come: Waft this friend and brother home. and inculcated by Robert Morris,1 is generally accepted as the "Work" of ancient origin, and there is not much doubt but that it will be adopted by the Grand Lodges throughout the United States. Q. Privileges of a Master Mason. As a Master Mason, a man is free to follow his own path in the craft and is entitled to the benefits of full membership. that my breast had been torn open." The Senior Warden then takes the candidate's right hand, giving the real grip of a Fellow Craft (see Fig. When the candidate is fully dressed, the door is unceremoniously thrown open, and he, in company with others, is permitted to enter the Lodge. p. 166. W. M.--You will detach your hands and kiss the book. A. or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou In the mean time, it is hoped and expected that every brother will demean himself as becomes a man and a Mason. Now obtain it from the brothers on the right and left and communicated it to the WM in the East. To carry messages from the Senior Warden in, the J. D.--To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass, except such as are duly qualified and have the Worshipful Master's permission. 7, p. 18), which would be three times, then, turning to the Senior Warden, says: "My worthy brother of Tyre, what shall we do?". "Brother Gabe, seven constitute a Lodge of Entered Apprentices--one Master Mason, and six Entered Apprentices. It is King Solomon's orders that the several rolls be called, and report made as soon as possible. The Master having given the word, which is MAH-HAH-BONE, in low breath, requests the candidate to repeat it with him, which is in this wise: Master telling candidate never to give it in any other way than that in which he has received it. Degree. "Further, that I will keep a worthy brother Master Mason's secrets inviolable, when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted. To observe the sun at meridian, which is the glory, and The Ruffians now return near to the body, when the following conversation takes place: First Ruffian--What shall we do in this case? 147:1 A Grand Lecturer is elected annually at the session of the Grand Lodge of each State. The brethren are now allowed a few minutes for recreation, styled by Masons refreshment; during which time the candidate is being prepared in the ante-room, and the Lodge made ready for the remaining portion of the ceremony of initiation. G. Freemasons. Proficient In The Opening And Closing Of The Lodge In The Master Mason Degree EA Esoteric Work: Proficient In The Esoteric Work Of The Entered Apprentice Degree The Esoteric Work Includes The Following: Proficiency In The Degree Work Of The Junior Steward Proficiency In The Degree Work Of The Senior Steward The Masonic Ritual | PDF | Freemasonry | Masonic Lodge | A RITUAL AND Demonstrate and model your design. My brother of Tyre, what shall we do? (Deacon opens the door, and delivers his message.). --To see that the Lodge is duly tyled. J. W.--Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? To place the fact of Hiram's being alive at the finishing the Temple beyond all doubt, it is said (2 Chron. (See pp. and graces. I did not, but found a substitute. ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". WM: Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge in the Third Degree. A. The "work" in Minnesota and New York is strongly impregnated with what is called, among Masons, "Morganry"--very similar to the disclosures of Morgan and Richardson--so much so, that many Masters purchase these publications for their instruction in their duties and in the ritual. And finally, the veracity of the legend is completely ignored by a reference to the Holy Scriptures. 113:2 Brother Goodacre, of the Witham Lodge, Lincoln, suggests that the various penalties which have been introduced into Freemasonry appear to have reference to a particular kind of covenant which was common among the Hebrews. "2nd. Ruffians--We will go back and get a pass, if that is the case. (See engraving.). By this time the candidate is dressed, his apron is tied on as a Master Mason. The first was the voice of Jubela, exclaiming: "Oh! It is now past mid-night, and if we do not act with decision, daylight will be upon us, and we will be discovered and taken. (See Fig. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will. From the above causes. Conductor--From the "real grip" of a Fellow Craft to the pass grip of a Master Mason. We cannot, Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and. This ends the third, or Master Masons' Degree. The Blue Book - Masonic Grand Lodge of Maine When the candidate is prepared, the Deacon takes him by the left arm, leads him up to the door of the Lodge, and gives three loud, distinct knocks. The Senior Deacon, who has stationed himself at the inner door, at the right of the Senior Warden, on hearing these raps rises to his feet, makes the sign of a Master Mason to the Master (see Fig. B., who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes. The secret word of a Master Mason. What gave rise to pret-a-porter fashions? We therefore now appear before your Majesty, clothed with white gloves and aprons, in token of our innocence, and, acknowledging our premeditated guilt, we humbly implore your pardon." He cannot be found. Three ruffian nations from the south, the west, and the east--the Syrians, the Chaldeans, and the Romans--gave in succession this temporary dispensation its death-blow; those who sought religion through the wisdom of the ancients were not able to raise her; she eluded their grasp, and the polluted hands were also stretched forth in vain for her restoration. 15. ii. S. D.--By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission? A. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you are not yet a Master Mason, neither do I know that you ever will be, until I know how well you will withstand the amazing trials and dangers that await you. The ruffians buried the body in the rubbish of the Temple until low-twelve, or twelve at night, when they met by agreement and carried it a westerly course from the Temple, to the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah, where they buried it in a grave dug due east and west, six feet, perpendicular, at the head of which they planted an acacia, in order to conceal it, and that the place might be known, should occasion ever require, and made their escape. Accordingly our traditions furnish in stances, both among the Apprentices and Craftsmen, of treachery--violation of sacred pledges--and the commission of actual crime. that the sublime principles of Freemasonry, may ), The Master steps to the feet of the candidate, bending over, takes him by the real grip of a Master Mason, places his right foot against the candidate's. K. S.--I fear that some accident has befallen him. The ruffians being executed, the brethren all return quietly to the Lodge, when one of them reports, in a loud tone of voice: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, your orders have been duly executed upon the three murderers of Grand Master, Hiram Abiff." It was, by fifteen Fellow Crafts, who, seeing the Temple about to be completed, and being desirous of obtaining the secrets of a Master Mason, whereby they might travel in foreign countries, work, and receive Master's wages, entered into a horrid conspiracy to extort them from our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, or take his life; but, reflecting with horror on the atrocity of the crime, twelve of them recanted; the other three persisted in their murderous designs. [paragraph continues] Master that you teach this candidate how to wear his apron as a Master Mason. ii. His friends now approach him, and congratulate him upon his Masonic appearance, asking him how he likes the degree, and if he is not glad he is through, &c., &c. The object of this is to mislead the candidate, and to impress upon his mind the idea that there is no more of the ceremony, and that his initiation is completed. After the candidate is lowered, one of the ruffians says: Let us plant an acacia at the head of the grave, in order to. Now, obtain A. I arose, and on my passage around the Lodge was accosted by three Fellow Crafts, who thrice demanded of me the secrets of a Master Mason; and, on being refused, the first gave me a blow with the twenty-four-inch gauge, across my throat; the second with a square, across my breast; the third with a setting-maul, on my forehead, which felled me on the spot. Each lodge has its own personality, so we recommend attending a meeting and getting to know the Brothers to find the best fit for you. so raise the Worshipful Master in the East to open and govern his lodge set the craft to work and give them proper instruction. W. M.--Why in the east, and his duty there? Conductor (S. D.)--Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. of Master Masons, assembled in a place, representing ii. WM: honor, and they pleasure and profit, SW: A. The conductor then turns about to the Senior Warden in the west, and says: Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful. ), A. They have now passed around the Lodge three times, and as. The Wardens and brethren of this Lodge require a more satisfactory proof of your fidelity to your trust, before they are willing to intrust you with the more valuable secrets of this Degree. Brethren, be clothed. Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that, ___________Lodge (See page 247.). The over 30,000 Masons of Kentucky welcome you to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky Free and Accepted Masons site. thereof, you may govern yourselves. The particular duties of the leaders of the respective bands of craftsmen are rehearsed. Her tomb was in the rubbish and filth cast forth from the Temple, and acacia waved its branches over her monument. Describe three methods businesses use to deal with theft. the East to open and govern the Lodge, setting, the WM: Brother Senior Warden, all present are Master, WM: Q. No. The lecture is as follows: Q. 18.) [paragraph continues] Wardens at the head, when the Master makes the sign of "distress" of a Master Mason, which is done by raising both hands and arms above the head. 155.). Upon arriving there they commence to lower it into the grave, as they style it, but in reality only from their shoulders to the floor. B. not only lived to finish all the work, in whatever capacity he might have been engaged, but also, according to the testimony of Josephus, who calls him ABDEMON, he returned to Tyre, and died there at a good old age.--The Freemason's Treasury, pp. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). His ancient duties were to pay the Craft (the members of the guild) their wages and to handle disputes among the workers. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. 24 cards Religion Protestantism Practice all cards WM: officers, take your respective stations and places. 87, for 72 Years, 6 Month, and 22 days. Give me the pass-word of a Master Mason. The Barney "work" is that adopted by the Baltimore Convention. 3 and p. 17) which is responded to by the Master. Again, some of the rituals taught that H. A. Five; two Masters and three Fellow Crafts. Godwyn says: 'Making a covenant was a solemn binding of each other to the performance of a mutual promise, by outward ceremonies of cutting a beast in twain, and passing between the parts thereof' (Jer. One of the brothers now takes off the jewel from the candidate's neck, and all repair to the Master's seat in the east, and report: Answer--A westerly course, where our weary brother sat down to rest and refresh himself. Why, it is well known that the celebrated artist was living at Tyre many years after the Temple was completed.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 291. A. The Word, which was said to be lost, was pronounced upon the cross, which the Jews could not comprehend. Opening A Lodge - The Masonic Trowel The ceremony of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and decorum is there universally adopted among masons; and though the mode in some lodges may vary, still an uniformity in the general practice prevails in every lodge; and the variation (if any) is solely occasioned by a want of method, which a little application might easily remove. JD the first duty of congregate Masons, JD: Tiler sees that the lodge is duty tiler, WM: Attend to that part of your duty and inform the Tiler that we are about to open a lodge of Master Mason in this place for the dispatch of business and direct him to tiler accordingly, JD: (takes staff proceeds to the door open it inform the tiler. "This report of the committee was accepted and adopted by the Grand Lodge, and Brother Barney, provided with the recommendation thus obtained, visited many of the Lodges of the State, and imparted to them a knowledge of these lectures. to dwell together in unity. Not even the Bible, the writings of Josephus, nor any other writings, however ancient, of which we have any knowledge, furnish any information respecting his death. A. 99:1 The jewels of a Masters' Lodge are suspended from blue velvet collars, bordered and embroidered with silver. 138:2 A similar divergence from uniformity will be found in describing the p. 139 places where the above-mentioned instruments were supposed to have been used with such terrible effect. What is the meaning of this? MASTER GIVING THE GRAND MASONIC WORD ON THE FIVE POINTS OF FELLOWSHIP. The Jewish law had degenerated into a mass of rottenness and corruption:--piety, which planned the Temple at Jerusalem, was expunged; the reverence and adoration due to the Divinity was buried in the filth and rubbish of the world; and religion and morality were scattered to the four winds of heaven. JD: (return to his place) the tiler his been inform WM and the lodge is duly tiler. 2, Ceremonies of Opening and Closing Grand Lodge & Provincial Grand Lodge and Form of Installation of W.M. W. M.--From whence came you, and whither are you travelling? BRETHREN KNEELING AT PRAYER AROUND THE GRAVE OF HIRAM ABIFF, THE WIDOW'S SON. These answers are monitorial. W. M.--Since that is the object of your search, you will reconduct this candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, with my orders that he be taught to approach the east, the place of further light in Masonry, by three upright, regular steps, his body erect at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east. A. JD: to carry messages from the Senior Warden to the Junior Warden and elsewhere around the lodge as he may direct and take charge of the door.

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