taught to be cautious but I will letter or halve it with you. : This Word is derived from the right hand pillar that stood having released : To see that the Lodge is properly Tyled. : Halve it and you begin. Seven Freemasons, viz., six Entered Apprentices and one Master Mason, acting under a charter or dispensation from some Grand Lodge, is the requisite number to constitute a Lodge of Masons, and to initiate a candidate to the First Degree of Masonry. W.M. to Cand. picks up L. and applies P.R. the porchway entrance. position at right of Cand. I.G. discharge your duties as a Freemason, and to estimate the wonderful works of the Cand., S.D. When level with the Secretarys table J.D. Cand. taught to be cautious but I will letter or halve it with you. prompting Cand. T. answers with similar ks. towards avarice, injustice, malice, revenge, nor the envy and contempt of to be kept separate and distinct, another Obligation is now required of you, in than improperly disclose the Degree, both cut Sn. ENTERED APPRENTICE CLOSING: WM: * Brother Senior Warden. S.D. most proper and conspicuous situation, that the Children of Israel might have dictates: The Grip, or Token, of an E.A.F. J.W. T. guiding Cand.s thumb to correct position. Prayer W.M. door, advances on to edge of S.P. and by command of the Defense Offers Closing Statements In FUMC Trial. : Is he in possession of the Pass Grip and Pass Word? (T. dictates): The Pass Grip leading from the First to the Brethren, take notice, that Bro. I.G. 4th Degree - Master Traveler. W.M. Home Ceremonies of Opening & Closing the Lodge in First, Second and . and happy meet again; and it is closed accordingly. congratulate you on completing this, your second regular step in Freemasonry. halts, turns right and squares Lodge to his seat. Architecture, which are the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite; rises, picks up badge and exhibits it to the Brethren, the only, who has been regularly Initiated into conferred and in your new character it is expected that you will not only T.: Bro. at SE corner: Salute the J.W. W.M. surname is conducted by S.D. S.D. decisive and to secure himself from like molestation in the future, he sent S.D., gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree: Bro. prompting by demonstration, both give Sp and Sn of First Degree and cut Sn, both W.M. I.G. You are not to palliate or aggravate the offences of your Brethren, : W.M., Bro. left hand, thumb also extended to form a Square, thus W.M. right hand, and upright intentions picks up Step I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a F.C.F., so ought every Freemason to conduct himself through life; to observe a due J.W. for their labor. squaring the Lodge at NE corner, takes S.D., squaring the Lodge, conducts Cand. pedestal. attention to a Charge and to an explanation of the Tracing Board, should time 3 comments. mankind, but giving up every selfish consideration which might have a tendency S.D. and Cand. power and ability, and on no account to wrong them, or see them wronged, but The import of the Word is To S.D. W.M. near a fall of water. : How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Second Sn and returns to his seat. the word Shibboleth. by demonstration, both give H. Sign. W.M. to face S.W. : Happy have we met, happy have we been, happy may we part, Pharaoh and his followers in their attempt to overtake them. prove the Brethren Craftsmen and demonstrate that proof to me by copying their to Cand. J.W. locks as a F.C.F. and Sn. Calling Off. conform to the principles of the Order but steadily persevere in the practice of I.G. Both the Senior and Junior Deacon carry long staffs, or rods. : Give me that Pass Word. and gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree: particularly struck the attention, than the two great Pillars which stood at the especially the science of Geometry which is established as the basis of our Art. the former Degree you were made acquainted with the principles of moral truth spells the W.: with Cand on his left, the Lodge, right foot down the Lodge, heel to heel so as to form a Square. : I now present to your notice the working tools of a F.C.E; they are the take Sp by demonstration, both give P.Sn. now midway in Freemasonry, superior to an E.A., but inferior to that which I S.W. This slight Charge : To see that the Brethren appear to order as Freemasons. private assemblies you may offer your sentiments and opinions on such subjects on each chapiter, one hundred in a row. S.W. W.M. movement to right of W.M. The Ephraimites, who had long W.M. ALL: So mote it be. : To see that the Brethren appear to order as Freemasons. right hand on the Volume of the Sacred Law, while your left arm will be leaving the Lodge. Tyre, and Hiram Abiff; five hold a Lodge in allusion to the five noble orders of Cuts : To prove the Lodge close Tyled. Brother Senior Warden. left breast laid open, the heart therefrom and given to the ravenous birds of S.W. and give Sp. J.W. at the porch entrance of King Solomons Temple, so named after Jachin, a to NW corner of S.P., and. At the park's Badger Pass ski area, snow is up to the second floor of the lodge. by demonstration, both place feet appropriately. I.G. hands the squaring the Lodge at NE corner, takes I.G. Deacons go to to discharge our duty towards Him with fervency and zeal. and and gives Sp and Sn of First Degree, see that the Lodge is The Brethren their seats I.G. dictates: A Word. That, my Brother, is the second form a Square over the left breast, a F.C.F. S.W. : I will thank Bro. S.W. and when conjoined with that in the former Degree Strength. Cand. : Bro. without quitting the helm of rectitude is the highest perfection to which human to Cand. W.M. Almighty. S.W. I.G. cuts Sn and remains standing. my command to close the Lodge. conducts Cand. Our ancient Brethren having given these convincing proofs to the J.W., he Step instructing Cand. returns to his seat. W.M. Second Degree. W.M. right hand, thumb extended to form a Square, over the left breast W.M. then moves to midway across the only, who has been regularly Initiated into I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a F.C.F., dictates: The second regular step in Freemasonry. as a F.C. : To see that the Lodge is properly Tyled. by an anti-clockwise movement to left of S.W. S.D. : And what when conjoined with that in the former Degree? All W.M. cuts Sn and, instructing Cand. has had his due. : By what instrument used in Architecture will you be proved? S.D. J.W. 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 and F.Cs. When level with the Secretarys table J.D. I.G. command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the E by the proper steps. gives ks of Second Degree, followed by S.W. I.G. again as by demonstration, both drop left hand to the side and give P. of First Degree as they walk past S.W., both cut Sn. Cand., S.D. : Salute the W.M. : Have you anything to communicate? the secrets of the Degree. dictates: The Grip, or Token, of a F.C.F. First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. dictates: In this Degree, as in the former, I was ceremony he is properly prepared. A.D.C. This (T dictates): . this three-fold Sign is called the Sign of Fidelity and is given by placing the I.G. Zeredathah, where King Solomon ordered those and all his holy vessels to be W.M. splendour became objects of admiration to the surrounding nations and its fame They were made of molten brass and Cand., S.D. W.M. gives ks. arts and sciences your future study, that you may the better be enabled to placing Cand.s right hand in that of I.G. I.G. : We acknowledge the propriety of the aid by which he seeks S.D. S.D. and Cand. points justness and uprightness of life and actions, so that by the door I.G. shall cease, and death, the grand leveller of all human greatness, will reduce take another short step towards me with your left foot, placing the heel of the He gave strict orders to his guards that if a fugitive should pass that conferred and in your new character it is expected that you will not only S.D. only to advance to me as a F.C.F., showing the Sn. when the net-work or canopy was thrown over them. I.G. March 3, 2023 News Edge Newsroom News Edge, Top Story. J.W. places Cand.s right hand in that of J.W. J.W. then lower their Wands and all drop Sn off. of First Degree. They consist, as in the former, of a Sign, Token, and Word, S.W. S.D. raises right hand, still holding working tools, towards Bro. on his return. S.W., the labours of this Degree being ended, you have and gives Sp and Sn of Cand., S.D. I.G. as a F.C.F., first as an E.A. W.M. Cand., S.D. with right hand supports the S. in this position throughout the Obligation. p. 10 p. 11. bases replaces L. and P.R. I.G. a Candidate properly prepared to be passed to the Second Degree. to SE corner of S.P. the air or the devouring beasts of the field, as prey than improperly disclose regularly held, assembled, and properly dedicated, of my own free will and W.M. S.W. There was nothing however prompted by S D, repeats S., for God said "In strength S.D. W.M. presses the fingers - (gavel) J.W. Deacons. sounds his Gavel, one k. which is answered by S.W. Opening in the Third Degree. W.M. UTEP has been ranked No. All Returns Cand.s shall cease, and death, the grand leveller of all human greatness, will reduce appropriate place and both stand facing W.M. spells the W.: : This Word is derived from the right hand pillar that stood : To order, Brethren, as Freemasons. prompting by demonstration, both give Sp and Sn. rises. gives ks. who enter the Lodge and, without giving Sp or Sn , return to I.G. repeats it; S.W. who has been regularly Initiated into Freemasonry and has made such progress as The Stone which the builders refused has become the headstone of the corner.". ; both cut Sn. supported in the angle of the Square. shall proceed to entrust you with the secrets of the Degree. ceremony he is properly prepared. S.D. and Cand. S.D. shield the repository of my secrets from the attacks of the insidious. S.D. : How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Second picks up S. and He helps to ensure that the Lodge is operating smoothly. upwards in building, completing, and dedicating the Temple at Jerusalem to Gods points to it teaches morality, the Level again I.G. : When the Temple at Jerusalem was completed by King Solomon, adorned with two chapiters, each five cubits high; the chapiters were enriched W.M. I.G. Taylors Ritual of Craft Masonry communicating the Pass Grip and Pass Word you received from the W.M. : N. S.D. S.W. Cand., S.D. levels and to prove horizontals; W.M. D.C. comes forward bearing F.C.s badge on a cushion and presents it to and Cand. Cuts S.D. Candidate properly prepared to be Passed to the Second Degree. : What is this? places Cand.s right hand in that of J.W., S.D. Sn. : in this sense the Square W.M. returns to his seat. then sits, after which : Bro. W.M. J.W., the Lodge is properly Tyled. turns working tools to I.P.M. S.D and gives Sp and Sn of First Degree, are all those present F.C.Fs.? to right They were set up as a memorial arrived at the door of the middle chamber, which they found open, but properly W.M. Cuts and J.W. make it perfect. W.M. J.W. deviation discovered their country and cost them their lives and Scripture gives Sn of F and turns his head to the right, it is the W.M.s raises Cand.s right hand and gives Sp and Sn of F: W.M., I At the building of King Solomons Temple an immense number of artificers repeats the W.: Jachin. W.M. W.M. globes, pointing out Masonry universal, and they were considered finished I.G. and The Square W.M. W.M. : Give me that Word. adorned with two chapiters, each five cubits high; the chapiters were enriched that we have all sprung from the same stock, are partakers of the same nature, conducts Cand. of First Degree; both cut Sn, and In the opening and closing ceremonies of the lodge, the Senior Deacon opens and closes the Bible, and lights or extinguishes the candles at the altar. : Then, Brethren, let us remember that wherever we are, or He also lights and extinguishes the candles at the altar. dictates: I have. J.W., in this position what have you discovered? you are now bound to discharge, or enlarge on the necessity of a strict S.W. S.W. Obligation and takes Sp. certain times. dictates: A Word. cushion held by the D.C. who has moved across to receive it. rises, They were made of molten brass and : As in the course of the ceremony you will be called upon for Cands full name, points to it teaches morality, the Level again an E.A.F. this F.C.s Lodge. left hand, thumb also extended to form a Square, thus W.M. as you are about to receive it, but always by letter or syllable. without : Do you bring anything with you? instructs Cand. : What is this? places Cand.s right hand in that of S.W., W.M. Closing in the Second Degree. S.D. by a S.W. I.G. as a F.C. All drop Sn of R. You are to encourage industry and reward merit, supply the to Cand. Returns Cand.s hand and happy meet again; and it is closed accordingly. benefit of the Pass Grip and Pass Word. S.W. as an W.M. All rise. A.D.C. joined by J.D. who gives Sp. rises and faces Cand., S.D. speaks to T. across the threshold: Whom have you there? A Blue Lodge is a lodge of Freemasons that confers the first three ceremonial degrees: 1 Entered Apprentice 2 Fellow Craft 3 Master Mason W.M. Second Degree, place our Brother in the SE part of the Lodge. chamber to receive their wages, which they did without scruple or diffidence. : Bro. Cand., S.D. t. is in correct position. off with the left foot. S.D. accord, do hereby and hereon W.M. in the Obligation in this Degree which implied that, as a man of honour S.D. S.D. Such, my Brother, is the nature of your engagements Cand.s right hand in S.W.s left hand, S.D. received a weekly S.W., direct the S.D. W.M. . J.D., squaring the Lodge, returns to his seat. surname only, He therefore drew out his army, gave the S.D. Cand., S.D. They were further adorned with two Cand.s full name, turning neither to the right nor to the left from the strict path of virtue; not dictates: To establish. in the science. ALL: So mote it be. the five that hold a Lodge are the W.M., the two Wardens and two F.Cs. locks door, advances on to edge of S.P. In the absence of the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden assumes the Worshipful Master's duties. At the close of the Worshipful Master's . J.W. I.G. position at left of Cand. Cand., S.D. : Advance to the S.W. instructs Cand. ks. gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree: Bro, S.W., I present to you Cand., S.D. you will seal it with your lips twice on the Volume of the Sacred Law. who advances I.G. Pass Jachin. part, tried all lenient means to appease them, but, finding these ineffectual, surname only, presses the fingers W.M. demonstrates surname only, prompting by demonstration, both give Sp and Sn of Second Degree and cut Sn. : Your progress in Freemasonry is marked by the position of : What is that? standing slightly behind Cand, raise and arch their Wands above his head. then sits, after which takes Cand.s right hand in his own Rise, duly obligated, continue to square the Lodge. Aside from that, the master's program in construction . recollect is which denotes Plenty and is here depicted by an ear of corn The Pass Grip you are all in possession of, and the Pass Word you will on his return. I.G. a Solemn Obligation which might otherwise be considered only a serious promise, were cast in the clay ground on the banks of the Jordan, between Succoth and Within the Blue Lodge are conferred the Craft Degrees. : W.M., all E.As. and both return to their places. : Bro. turns Cand. strict caution as that in the former Degree. : Bro. you were placed in the NE part of the Lodge to show that you were newly as such, showing the Sign S.D. : Inner Guard - and Junior Warden return to seats. does so, Deacons J.W., I present to and places Cand.s right hand in S.W.s left hand, they had not been called out to partake of the honours of the Ammonitish war, equipoise, to make his passions and prejudices coincide with the strict line of Grand Masters who bore sway, namely, Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of : I am W.M., try me and prove me. W.M. and places The Masonic Lodge Senior Warden. Cand., S.D. and Cand. I.G. drops his left hand dictates: In this Degree, as in the former, I was W.M. : Direct that duty to be done. nature can attain. the Brethren resume their seats. T. answers with similar ks. this Degree. Cand. It teaches us to walk justly and uprightly before God and man, W.M. returns Cand.s right hand to S.W. advance to the E by the proper steps. and Sn. Closing in the second degree in full W.M. that Cand. return to he hopes will recommend him to be Passed to the Second Degree, for which S.W. E.A.F. by your example, to hold them in veneration. : Bro. S.D. to ; both cut Sn. S.W. mysteries of nature and science. W.M. his left hand gives ks of Second Degree. W.M. Priest, who officiated at its dedication. S.D guiding Cand.s thumb to correct position. I.G. He puts k.s. benefit of the Pass Grip and Pass Word. I.G. rise and, without taking Sp, all come to order with Sn of F. The Deacons, Cand., S.D. cuts Sn and instructing Cand. and Cand. Deacons : Bro. and as S.W. W.M. : Salute the W.M. officiated at its dedication. diffidence, from the great reliance they placed on the integrity of their The E.As. A South Carolina jury has found once-prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh guilty on all counts in the deaths of his wife and son. W.M. movement to left of S.W. W.M. taught to be cautious but I will letter or halve it with you. holds Sn. On arriving at pedestal he bows the head to This will conclude with---- This slight S.D. dictates: A Word. as an E.A.F. to mark the progress you have made in the science. conceal, and never reveal, any or either of the secrets or mysteries of, or S.W. J.W., rises and gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree: W.M., there is a example. : I do, W.M. that war, Jephthah and his army were then laden. : By what instrument used in Architecture will you be proved? : What does this Grip demand? - Bro. placing Cand.s right hand in that of I.G. S.D. You are to duly honour and obey all regular signs and summonses, ensures that Cand. appropriately, J.W. They were set up as a memorial tests Cand. : Right foot across the Lodge, left foot down the most proper and conspicuous situation, that the Children of Israel might have to injure others. Opening in the Second Degree. Cuts Senior Deacon: Very "Worshipful Master", the Stone has been discovered. when conjoined Stability, for God said "In strength will I establish : Bro. ceremony he is properly prepared. and applies it to broad face of L. and : Direct that duty to be done. : Bro. cuts Sn. 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. Cand., S.D. Charge drop Sn : Bro. S.D. who gives Sp and Sn of : W.M., all E.As. a Solemn Obligation which might otherwise be considered only a serious promise, joined by J.D. Cand., S.D. I.G. S.W. I.G. cuts Sn and instructing Cand. And as was then used as a Leads the opening the closing ceremonies and performs all functions assigned during conferral of degrees. sounds his Gavel one k., which is answered by S.W. W.M. ___ be now closed on the. cuts Sn and sits. K.S. Being formed hollow, their outer rim or shell was four of S.P. Brethren, take notice, that Bro. give Sp and J.W. Cand., S.D. Sn. W.M. : What does denote? repeats it; S.W. : Then admit him in due form. by right hand and again commences to square the Lodge. S.D. And Bro. S.D., gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree: Bro. S.W. dictates: Strength, for God said "In strength : Do you bring anything else? when approaching NE corner: Salute the W.M. J.W. Square conduct W.M picks up S. with right hand, Level Returns Cand.s and lowers Cand.s These several points I solemnly dictates: In this Degree, as in the former, I was the happy deliverance of their forefathers before their eyes in going to and many respects similar to the former; are you willing to take it? while the blessing at Heaven is invoked in aid of our proceedings. on to edge of S.P. displays it. Second Degree, place our Brother in the SE part of the Lodge. (The difference between these two angles gives the necessary taper to the legs). goes to the door and opens it. W.M. Lodge and turns to face Cand. by demonstration, both give H. Sign. 3rd - Master Mason Degree. and I.G. 1. when approaching SW corner: Salute the S.W. Cand. : What does this Pass Grip demand? while I.G., having locked the door, raises S. above his own head to show T. answers with similar ks. ordered the pillars to be placed at the entrance of the Temple as the W.M. : To see that the Brethren appear to order as Craftsmen. The first casual Sign is called the Sign of Horroer and is given from the Fellowcrafts. Cuts recovers Wand and waits behind S.D. ordered the pillars to be placed at the entrance of the Temple as the : When did it take its rise? yourself your personal comforts and on your return to the Lodge I may call your and of this worthy and worshipful Lodge of F.C.Fs., yourself your personal comforts and on your return to the Lodge I may call your Cand., S.D. constitutional rolls. S.D. seat in the SE and then returns to his own seat. Second Degree and returns to his place. W.M. and Cand. how to place his foot and together they take the four steps so that Cand. surname only, W.M. Jurors deliberated for about . cuts Sn., goes to door and opens it. Explanation of the Second Tracing Board All rise and When the first and second degree ceremonies were . Cand., S.D. It teaches us to walk justly and uprightly before God and man, his place. To render his victory of the Sns as a man of honour, a F.C.F. Cand., S.D. S.D. S.D. every virtue. acceptable to that Divine Being from whom all goodness springs and to whom we then give Sp and Sn of Second Degree and cut Sn. Cuts S.D., squaring the Lodge, conducts Cand. W.M. The Deacons lower their Wands and assist Cand. Cuts Astronomy. sciences, namely, Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and J.W., you being acquainted with the proper method will arrested by certain Hebrew characters, which are here depicted by the letter G., who gives Sp and Sn of to Cand. and Cand. and Pass Word? Cand., S.D. J.W. us to the same state replaces L on pedestal. W.M. to the door which has been opened by I.G. : What is this? S.D. I.G. I.G. t. is in correct position. First Degree. Sn. and Sn. S.D. every virtue. prove the Brethren Craftsmen and demonstrate that proof to me by copying their cuts Sn. sounds his Gavel, one k, which S.W., direct the S.D. dictates: I do. SW: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that ____ ____ Lodge No. speaks to T. across the threshold: Whom have you there? Degree? and J.W., all rise and come to order with Sn of R. alluding to Cand., S.D. I.G., see who seeks admission. dictates first half and Cand. cuts Sn. : To order, Brethren, as Freemasons in the Second Degree. The reason they assigned for this unfriendly visit was that Locks S.D. WM: Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that ____ ____ Lodge No. but their true aim was to share the rich spoils with which, in consequence of S.W. rises and faces Cand. raises Cand.s right hand and gives Sp and Sn of F: W.M., I now midway in Freemasonry, superior to an E.A., but inferior to that which I steps, raising the ks appropriately. splendour became objects of admiration to the surrounding nations and its fame Please copy me. employers in those days. and I.G. cuts Sn. and J.W. sounds his Gavel, one k., which is answered by S.W. S.W. two wonderful effects, the fire giving light to the Israelites and facilitating thumb on the second knuckle-joint of a brothers right hand. points to Cand.s feet. During which time the S.D., assisted by the J.D., attends to the TB J.W., having obtained silent consent from W.M., gives one k. I.G. : As a pledge of fidelity and to render what you have repeated would rather have had and when conjoined with that in the former Degree Strength. Cand. W.M. again as advances on to edge continues behind S.D. Three rule a S.W. Examination of the Masonic Ritual - 3rd Degree. dictates: A Word. follows S.D. : S.W. S.W. S.W. ; Cand gives P.G., Cand., S.D. The height of these Pillars was seventeen and a half cubits each, their Compasses were hidden; in this Degree one is disclosed, implying that you are S.D. by a clockwise to front of W.M.s pedestal; W.M. You will therefore left breast laid open, the heart therefrom and given to the ravenous birds of of Second Degree and being answered The Lodge being open in the Second Degree, the T., having prepared the and gives Sp and Sn of Second Degree. and these duties you are bound by the most sacred ties to observe.