Contents:

The Three Steps usually delineated upon the Master's Carpet, are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life — Youth, Manhood and Age. The Bee-Hive is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to the lowest reptile of the dust.

It teaches us, that as we came into the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be industrious ones ; never sitting down contented while our fellow-creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power to relieve them, without inconvenience to our- selves. It might have pleased the Great Creator of heaven and earth to have made man inde- pendent of all other beings ; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protection and security, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities of fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship.

Thus was man formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work of God; and he that will so demean himself as not to be endeavoring to add to the common stock of knowledge and understanding, may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a use- less member of society, and unworthy of our protection as Masons. The Sword, pointing to a Naked Heart, demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us ; and although our thoughts, words and actions, may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet that All-seei7ig Eye, whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets per- form their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits.

The Anchor and Ark are emblems of a well-grounded Hope and a well-spent Life. They are emblematical of that Divine Ark which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary shall find rest. It teaches Masons to be general lovers of the arts and sciences. The Hour-Glass is an emblem of human life. To-day, he puts forth the tender leaves of hope ; to-morrow, blos- soms, and bears his blushing honors thick upon him ; the next day comes a frost, which nips the shoot, and when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.

The Scythe is an emblem of Time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and launches us intC' eternity. Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death. When the lecture on " Masonic Symbolism " is used, this should be omitted. Then shall we indeed be fitly prepared, as living stones, for that Spiritual Building, that " house not made with hands," eternal in the heavens ; where no discordant voice shall be heard, but all the soul shall experience shall be perfect bliss, and all it shall express shall be perfect praise, and love divine shall ennoble every heart, and hosannas exalted employ every tongue.

J in allegory and illustrated by symbols. The brother who unfortunately supposes that the only requisites of a skillful Mason consist in repeating with fluency the ordinary lectures, or in correctly opening and closing the Lodge, or in giving with sufficient accuracy the modes of recognition, will hardly credit the assertion, that- he whose knowledge of the "royal art" extends no farther than these preliminaries has scarcely advanced beyond the rudiments of our science. There is a far nobler series of doctrines with which Freemasonry is connected, and which no student ever began to investigatewho did not And himself insensibly led on, from step to step in his researches, his love and admiration of the order increasing with the augmentation of his acquaintance with its character.

It is this which constitutes the science and the philosophy of Freemasonry, and it is this alone which will return the scholar who devotes himself to the task a sevenfold reward for his labor. Its ceremonies are external addi- tions, which affect not its substance. If we seek the origin and first beginning of the Masonic philosophy, we must go away back into the ages of remote antiquity, when we shall fmd this beginning in the bosom of kindred associations, where the same philoso- phy was maintained and taught.

But if we confound the ceremonies of Masonry with the philosophy of Masonry, and seek the origin of the institution, moulded into outward form as it is to-day, we can scarcely be required to look farther back than the beginning of the eighteenth century, and indeed, not quite so far. There is no science so ancient as that of Symbolism, and no mode of instruction has ever been so general as was the symbolic in former ages. Man's earliest instruction was by symbols. The objective character of a symbol is best calculated to be grasped by the infant mind, whether the infancy of that mind be considered nationally or individually.

And hence, in the first ages of the world, in its infancy, all propositions, theological, political or scientific, were expressed in the form of symbols. It is not to be hoped, in the short space of a brief lecture, to cover the ground of Masonic Symbolism, — a subject upon which volumes have been written, and eminent and learned men of various ages have spent years of ripened research,— but if the entrance to the MASTER MASON. There will be but time to briefly glance at one class of Masonic symbols, and try to read a few lessons from the language.

Looking then, in this way, at the philosophy of the institution, — coming down to us, as it has, from a remote age, — having passed unaltered aud unscathed through a thousand revolutions of nations, — and engag- ing, as disciples in its school of mental labor, the intellectual of all times,— the first thing that must naturally arrest the attention is the singular combination that it presents of an operative with a speculative organization — an art with a science— the technical terms and language of a mechanical profession with the abstruse teachings of a profound philosophy.

We are taught that Freemasonry is of two kinds, operative and speculative. Now, the operative art having, for us, ceased, we, as speculative Masons, symbolize the labors of our predeces- sors by engaging in the construction of a spiritual temple in our hearts, pure and spotless, fit for the d. To construct his earthly temple, the operative mason followed the architectural designs laid down on the Trestle Board, or tracing board, or book of plans of the architect.

By these he hewed and squared his materials ; by these he raised his walls ; by these he constructed his arches ; and by these strength and durability, combined with grace and beauty, were bestowed upon the edifice which he was constructing. The Trestle Board becomes, therefore, one of our elementary symbols.

But the operative mason required materials wherewith to construct his temple. There was, for instance, the Rough Ashlar— the stone in its rude and natural state— unformed and unpolished, as it had been lying in the quarries of Tyre from the foundation of the earth. Here, then, again, in these materials do we find other elementary symbols. The rough and unpolished stone is a symbol of man's natural state— ignorant and uncultivated; but when education has exerted its salutary influences in expanding his intellect, in restraining his hitherto unruly passions, and purifying his life, he is then represented as the Perfect Ashlar, or finished stone, which, under the skillful hands of the workman, has been smoothed, and squared, and fitted for its appropriate place in the building.

Let us now proceed to a brief consideration of the method in which this alphabet of. Iig type, may be called the "Temple Symbolism of Masonry. The mode in which these three divisions of workmen labored in constructing the temple, has been beautifully symbolized in speculative Masonry, and constitutes an important and interesting part of temple symbolism. Thus we know, from our own experience among modern workmen, who still pursue the same method, as well as from the tradi- tions of the Order, that the implements used in the quarries were few and simple, the work there requiring necessarily, indeed, but two tools, namely, the Twenty-four Inch Gauge, or two foot rule, and the Common Gavel, or stone-cutter's hammer.

With the former implement, the operative mason took the necessary dimensions of the stone he was about to prepare, and with the latter, by repeated blows, skillfully applied, he broke MASTER MASON. And thus, in the first degree of speculative Masonry, the Entered Apprentice receivej these simple implements, as the emblematic working tools of his profession, with their appropriate symbolical instruction. To the operative mason their mechanical and prac- tical use alone is signified, and nothing more of value does their presence convey to his mind.

At this stage of the operative work more extensive and important labors were to be performed, and accordingly a greater amount of skill and knowledge was required of those to whom these labors were intrusted. The stones, having been prepared by the Appren- tices, were now to be deposited in their destined places in the building, and the mas- sive walls were to be erected.

For these purposes implements of a higher and more complicated character than the gauge and gavel were necessary. The Square was required to fit the joints with sufficient ac- curacy, the Level to run the courses in a horizontal line, and the Plumb to erect the whole with due regard to perfect perpendicu- larity.

The necessary preparations, then, having been made in the first degree, the lessons having been received by which the aspirant is taught to commence the labor of life with the purification of the heart, as a Fellow Craft he continues the task by cultivating those virtues which give form and impression to the character, as well adapted stones give shape and stability to the building.

And hence the Working Tools of the Fellow Craft are referred, in their symbolic application, to these virtues. The Square is a symbol denoting morality. The Plumb is a symbol of rectitude of conduct, and inculcates that integrity of life and undeviating course of moral uprightness, which can alone distinguish the good and just man.

As the operative workman erects his temporal building with strict observance of that plumb-line, which will not permit him to deviate a hair's breadth to the right or to the left, so the speculative Mason, guided by the unerring principles of right and truth inculcated in the symbolic teachings of the same implement, is steadfast in the pursuit of truth, neither bending beneath the frowns of adversity nor yielding to the seductions of prosperity.

The Level, the last of the three working tools of the operative craftsman, is a symbol of equality of station. In the third degree the symbolic allusions to the Temple of Solomon, and the implements of Masonry employed in its construction, are extended and fully completed. At the build- ing of that edifice, we have already seen that one class of workmen was employed in the preparation of tlie materials, while another was engaged in placing those materials in their proper position. But there was a third and higher class — the master workmen— whose duty it was to superintend the two other classes, and to see that the stones were not only duly prepared, but that the most exact accuracy had been observed in giving to them their true juxtaposition in the edifice.

They did not permit this last indelible operation to be per- formed by any hands less skillful than their own. They required that the craftsmen should prove the correctness of their M'ork by the square, level and plumb, and test by these unerring instruments the accuracy of their joints ; and, when satisfied of the just arrangement of every part, the cement, which was to give an unchangeable union to the whole, was then applied by themselves.

Hence, in speculative Masonry, the Trowel has been assigned to the third degree, as its proper implement, and the symbolic meaning which accompanies it, has a strict and beau- tiful reference to the purposes for which it MASTER MASON. The Temple is now completed. The stones having been hewn, squared and numbered in the quarries by the apprentices — having been properly adjusted by the craftsmen, and finally secured in their appropriate places, with the strongest and purest cement, by the master builders — the Temple of King Solomon presented, in its fmished condition, so noble an appearance of sublimity and grandeur as to well deserve to be selected, as it has been, for the type or symbol of that immortal temple of the body, to which the Great Teacher significantly and symbolically alluded when He said, " Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

The search for the Word— to fmd Divine Truth— this, and this only, is a Mason's work, and the Word is his reward. The aspirant enters on this search after truth, as an Entered Apprentice, in darkness, seeking for light — the light of wisdom, the light of truth, the light symbolized by the Word. He is directed to take, as a staff and scrip for his journey, all those virtues which expand the heart and dignify the soul.

And then, next in the degree of Fellow Craft, he fairly enters upon his journey. Youth has now passed, and manhood has come on. New duties and increased obliga- tions press upon the individual. The thinking and working stage of life is here symbolized. Science is to be cultivated ; wisdom is.

But even yet it is not to be found. And now the Master Mason comes, with all the symbolism around him of old age — trials, sufferings, death. And here, too, the aspirant, pressing onward, always onward, still cries aloud for " light, more light. Finally, my brethren, shall we not, one and all, so live, that, when the toils and cares of the world are over — when from our nerve- less grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life — when felled by the grim destroyer, Death, our bodies shall, in cor- ruption, lie far from the unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, we may rest assured that in the fulness of time the Strength of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah shall indeed for us prevail, and we shall be raised to perfect fellowship with the God of Truth, and receive the wel- come commendation: You are now bound by duty, honor and gratitude, to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion ; and to enforce by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the order.

In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the Fraternity unsullied, must be your constant care ; and for this purpose it is your province to recommend to your inferiors, obedience and submission ; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension.

Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate ; and, by the regu- larity of your own behavior afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. Your virtue, honor, and reputation, are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear. When the Fraternity appears in public procession, the Regular Order in Procession will be as herein indicated, subject however to such modifications as the peculiar ceremony demands, which modifications will be indi- cated under the appropriate sections.

When the Grand Lodge appears in public procession, the Regular Order in Procession will be as follows. When a Lodge appears in public procession, the Regular Order in Procession will be as follows: The horor of carrying this Book belongs of right to the Worshipful Master of the oldest Lodge in th; jurisdiction, whenever he is present. The post of honor in a Masonic procession is always in the rear. All processions w-ill return in the same order in which they set out. When a procession faces inward, the Deacons and Stewards will cross their rods, so as to form an arch for the brethren to pass beneath.

Marshals are to walk or ride on the left flank of a procession. The appropriate costume of a Marshal is a cocked hat, sword and scarf, with a baton in his hand. The color of the scarf must be blue in the proces- sion of a Lodge, and purple in that of the Grand Lodge. The proper clothing for brethren in procession, is dark clothes and hat, white gloves and apron. When members of other branches of the Masonic Fraternity appear in uniform in a precession, they will be assigned a position between the Master Masons and Past Masters.

Under the Law in this Grand Jurisdiction, any number of Master Masons, not less than seven, being desirous of forming a new Lodge, must apply by petition to the Grand Master, blank forms for which will be fur- nished by the Grand Secretary upon applica- tion. Such petition shall be signed by the Brothers who are desirous of being authorized to open and hold the proposed Lodge, and to work therein ; and every Petitioner shall produce satisfactory evidence of dimission from the Lodge of which he was last a member, or show that such Lodge has ceased to exist.

As there is oftentimes a grave difference of opinion between the Grand Master and the local brethren as to the advisability of the forming of a proposed new Lodge, ample correspondence with the Grand Master, by which he is made thoroughly conversant with the peculiar facts and surroundings in the case, will sometimes save much time an4 labor upon a petition.

Lodges, working under Dispensation, are merely the agents of the Grand Master grant- ing the authority: The Master and Wardens appointed require no other authority than that contained in the Letters of Dispen- sation to assemble the petitioners and com- mence their labors, witliout any ceremonies of Consecrating, Dedicating or Constituting, or Installing of Officers. The powers of a Lodge under Dispensation are limited to accepting candidates for the Mysteries of Masonry, and conferring the Degrees upon them ; they can not receive or act upon Petitions for Membership.

In case of the cessation of such Lodges, their funds, jewels and other property, accumulated by initiations into the several degrees, become the property of the Grand Lodge, and must be turned over upon demand. When a Lodge under Dispensation shall have passed the required probation, and the Grand Lodge shall have granted a Charter, if one be granted they are then consecrated, dedicated and constituted, and have their officers installed, and are thus confirmed in the possession of their property, and possess all the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted Lodge, so long as they conform to tlie Constitutions of Masonry.

After a Charter is granted by the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master appoints a day and hour for the performance of these ceremonies, or specially deputizes some competent and qualified Brother to fully act for him, congre- gate the Brethren, and consecrate, dedicate and constitute the Lodge, and install its officers. The various officers of the Grand Lodge not present, have their places supplied by the presiding officer from tlie qualified brethren' pressnt. On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and his officers, or their representa- tives, meet in a convenient room near the Lodge to be consecrated, and open on the Degree provided for by Sec.

II, of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge. Most Worshipful Grand Master: The officers and brethren of Lodge, who are now assembled at their Lodge Room, have instructed me to inform you, that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas was pleased to grant them a Charter, authorizing them to form and open a Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of They are now desirous that their Lodge should be consecrated, and their officers in- stalled in due and ancient form ; for which purpose they are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, The Grand Lodge then walk in procession to the Hall of the new Lodge.

As the Grand Master enters, the brethren are called up, and the Grand Honorsf are given by the new fThe Grand Honors cf Masonry are of three kinds the Private, the Public and the Funeral, and each of them are used on different occasions and for different purposes. Lodge ; the officers of which resign their seats to the Grand Officers, and take their several stations on the left. If the ceremonies are to be performed in public, the Grand Marshal then forms the procession in the following order: They are practiced by the Craft only on four occasions: It is evident from what has been said, that the mode and manner of giving the Private Grand '-'onors can only be communicated personally to Master Masons.

Where a rep;ularly-made Ark is not available, a temporary arrangement The Public Grand Honors, as their name imports, do- not partake of this secret character. They are given upon all public occasions, except funerals, in the pres- ence of the profane as well as the initiated. They are used at pubhc installations, at the laying of corner stones of public buildings, or in other services in which the ministrations of the Fraternity are required.

They are given by striking the palms of the hands together, first, the rigiit hand upon the left three times, second, the left hand upon the right three times, third, the right hand upon the left three times, making nine concus- sions in all, or technically " three times three. Both arms are crossed on the breast, the left uppermost, and the open palms of the hands sharply striking the shoulders; they are then raised above the head, the palms striking each other, and then made to fall smartly upon the thighs.

This is re- peated three times, and while the Honors are being given the third time, the brethren audibly pronounce the fol- lowing words — when the arms are crossed on the breast: In the procession, next after the officers and members of the New Lodge will come the Band of Musicians, if any ; following which will come the Grand Lodge, arranged in Regular Order of Procession seepage , with the following addition: The procession moves on to the church or house where the services are to be performed.

When the front of the procession arrives at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, face inward, and the Stewards and Deacons cross rods, while the Grand Master and others in succession, pass through and enter the house. A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and provided with seats for the accommoda- tion of the Grand Officers. The following services then take place: May this fraternal band, Now consecrated — blest — In union all distinguished stand, In purity be drest! Great, Adorable and Supreme Being!

Freemasonry -- Louisiana -- Rituals

We praise Thee for al! Thy n cies, and especially for giving us desire, to enjoy, and powers of enjoying, the delights of so ety. The affec- tions which Thou hast iir. Help us duly to improve all our powers to the promotion of Thy glory in the world, and the good [of our fellow-creatures. Extend Thy favor to us who are now enter- ing into a Fraternal Compact under peculiar obligations. Enable us to be faithful to Thee, faithful in our callings in life, faithful Masons in all the duties of the Craft, and faithful to each other as members of this society. Take us under the shadow of Thy pro- tection ; and to Thy service and glory may we consecrate our hearts.

An Oration, or Sermon, upon the designs and principles of the Institution, is then delivered by the Grand Chaplain, or some competent Brother appointed for that purpose ; after which is sung the following Ode: How swift the heav'nlv course thev run,: Nor shall the glowing flame expire, When dimly burns frail Nature's fire ; Then shall they meet in realms above, A heaven of joy, a heaven of love.

A num- ber of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled together at stated periods, for some time past, by virtue of a Dispensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be Constituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity. The records appear to be correct, and are approved. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted the brethren of this new Lodge a Warrant, establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a Regu- larly Constituted Lodge; which the Grand Secretary will now read.

We shall now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute these brethren into a Regular Lodge. Whereupon the several officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to their Master, who presents them, with his own, to the Deputy Grand Master, and he to the Grand Master. I present you Brother whom the members of the Lodge noW to be constituted have chosen for their Worshipful Master.

The Grand Master asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with their choice. The officers and members of the new Lodge form in front of the Grand Master; and the ceremonies of Consecration commence. A piece of solemn music is performed, very softly, upon the organ, while the " Lodge '' is being uncovered [that is, the loose covering removed].

Great Architect of the Universe! Maker and Ruler of all Worlds! Deign from Thy Celestial Temple, from realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly! We humbly invoke Thee to give us at this and at all times, Wisdom in all our doings. Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony in all our communications! Glory be to God on high!

monitor,. CONTAINING. ALIi THE EXOTERIC RITUAL OF THE WORK AND. LECTURES OF THE THREE DEGREES OF adopted Shaver's Masonic Monitor as the Stand- ard Monitor for the numerous band of Masonic workers who de-. monitor containing all the exoteric ritual of the work and lectures of the three band of Masonic workers who de- light to embellish their monitorial ritual, and.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be ; world without end. Response by all the Brethren: Grant, O Lord our God, that those who are now about to be invested with the gov- ernment of this Lodge may be endowed with wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties.

May Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth always prevail among the members of this Lodge ; May this bond of union continue to strengthen the Lodges throughout the world! Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed ; and grant speedy relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed. We affectionately commena to Thee all the members of Thy whole family. May they increase in grace, in the knowledge of Thee, and in the love of each other.

May we fmish all our work here below with Thy approbation ; and then have our transition from this earthly abode to Thy heavenly Temple above ; there to enjoy light, glory, and bliss, ineffable and eternal! A piece of solemn music is performed upon the Organ while the "Lodge" is again covered. Response by the Grand Lodge: A piece of music is played while the brethren of the new Lodge advance in procession to salute the Grand Lodge, with their hands crossed upon their breasts, and bowing as they pass.

They then take their places as they were. The Grand Master then rises and Consti- tutes the new Lodge in the following form, all the brethren standing at the same time: The Grand Honors are then given — public or private, as the case requires. The new Lodge having been Consecrated, Dedicated and Constituted, the Officers are then to be installed. At every Annual Election in a Warranted Lodge, it is necessary that the oificers should be installed. This ceremony may be performed by the retiring Master, or by any Past Master. At the Annual Installation, the Installing Officer appoints some Present or Past Master, or, if none be present, an old well-informed Master Mason, to act as Marshal, whose duties will be to present the officers elect severally in front of the Altar for installation.

John's Day, in December, can be installed only by authority of the Grand Master. The appointed officers may be installed at any time, and any such officer appointed to permanently fill a vacancy may be installed at any time the Master may direct. At some convenient time, prior to the ceremonies of Installation, a Lodge of actual Past Masters may convene, for the purpose of investing the Master elect with the Characteristics of the Chair.

At this convocation there should be present at least three regularly-installed Masters or Past Masters. The Master elect is then obligated to the faithful performai: The time for Installation having arrived, the jewels of the several officers art collected, and laid in an orderly manner upon the Altar, for convenient use. The Grand Master [or Installing Officer'] then says: Right Worshipful Deputy [or Brother Marshal]: H e you carefully examined the Master nominated in the Warrant [or elect], and do you find him well skilled in the noble science and th jyal art? The Deputy [or Marshal] replies: I have carefully examined, and so find him.

I present my worthy Brother, A.

I find him to be of good morals, and of great skill, true and trusty; and as he is' a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will discharge his duties with fidelity and with honor. The Grajid Master [or Instatling- Officer'] then addresses him: Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you should signify your assent to those Ancient Charges and Regula- tions which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law.

You agree to be a peaceable citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws of the country in which you reside? You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the govern- ment, but patiently to submit to the law and the constituted authorities? You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men? You agree to hold in veneration the origi- nal rulers and patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and sub- ordinate, according to their stations ; and to submit to the awards and resolutic is of your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case con- sistent with the Constitutions of the Order?

You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against intenlperance and excess? You agree to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge? You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social virtues, and 10 propagate the knowledge of the mystic art?

You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to his officers when duly installed ; and strictly to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge, or general Assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the principles and ground-work of Masonry? You admit that it is not in the power of any man, or body of men, to make innova- tions in the body of Masonry?

You promise a regular attendance on the committees and communications of the Grand Lodge on receiving proper notice ; and to pay attention to all the duties of Masonry on convenient occasions? You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed without permission of the Grand Lodge ; and that no countenance be given to any irregular Lodge, r to. You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge, without previous notice, and due inquiry into his character? You agree that no visitors shall be received into your Lodge without due examin- ation, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated into a regular Lodge?

These are the Regulations of Free and Accepted Masons. Do you submit to these Charges, and promise to support these Regulations, as Masters have done in au ages before you. In consequence of your conformity to the Charges and Regulations of the Order, you are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your care, skill and capacity to govern the same. The Master is then regularly invested with the insignia of his office, and the Furniture and Implements of his Lodge. The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.

The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. The Rule- directs that we should punctu- ally observe our duty: The Line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulatioii in conversa- tion and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to immortality. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins. You will now be conducted to the East, where you will take your seat in the Oriental Chair.

Master, behold your brethren! Brethren, behold your Master! Let us salute him with the Grand Honors. The Grand Honors are then given — public or private— as the case requires. Installation is private, after the Grand Honors are given, a procession is formed, and the brethren pass around the Lodge, signifying their respect and obedience by the usual Distinctive Marks in the different de- grees as they pass the Master; during which time the following Installation Ode may be sung.

If the Installation be Public the pro- cession is omitted, and the Ode is sung only. Hiram, the architect, Did all the Craft direct How they should build; Sol'mon, great Israel's king; Did mighty blessings bring, And left us room to sing. Your regular attendance on our stated meet- ings is essentially necessary.

In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this Lodge; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry and attachment to the Lodge for the faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust. Look well to the West. He is conducted to his station in the Lodge. Tlie Plumb admonishies us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to hold the scales of Justice in equal poise; to observe the just medium between intemperance and pleasure; and to make our passions and prejudices coin- cide with the line of our duty. To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft during the hours of refreshment; it is, there- fore, indispensably necessaiy that you should not only be temperate and discreet in the in- dulgence of your own inclinations, but care- fully observe that none of the Craft be suf- fered to convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance and excess.

Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly re- quested, and I have no doubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which you owe to your present appointment. Look well to the South, He is conducted to his station. You are appointed [or "have been elected"] Treasurer of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of the Secretary; keep just and regular accounts of the same, and pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge.

I trust your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you to the faith- ful discharge of the duties of your office. He is conducted to his place. You are appointed [or "have been elected"] Secretary of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to observe all the proceed- ings of the Lodge; make a fair record of all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due tlie Lodge, and pay them over to the Treasurer.

According to the Constitution of Kansas this is not a recognized officer of a Lodge, but if a Clergyman be named to perform the vari- ous offices required of a Chaplain in the Ritual, he may be installed as follows: You are appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. I75 The Senior andjiuiior Deacons. You are ap- pointed Deacons of this Lodge, and are now ' invested with the badge of your office. It is your province to attend on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the Lodge; such as in the reception of candidates into the different de- grees of Masonry, the introduction and ac- commodation of visitors, and in the immediate practice of our rites.

The Square and Com- passes, as badges of your office, I intrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention. They are conducted to their places. The Senior and Junior Stezvards. You are appointed Stewards of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. You are to assist the Deacons and other officers in performing their respective duties- hncient ceremonies. You are appointed Tyler of this Lodge, and I invest you with the imple- ment of your oifice.

As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable h. Your early and punct- ual attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal for the institution.

The Master Masons Handbook JSM Ward Chapter 1

He is conducted to his station. The Grand Lodge having committed to your care the superin- tendence and government of the brethren who are to compose this Lodge, you cannot be insensible of the obligations which devolve on you as their head, nor of your responsi- bility for the faithful discharge of the im- portant duties annexed to your appointment. The honor, reputation and usefulness of your Lodge will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns; while the happiness of its members will be generally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine principles of our institution.

For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary of Nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster to all within the circle. In like manner, it is your province to spread and communicate light and instruction to the brethren of your Lodge. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which they have been taught in it ; and by amiable, discreet and virtuous conduct, to convince mankind of tlie goodness of the in- stitution ; so that when a person is said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the burdened heart may pour out its sorrows ; to whom distress may prefer its suit; whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence.

In short, by a diligent observance of the By- Laws of your Lodge, the Constitutions of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor and reputation, and lay up a Crown of Rejoicing, which shall continue, when time shall be no more. Brother Senior and Junior Wardens: Suffice it to say, tliat what you have seen praiseworthy in others, you should carefully imitate; and what in them may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves amend. You should be examples of good order and regularity ; for it is only by a due regard to the laws, in your own conduct, that you can expect obedience to them from others.

You are assiduously to assist the Master in the discharge of his trust; diffusing light and imparting knowl- edge to all whom he shall place under your care. In the absence of the Master, you will succeed to higher duties; your acquirements r. List, therefore, be such, as that the Craft may never suffer for want of proper instruc- tion. From the spirit which you have hither- to evinced, I entertain no doubt that your fu- ture conduct will be such as to merit the applause of your brethren and the testimony- of a good conscience.

The members of the Lodge all standing, the Grand Master or Installing Officer delivers the following: Such is-the nature of our constitution, that as some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn to submit and obey. Humility, in both, is an essential duty. The officers who are appointed to gov- ern your Lodge are sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety, and the laws of the institution, to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are intrusted ; and you are of too generous dispositions to envy their preferment. I, therefore, trust that you will have but one aim, to please each other, and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.

Finally, my brethren, as this association has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight, which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection dis- tinguish your conduct, as men and as Masons. And may the tenets of our pro- fession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to gen- eration.

The Grand Honors — public or private, as required — are then given. The Grand Honors — public or private, as required, — are then given. The following, or some other approprial-i Ode may then be sung: The new Master may return thanks. Almighty and everlasting God, from whom Cometh every good and perfect gift, send down upon Thy servants here assembled the healthful spirit of Thy grace ; that they may truly please Thee in all their doings. This concludes the ceremonies of Install- ation. If it be the Public Installation of the Offi- cers of a new Lodge, the Grand Lodge and brethren will return in procession to the Lodge room, and the Grand Lodge then returns to its own hall and closes.

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At the hour appointed for the installation of the officers of the Grand Lodge, the Installing Officer [who is the retiring Grand Master, or such Past Grand Master as he may appoint] will assume the chair, call to order, and an- nounce the business before the Grand Lodge. The officers to be installed will then vacate their places respectively [if any by them occu- pied], and substitutes will be appointed for the occasion.

The Grand Master and other Grand Officers elect, to be installed, will be in waiting in the adjoining apartment. The announcement of the Installing Officer may be in the following form: Your Grand Master and other Grand Officers for the ensuing year, having been duly elected, we are now in readiness to perform the ceremony of installation.

Grand Marshal will announce to them that we are waiting to receive them. The Grand Master and other Grand Officers elect are without, in readiness to be installed into office, when it is your pleasure to receive them. Grand Marshal will admit them, and conduct them to the Grand East before the altar. Should there be any objection to the in- stallation of any or either of them, it must now be made.

The Grand Marshal conducts them to the altar in procession, two and two, in order ot rank, the Grand Master elect and the Deputy Grand Master being first. The Grand Officers elect are before you, and await your pleasure. I have the honor to present to you for installation R. The exalted station to which the free choice of your Breth- ren has called you, involves great responsi- bilities, and requires to be inaugurated by solemn sanctions. It elevates you to a posi- tion from which the power and prerogative may depart with the expiration of your term of service, but the honor and dignity, except by your own act, never.

Bretliren, let us pray. Tlie Grand Chaplain may then make an ap- propriate extemporaneous prayer, or use the following: Eternal Source of Life and Light! We, Thine unworthy creatures, reverently bow be- fore Thee in adoration and praise. As when we first saw the light at our mystic altar, we first implored Thy guidance, protection, and aid, so now we seek Thee for Thy divine blessing and direction. In Thy might we are strong, and without Thee, in our best and highest estate, we are but frail and feeble be- ings. We humbly implore Thy divine favor upon this occasion, and upon the institution in whose services we are now engaged.

Make it yet more helpful and beneficial to our race, and inspire all who are connected with it with an ardent love to Thee, to each other, and to every member of the human family. Give him wisdom ; give him strength ; give him love. Enable him so to bear rule that he may keep in view the best interests of the great brotherhood now about to be committed to his charge.

Teach him to feel that he is about to assume great and trying responsibilities, and enable him so to discharge them as to win all hearts. Add Thy blessing upon the brethren who are to be associated with him in office. May they feel a just sense of their accountability to Thee and to the Fraternity ; and may they ever be faithful and zealous, and assist to uphold the hands of their chief in all good deeds.

In Thee, Oh God, as in the days of our appren- ticeship, do we put our trust. Be Thou our faithful Friend, Conductor, and Guide, in the unseen vicissitudes of life before us, and bring us all, at last, to see the Great Light, inaccessible and full of glory, in Thy pres- ence, where we shall behold Thee with un- clouded vision forevermore. So mote if be! Grand Marshal, yob will conduct our R. Brother to the altar, to take upon himself the obligation appertain- ing to the duties of his office.

The Grand Marshal conducts him to the altar, where he kneels, the acting Grand Dea- cons holding their rods crossed over his head. The Installing Officer then administers the oath of oftke, the Grand Master elect repeating after him, as follows: So help me God. Installing Officer, Most Worshipful Broth- er [for from henceforth you are entitled thus to be hailed]: In inducting you to your chair of office, as a symbol of the commencement of your government over the Craft, I am per- forming a most solemn duty.

By immemorial usage and the irrevocable land marks of Ma- sonry, 'you are invested, as Grand Master of Masons, with powers and prerogatives which are well nigh absolute. The interests of the Craft, for weal or woe, are placed in your hands during your term of office. The good resolutions, which I doubt not that you have formed in your own mind that these powers shall not be abused or perverted by you, I would gladly strengthen by a word of admo- nition, which it will not become me henceforth to utter.

The very consciousness of the pos- session of a great power will ever make a generous mind cautious and gentle in its ex- ercise. It is not by the strong arm or the iron will that obedi- ence and order, the chief requisites of good government, are secured, but by holding the key to the hearts of men. The office of Grand Master is of great an- tiquity and respect, and is one of the highest dignities to which we may aspire.

Its in- cumbent, to rule well, should possess and practice several important requisites. As a Man, he should be of approved in- tegrity and irreproachable morals; freed from the dominion of a hasty temper and ill- governed passions; of good repute in the world, and practicing, as an example to the Craft, the cardinal virtues of Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice. As a Citizen, he should be loyal to his gov- ernment, obedient to its laws, prompt in the duties he owes to society, and a pattern of fi- delity in all social and domestic relations.

Such are some of the most important quali- fications which a Grand Master should pos- sess, and the leading errors which he should avoid. It may be that most, if not all, of your predecessors have failed to reach this standard ; but it is attainable ; and be it your purpose to reach it, and be a bright and shin. It now but remains for me to clothe you with the external insignia of your rank and authority. The Grand Master, having been covered on taking the chair, the Installing Officer uncovers and bows very low.

Brethren, behold your Grand Master! Brethren, behold our Grand Master! At the conclusion of the procession and Ode the brethren, under the direction of the installing officer, salute with the grand hon- ors. The retiring Grand Master may then ad- dress his newly- in stalled successor and breth- ren, and the Grand Master may, if he chooses, also address the Grand Lodge.

If he does not wish to do so he may call down, and the brethren continue seated during the remain- der of the installation, except as called up during the obligations. It will be proper for the Grand Master here to announce the names of the appointed officers, that they may be installed with the rest. The installing officer then proceeds with the installation of the remaining officers, as fol- lows: Most Worshipful Broth- er: I have the pleasure to present to you, for installation, R. The foregoing address of the installing of- ficer, and presentation by the Grand Marshal, may be used for all the remaining officers, simply changing the name and title of the of- ficer.

Broth- er] to the altar, to take upon himself the ob- ligation appertaining to the duties of his of- fice. The Grand Marshal conducts him to the al- tar, when he kneels, and is attended by the Grand Deacons, as in the case of the Grand Master, and takes the same obligation, with the change of name and designation of office.

Brothen You have not been an inattentive observer of the cere- mony of installing the M W. Your office, therefore, is one of great dignity and importance ; and it was in view of these considerations that your Brethren selected you to fill it. Treasure up, therefore, the suggestions made to the M. Grand Master ; for you know not how soon they may have a personal application to you ; and remember, also, that usage, as well as our particular regulations, have placed you in most intimate and confidential relations to him, as supporter and counselor.

I now, with pleasure, proceed to invest you with your jewel of office [ gives it ] and pro- claim you Deputy Grand Master of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons of Kansas. You will now be seated in your place, which is at the right hand of the M. The other of the elective Grand Officers, viz: The appointed Grand Officers do not take the obligation. The charges of the remaining officers in- stalled [which may be varied at the pleasure of the Installing Officer, when special occas- ion requires,] are as follows: The position which you occupy in the Grand Lodge and among the Fraternity is one of no little im- portance.

Junior Warden, of diligently preserving the ancient landmarks throughout the jurisdiction, it then becomes a trust of deep moment to the welfare of the Craft. Your fitness for the discharge of such a trust undoubtedly led to your selection for the office by your Brethren, and it will be your duty and pleasure so to act as to justify their confidence. Freemasonry -- Louisiana -- Rituals See also what's at your library , or elsewhere.

Imprenta de la Orden, , by or Order of the Heptasophs page images at HathiTrust Items below if any are from related and broader terms. Nichols, Printers, , by Freemasons. Mittler und Sohn, , by Hermann Gloede Volume 1: Duncan illustrated HTML at sacred-texts. Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Co. Lardinois, , by Eduard Emil Eckert, contrib. Lea, , by Thomas Smith Webb page images at HathiTrust Shaver's masonic monitor containing all the exoteric ritual of the work and lectures of the three degrees of ancient craft masonry; to which is added the ancient ceremonies of the order, and the ritual of a lady of sorrow.

Compiled in strict cnformity with the work. Wilson, [c] , by William M. Shaver page images at HathiTrust Richardson's monitor of free-masonry: The ineffable and historical degrees are also given in full