Ceremonial
Explanation of the Entered Apprentice Degree
by W.B. Duane E. Anderson
This Ceremonial Presentation was prepared by W.B. Duane E. Anderson and
issued by the Masonic Research and Education Committee of the Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Minnesota.
Suggestions for
Conducting the Ceremonial Presentation
This presentation can be put on in the Lodge room or in any meeting room. It
does not have to be done in a lodge building. Nine Masons, representing the W.M.,
S.W., J.W., LEO, Chaplain, S.D., S.S., J.S., and a Past Master, should take part
in the presentation.
If the presentation is done in the Lodge room, the Lodge should be either at
refreshment or closed. The officers should be in their normal stations and
places, and the observers and participating ladies will be seated on the
side-lines. Instructions for conducting the participating ladies are given in
the script.
If the presentation is given in a meeting room there are many possible ways
to arrange the seating of the officers and the floor movements of the
participants.
If the room is set up as a lodge then follow the instructions in the script.
If the room is set up for a table lodge (head table and two long tables on
the sides to form a ³U²) then the officers can be seated as for the table
lodge ceremony and, depending on the amount of space and the number of
participants, the ladies can either move from place to place or simply stand at
the open end of the ³U² and turn to face toward the different speakers.
If the room is set up for a banquet, with a head table and separate tables, a
sufficiently large area in front of the head table should be cleared for
conducting the participants and the officers can all be seated at the head table
during the presentation.
If the room is set up in ³auditorium² fashion, with a speakerıs podium at
the front, then a sufficiently large area at the front of the room should be
cleared for the participants and the officers can all be seated in the front row
or beside the podium.
Circumambulation is an important symbolic part of the degree work and, for
this presentation to have the best effect, it is important to have enough floor
space (if at all possible) so that the participants can be conducted
conveniently from place to place during the presentation. As in all ritual work,
the best impression is given if the speeches are given from memory. The S.S. and
J.S. parts thus should be given to members who know the third section of the
Entered Apprentice lecture. The other parts contain portions of the work that
all Masons should know, plus explanations and commentary that is not usually
memorized.
As for any presentation, whether it is a degree, a skit, or a talk, rehearsal
always improves the performance. This is also true for any part that you may be
reading.
CEREMONY
PROLOGE
W.M. -- The purpose of this presentation is to provide Masonic Ladies with an
explanation and description of the work that is done in a Masonic Lodge. All of
the material used in this presentation is constructed from materials which, for
more than 150 years, have been considered to be non-secret by Grand Lodges in
the United States. Much of this material is exactly as it is printed in the
Minnesota Masonic Manual, published by the Grand Lodge of Minnesota, and which
is officially considered to be a non-secret document. We have long recognized
that informing our families about the non-secret aspects of Masonry is an
important part of Masonic education. We have encouraged Masons to share certain
publications and video tapes with their families and to invite their families to
open-house presentations. However, instruction methods do not give an awareness
of the ceremonial aspects of Masonry, or of the trials that a candidate must
endure during the degrees. Nor do they impart a full appreciation of the moral
and social philosophy of our Craft. While we cannot show the Entered Apprentice
Degree work, this Presentation In Ceremonial Form gives an experience that is
similar to what a candidate for Masonry goes through.
W.M. -- Brother Lodge Education Officer, please give the introductory lecture.
THE LODGE AS A SYMBOL
LEO -- The lodge is a symbol of the world. Its shape, the "oblong
square," is the ancient conception of the shape of the world. The Entered
Apprentice is taught its dimensions, its covering, its furniture, its lights,
its jewels, and will learn more of it as a symbol as he proceeds through the
degrees. Although a symbol of the world, the lodge is a world unto itself; a
world within a world, different in its customs, its laws, and its structure from
the world without. In the world without are class distinctions, wealth, power,
poverty, and misery. In the lodge all are on a level and peace and harmony
prevail. In the world without most laws are "thou shalt not" and
enforced by penalties. In the lodge the laws are mostly "thou shalt"
and compulsion is seldom thought of and rarely invoked.
Freemasons obey their laws not so much because they must, as because they
will. In the world without, men are divided by a thousand influences: race,
business, religious belief, politics. In the lodge, men are united in the common
bond of three fundamental beliefs: the Fatherhood of God, the brother-hood of
man and the immortality of the soul, and all the sweet associations which spring
therefrom. In the world without, men travel many roads to many goals.; In the
lodge the initiate does as all others who have gone this way before him, and
all, youngest Entered Apprentice and oldest Past Master, travel a common way to
an end which is the same for all.
W.M. -- To order, my Brothers and Ladies. Brother Chaplain, you will lead us
in the Opening Prayer. All rise.
PRAYER AT OPENING.
Chaplain -- Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the
Universe, the Giver of all good gifts and graces! You have promised that
"where two or three are gathered together in Your name You will be in the
midst of them and bless them." In Your name we have assembled, and in Your
name we desire to proceed in all our doings. Grant that the sublime principles
of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant passion within us so harmonize
and enrich our hearts with Your own love and goodness that the Lodge at this
time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Your
throne.
W.M. -- Brother Senior Deacon, please conduct the participating Ladies to the
door of the symbolic preparation room. All on the sidelines may be seated.
PREPARATION FOR INITIATION
W.M. -- It has been said that the "youth as an Entered Apprentice should
industriously occupy his mind in the accumulation of useful knowledge."
That the Fellowcraft, in his manhood, should engage in active work, applying the
knowledge so acquired in the duties of his profession, while the elderly Master
Mason should find his employment in teaching and reflection, and by his learning
and experience develop the designs from which others may work.
W.M. -- Every candidate previous to his reception is required to give his
free and full assent to the following interrogatories:
W.M. -- Brother Stewards, please propound the necessary interrogatories.
S.S. -- 1. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen,
that, unbiased by friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and
voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Masonry?
2. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that
you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Masonry, by a favorable opinion
conceived of the Institution, a desire of knowledge, and a sincere wish of being
serviceable to your fellow creatures?
3. Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, before these gentlemen, that
you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient established usages and customs of
the Fraternity?
J.S. -- If the proper answers have been made, the preparatory lecture will
then be given, and the candidate prepared for initiation.
W.M. -- Having signified his assent to these questions, the candidate is
prepared for the ceremonies that await him.
Brother Stewards, conduct the Ladies to the center of the Lodge room. (Done)
W.M. -- As a candidate starts out upon his journey in search for the Light,
he is at this point reminded of that universal dependence upon that Great Source
and Giver of all Light and Life, whereby the world exists.
W.M. -- Let us pray.
The following prayer is very old:
"Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our
present convention and grant that this candidate for Masonry may dedicate and
devote his life to Thy service and become a true and faithful brother among us.
Endue him with a competency of Thy Divine Wisdom, so that by the influence of
our art he may be better enabled to display the beauty of holiness, to the honor
of Thy Holy Name. Amen!"
Response by the brethren: "So mote it be."
W.M. -- The next lesson to be inculcated and the first real lesson to be
impressed upon the candidate after his admission to the lodge is "Faith in
God." The man, if such there be, who acknowledges no higher power than
himself, will never consider a purely moral obligation binding. To such a man
there is no such word as "ought," no such word as "duty."
The words "expediency" and "inclination" will take their
place. Freemasonry, among English-speaking people, has always required a
declaration of belief and trust.
W.M. -- Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the Ladies to the Senior Warden in the
West. (Done) Brother Senior Warden, instruct the Ladies about the Badge of
a Mason.
THE BADGE OF A MASON
S.W. -- Throughout the Old Testament there are references to lambs, often in
connection with sacrifices, frequently used in a sense symbolic of innocence,
purity, gentleness, weakness a matter aided by color, which we unconsciously
associate with purity, probably because of the hue of snow.
This association is universal in Freemasonry, and the initiate should strive
to keep his apron white and himself innocent. His badge of Masonry should
symbolize in its color the purity of his Masonic character; he should forever be
innocent of wrong toward all, but more especially toward a brother Mason.
With the presentation of the apron the lodge accepts the initiate as worthy.
It entrusts to his hands its distinguishing badge. With it and symbolized by it
comes one of the most precious and most gracious of gifts the gift of
brotherhood. Lucky the Entered Apprentice who has the wit to see the extent and
the meaning of the gift; thrice lucky the lodge whose initiates find in it and
keep that honor, probity and power, that innocence, strength, and spiritual
contact, that glory of unity and oneness with all the Masonic world which may be
read into this symbol by him who hath open eyes of the heart with which to see.
In he words of the Old Dundee, Scotland Lodge's Apron Charge:
It is yours to wear throughout an honorable life, and at your death to be
placed upon the coffin which shall contain your mortal remains and with them
laid beneath the silent clods of the valley. Let its pure and spotless surface
be to you an ever-present reminder of a purity of life and rectitude of conduct,
a never-ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts, for greater
achievements. And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of
their toilsome journey, and from your nerveless grasp shall drop the working
tools of life, may the record of your thoughts and actions be as spotless as
this emblem.
For thus, and thus only, may it be worn with pleasure to yourself and honor
to the Fraternity. Every candidate, at his initiation, is presented with a
Lambskin, or white leather apron. The LAMB has in all ages been deemed an emblem
of innocence; he, therefore, who wears the lambskin as a badge of Masonry is
thereby continually reminded of that purity of life and conduct, which is
essentially necessary to his gaining admission into the Celestial Lodge above,
where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
The LAMBSKIN, or white leather apron, is an emblem of innocence and the badge
of a Mason; more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable
than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that could be conferred upon the
candidate at the time of his initiation or at any time thereafter, by king,
prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason, and which every
Mason ought to wear with equal pleasure to himself and honor to the Fraternity.
W.M. -- Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the Ladies to the East. (Done) Brother
Chaplain, please instruct the Ladies about the Masonıs responsibility
concerning charity.
THE GREATEST OF THESE
Chaplain -- The Entered Apprentice practices the Rite of Destitution before
he hears the beautiful words of the lecture describing the three principal
rounds of Jacob's ladder: "the greatest of these is charity, for faith is
lost in sight, hope ends in fruition, but charity extends beyond the grave,
through the boundless realms of eternity." But he may reflect upon both at
once and from that reflection learn that Masonic giving to the destitute is not
confined to alms.
Putting a quarter in a beggar's hand will hardly extend beyond the grave
through the boundless realms of eternity!
Masonic charity does indeed include the giving of physical relief; individual
Masons give it, the lodge gives it, the Grand Lodge gives it. But if charity
began and ended with money, it would go but a little way. St. Paul said:
"And although I bestow all my goods to feed the poor and have not charity,
it profiteth me nothing."
If the charity of Freemasonry meant only the giving of alms, it would long
ago have given place to a hundred institutions better able to provide relief.
The charity taught in the lodge is charity of thought, charity of the giving
of self. The visit to the sick is true Masonic charity. The brotherly hand laid
upon a bowed shoulder in comfort and to give courage is Masonic charity. The
word of counsel to the fatherless, the tear dropped in sympathy with the
widowed, the joyous letter of congratulation to a fortunate brother, all are
Masonic charity and these, indeed, extend beyond the grave.
Often an Entered Apprentice believes that the Rite has taught him that every
Mason must give a coin to every beggar who asks, even though they line the
streets and need as many dimes as a pocket will hold. Such is not the truth. The
Mason gives when he meets anyone "in like destitute condition." It is
left for him to judge whether the appeal is for a need which is real or one
assumed. In general all calls for Masonic charity should be made through the
lodge.; Machinery is provided for a kindly and brotherly investigation, after
which the lodge or Grand Lodge will afford relief. Individual charity is wholly
in the control of the individual brother's conscience.
But no conscience need control that larger and finer giving of comfort and
counsel, of joy and sadness, of sympathy and spiritual help. Here the Mason may
give as much as he will and be not the poorer but the richer for his giving. He
who reads the Rite of Destitution in this larger sense has seen through the form
to the reality behind and learned the inner significance of the symbol.
W.M. -- Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the Ladies to the Junior Warden in the
South. (Done) Brother Junior Warden, please explain the working tools of a
Mason.
THE WORKING TOOLS
J.W. -- The working tools and implements of an Entered Apprentice are the
Twenty-four inch Gauge, and the Common Gavel.
The TWENTY-FOUR INCH GAUGE is an instrument made use of by Operative Masons,
to measure and lay
out their work; but Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of
it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being
divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours
of the day, which they are taught to divide into three equal parts, whereby they
find eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother; eight
hours for their usual avocations, and eight for refreshment and sleep.
The COMMON GAVEL is an instrument made use of by operative Masons, to break
off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use;
but Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more
noble and glorious purpose of divesting their minds and consciences of all the
vices and superfluities of life; thereby fitting their bodies, as living stones,
for that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the
heavens.
W.M. -- Brother Senior Deacon, conduct the Ladies to the East once again.
(Done) Brother Past Master, please explain the Masonıs charge.
THE CHARGE AT INITIATION
Past Master -- There are three great duties which a Mason is charged to
inculcate: to God, to his neighbor, and to himself. To GOD, in never mentioning
His name, but with that reverential awe which is due from a creature to its
Creator; to implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him
as the chief good; to his NEIGHBOR in acting upon the square, and doing unto his
neighbor as one wishes his neighbor should do unto him; and to ONESELF, in
avoiding all irregularity and intemperance, which may impair your faculties, or
debase the dignity of your profession.
W.M. -- Brother Stewards, would you invite the Ladies to a seat among us and
present the Entered Apprentice lecture for them? (Alternating topics)
THE ENTERED APPRENTICE LECTURE
S.S. -- The second section of the Entered Apprentice Degree accounts for the
origin of our hieroglyphical instruction, and convinces us of the advantages
which will ever accompany a faithful observance of our duty; it maintains,
beyond the power of contradiction, the propriety of our rites, while it
demonstrates to the most skeptical and hesitating mind, their excellence and
utility; it illustrates, at the same time, certain particulars, of which our
ignorance might lead us into error, and which, as Masons, we are indispensably
bound to know.
THE EXTENT OF FREEMASONRY
J.S. -- From east to west Freemasonry extends, and between the north and
south in every clime and nation, are Masons to be found.
THE THREE GREAT SUPPORTS OF THE LODGE
S.S. -- Our Institution is said to be supported, by WISDOM, STRENGTH and
BEAUTY; because it is necessary there should be wisdom to contrive, strength to
support, and beauty to adorn all great and important undertakings. Its
dimensions are unlimited, and its covering no less than the canopy of heaven. To
this object the Mason's mind is continually directed, and thither he hopes at
last to arrive by the aid of the theological ladder, which Jacob, in his vision,
saw ascending from earth to heaven; the three principal rounds of which are
denominated FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY, and which admonish us to have faith in God,
hope in immortality, and charity to all mankind.
THE THREE GREAT LIGHTS OF MASONRY
J.S. -- Every well governed lodge is furnished with the HOLY BIBLE, SQUARE
and COMPASS. The BIBLE points out the path that leads to happiness, and is
dedicated to God; the SQUARE teaches us to regulate our conduct by the
principles of morality and virtue and is dedicated to the Master; the COMPASS
teaches us to limit our desires in every station, and is dedicated to the Craft.
The BIBLE is dedicated to the service of God. because it is the inestimable gift
of God to man, the SQUARE to the Master, because, being the proper Masonic
emblem of his office, it is constantly to remind him of the duty he owes to the
Lodge over which he is appointed to preside, and the COMPASS to the Craft,
because by a due attention to its use, they are taught to regulate their desires
and keep their passions within due bounds.
THE LODGE ORNAMENTS
S.S. -- The ornamental parts of a Lodge, displayed in this section, are the
Mosaic pavement, the Indented tessel, and the Blazing star.
The MOSAIC PAVEMENT is a representation of the ground floor of King Solomon's
Temple; the INDENTED TESSEL, that beautiful tessellated border, or skirting
which surrounded it, and the BLAZING STAR, in the center, is commemorative of
the star which appeared to guide the wise men of the East to the place of their
Savior's nativity. The Mosaic Pavement is emblematic of human life, checkered
with good and evil; the beautiful border which surrounds it, those blessings and
comforts which surround us, and which we hope to obtain by a faithful reliance
on Divine Providence, which is hieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star
in the center.
THE JEWELS OF THE LODGE
J.S. -- The movable and immovable jewels also claim our attention in this
section.
The ROUGH ASHLAR is a stone as taken from the quarry in its rude and natural
state. The PERFECT ASHLAR is a stone made ready by the hands of the workman, to
be adjusted by the tools of the Fellow Craft. The TRESTLE BOARD is for the
Master Workman to draw his designs upon. By the ROUGH ASHLAR, we are reminded of
our rude and imperfect state by nature; by the PERFECT ASHLAR, that state of
perfection at which we hope to arrive, by a virtuous education, our own
endeavors, and the blessing of God; and by the TRESTLE BOARD, we are reminded
that as the operative workman erects his temporal building agreeably to the
rules and designs laid down by the master on his Trestle Board, so should we,
both operative and speculative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building
agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the
Universe, in the Book of Life, which is our spiritual Trestle Board.
S.S. -- Our ancient brethren dedicated their Lodges to King Solomon. Masons
professing Christianity dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist, and St. John
the Evangelist, who were eminent patrons of Masonry; and, since their time,
there is represented in every regular and well-governed Lodge, a certain Point
within a Circle; the Point represents an individual brother, the Circle
represents the boundary line of his duty to God and man, beyond which he is
never to suffer his passions, prejudices or interests to betray him on any
occasion. This Circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines,
representing St. John the Baptist and
St. John the Evangelist, who were perfect parallels, in Christianity as well as
Masonry; and upon the vertex rests the Book of Holy Scriptures which point out
the whole duty of man. In going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon
these two lines, as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps
himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err.
BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF AND TRUTH
J.S. -- OF BROTHERLY LOVE
By the exercise of BROTHERLY LOVE, we are taught to regard the whole human
species as one family; the high and low, the rich and poor; who, as created by
one Almighty Parent, and inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support and
protect each other. On this principle Masonry unites men of every country, sect
and opinion, and conciliates true friendship among those who might otherwise
have remained at a perpetual distance.
S.S. -- OF RELIEF
To RELIEVE the distressed is a duty incumbent on all men; but particularly on
Masons, who are linked together by an indissoluble chain of sincere affection.
To soothe the unhappy, to sympathize with their misfortunes, to compassionate
their miseries, and to restore peace to their troubled minds, is the grand aim
we have in view. On this basis we form our friendships, and establish our
connections.
J.S. -- OF TRUTH
TRUTH is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue. To be good
and true is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry. On this theme we
contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to regulate our conduct. Hence, while
influenced by this principle, hypocrisy and deceit are unknown among us,
sincerity and plain dealing distinguish us, and the heart and tongue join in
promoting each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity.
THE FOUR CARDINAL VIRTUES
S.S. -- To this illustration succeeds an explanation of the four cardinal
virtues-Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence and Justice.
S.S. -- OF TEMPERANCE
TEMPERANCE is that due restraint upon our affections and passions, which
renders the body tame and governable, and frees the mind from the allurements of
vice. This virtue should be the constant practice of every Mason, as he is
thereby taught to avoid excess, or contracting any licentious or vicious habit,
the indulgence of which might lead him to disclose some of those valuable
secrets which he has promised to conceal and never reveal, and which would
consequently subject him to the contempt and detestation of all good Masons.
J.S. -- OF FORTITUDE
FORTITUDE is that noble and steady purpose of the mind, whereby we are
enabled to undergo any pain, peril or danger, when prudentially deemed
expedient. This virtue is equally distant from rashness and cowardice; and, like
the former, should be deeply impressed upon the mind of every Mason, as a
safeguard or security against any illegal attack that may be made, by force or
otherwise, to extort from him any of those secrets with which he has been so
solemnly intrusted, and which was emblematically represented upon his first
admission into the lodge.
S.S. -- OF PRUDENCE
PRUDENCE teaches us to regulate our lives and actions agreeably to the
dictates of reason, and is that habit by which we wisely judge and prudentially
determine, on all things relative to our present. as well as to our future
happiness. This virtue should be the peculiar characteristic of every Mason, not
only for the government of his conduct while in the Lodge, but also when abroad
in the world. It should be particularly attended to in all strange and mixed
companies, never to let fall the least sign, token or word, whereby the secrets
of Masonry might be unlawfully obtained.
J.S. -- OF JUSTICE
JUSTICE is that standard, or boundary, of right, which enables us to render
to every man his just due, without distinction. This virtue is not only
consistent with divine and human laws, but is the very cement and support of
civil society; and, as Justice in a great measure constitutes the real good man,
so should it be the invariable practice of every Mason never to deviate from the
minutest principles thereof.
W.M. -- Thank you, Brother Stewards.
ENTERED APPRENTICE SUMMARY
W.M. -- In the Entered Apprentice's Degree the initiate is taught the
necessity of a belief in God; of charity toward all mankind, "more
especially a brother Mason"; of secrecy; the meaning of brotherly love; the
reasons for relief; the greatness of truth; the advantages of temperance; the
value of fortitude; the part played in Masonic life by prudence, and the
equality of strict justice.
He is charged to be reverent before God, to pray to Him for help, to venerate
Him as the source of all that is good. He is exhorted to practice the Golden
Rule and to avoid excesses of all kinds. He is admonished to be quiet and
peaceable, not to countenance disloyalty and rebellion, to be true and just to
government and country, to be cheerful under its laws. He is charged to come
often to lodge but not to neglect his business, not try argue about Freemasonry
with the ignorant but to learn Masonry from Masons, and, once again, to be
secret. Finally he is urged to present only such candidates as he is sure will
agree to all that he has agreed to.
In the Latin Craft, on the European Continent, they concluded the initiation
ceremony by presenting the new Entered Apprentice with a pair of white gloves
for a lady, saying:
"These the Lodge presents to your wife, or to her who, beloved by you,
may hereafter become such. They will be a fit symbol of the purity of true
affection, and will be to her as a pledge on the part of the Lodge, that if she
should ever need its assistance, consolation, or encouragement, an advocate or a
defender, she will find all in the Lodge or among the Brethren."
W.M. -- Brother Chaplain, please conclude our ceremony with the closing
prayer.
Chaplain -- Almighty Father, we ask Your blessing upon the proceedings of
this communication, and, as we are about to separate, we ask You to keep us
under Your protecting care until again we are called together. Enable us, O God,
to subdue every discordant passion within us. May the blessing of heaven rest
upon us and all regular Masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and
social virtue cement us. Amen. Response: "So mote it be."
W.M. -- THE LODGE IS CLOSED WITH A PRAYER:
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