fellowcraft degree - freemasonry · pdf filefellowcraft degree of freemasonry ... often...

FellowCraft Degree

of Freemasonry

as practiced in the

State of Nevadacirca 1986

The following abbreviations are used throughout this ritual.

Active Participants

WM….….Worshipful MasterSW….….Senior WardenJW….….Junior WardenTr. ….….TreasurerSec…….SecretarySD….….Senior DeaconJD….….Junior DeaconSS.…….Senior StewardJS….….Junior StewardTyl….….TylerCh….….Chaplain

Cand….Candidate

(*; * *; or * * *, normally signifies the number of raps froma gavel. In the case of the Senior Deacon, his staff,pounding on the floor; when it is done at either the outeror inner door, it signifies a knock on the door.

(S) signifies the due-guard and sign being given as asalutation to the Worshipful Master.)

Page numbers and line numbers have been placed inthe margins as an aid to identifying specific portions ofthe ritual. By specifying page number, left or right columnand line number, a particular section of ritual may beuniquely identified. Of course, those designations pertainonly to the printed copy of this document.

Since as early as 1727, men have been leaving theMasonic Lodge because Freemasonry is incompatiblewith a sincere expression of Christianity. When a Masonbecomes a born again Christian, he sees Freemasonryclearly for the first time. Many men have left the lodgeto follow Jesus Christ. Usually they do so quietly. Often,it takes a period of time before they are released fromthe spiritual bondage which results from the practice ofoccult religion. Some former Masons have hadsubstantial ministries. Charles Finney, the 19th centuryevangelist, was one such man. God used him in a mightyway.

The following exposure has been translated from aMasonic “cypher.” The cypher was issued to a formerWorshipful Master who has turned his life over to JesusChrist. He has exposed the content of Masonic ritual sothat Christians who wish to witness to Masons will beeducated and equipped to take issue with the teachingsfound within Masonic ritual.

Masonic ritual varies slightly from state to state. Yet,the variations do not change the character of Masonicritual as practiced in any particular lodge. The strikingsimilarity of the rituals of various states can bedemonstrated by examining Masonic Monitors. Monitorsoften contain selected portions of ritual, in addition toexplanations of the meaning of the ritual.

Commercially printed exposures of Masonic ritual arereadily available. LESTER’S LOOK TO THE EAST and DUNCAN’SRITUAL are two of the better known editions in the UnitedStates. They are available at many book stores.

Masonic “Cyphers” are commonly used as a memoryaid for those who are learning ritual. Such cypherscontain one to several letters which represent each andevery word in the ritual. Masonic ritual is not placedentirely in print by the lodge, for obvious reasons.However, Grand Lodges do publish small books whichare given to men who are raised to Master Mason. TheseMasonic “Monitors” contain statements as to the GrandLodge’s authoritative interpretation of the meaning of theritual. Masonic Monitors are not normally available tothe public. Bound Xerox reprints of Masonic Monitorsare available for most states from Ephesians 5:11, Inc.

An Internet web site which contains information aboutleading men away from the Masonic Lodge can be foundat http://www.ephesians5-11.org

Additional copies of this printed Masonic ritual may beobtained by downloading them from the web site andprinting the file using your laser, or ink jet printer, inconjunction with the Adobe Reader. The Adobe Readeris available FREE from Adobe Systems. A link isavailable on the page where this file is available.

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3FELLOW CRAFTS OPENING:

WM: *. Officers, take your respective stations andplaces; Brethren be clothed.

WM: *. Brother Senior Warden.

SW: Worshipful Master.

WM: Are all present Fellow Crafts?

SW: I will ascertain through the proper officer andreport.

SW: Brother Junior Deacon.

JD: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: Are all present Fellow Crafts?

JD: Brother Senior Warden, all present are FellowCrafts.


WM: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: All present are Fellow Crafts.

WM: As further evidence that all present are FellowCrafts, receive the pass-word from the Seniorand Junior Deacons, who will obtain it from theBrethren on the right and left, and communicateit in the East.

SW: *. Deacons, attend the West.

SW: Give me the pass-word of a Fellow Craft. Nowobtain it from the Brethren on the right and leftand communicate it to the Worshipful Master inthe East.



WM: The pass-word is right and duly received in theEast.

WM: *. Brother Junior Deacon.

JD: Worshipful Master.

WM: The first great care of Masons when convened.

JD: To see that they are duly tyled.

WM: Attend to that duty and inform the Tyler that I amabout to open a Lodge of Fellow Crafts, and directhim to tyle accordingly.

JD: Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform you thatthe Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodgeof Fellow Crafts. Take due notice thereof andgovern yourself accordingly.

JD: * * *.

Tyl: * * *.

JD: (S) Worshipful Master, we are duly tyled.

WM: How are we tyled?

JD: By a Brother of this degree without, armed withthe proper implement of his office.

WM: His duty there?

JD: To observe the approach of cowans andeavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or re-pass except such as are duly qualified and havepermission from the Worshipful Master.


SW: (S) Worshipful Master.

WM: Are you a Fellow Craft?

SW: I am, try me.

WM: By what will you be tried?

SW: By the square.

WM: Why by the Square?

SW: Because it is an emblem of morality and one ofthe working tools of a Fellow Craft.

WM: What is a Square?

SW: An angle of ninety degrees, or the fourth part ofa circle.

WM: What makes you a Fellow Craft?

SW: My Obligation.

WM: Where were you made a Fellow Craft?

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4SW: Within the body of a just and duly constituted

Lodge of Fellow Crafts, assembled in a placerepresenting the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

WM: How many compose a Fellow Crafts Lodge?

SW: Five or more.

WM: When composed of five, of whom does it consist?

SW: The Worshipful Master, Senior and JuniorWardens, Senior and Junior Deacons.

WM: Brother Senior Warden, the Junior Deacon’splace in the Lodge?

SW: At my right.

WM: * *. Brother Junior Deacon.

JD: (S) Worshipful Master.

WM: Your duty?

JD: To carry messages from the Senior Warden inthe West to the Junior Warden in the South, andelsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct;attend to alarms at the outer door and report thesame to the Worshipful Master; also to see thatwe are duly tyled.

WM: The Senior Deacon’s place?

JD: At the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.

WM: Brother Senior Deacon.

SD: (S) Worshipful Master.

WM: Your duty?

SD: To carry orders from the Worshipful Master inthe East to the Senior Warden in the West, andelsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct;welcome and clothe visiting Brethren, attend toalarms at the inner door; also to receive andconduct candidates.

WM: The Junior Warden’s station?

SD: In the South.

WM: Brother Junior Warden.

JW: (S) Worshipful Master.

WM: Your duty in the South?

JW: To observe the sun at meridian, which is the gloryand beauty of the day; call the Craft from laborto refreshment, superintend them during thehours thereof, carefully to observe that theirmeans of refreshment are not perverted tointemperance or excess, and see that they returnin due season that the Worshipful Master mayreceive honor, and they pleasure and profitthereby.

WM: The Senior Warden’s station?

JW: In the West.



WM: Why in the West?

SW: As the sun is in the West at close of day, sostands the Senior Warden in the West, to assistthe Worshipful Master in opening and closingthe Lodge; paying the Craft their wages, if anybe due, that none may go away dissatisfied;harmony being the support of all institutions,especially this of ours.

WM: The Master’s station?

SW: In the East.

WM: Why in the East?

SW: As the sun rises in the East to open and governthe day, (WM: * * *) so rises the Worshipful Masterin the East to open and govern the Lodge; settingthe Craft at work, giving them proper instructionfor their labor.

WM: Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that ________ Lodge No. ___ be now opened on theSecond Degree of Freemasonry for work andinstruction. This communicate to the JuniorWarden in the South, and he to the Brethrenpresent, that having due notice thereof, they maygovern themselves accordingly.

SW: Brother Junior Warden.

JW: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that ________ Lodge No. ___ be now opened on theSecond Degree of Freemasonry for work and

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5instruction. This communicate to the Brethrenpresent, that having due notice thereof, they maygovern themselves accordingly.

JW: Brethren, it is the order of the Worshipful Master,communicated to me through the Senior Wardenin the West, that ____ ____ Lodge No. ___ benow opened on the Second Degree ofFreemasonry for work and instruction. Icommunicate the same to you, that having duenotice thereof, you may govern yourselvesaccordingly.

WM: Brethren; attend to giving the signs; observe theEast.

WM: *.

SW: *.

JW: *.

WM: *.

SW: *.

JW: *.

WM: Brethren, give your attention to the Chaplain.

Chap: Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the GreatArchitect of the Universe, the Giver of all goodgifts and graces! Thou hast promised that“Where two or three are gathered together inThy name, Thou wilt be in their midst and blessthem.” In Thy name we have assembled, and inThy name we desire to proceed in all our doings.Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonrymay so subdue every discordant passion withinus - so harmonize and enrich our hearts withThine own love and goodness - that the Lodge atthis time may humbly reflect that order and beautywhich reign forever before Thy throne. AMEN.

(ALL) So mote it be.



WM: Attend at the Altar and display the Three GreatLights in Masonry.

WM: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is forBrethren to dwell together in unity! It is like theprecious ointment upon the head, that ran downupon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went

down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew ofHermon, and as the dew the descended uponthe mountains of Zion; for there the Lordcommanded the blessing, even life for evermore.”In the name of God and the Holy Saints John, Inow declare ____ ____ Lodge No. ___ dulyopened and in order for business; at the sametime strictly forbidding any un-Masonic conductwhereby the harmony of the same might bedisturbed.

WM: Brother Junior Deacon.


WM: Inform the Tyler.

JD: * * *. Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform youthat the Lodge is now open on the Fellow CraftDegree. Take due notice thereof and tyleaccordingly.

JD: * * *.

Tyl: * * *.



WM: Present the Flag of our Country at the Altar.

WM: Brethren; you will join me in the Pledge ofAllegiance to the Flag of our Country.

(ALL) (Recite the Pledge of Allegiance)

WM: If there are present any Present or Past GrandOfficers, Present or Past Masters, they arecordially and fraternally invited to a seat in theEast.

FELLOW CRAFT DEGREE:

WM: *. Brethren; Brother _____ is in waiting for theSecond Degree of Freemasonry, he having madesuitable proficiency in the preceding degree. Ifthere is no objection, I shall confer this degreeupon him. (Pause) Brethren, there being none,I will proceed.

WM: *. Brother Stewards.

SS: (S) Worshipful Master.

WM: How should a Brother be prepared for the SecondDegree of Freemasonry?

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6SS: By being divested of all metallic substances,

neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod,right knee and breast bare, hood-winked, andwith a cable-tow twice around his right arm,clothed as an Entered Apprentice.

WM: Repair to the preparation room where Brother____ is in waiting. When thus prepared, causehim to make the usual alarm at the inner door.

(At this time, any Present or Past Grand Lodge Officers,or Masters, who had been invited to a seat in the East,retire to the sidelines for the degree work.)

Cand: * * *



SD: There is an alarm at the inner door.

WM: Attend to the alarm and ascertain the cause.

SD: * * *. Who comes here?

SS: Brother ____, who has been duly initiated anEntered Apprentice, and now wishes more Lightin Masonry by being passed to the Degree ofFellow Craft.

SD: Brother ____, is this an act of your own free willand accord?

Cand: It is.

SD: Brother Stewards, is he worthy and well qualified?

SS: He is.

SD: Duly and truly prepared?

SS: He is.

SD: Has he made suitable proficiency in the precedingdegree?

SS: He has.

SD: By what further right or benefit does he expect toobtain this important privilege?

SS: By the benefit of the pass-word.

SD: Has he the pass-word?

SS: He has not, I have it for him.

SD: Advance and give it.

SS: Shibboleth.

SD: The pass-word is right. Since the Brother is inpossession of all these necessary qualifications,let him wait until the Worshipful Master can beinformed of his request, and his answer returned.

SD: * * *. Worshipful Master.


SD: There is without, Brother ____, who has beenduly initiated an Entered Apprentice, and nowwishes more Light in Masonry by being passedto the Degree of Fellow Craft.

WM: Is this an act of his own free will and accord?

SD: It is.

WM: Is he worthy and well qualified?

SD: He is.

WM: Duly and truly prepared?

SD: He is.

WM: Has he made suitable proficiency in the precedingdegree?

SD: He has.

WM: By what further right or benefit does he expect toobtain this important privilege?

SD: By the benefit of the pass-word.

WM: Has he the pass-word?

SD: He has not, I have it for him.

WM: Give it for the benefit of the Craft.

SD: Shibboleth.

WM: The pass-word is right. Since the Brother is inpossession of all these necessary qualifications,let him enter this Worshipful Lodge of FellowCrafts, and be received in due and ancient form.

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7SD: * * *. Let him enter this Worshipful Lodge of Fellow

Crafts, and be received in due and ancient form.

SD: Brother ____, when first you entered a Lodge ofFree and Accepted Masons, you were receivedon the point of a sharp instrument piercing yournaked left breast, the moral of which was at thattime explained to you. I am now commanded toreceive you on the angle of a square applied toyour naked right breast, which is to teach youthat the Square of Virtue should be a rule andguide for your practice through life.

JW: *.

SW: *.

WM: *.

JW: * *.

Chap: “Thus he shewed me; and behold the Lord stoodupon a wall made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in His hand.”

SW: * *.

Chap: “And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what seestthou? And I said, A plumb-line. Then said theLord: Behold, I will set a plumb-line in the midstof my people Israel.”

WM: * *.

Chap: “I will not again pass by them any more.”

SD: * * *.

JW: *. Who comes here?

SD: Brother ____, who has been duly initiated anEntered Apprentice, and now wishes more Lightin Masonry by being passed to the Degree ofFellow Craft.

JW: Brother ____, is this an act of your own free willand accord?

Cand: It is.

JW: Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and wellqualified?

SD: He is.

JW: Duly and truly prepared?

SD: He is.

JW: Has he made suitable proficiency in the precedingdegree?

SD: He has.

JW: By what further right or benefit does he expect toobtain this important privilege?


JW: Has he the pass-word?

SD: He has not. I have it for him.

JW: Advance and give it.

SD: Shibboleth.

JW: The pass-word is right. Since the Brother is inpossession of all these necessary qualifications,conduct him to the Senior Warden in the Westfor his examination.

SD: * * *.

SW: *. Who comes here?


SW: Brother ____, is this an act of your own free willand accord?

Cand: It is.

SW: Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and wellqualified?

SD: He is.

SW: Duly and truly prepared?

SD: He is.

SW: Has he made suitable proficiency in the precedingdegree?

SD: He has.

SW: By what further right or benefit does he expect toobtain this important privilege?


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8SW: Has he the pass-word?


SW: Advance and give it.

SD: Shibboleth.

SW: The pass-word is right. Since the Brother is inpossession of all these necessary qualifications,conduct him to the Worshipful Master in the Eastfor his examination.

SD: * * *.

WM: *. Who comes here?


WM: Brother ____, is this an act of your own free willand accord?

Cand: It is.

WM: Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and wellqualified?

SD: He is.

WM: Duly and truly prepared?

SD: He is.

WM: Has he made suitable proficiency in the precedingdegree?

SD: He has.

WM: By what further right or benefit does he expect toobtain this important privilege?


WM: Has he the pass-word?


WM: Advance and give it.

SD: Shibboleth. (Each of the three times it is givenduring this examination, the pass-word iswhispered by the Senior Deacon into the ear ofthe examiner, so that the candidate will notoverhear it.)

WM: The pass-word is right. Whence came you andwhither are you traveling?

SD: From the West, traveling East.

WM: Why did you leave the West and travel East?

SD: In search of more Light in Masonry.

WM: Since the Brother is in possession of all thesenecessary qualifications, and in search of moreLight in Masonry, re-conduct him to the SeniorWarden in the West, who will teach him how toapproach the East in due and ancient form.

SD: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: Brother Senior Deacon.

SD: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that youteach this Brother how to approach the East indue and ancient form.

SW: Cause the Brother to face the East.

SW: Brother ____, advance on your left foot as anEntered Apprentice. Take an additional step onyour right foot, bringing the heel of your left intothe hollow of your right, thereby forming the angleof a square.



SW: The Brother is in order.

WM: Brother ____, before you can proceed further inFreemasonry, it will be necessary for you to takean Obligation appertaining to this degree. Itbecomes my duty, as well as pleasure, to informyou, that there is nothing contained in theObligation that conflicts with the duties you oweto God, your country, your neighbor, your family,or yourself. With this assurance on my part, areyou willing to take the Obligation?

Cand: (Answers in the affirmative)

WM: Than advance to the Sacred Altar ofFreemasonry. There kneel on your naked rightknee, your left forming the angle of a square,your right hand resting on the Holy Bible, Squareand Compasses, your left in a vertical position,your arm forming a square.

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9SD: (S) Worshipful Master, the Brother is in due form.

WM: * * *.

WM: Brother ____, if you are still willing to take theObligation, say “I”, pronounce your name in full,and repeat after me.

Cand: I, ____ ____, of my own free will and accord, inthe presence of Almighty God and this WorshipfulLodge of Fellow Crafts, erected to Him, anddedicated to the memory of the Holy Saints John,do hereby and hereon, solemnly and sincerelypromise and swear, that I will keep and concealand never reveal any of the secrets belonging tothe Degree of Fellow Craft, which I have received,am about to receive, or may be hereafterinstructed in, to any person unless it shall be to aworthy Brother Fellow Craft, or within the bodyof a just and duly constituted Lodge of such; andnot unto him or them until by due trial, strictexamination, or lawful Masonic information, I shallhave found him or them justly entitled to receivethe same.

Furthermore, I do promise and swear that I willanswer and obey all due signs and regularsummons, sent me from the body of a just andduly constituted Lodge of Fellow Crafts, or handedme by a worthy Brother of this degree, if withinthe length of my cable-tow, and the square andangle of my work.

Furthermore, I do promise and swear that I willhelp, aid and assist all poor and distressed FellowCrafts, they applying to me as such, I findingthem worthy, and can do so without material injuryto myself.

Furthermore, I do promise and swear that I willnot wrong, cheat, nor defraud a Fellow CraftsLodge, or a worthy Brother of this degree, to thevalue of anything, knowingly, nor suffer it to bedone by another if in my power to prevent.

To all of which I do solemnly and sincerelypromise and swear, without any hesitation, mentalreservation, or secret evasion of mind in mewhatsoever, binding myself under no less apenalty than that of having my left breast tornopen, my heart and vitals taken thence, and withmy body given as a prey to the vultures of theair, should I ever knowingly, or willfully, violatethis, my solemn Obligation of a Fellow Craft. Sohelp me God and make me steadfast to keep andperform the same.

WM: In token of your sincerity, kiss the Holy Bible onwhich you hand rests.

WM: Brother Senior Deacon, remove the cable-tow.

WM: Brother ____, in your present situation, what doyou most desire?

Cand: (prompted by SD) More Light in Masonry.

WM: Let the Brother be brought to Light.

WM: My Brother, on being brought to Light in thisdegree, you behold the Three Great Lights inMasonry, as in the preceding degree, with thisdifference: One point of the Compasses is abovethe Square, which is to teach you that you havereceived, and are entitled to receive, more Lightin Masonry. But as one point is still hidden fromyour view, it is also to teach you that you are asyet one material point in darkness respectingFreemasonry.

WM: *.

WM: You now behold me as Worshipful Master of thisLodge, approaching you from the East, upon thestep, under the due-guard and sign of an EnteredApprentice; upon the step, under the due-guardand sign of a Fellow Craft. My Brother, a FellowCraft advances on his right foot, bringing the heelof his left into the hollow of his right, therebyforming the angle of a square. This is thedueguard, and alludes to the position of yourhands while taking the Obligation; this is the sign,and alludes to the penalty of the Obligation. Thisdue-guard and sign are always to be given as asalutation to the Worshipful Master, also onentering or retiring from a Fellow Crafts Lodge.

WM: My Brother, before rising from this Sacred Altarwhere you have taken the solemn Obligation of aFellow Craft, I wish to direct your attention toone of its ties. You have sworn that you wouldanswer and obey all due signs and regularsummons sent you from the body of a just andduly constituted Lodge of Fellow Crafts, or handedyou by a worthy Brother of this degree, if withinthe length of your cable-tow and the square andangle of your work. The length of your cable-tow alludes to your ability to obey a summons,and the square and angle of your work to thepropriety of answering such. Should you receivea summons from this or any other Lodge, healthand business permitting, it would be your duty toobey it; health and business not permitting, itwould not be within the length of your cable-tow.

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10Should you see a Masonic sign given at what youdeemed an improper time, or an improper place,you are not bound to answer it; it would not bewithin the square and angle of your work. MyBrother, your own good judgment must tell youwhen and where to answer Masonic signs.

I now present my right hand in token of thecontinuance of friendship and brotherly love, andwill invest you with the pass-grip, pass-word, realgrip and word of a Fellow Craft. As you areuninstructed, he who has hitherto answered foryou, will do so at this time. Give me the grip ofan Entered Apprentice.


SD: Worshipful Master.

WM: Will you be off or from?

SD: From.

WM: From what and to what?

SD: From the grip of an Entered Apprentice to thepass-grip of a Fellow Craft.

WM: Pass. What is that?

SD: The pass-grip of a Fellow Craft.

WM: Has it a name?

SD: It has.

WM: Will you give it to me?

SD: I did not so receive it; neither will I so impart it.

WM: How will you dispose of it?

SD: Letter or syllable it.

WM: Syllable it and begin.

SD: You begin.

WM: Begin you.

SD: Shib.

WM: bo.

SD: leth.

WM: Shibboleth, my Brother, is the name of this grip.

You should always remember it, for should yoube present at the opening or a Fellow CraftsLodge, this pass-word will be demanded of youby one of the Deacons, and should you be unableto give it, it would cause confusion in the Craft.

WM: Will you be off or from?

SD: From.

WM: From what and to what?

SD: From the pass-grip of a Fellow Craft, to the realgrip of the same.

WM: Pass. What is that?

SD: The real grip of a Fellow Craft.

WM: Has it a name?

SD: It has.

WM: Will you give it to me?


WM: How will you dispose of it?

SD: Letter or halve it.

WM: Letter it and begin.

SD: You begin.

WM: Begin you.

SD: A.

WM: J.

SD: C.

WM: H.

SD: I.

WM: N.

WM: Jachin, my Brother, is the name of this grip, andshould always be given in this manner, by letteringor halving it. When lettering, always commencewith the letter “A”. Rise, salute the Junior andSenior Wardens and satisfy them that you are inpossession of the step, due-guard, sign, pass-grip, pass-word, real grip and word of a FellowCraft.

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11SD: * * *.

JW: *. Who comes here?

SD: A worthy Brother Fellow Craft.

JW: How may I know him to be such?

SD: By certain signs and tokens.

JW: What are signs?

SD: Right angles, horizontals, and perpendiculars

JW: Advance a sign. Has that an allusion?

SD: It has; to the position of my hands while takingthe Obligation.

JW: Have you a further sign?

SD: I have.

JW: Has that an allusion?

SD: It has, to the penalty of the Obligation.

JW: What are tokens?

SD: Certain friendly or brotherly grips whereby oneMason may know another in the dark as in thelight.

JW: Advance and give me a token. What is that?


JW: Has it a name?

SD: It has.

JW: Will you give it to me?


JW: How will you dispose of it?


JW: Syllable it and begin.

SD: You begin.

JW: Begin you.

Cand: Shib. (prompted if necessary)

JW: bo.

Cand: leth.

Cand: Shibboleth.

JW: Will you be off or from?

SD: From.

JW: From what and to what?

SD: From the pass-grip of a Fellow Craft to the realgrip of the same.

JW: Pass. What is that?


JW: Has it a name?

SD: It has.

JW: Will you give it to me?


JW: How will you dispose of it?


JW: Letter it and begin.

SD: You begin.

JW: Begin you.

Cand: A. (prompted as necessary)

JW: J.

Cand: C.

JW: H.

Cand: I.

JW: N.

SD: Jachin.

JW: The word is right. I am satisfied.

SD: * * *.


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12SD: A worthy Brother Fellow Craft.

SW: How may I know him to be such?

SD: By certain signs and tokens.

SW: What are signs?

SD: Right angles, horizontals, and perpendiculars.

SW: Advance a sign. Has that an allusion?

SD: It has; to the position of my hands while takingthe Obligation.

SW: Have you a further sign?

SD: I have.

SW: Has that an allusion?

SD: It has; to the penalty of the Obligation.

SW: What are tokens?

SD: Certain friendly or brotherly grips whereby oneMason may know another in the dark as in thelight.

SW: Advance and give me a token. What is that?


SW: Has it a name?

SD: It has.

SW: Will you give it to me?


SW: How will you dispose of it?


SW: Syllable it and begin.

SD: You begin.

SW: Begin you.

Cand: Shib. (prompted)

SW: bo.

Cand: leth.

Cand: Shibboleth.

SW: Will you be off or from?

SD: From.

SW: From what and to what?

SD: From the pass-grip of a Fellow Craft to the realgrip of the same.

SW: Pass. What is that?


SW: Has it a name?

SD: It has.





SW: Syllable it and begin.

SD: You begin.

SW: Begin you.

Cand: A;

SW: J;

Cand: C;

SW: H;

Cand: I;

SW: N.

Cand: Jachin.

SW: The word is right, I am satisfied. Conduct theBrother to the Worshipful Master in the East.

WM: *. Brother Senior Deacon, re-conduct the Brotherto the Senior Warden in the West, who will teachhim how to wear his apron as a Fellow Craft.

SD: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: Brother Senior Deacon.

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13SD: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that you

teach this Brother how to wear his apron as aFellow Craft.

SW: Cause the Brother to face the East. My Brother,you have already been informed that at thebuilding of King Solomon’s Temple, the differentbands of workmen were distinguished by themanner in which they wore their aprons. FellowCrafts wore theirs with the flap turned down atthe lower left corner, tucked up in the form of atriangle, to serve as a receptacle for their workingtools. As a Fellow Craft you will therefore wearyours in this manner, that the three sides of thetriangle thus formed may symbolize the fidelity,industry, and skill which should characterize yourwork as a Fellow Craft.

SD: Worshipful Master, your orders have beenobeyed.

WM: My Brother, as you are now clothed as a FellowCraft, I present you emblematically, the workingtools, which are the Plumb, Square, and Level,and are thus explained: The Plumb is aninstrument used by operative masons to tryperpendiculars, the Square to square their work,and the Level to prove horizontals; but we, asFree and Accepted Masons, are taught to usethem for more noble and glorious purposes. ThePlumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in ourseveral stations before God and man, squaringour actions by the Square of Virtue, everremembering that we are traveling upon the Levelof Time to that “undiscovered country from whosebourne no traveler returns.”

WM: I now present you the Three Precious Jewels;the Attentive Ear, the Instructive Tongue, and theFaithful Breast. They teach us this importantlesson. The Attentive Ear receives the soundfrom the Instructive Tongue, and the mysteriesof Freemasonry are safely lodged in therepository of Faithful Breasts.

WM: Brother Senior Deacon, reconduct the Brotherto the place whence he came, invest him withthat of which he has been divested, and returnhim to a place representing the Middle Chamberof King Solomon’s Temple.

WM: My Brother, salute as you have been instructed.

WM: *. Brother Junior Warden.


WM: Call the Craft from labor to refreshment, to resumelabor at the sound of the gavel in the East.

JW: * * *. Brethren, it is the order of the WorshipfulMaster that you be now called from labor torefreshment, to resume labor at the sound of thegavel in the East.

*. (Craft is called from labor to refreshment.)

WM: *. (Craft resumes labor.)

SS: * * *. (from outside the inner door)



SD: There is an alarm at the inner door.

WM: Attend to the alarm and ascertain the cause.

SD: * * *. Who comes here?

SS: Worthy Brother Fellow Crafts desire admission.

SD: Worshipful Master, worthy Brother Fellow Craftsdesire admission.

WM: You will admit them and conduct thememblematically through a porch, up a flight ofwinding stairs consisting of three, five, and sevensteps, through an outer and inner door, into aplace representing the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

SD: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that yoube admitted and conducted emblematicallythrough a porch, up a flight of winding stairsconsisting of three, five, and seven steps, throughan outer and inner door, into a place representingthe Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple.

MIDDLE CHAMBER LECTURE:

My Brother, the second section of this degree isprincipally devoted to the explanation of physicalscience, and by the studies attached thereto, themind is improved and elevated to a communionwith its Maker. Circumstances of importance tothe Craft, and of peculiar interest to the Masonwho delights in the study of the mystic beautiesof his profession, are here developed andexplained.

The second section of this degree also hasreference to the origin of the institution, and views

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14Masonry under two denominations, operative andSpeculative.

By operative masonry, we allude to the properapplication of the useful rules of architecture,whence a structure will derive figure, strengthand beauty, and whence will result a dueproportion and just correspondence in all its parts.It furnishes us with dwellings and convenientshelter from the vicissitudes and inclemencies ofseasons; and while it displays the effects of humanwisdom, as well in the choice as in thearrangement of the sundry materials of which anedifice is composed, it demonstrates that a fundof science and industry is implanted in man forthe best most salutary and beneficent purposes.By Speculative, or Free, Masonry, we learn tosubdue the passions, act upon the Square, keepa tongue of good report, maintain secrecy, andpractice charity. It is so far interwoven withreligion as to lay us under obligation to pay thatrational homage to the Deity which at onceconstitutes our duty and our happiness. It leadsthe contemplative to view with reverence andadmiration the glorious works of creation, andinspires him with the most exalted ideas of theperfection of his Divine Creator.

The second section of this degree also refers tothe origin of the Jewish Sabbath, as well as tothe manner in which it was kept by our ancientBrethren.

In six days God created the heaven and the earth,and rested on the seventh day; the seventh,therefore, our ancient Brethren consecrated asa day of rest from their labor, thereby enjoyingfrequent opportunities to contemplate the gloriousworks of Creation, and to adore their GreatCreator.

At the building of King Solomon’s Temple therewere eighty thousand Fellow Crafts employed.These were all under the immediate direction ofour ancient Operative Grand Master Hiram Abif.On the evening of the sixth day their work wasinspected, and all who had proved themselvesworthy, by strict fidelity to their duties, wereinvested with certain mystic signs, grips, andwords, to enable them to gain admission into theMiddle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple. Onthe same day and hour, King Solomon,accompanied by his confidential officers,consisting of his Secretary, Senior and JuniorWardens, repaired to the Middle Chamber to meetthem.

His Secretary he placed near his person, theSenior Warden at the inner and the Junior Wardenat the outer door, giving them strict instructionsto suffer none to enter except such as were inpossession of certain mystic signs, grips, andwords, previously established, so that when anydid enter, he, knowing that they must have beenfaithful workmen or they could not have gainedadmission, had nothing to do but order their namesrecorded as such, and pay them their wages,which they received in corn, wine and oil,emblematical of nourishment, refreshment and joy,and after solemnly admonishing them of thereverence due the great and sacred name of Deity,suffered them to depart in peace until the timeshould arrive to commence the following week’swork.

This, you will perceive, was all accomplished onthe evening of the sixth day, that there might beno unnecessary labor performed on the seventh,that being a day set apart for rest and meditation.We, my Brother, are in possession of the samemystic signs, grips and words as were our ancientBrethren, and are about to endeavor to work ourway into a place representing the Middle Chamberof King Solomon’s Temple, and should wesucceed, I have no doubt we shall be alikereceived and rewarded.

In doing this it will be necessary for us to makean advance, emblematically, through a porch, upa flight of winding stairs consisting of three, five,and seven steps, through an outer and inner door.In making this advance we necessarily passbetween two pillars or columns, representingthose pillars erected at the entrance to the porchof King Solomon’s Temple; one on the right hand,the other on the left. The name of the one on theleft hand was Boaz, denoting strength; the nameof the one on the right, Jachin, denotingestablishment, collectively alluding to severalpromises of God to David, one of which reads:“And thine house and thy kingdom shall beestablished forever before thee.”

“Also he made before the house two pillars ofthirty and five cubits high, and the chapiter thatwas on the top of each of them was five cubits.”Their composition was of molten or cast brass,the better to withstand inundation or conflagration,that they might not be removed by flood ordestroyed by fire. They were cast in the claygrounds on the banks of the River Jordan,between Succoth and Zeredatha, where KingSolomon ordered these and all the sacred vesselsof the Temple to be cast. They were cast hollow

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15for the purpose of containing the rolls and recordswhich composed the archives of our ancientBrethren.

The chapiters were adorned with leaves of lilywork,network and chains of pomegranates, denotingPeace, Unite, and Plenty. The Lily, from itsextreme whiteness, as well as the retired situationin which it grows, denotes Peace; the Network,from the intimate connection of all its parts, Unity;and the Pomegranate, from the exuberance of itsseed, Plenty.

These pillars are surmounted by two artificialspherical bodies, on the convex surfaces of whichare represented the countries, seas, and variousparts of the earth; the face of the heavens, theplanetary revolutions, and other importantparticulars.

Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired witha due reverence for the Deity and His works,and are induced to encourage the studies ofastronomy, geography, navigation, and the artsdependent on them, by which society has beenso much benefited.

Passing between these columns, the next objectto which our attention is particularly drawn is arepresentation of a flight of winding stairs,consisting of three, five, and seven steps, eachof which has certain Masonic significance.

The three steps allude to the Three Great Lightsin Masonry, the Holy Bible, Square andCompasses; also to the three principal officersof the Lodge, the Worshipful Master, Senior andJunior Wardens, who represent the three greatsupports of Masonry: Wisdom, Strength andBeauty, it being necessary that there should bewisdom to contrive, strength to support, andbeauty to adorn all great and importantundertakings.

The three steps also allude to the great luminaryof creation as he appears to us at the threeprincipal points of observation: he rises in theeast to open the day with a mild and gentleinfluence, and all Nature rejoices at theappearance of his beams; he gains his meridianin the south, invigorating all things with theperfection of his ripening qualities; with decliningstrength he sets in the west to close the day,leaving mankind to rest from their labor.

This is the type of the three principal stages inthe life of man; infancy, manhood, and age.

The first of these is characterized by the blush ofinnocence as pure as the tints that gild the easternportals of the day; and the heart rejoices in theunsuspecting integrity of its own unblemishedvirtue, nor fears deceit, because it knows no guile.Manhood succeeds; the ripening intellect attainsthe meridian of its powers. At the approach of oldage, strength decays - his sun is setting in thewest. Enfeebled by sickness and bodilyinfirmities, he lingers on until death finally closeshis eventful day, and happy is he if the settingsplendors of a virtuous life gild his departingmoments with the gentle tints of Hope, and closehis short career in peace, harmony, and brotherlylove.

Ponder well, my Brother, upon the wisdom taughtby these emblems, and be admonished:

“That when thy summons comes to joinThe innumerable caravan, which movesTo that mysterious realm, where each shall takeHis chamber in the silent halls of death,Thou go not, like the quarry-slave at night,Scourged to his dungeon, but, sustained andsoothed

By an unfaltering trust, approach thy graveLike one who wraps the drapery of his couchAbout him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.”

We will make a further advance and ascend thefive steps. The five steps allude to the five ordersof architecture, and the five human senses.

By order in architecture is meant a system of allthe members, proportions and ornaments ofcolumns and pilasters; or it is the regulararrangement of the projecting parts of a building,which, united with those of a column, form abeautiful, perfect and complete whole.

From the first formation of society, order inarchitecture may be traced. When the rigors ofseasons obliged men to contrive shelter from theinclemency of the weather, we learn that theyfirst planted trees on end, and then laid othersacross to support a covering.

The bands which connected those trees at topand bottom are said to have given rise to theidea of the base and capital of pillars, and fromthis simple hint originally proceeded the moreimproved art of architecture.

The five orders are thus classed: the Tuscan,Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite.

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16The ancient and original orders of architecturerevered by Masons are no more than three - theDoric, Ionic, and Corinthian, which were inventedby the Greeks. To these the Romans have addedtwo - the Tuscan, which they made plainer thanthe Doric, and the Composite, which was moreornamental, if not more beautiful than theCorinthian. The first three orders alone, however,show invention and particular character, andessentially differ from each other; the two othershave nothing but what is borrowed, and differonly accidentally. The Tuscan is the Doric in itsearliest state, and the Composite is the Corinthianenriched with the Ionic. To the Greeks, therefore,and not to the Romans, we are indebted for thatwhich is great, judicious and distinct inarchitecture.

The five human senses are Hearing, Seeing,Feeling, Smelling and Tasting, the first three ofwhich have ever been deemed prerequisite tobeing made a Mason, for by Hearing we hearthe word, Shibboleth; by Seeing, we see the sign;and by Feeling, we feel that friendly and brotherlygrip whereby one Mason may know another inthe dark as in the light.

We will now make a still further advance andascend the seven steps. The seven steps alludeto the seven liberal arts and sciences, which are:Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry,Music, and Astronomy.

Grammar is the science which teaches us howto express our ideas in appropriate words, whichwe afterward beautify and adorn with Rhetoric;while Logic instructs us how to think and reasonwith propriety, and to make language subordinateto thought.

Arithmetic, which is the science of computing bynumbers, is absolutely essential, not only to athorough knowledge of all mathematical science,but also to a proper pursuit of our daily vocations.

Geometry treats of the powers and properties ofmagnitudes in general, where length, breadth andthickness are considered - from a point to a line,from a line to a superficies, and from a superficiesto a solid.

A point is the beginning of all geometrical matter.A line is the continuation of the same.

A superficies has length and breadth without agiven thickness.

A solid has length and breadth with a giventhickness, which forms a cube and comprehendsthe whole.

By this science the architect is enabled toconstruct his plans and execute his designs; thegeneral to arrange his soldiers; the engineer tomark out grounds for encampments; thegeographer to give the dimensions of the worldand all things therein contained - to delineate theextent of the seas, and specify the divisions ofempires, kingdoms and provinces. By it also,the astronomer is enabled to make hisobservations, and to fix the duration of times andseasons, years and cycles. In fine, Geometry isthe foundation of architecture and the root ofmathematics.

To be without a perception of the charms of Musicis to be without the finer traits of humanity. It isthe medium which gives the natural worldcommunication with the spiritual, and few are theywho have not felt its power and acknowledged itsexpressions to be intelligible to the heart. It is alanguage of delightful sensations, far moreeloquent than words. It breathes to the ear theclearest intimations; it touches and gently agitatesthe agreeable and sublime passions; it wraps usin melancholy and elevates us to joy; it dissolvesand inflames; it melts us in tenderness and excitesus to war.

It has a voice for every age and a capacity forevery degree of taste and intelligence. Its lullabysoothes the infant in its mother’s arms; its joyousnotes wing the tripping feet of the dancers on thegreen; its martial tones inspire the spirit ofpatriotism, nerve the warrior’s arm, and fire hisheart. The stirring strains of national airs, heardon the rough edge of battle, have ever thrilled thesoldier, causing him to burn with an emulousdesire to lead the perilous advance, and animatinghim to deeds of heroic valor and the most sublimedevotion. Amid the roar of cannon, the din ofmusketry and the carnage of battle, he is strickento the dust.

Raising himself to take one last long look on life,he hears in the distance that plaintive strain,“Home, Sweet Home.”

It was our mother’s evening hymn, and has oftenlulled us to sleep in infancy. The mellowing tidesof old cathedral airs, vibrating through aisles andarches, have stilled the ruffled spirit, andsweeping aside the discordant passions of men,have bourne them along its resistless current,

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17until their united voices have joined in soundingaloud the chorus of the heaven-born anthem:“Peace on earth, good will toward men.”

But music never sounds with such seraphicharmony as when employed in singing hymns ofgratitude to the Creator of the Universe:“Be Thou, O God, exalted high,And as Thy glory fills the sky,So let it be on earth displayed,Till Thou art here, as there, obeyed.”

Astronomy is that sublime science which inspiresthe contemplative mind to soar aloft and read thewisdom, strength and beauty of the Great Creatorin the heavens. How nobly eloquent of the Deityis the celestial hemisphere - spangled with themost magnificent heralds of His infinite glory!They speak to the whole universe; for there is nopeople so barbarous as to fail to understand theirlanguage; no nation so distant that their voicesare not heard among them.

My Brother, we are now approaching a placerepresenting the outer door to the MiddleChamber of King Solomon’s Temple, which wewill find partly open but closely tyled by the JuniorWarden, who will doubtless demand of us thepass-word of a Fellow Craft. Let us advanceand make a regular alarm.

SD: * * *.

JW: Who comes here?

SD: Fellow Crafts endeavoring to work their way intoa place representing the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

JW: How do you expect to gain admission?

SD: By the pass-word of a Fellow Craft.

JW: Give it.

SD: Shibboleth.

JW: What does it denote?

SD: Plenty.

JW: How represented?

SD: By a sheaf of corn, suspended near a waterfall,which teaches us that while we have bread to eatand pure refreshing water to drink, we have allthat necessity requires.

JW: By whom instituted?

SD: By Jephthah, a Judge of Israel, in a war with theEphraimites. The Ephraimites had long been astubborn and rebellious people, whom Jephthahhad striven to subdue by mild and lenientmeasures, but without effect. They were highlyincensed at Jephthah for not being called to fightand share in the rich spoils of the Ammonitishwar, and gathered together a mighty army,crossed the River Jordan, and prepared to giveJephthah battle; but, being apprised of theirapproach, he called together the men of Israel,went forth, gave them battle, and put them to flight;and to make his victory more complete hestationed guards at the different passes alongthe banks of the River Jordan and said unto them,“If ye see any strangers pass this way, say untothem, ‘Now say ye, Shibboleth,’ but theEphraimites, being of a different tribe, could notframe to pronounce the word and said ‘Sibboleth.’This trifling defect proved them to be enemiesand cost them their lives, and there fell that dayon the field of battle and at the different passesalong the banks of the River Jordan, forty andtwo thousand, after which Jephthah ruled quietlyin Israel until the time of his death, in all about sixyears.

This was what affected us to distinguish a friendfrom a foe, and has since been adopted as thepass-word to be given before entering any regularand well governed Lodge of Fellow Crafts.

JW: I am satisfied; pass on.

SD: My Brother, we are now approaching a placerepresenting the inner door to the MiddleChamber of King Solomon’s Temple, which wewill find partly open but closely tyled by the SeniorWarden, who will doubtless demand of us thereal grip and word of a Fellow Craft. Let usadvance and make a regular alarm.

SD: * * *.


SD: Fellow Crafts endeavoring to work their way intoa place representing the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

SW: How do you expect to gain admission?

SD: By the real grip and word of a Fellow Craft.

SW: Advance and give it. What is that?

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18SD: The real grip of a Fellow Craft.

SW: Has it a name?

SD: It has.





SW: Letter it and begin.

SD: You begin.

SW: Begin you.

SD: A;

SW: J;

SD: C;

SW: H;

SD: I;

SW: N.

SD: Jachin.

SW: I am satisfied; pass on and in.

SD: My Brother, we are now in a place representingthe Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple.Behold the letter G, suspended in the East! It isthe initial of Geometry, the first and noblest ofsciences, and the basis on which thesuperstructure of Freemasonry is erected. ByGeometry we may curiously trace Nature throughher various windings to her most concealedrecesses; by it we discover the power, wisdomand goodness of the Grand Artificer of theUniverse, and view with delight the proportionswhich compose this vast machine; by it wediscover how the planets move in their respectiveorbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions;by it we count for the return of the seasons, andthe variety of scenes which each season displaysto the discerning eye. Numberless worlds arearound us, all framed by the same Divine Artist,which roll through the vast expanse, and are allconducted by the same unerring law of Nature.

A survey of Nature, and the observations of herbeautiful proportions, first determined man toimitate the Divine Plan and study symmetry andorder. This gave rise to societies and birth toevery useful art. The architect began to design,and the plans which he laid down, being improvedby time and experience, have produced workswhich are the admiration of every age.

The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance,and the devastations of war have laid waste anddestroyed many valuable monuments of antiquity,on which the utmost exertions of human geniushave been employed. Even the Temple ofSolomon, so spacious and magnificent, andconstructed by so many celebrated artists,escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarousforce. Freemasonry, notwithstanding, stillsurvives. The attentive ear receives the soundfrom the instructive tongue, and the mysteries ofFreemasonry are safely lodged in the repositoryof faithful breasts.

Ages ago, upon the Eastern plains, was ourinstitution set up, founded upon principles moredurable than the metal wrought into the statuesof ancient kings. Age after age rolled by; stormand tempest hurled their thunders at its head;wave after wave of bright insidious sands curledabout its feet and heaped their sliding grainsagainst its sides; men came and went in fleetinggenerations; seasons fled like hours through thewhirling wheel of time; but through the attrition ofthe waves and sands of life - through evil reportas well as good, Freemasonry has maintainedits beneficent influence, spreading wider andwider over the earth.

Tools and implements of architecture andsymbolic emblems most expressive have beenselected by the Fraternity to imprint on the mindwise and serious truths, and thus through thesuccession of ages have been transmitted,unimpaired, the most excellent tenets or ourinstitution.

Every Brother admitted within the walls of thisMiddle Chamber should heed the lessons hereinculcated, and consider that as a Freemasonhe is a builder, not of a material edifice, but of atemple more glorious than that of Solomon - atemple of honor, of justice, of purity, of knowledge,and of truth - and that these tools of the operativemason’s art indicate the labors he is to perform,the dangers he is to encounter, and thepreparations he is to make in the uprearing ofthat spiritual temple wherein his soul will find rest

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19forever and forevermore; then, indeed will theattentive ear have received the sound from theinstructive tongue, and the mysteries ofFreemasonry shall be safely lodged in therepository of faithful breasts.



SD: I have the pleasure of presenting Brother ____,who has made an advance, emblematically,through a porch, up a flight of winding stairs,consisting of three, five, and even steps, throughan outer and inner door, into a place representingthe Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s Temple,and now awaits your pleasure.

WM: My Brother, I congratulate you on arriving at aplace representing the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

It was there our ancient brethren had their namesrecorded as faithful workmen; it is here that youare entitled to have yours recorded as such.Brother Secretary, please make the properrecord.

Secy: Worshipful Master, the record will be made.

WM: It was there also our ancient Brethren receivedtheir wages, consisting of Corn, Wine, and Oil,emblematical of nourishment, refreshment, andjoy, which was to signify that our ancient Brethren,when passed to this degree, were entitled towages sufficient to procure not only thenecessaries and comforts of life, but many of itssuperfluities; and may your industrious habits andstrict application to business procure for you aplenty of the Corn of nourishment, the Wine ofrefreshment, and the Oil of joy.

WM: * * *.

WM: The letter G, to which your attention was directedon your passage hither, has a still greater andmore significant meaning. It is the initial of thegrand and sacred name of God, before whom allMasons, from the youngest Entered Apprenticewho stands in the Northeast corner of the Lodge,to the Worshipful Master who presides in the East,should most humbly, reverently, and devoutly bow.

WM: *. My Brother, this concludes the ceremonies ofthis degree, and if you will remain standing, I willrepeat to you the charge.

CHARGE AT PASSING:

My Brother, being passed to the Second Degreeof Freemasonry, we congratulate you on yourpreferment. The internal, and not the external,qualifications of a man are what Masonry regards.As you increase in knowledge you will improvein social intercourse.

It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties whichas a Fellow Craft you are bound to discharge, orto enlarge on the necessity of a strict adherenceto them, as your own experience must haveestablished their value. Our laws and regulationsyou are strenuously to support, and be alwaysready to assist in seeing them duly executed.You are not to palliate or aggravate the offensesof your Brethren, but in the decision of everytrespass against our rules you are to judge withcandor, admonish with friendship and reprehendwith justice.

Be just and fear not. Never speak ill of anyoneunless you are sure that what you say be true.Avoid suspicion; for, like the fabled upas, it blightsall healthy life and makes a desert round it.

Nothing so fair, nothing so pure can live, but bysuspicion may be marred and blasted; no pathso straight but to suspicion’s eye looks tortuousand bent from its true end.

The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branchof education which tends so effectually to polishand adorn the mind, is earnestly recommendedto your consideration, especially the science ofGeometry, which is established as the basis ofour art. Geometry, or Masonry, originallysynonymous terms, being of a divine and moralnature, is enriched with the most usefulknowledge; while it proves the wonderfulproperties of nature, it demonstrates the moreimportant truths of morality.

Your past behavior and regular deportment havemerited the honor we have conferred, and in yournew character it is expected that you will conformto the principles of the Order by steadilypersevering in the practice of every commendablevirtue.

Such is the nature of your engagement as aFellow Craft, and to these duties you are boundby the most sacred ties.

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20WM: My Brother, there is a lecture in connection with

this degree that it will be necessary for you tocommit to memory and on which you must passa suitable examination in open Lodge, or asprovided by our Nevada Code, before you canbe Raised to the Sublime Degree of MasterMason. I have no doubt that the Brother whohas instructed you thus far will be pleased tocontinue.

FELLOW CRAFTS CLOSING:



WM: Have you anything to bring before the Lodgebefore I proceed to close?

SW: Nothing in the West.

WM: Anything in the South, Brother Junior Warden?

JW: (S) Nothing in the South.

WM: Has any Brother anything to bring before theLodge before I proceed to close?

WM: *. Brother Junior Deacon.


WM: The last as well as the first great care of Masonswhen convened?

JD: To see that they are duly tyled.

WM: Attend to that duty and inform the Tyler that I amabout to close this Lodge of Fellow Crafts, anddirect him to tyle accordingly.

JD: * * *. Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform youthat the Worshipful Master is about to close thisLodge of Fellow Crafts. Take due notice thereofand govern yourself accordingly.

JD: * * *. Tyl: * * *.

JD: (S) Worshipful Master, we are duly tyled.

WM: How are we tyled?

JD: By a Brother of this degree, armed with the properimplement of his office.

WM: His duty there?

JD: To observe the approach of cowans andeavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or re-pass except such as are duly qualified and havepermission from the Worshipful Mater.



WM: Are you a Fellow Craft?

SW: I am, try me.

WM: By what will you be tried?

SW: By the square.

WM: Why by the Square?

SW: Because It is an emblem of morality and one ofthe working tools of a Fellow Craft.

WM: What is a Square?

SW: An angle of ninety degrees, or the fourth part ofa circle.

WM: What makes you a Fellow Craft?

SW: My Obligation.

WM: Where were you made a Fellow Craft?

SW: Within the body of a just and duly constitutedLodge of Fellow Crafts, assembled in a placerepresenting the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

WM: How many compose a Fellow Crafts Lodge?

SW: Five or more.

WM: When composed of five, of whom does it consist?

SW: The Worshipful Master, Senior and JuniorWardens, Senior and Junior Deacons.

WM: Brother Senior Warden, the Junior Deacon’splace in the Lodge?

SW: At my right.

WM: * *. Brother Junior Deacon.


WM: Your duty?

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21JD: To carry messages from the Senior Warden in

the West to the Junior Warden in the South, andelsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct;attend the alarms at the outer door and reportthe same to the Worshipful Master; also to seethat we are duly tyled.

WM: The Senior Deacon’s place?

JD: At the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.



WM: Your duty?

SD: To carry orders from the Worshipful Master inthe East to the Senior Warden in the West, andelsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct;welcome and clothe visiting Brethren, attend thealarms at the inner door; also to receive andconduct candidates.

WM: The Junior Warden’s station?

SD: In the South.

WM: Brother Junior Warden.


WM: Your duty in the South?

JW: To observe the sun at meridian, which is the gloryand beauty of the day; call the Craft from laborto refreshments, superintend them during thehours thereof, carefully to observe that theirmeans of refreshments are not perverted tointemperance or excess, and see that they returnto their labors in due season, that the WorshipfulMaster may receive honor, and they pleasureand profit thereby.

WM: The Senior Warden’s station?

JW: In the West.



WM: Why in the West?

SW: As the sun is in the West at close of day, sostands the Senior Warden in the West to assistthe Worshipful Master in opening and closing

the Lodge; paying the Craft their wages, if anybe due, that none may go away dissatisfied;harmony being the support of all institutions,especially this of ours.

WM: The Master’s station?

SW: In the East.

WM: Why in the East?

SW: As the sun rises in the East to rule and governthe day (WM: * * *.), so rises the Worshipful Masterin the East to open and govern the Lodge; settingthe Craft at work, giving them proper instructionfor their labor.

WM: Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that ________ Lodge No. ___ be now closed on theSecond Degree of Freemasonry, and standclosed until opened by proper authority, of whichdue and timely notice will be given. Thiscommunicate to the Junior Warden in the South,and he to the Brethren present, that having duenotice thereof, they may govern themselvesaccordingly.

SW: Brother Junior Warden.

JW: Brother Senior Warden.

SW: It is the order of the Worshipful Master that ________ Lodge No. ___ be now closed on theSecond Degree of Freemasonry, and standclosed until opened by proper authority, of whichdue and timely notice will be given. Thiscommunicate to the Brethren present, that havingdue notice thereof, they may govern themselvesaccordingly.

JW: Brethren; it is the order of the Worshipful Master,communicated to me through the Senior Wardenin the West, that ____ ____ Lodge No. ___ benow closed on the Second Degree ofFreemasonry, and stand closed until opened byproper authority, of which due and timely noticewill be given. I communicate the same to you,that having due notice thereof, you may governyourselves accordingly.

WM: Brethren; attend to giving the signs; observe theEast.

WM: *.

SW: *.

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22JW: *.

WM: *.

SW: *.

JW: *.

WM: Brethren, give your attention to the Chaplain.

Chap: And now, Almighty Father, we ask Thy blessingupon the proceedings of this communication, andas we are about to separate, we ask Thee tokeep us under Thy protecting care until againwe are called together. Teach us, O God, torealize the beauties of the principles of our time-honored institution, not only while in the Lodge,but when abroad in the world. Subdue everydiscordant passion within us. May we love oneanother in the bonds of union and friendship.AMEN




WM: How should Masons meet?

SW: On the Level.

WM: And how act, Brother Junior Warden?

JW: By the Plumb.

WM: And part upon the Square. So should we, myBrethren, ever meet, act, and part. May theblessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regularMasons. May brotherly love prevail, and everymoral and social virtue cement us. AMEN.




WM: Attend at the Altar and close the Three GreatLights in Masonry.

WM: I now declare ____ ____ Lodge No. ___ dulyclosed.

WM: Brother Junior Deacon.


WM: Inform the Tyler.

WM: *.

FELLOW CRAFT EXAMINATION:

Q. Are you a Fellow Craft?

A. I am, try me.

Q. By what will you be tried?

A. By the Square.

Q. Why by the Square?

A. Because it is an emblem of morality and one ofthe working tools of a Fellow Craft.

Q. What is a Square?

A. An angle of ninety degrees, or the fourth part ofa circle.

Q. What makes you a Fellow Craft?

A. My Obligation.

Q. Where were you made a Fellow Craft?

A. Within the body of a just and duly constitutedLodge of Fellow Crafts, assembled in a placerepresenting the Middle Chamber of KingSolomon’s Temple.

Q. How may I know you to be a Fellow Craft?

A. By certain signs and tokens.

Q. What are signs?

A. Right angles, horizontals, and perpendiculars.

Q. Advance a sign. Has that an allusion?

A. It has; to the position of my hands while takingthe Obligation.

Q. Have you a further sign?

A. I have.

Q. Has that an allusion?

A. It has; to the penalty of the Obligation.

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23Q. What are tokens?

A. Certain friendly or brotherly grips, whereby oneMason may know another in the dark as in thelight.

Q. Advance and give me a token. What is that?

A. The pass-grip of a Fellow Craft.

Q. Has it a name?

A. It has.

Q. Will you give it to me?

A. I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it.

Q. How will you dispose of it?

A. Letter or syllable it.

Q. Syllable it and begin.

A. You begin.

Q. Begin you.

A. Shib;

Q. bo;

A. leth.

A. Shibboleth.

Q. Will you be off or from?

A. From.

Q. From what, and to what?

A. From the pass-grip of a Fellow Craft to the realgrip of the same.

Q. Pass. What is that?

A. The real grip of a Fellow Craft.

Q. Has it a name?

A. It has.

Q. Will you give it to me?

A. I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it.

Q. How will you dispose of it?

A. Letter or halve it.

Q. Letter it and begin.

A. You begin.

Q. Begin you.

A. A;

Q. J;

A. C;

Q. H;

A. I;

Q. N.

A. Jachin.

Q. Where were you prepared to be made a FellowCraft?

A. In a room adjoining the body of a just and dulyconstituted Lodge of Fellow Crafts.

Q. How were you prepared?

A. By being divested of all metallic substances,neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod,right knee and breast bared, hood-winked, andwith a cable-tow twice around my right arm,clothed as an Entered Apprentice, in whichcondition I was conducted to a door of the Lodgeand caused to give three distinct knocks, whichwere answered by three within.

Q. Why was the cable-tow twice around your rightarm?

A. To teach me that as a Fellow Craft I was under adouble tie to the Fraternity.

Q. To what do the three knocks allude?

A. To the Three Precious Jewels.

Q. What was said to you from within?

A. Who comes here?

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24Q. Your answer?

A. A worthy Brother, who has been duly initiated anEntered Apprentice, and now wishes more Lightin Masonry by being passed to the Degree ofFellow Craft.

Q. What were you then asked?

A. If this was an act of my own free will and accord,if I was worthy and well-qualified, duly and trulyprepared, if I had made suitable proficiency inthe preceding degree, all of which beinganswered in the affirmative, I was then asked bywhat further right or benefit I expected to obtainthis important privilege.

Q. Your answer?

A. By the benefit of the pass-word.

Q. Had you the pass-word?

A. I had not. My conductor had, and gave it for me.

Q. What were you then told?

A. Since I was in possession of all these necessaryqualifications, I should wait until the WorshipfulMaster could be informed of my request and hisanswer returned.

Q. What was his answer when returned?

A. Let him enter this Worshipful Lodge of FellowCrafts and be received in due and ancient form?

Q. How were you received?

A. On the angle of a Square applied to my nakedright breast, which was to teach me that theSquare of Virtue should be a rule and guide formy practice through life.

Q. How were you then disposed of?

A. Conducted twice regularly around the Lodge andto the Junior Warden in the South, where thesame questions were asked and answers returnedas at the door.

Q. How did the Junior Warden dispose of you?

A. Directed my conducted to the Senior Warden inthe West, where the same questions were askedand answers returned as before.

Q. How did the Senior Warden dispose of you?

A. Directed me conducted to the Worshipful Masterin the East, where the same questions were askedand answers returned as before, who alsodemanded of me whence I came and whithertraveling.

Q. Your answer?

A. From the West, traveling East.

Q. Why did you leave the West and travel East.

A. In search of more Light in Masonry.

Q. How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you?

A. Ordered me re-conducted to the Senior Wardenin the West, who taught me how to approach theEast in due and ancient form.

Q. What is that due and ancient form?

A. Advancing on my right foot, bringing the heel ofmy left into the hollow of my right, thereby formingthe angle of a square, body erect, facing East.

Q. What did the Worshipful Master then do with you?

A. Made me a Fellow Craft.

Q. How?

A. In due form.

Q. What is that due form?

A. Kneeling on my naked right knee, my left formingthe angle of a square, my right hand resting onthe Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, my leftin a vertical position, my arm forming a square,in which due form I took the solemn Obligation ofa Fellow Craft.

Q. Have you that Obligation?

A. I have.

Q. Repeat it.

A. I, _____ ______, of my own free will and accord,in the presence of Almighty God and thisWorshipful Lodge of Fellow Crafts, erected toHim and dedicated to the memory of the HolySaints John, do hereby and heron, solemnly andsincerely promise and swear, that I will keep and

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25conceal and never reveal any of the secretsbelonging to the Degree of Fellow Craft, which Ihave received, am about to receive, or may behereafter instructed in, to any person unless itshall be to a worthy Brother Fellow Craft, or withinthe body of a just and duly constituted Lodge ofsuch; and not unto him or them until by due trial,strict examination, or lawful Masonic information,I shall have found him or them justly entitled toreceive the same.

Furthermore: I do promise and swear that I willanswer and obey all due signs and regularsummons, sent me from the body of a just andduly constituted Lodge of Fellow Crafts, or handedme by a worthy Brother of this degree, if withinthe length of my cabletow, and the square andangle of my work.

Furthermore: I do promise and swear that I willhelp, aid, and assist all poor and distressed FellowCrafts, they applying to me as such, I findingthem worthy, and can do so without material injuryto myself.

Furthermore: I do promise and swear that I willnot wrong, cheat, nor defraud a Fellow Craft’sLodge, or a worthy Brother of this degree, to thevalue of anything, knowingly, nor suffer it to bedone by another, if in my power to prevent.

To all of which I do solemnly and sincerelypromise and swear,without any hesitation, mentalreservation, or secret evasion of mind in mewhatsoever; binding myself under no less apenalty than that of having me left breast tornopen, my heart and vitals taken thence, and withmy body given as a prey to the vultures of theair, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this,my solemn Obligation of a Fellow Craft. So helpme God and make me steadfast to keep andperform the same.

Q. After the Obligation what were you asked?

A. What I most desired.

Q. Your answer.

A. More Light in Masonry.

Q. Did you receive it?

A. I did, by order of the Worshipful Master.

Q. On being brought to Light in this degree, whatdid you first behold?

A. The Three Great Lights in Masonry, as in thepreceding degree, with this difference; one pointof the Compasses was above the Square, whichwas to teach me that I had received, and wasentitled to receive, more Light in Masonry, but asone point was still hidden from my view, it wasalso to teach me that I was as yet one materialpoint in darkness respecting Freemasonry.

Q. What did you next behold?

A. The Worshipful Master approaching me from theEast, upon the step, under the due-guard andsign of an Entered Apprentice; upon the step,under the due-guard and sign of a Fellow Craft,who presented his right hand in token of thecontinuance of friendship and brotherly love, andinvested me with the pass-grip, pass-word, realgrip and word, ordered me to rise, salute theJunior and Senior Wardens and satisfy them thatI was in possession of the step, due-guard, sign,pass-grip, pass-word, real grip and word of aFellow Craft.


A. Re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the West,who taught me how to wear my apron as a FellowCraft.

Q. How should a Fellow Craft wear his apron?

A. With the lower left corner tucked up.

Q. With what were you then presented?

A. The working tools of a Fellow Craft.

Q. What are they?

A. The Plumb, Square, and Level.

Q. How are they explained?

A. The Plumb is an instrument used by operativemasons to try perpendiculars, the Square tosquare their work, and the Level to provehorizontals; but we, as Free and AcceptedMasons, are taught to use them for more nobleand glorious purposes. The Plumb admonishesus to walk uprightly in our several stations beforeGod and man, squaring our actions by the Squareof Virtue, ever remembering we are traveling uponthe Level of Time to that undiscovered countryfrom whose bourne no traveler returns.

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26Q. With what were you then presented?

A. The Three Precious Jewels; the Attentive Ear,the Instructive Tongue, and the Faithful Breast.They teach us this important lesson. The AttentiveEar receives the sound from the InstructiveTongue, and the mysteries of Freemasonry aresafely lodged in the repository of Faithful Breasts.


A. Re-conducted to the place whence I came,invested with that of which I had been divested,and returned to a place representing the MiddleChamber of King Solomon’s Temple.

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