The First Degree

Brethren, the Warrant of the Lodge. Shows it

lights his candle (see “Points of Procedure”).

Bro. conduct the Wardens to the East that they may take their light from the Master.

Squaring the Lodge, the collects the and , and then proceeds again around the Lodge to collect the and , ensuring that each remembers to bring his candle or taper as appropriate.
With Deacons leading, they square the Lodge to the W.M.'s pedestal.
The Deacons arch their wands and the Wardens take light starting with the before the leads them back via the South.
At the J.W.'s pedestal, the Deacons arch their wands and the enters his pedestal under them before lighting (if using tapers) or positioning his candle. The Deacons drop the arch after he has passed between them and resume their position on the S.P.
Once the 's candle is lit, the leads to the West, where the Deacons again arch their wands and the enters his pedestal under them before lighting (if using tapers) of positioning his candle.
Once lit, the drops off and remains standing at his station while the and square the lodge together back to their stations.

sounds his G...l, which is answered by the and

Brethen, join in singing the Opening Hymn.

Brethen, assist me to open the Lodge.

to , who does not give sp. or sn.
Bro. name, what is the first care of every Freemason?

To see that the Lodge is properly T...d.

Direct that duty to be done.

to , who does not give sp. or sn.
Bro. name, see that the Lodge is properly T...d.

goes to the door and knocks and, having received the reply from the T., returns to the edge of the S.P. and reports.

to Bro. name, the Lodge is properly T...d.

sounds his G...l , to W.M. Bro. name, the Lodge is properly T...d.

to , who does not give sp. or sn.
Bro. name, the next care?

To see that none but Freemasons are present.

to Bro. name, do you vouch for those in the South?

to W.M. I do Bro. name.

to Bro. name, do you vouch or those in the West?

to I do Bro. name.

And I for those in the East and dark corner (North)

To Order brethren, as Freemasons in the First Degree.

The Brethren stand to order as E.A.F.s.

Bro. , how many principal officers are there in the Lodge?

Three: the W.M., the S., and the J. Wardens.

Bro. , how many assistant officers are there?

Three, besides the T. or O.G., namely the S. and J. Deacons and the I.G.

Bro. , admit and relieve the T.

The goes to the door and admits the T., stepping outside and closing the door behind him. The advances to the edge of the S.P.

Bro. , where is your situation?

takes sp. and gives sn. of E.A.F. Outside the door of the Lodge, W.M.

What is your duty?

Being armed with a d...n s...d, to keep off all cowans and intruders to Freemasonry, and to see that the Candidates are properly prepared.

Bro. , I will thank you to do your duty.

returns to his station outside the door; is readmitted, advances to the edge of the S.P. and resumes sn. of an E.A.F.

Bro. , where is your situation?

Within the entrance of the Lodge, W.M.

What is your duty?

To admit Freemasons on proof, receive candidates in due form, and obey the commands of the J.W.

Bro. , where is your situation?

At the right of the S.W., W.M.

What is your duty?

To carry all messages and communications of the W.M. from the S. to the J.W., and to see the same are punctually obeyed.

Bro. , where is your situation?

At, or near, the right of the W.M.

What is your duty?

To bear all messages, and commands, of the W.M. to the S.W., and to await the return of the J.D.

Bro. , where is your situation?

In the South, W.M.

Why are you placed there?

To mark the Sun at the meridian, to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment and from refreshment to labour, that profit and pleasure may be the result.

Bro. , where is your situation?

In the West, W.M.

Why are you placed there?

To mark the setting Sun and to close the Lodge by command of the Worshipful Master, having seen that every Brother has had his due.

Bro. , the Master's place?

In the East, W.M.

Why is he placed there?

As the Sun rises in the East, to open and enlighten the day, so is the W.M. placed in the East to open the Lodge, and employ and instruct the Brethren in Freemasonry.

Brethren, the Lodge being duly formed, before I declare it open,

Let us invoke the assistance of T.G.A.O.T.U. on all our undertakings; may our labours, thus begun in order, be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony.

So Mote It Be

Brethren, in the name of T.G.A.O.T.U., I declare the Lodge duly open, for the purpose of Freemasonry in the First Degree.

gives knocks of the Degree , which are repeated by the who raises his c....n.

squares the Lodge to the J.W.'s pedestal, where he turns the T.B. to expose it. Meanwhile, the squares the Lodge in time with him to end up in front of the Secretary's table in the North.
Both Deacons turn to face each other and advance across the middle of the lodge, crossing with the passing to the East of the Both then turn to face East and advance a shoulder's breadth apart to a position approximately 4 paces from the W.M.'s pedestal.

The squares from his position to stand in front of the two Deacons, who then advance one pace so that all three are standing in line. After a brief pause, all three advance three paces to the pedestal. The Deacons arch their wands while the kneels to open the V.S.L. at Ruth, chapter II and adjusts the S. and C's.
The rises and the Deacons drop the arch. Standing in line, all three then take three paces backwards. After a short pause, the returns to his position, and gives a nod to the Deacons to dismiss them.
The turns left and returns directly to his station while the turns right and squares the Lodge back to his.

Once both Deacons have stopped moving, the lowers his c....n and gives the knocks of the Degree , which are repeated by the and

Be seated Brethren Sits.

gives three knocks

advances to edge of S.P. and gives sp. and sn.
Bro. , there is an alarm.

Rises, gives sp. and sn. W.M., there is an alarm.

Bro. , ascertain the cause of the alarm.

Sits Bro. , ascertain the cause of the alarm.

cuts sn., goes to door and opens it.

to Whom have you there?

Mr. full names, a poor Candidate in a state of d......s, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, and humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.

How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

By the help of God, being free and of good report.

Wait, while I report to the W.M.

closes the door, goes to the left of the S.W. and advances with sp. and sn.

W.M., at the door of the Lodge stands Mr. full names, a poor Candidate in a state of d......s, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, and humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.

How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

By the help of God, being free and of good report.

The tongue of good report has already been heard in his favour; do you, Bro. vouch that he is properly prepared?

I do, W.M.

Admit him in due form. Sounds his G...l Bro. Deacons.

squares the Lodge, collecting the in passing. He is followed by the who remains in the West to position the K.S. The Deacons receive the Candidate at the door, which is opened for them by the , the takes the Can.'s r.h. in his l.h.; The applies S.I. to Can.'s n.l.b.

Can you feel anything?

prompted by I do

Can you see anything?

prompted by No

Having received satisfactory replies, the turns to face East and raises the S.I. over his head to show the W.M. that the Can. has been admitted in due form.
The then leads the Can. to the left of the S.W.

to Can. Mr. name, as no person can be made a Freemason unless he is free and of mature age, I demand, are you free and of the full age of twenty one years?

prompted by I am

Thus assured, you will kneel, while the blessing of Heaven is invoked on our proceedings. G...l

The Brethren rise and stand to order (see “Points of Procedure”). During the Prayer and Ob. the Deacons stand with their wands crossed above his head.

Prayer

Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father, Supreme Governor of the Universe, to our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Freemasonry may so dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, as to become a true and faithful Brother among us. Endue him with a competency of Thy Divine Wisdom, so that, assisted by the secrets of our Masonic art, he may be the better enabled to unfold the beauties of true Godliness, to the honour and glory of Thy Holy Name.

So Mote It Be

to Can. Mr. name, in all cases of difficulty and danger, in whom do you put your trust?

prompted by In God.

Glad am I to find your faith so well founded; relying on such sure support, you may rise and safely follow your leader with a firm but humble confidence, for where the name of God all drop sn. is invoked, we trust that no danger can ensue.

All are seated. Deacons assist Can. to rise. K.S. is removed.

G...l Brethren from the North, East, South, and West, take notice that Mr. full names is about to pass in view before you, to show that he is a Candidate properly prepared to be made a Freemason.

The takes Can. by the r.h. and leads him up the North, past the W.M. and round to the J.W.. The and follow them, returning to their places in passing.
The s.....s the J.W. t.t. on the r.s. with the Can.'s r.h.

to J.D. Whom have you there?

with sp. and sn. Mr. full names, a poor Candidate in a state of d......s, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, and humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.

How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

By the help of God, being free and of good report. cuts sn.

Rises, takes Can. by the r.h. Enter, free and of good report. Sits

The conducts the Can. to the right of the S.W. and similarly s.....s him t.t. on the r.s. with the Can.'s r.h.

to J.D. Whom have you there?

with sp. and sn. Mr. full names, a poor Candidate in a state of d......s, who has been well and worthily recommended, regularly proposed and approved in open Lodge, now comes of his own free will and accord, properly prepared, and humbly soliciting to be admitted to the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry.

How does he hope to obtain those privileges?

By the help of God, being free and of good report. cuts sn.

Rises, takes Can. by the r.h. Enter, free and of good report.

conducts Can. to the left of the who remains standing. He then takes the Can. by the r.h. with his l.h. and shows the sn..

W.M., I present to you Mr. full names, a Candidate properly prepared to be made a Freemason.

Bro. S.W., your presentation shall be attended to, for which purpose I shall address a few questions to the Candidate, which I trust he will answer with candour.

The resumes his seat. The ensures that Can. is facing W.M. on edge of the S.P.

to Can. Mr. name, do you seriously declare on your honour, that, unbiased by the improper solicitation of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a Candidate for the mysteries and privileges of Ancient Freemasonry?

prompted by I do.

Do you likewise pledge yourself, that you are prompted to solicit those privileges by a favourable opinion preconceived of the Institution, a general desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow creatures?

I do.

Do you further seriously declare on your honour, that, avoiding fear on the one hand, and rashness on the other, you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of your initiation, and, if admitted, will ever afterwards act and abide by the ancient usages and established customs of the Order?

I do.

Bro. , direct the J.D. to instruct the Candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps.

Bro. , it is the W.M.'s command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the East by the proper steps.

The leads the Can. to position approximately a metre in front of the W.M's pedestal, facing East.

to Can. The method of advancing to the East is by t...e i.......r s...s;
Place your f. together, then turn out your r.f., h.-to-h. so as to form a S. done.
Take a s.s. forward with your l.f., drawing the r.f. after it, h.-to-h. done.
Take a s.s. a little longer, done.
and a t.s. a little longer still.

If there are two Can's., the should direct the second; the J.D., should not leave his Can.

to Can. Mr. name, it is my duty to inform you that Masonry is free, and requires a perfect freedom of inclination in every Candidate for its mysteries: it is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue; it possesses great and invaluable privileges; and in order to secure those privileges to worthy men, and we trust to worthy men alone, vows of fidelity are required; but let me assure you that in those vows there is nothing incompatible with your civil, moral or religious duties. Are you, therefore, willing to take a G. and S.O., founded on the principles I have stated, to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of the Order?

I am.

Then you will k. on your l.k., place your r.f. so as to form a S. rises, and give me your r.h., whih I will place on this book, the V.S.L. while your l.h. will be employed in supporting a pair of C's., one p...t presented to your n.l.b.

The here sounds his G...l , which is repeated by the and . The Brethren all rise and stand to order.

State your names at length, and repeat after me.

I full names, in the presence of the T.G.A.O.T.U., and of this worthy, worshipful and warranted Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons, regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own free will and accord, do hereby and hereon, W.W. touches Can.'s hand solemnly and sincerely swear, that I will always hele pronounced “heel”, conceal, and never reveal, and part or parts, point or points, of the secrets or mysteries of, or belonging to, Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons in Masonry, which may heretofore have been known by me, shall now, or may at any future time be communicated to me, unless it be to a true and lawful Brother, or Brothers, and not even unto him, or them, until after due trial, strict examination, or sure information from some well-known Brother, that he or they are worthy of that confidence, or in the body of a just, perfect, and regular Lodge of Ancient, Free, and Accepted Masons.
I likewise solemnly promise that I will not write those secrets, indite, carve, mark, engrave, or otherwise them delineate, or cause or suffer it to be done so by others, if in my power to prevent it, on anything moveable or immovable under the canopy of Heaven, whereby, or whereon, any letter, character, or figure, or the least trace of any letter, character, or figure, may become legible or intelligible to myself or to anyone in the world, lest our secret art and hidden mysteries may improperly become known through my unworthiness.
These several points I solemnly swear to observe, without evasion, equivocation, or mental reservation of any kind, in the certain knowledge that any violation will mean that I shall be branded as a willfully perjured individual, void of moral worth, and totally unfit to be received into this worshipful Lodge, or any other warranted Lodge, or society of men who prize honour and virue above the external advantages of rank and fortune.
So help me God, and keep me steadfast, in this, the G. and S.O. of an E.A.F.. W.M. removes the C's.

As a pledge of fidelity to this S.O. which is binding on you for so long as you shall live, you will seal it with your lips on this book, which is the V.S.L. done

Having been kept for a considerable time in a state of d......s, what, in your present condition, is the predominant wish of your heart?

prompted by l...t

Bro. let that blessing be restored to the Candidate.

The takes his G...l, and when the J.D. indicates that he is ready, signals above his head “point, left, right” and knocks , the Brethren simultaneously s. their b's and the restores the Can.'s l...t

The should gently lay his hand on the head of the Can., pressing it slightly forward so that his gaze may be directed upon the V.S.L.

Having been restored to the blessings of material l...t, let me direct your attention to what we consider the three great, though emblematic l...ts in Freemasonry; they are the V.S.L., the S., and the C's.; The s....d w......s are to govern our faith, the S. to regulate our actions, and the C's. to keep us in due bounds with all mankind, particularly our Brethren in Freemasonry. Takes the Can. by the r.h. Rise, duly obligated, Brother among Freemasons.

Brethren resume their seats and Can. is placed at the right of the W.M.

You are now enabled to discover the three lesser l...ts in Freemasonry, they are situated in the East, South, and West, and are meant to represent the Sun, the Moon and the Master of the Lodge; the Sun to rule the day, the Moon to govern the night, and the Master to rule and direct his Lodge.

Brother name, by your meek and candid behaviour this evening, you have symbolically escaped two great dangers, but there was a third which traditionally would have awaited you until the latest period of your existence. The dangers you have already escaped are those of s......g and s...........n, for, on your entrance into the Lodge, the point of this S.I. was presented to your n.l.b., to imply that, had you rashly attempted to rush forward, you would have been an accessory to your own d...h by s......g, as the Brother who held it would have remained firm, and have done his duty. There was likewise this c.t. with a r.n. about your n. which would have rendered any attempt at retreat equally fatal; but the danger which traditionally would have awaited you until your latest hour was the physical penalty, at one time included in the Ob. of a Freemason, had you improperly disclosed the secrets of Freemasonry; that of having the t.c.a., the t.t.o. by the r., and b. in the s. of the s. at l.w.m. or at least a c.l. from the s. where the t.r.e. and f., t. in the t-f.h.

Now that you have taken the G. and S.O. of an E.A.F., I am permitted to inform you that there are several Degrees in Freemasonry, with peculiar secrets restricted to each; these, however, are not communicated indiscriminately, but are conferred upon candidates according to merit and ability. I shall, therefore, proceed to entrust you with the secrets of this Degree, or those marks by which we are known to each other, and distinguished from the rest of the world, but must premise for your general information that all S's., L's., and P's., are true and proper signs by which to know a Freemason; you are expected, therefore, to stand perfectly erect, your feet in the form of a S., your body thus being considered an emblem of your mind, and your feet of the rectitude of your actions.

You will now take a s.s. towards me with your l.f. placing the h. of the r. into its h.; that, my Brother, is the f.r.s. in Freemasonry, and it is the position in which the secrets of the Degree are communicated; they consist of a Sn., T. and W.
Rises Please copy me. The Sn. is given by p. the r.h., t.e. to f. a S., to the l. of the t., d.i. sharply a. and d.i. to the s. W.M. gives sn. for First Degree and cuts it, and copy him. This, you will perceive, alludes to the symbolic penalty of the Degree, which implied that, as a man of honour, an E.A.F. would rather have had his t.c.a., than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.
The G. or T. is given by a d.p. with the t., on the f.k-j. of a b.r.h. places Can.'s r.h. in that of the W.M., who gives the G. and ensures that the Can.'s t. is in the correct position. This G., when mutually given and received, serves to distinguish a Brother by night as well as by day; this G. demands a W.; a W. highly prized amongst Freemasons as a safeguard to their privileges; too much caution, therefore, cannot be observed in communicating it; it should never be given at legnth, as you are now about to receive it, except at certain times in open Lodge, but always by l's. or s's.; to enable you to do this I must tell you the W.: it is .... Can. repeats the W.
As in the course of the ceremony, you will be called upon for the W., the J.D. will now dictate the answers you are to give.

Gives the G. and asks What is this?

dictated by The G. or T. of an E.A.F.

What does this G. demand?

A W.

Give me that W.

At my initiation, I was taught to be cautious, but I will l. or h. it with you.

H. it and you begin.

The W. is exchanged and repeated by the Can.

The W. is derived from the l.h.p. that stood at the p. or e. of K.S.T., so named after ...., the G.G. of D., a P. and R. in I. The import of the W. is I.S. Pass ....

leads the Can. to the J.W. and presents him.

with sp. and sn. Bro. , I present to you Bro. name on his initiation. cuts sn.

I will thank Bro. name to advance to me as an E.A.F. showing the Sn.

instructs the Can. in giving the sp. followed by sn.

Have you anything to communicate?

dictated by I have

rises and the Can., under the instruction of the , gives the G.

What is this?

The G. or T. of an E.A.F.

What does this G. demand?

A W.

Give me that W.

At my initiation, I was taught to be cautious, but I will l. or h. it with you,

L. it and you begin.

The W. is exchanged and repeated by Can.

Pass .... sits

conducts the Can to S.W. who examines him as follows;

with sp. and sn. Bro. , I present to you Bro. name on his initiation. cuts sn.

I will thank Bro. name to advance to me as an E.A.F.

instructs the Can. to make the sp. only.

What is that?

dictated by The f.r.s. in Freemasonry.

Do you bring anything with you?

I do Shows sn.

What is that?

The Sn. of an E.A.F.

To what does it allude?

To the symbolic penalty of the Degree, which implied that, as a man of honour, an E.A.F. would rather have had his t.c.a., than improperly disclose the secrets entrusted to him.

Have you anything to communicate?

I have rises and receives the G. from Can.

What is this?

The G. or T. of an E.A.F.

What does this G. demand?

A W.

Give me that W.

At my initiation, I was taught to be cautious, but I will l. or h. it with you,

H. it and you begin.

The W. is exchanged and repeated by Can.

Whence is this W. derived?

from the l.h.p. that stood at the p. or e. of K.S.T., so named after ...., the G.G. of D., a P. and R. in I.

The import of the W.?

I.S.

Pass ....

conducts Can. to the left of the , who shows the sn. and takes Can. by r.h.

, I present to you Bro. name on his initiation, for some mark of your favour.

The presents the badge to the W.M.

Bro. , I delegate you to invest our Brother with this, touches it the distinguishing badge of an E.A.F.

The takes the badge to the S.W.

Bro. name, by command of the W.M., I invest you with the distinguishing badge of an E.A.F.; it is more ancient than the Golden Fleece, or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Garter, or any other Order in existence, being the badge of innocence and the bond of friendship, and I strongly exhort you ever to wear and consider it as such, and I further inform you that, if you never disgrace that badge S.W. strikes badge, and all the Brethren s. their own b's. it will never disgrace you.

turns Can. to face W.M.

Let me add to the observations of our Brother the S.W. that you are never to put on that badge should you be about to enter a Lodge wherein there is a Brother with whom you are at variance, or against whom you entertain feelings of animosity; in such a case it is expected that you will invite him to withdraw, in order to settle your differences amicably, which, if happily effected, you may clothe, enter the Lodge, and work with that love and harmony which should at all times characterise Freemasons; but if, unfortunately, your differences are of such a nature as not to be so easily adjusted, it were better that one or both of you retire, than that the harmony of the Lodge should be disturbed by your presence.

Bro. place our Brother in the North East part of the Lodge.

conducts the Can. to the North East and instructs him to stand appropriately while the joins on the left of the Can.

to Can. lf. across the Lodge, r.f. pointing down the Lodge.

It is customary at the erection of all stately and superb edifices, to lay the first or foundation stone at the North East corner of the intended building; you, being newly admitted into Freemasonry, are placed in the North East part of the Lodge, figuratively to represent that stone, and on the foundation laid this evening may you raise a superstructure, perfect in its parts and honourable to the builder. You now stand to all appearance a just and upright E.A.F. and I strongly recommend you ever to continue and act as such; indeed I shall immediately proceed to put your principles in some measure to the test, by calling upon you to exercise that virtue, which may be justly denominated the distinguishing characteristic of a Freemason's heart – I mean Charity. I need not here dilate on its excellences, doubtless it has often been felt and practised by you; suffice it to say that it hath the approbation of Heaven and Earth, and like its sister, Mercy, blesses him who gives, as well as him who receives. In a society so widely extended as that of Freemasonry, whose branches are spread over the four quarters of the globe, it cannot be denied that we have many members of rank and opulence, neither can it be concealed that, among the thousands who are ranged under its banner, there are some who, perhaps from circumstances of unforseen calamity and misfortune, are reduced to the lowest ebb of poverty and distress. On their behalf it is our usual custom to awaken the feelings of every newly made Brother, by making such an appeal to his charity as his circumstances in life may fairly warrant; whatever, therefore, you feel disposed to give, you will deposit with the J.D.; it will be thankfully received and faithfully applied.

Advances to Can. and holds out the Charity Box Have you anything to give in the cause of Charity?

No. the Can. should not be prompted, but allowed to give his own answer

Were you divested of all m. and m.s. previously to entering the Lodge?

I was.

Otherwise, would you give freely?

I would.

Turns to face W.M. with sp. and sn. W.M. our newly made Brother expresses his willingness, but pleads inability, having been divested of all m. and m.s. previously to entering the Lodge.

to Can. I congratulate you on the honourable sentiments by which you are actuated, likewise on the inability which, in the present instance, precludes you from gratifying them; believe me, my Brother, this trial was not made with a view to sport with you feelings, it was made for three especial reasons: firstly, as I have already premised, to put your principles to the test; secondly, to evince to the Brethren that you had neither m. nor m.s. about you, for, if you had, the ceremony of your initiation thus far must have been repeated; and thirdly, as a warning to your heart, that should you at any time meet a friend or Brother in distressed circumstances who might solicit your assistance, you will remember the peculiar moment you were received in the Freemasonry, p..r and p.......s, and cheerfully embrace the opportunity of practising that virtue you now profess to admire.

Bro. conduct our Brother to the J.W., who will present to him the Working Tools of an E.A.F.
or I now call your attention to Bro. name who will present the Working Tools of an E.A.F.
or Please step this way while I present to you the Working Tools of an E.A.F.

Bro. name, by command of the W.M., I present to you the Working Tools of an E.A.F. They are the 24 inch G., the C.G. and the C. The 24 inch G. is to measure the work, the C.G. to knock off all superfluities, and the C. to further prepare the stone for the hands of the more experienced workmen. But, as we are not operative, but free and accepted, or speculative Masons, we apply these tools to morals. In this sense the 24 inch G. represents the 24 hours of the day, indicates parts generally on the G. part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God, part in labour and refreshment, and part in serving a friend or Brother in time of need, that not being detrimental to ourselves or connections. The C.G. denotes the force of conscience, which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts that might obtrude during the aforementioned periods, so that our words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the Throne of Grace raises G. during last phrase. The C. points out the advantages of education, by means of which we are rendered fit members of well organised society.

if Working Tools were delivered by J.W. Bro. conduct our newly made Brother back to the W.M.

As you will be called upon for certain fees for your initiation, it is but right that you should know by what authority we act. This is our Warrant or Charter of Constitution opens and shows it from the United Grand Lodge of England which is open for your inspection at this or any subsequent Lodge meeting: this is the Book of Constitutions, and these are our By-laws, both of which I recommend to your serious perusal, as from the one presents B.O.C. you learn the duties you owe to the Craft in general, and from the other presents By-laws those that you owe to this Lodge in particular.

You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore your personal comforts, and on your return to the Lodge I shall direct your attention to an Ancient Charge founded on the excellences of the Institution, and the qualifications of its members.

conducts the Can. to the left of the S.W. and directs him to salute the W.M. as an E.A.F.

Risings

Sounds his G...l , repeated by and , and stands
Brethren, I rise for the first time to enquire as to whether any Brother has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or this the name Lodge, number number in particular. Sits

Matters pertaining to Grand Lodge are taken.

Sounds his G...l , repeated by and , and stands
Brethren, I rise for the second time to enquire as to whether any Brother has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or this the name Lodge, number number in particular. Sits

Matters pertaining to Provincial or Metropolitan Grand Lodge are taken.

Sounds his G...l , repeated by and , and stands
Brethren, I rise for the third time to enquire as to whether any Brother has aught to propose for the good of Freemasonry in general or this the name Lodge, number number in particular. Sits

Matters pertaining to the Lodge are taken, including any Resignations or Propositions for Membership. Notice of Motions may also be given at this time.

Closing

Sounds his G...l , repeated by and
Brethren, assist in closing the Lodge All rise.

Bro. , what is the constant care of every Freemason?

Gives sp. and sn. To prove the Lodge close T...d.

Direct that duty to be done.

Bro. who advances to edge of S.P. and gives sp. and sn. prove the Lodge close T...d.

goes to door, gives the knocks of the Degree and, on being answered by the T. advances with sp. and sn. and reports.

Bro. , the Lodge proves close T...d.

Gives knocks of the Degree W.M., the Lodge proves close T...d.

Bro. , the next care?

Gives sp. and sn. To see that the Brethren appear to Order as Freemasons.

To Order, Brethren, as Freemasons in the First Degree.

The Brethren stand to order as E.A.F.s.

Bro. , your constant situation in the Lodge?

In the West, W.M.

Why are you placed there?

As the Sun sets in the West to close the day, so is the S.W. placed in the West to close the Lodge, by command of the W.M., having seen that every Brother has had his due.

Brethren, before the Lodge is closed,

Let us with all reverence and humility, express our gratitude to T.G.A.O.T.U., for favours already received; may He continue to preserve the Order, by cementing and adorning it with every moral and social virtue.

So Mote It Be

Bro. , the labours of the evening being ended, you have my command to close the Lodge. Cuts sn., gives knocks of the Degree using his r.h., and returns to sn.

Brethren, in the name of T.G.A.O.T.U., and by command of the W.M., I close the Lodge. Gives knocks of the Degree , and lays down his c....n.

The Long Closing may be given by any competent Brother at this point

, passing in front of the W.M., squares the Lodge to the J.W.'s pedestal and turns the T.B. to hide it. Meanwhile, the , passing in front of the S.W., squares the Lodge to the Secretary's table. Both Deacons turns to face inwards and advance across the middle of the Lodge, with the passing to the East of the S.D. They turn to face East, and advance a shoulder's breadth apart to a position about 4 paces from the W.M.'s pedestal. The squares to stand immediately in front of them. Both Deacons advance one pace to stand in line with the and, after a brief pause, all three advance by three paces to the pedestal. The Deacons arch their wands while the kneels to close the V.S.L. and replace the S. and C's., closed, on top of it. The rises, the Deacons drop the arch and all three stand in line facing East before taking three paces backwards. After a brief pause, the returns to his station and gives a nod to the Deacons to dismiss them. The turns left and returns directly to his station while the turns right and squares the Lodge back to his.

Once the Deacons are back at their stations
And it is closed accordingly, until the date of next meeting, emergencies excepted, of which due notice will be given. Gives knocks of the Degree , which is repeated by and .

Brethen, nothing now remains but, according to ancient custom, to lockup our secrets in the safe and sacred repository of our hearts, uniting in the act, F.,F.,F. all copy sign of F..