opening and closing a master masons lodge
The apron is white, lined and bordered with blue. so raise the Worshipful Master in the East to open and govern his lodge set the craft to work and give them proper instruction. That I might obtain the Masters Word, travel in, foreign --Nothing, Worshipful. A. A. (See engraving.). 3 and p. 17) which is responded to by the Master. Captain--What! Here the Warden opens the ante-room door, and says: "Come in, you twelve Fellow Crafts;" when all those that were left out by the Secretary come into the Lodge, stamping and scuffling along, especially if only a few of them, to impress upon the candidate's mind the idea that there are more. We cannot, Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and. (See Fig. (The signs are just the same as at opening. In your present condition, what do you most desire? SW: I will ascertain through the proper officer and report. K. S.--No work laid out--no designs drawn on the trestle-board? SW: Brother Junior Deacon. He has not been seen since high twelve yesterday. Q. Lodge No ___ be now opened, on As they approach the west, the Senior Warden steps out as did the Junior Warden, facing the candidate, and, clinching him by the collar more roughly than the Junior Warden, exclaiming as follows: S. W. (Second Ruffian.) in order for business; at the same time strictly, forbidding (Hiram Abiff) to retire to the Most Holy Place, to draw his plans and designs, and offer up his orisons, &c. But flow could this be accomplished before the Sanctum Sanctorum was built. We have several, and they are divided into two classes. Phil., p. 232. 138:1 Our traditions further say, that the time when this celebrated use went into the H. of H. (Holy of Holies) to offer up his orisons to God, at the hour of H (high) twelve, the Ark of the Covenant had not been removed thither, for that took place at the dedication, after which no one was permitted to enter but the H. P. (High Priest), and he only ours a year, on the great day of expiation, at which time he had a string or belt around his waist, which extended into the court of the tabernacle, that he might be drawn forth from the S. S. (Sanctum Santorum) in case sudden death should occur while he officiated there.--Historical Land-marks, vol. * * *. you with my right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason. on the right and left, and communicate, SW: What! W. M.--Brethren, together on the signs. Is the Tiler of the lodge present? W. M.--Your duty there, Brother Secretary? W. M.--You will detach your hands and kiss the book. According to Katherine Thomson, there are many other examples of specific musical symbols taken from the Masonic rites that appear throughout Mozart's compositions. I fear he is indisposed. B. divided the operatives the three classes, viz., Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Masters; paying the wages of the former at the pillar of J (Jachin), and the Masters in the Middle Chamber. With these lectures he returned to Vermont, and submitted them to the Grand Lodge, at its annual session in October, 1817. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). According to the Jewish law, no interments were permitted within the walls of the city, and as it was unlawful for the cohens or priests to pass over a grave, it became necessary to place marks wherever a dead body had been interred, to enable them to avoid it. 9, p. 36), and then lets his hand slip off in a careless manner, and reports: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, owing to the high state of putrefaction, it having been dead already fifteen days, the skin slips, and the body cannot be raised.". Brethren, be clothed. (See pp. W. M.--From whence came you, and whither are you travelling? It was his usual practice at high twelve, while the Craft were called from labor to refreshment, to enter into the unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies of the Temple, and there to offer up his adorations to Deity, and there to draw his designs on the trestle-board. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, have you any alterations or additions to make to the minutes? Tours of the lodge were provided for visitors. (See Figs. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, do you know any further business before this Lodge of Master Masons before we proceed to close? Let us imitate, in all his various perfections, him who, when assailed by the murderous band of rebellious craftsmen, maintained his integrity, even in death, and sealed his pledge with his own blood. J. W.--Pass. The MASTER MASON represents a man under the doctrine of love, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation. in the South, and he to the Brethren, present, (See grand hailing sign of distress, Fig. (nothing being said, Worshipful Master continues): We will then proceed to close; but, before doing so, I would say to Brother Gabe (the candidate)--Is he present? After the obligation, what were you asked? I have long sought this opportunity. "Further, that I will not give the Grand Hailing Sign of Distress, except in case of the most imminent danger, in a just and lawful Lodge, or for the benefit of instruction; and if ever I should see it given, or hear the words accompanying it, by a worthy brother in distress, I will fly to his relief, if there is a greater probability of saving his life than losing my own. grand Masonic word on the five points of fellowship. JW: It is my orders that strict search be made for him through the apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made. After being taught to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? The first was the voice of Jubela exclaiming:2 'Oh! this work, would not be out of place, as it will account to the reader for the difference existing between Masonic "works" in the several States, and in Europe: "In the year 1817, Brother John Barney, formerly of Charlotte, Vermont, went to Boston, and obtained possession of the Preston Lectures, taught there by Gleason, and approved by the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. 16, 17, 18; also p. J. W. (Jubela, First Ruffian.) Mark Master Masons. Let me admonish you, in the most serious manner, in reference to the close of life, that, when the cold winter of death shall have passed, and the bright summer morn of the resurrection appears, the Sun of Righteousness shall descend and send forth His angels to collect our ransomed dead; then, if we are found worthy, by the benefit of his "pass" we shall gain a ready admission into that celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where we shall see the King In the beauty of holiness, and with him enter into an endless eternity. were GRAVELOT, QUIBO, and AKIROP. I would remark here, that in some Lodges the Master does not make the sign of distress first at the body, but only gives the sign of a Master Mason, which is done by drawing the right hand across the body, with the thumb inward. This is also used occasionally by some Masters in the lecture: S. W.--At the right hand of the Senior Warden in the west. The Worshipful Master gives three raps with his gavel, which brings the whole Lodge to their feet. D David Duke Premium Member Sep 21, 2010 #4 Then he would retire at the south gate of the outer courts of the Temple; and, in conformity with the custom of our Grand Master, whose memory we all so reverently adore, we will now retire at the south gate of the Temple. . Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. Mark Rituals, No. A. "Further, that I will not give the Grand Masonic word, in any other manner or form than that in which I shall receive it, and then in a low breath. . Turning to the Senior Warden, he continues: K. S.--My worthy brother of Tyre, I will thank you to endeavor to raise the body by the Fellow Craft's grip. I hold in my hand an instrument of death; therefore, give me the Master's word, or I will take your life in a moment! And finally, the veracity of the legend is completely ignored by a reference to the Holy Scriptures. Conductor--I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it. S. D.--By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission? Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that the, substitute Not even the Bible, the writings of Josephus, nor any other writings, however ancient, of which we have any knowledge, furnish any information respecting his death. Give me the Master's word, or I will take your life in a moment! (S) Worshipful Master, we are duly tyled. WM: Brother A. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, was found to be missing on the following day; his absence was discovered by there being no designs drawn on the trestle-board. When was our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, found to be missing? Attempting to get up, he exclaims, "Hallo! This closing of the lodge, of releasing the sacred space, of being challenged to go out into the world to be better men, all tie back into the degree we each . receive the pass-word from the Senior, and I have, from West to East, and from East to West. Behold! Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). Besides, when a work is nearly completed, the necessity of Plans and designs ceases altogether. J. D.--To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass, except such as are duly qualified and have the Worshipful Master's permission. Members of the Lodge, in the act of holding the canvas to catch the candidate. In, Thy Remember that you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother, who shall need your assistance; you have promised to remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors, and, if possible, to aid him in a reformation. At high twelve. 5, 6, pp. we The traditional account of the death, several burials, and resurrections of one of the craft, Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, as developed in conferring this Degree, is very interesting. Hand to back--that you will ever be ready to stretch forth your hand to assist and save a fallen brother; and that you will vindicate his character behind his back, as well as before his face. (The author would here remark, with regard to the matter of closing the Lodge, and asking the Wardens if they know any thing further before the Lodge, previous to closing, that it is a ruse to deceive the candidate, as the Master has no intention of closing until the ceremony of initiation has been concluded.). To the three jewels of a Master Mason, which are friend-ship, morality, and brotherly love. Cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear--that you will ever caution and whisper good counsel in the ear of an erring brother, and, in the most friendly manner, remind him of his errors, and aid his reformation, giving him due and timely notice, that he may ward off approaching danger.". After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! iv. [paragraph continues] Deacon, and he (Junior Deacon) takes his seat near the door, at the right hand of the Senior Warden in the west, while the Senior Deacon proceeds to conduct the candidate, followed by the two Stewards, three times around the Lodge, during which time the Worshipful Master reads the following passage of Scripture: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them: while the sun, or the moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease, because they are few; and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low. The Master now steps back about three paces from the altar, and says. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee; thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; turn from him that he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day. Ruffians--We will go back and get a pass, if that is the case. First Ruffian, Jubela, generally the J. W. in the south. And now, my brethren, let us see to it, and so regulate our lives by the plumb-line of justice, ever squaring our actions by the square of virtue, that when the Grand Warden of Heaven may call for us, we may be found ready; let us cultivate assiduously the noble tenets of our profession--brotherly love, relief, and truth--and, from the square, learn morality; from the level, equality; from the plumb, rectitude of life. WM: OPENING THE LODGE OPENING THE LODGE When all the brethren are assembled the W.M. We srvice the Taylor, Hutto . time, pushing him backward, brings the candidate's heels against the edge of the canvas, trips him up, and the candidate falls upon his back, caught in the canvas clear of the floor, unharmed, but, in many instances, badly frightened. ___ 7, p. 18), which would be three times, then, turning to the Senior Warden, says: "My worthy brother of Tyre, what shall we do?". 137:1 We are told that when the Temple was nearly finished, it was customary at the hour of H. (high) XII., when the men were called from labor to refreshment, for H. A. 155.). With the trowel, spread liberally the cement of brotherly love and affection; and, circumscribed by the compass, let us ponder well our words and actions, and let all the energies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Warden's approbation. Present the flag of our country at the Altar. After imploring the blessings of Deity, what followed? The avenues to the Lodge are carefully inspected by the meridian officer, whose knowledge and fidelity have entitled him to the confidence of the brethren, and, after he had publicly proclaimed the security of the Lodge, the business of closing proceeds. The brethren then all take their seats, and the candidate with them. W, M.--Is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? Worshipful Master in opening and closing, the [paragraph continues] Wardens at the head, when the Master makes the sign of "distress" of a Master Mason, which is done by raising both hands and arms above the head. 16, p. A. i. One, acting as the principal mover, raises his right foot from the floor, at the same time his hands, in the manner of slapping them together, makes two false motions, but at the third all bring down their right feet and hands together, producing a very sharp noise. W. M.--If you are satisfied it is high twelve, you will erect your column, and call the craft from labor to refreshment, for the space of thirty minutes (or fifteen minutes, as the case may be), calling them in at the sound of the gavel. that my breast had been torn open, my heart plucked out, and placed upon the highest pinnacle of the Temple, there to be devoured by the vultures of the air, ere I had consented to the death of so good a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. (makes the sign, see Fig. WM: 130.). "I furthermore promise and swear, that I will stand to and abide by all laws, rules, and regulations of the Master Masons' Degree, and of the Lodge of which I may hereafter become a member, as far as the same shall come to my knowledge; and that I will ever maintain and support the constitution, laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge under which the same shall be holden. In one form of the Degree of Elect of Fifteen, they assume the Protean names of JUBELA-KURMAVIL (another corruption of Cromwell), JUBELO-GRAVELOT, and JUBELUM-AKIROP.--The Freemason's Treasury, pp. "Further, that I will always aid and assist all poor, distressed, worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans, knowing them to be such, as far as their necessities may require, and my ability permit, without material injury to myself and family. The spade, which dug the grave of our Grand Master, may soon dig ours; the setting-maul, which terminated his earthly existence, may be among the casualties which will, sooner or later, terminate ours; the coffin, which received his remains, may soon receive ours; the grave, that abode for the dead, may soon be our grave; the acacia (that evergreen which once marked the temporary resting-place of the illustrious dead), that bloomed and flourished at the head of our Grand Master's grave, and was the cause of its timely discovery, is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul, which never! King Solomon then ordered them to divide themselves into parties, and travel three east, three west, three north, and three south; and that they should, with others whom he should appoint, go in search of the ruffians. Sec.--Most Worshipful King Solomon, the several rolls have been called, and reports made, by which it appears that three Fellow Crafts are missing, namely, Jubela, .Jubelo, and Jubelum, who, from the similarity of their names, I presume are brothers, and men from Tyre. 17. He cannot be found. The Senior Deacon then answers with one rap (), and opens the door. Lodge; paying the Craft their wages, if any. In the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. [paragraph continues] Warden three raps, and the Worshipful Master three raps. 97:1 What does it denote? Amen. however, the connection of the widow's son with the building of the Temple was endeared to the two monarchs; and, to preserve and consecrate his memory, a new arrangement of discipline was adopted; and a legend incorporated into the system, which served to promote a similar object with the fabulous narrative used in the spurious initiations, viz., to inculcate and impress on the candidate's mind the doctrine of a resurrection and a future state--Theo. A. MWB Palmer served the Grand Lodge of Masons in Tennessee as Most Worshipful Grand Master in 1997, and as Grand Secretary from 2005 until 2007. This communicate to the Junior, Warden In the primitive lectures--i.e., those which were used after the Revival in 1717, for the subject was never ventilated before that date--they were called "the three principal entrances to the Temple"; but subsequently it was thought expedient to particularize these entrances; and the passage was altered at first to "the east, west and south doors"; and, at the Union in 1813, the version became "north, south, and east entrances." Which way shall we go?". Ruffian--You have (here Master seizes the candidate more fiercely, and affects a great earnestness of purpose) escaped "Jubela" and "Jubelo"; me you cannot escape; my name is "Jubelum!" excess, and see that they return to their labor, in This latter is accomplished as follows: a canvas, seven feet long and about six feet wide, with five or six strong loops on each side, is produced from a closet or chest in the room; and a buckskin bag, stuffed with hair, about the size of two boxing-gloves, is taken from the same receptacle. Then one of the best posted relates the responded following, in a clear and distinct voice: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, we come to inform you that fifteen of us Fellow Crafts, seeing the Temple about to be completed, and being desirous of obtaining the secrets of a Master Mason, by which we might travel in foreign countries, and receive Master's wages, entered into a horrid conspiracy to extort them from our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, or take his life; but, reflecting with horror on the atrocity of the crime, twelve of us recanted; but the other three persisted in their murderous design, and we fear that they have taken the Grand Master's life. [paragraph continues] Lodge, that they having due and timely notice, may govern themselves accordingly. A. I was ordered to be returned to the place from whence I came, and reinvested of what I had been divested of, and wait the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure. The three Fellow Crafts who persisted in their murderous designs, knowing this to be his usual practice, placed themselves at the south, west, and east gates of the inner courts of the temple, and there awaited his return. Brother Senior Warden, all present are Master, WM: Candidate. A. A. Kneeling on both my naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses; in which due form I took the solemn oath of a Master Mason, which is as follows: (Here give the obligation; but it is never required--being only a matter of form.). From Josephus we learn, that although seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole time, it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor, and from sacred history it appears that there was neither the sound of hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. We read in the Bible, that Hiram Abiff was one of the head workmen employed at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and other ancient writings inform us that he was an arbiter between King Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre; but his tragical death is nowhere recorded, except in the archives of Freemasonry. When composed of five, of whom does it consist? Upon which the three Fellow Crafts rush forward over benches and chairs, and secure the ruffians in no very gentle manner, and lead them to the Worshipful Master's seat in the east, when one of them reports to the Master: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one who pursued a westerly course, and, on my return, after several days of fruit-less search, being more weary than my companions, sat down on the brow of a hill to rest and refresh myself; and, on rising, accidentally caught hold of a sprig of acacia,1 which, easily giving way, excited my suspicions. Within the body of a just and duly constituted, Lodge 112:1 The system of Freemasonry, as practised in different countries and at different periods, is not uniform on this subject; and I feel so little at liberty to bring forward evidence on such a delicate point, that I am afraid it will he impossible to place it clearly before the brethren. . Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, was slain at high twelve. J. D.--At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the east. Brother, your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you have made in the mystery, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for our favor and esteem. the end of man, and of the aspiring hopes of all faithful Masons? Master Masons. That Tubal Cain gave first occasion to the name and worship of Vulcan been very probably conceived, both from the very great affinity of the names, and that Tubal Cain is expressly mentioned to be an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron; and as near relation as Apollo had to Vulcan, Jubal had to Tubal Cain, who was the inventor of music, or the father of all such as handle the harp and organ, which the Greeks attribute to Apollo.--Historical Landmarks, vol. Some substitute for the latter, but with less propriety, the crown of thorns. He made me a Master Mason in due form. Q. The brethren commence, in loud voices to inquire of one another: Have you seen any thing of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff? Q. Hold up your heads, and hear your sentence. First Craftsman--Hallo, friend! The Senior Deacon, who has stationed himself at the inner door, at the right of the Senior Warden, on hearing these raps rises to his feet, makes the sign of a Master Mason to the Master (see Fig. own love and goodness - that the Lodge at, this Sorority & Fraternity. Seraphs of celestial wing, To our funeral altar come: Waft this friend and brother home. [paragraph continues] Master that you teach this candidate how to wear his apron as a Master Mason. It was from the last that he was led to that most violent and excruciating death. W. M.--I presumed that you did from the jewel that you wear, it being the Senior Warden's jewel. Brethren; attend to giving the signs; observe the. (Sits down.). Some Lodges use the following questions and answers, both at opening and closing: W. M.--Why did you leave the west and travel to the east? There is a lecture to this Degree, as well as in the other Degrees, but it is not generally given by the Master to the candidate on the night of his "raising." reflect with horror on the atrocity of your crime, and on the amiable character of your Worshipful Grand Master, whom you have so basely assassinated. B. One of the brethren then replies: "We will go a southwesterly course, and will come up with our brothers." To preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied must be your constant care; and, for this purpose, it is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod, hoodwinked, with a cable-tow three times around my body, in which condition I was conducted to the door of the Lodge by a brother. (Moving off, one says:). the beard, even Aarons beard; that went, down It also represents the execution and dying groans of Jubela, the first ruffian, and is repeated twice more to represent the death of the other two ruffians. Now obtain it from the brothers on the right and left and communicated it to the WM in the East. Masonic Fellow-craft Middle Chamber Lecture P, Dis W1W Notes on Interconnected Economy and S, Residential Report Writing and Case Studies. Amid its concerns and temptations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. The Pot of Incense, the Beehive. In order that I might travel in foreign countries, work and receive Master's wages, being better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Master Masons, their widows and orphans. SW: It is done by putting the inside of your right foot to the inside of the right foot of the one to whom you are going to give the word, the inside of your own knee to his, laying your breast close against his, your left hands on each other's back, and each one putting his mouth to the other's right ear. A. Second Ruffian--We shall be taken and put to death. "Three constitute a Lodge of Master Masons--three Master Masons. S. W. (rising to his feet and making the sign.) In youth, in Entered Apprentices. This canvas is usually held behind the candidate, in an inclined position, by some of the brethren, and is for the purpose of catching him when he is tripped up by the assumed ruffian, Jubelum. J. W.--Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God, who gave it.". You say they turned back into the country? 16 and 17, pages 97 and 120; also see Note L, Appendix. Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform you, that The particular duties of the leaders of the respective bands of craftsmen are rehearsed. The Senior Warden approaches the candidate and ties the apron upon him, with the flap and corners turned down, and says: The conductor now conducts the candidate back to the Worshipful Master in the east. They have now passed around the Lodge three times, and as. W. M.--You will attend to the alarm, and ascertain the cause. W. M.--To what do you allude, my brother? A Royal Arch Chapter meets as a Mark Lodge, confers the Mark Degree on a candidate making him eligible to become a Royal Arch Mason at a subsequent meeting.
