LOOK TO THE EAST

FIRST DEGREE | ENTERED APPRENTICE

OPENING SHORT FORM

Worshipful Master: (●●●) Without further form or ceremony I declare this lodge of
MM at recess, and a lodge of Entered Apprentice opened for the purpose of work.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, rearrange the Three Great Lights.
(Done. Holy Bible at Psalm 133) (Senior Deacon Salutes the Altar before rearranging
the Three Great Lights)

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Lodge is now working on the 1st Degree of
Masonry.

Junior Deacon: That duty has been performed, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: (●) (Wardens reverse columns: Up in West; Down in South.)

[Lodge Opened]

OPENING LONG FORM

[When Lodge was not opened in the Master Masons Degree].

Worshipful Master: (●) Brethren, be clothed and seated. Officers assume your
Jewels and stations. Brother Junior Deacon (●), inform the Tyler that I am about to
open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices. Invite in all Entered Apprentices, Fellow-
Crafts, and Master Masons, if properly clad, and close the door.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodge of
Entered Apprentices. All Entered Apprentices, Fellow-Crafts, and Master Masons are
invited to attend if properly clad.

Worshipful Master: Brethren, I am about to open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices

and shall require your assistance and attention.

Junior Deacon: The Tyler is informed, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden (●), proceed to satisfy yourself that all
presents are Entered Apprentices.
(If the Senior Warden recognizes all the Brothers, he says):

Senior Warden: All present are Entered Apprentices, Worshipful Master.

(If the Senior Warden does not recognize any Brother (s) or if instructed by the
Worshipful Master to do so, he will ask the Senior Deacon to question the Brethren,
per text in the Appendix)

No Brother will enter the Lodge during the Opening or Closing Ceremony, except in
cases of dire emergency.

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon (●), what is the first great care of
Masons when in Lodge assembled?

Junior Deacon: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to open a
Lodge of Entered Apprentices and direct him to tyle accordingly.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodge of
Entered Apprentices. Tyle accordingly.

Junior Deacon: The Lodge is duly tyled, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: How are we tyled, Brother Junior Deacon?

Junior Deacon: By a Brother Master Mason without the door, armed with the proper
instrument of his office.

Worshipful Master: What are his duties there?

Junior Deacon: To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that none pass
or repass but such as are duly qualified and have permission from the Worshipful
Master.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden (●), as an Entered Apprentice, whence

came you?

Senior Warden: From the Lodge of the Holy Saints John of Jerusalem.

Worshipful Master: What came you here to do?

Senior Warden: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry.

Worshipful Master: Then I presume you are a Mason?

Senior Warden: I am so taken and accepted among Brothers and Fellows.

Worshipful Master: What makes you a Mason?

Senior Warden: My obligation.

Worshipful Master: Where were you made an Entered Apprentice?

Senior Warden: In a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Entered Apprentices.

Worshipful Master: How many anciently composed a Lodge of Entered

Apprentices?

Senior Warden: Seven or more.

Worshipful Master: When composed of only seven, who were they?

Senior Warden: The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer,
Secretary, Senior Deacon, and Junior Deacon.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Junior Deacon’s station in the Lodge?

Senior Warden: On the right of the Senior Warden in the West.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Junior Deacon? (●)

Junior Deacon: To carry messages from the Senior Warden in the West to the
Junior Warden in the South and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct, and
to see that the Lodge is duly tyled.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Senior Deacon’s station in the Lodge?

Junior Deacon: On the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Senior Deacon? (●)

Senior Deacon: To carry orders from the Worshipful Master in the East to the Senior
Warden in the West and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct. To welcome
and accommodate visiting Brethren. To receive and conduct Candidates.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Secretary's station in the Lodge?

Senior Deacon: On the left of the Worshipful Master in the East

Worshipful Master: (●●) What are your duties there, Brother Secretary?
Secretary: To observe the Worshipful Master will and pleasure. To record the
proceedings of the Lodge. To receive all monies and pay them into the hands of the
Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Treasurer's station in the Lodge?

Secretary: On the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Treasurer?

Treasurer: To receive all monies from the hands of the Secretary, keep just and
regular accounts of same, and pay them out at the Worshipful Master will and
pleasure, with the consent of the Lodge.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Junior Warden’s station in the Lodge?

Treasurer: In the South.

Worshipful Master: Why are you in the South, Brother Junior Warden? What are
your duties there?

Junior Warden: As the sun in the South at its meridian height is the glory and
beauty of the day, so stands the Junior Warden in the South, there better to observe
the time; to call the craft from labor to refreshment; to superintend them during the
hours thereof and see that they do not convert the purposes of refreshment into
intemperance and excess; to call them on again in due season that the Worshipful
Master may have pleasure and the craft profit thereby.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Senior Warden’s station in the Lodge?

Junior Warden: In the West.

Worshipful Master: Why are you in the West, Brother Senior Warden? What are
your duties there?

Senior Warden: As the sun is in the West at the close of the day, so is the Senior
Warden in the West to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing his Lodge;
to pay the craft their wages if aught be due and see that none go away dissatisfied,
harmony being the strength and support of all societies, more especially of ours.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Worshipful Master’s station in the Lodge?

Senior Warden: In the East.

Worshipful Master: Why is he in the East, Brother Senior Warden? What are his
duties there?
Senior Warden: As the sun rises in the East to open and govern the day, so rises
the Worshipful Master in the East (WM rises) to open and govern his Lodge, to set
the craft to work and give them good and wholesome instruction for their labor.

Worshipful Master: (●●●) Brother Senior Warden, it is my will and pleasure that
Lodge …………... number………, working under the Jurisdiction of the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge …………... be now opened on the 1st Degree of Masonry
for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it, under the usual
Masonic restrictions. Communicate this order to the Junior Warden in the South, and
he to the craft for their government.

Senior Warden: Brother Junior Warden, it is the will and pleasure of the Worshipful
Master in the East, that Lodge……... number……. be now opened on the 1st Degree
of Masonry for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it, under
the usual Masonic restrictions. Communicate this order to the craft for their
government.

Junior Warden: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master in the
East, communicated to me by the Senior Warden in the West, that Lodge……
number……, be now opened on the 1st Degree of Masonry for the dispatch of such
business as may regularly come before it, under the usual Masonic restrictions. Take
due notice and govern yourselves accordingly. Look to the East!

Worshipful Master: Together with the Signs, Brethren. (Signs given. After signs,
one rap one time around, commencing with the Worshipful Master.)

Worshipful Master: Brother Chaplain, lead us in prayer. (The following must be

given from memory.)

Chaplain: Most Holy and glorious Lord God, Great Architect of the Universe, the
giver of all good gifts and graces, Thou hast promised that “where two or three are
gathered together in Thy name, Thou wilt be in their midst, and bless them.” In Thy
name we have assembled, and in Thy Name we desire to proceed in all our doings.
Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue every discordant
passion within us, so harmonize and enrich our hearts with Thine own love and
goodness, that the Lodge at this a time may humbly reflect that order and beauty
which reign forever before Thy throne. Amen.

Brethren: So mote it be.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the Altar and display the
Three Great Lights. (Done. Holy Bible at Psalm 133)

(Senior Deacon Salutes the Altar after displaying the Three Great Lights)
Worshipful Master: In the name of God and the Holy Saints John, and working
under the Jurisdiction of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge……, F. & A.M., I declare
Lodge…… number…… open in form on the 1st Degree of Masonry

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Lodge is now open on the 1st Degree of Masonry.

Junior Deacon: The Tyler is informed, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: (●) (Wardens reverse columns: Up in West; Down in South.)

[Lodge Opened]

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RECEPTION & PREPARATION OF CANDIDATES

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon (●), you will ascertain if there are any
Candidates in waiting.

Junior Deacon: Worshipful Master, I found in waiting Mr. (or Messrs.) (gives Full
name[s]), to receive the Entered Apprentice degree.

Preparation of the Candidate

Worshipful Master: Brothers Stewards (●), approach the Altar.

Worshipful Master: Brother Stewards, how should a Candidate be prepared to be

made an Entered Apprentice?

Stewards: By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot nor
shod, his left foot, left knee, left breast and left arm bare, hoodwinked, and with a
cable-tow once about his neck, the ends hanging over his left shoulder.

Worshipful Master: Brother Stewards, repair to the anteroom where you will find in
waiting Mr. (Full name) who has been regularly elected by the members of this Lodge
to be made a Mason. Propound to him the questions found in the Grand Lodge Ritual
and, if he responds in the affirmative, conduct him to the preparation room and
prepare him to be made an Entered Apprentice. When he is thus prepared, you will
conduct him to the door of the Lodge and cause him to give three distinct knocks
thereon with his own right hand.

Address to Candidate (at anteroom) (optional)

Previous to the constitutional questions being propounded by the Senior Deacon, it
is proper to give the following address:

Senior Deacon (May ask) Is this your petition and signature? (Being satisfied, he
continues.) Mr. (A.B.) somewhat of your motive in applying for admission into our
ancient and honorable Fraternity, we have learned from the declaration, over your
signature, contained in your petition; but, in order that you may not be misled as to
the character or the purpose of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage,
the Lodge addresses to you these preliminary words of advice:

Masonry is far advanced from all that is trivial, selfish and ungodly. Its structure is
built upon the everlasting foundation of that God-given law — the Brotherhood of
man — in the family whose Father is God. Our ancient and honorable Fraternity
welcomes to its doors, and admits to its privileges, worthy men of all creeds and of
every race but insists that all men shall stand upon an exact equality, and receive its
instructions in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in demeanor, in ceremony and in
language, the helpless, groping nature of man at his birth, and his need of reliance
upon Divine guidance through all the transactions of life. You will here be taught to
divest your mind and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and the
Lodge into which you are now to be admitted expects you to divest yourself of all
those worldly distinctions and equipments which are not in keeping with the humble,
reverent and childlike attitude it is now your duty to assume, as all have done who
have gone this way before you.

(The Stewards then ask the following questions)

Stewards: Do you solemnly declare in the presence of these witnesses that you
are a firm believer in the existence of a Supreme Being?

Stewards: Do you declare that, unbiased by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary

motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself as a candidate for the mysteries of
Masonry; that you are prompted to seek this privilege by a favorable opinion
conceived of the Institution, a desire for knowledge and a sincere wish to be useful
to your fellow creatures?

Stewards: Do you promise to conform to all the established usages, customs and
regulations of the fraternity?

If more than one Candidate, each must answer for himself. If replies are in the
affirmative, the SS addresses him or them as follows:

Stewards: Mr. ……., The Institution of which you are to become a member (or
members), is one by no means of a light and trifling nature, but of high importance
and deep solemnity. Masonry consists of a course of ancient hieroglyphic and moral
instructions taught according to ancient usages, by topics, emblems and allegorical
figures. Even the ceremony of your gaining admission within these walls is
emblematical of an event which all must sooner or later experience. It is emblematic
of your final exit from this world to the world to come. You are doubtless aware that
whatever as man possesses here on earth, whether in business, titles, honors, or in
his own representation, will not gain him admission there, he must become poor and
penniless, blind and needy; depending on the sovereign will of our Supreme Grand
Master and, in order to imprint these truths more forcibly upon your mind, it is
necessary that you be divested of your outer apparel, and clad in a garment
furnished by the Lodge. Are you willing to submit to these regulations?

Candidate: I am.

(The Stewards conduct the Candidate(s) to the preparation room

Stewards: We will prepare you in a suitable manner for your initiation as all have
been prepared who have gone this way before you.

(Stewards prepare Candidate(s) and when ready have him send alarm as ordered.)
Candidate. (●●●) (Each Candidate will knock individually.)

INITIATION

Senior Deacon: Worshipful Master, there is an alarm at the door of the preparation
room.

Worshipful Master: Attend to the alarm. (Senior Deacon repairs to the door leaving
the Altar to the right or left depending on location of the preparation room in the
Lodge. Gives ●. Stewards partially open the door)

Senior Deacon: Who comes here?

Stewards: A poor blind Candidate who is desirous of being brought from darkness
to light and receiving a portion of the rights, lights and benefits of this Worshipful
Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John, as many a Brother
and Fellow has done before him.

Senior Deacon: (To each Candidate) Is this of your own free will and accord?

Candidate: It is.

Senior Deacon: Brother Stewards, is he duly and truly prepared?

Stewards: He is.

Senior Deacon: Is he worthy and well qualified?

Stewards: He is.
Senior Deacon: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?

Stewards: By being a man, free born, of lawful age and well recommended.

Senior Deacon: Let him wait with patience until the WM is informed of his request
and his answer returned.

Senior Deacon: (●)

Worshipful Master: Who comes here?

Senior Deacon: A poor, blind Candidate who is desirous of being brought from
darkness to light and receiving a portion of the rights, lights and benefits of this
Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John as many a
Brother and Fellow has done before him.

Worshipful Master: Is this of his own free will and accord?

Senior Deacon: It is.

Worshipful Master: Is he duly and truly prepared?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Worshipful Master: Is he worthy and well qualified?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Worshipful Master: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain

admission?

Senior Deacon: By being a man, free born, of lawful age and well recommended.

Worshipful Master: Since he comes endowed with all these essential qualifications,
it is my will and pleasure that he enter this Lodge of Entered Apprentices, and that
you receive him in due and ancient form.

(Senior Deacon returns to the door of the preparation room, opens it and says:)

Senior Deacon: It is the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master that the poor,
blind Candidate enter this Lodge of Entered Apprentices.

(See “Handling of Candidates” section)

Senior Deacon: My friend, it is the will and pleasure of the WM that I receive you
into this Lodge of Entered Apprentices in due and ancient form. I receive you on the
point of a sharp instrument piercing your naked left breast, (Senior Deacon places it
as indicated on each Candidate in turn) it is to teach you that, as this is an instrument
of torture to the flesh so should the remembrance thereof be to your conscience
should you ever presume to reveal any of the secrets of Masonry unlawfully.

Worshipful Master: (●) (The procession halts and the Worshipful Master rises.) My
friend, no man should ever enter upon any great or important undertaking without
first invoking the blessing of Deity. You will be conducted to the center of the Lodge,
caused to kneel and attend prayer. (Senior Deacon conducts Candidate to a place
representing the center of the Lodge and directs him to kneel. A kneeling bench may
be used. The SD will assist the Candidate.)

Worshipful Master: (●●●) (Uncovers. Advances to in front of the Candidate, kneels

on one knee and places his right hand on the Candidate's shoulder.)

Worshipful Master: Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this
our present convention, and grant that this Candidate for Masonry may dedicate and
devote his life to Thy service and become a true and faithful Brother among us.
Endue him with a competency of Thy Divine wisdom that, by the secrets of our art,
he may be better enabled to display the beauties of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth,
to the honor of thy Holy name. Amen.

Brethren: So mote it be.

Worshipful Master: (Stands, places right hand on head of Candidate and asks:) In
Whom do you put your trust?

Candidate: In God. (Or name by which the Candidate addresses his Supreme
Being. Candidate must answer, SD shall not prompt.) (Worshipful Master may ask
the question as many times as needed. If after asking the question many times, the
Candidate’s answer is not satisfactory, the Worshipful Master may have him returned
to the Preparation Room and cancel this Candidate’s Initiation)

Worshipful Master: Your trust being in God, your faith is well founded. I take you by
the right hand, arise, follow your guide and fear no danger.

(Senior Deacon takes the Candidate by the right arm, and conducts him once about
the Altar, passing in front of the stations of the Worshipful Master, Junior Warden
and Senior Warden. As they pass in front of their stations, these officers each give
one rap, commencing with the Junior Warden. On passing the Junior Warden’s
station, the Worshipful Master, Chaplain or other designated Brother commences
the Bible recitation from memory after the rap is given).

(Perambulation: Psalm 133)

Junior Warden: (●)

Chaplain: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together
in unity.

Senior Warden: (●)

Chaplain: It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the
beard, even Aaron’s beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments;

Worshipful Master: (●)

Chaplain: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon mountains
of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing; even life for evermore.

On arriving at the JW’s station the second time, gives (●) on the floor with his rod. If
more than one Candidate, they and their guides will form a line centered on the
station.

Junior Warden: Who comes here?

Senior Deacon: A poor, blind Candidate who is desirous of being brought from
darkness to light and receiving a portion of the rights, lights and benefits of this
Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John as many a
Brother and Fellow has done before him..

Junior Warden: (To each Candidate) Mr. (Full name) is this of your own free will and
accord?

Candidate: It is.

Junior Warden: Brother Senior Deacon, is he duly and truly prepared?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Junior Warden: Is he worthy and well qualified?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Junior Warden: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?

Senior Deacon: By being a man, free born, of lawful age and well recommended.

Junior Warden: Brother Senior Deacon, you will conduct the Candidate to the
Senior Warden in the West for further examination. (Senior Deacon takes Candidate
to the Senior Warden’s station, and gives (●) on the floor with his rod.)

Senior Warden: Who comes here?

Senior Deacon: A poor, blind Candidate who is desirous of being brought from
darkness to light and receiving a portion of the rights, lights and benefits of this
Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John as many a
Brother and Fellow has done before him.

Senior Warden: (To each Candidate) Mr. (Full name) is this of your own free will
and accord?

Candidate: It is.

Senior Warden: Brother Senior Deacon, is he duly and truly prepared?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Senior Warden: Is he worthy and well qualified?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Senior Warden: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission?

Senior Deacon: By being a man, free born, of lawful age and well recommended.

Senior Warden: Brother Senior Deacon, you will conduct the Candidate to the
Worshipful Master in the East for final examination and instruction. (Senior Deacon
conducts Candidate to the and gives (●) on the floor with his rod)

Worshipful Master: Who comes here?

Senior Deacon: A poor, blind Candidate who is desirous of being brought from
darkness to light and receiving a portion of the rights, lights and benefits of this
Worshipful Lodge, erected to God and dedicated to the Holy Saints John as many a
Brother and Fellow has done before him.

Worshipful Master: (To each Candidate) Mr. (Full name) is this of your own free will
and accord?

Candidate: It is.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, is he duly and truly prepared?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Worshipful Master: Is he worthy and well qualified?

Senior Deacon: He is.

Worshipful Master: By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain
admission?

Senior Deacon: By being a man, free born, of lawful age and well recommended.

Worshipful Master: My friend, you will be re-conducted to the Senior Warden in the
West who will teach you to approach to the East, advancing by one, upright, regular
step, your feet forming the right angle of an oblong square, your body erect to the
Worshipful Master in the East (Senior Deacon takes Candidate to the Senior
Warden’s Station.)

Senior Deacon: (Gives (●) on floor with rod) Brother Senior Warden, it is the will
and pleasure of the Worshipful Master in the East that this Candidate be taught to
approach to the East, advancing by one, upright, regular step, his feet forming the
right angle of an oblong square, his body erect to the Worshipful Master in the East.

Senior Warden: Cause the Candidate to face the East. (SD and Candidate about
face. SW comes down to floor level and approaches Candidate.)

Senior Warden: Take one upright, regular step with your left foot. Bring the heel of
the right to the hollow of the left, thus forming the right angle of an oblong square,
stand erect. (The Senior Warden and Senior Deacon will assist the Candidate in
taking the step and forming the right angle.)

Senior Deacon: Your order has been obeyed, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: My friend, for the first time in your life you have approached the
Altar of Masonry. You stand before us, a Candidate seeking admission into our order,
but, before going any further, be warned of the solemnity and importance of the step
you are about to take, and, if unwilling to proceed, withdraw while there is yet time.
(Pause) The design of the Masonic Institution is to make its votaries wiser, better,
and consequently happier. We receive none, knowingly, into our order who is not
moral and upright before God and of good repute before the world. Such persons,
when associated together, will naturally seek each other’s welfare and happiness
equally with their own. That they may do so upon a common platform, and become
not weary in well doing, we obligate them by solemn and irrevocable ties to perform
the requirements of, and avoid the things prohibited by, Masonry. You have been
elected by the members of this Lodge upon your own voluntary petition to become
united with us in this great and good work. At your entrance into the Lodge, you
professed your faith in God, that God Whom we, as Masons, reverence and serve.
The solemn engagements which you will be required to make before you can
participate in our labors and privileges are made in the name of God, and once taken,
they may never be repudiated or laid aside. Yet, I am free to inform you that our
obligation contains nothing that can conflict with your duty to God, your country, your
neighbor or yourself. With this pledge on my part as the Master of this Lodge, I ask
you; Are you willing to take such an obligation, as all Masons have taken before you?
Candidate: Yes, I am.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, place the Candidate in due form to be
made a Mason.

Senior Deacon: (To Candidate) Advance, kneel on your naked left knee, place your
right so as to form a square, your body erect, your naked left hand supporting the
Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, your naked right hand resting thereon. (The SD
will assist the Candidate to the proper form, using his hands if necessary, having
deposited his rod in its holder at a prior convenient time.)

Senior Deacon: The Candidate is in due form, Worshipful Master.

OBLIGATION

(Deacons and Stewards form arches with their rods above the MM and Senior
Warden respectively)

Worshipful Master: (●●●) (With all but the Lesser Lights dimmed or extinguished,
the WM uncovers and advances to the East of the Altar (passing through the arch).
All rise and stand, but do not move forward.)

Worshipful Master: You will say, “I”, pronounce your name in full, and repeat after
me:

I, (name in full), of my own free will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God and
this worshipful Lodge, erected to Him and dedicated to the Holy Saints John, do
hereby and hereon, most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will
always hail, forever conceal, and never reveal, any of the secret arts, parts or points
of the hidden mysteries of Masonry which may have been heretofore, or shall be at
this time, or any future period, communicated to me as such, to any person or
persons whomsoever, except it be, to a true and lawful Brother Mason, or within the
body of a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Masons, nor unto him or them until
by strict trial, due examination, or lawful information, I shall have found him or them,
as lawfully entitled to them, as I am myself.

I furthermore promise and swear, that I will not write, print, paint, stamp, stain, cut,
carve, hew, mark, or engrave them on anything, movable or immovable, capable of
receiving the least impression of a sign, word, syllable, letter or character, whereby
they may become legible, or intelligible, to any person under the canopy of Heaven,
and the secrets of Masonry, be thus unlawfully obtained, by my unworthiness.

To all this, I most solemnly and sincerely, promise and swear, with a firm and
steadfast resolution, to keep and perform the same, without the least equivocation,
mental reservation, or secret evasion whatsoever, binding myself, under no less
penalty than that of having my throat cut from ear to ear, my tongue torn out by its
roots, and buried in the sand of the sea, at low water mark, where the tide ebbs and
flows, twice in twenty-four

hours, should I in the least, knowingly or wittingly, violate or transgress, this, my

Entered Apprentice Obligation. So help me God, and keep me steadfast.

Worshipful Master: In token of your sincerity of purpose in these solemn

engagements, you will disengage your hands and kiss the Holy Bible, now open
before you. (Candidate kisses an open page of the Bible.)

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, our Brother now being bound to us by
a covenant which may not be broken, you will release him from his cable-tow. (SD
removes cable-tow and hands it to a nearby Brother)

LIGHT

Worshipful Master: My Brother, for by that sacred appellation I now address you,
in your present blind condition, what do you most desire?

Candidate: (Prompted by the SD) Light in Masonry.

Worshipful Master: Light in Masonry being your desire you shall receive it.
Brethren, assist me in bringing our Brother to light in Masonry. (The Brethren come
forward and form two parallel lines from the Altar to the East, one on the North, the
other on the South.)

Worshipful Master: “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth. And
the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there
be light: and there was light.” In solemn commemoration of that sublime event, I, in
like manner, Masonically declare, Let - there - be – light! (At the word, “light”, all, in
unison, strike their hands together and stamp once with their right foot.
Simultaneously, the Senior Deacon removes the hoodwink.)

Worshipful Master: And there is light. My Brother, on being brought to Masonic

Light, you discover upon the Altar before you the Three Great Lights of Masonry, the
Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, by the light of Three Lesser Lights, of which
these three burning tapers, placed in a triangular position, are the representatives.
The Holy Bible is the rule and guide of our faith, the Square to square our actions,
and the Compasses to circumscribe our desires and keep us within due bounds with
all mankind, but more especially with a Brother Mason. The Three Lesser Lights are
the sun, the moon and the Master of the Lodge, and are thus explained; as the sun
rules the day and the moon governs the night, so ought the Worshipful Master
endeavor to rule and govern his Lodge with equal regularity.

(WM returns to the East, (passing through the arch), covers and seats the Lodge (●).
All lights are turned on.)
SIGNS, GRIP & WORD

Worshipful Master: (Advancing toward the Altar.) My Brother, you now discover me
approaching you from the East, on the step, under the Due Guard and Sign of an
Entered Apprentice. This, my Brother, is the Due Guard and alludes to the position
in which your hands were placed when you took the Obligation. This is the Sign and
alludes to the penalty of the Obligation. On entering a Lodge of Entered Apprentices,
or retiring therefrom, you will approach the Altar and salute the WM with this Due
Guard and Sign. (Worshipful Master continues to the Altar.)

Worshipful Master: In token of my Brotherly Love and Friendship, I present you my

right hand, and with it, the grip and word of an Entered Apprentice. You being
uninstructed, the Senior Deacon will answer for you. (If more than one Candidate,
those at the Altar will assist in seeing that the grip is given properly.)

Worshipful Master: I hail

Senior Deacon: I conceal.

Worshipful Master: What do you conceal?

Senior Deacon: All the secrets of Masons in Masonry, except it be to him or them
to whom they of right belong.

Worshipful Master: What is this?

Senior Deacon: The grip of an Entered Apprentice.

Worshipful Master: Has it a name?

Senior Deacon: It has.

Worshipful Master: Will you give it me?

Senior Deacon: I did not so receive it, neither will I so impart it.

Worshipful Master: How will you dispose of it?

Senior Deacon: Letter it and syllable it with you.

Worshipful Master: Letter it and begin.

Senior Deacon: Begin you.

Worshipful Master: No, you must begin. (Done)

The spelling and the syllables may be scrambled, but the Senior Deacon, who
answers last, must pronounce the word correctly.

Worshipful Master: The name of this grip is ****, and should only be given as you
have now received it. Arise, go with the Senior Deacon and salute the Wardens as
an Entered Apprentice. (The Candidate is conducted to the South and West, where
he salutes the Senior Warden and Junior Warden then Senior Deacon conducts him
to the West of the Altar, to salute the WM)

APRON

Worshipful Master: (●●●) My Brother, I now present you this Lambskin, or White
Leather Apron. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason, the
distinguished badge of a Mason.

More ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honorable than the Star
and Garter or any other order that can be conferred upon you at this, or any future
period, by King, Prince, Potentate, or any other person except he be a Mason.

It may be that in the coming years upon your head may rest the laurel wreath of
victory; pendant from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an
eastern potentate; nay, more than these, with light added to the coming light, your
ambitious feet may tread round after round of the ladder that leads to fame in our
mystic circle and even the purple of the Fraternity may rest upon your honored
shoulders; but never again from mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised
spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the Pearly Gates shall any honor
so distinguished, so emblematic of purity and all perfection be conferred upon you
as that which I now bestow.

It is yours, yours to wear through an honorable life and, at your death, to be deposited
upon the coffin which shall enclose your lifeless remains, and with them laid beneath
the silent clods of the valley. Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-
present reminder of an unblemished purity of life and rectitude of conduct, a never-
ending argument for nobler deeds, for higher thoughts and for greater achievements.
And when at last your weary feet shall have come to the end of life’s toilsome journey,
and from your nerveless grasp shall drop forever the working tools of life, may the
record of your life and actions be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I
now place in your hands. (WM hands the apron to the Candidate.)

And when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the Great White
Throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it
be your portion, to hear Him who sitteth as the Judge Supreme, the welcome words,
“Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things; I will
make thee ruler of many things! Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

More ancient than the Golden Fleece, More dignified than the Star or Garter It is the
Badge of Peace
Whose Ministers we are. It is the badge of innocence, And friendship’s holy flame;
And if you ne’er give it offence, It ne’er will bring you shame.

Worshipful Master: Take it, my Brother, carry it to the Senior Warden in the West,
who will teach you how to wear it as an Entered Apprentice.

Senior Deacon: (●) Brother Senior Warden, it is the will and pleasure of the
Worshipful Master in the East that our newly admitted Brother be taught how to wear
his apron as an Entered Apprentice.

Senior Warden: Cause the Brother to face the East. (Senior Warden descends to
the floor. Senior Warden puts on and adjusts apron.)

Senior Warden: My Brother, at the building of King Solomon’s Temple there were
three principal classes of Masons, and each class, as a distinguishing badge, wore
his apron in a peculiar manner. Entered Apprentices, being the bearers of burdens,
were directed to wear theirs with the bib turned up so as to protect their clothing.
Thus my Brother, will you wear yours while laboring among us as a speculative
Entered Apprentice, but remember, that although stains upon this garment brought
credit rather than disgrace to the ancient Entered Apprentice, you, as a speculative
Entered Apprentice, must keep this apron as an emblem of innocence, unspotted
before the world.

Senior Deacon: Your order has been obeyed, Worshipful Master.

METALLIC OBJECT

Worshipful Master: My Brother, agreeable to an ancient custom in all regular and

well governed Lodges of Entered Apprentices, it is now necessary that you be
required to deposit something of a metallic kind, not for its intrinsic worth or value,
but that it may be laid up among the records in the archives of the Lodge as a
memorial that you are now made a Mason.

Senior Deacon: (To Candidate) Examine yourself strictly and see if you cannot find
such an object.

Candidate: (Prompted by Senior Deacon) I find myself entirely destitute, Worshipful

Master.

Worshipful Master: This requirement is to remind you of your now extremely poor
and penniless situation. Should you ever after meet a friend, more especially a
Brother, in like circumstances, you must contribute as liberally to his relief as you
can, without injury to yourself.
Worshipful Master: You will now be re-conducted to the place whence you came,
there be reinvested of what you were divested and returned to the Lodge for further
instruction.

(Senior Deacon and Candidate salute Worshipful Master, then go to the door of the
Preparation Room, and Candidate is given in charge of Stewards. When he is
reinvested, the Senior Deacon again takes charge of him and they return to the Altar
and salute the Worshipful Master)

Worshipful Master: My Brother, you will now be placed in the N.E. corner of the
Lodge as the youngest Entered Apprenticed. Form with your feet the right angle of
an oblong square. Stand with your body erect to the East.

Worshipful Master: My Brother, you now stand as a just and upright Mason and I
give it you strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such.

WORKING TOOLS

May be presented by the WM or any qualified Brother appointed by the WM, o in

front of the Candidate, carrying them in his hands.

Worshipful Master: My Brother, I now present you with the Working Tools of an
Entered Apprentice and will teach you their uses.

The Working Tools of an Entered Apprentice are the twenty-four inch gauge and the
common gavel. (Gives 24-in gauge to Candidate) The twenty-four inch gauge is an
instrument made use of by operative Masons to measure and lay out their work, but
we, as Free & Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and
glorious purpose of dividing our time. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts is
emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide into
three equal parts, whereby we find eight hours for the service of God and a
distressed, worthy Brother, eight for our usual vocations, and eight for refreshment
and sleep. (Retrieves 24-in gauge from Candidate)

(Gives Common Gavel to Candidate) The common gavel is an instrument made use
of by operative Masons to break off the corners of rough stones, the better to fit them
for the builder’s use, but we, as Free & Accepted Masons, are taught to make use of
it for the more noble and glorious purpose of divesting our hearts and consciences
of all the vices and superfluities of life, thereby fitting our bodies, as living stones, for
that spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens.
(Retrieves Common Gavel from Candidate)

LECTURES

(There are two Lectures in the Second Section. The first is referred to as the Work
Lecture, and the second as the Recapitulation. If there is no Entered Apprentice
present to be examined on his proficiency, the Worshipful Master may postpone the
Work Lecture to a time when an already initiated Entered Apprentice is required to
be examined on his proficiency, or when two competent, appointed Brethren will give
it for the benefit of the newly admitted Brother. Only in case if dire necessity and with
a dispensation of the Grand Master, the First, Second and Third sections can be
postponed for a later meeting, (during the following month). The “Charge at Initiation”
and “Symbolism of the First Degree” can never be postponed).

Charge at Initiation

Worshipful Master: I will now give you the Charge.

My Brother, as you are now introduced to the first principles of Masonry, I

congratulate you on being accepted into this ancient and honorable Fraternity.
Ancient, as having existed from time immemorial; and honorable as tending in every
particular so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No institution
was ever raised on a better principle or more solid foundation, nor were ever more
excellent rules and useful maxims laid down than are contained in the several
Masonic lectures.

The wisest and best of men in all ages have been encouragers and promoters of our
Art, and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity to level themselves with
the Fraternity, to extend its privileges, and to patronize its assemblies.

There are three great duties which, as a Mason, you are charged to inculcate: to
God, to your neighbor, and to yourself. (●●●) To God, in never mentioning His name
save with that reverential awe which is due from the creature to his Creator, to
implore His aid in all your laudable undertakings, and to esteem Him as the chief
good (●) To your neighbor, in acting upon the square and in doing unto him as you
would that he should do unto you. And to yourself, in avoiding all irregularities and
intemperance, which may impair your faculties or debase the dignity of your
profession.

A zealous attachment to these duties will insure public and private esteem.

In the State you are to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to your government
and just to your country. You are not to countenance, disloyalty or rebellion, but
patiently submit to legal authority and conform with cheerfulness to the government
of the country in which you live.

In your outward demeanor be particularly careful to avoid censure and reproach. Let
not interest, favor or prejudice bias your integrity or influence you to be guilty of a
dishonorable action.

Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings is earnestly solicited, yet
it is not meant that Masonry should interfere with your necessary vocations, for these
are on no account to be neglected: neither are you to suffer your zeal for the
institution to lead you into argument with those who, through ignorance, may ridicule
it.

At your leisure hours, that you may improve in Masonic knowledge, you are to
converse with well-informed brethren, who will always be as ready to give as you will
be to receive instruction.

Finally, my Brother, keep sacred and inviolate the mysteries of the Order, as these
are to distinguish you from the rest of the community and mark your consequence
among Masons. If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous of
being initiated into the Fraternity, be particularly careful not to recommend him unless
you are convinced that he will conform to our rules, that the honor, glory and
reputation of the institution may be firmly established, and the world at large be
convinced of its good effects.

Symbolism of the First Degree

(Which may be given after the Charge.)

The first, or Entered Apprentice degree of Masonry, is intended, symbolically, to

represent the entrance of man into the world, in which he is afterward to become a
living and thinking actor. Coming from the ignorance and darkness of the outer world,
his first craving is for light — not that physical light which springs from the great orb
of day as its fountain, but that moral and intellectual light which emanates from the
primal Source of all things — from the Grand Architect of the Universe — the Creator
of the Sun and of all that it illuminates. Hence the great, the primary object of the first
degree, is to symbolize that birth of intellectual light into the mind; and the Entered
Apprentice is the type of unregenerate man, groping in moral and mental darkness
and seeking for the light which is to guide his steps and point him to the path which
leads to duty and to Him who gives to duty, its reward.

THE GREAT LIGHT IN MASONRY

The following address may be given immediately after the "Lights" have been
explained in the Entered Apprentice degree:

Worshipful Master: I particularly direct your attention to the Great Light in Masonry,
the Holy Bible. Howsoever men differ in creed or theology, all good men are agreed
that within the covers of the Holy Bible are found those principles of morality which
lay the foundation upon which to build a righteous life. Masonry, therefore, opens
this Book upon its Altars, with the command to each of its votaries that he diligently
study therein to learn the way to everlasting life. Adopting no particular creed,
forbidding sectarian discussion within its Lodge rooms, encouraging each to be
steadfast in the faith of his acceptance, Masonry takes all good men by the hand,
and, leading them to its Altars, points to the open Bible thereon, and urges upon
each, that he faithfully direct his steps through life by the Light he there shall find,
and as he there shall find it.
If from our sacred Altar the atheist, the infidel, the irreligious man, or the libertine
should ever be able to wrest this Book of Sacred Laws, and thus remove, or even
obscure, the greatest Light in Masonry — that light which has for centuries been the
rule and guide of Freemasons — then could we no longer claim for ourselves the
great rank and title of Free and Accepted Masons. But so long as that Sacred Light
shines upon our Altars, so long as it illuminates the pathway of the Craftsmen by the
golden rays of truth, so long and no longer can Masonry live and shed its beneficent
influence upon mankind. Guard, then, that Book of sacred and immutable law as you
would guard your very life. Defend it as you would defend the flag of your country.
Live according to its divine teachings, with its everlasting assurance of a blessed
immortality.

Worshipful Master: (●) Before you can be Passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft, it
will be necessary for you to pass an examination in open Lodge on the work of this
Degree. Any Brother will gladly assist you, and, when ready, you will inform the
Worshipful Master or Secretary and a time will be fixed for your examination.

Worshipful Master: This, my Brother, concludes the ceremonies of this Degree. You
are now entitled to a seat among the Brethren.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CLOSING SHORT FORM

Worshipful Master: (●●●) Without Further form or ceremony I declare this lodge of
Entered Apprentices closed.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the Altar and rearrange the
Three Great Lights.

(SD Salutes the Altar before rearranging the Three Great Lights)

Worshipful Master: Brother JD, inform the Tyler.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Lodge is now closed on the first Degree of
Masonry.

Junior Deacon: That duty has been performed, Worshipful Master.

WM: (●)

[Lodge closed]
CLOSING LONG FORM

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden (●) have you anything in the West to
bring before this Lodge before I proceed to close?

Senior Warden: Nothing in the West, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Anything in the South, Brother Junior Warden? (●)

Junior Warden: Nothing in the South, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Anything on your desk, Brother Secretary? (●)

Secretary: Nothing on my desk, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Has any Brother about the Lodge anything to offer?… If not, I
shall proceed to close.

(No Brother will enter the Lodge during the Opening or Closing Ceremony, except in
cases of dire emergency.)

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon (●), what is the last as well as first great
care of Masons when in Lodge assembled?

Junior Deacon: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, WM.

Worshipful Master: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to close this
Lodge of Entered Apprentices and direct him to tyle accordingly

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Worshipful Master is about to close a Lodge of
Entered Apprentices. Tyle accordingly.

Junior Deacon: The Lodge is duly tyled, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: How are we tyled, Brother JD?

Junior Deacon: By a Brother Master Mason without the door, armed with the proper
instrument of his office.

Worshipful Master: What are his duties there?

Junior Deacon: To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that none pass
or repass but such as are duly qualified and have permission from the Worshipful
Master.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden (●), as an Entered Apprentice, whence

came you?
Senior Warden: From the Lodge of the Holy Saints John of Jerusalem.

Worshipful Master: What came you here to do?

Senior Warden: To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in Masonry.

Worshipful Master: Then I presume you are a Mason?

Senior Warden: I am so taken and accepted among Brothers and Fellows.

Worshipful Master: What makes you a Mason?

Senior Warden: My obligation.

Worshipful Master: Where were you made an Entered Apprentice?

Senior Warden: In a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Entered Apprentices.

Worshipful Master: How many anciently composed a Lodge of Entered

Apprentices?

Senior Warden: Seven or more.

Worshipful Master: When composed of only seven, who were they?

Senior Warden: The Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer,
Secretary, Senior Deacon, and Junior Deacon.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Junior Deacon’s station in the Lodge?

Senior Warden: On the right of the Senior Warden in the West.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Junior Deacon? (●)

Junior Deacon: To carry messages from the Senior Warden in the West to the
Junior Warden in the South and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct, and
to see that the Lodge is duly tyled.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Senior Deacon’s station in the Lodge?

Junior Deacon: On the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Senior Deacon? (●)

Senior Deacon: To carry orders from the Worshipful Master in the East to the Senior
Warden in the West and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct. To welcome
and accommodate visiting Brethren. To receive and conduct Candidates.
Worshipful Master: Where is the Secretary's station in the Lodge?

Senior Deacon: On the left of the Worshipful Master in the East

Worshipful Master: (●●) What are your duties there, Brother Secretary?

Secretary: To observe the Worshipful Master will and pleasure. To record the
proceedings of the Lodge. To receive all monies and pay them into the hands of the
Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Treasurer's station in the Lodge?

Secretary: On the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.

Worshipful Master: What are your duties there, Brother Treasurer?

Treasurer: To receive all monies from the hands of the Secretary, keep just and
regular accounts of same, and pay them out at the Worshipful Master will and
pleasure, with the consent of the Lodge.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Junior Warden’s station in the Lodge?

Treasurer: In the South.

Worshipful Master: Why are you in the South, Brother Junior Warden? What are
your duties there?

Junior Warden: As the sun in the South at its meridian height is the glory and
beauty of the day, so stands the Junior Warden in the South, there better to observe
the time; to call the craft from labor to refreshment; to superintend them during the
hours thereof and see that they do not convert the purposes of refreshment into
intemperance and excess; to call them on again in due season that the Worshipful
Master may have pleasure and the craft profit thereby.

Worshipful Master: Where is the Senior Warden’s station in the Lodge?

Junior Warden: In the West.

Worshipful Master: Why are you in the West, Brother Senior Warden? What are
your duties there?

Senior Warden: As the sun is in the West at the close of the day, so is the Senior
Warden in the West to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing his Lodge;
to pay the craft their wages if aught be due and see that none go away dissatisfied,
harmony being the strength and support of all societies, more especially of ours.
Worshipful Master: Where is the Worshipful Master’s station in the Lodge?

Senior Warden: In the East.

Worshipful Master: Why is he in the East, Brother Senior Warden? What are his
duties there?

Senior Warden: As the sun rises in the East to open and govern the day, so rises
the Worshipful Master in the East (WM rises) to open and govern his Lodge, to set
the craft to work and give them good and wholesome instruction for their labor.

Worshipful Master: (●●●) Brother Senior Warden, it is my will and pleasure that
Lodge…… number……, be now closed. Communicate this order to the Junior
Warden in the South, and he to the craft for their government.

Senior Warden: Brother Junior Warden, it is the will and pleasure of the Worshipful
Master in the East, that Lodge…… number…… be now closed. Communicate this
order to the craft for their government.

Junior Warden: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of the Worshipful Master in the
East, communicated to me by the Senior Warden in the West, that Lodge……
number……, be now closed. Take due notice and govern yourselves accordingly.
Look to the East!

Worshipful Master: Together with the Sign, Brethren.

WM (●), SW (●), (JW(●)

Worshipful Master: Brother Chaplain, lead us in prayer. (The following must be

given from memory)

Chaplain: And now, Almighty Father, we ask Thy blessing upon the proceedings of
this Communication and, as we are about to separate, we ask Thee to keep us under
Thy protecting care until again we are called together, Teach us, Oh God, to realize
the beauties of the principles of our time honored Institution, not only while in the
Lodge, but while abroad, in the World. Subdue every discordant passion within us.
May we love one another in the bonds of union and friendship. Amen

Brethren: So mote it be.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Warden, how do Masons meet?

Senior Warden: Upon the level, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Warden, how do Masons act?

Junior Warden: By the plumb, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: And they part upon the square. So may we ever meet, act, and
part.

Worshipful Master: And now may the Blessings of Heaven rest upon us and all
regular Masons wherever dispersed. May brotherly love prevail and every moral and
social virtue cement us. Amen.

Brethren: So mote it be.

Worshipful Master: Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the Altar and close the Three
Great Lights. (Done)

(Senior Deacon Salutes the Altar before closing the Three Great Lights)

Worshipful Master: In the name of’ God and the Holy Saints John, and working
under the Jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge……, I declare Lodge……
number…… closed in form.

Worshipful Master: Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.

Junior Deacon: Brother Tyler, the Lodge is closed

Junior Deacon: The Tyler is informed, Worshipful Master.

Worshipful Master: (●) (Wardens reverse columns: Down in West; Up in South.)

[Lodge Closed]