MASONIC TRIVIA

Officially, Freemasonry is defined as consisting of a course of moral
instruction, illustrated by types, emblems, and allegorical figures - a series
of words and actions symbolic of other actions.

After an extensive analysis of the opinons of other eminent Maosnic Scholars,
the late Charles C. Hunt of Iowa proposed the following definition:

"Freemasonry is an organized society of men symbolically applying the
principles of operative Masonry and architecture to the science and art of
character building."

This especially distinguishes our fraternity from all other organizations which
teach a system of morality.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

Freemasonry is a charitable, benevolant and educational society. It is devoted
to religion. The Volume of the Sacred Law is open upon its Altar whenever a
lodge is in session. yet, it is not sectarian or theological. It teaches and
stands for the worship of God; truth and justice; fraternity and philanthropy;
education and enlightenment. It expects each of its members to be true and
loyal to the government of the country to which he owes allegiance, and to be
obedient to the laws of the state in which he may be residing. It forbids the
discussion of partisan politics, creeds, or other topics likely to excite
personal animosities. It seeks to inspire its members through Brotherly Love,
Relief, and Truth. Masonic ideals and principles have on many occasions been
credited with the concern for human welfare in legislative halls, the houses of
commerce and trade, and the shops of industry. These ideals and principles have
been carried there by individual Masons. Whatever good Masonry has accomplished
and may accomplish in the world has been and will be the sum of the worth of
all its members.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

There are many theories. A man was a Freemason because his ancestors were not
slaves nor was he a slave; he was so called because he was free within his
Guild or free of the Guild's laws and could travel in foreign countries and
work where he would; he was a Freemason because he worked in freestone, which
is any stone that can be cut, smoothed, or carved in any direction; he was free
when he had left the status of serf and legally became free. Probally at one
time or another for all of them. The consensus leans to the theory that the
Freemason was such because of skill, knowledge, and abilities which set him
free of those conditions, laws, rules, and customs which circumscribed masons
of lesser ability in the cathederal building age.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

The word is used in a sense that Masonry of today is theroetical building
instead of practical; that it is a pursuit of knowledge, not construction of
material edifices. Speculative Masonry began with the practice of admitting to
membership in operative lodges men, who were not practical builders such as
stone cutters and architects, but men who were interested in the moral, ethical
and philisophical teachings of the fraterniity.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

"A" religion connotates some particular religion. Freemasonry is non
sectarian. Before its alter Christian, Jew, Mohammedan, Buddhist, and
Confucian may kneel together. If the question is phrased "Is Freemasonry
religious?" then the obvious answer is that an institution erected to God
which begins its cermonies and ends its meetings with prayer, which has a Holy
Book upon its alter, which preaches the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood
of man, of course has a religous character. No athiest can be a Freemason.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987


In its earliest form, "Apprentice" meant, "to lay hold of, to seize" (as in our
word apprehend), but at a very eary time was narrowed to mean the kind of
laying hold of and seizing which a man must do when he is a learner. Early in
the Middle Ages, this word came into free use among the guilds to denote a boy
who started in to learn a skilled trade or art under a Master, and in obedience
to many guild rules and regulations.

Committee on Masonic Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

The heart is the seat of the affections, passions, and desires. All the
actions of a man's life issue and proceed from the heart. As a man's heart is,
so will his life be. If his heart is clean and pure, his life can not be
wicked and vicious. Fundamentally, Masonry's first concern is with the
strengthening of character in the individual - the building of a Spiritual
Temple. Unless the heart is receptive the mind will not respond to this basic
objective.

Missouri Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987

The wearing of special garments furnished by the Lodge is symbolic. It
emphisizesa the concern of Freemasonry with a man's internal worth, rather than
with his external adornments of posistion, wealth, or enviroment. By wearing
these garments the candidate also signifies the sincerity of his intentions.
The hoodwink demonstrates that the sightless individual needs a guide, and it
symbolizes our dependence upon moral teachings for guidance in our daily
conduct, "We walk by faith not by sight."

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987


The altar is one of the most ancient symbols of mankind. In Masonry, the altar,
among other things, is a symbol of faith. On it rest the Three Great Lights,
and to it comes the candidate in search of Light and to offer himself,
symbolically, to the service of his fellow man and the Grand Architecht of the
Universe. Here he takes his obligations. traditionally considered more solemn
and binding when taken at an altar than under any other circumstance. It is
the focal point for all the Brethren, in order that the precepts for which it
stans and the Lights that rest thereon may guide their every thought and
action.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987

This journey has a two-fold purpose. 

1. To enable all present to view the candidate and ascertain that he is duly
and truely prepared; 

2. It is patterned after one of the most ancient of all religious rites, an
important part of which was the circumambulation around an altar, moving in the
same direction as the sun. In his search for Light the candidate starts from
darkness, the North, travels to the East (the source of Light) and then by way
of the South to the West and back into darkness. He again comes out of the
North and passes through the same course again and again in his progress,
moving in the same direction as the sun, that is, according to natural laws and
Trugh as gathered by human wisdom through the ages.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri 1987
McDonald Lodge # 324 AF & AM (Junior Warden)
Independence, Missouri
York Rite, York Rite College, 32° AASR (SJ), Knight of Jericho - Order of True
Kindred, Shriner, Hillbilly Clan # 124
homepage: http://members.aol.com/CHarris141/mason.html



El Nino wrote:

> How abot the number symbolism on the back of the one dollar bill which
> good ole benny franklin designed?

See below for a history on the Great Seal of the United States.

> 13 steps
> 13 arrows, etc.
> 
> How abot the Qaballah (sp?)? Thirteen steps?
Q not used in Freemasonry - try another group.

Nor is 13 step, want to talk about 3 / 5 / and 7 steps.

> p.s. I even enjoyed the humor.

The Pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States

From THE EAGLE AND THE SHIELD - A History of the Great Seal of the
United States (1976), page 75, we find Charles Thomson's notes on his
design - A pyramid unfinished - In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle ...
Over the Eye these words Annuit coeptis ... and underneath [the
pyramid]
these words Novus Ordo seclorum." The pyramid was taken from an
earlier
design of William Barton (shown on page 67) that had a different motto
DEO FAVENTE (God favoring) PERENNIS (through the years). This, in
turn,
was similar to the design of a Fifty Dollar bill designed by Francis
Hopkinson. Thomson wrote the following: "The pyramid signifies
Strength
and Duration: The Eye over it & Motto allude to the many signal
interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause. The
date
underneath is that of the Declaration of Independce and the words
under
it signify the beginnings of the New American Era, which commences
from
that date." P85.

P89. "The two mottoes which Thomson suggested, and Congress adapted,
for
the reverse ... can be traced more definitely to the poetry of Virgil.
Gaillard Hunt, in the Department of States first publisher on the seal
in 1892, took official notice .... Annuit Coeptis, was described by
Hunt
as an allusion to line 625 of book IX of the Aeneid JUPPITER
OMNIPOTES,
AUDACIBUS ANNUE COEPTIS (All-powerful Jupiter favor [my] daring
undertakings). The last three words appear also in Virgil's GEORGICS,
book I, line 40: DA FACILEM CURSUM, ATQUE AUDACIBUS ANNUE COEPTIS
(Give
[me] an easy course, and favor [my] daring undertakings).
Thompson changed the imperative ANNUE to ANNUIT, the third person
singular form of the same verb in either the present tense of the
perfect tense. The the motto ANNUIT COEPTIS the subject of the verb
must be supplied, and the translator must also choose the tense. In
his
1892 brochure, Hunt suggested that the missing subject was in effect
the
eye at the apex of the pyramid ... and he translated the motto-in the
present tense-as "it (the Eye of Providence) is favorable to our
undertakings." In later publication the missing subject of the verb
ANNUIT was construed to be God, and the motto has been translated in
more recent Department publication-in the perfect tense- as "He (God)
has favored our undertakings".

P90. NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, Hunt noted an allusion to line 5 of Virgil's
ECLOGUE IV, which read in an eighteenth-century edition : "MAGNUS AB
INTEGRO SECLORUM NASITUR ORDO". Hunt translated this line as "The
great
series of ages begins anew" and translated the motto as "a new order
of
centuries." More recently, "a new order of the ages."

P91. Hunt stated that the words ANNUIT COEPTIS NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM
had
"commonly been taken as one motto, meaning 'the new series of ages is
favorable to our undertakings'", but he pointed out that it was
evident
from Thomson's comments that the "intention was to have two mottoes."

P529 - Did Freemasonry Influence the Great Seal Design?

Because membership records for the Revolutionary period are scattered
and imperfect, it is not possible to ascertain with certainty which
persons among the 14 who participated in the designing of the Great
Seal
were Masons and which were not. Conrad Hahn, Ex Sec of the MSA of the
US has furnished the following.
1. Definitely a Mason: Bro. Ben Franklin.
2. Definitely not: John Adams and Charles Thomson
3. No firm evidence of a Masonic connection, although allegations of
such a connection have been noted: Jefferson, Lovell, Hopkinson,
Middleton, Rutledge.
4. No record at all, so presumably not Masons: Du Simitiere, Scott,
Houston, Lee, Boudinot, and William Barton (although he has at times
been confused with another William Barton who was a Mason).
Although Washington was a Mason, he played no role in designing the
Great Seal. And although Franklin, a Mason, was a member of the first
seal committee, his proposal (P14) had no influence on the final
designs, and he was in France when those designs were drawn up. The
only individual listed who has been said to be a Mason (with no firm
evidence) is Hopkinson, whose pyramid design for the Continental
currency's $50 bill clearly influenced the final reverse of the Great
Seal.

The pyramid, the eye, and the radiant triangle have often been
considered to be of Masonic origin. Writers who are Masons have also
seen Masonic symbolism in the eagle, in the number of feathers on the
eagle's wings, etc. It should perhaps be noted that some of the
details
studied and interpreted by these writers are those of comparatively
recent realizations of the Great Seal, details which are not stated in
the blazon itself and are not to be found in the Great Seal die of
1782.

Without questioning the fact that element of the Great Seal design are
also to be found as Masonic symbols, one may question whether the
designers of the seal intended it to be given a specifically Masonic
interpretation. Since there is no evidence that either Thomson or
Barton was a Mason, and as they were the two individuals responsible
for
the final design, the presumption would be that they did not intend
their work to be given a Masonic interpretation.

Were there sources other that FreeMasonry from which symbols such as
the
all-seeing eye and the unfinished pyramid could have been taken? The
answer is yes. Use of the eye in art forms, including medallic art,
as
a symbol for an omniscient and ubiquitous Deity was a well established
artistic convention quite apart from Masonic symbolism, and Du
Simitiere, an artist would have been aware of this. As to the
Pyramid,
there was widespread interest in Egypt in the 18th century. There was
a
detailed work entitled Pyramidographia which would have been available
to both Hopkinson and Barton. This work included a drawing of the
"First Pyramid", which was stepped, did not come to a complete point,
and had an entrance in the center on the ground level-a detail also in
Hopkinson's design.

While these points are not conclusive, it seems likely that the
designers of the Great Seal and the Masons took their symbols from
parallel sources, and unlikely that the seal designers consciously
copied Masonic symbols with the intention of incorporating Masonic
Symbolism into the national Coat of Arms.

Use of the motto "In God We Trust" - P518

From the House Committee on the Judiciary (3/28/1956)

This joint resolution establishes "In God We Trust" as the national
motto of the U.S. At present the U.S. has no national motto. It is
most appropriate that "In God We Trust" be so designated.... Further
recognition of this motto was given by the adoption of the
Star-Spangled
Banner as our national anthem. One stanza ... is as follows:
"And this be our motto -- 'In God is our trust.'"

Maybe it is just coincidence, but I believe I remember that Francis
Scott Key was a FreeMason. (see response below)

Subject: Re: Dollar Bill
From: "Michael Gaffney" <gaff1@erols.com>


Bill Maddox <freemason@sprintmail.com> wrote in article
<33E51C30.44C5C4AC@sprintmail.com>...
> Michael Junior wrote:
> 
> > I have heard that there is symbolism on the Dollar bill that means
> > alot
> > to masons. Is that true?
> 
> Question for you - where did you hear it???
> 
> The Pyramid on the Great Seal of the United States
> 
> From THE EAGLE AND THE SHIELD - A History of the Great Seal of the
> United States (1976), page 75, we find Charles Thomson's notes on his
> design - A pyramid unfinished - In the Zenith an Eye in a triangle ...

*snip*

> recognition of this motto was given by the adoption of the Star-Spangled
> Banner as our national anthem. One stanza ... is as follows:
> "And this be our motto -- 'In God is our trust.'"
> Maybe it is just coincidence, but I believe I remember that Francis
> Scott Key was a FreeMason.

Francis Scott Key was a member of Concordia Lodge #13, Maryland. 
Concordia and my lodge use the same building. Just thought I would
share
this interesting tidbit.

Tenet has the sound and look of a thin tenouous word but within itself; and
when correctly used, has color, surprise, and drama. The Latin tenere meant
more than to take hold of; it meant rather to seize, to grasp, to clutch, to
hang on, and if necessary, to struggle to hang on. It passed into English
almost unchanged in tense, tendon, tension, tenor (so called because it was the
voice that held the lead), tensor, and tenacious. A tenet is some idea,
belief, or doctrine which the mind takes hold of tenaciously, will not let go,
or holds in a firm grip; and an idea or belief of which this is possible is
said to be tenable. In Freemasonry the Principle Tenets (there are so many
others) are BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF, & TRUTH, and they are so called because in
no place or time, under any circumstances will Freemasons let them go.

Committe on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987

By a gauge usually is meant a rod, stick, etc., accurate in length and
subdivisions, used for making linear measurements. It is believed that it
began as the name for a stick to measure the wine in a cask; also it was once
used as the name for a liquid measure. The idea that a man shold make use of a
measure in his life and work was a favorite theme with the Greek philosophers
who did not believe that a man should trust himself to luck, or be the victum
of circumstances, or let his affairs go by accident. That theme stands close
to the Masonic meaning. By which, against what, can a man measure himself? By
rationing his hours; by setting his own skill against the corresponding skill
of others, by setting up an ideal; by estimating his own ability in order to
avoid attempting what is impossible for him.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987

There is confusion among the craft about the word gavel. In addition to its
correct usage it also is made incorrectly to denote the Master's hammer, a
setting maul., etc. The Common Gavel when used as a working tool has a wooden
handle, and iron head; at one end the head is hammer shaped, at the other it
has a cutting edge. Such a tool was convenient for giving a first rough shape
to a stone, and for that reason it is an appropiate tool to be put into the
hands of an apprentice, who is a beginner, and who, at the stage of his
initation, when he receives it, is in a position to do little more than begin
the first rough ashlar of himself for the Masonic life.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987

Ritualistically, the cable-tow is a symbol of a method of control of an
initiate. This somewhat drab and pratical idea gives way in many minds to the
thought that the cable-tow is symbolic of the umbilical cord neccessary to
begin life, cut when love and care replace the need for it as a means of growth
and nourishment. The cable-tow is removed when love and care replace the need
for the physical control.

Ropes, cables, cords, strings, bonds, and thongs are interwoven with a thousand
religions and ceremonies. The length of a cable-tow differs for various
brethren. It is almost universaly now considered to represent the scope of a
brothers ability.
=======

(note from Chris Harris: One can also see that in Ancient Israel, the High
Priest would never enter the Holy of Holies without being duly and truely
prepared and worthy and well qualified. It took six months to prepare himself
in body and soul to enter this most sacred place for the day of atonement. He
also wore a length of rope tied about his body so that in case he had sin or
was not worthy he could be drug out because to experience God face to face
would kill him instantly if he was not prepared correctly. )

Few Masonic matters are less understood by the non Masonic public as this. The
word "worchyppe" or "Worchyp" is old English and means "greatly respected." 
In the Wycliffe Bible "Honor thy father and mother" appears as "worchyp thy
fadir and thy midir." English and Canadian mayors are still addressed "Your
Worship" In some of the Old Constitutions of Masonry there is a phrase, "
Every Mason shall prefer his elder and put him to worship."

"Worshipful," therefore, in modern Masonry continues an ancient word meaning "
greatly respected." A Grand Master is "Most Worshipful, that is "Most greatly
respected" (Except in Pennsylvania, where the Grand Master is Right Worshipful"
as are Pennsylvania's & Texas' Past Grand Masters).

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987


In ancient times it was customary for the chief dignitary to remain seated
whilie others stood. He wore a crown or kept his head piece on while those of
lesser rank removed theirs. It is a designation of rank.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987


Brethren do not pass between the Altar and teh East in a Masonic Lodge at labor
- except in a degree - because the Master is supposed to have the Great Lights 
constantly in view. In theory, at least, he draws inspiration from the Altar
to preside over a lodge and must not, therefore, be prevented from seeing it at
any time.

The custom is but a pretty courtesy. It is rooted in a fundamental conception
of the Craft that the Altar is the center of Masonry, and that from it and from
the Great Lights it bears, flow all that there is of Masonic inspiration and
truth and light.

Committee on Education
Grand Lodge AF & AM of Missouri
1987

Cable-Tow
Chuck Blatchley
Pittsburg #187, Kansas

We again must go back to the Gothic period when OE was spoken. A piece of yarn,
spun fiber, string, or wool was then called a tau or taw. If you took several
pieces of tau and twisted or wove them into a rope, the process was called
cabling, and the resulting rope was a cabled-taw. I think it must have had about
the strength of moderately thick wrapping cord, not the equivalent of modern
cable or rope.

The string was used to mark off straight lines with chalk or charcoal, depending
on the darkness of the background material. Modern builders do much the same
thing. Roll or rub the string with the powdery material and then pluck it when
stretched in place to leave a line of powder along the string. After the
foundation was in place, the string could be re-used as cabled-taw or light
rope.

During later construction, when the height of the building required some
climbing, workers carried a cabled-taw for hauling their tools up to their work
areas. OSHA was not there to prescribe reliable ladders and scaffolding, so they
made do with quite rickety poles and lashings -- no lumber; it was way too
expensive. You can still see holes in the walls of the cathedrals where they
inserted fairly thin _sticks_ to hold up temporary scaffolding. Climbing with
heavy tools or mortar was therefore even less safe, so they climbed first and
hauled the tools up later. Again, there are paintings showing the rickety
scaffolds and tools being lifted.

The length of a worker's cable-tow therefore determined how high he could climb
before hauling up his tools. I suspect that only the most experienced were given
long cable-tows, or else only the most daring would take them. It effectively
limited the height to which a worker could be asked to climb. Something beyond
the length of one's cable-tow, was therefore an unreasonable request.

The really heavy lifting of stone or wood was accomplished with balanced cranes.
Records show that these monster engines could be rented, just as heavy cranes
often are today. In at least one case in France, though, the large crane was
incorporated right into the cathedral tower and is still there today. I don't
remember where that is.

It is interesting that no one seems to find any reference to the cable-tow or
the practice of hauling tools up with this device among 16-17th century
operatives, yet the terminology revives in speculative Masonry in the 18th c. I
don't put much stock in the proposed connection to towing cables used on ships.
With their connection to Gothic building practices, both the rods and the
cable-tow are evidence of earlier Masonic origins than existing Lodge records
would suggest.




|O| Be well. Travel with a light heart.
Who said that?

Brother Gene .*.
www.blackmountainlodge.net
www.freemason.org
MBBFMN #387

And in case I don't see ya' - Good Afternoon, Good Evening and Good Night!

Internet newsgroup posting. Copyright 1998. All rights reserved.

Eugene Goldman wrote:

>>We again must go back to the Gothic period when OE was spoken. A piece
of yarn,
spun fiber, string, or wool was then called a tau or taw. If you took
several
pieces of tau and twisted or wove them into a rope, the process was
called
cabling, and the resulting rope was a cabled-taw. I think it must have
had about
the strength of moderately thick wrapping cord, not the equivalent of
modern
cable or rope.<<

Maybe I can help here a bit, as a spinner and weaver. "Tow" is
specifically the bits of flax which are too coarse to be spun and woven
into linen for clothing. Instead the tow is spun into yarn which is then
twisted into rope.

S&F,
Peggy Butera, FC
Order of Internationl Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain
Atlanta 583
http://comasonic.org

Director, Summerisle Spinners & Weavers, Inc.
http://avalonrecords.com/summerisle


In my ongoing qust to post informative and educational information about
Freemasonry, I post the ceremony of installation of officers for the Grand
Lodge of Missouri, taken from the Book Of Ceremonies. Ceremonies such as this
are open to the public and the public is more than welcome to come and watch
and see what Freemasonry is all about. The duties of the officers are
explained and for the benifit of the Non Masons, every Master takes this
obligation in my jurisdiction. You can see exactly what it is all about. 

Thanks, 
Chris Harris
===========================================================
Installation of the Worshipful Master

Brother Doe, 

Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that you signify your assent to
the ancient charges and regulations which point out the duty of a Master of a
lodge

You will hear all the charges and regulations and then give your response.

I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law.

II. You agree to be a peaceful citizen, and cheerfully to conform to the laws
of the country in which you reside.

III. You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies against the
Government, but patiently to submit to the law and the constituted authorities.

IV. You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates, to work
diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men.

V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of the
Order of Masonry, and their regular successors, supreme and subordinate,
according to their stations; and to submit to the awards and resolutions of
your Brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with the
Constitutions of the Order.

VI. You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to guard against
intemperance and excess.

VII. You agree to be cautious in your behavior, courteous to your Brethren,
and faithful to the lodge.

VIII. You promise to respect genuine Brethren, and to discountenance imposters
and all dissenters from the original plan of Masonry.

IX You agree to promote the general good of society, to cultivate the social
virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the mystic art.

X. You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the time being, and to
his officers when duly installed; and strictly to conform to every edict of the
Grand Lodge, or General Assembly of Masons, that is not subversive of the
principles and ground-work of Masonry.

XI. You admit that it is not in the power of any man or body of men to make
innovations in the body of Masonry.

XII. You promise a regular attendance on the Committees and Communications of
the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper notice; and to pay attention to all the
duties of Masonry on convenient occasions.

XIII. You admit that no new Lodge shall be formed without permission of the
Grand Lodge; and that no countenance be given to any irregular lodge, or to any
person clandestinely initiated therein, being contrary to the Ancient Charges
of the Order.

XIV. You admit that no person can be regularly made a Mason in, or admitted a
member of, any regular Lodge without previous notice, and due inquiry into his
character.

XV. You agree that no visitors shall be received into this Lodge without due
examination, and producing proper vouchers of their having been initiated in a
regular Lodge.

These are the Regulations of Free and Accepted Masons.

Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these Regulations, as
Masters have done in all ages before you?
(The Master assents.)

The Installing Worshipful Master, continuing:

Brother Doe, in consequence of your conformity to the Charges and Regulations
of the Order, you are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full
confidence of your care, skill and capacity to govern the same. Brother
Marshal, you will invest the Brother with the insignia of his office.

The Master is then regularly invested with the insignia of his office.

The installing Worshipful Master continues as follows:

The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth; it
will direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the
whole duty and happiness of man. 

The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to
harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue. 

The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to
eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted.

The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty; press forward in
the path of virtue, and, inclining neither to the right nor to the left, in all
our actions have eternity in view. 

The Line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in
conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to
immortality.

The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read
in the Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts it
enjoins.

You will now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this
Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve it, and duly transmit it to your
successor in office. You will also receive in charge the By-Laws of your
lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed.

The Installing Worshipful Master calls up the Craft by three raps and then
addresses the Installing Marshal:

Brother Marshal, you will escort the Master to the East.

Master, behold your brethren! Brethren, behold your Master!

The Installing Marshal states:

Brethren, The Grand Honors.

The Grand Honors are given by all Master Masons present, except the new Master.

The Installing Worshipful Master seats the craft.


THE SENIOR WARDEN
Brother Doe, having been elected Senior Warden of this Lodge, you are
now invested with the insignia of your office. 

The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same stock, partake of
the same nature, and share the same hope; and though distinctions among men are
necessary to preserve subordination, yet no eminence of station should make us
forget that we are Brethren; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of
Fortune's Wheel may be entitled to our regard; because a time will come, and
the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinctions but that of goodness shall
cease; and Death, the grand leveler of human greatness, reduce us to the same
state. 

Your regular attendance of our stated meetings is essentially necessary. In the
absence of the Master, you are to govern this Lodge; in his presence, you are
to assist him in the government of it. I firmly rely on your knowledge of
Masonry and attachment to the Lodge for the faithful discharge of the duties of
this important trust. Look well to the West!
(He is conducted to his proper station.)

THE JUNIOR WARDEN
Brother Doe, having been elected Junior Warden of this Lodge, you are now
invested with the badge of your office.

The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to hold the
scale of justice in equal poise; to observe the just medium between
intemperance and pleasure, and to make our passions and prejudices coincide
with the line of our duty. To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft
during the hours of refreshment; it is therefore indispensably necessary that
you should n9t only be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own
inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft be suffered to
convert the purposes of refreshment into intemperance or excess. Your regular
and punctual attendance is particularly requested, and I have no doubt thatyou
will faithfully execute the duty you owe your present office. Look well to the
South!
(He is conducted to his proper station.)

THE TREASURER
Brother Doe, having been elected Treasurer of this Lodge, you are now
invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to receive all moneys
from the Secretary; keep just and regular accounts of the same; and pay them
out by order of the Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge. I trust
your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the
duties of your office.
(He is conducted to his proper place.)

THE SECRETARY
Brother Doe, having been elected Secretary of this Lodge, you are now invested
with the badge of your office. It is your duty to observe the proceedings of
the Lodge; record all things proper to be written; receive all moneys due the
Lodge; and pay them over to the Treasurer. Your good inclination to Masonry and
this Lodge, I hope, will induce you to discharge the duties of your office with
fidelity, and by so doing you will merit the esteem and applause of your
Brethren.
(He is conducted to his proper place.)

THE CHAPLAIN
[Rev.] Brother Doe, having been appointed Chaplain of this Lodge, you are now
invested with the badge of your office. It is your duty to perform those solemn
services which we should constantly render to our Infinite Creator, and which
[when offered by one whose holy profession is "to point to Heaven and lead the
way,"] may, by refining our souls, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our
minds, prepare us for admission into the society of those above, whose
happiness will be as endless as it is perfect.
(He is conducted to his proper place.)

MARSHAL
Brother Doe, having been appointed Marshal of this Lodge, you are now invested
with the jewel of your office, and presented with this baton as the ensign of
your authority.

It is your duty to arrange all processions of the Lodge, and to preserve order
according to the forms prescribed. Skill and precision are essentially
necessary to the faithful discharge of these duties.
(He is conducted to his proper place.)

THE SENIOR and JUNIOR DEACONS
Brothers Doe and Smith, having been appointed Deacons of this Lodge, you are
now invested with the badges of your offices. It is your province to attend on
the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the
Lodge, such as in the reception of candidates into the different degrees of
Masonry, the introduction and accommodation of visitors, and in the immediate
practice of our rites. The Square and Compasses, as badges of your offices, I
entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.
(They are conducted to their proper places.)

THE STEWARDS 
BrothersDoe and Smith, you areappointed Stewards of this Lodge, and are now
invested with the badges of your offices. You are to assist the Deacons and
other officers in performing their respective duties. Your regular and early
attendance at our meetings will afford the best proof of your zeal and
attachment to the Lodge.
(They are conducted to their proper places.)

THE TILER
Brother Doe , having been appointed Tiler of this Lodge, you are now
invested with the badge and the implement of your office. As the sword is
placed in the hands of the Tiler to enable him effectually to guard against the
approach ofcowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass but such
as are duly qualified, so it should admonish us to set a guard over our
thoughts, a watch at our lips, and post a sentinel over our actions; thereby
preventing the approach of every unworthy thought or deed, and preserving
consciences void of offense towards God and towards man. Your early and
punctual attendance will afford the best proof of your zeal for the
Institution.

CHARGES TO THE OFFICERS

The Installing Worshipful Master requests the Master elect to stand at his
Station and addresses him as follows:

The Grand Lodge having committed to your care the superintendence and
government of the Brethren who are to compose this Lodge, you cannot be
insensible of the obligations which devolve on you as their head; nor of your
responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties annexed to
your appointment. The honor, reputation and usefulness of your Lodge will
materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its
concerns, whilst the happiness of its members will be generally promoted in
proportion to the zeal and ability with which you propagate the genuine
principles of our Institution.

For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary of nature, which,
rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and lustre to all within the
circle. In like manner it is your province to spread and communicate light and
instruction to the Brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the
dignity and high importance of Masonry, and seriously admonish them never to
disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge those duties which they
have been taught in it, and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct to
convince mankind of the goodness of the Institution, so that when a person is
said to be a member of it, the world may know that he is one to whom the
burdened heart may pour out its sorrows; to whom distress may prefer its suit;
whose hand is guided by justice, and whose heart is expanded by benevolence. In
short, by a diligent observance of the By-Laws of your Lodge, the Constitutions
of Masonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and
guide to your faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor and
reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue when time
shall be no more.

The Installing Worshipful Master requests the Wardens elect to stand and
continues:

Brothers Senior and Junior Warden:
You are too well acquainted with the Principles of Masonry to warrant any
distrust that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your respective
duties. Suffice it to say, that what you have seen praiseworthy in others you
should carefully imitate; and what in them may have appeared defective you
should in yourselves amend. You should be examples of good order and
regularity, for it is only by a due regard to the laws, in your own conduct,
that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are assiduously to
assist the Master in the discharge of his trust, diffusing light and imparting
knowledge to all whom he shall place under your care. In the absence of the
Master, you will succeed to higher duties; your acquirements must therefore be
such as that the Craft may never suffer for want of proper instruction. From
the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt that your
future conduct will be such as to merit the applause of your Brethren and the
testimony of a good conscience.

The Installing Worshipful Master calls up the members of the Lodge by three
raps and while the officers and the brethren are standing, continues as
follows:

Brethren of Standard Lodge # 101 Such is the nature of our Constitution that,
as some must, of necessity, rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn to
submit and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers who are
appointed to govern your Lodge are sufficiently conversant with the rules of
propriety and the laws of the Institution to avoid exceeding the powers with
which they are entrusted, and you are of too generous a disposition to envy
their preferment. I therefore trust that you will have but one aim: to please
each other and to unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating
happiness.

Finally, my Brethren, as this Association has been formed and perfected in so
much unanimity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long
continue. May you long enjoy every satisfaction and delight which disinterested
friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your
conduct, as men and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls may your children's
children celebrate with joy and gratitude the annual recurrence of this
auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of our profession be transmitted
through your Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to generation.