Masonic Initiation Ceremony – Chamber of Reflections

• The document provides rituals, protocols, and educational material relating to the First Degree of the Masonic High Council of the USA, operating under the authority of the Regular Grand Lodge of England
• It is used by the Confederation of Regular Grand Lodges

Furnishing of the Temple

• Temples are oblong, oriented East to West
• The ceiling is painted sky-blue with constellations to symbolize a connection to T.G.A.O.T.U.
• The floor consists of alternating black and white square stones, or a carpet of black and white squares called a 'mosaic'
• The columns at the entrance are Corinthian, each supporting 3 open pomegranates, with the letters 'J' and 'B' engraved on respective shafts
• The East holds the W.M.'s Chair with the Warrant, a naked sword, gavel, trowel, and a candelabra with three candles
• The J.W. and S.W. have seats and triangular tables in front of Columns J and B respectively
• Rows of chairs are placed on the North and South sides for Brethren, referred to as Columns
• E.A.s sit on the North Column, back row; F.C.s on the South Column, back row; and M.M sits in the front rows of either Column
• The W.M.’s table also contains the three Great Lights, trowel, the V.S.L., the S & C, and a kneeling stool or pillow with a square
• The wall behind the Throne has a luminous Delta with an eye, with the images of the Sun and a crescent Moon painted on South and North sides respectively of the W.M.'s Throne
• The tracing board is placed in the middle of the floor, surrounded by three tall candlesticks
• The First candlestick represents the Column of Wisdom, located at the South East corner
• The Second represents the Column of Strength, located at the South West corner
• The Third is the Column of Beauty, located at the North West corner
• The Perfect and Rough Ashlars are placed behind the Senior and Junior Wardens respectively
• The Secretary's position is on the right of the W.M., the Almoner is in the front North row, the Orator is at the left of the W.M., and the Treasurer is in the front South row
• The M.C. is seated next to the Junior Warden, and the Inner Guard is last in the front row of the South

Admission of Candidates

• A candidate's proposer and seconder vouch for their reputation in open Lodge
• A vote determines if the candidate will be interviewed
• With unanimous consent, two members investigate and report on the candidate's suitability
• After reports, a vote is taken on whether to hear the candidate under hoodwink
• If favorable, the candidate attends the next meeting, is hoodwinked, led between columns, and questioned
• After the interview, and leaving the Lodge, a vote decides on the application, leading to initiation arrangements if successful

Passing and Raising

• Passing a Brother to the FC Degree or raising to the MM Degree requires an item in the meeting summons
• The candidate Brother must present a short paper, around 5-10 minutes, on the previous degree
• The candidate will be required to participate in questioning by the Master or degree-holding Lodge members
• The application undergoes a vote after the Brother leaves, and procedures for advancement are set if approved

Admission of a Joining Member from a Recognised Jurisdiction

• Regulations require treating joining membership applications like initiations
• Applicants must show their Grand Lodge Certificate and adhere to the By-laws

Swords

• Swords are traditional in the Masonic Rite, with specifics for M.C. and I.G.
• The M.C. and I.G. 'present arms' when the Brethren stand to order and stand at the ‘carry’ when moving around the Lodge
• When seated the M.C. and I.G., rest their sword on against their right shoulder
• Other Brethren place swords on the floor by their chairs

Standing to Order

• The W.M. and Wardens take their Gavels in their right hands and apply them to their left breasts
• Staffs are held by experts in their right hand with the base on the floor against the foot, extending sideways
• Batons, if used, held in the right hand, applied to left breast. The M.C. and I.G. ‘present arms.’
• Other Brethren give the sign of the Degree without stepping

Sign, Battery and Triple Acclamation

• The Sacred Word list: Jakim, Jakin, Jachim, or Jachin
• The Pass Word is: Tubal Cain
• The Battery is noted as: 00 - 0
• The official Age: 3
• The procedure for the salute is: W.M calls for the Sign (All discharge the Sign), the Battery (All give the Battery, taking their time from the W.M. - XX-X) and the Triple Acclamation.
• Then those present give: (All give the Vivat! (May he or she live; long live; hurrah)

Reception of the Grand Master or Past Grand Master

• When announced by the M.C., the Grand Master Mason enters the Lodge last
• Worshipful Master says, “We are honored by his (their) presence here today and shall be pleaded to welcome him (them) into the Lodge. Bro. M.C., attend to the duties of your office”
• Worshipful Order commands all members to Stand to Order!
• The M.C. takes the one-branch Candlestick from the W.M.'s pedestal or desk, lighting the candles starting with the Large Lights from the South East corner to the South West light to the South North light, Secretary desk and the Treasurer desk and places the one-branch Candlestick back to its original position, and go to the door of the Lodge.
• This is done before any enters the Lodge but the above reception it to be said before the Grand Master Mason enters
• Order: Brethren to order to receive the Grand Master Mason or Past Grand Master Mason

Reception of Distinguished Visitors

• The order of the Ritual ceremony is: These ritual knocks are continued, in a slow and deliberate rhythm, until the Grand Master Mason of Past Grand Master Mason reaches the East
• He is received at the door of the Lodge by the M.C. who forms a procession: (1) The Master of Ceremonies carrying his sword at the present arms position. (2) An Arch of Honour is formed by all Brethren having swords remaining in their places and holding their swords in their right hands, extended forwards and upwards at an angle of 45°
• Other Brethren stand to order and the Experts wands crossed before the W.Ms pedestal or desk.
• When the procession reaches the East, the Brethren and Experts halt and turn inwards toward the East so as to allow the Grand Master to pass between them to the East where he is welcomed by the W.M. who, offers him the gavel, 'which none other knows better how to use and the M.C. return to their places
• Upon being announced by the M.C., the Worshipful Master says, “We are honoured by his (their) presence here today and shall be pleased to welcome him (them) into the Lodge. Bro. M.C., attend to the duties of your office."
• Then the Worshipful Master orders - Brethren, to order to receive our distinguished Visitors
• To do this All Brethren will makes the battery of a Masons by the clapping of hands.
• These ritual batteries are continued, in a slow and deliberate rhythm, until the senior Visitor reaches the East.
• He is received at the door of the Lodge by the M.C. who forms a procession leading him to where he is to be seated

Opening in the First Degree

• Brethren wait at the entrance and the M.C. introduces E.A.s, F.Cs, M.Ms (non-officers), then Officers
• All present stand and wait until the M.C. leads the W.M. to his chair, then sit
• From then on, the Lodge operates squared, except when the Orator adjusts the Great Lights
• A dialogue is undertaken via formal questioning WM - Bro. S.W., are you a Freemason? S.W. - My Brethren consider me as such. WM - What is the first care of a Lodge of E.A. Freemasons? S.W. - To see that the Lodge is properly tiled. WM - Attend to that duty and report to me accordingly.
• The I.G. verifies the lodge is tiled: I.G. – The I.G. rises and, with a drawn sword at the ‘carry’ position, goes to the door and instructs the Tyler to tile the lodge (the lodge is tiled by one knock from the Tyler and one from the I.G.) and report. I.G. - Bro. S.W., the Lodge is properly tiled. (Sits) S.W. - W.M., the Lodge is properly tiled.
• All officers must then rise W.M. - Bro. J.W., what is the second care of the Lodge of E.A. Freemasons? J.W. - To see that all present are Freemasons.
• The Senior and Junior Wardens must attend to checking all present W.M. - Brethren, be upstanding...All rise, facing East (Half turn to the East), and each comes to order as the Warden comes up to them). J.W. - Bro. S.W., all those in the North Column are Freemasons. S.W - W.M., all those in the North and South Columns are Freemasons.
• Then the W.M. confirms the information, while everyone stands to order: W.M. AND the Brethren in the East stand to order W.M - I recognize all in the East as Freemasons. W.M. - Brethren, together on the sign. Be seated. All discharge Sign and sit.
• The Junior Warden’s responsibilities are detailed: WM - Bro. J.W., your place in the Lodge? J.W. - In the North West. W.M. - Your duties there? J.W. - To better observe the sun at its meridian and to call the Brethren from labour to refreshment.
• Next is detailing the Senior Warden’s details: WM - Bro. S.W., your place in the Lodge? S.W. - In the South West, W.M. - Your duties there? S.W. - To better observe the setting of the sun.
• Then detailing the Worshipful Master W.M. - Where is the Master's place? S.W. - In the East. W.M. - His duties there?
• Finally, the Worshipful Master duties S.W. - As the sun rises in the East to open and govern the day, so rises the W.M. in the East, to open and govern the Lodge, call the Brethren to labour and to supervise their work. VM - Bro. S.W., what is your age in the First Degree of Freemasonry? S.W. - Three years. VM. - Bro. J.W., at what time do First Degree Freemasons start their labours? J.W. - At mid-day. VM - Bro. S.W., what time is it? S.W. - It is mid-day. VM. - The age is correct and the hour has struck. VM. - What were you seeking Bro. J.W., when you first entered this Lodge? J.W. - Light. VM - Then let there be light, spreading from the East, for from the East, the first rays of morning sun dispersed the darkness and brightened the first day. WM - All rise and stand to order.
• The M.C., armed with a sword, squares the Lodge, holding a lighted candlestick taken from the W.M. middle candelabra candle and advances to the E. where he stops, and lights the three Candlesticks on the W.M. desk WM - May Wisdom reign over our works. The M.C squaring the Lodge, go to the SW and lights the S. W candle. S.W - May Strength achieve it. The M.C squaring the Lodge go to the NW and lights the J. W candle. JW - May Beauty ornament it.
• To finish The M.C. places the candlestick back on the W.M. candelabra and return to his place, taking care to square the Lodge The Worshipful Master calls everyone to order W.M. - To the Glory of T.G.A.O.T.U. and the Masonic Order under the auspices of the Regular Grand Lodge of Maryland, I declare this Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons open in the EA Degree. VM (discharges the sign) with the Battery, (XX −X three times) and the Triple Acclamation. Vivat, Vivat, Vivat! Then The M.C., Experts and Orator, must attend to your duty The M.C. attends to the Tracing Board, and returns to his place. The Orator opens the V.S.L. to Psalms 133 and arranges the S. and C. accordingly to the degree open on. All then return to their places Then closing statements WM - Brethren, we have now left all vain thoughts at the entrance of the Temple. Let our hearts reign in brotherly love. W.M Brethren, Then the members are seated and the ritual pauses for administration Brethren, be seated. (All sit); W.M - Are there any excuses from absent Brethren? W.M. Bro: M.C., exits to exit the lodge and advises on presence of visitors WM- Visiting Brethren request they stand to order with a welcome and request that all Late-Comers must be received by the M.C

Late-Comers

A dialogue is undertaken by formal questioning W.M. - From whence come you? Reply - From a Lodge of St. John. W.M. - What does one do in a Lodge of St. John? Reply - One makes crowns for Virtue and chains for Vice. W.M. - What do you wish to do here? Reply - Vanquish my passions, subdue my selfish will, and make further progress in Freemasonry

Circulation of the Propositions Bag

Bro. M.C circulates the propositions bag beginning with the S.W, and those seated in the East whether they have any proposals to make in the interests of the Order in general and of this Worshipful Lodge in particular WM - - In that case, Bro. M.C. advance to the Altar. He does so and hand the Bag of Propositions is examined by the W.M and then returns them WM - - The Bag of Propositions is clean and unsullied (or contains pieces)

Use of the Spoken Word

W.M. - Bros S.W. and J.W. announce to the Brethren in your respective columns that the spoken word is available to any of them that wish to use it for the general good of the order or this lodge in particular Almoner obeys, squaring the Lodge all the time, and having completed these duties he then stands between the Columns - Bro. Almoner, circulate the Almoner's Bag beginning with the S. W and return between the columns after you have completed There must be a reading of the Meeting Minutes. WM. Bro. Almoner, bring the Almoner's bag to the W.M.'s throne W.M. Secretary now must read the minutes of the meeting to those in the columns Followed by all in agreement by the Orator’s conclusions. The Minutes end by been signed by both the Secretary and W.M. Before closing Brothers must give confirmation that are satisfied by asking W.M - Bro. S.W., are the Brethren satisfied?

Conclusion

• The Lodge pauses to perform the end Rituals when the W.M states, “At what time do Entered Apprentice Freemasons cease their Labours?" He is met with the response: “At midnight.”
• During the end ritual, all present form what is called the Chain of Union
• Hereafter those present must greet the closing of our labours by the sign, [discharges the sign,] with the Battery, [giving (XX-X) and the Triple Acclamation. Vivat, Vivat, Vivat!]
• The meeting Official's must their return to your stations, with the closing of the meeting under the name of the Grand Lodge Maryland

Ceremony of Initiation - Preliminaries

The Junior Expert, assisted by the Brother Master of Ceremonies, takes the Candidate to the Chamber of Reflections. The Chamber or Meditation should symbolize a cave, on one wall of which is painted in silver and should be lighted by a single Candle Questions put to all candidates should he answer in writing What is man's duty to his Creator? What is man's duty to Himself? What is man's duty to his Fellow Men? What is man's duty to his Mother Country? After completing, the Candidate write his last Will and Testament, emphasizing the spiritual and philosophical aspects. The Candidate is then prepared to complete the process after been fetched after ordered from the Worshipful Master The process consists of divesting him of all metallic objects, money and jewels, which should be placed in a small basket.

These actions are: Coat and Waistcoat Removal Left arm/ breast/ Right knee made bare Left foot slipshod Removal of Cord is placed around his next with the end hanging down in front when Hood- Wink is called Preparation should also be provided such as Ablution Water bowl Blow-pipe Water Glass with bitter drink

Reception of the Candidate

The next set of questions is asked via dialogue WM - Bro. Junior Expert, go and ascertain whether the Candidate has his last will and testimony After reading the will and all question back the WM will give the direction and direction to the junior brethren The junior brethren must follow directions, and the brothers take their to speak in confirmation. After the affirmation by brethren WM will ask the secretary to review how to proper feeds been paid? If affirmative brethren, the members will retreat to perform the task assigned when at the door. There will several random knots followed to confirm that is a member of the lodge that requires entrance and to ask the necessary requirements when entering. During the questioning session a declaration of there expectation will occur. And WM will question brethren the reason for the request and request to be question on the basis of the principle. WM will require “all to order" During process it calls “ So Mote be It”: With the candidate on there kneel with an order to lead the candidate in the first journey. It is here where they require being lead under safe guided

Journey for the Candidate

Here calls for the brother to lead the guide thru his journey and must be in sound state, with guidance to lead. Thru that there is blessing for the almighty protection of all by his name. It then requires the brotherhood is the guide of the members that calls for their attention that require the blessing of faith that is bestowed. To become one thru the lodge, there is must require been sound mind. After being completed thru the journey calls to be in brotherhood if the lodge had to face all challenges that the candidate faces during his journey. Here in process there is multiple challenge that take shape during journey calling member of lodge to put their thought as test

• To become a brethren that he stand today is the blessing and support the candidate faces. If the candidate faces or has failed to maintain a oath in his journey will be meet from
• It also consist of the Senior member of the lodge test, by way of instruction, and to support what steps he has perform. Calling for both guidance and support thru the blessing when arriving. Will be in support of brotherhood member to take his obligation. WM will state a statement that calls "For we remember, that if ever you are called upon to shed your blood, let it be for just and cause "

First three steps of the Freemason journey

Lead it here where all must agree for he holly Alter It is from here from that all comes to the end of his journeys will be remember ,with to those who came from those steps. In order for all journey member that the journey for here for the brotherhood, must remain to those who came from here. It call from the candidate to order that has taken is solemn obligation: It is that “I hereby promise and swear solemnly, and with a pure heart, in the presence of T.G.A.O.T.U. and of his Worshipful Lodge of Freemasons, never to reveal in any manner, any of the mysteries of Fremasonry, that shall now, as on in the future entrusted, expect thru or legal rights. "The is also require and promise all respect thru the members of brotherhood, and I may bury in sand. The ceremony that all comes end here when to member returns, after what his blood means.

• There is a call to remove, and hood when comes in the part of brotherhood, and member who seeks never enters when has no right to go.

Aftermath

The Candidate with the help of the brother are able to restore what the candidate needs. The question that all must that comes his way thru is the oath of is support when coming to lodge, calling the right candidate. At the moment to light by asking of brotherhood and light, as it is been asked must it be reminded “ that if necessary is promise "

In the end

In the ritual the brothers will stand behind the member calling the member brotherhood, as test of the candidate to see the surrounding and look upon those behind, in oath, and support of brotherhood

Instruction by Questions and Answers

The instruction are to the lodge and all members of what means to and what means to the brethren. There is order when to reply, and will be at test when calling to each others member ship.