Pythagorean diagram
The Hour-glass is an emblem of human life. Behold how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We cannot without astonishment behold the little particles which are contained in this machine—how they pass away almost imperceptibly; and yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an hour they are all exhausted. Thus wastes man! To-day he puts forth the tender leavesof hope; to-morrow blossoms, and bears his blushing honors thick upon him; the next day comes a frost which nips the shoot; and when he thinks his greatness is still aspiring, he falls, like autumn leaves, to enrich our mother earth.
The Scythe is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life and launches us into eternity. Behold what havoc the Scythe of Time makes among the human race! If by chance we should escape the numerous ills incident to childhood and youth, and with health and vigor arrive at the years of manhood, yet withal we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring Scythe of Time, and be gathered into the land where our fathers have gone before us.
Coffin, Spade, Tree
Thus we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy; but we are suddenly revived by the ever-green and ever-living Sprig of Faithwhich strengthens us, with confidence and composure, to look forward to a blessed immortality; and we doubt not that, on the glorious morn of the Resurrection, our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls.
Then let us imitate the good man in his virtuous and amiable conduct, in his unfeigned piety to God, in his inflexible fidelity to his trust, that we may welcome the grim tyrant Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to that all-perfect, glorious and celestial lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides.
My Brother—Your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you have made in the mysteries, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of our favor and esteem. You are now bound, by duty, honor and gratitude to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order.
In the character of a Master Mason you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied must be your constant care; and for this purpose it is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to inculcate, and by the regularity of your own behavior afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. The ancient landmarks of the Order, intrusted to your care, you are carefully to preserve, and never suffer them to be infringed, or countenance a deviation from the established usages and customs of the fraternity.
Your virtue, honor and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear. Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you have this evening represented. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence that we have reposed in you.
The public Grand Honors (not funeral) are given by raising the hands above and a little in front of the head, and clapping them three times together, then letting them fall to the side—repeating this action twice, making three times.
The private Grand Honors are made by 3x3, but not in the same way as the public Grand Honors.
The reception of visitors with the honor due to their rank is an ancient custom of the fraternity which should never be omitted. It is an act of great discourtesy to a visiting officer to omit his formal reception by the Lodge, and in an official visitation the visiting officer should ordinarily require it. On the occasion of visits not official it will be found to greatly increase a true fraternal feeling when courtesy is properly shown.
When a visit from the Grand Lodge is expected, the Master will see that a convenient apartment is provided for the use of the Grand Lodge, where the same can be opened in the proper form. On being notified that the Grand Lodge is opened and prepared for the visitation, the Master, the Lodge being opened on the third degree, will send a committee,headed, if possible, by a Past Master, with the Masters of Ceremony with their rods, the Deacons with their rods, and the Marshal, to escort the Grand Lodge. A procession is formed in the following order:
Marshal.Masters of Ceremony.Committee.Deacons.The Grand Lodge.
On arriving at the door, the Grand Marshal will announce:
"The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. and A. M. of the State of Arkansas."
The procession enters, the Masters of Ceremony and Deacons halt inside the door and cross their rods, the committee proceed, followed by the Grand Lodge in the inverse order of their rank. When the Grand Master arrives in front of the altar, he halts, and the Grand Lodge filing to the right and left form a line across the hall. The committee then introduce The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Arkansas. The Grand Master then advances to the East, and the Master receives him according to ancient usages, with the private Grand Honors of Masonry, and resigns to him the chair and the gavel, each other Grand Officer taking his station in place of the corresponding officer of the Lodge, and the brethren are seated.
The Grand Master, at his pleasure, resigns the chair to the Master, whereupon the other Grand Officers resign their respective stations to the proper officers of the Lodge, and repair to theEast, and take seats on the right of the Grand Master.
The Grand Lodge should retire before the Lodge is closed. When the Grand Master announces his intention to retire, the Lodge is called up, the Grand Honors are given, and the Masters of Ceremony and Deacons repair to the door and cross their rods, the Marshal conducts the procession of the Grand Lodge to the door, and salutes as the procession passes him.
When a visit from the Grand Master is expected, the Master will see that a convenient apartment is provided for his use and that of his suite. When the Grand Master's visit is announced, the Master sends the Marshal, Deacons, Masters of Ceremony, and one of the oldest members (a Past Master, if practicable) bearing the Book of Constitutions, to escort him to the Lodge Room. A procession is formed in the following order:
Marshal.Masters of Ceremony. Suite.Brother with the Book of Constitutions.Grand Master.Deacons.
The Marshal announces to Tyler, Tyler to J. D., and J. D.: "The Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons of Arkansas," when the Master calls up the Lodge. The Masters of Ceremony stop inside, and cross their rods, while the others proceed towards the East. On arriving at the altar, the suite open inwards, the Grand Master passes through,and the others, filing to the right and left, form a line across the hall. The private Grand Honors are then given. The Grand Master advances to the East, and the Master receives him, resigns to him the chair and the gavel. The suite take place on the right of the Master, and the Lodge is seated.
The Grand Master may decline to receive the chair and gavel, or at his pleasure may resign the same.
When the Grand Master announces his intention to retire, having previously resigned the chair and gavel to the Master, the Lodge is called up, the Private Grand Honors are given and the Master directs the proper officers to attend for the escort of the Grand Master. The Masters of Ceremony halt at the door, cross their rods, and the other officers escort the Grand Master to his apartment.
The form will be the same as for the Grand Master, except that the Book of Constitutions will not be borne before them.
When a brother visits a Lodge for the first time and has been vouched for, the Master will send the Senior Deacon to introduce him. That officer conducts him to the Altar and says:
"Worshipful Master, I have the pleasure of introducing to you Brother ......, of ...... Lodge ......"
The Master calls up the Lodge and says:
"Brother ......, it gives me pleasure to Introduce to you the members of ...... Lodge and to welcome you to a seat among us. We meet on ......, and shall be very glad to welcome you to any of our meetings."
The Senior Deacon conducts the visitor to a seat and the Lodge is seated.
If the visitor is to be examined the W. M. appoints a committee, who retire at the door of the preparation room, the S. D. passing them out. When the committee are ready to report, they make an alarm at the door of the preparation room. The S. D. attends to it, and reports that the examining committee desire admission. The W. M. directs him to admit them. When he goes to the door, if the committee expect to report favorably they will introduce the S. D. to the visitor. The committee then come in and make their report at the altar that they have examined ......, who claims to be a member of ...... Lodge No. ......, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of ...... and find him to be a Master Mason (or, that they are not satisfied to vouch for him as a worthy Mason). The W. M. seats the committee, and asks if there is any objection to the admission of ...... as a visitor. Any member of the Lodge has the right to object to the admission of a visitor, but the grounds of the objection must be stated to the W. M., who shall judge of the sufficiency thereof. If there be no objection, the W. M. directs the S. D. to introduce the brother. The S. D. presents him at the altar and introduces him to the W. M., who in turn introduces him to the Lodge in theform above. No brother should be allowed to visit a lodgeforthe first time without an introduction. If the visitor is a Past Master, he should be invited to a seat in the East.
The Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer and Secretary of a chartered Lodge must be chosen annually by ballot, and by a majority of votes, at the time fixed in the by-laws. The Senior and Junior Deacons and Tyler are appointed by the W. M. A Chaplain and Senior and Junior Masters of Ceremony may be appointed also.
If a lodge fails to elect officers at the time appointed, it may at said meeting, or at the next regular meeting thereof, appoint a day for such election, not more than three months from the regular time, and may, without dispensation, elect officers at said appointed time and install them at once.
No member in arrears for dues at the time of the regular election shall be elected or appointed to any office in the Lodge, nor be allowed to vote at such election.
Every voter is eligible to any office except that of Master.
Where a Lodge finds it absolutely necessary to elect a brother W. M., who has not served as Warden, the facts must be reported to the Grand Master, and the Master-elect must not be installed without his dispensation.
When vacancies occur in any of the elective offices of the Lodge, they must be filled by seniority or pro tem. appointments during the remainder ofthe term. No election can be held to fill them except by dispensation of the Grand Master.
Each Lodge may make its own rule as to whether nominations shall be made or vote without nominations.
No one can be installed by proxy.
Officers re-elected must be installed after each election.
Membership in a Lodge is necessary toeligibilityto office except in case of Tyler and Organist.
Any Past Master in good standing of a Blue Lodge can install the officers of a Lodge.
The new Lodge having been constituted, etc., the Grand Master says:
G. M.: This Lodge having been constituted, I will now install its officers. Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, collect the official jewels, place them upon the altar, and present Brother —— ——, who has been elected Worshipful Master.
The Deputy Grand Master now conducts the W. M. elect before the altar, facing the East, and says:
D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I present Brother —— ——, to be installed Worshipful Master of this Lodge.
G. M.: Right Worshipful Deputy Grand Master, have you carefully examined the brother, and do you find him qualified to discharge the duties of the office for which he has been chosen?
D. G. M.: Most Worshipful Grand Master, I find him to be qualified and of goodmorals, of great skill, true and trusty; and, as he is a lover of the Fraternity, I doubt not he will discharge his duties with fidelity and honor.
The Grand Master will perform the installation service to the end, continuing the ceremony as for annually elected officers, the Deputy Grand Master assisting.
Installing his successor is usually the prerogative of the retiring Worshipful Master, although any Past Master may act as installing officer for the occasion. A competent brother (usually a Past Master) will be appointed to act as Marshal, who will present the officers-elect for installation. All things being in order, the Installing Officer says:
Inst. Off.: Brother Marshal, you will present the Worshipful Master-elect for installation.
Mar: Worshipful Master, I present Brother ——, who has been elected Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and is now ready for installation.
Inst. Off.: Brethren, you now behold before you Brother —— ——, who has been elected to serve this Lodge as Worshipful Master, and now declares himself readyfor installation. If any of you have any reason to urge why he should not be installed you will make it known now, or forever after hold your peace. No objection being offered, I shall now install him.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, I congratulate you upon your election as Worshipful Master of this Lodge, and it will afford me great pleasure to invest you with the authority and the insignia of your office. Previous to your investiture, however, it is necessary that you signify your assent to those charges and regulations which point out the duty of the Master of a Lodge:
I. You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey the moral law?
II. You agree to be a peaceable 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 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 toward all men?
V. You agree to hold in veneration the original rulers and patrons of Freemasonry, and their regular successors, supreme andsubordinate, according to their stations, and submit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, in Lodge convened, in every case consistent with theConstitutionsof the Fraternity?
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 your Lodge?
VIII. You promise to respect genuine brethren, and discountenance impostors 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 that is not subversive of the principles and groundwork 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 communications of the Grand Lodge, onreceiving proper notice, and to pay a proper 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 made therein, being contrary to the ancient charges of Freemasonry?
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 visitor shall be received into your Lodge without due examination, or being properly vouched for?
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 answers: I do.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, in consequence of your conformity to the charges and regulations of the Fraternity, you are now to be installed Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your skill and capacity to govern the same.
The Master is then regularly invested withthe insignia of his office, and the furniture and implements of the Lodge are placed in his charge. The various implements of his profession are emblematical of his conduct in life, and are fully explained, as follows:
Inst. Off.: The Holy Writings, that Great Light in Masonry, which guides us to all truth, directs our path to the temple of happiness, and points out the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions and harmonize our conduct with 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 us to 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 to have eternity in view.
The Line, the emblem of moral rectitude, teaches us to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to walk in the path which leads to a blessed immortality.
The Constitution and Laws you are to search at all times and cause to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend ignorance of the excellent precepts they enjoin.
You now receive in charge the Charter, bythe authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve the same 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 new Master is conducted to the East and placed on the right of the Installing Officer until the other officers are installed.
The other officers are then severally presented by the Marshal to the Installing Officer, who delivers to each his appropriate charge.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been elected Senior Warden of this Lodge. Do you solemnly promise that you will serve the Lodge as Senior Warden for the ensuing year, and will perform all the duties appertaining to that office to the best of your ability? (He assents.) You will now be invested with the insignia of your office.
The Level teaches that we are descended from the same stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope; "that we are all children of one common father, heirs of the same infirmities, and exposed to the same vicissitudes." It also reminds us that, although distinctions among men are necessary to preservesubordination, no eminence of station should make us forget that we are brethren, and that in the Lodge and in all our Masonic associations, we are on a level. This implement teaches us that 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 all human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
Your regular attendance on the stated and other meetings of the Lodge is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Master you are to govern the Lodge, and in his presence assist him in the government of it. Hence you will perceive the necessity of preparing yourself for the important duties which may devolve upon you. Look well to the West, and guard with scrupulous care the pillar committed to your charge.
He is conducted to his proper station.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been elected Junior Warden of this Lodge. Do you solemnly promise that you will serve the Lodge as Junior Warden for the ensuing year, and will perform all the duties appertaining to that office to the best of your ability? (He assents.) You will now be invested with the insignia of your office.
The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations; to do unto others as we would have others do to us; to observe the just medium between intemperance and pleasure, and make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our duty.
In the absence of the Master and Senior Warden upon you devolves the government of the Lodge; but to you is especially committed the superintendence of the Craft during the hours of refreshment; it is, therefore, not only necessary that you should be temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that none of the Craft convert the purpose of refreshment into intemperance or excess. Look well to the South. Guard with vigilance the pillar committed to your charge, that nothing may disturb the harmony of the Lodge or mar its beauty.
He is conducted to his proper station.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been elected Treasurer of this Lodge and will now be invested with the jewel of your office.
It is your duty to receive all moneys belonging to the Lodge from the Secretary, keep ajust and true account thereof, and pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and consent of the Lodge. Your own honor and the confidence the brethren repose in you will arouse you to that faithfulness in the discharge of the duties of your office which its important nature demands.
He is conducted to his station.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been elected Secretary of this Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel of your office.
It is your duty to "keep a faithful record of all things pertaining to the Lodge, proper to be written, transmit a copy of the same to the Grand Lodge when required, receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay them to the Treasurer, taking his receipt for the same."
Your love for the Craft and attachment to the Lodge will induce you cheerfully to fulfill the very important duties of your office, and in so doing you will merit the esteem of your brethren.
He is conducted to his station.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been appointed Chaplain of this Lodge,and will now be invested with the jewel of your office.
It will be 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 station, which is in the East in front and to the left of the W. M.
Inst. Off.: Brothers —— and ——, you are appointed Deacons of this Lodge, and are now invested with the badge of your office. 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 office, I entrust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.
They are conducted to their stations.
Inst. Off.: Brothers —— and ——, you have been appointed Masters of Ceremonies of this Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewels of your office. The positions to which you are assigned in the Lodge are very important. You are to assist the Senior Deacon and other officers in performing their respective duties. Your conduct should be courteous and dignified. Remember that in your company the candidate will receive his first impressions of our institution. 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 stations.
Inst. Off.: Brother —— ——, you have been appointed Tiler of this Lodge, and will now be invested with the jewel and the implement of your office.
As the Sword is placed in the hands of the Tiler to enable him effectually to guard the Lodge against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or re-pass except such as are duly qualified and have permission of the Worshipful Master, so it should morally serve as a constant admonitionto us to set a guard over our thoughts, a watch at our lips, and a sentinel over our actions, thereby preventing the approach of every unworthy thought or deed, and preserving consciences void of offence toward God and toward man. Your early and punctual attendance will give us the best proof of your appreciation of and love for the institution.
He is conducted to his station.
The Installing Officer, addressing the Master, when presenting the Gavel, explains its power and use.
One * of which calls * * *; two * calls* * *;three * calls * * *
Worshipful Master, behold your brethren!
Brethren, behold your Master!
The grand honors are then given the W. M. by the Lodge, the Marshal leading in the ceremony.
The brethren are now seated. Then the Grand Master or Installing Officer may deliver an address or read the following charges, in his discretion:
"Worshipful Master: The superintendence and government of the brethren who compose this Lodge having been committed to your care, you cannot be insensible of the obligations which devolve on you as their head, norof your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties annexed to your position.
The honor, reputation and usefulness of this Lodge will materially depend upon the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns; while 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.
As a pattern for imitation, consider the great luminary of nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and luster 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 the Lodge, the Constitutions of Freemasonry, and, above all, the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and a 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.
Brother 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 that the Craft may never suffer for want of proper instruction. From thespirit 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 Lodge being called up, the Installing Officer continues as follows:
Brethren of —— Lodge: 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 chosen 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 dispositions to envy their preferment; I, therefore, trust that you will have but one aim—to please each other, and unite in the grand design of being happy and communicating happiness.
"Finally, my brethren, as this Lodge has been formed and perfected in so much unanimity and concord, 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 this Lodge, pure and unimpaired, from generation to generation."
The Marshal then makes proclamation from the South, West and East in the following manner:
"I am directed to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim, that the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and other officers, elected and appointed, of —— Lodge, have been regularly installed into their respective stations."
Ceremony for Instituting a Lodge Under Dispensation.
The members of the new Lodge, whether they are to be instituted by the Grand Master, or by a brother deputized by him, will, in either case, be notified by the Master to assemble in their Lodge room at the time determined upon. After the brethren are assembled, the Grand Master, or Instituting Officer, will assume the East and announce the object of the meeting. He then causes the Letter of Dispensation to be read, after which the names of the officers appointed by the Grand Master and by the Master of the new Lodge will be announced. As these names are called, the officers will form in line near and facing the East, when each officer will be invested with his jewel. The new Master will then be seated in the East, on the right of the Instituting Officer. The Wardens and other officers will take their respective stations. The Instituting Officer will then open the Lodge on the third degree of Masonry, and deliver to the officers and brethren the following
Inst. Off.: Worshipful Master: (Who rises.) The Grand Master having committed to your care the superintendence and government of the brethren who are to compose this new lodge, you cannot beinsensible of the obligations which devolve on you, as their head, nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties attached to your office.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge will materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage its concerns; while 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 sun, which, rising in the east, regularly diffuses light and luster to all within its circle. In like manner, it is in 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 any one 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 Constitution 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.
Brothers Senior and Junior Wardens: (Who are called up by one knock.) 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. 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 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.
Brethren of ...... Lodge, 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 the Lodge are sufficiently conversant with the rules of propriety and the laws of the Institution to avoid exceeding the powers with whichthey are intrusted, and you are of too generous dispositions 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 unity and concord, in which we greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you enjoy every satisfaction and delight, which disinterested friendship can afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your conduct as men and Masons. Within your peaceful walls, may your children, and 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.
Instituting Officer: (Calls up Lodge.) In the name and by the authority of the Most Worshipful * Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Arkansas, I now declare this Lodge duly instituted and properly prepared for the transaction of such business as may lawfully come before it.
______________________* If Grand Master Institutes the Lodge, in person, he will omit what precedes the * and insert "as."
Instituting Officer: (Addressing Master.) I now deliver to you the Dispensation empowering you and your brethren to work as a Regular Lodge. You are its custodian and must see to it that it is present at all Communications of the Lodge.You must also, as required by law, safely transmit it to the Grand Secretary just prior to the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, and when this is done, Masonic work in this Lodge must cease until the Dispensation is continued by the Grand Lodge, or until the Lodge is constituted. I now deliver to you the gavel of authority; wield it, my brother, with prudence and discretion. You will now assume your station.
After the grant of a charter the new Lodge thus created should be constituted, and its officers installed, by the Grand Master or his Deputy or some past or present Master. The Lodge is opened on the Third Degree. The Marshal forms the officers of the new Lodge in front of the Installing Officer, whereupon the Deputy G. M. addresses the G. M. as follows:
Most Worshipful, a number of brethren, duly instructed in the mysteries of Masonry, having assembled together for some time past by virtue of a dispensation granted them for that purpose, do now desire to be regularly constituted as a lodge agreeably to the ancient usages and customs of the fraternity.
The charter is presented by the D. G. M. to the Grand Master, who examines it and, if correct, proclaims:
G. M.—The charter appears to be correct and is approved. Upon due deliberation the Grand Lodge has granted the brethren of this new Lodge a charter establishing and confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly constitutedLodge. We shall now proceed according to the ancient usage to constitute these brethren into a regular Lodge.
The officers of the new Lodge deliver up their jewels and badges to their Master, who presents them, with his own, to the D. G. M. and he to the G. M.
The D. G. M. then presents the Master-elect to the G. M., saying:
D. G. M.—Most Worshipful, I present to you Brother ——, whom the members of the Lodge now to be constituted have chosen for their Master.
The G. M. asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with their choice. (They bow in token of assent.)
The Master-elect then presents, severally, his Wardens and other officers, naming them and their respective offices. The G. M. asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with each and all of them. (They bow as before.)
The officers and members of the new Lodge form in front of the G. M. and the business of consecration commences.
The G. M. and grand officers form around the Lodge, all kneeling.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is being uncovered, after which the first clause of the consecration prayer is rehearsed by the Grand Chaplain, as follows:
Great Architect of the Universe; Maker and Ruler of all worlds. Deign from Thy Celestial Temple, from the realms of light and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly. Wehumbly invoke Thee to give us at this, and at all times, Wisdom in all our doings, Strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the Beauty of harmony in all our communications. Permit us, O Thou author of life and light, great source of love and happiness, solemnly to consecrate this Lodge to Thy honor and glory. Amen.
Response by the Officers of the Grand Lodge:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
The Grand Officers will then rise.
The Deputy Grand Master will step forward and present the Vessel of Corn (wheat) to the Grand Master, who sprinkles a portion of it upon the symbol of the Lodge, saying:
May the Giver of every good and perfect gift strengthen this Lodge in all its philanthropic undertakings.
The following may then be sung: