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 Masonic quotes by Brothers

District Representative’s Toolbox

Table of Contents

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Entered Apprentice Circumambulation

Entered Apprentice Circumambulation
Taken and paraphrased from the August 1999 Masonic Services Association Short Talk Bulletin.

This short program utilizes two narrators at separate locations within the Lodge and far enough apart so that they have to speak loudly for each other to hear, thus allowing everyone in the Lodge to hear.  Choose narrators who speak loudly and read well.  Obviously, this program can be done by you and one other if you desire, but often the more people involved, the more interesting for the Brethren.  This program is provided in three copies.  One is for you, and the two others for individual narrators.  The program is designed to be a reading of the Biblical passage, followed by an interpreted meaning.

District Rep:  All of us have sat and listened to the circumambulation ritual of the EA degree without thinking about the message it communicates.  The following is an explanation of that ritual.  

This circumambulation, as in the other degrees, is a Bible passage.  This one is Psalm 133, written by King David

This lesson was probably chosen because of its emphasis on the importance of unity among Masons.  The unity  we enjoy adds to the pleasure of belonging to a fraternity of like-minded fraternal brothers interested in the same moral and ethical principles.

Narrator 1:  Behold how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity:    

Narrator 2: This message begins by telling us to observe, take note, be sure that we understand, and examine closely the joy and pleasure that results from unity and harmony among Brethren.

Narrator 1: It is like the precious ointment upon the head,

Narrator 2:  This Psalm continues by describing how important and precious that unity is.  The ointment discussed is a very precious oil that was used to consecrate Aaron as a high priest.  Aaron was Moses’ older brother and spokesman.

Narrator 1:  that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment:

Narrator 2: The overpowering beauty of Brethren joining together in unity is compared to a large quantity of this precious oil that was used so abundantly on Aaron that it ran down from the top of his head to the hem of his robe.

Narrator 1: As the dew of Hermon,

Narrator 2:  The second example of the beauty of Brethren joining together is comparing it with the dew of Hermon.  This area of the Middle East will sometimes go for months without any rain to water the crops.  The only moisture is that dew that occurs as a result of the climatic conditions in that area.  Mount Hermon is one of the more beautiful mountains in Israel, and the dew that was evident upon the mountain as the sun cast its first rays of the morning causes it to glisten like a beautiful jewel, as well as providing life sustaining moisture for the crops.

Narrator 1: And as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.

Narrator 2: Mount Zion is mentioned because that is the location of the Holy city of Jerusalem where the Israelites went to make their sacrifices and hold religious feasts. This was also the location where the Lord God made that promise of everlasting life.

District Representative:  This completes the explanation of the EA Circumambulation.

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Entered Apprentice Degree Checklist

This short program will give the Lodge Officers a guideline for planning work in the Entered Apprentice Degree. You may present the overview and guidelines  as the program with the checklist used as a handout

ENTERED APPRENTICE CHECKLIST OVERVIEW  

Working a degree can be a lot of fun and a great experience for you and your officers as well as the Candidate.  However, a good time and experience is not a guarantee by simply saying we are going to do it.  You need to follow some simple steps to make sure the night goes forward with out a hitch.  

As Master, your time will be much more enjoyable if you know your part well.  This will be passed on to your officers and the candidate as they see you talk smoothly with out stopping often for prompts or sounding unsure of yourself.  The first step is to prepare yourself.  Sit down with your Cipher and Maine Masonic text Book and study your part.  If you have trouble with words don’t guess or make up something that sounds good, contact a good reliable source from your lodge, your District Ritual Instructor or one of the Lecturers. (If you learn a word wrong it is very hard to learn it right later!)  Once you can read through the cipher well, try it a few times with out the book.  The best way to make sure you have it down is to practice out loud.  If you only practice inside your head your own voice can throw you off when you go to say it out loud on the big night.  Practice often, you can never have it down too well! 

The following pages are guidelines for the Entered Apprentice degree.  These are things that need to be remembered if you want  a smooth flowing degree.  Attached to each of these guidelines are checklists  you can photocopy for each time you work that particular degree.  By having a separate copy for each night you can literally check off the items as you do them.  

Entered Apprentice CHECKLIST GUIDELINES 

There are things that must be taken care off now in addition to your speaking part.  As Master the entire night is your responsibility.  A week or so before the degree, you will want to do the following:

Notify the Candidate

• Tell him the Date of the degree
• Tell him the Time of the degree
• Let him know if there is a Meal or not and that he is invited

Has someone been designated to:

• Talk with Candidate before degree (Accepted Candidate)?
• Prompt?
• Take every Station for the Degree?
• Do the Lectures?
• Do the Charge?
• Work with the Candidate after the Degree?
• Pick up the Candidate and take him home?
• Do you feel a Rehearsal needed?

Are you opening in the EA degree?

• Do Officers know this?
• Do Officers know their parts?

On the night of the degree there are a few things that need to be taken care of.           

• Make sure everyone who is supposed to be there is there
• Are Proper Clothes for Candidate in Anteroom?
  • Hoodwink?
  • Cable Tow?
  • Slipper?
• Are the following at Master’s Station?
  • Working Tools (24 Inch Gauge and Common Gavel)
  • White Apron for Candidate
• Are Candles and Candle Sticks in place?
  • Red = Senior Warden    White = Master   Blue = Junior Warden
  • Are they lit?
• Is the Sharp Instrument handy at the Anteroom door?
• Has someone been designated to:
• Work lodge room lights?
  • Run slides, if used?
  • Greet the Candidate?

Checklist

This checklist can be used as a reference when planning a Entered Apprentice Degree.  

1.      Officers (and backups, if possible, for the principles)

•  Master

• S.Warden 

• J. Warden

• S. Deacon

• J. Deacon

• Secretary

• S. Steward

• J. Steward Chaplain

• Tyler

• Chaplain

• Prompter

2.    Candles

• White, Red, Blue 

3.      Working tools (have ready for the Master)

•  24 Inch Gauge

• Common Gavel 

4.      S. Deacon’s tool

• Sharp Implement  

5.      Candidates clothing (all clean and in good condition)

• Pants

• Shirt

• Slipper

• Cabletow

• Hoodwink 

6.      Lectures (have someone ready and a backup)

• Scripture during circumambulation

• Lectures  

• Charge

• A knowledgeable Brother to run the slides, if used 

7.      Handouts

• Lesson book

• Pollard plan

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EXCERPT FROM THE CONNECTICUT RITUAL

FOR THE MASTER MASON DEGREE

This program comes from the Connecticut Ritual, second section of the Master Mason Degree. It requires six Brothers taking parts as: Narrator, Sr. Deacon, Jubela, Jubelo, Jubelum and Sea Captain. The District Representative usually plays the part of Narrator. This program may be done strictly as a reading by the six players or as a play with the players acting the parts. If performed as a play, the setting should be in the Lodge Room with the Narrator in a part of the Lodge such as the northeast near the Treasurers desk, with the other officers in their respective places according to the floor work of our own second section. The addition of a Brother to take the non-speaking part of a candidate is required for the play.

NARRATOR: In Connecticut the ritual is written out in full except for the obligations, which remain in code. Masons familiar with Maine Ritual will note both similarities and differences. The five readers will present the assault scene in the Master Mason Degree according to the Connecticut ritual, all of which is written out. The five readers are, the Senior Deacon, three ruffians and the Sea Captain. I will read the floor work notes.

NARRATOR:  The Senior Deacon then takes the brother by the left hand, conducts him around the altar only to the south, where he is accosted by a brother representing Jubela.

JUBELA: Grand Master Hiram, I am glad to meet you thus alone.  I have long sought this opportunity. You promised us that when the temple was completed, we should receive the secrets of a Master Mason, whereby we could travel in foreign countries, work and receive wages as such. Behold! The temple is nearly completed, and we have not received what we served for. At first, I did not doubt your veracity, but now I do. I therefore demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason. 

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, this is neither a proper time nor place. Wait until the Temple is completed, and then, if you are found worthy, you shall receive them, otherwise, you can not.  

JUBELA: Talk not to me of time nor place. Now is the time, and here is the place; none other will satisfy me. I therefore demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason.  

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, I can not give them.  

JUBELA: Grand Master Hiram, for the third and last time I demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason.  

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, I can not, and I will not, give them.  

NARR: Jubela then strikes the brother a blow with the twenty four inch gauge across the throat. The brother is the hurried away by the Senior Deacon to the West, where he is accosted by a brother representing Jubelo.  

JUBELO: Grand Master Hiram, most of the craft are waiting, and many are exceedingly anxious to receive the secrets of a Master Mason; and we can see no good reason why we are put off so long. And some of us have determined that we will wait no longer. I therefore demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason.  

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, why this violence? I can not give them, nor can they be given except in the presence of Solomon King of Israel, Hiram King of Tyre and myself.  

JUBELO: Grand Master Hiram, your life is in danger! The avenues of the temple are securely guarded, and escape is impossible. I therefore demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason.  

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, I can not give them. Wait with patience for the proper time.  

JUBELO: Grand Master Hiram, I again, and for the last time, demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason, or your life. 

SENIOR DEACON: My life you can have, my integrity never!  

NARRATOR: Jubelo then strikes the brother with the square across the breast. He is then hurried away by the Senior Deacon to the east, where he is accosted by a brother representing Jubelum.  

JUBELUM: Grand Master Hiram, I have heard you caviling with Jubela and Jubelo. From them you have escaped, but form me, never! My name is Jubelum. What I purpose, that I perform. I hold in my hand an instrument of death! If you refuse me now, you do it at your peril! I say, give me the secrets of a Master Mason, or I will take your life!  

SENIOR DEADON: Craftsman, I have often refused you and shall always refuse when attacked in this manner. Your demands are in vain!  

JUBELUM: Grand Master Hiram, I for the second time demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason.  

SENIOR DEACON: Craftsman, your demands are vain! I shall not give them! Wait until the temple is complete, and then I will do my best to serve you.  

JUBELUM: Grand Master Hiram, I for the third and last time demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason. 

SENIOR DEACON: And I for the third time refuse.  

JUBELUM: Then die!  

NARRATOR: Jubelum the strikes the brother a blow with something representing the setting maul on the forehead. The brother is at the same moment forced back, so as to throw him prostrate to the floor, but is carefully caught, and protected from injury.  

JUBELA: What have we done? 

JUBELO: We have slain our Grand Master Hiram Abif! What shall we do with the body?  

JUBELUM: Let us carry it to a retired corner, and bury it in the rubbish of the temple.  

NARRATOR: The three retire to the west, and silence prevails. Then the stroke of twelve is made upon a bell, and the three return, stepping lightly.  

JUBELA: This is the hour.  

JUBELO: This is the place.  

JUBELUM:     And there is the body. Assist me to carry it a due westerly course from the temple, to the brow of a hill where I have dug a grave six feet due east and west, and six feet perpendicular, in which we will bury it.  

NARRATOR: They remove the brother to the west of the altar, and slowly lower him to the floor with his feet to the east. They then remove the hoodwink from the eyes of the brother.  

JUBELUM: I will set this sprig of acacia at the head of the grave, that the place may be known should occasion ever require it.  Now let us make our escape out of the country, by way of Joppa.  

NARRATOR: In attempting to escape they travel to a place representing the coast, where they meet a Sea Captain.  

JUBELUM: Is that your ship yonder?  

SEA CAPTAIN: It is.  

JUBELO: Where are you bound?  

SEA CAPTAIN: To Ethiopia.  

JUBELA: When do you sail?  

SEA CAPTAIN: Immediately.  

JUBELUM: Do you take passengers?  

SEA CAPTAIN: I do.  

JUBELO: Will you take us?  

SEA CAPTAIN: I will if you have King Solomon’s pass to leave the country. Produce your pass.  

JUBELA: We will pay your demands, but we have no pass.  

SEA CAPTAIN: Then you can not go, for I am strictly forbidden to take any of the workmen from the temple out of the country without King Solomon’s express permission 

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FellowCraft Degree

This short program will give the Lodge Officers a guideline for planning work in the Fellowcraft Degree. You may present the overview and guidelines as the program with the checklist used as a handout.

FELLOWCRAFT CHECKLIST OVERVIEW

Working a degree can be a lot of fun and a great experience for you and your officers as well as the Candidate. However, a good time and experience is not a guarantee by simply saying we are going to do it.   

As Master, your time will be much more enjoyable if you know your part well.  This will be passed on to your officers and the candidate as they see you talk smoothly with out stopping often for prompts or sounding unsure of yourself.  The first step is to prepare yourself.  Sit down with your Cipher and Maine Masonic text Book and study your part.  If you have trouble with words don’t guess or make up something that sounds good, contact a good reliable source from your lodge, your District Ritual Instructor or one of the Lecturers. (If you learn a word wrong it is very hard to learn it right later!)  Once you can read through the cipher well, try it a few times with out the book.  The best way to make sure you have it down is to practice out loud.   If you only practice inside your head your own voice can throw you off when you go to say it out loud on the big night.  Practice often, you can never have it down too well!  

The following pages guidelines for the Fellow Craft degree.  These are things that need to be remembered if you want a smooth flowing degree.  Attached to each of these guidelines are checklists you can photocopy for each time you work that particular degree.  By having a separate copy for each night you can literally check off the items as you do them.

FELLOWCRAFT CHECKLIST GUIDELINES

There are things that must be taken care off now in addition to just your speaking part.  As Master the entire night is your responsibility.  

A week or so before the degree, you will want to do the following:

• Notify the Candidate
  • Tell him the Date of the degree
  • Tell him the Time of the degree
  • Let him know if there is a Meal or not and that he is invited
• Has someone been designated to:
  • Talk with Candidate before degree (Entered Apprentice)?
  • Prompt?
  • Take every Station for the Degree?
  • Do the Charge?
  • Work with the Candidate after the Degree?
  • Pick up the Candidate and take him home?
  • Give the Candidate his Lesson?
• Do you feel a Rehearsal needed?
  • Are you opening in the FC degree?
  • Do Officers know this?
  • Do Officers know their parts?
    • SD giving the Staircase Lecture?
    • Are you giving the Letter G lecture?

On the night of the degree there are a few things that need to be taken care of.

• Make sure everyone who is supposed to be there is there
• Are Proper Clothes for Candidate in Anteroom?
  • Hoodwink?
  • Cable Tow?
  • Apron?
  • Slipper?
• Are the following at Master’s Station?
  • Working Tools (Plumb, Square and Level)
• Is the Square handy at the Anteroom door?
• Has someone been designated to:
  • Work lodge room lights?
  • Run slides, if used?
  • Greet the Candidate?

Checklist  

This checklist can be used as a reference when planning a the Fellow Craft Degree.

1.      Officers (and backups, if possible, for the principles)

• Master
• S.Warden
• J. Warden
• S. Deacon
•  J. Deacon
• Secretary
•   S. Steward
• J. Steward
• Chaplain
•  Tyler
• Prompter

2.      Working tools (have ready for the Master)

• Plumb  

• Level 

•  Square

3.      S. Deacon’s tool

• Square          

4.      Candidates clothing (all clean and in good condition)

• Pants

• Shirt 

• Slipper

• Cabletow

• Apron

• Hoodwink

5.      Lectures (have someone ready and a backup)

• Scripture during circumambulation

• S. Deacon’s lecture

• Charge

• A knowledgeable Brother to run the slides, if used  

6.      Handouts

• Lesson book                  

• Pollard plan                     

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FELLOWCRAFT QUIZ

A Refresher Quiz

This quiz can be used by the District Educational Representative (or any member of the Lodge Education Committee) for presentation in open lodge to all FC masons and above at a stated meeting when there is no work.  You should have made contact to the Master prior to the meeting to request 10-15 minutes for this educational session.  Work with the lodge Educational Coordinator.  Ensure that what you planned hasn't already been given recently.  

No materials need be distributed.  You may stand anywhere you feel comfortable and can audibly reach everyone

Why were you required to 'learn' the EA lesson?
      Ans.  To demonstrate proficiency at the first level before taking on new responsibilities.

1.            How many times: 

1.    How many times:
a.    were you asked, "Who comes here?" at each station?
b.    did you circumambulate (circle the Altar)?
                    Ans.  Two

2.    What officer received you into a FC lodge?
            Ans.  Senior Deacon

3.    Which officer prepared you to receive the obligation?
            Ans.  Senior Warden

4.    What position did you assume at the altar to receive the FC obligation?
            Ans.  Kn on my na ri kn, my le le fo a sq, my bo er, my ri ha re on th HB, S an C,   my le ar fo a sq.

5.    Which officer gave you the obligation?             
            Ans.  The Master

        Was it of your own free will and accord that you took the obligation?
                    Ans.  Yes

6.    To what symbolic penalty did you swear for revealing the se of a FC?
            Ans.  To ha my le br to op, my he ta fr th, an gi to the be of th fi an fo of th ai as a pr

7.    In what position did you find the 3 Gr Lt after receiving light?
            Ans.  1 po of th co el ab th sq, th ot be hi, de th as ye I ha re li, bu pa    

8.     Which officer explained to you the grip of a FC?
            Ans.  WM

        Which officer assisted him?
                     Ans.  SD

      What is the name of that grip?
                     Ans.  Ja

      What does it represent?
                     Ans.  The ri ha pi of th po of KST

9.    Explain the due guard and sign of a FC.
            Ans.  DG: Yo fe fo an an of an ob sq; ri ha re on HB, S an C; le ar fo a sq;
            Sign:  diag. sl ac br from le to ri; al to th pe of th ob

10.   Who explained to you how wear your apron as a FC?
            Ans.  Senior Warden

        How should it be worn?
            Ans.  With flap turned up and corner tucked up

11.    What are the three working tools of a FC?
            Ans.  Plumb, square, and level    

        What do they teach?
            Ans.  The plumb teaches us to walk uprightly in all our transactions with mankind; to square our actions by the square of virtue, and remembering that we are all traveling on that level of time from whose borne no traveler returns.

12.      After being reinvested, you returned to the lodge room and received the "carpet" lecture.  Which officer generally gives this lecture?
            Ans.   Senior Deacon

13.      What does this lecture represent?
            Ans.  A regular advance of a flight of winding stairs consisting of 3, 5, and 7 steps to a place representing the middle chamber of King Solomon's Temple.

14.      To what does the number 3 allude?
            Ans.  The first three degrees in masonry; the three principal officers of a lodge who are representatives of our three ancient grand masters, Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff.  

15.      To what does the number 5 allude?
            Ans.  The 5 orders in architecture; Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, Composite

    Of these what are the three ancient and original orders of architecture?
            Ans.  Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, which were invented by the Greeks.

What nation was responsible for the other two?
            Ans.  Rome

16.      To what does the number 5 also allude?
            Ans.  The five senses of human nature: hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling and tasting.

            Which of these are most revered by masons?
                    Ans.  The first three because by the sense of hearing, we hear the Word; by the sense of seeing, we perceive the sign; and by the sense of feeling we receive the grip whereby one mason may know another as well in the night as in the day.

17.      To what does the number 7 allude?
            Ans.  Seven liberal arts and sciences:  grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy.

            Of these which is most esteemed by masons?
                    Ans.  Geometry

18.      Which officer was symbolically guarding the outer door of the middle chamber of KST?
            Ans.  Junior Warden

            What story was told you at the outer door by the Senior Deacon?
                     Ans.  Battle between the Ephemites and Jeptha's men of Gilead, and adoption of the pass.

19.      What is the name of that pass?
            Ans.  Sh

            Why was it adopted by the fraternity to enter a FC lodge?
                     Ans.  It identified enemies in the battle because of their inability to   pronounce it right.

20.      Which officer was symbolically guarding the inner door to the middle chamber of KST?
            Ans.  Senior Warden    

21.      Which officer symbolically presided in the middle chamber?
            Ans.  The Master

22.      The Master gave you a short talk about the letter G.  To what does that allude?
            Ans.  The science of geometry and God

23.      Whom did the Master direct to record you as a Fellowcraft?
            Ans.  Secretary

24.      A charge was given to you, usually by an experienced master mason.  What was it?
            Ans.  A short recap of the degree, some Masonic history, and an outline of your responsibilities as a Fellowcraft mason.

25.      Upon entering and retiring from a opened lodge of FC, what should you do?
            Ans.  Fa the ea fr be th al; gi th dg twd the WM

NOTES ON THE FELLOWCRAFT REFRESHER QUIZ

1.    It is meant to be presented as an oral quiz by the District Educational Representative to lodge members evoking an answer by voluntary response from the floor.  Some questions are obvious and ridiculously easy; others require some thought and recall.  None are meant to embarrass anyone.  Keep the pace lively and make it a "fun" session.

2.    Allow enough time to elaborate or expand on the answer provided, as you feel proficient.  You may want to refer to the Maine Masonic Textbook and /or cipher to clear up a point, but that should not be necessary.

3.    This quiz may be shortened, lengthened, or modified in any way to ensure interest is maintained, fit in with your own expertise, or abide by lodge time constraints.  In its present form it has taken two sessions of about 10 minutes each to cover the quiz, (of course, depending on how deeply the discussions proceed).

4.    You will probably find many brethren who are far more knowledgeable than you in this degree.  This is to be expected.  Don't let it bother you; move on to the next question.  Try not to let "ritualists" dominate discussion, but try to involve everyone.

5.    You will have had a successful session if you have held members' interest and quiz was educational and enjoyable.

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Meaning of the Master Mason Degree Circumambulation Ritual

Taken from the August, 1999 MSA Short Talk Bulletin, and the Masonic Bible published by Heirloom Bible Publishers

This short program utilizes two narrators at separate locations within the Lodge and far enough apart so that they have to speak loudly for each other to hear, thus allowing everyone in the Lodge to hear.  Choose narrators who speak loudly and read well.  Obviously, this program can be done by you and one other if you desire, but often the more people involved, the more interesting for the Brethren.  This program is provided in three copies.  One is for you, and the two others for individual narrators.   The program is designed to be a reading of the Biblical passage, followed by an interpreted meaning.  

District Rep or Narrator 1: We have all listened to the circumambulation ritual during the Master Mason degree, but most Masons do not stop to think about the symbolic meaning or significance of this Biblical passage which is the Book of Ecclesiastes 12:1-7.  This is also the page of the Bible that is open during a Master Mason’s Lodge.

This passage is a description of man’s passage from living through physical decline to the final stages of his death. There are other interpretations of this passage, but this one appears frequently in contemporary writings

Narrator 1: REMEMBER now thy Creator:

Narrator 2: We should reverence, honor, glorify, and worship God

Narrator 1: In the Days of Thy Youth:

Narrator 2: We should honor God throughout all the days of our life

Narrator 1: While the Evil Days come not:

Narrator 2: We have not yet reached that point in time where the rigors of old age have arrived.

Narrator 1: Nor the YEARS DRAW NIGH:

Narrator 2: The time of death has not yet arrived

Narrator 1: When thou shall say,” I HAVE NO PLEASURE IN THEM”:

Narrator 2: This refers to the sadness of old age as we near that time in our life.

Narrator 1: While the sun, or the light , or the moon or the stars BE NOT DARKENED, nor the CLOUDS RETURN after the rain:

Narrator 2: This refers to the storm clouds of old age which are just arriving in this parable.

Narrator 1: In the days when the KEEPERS OF THE HOUSE shall tremble:

Narrator 2: The keepers of the house are the hands and arms.  The house represents the body. Our hands and arms are shaking due to old age.

Narrator 1: And the STRONG MEN shall bow themselves:

Narrator 2:  Our legs are becoming crooked or bowed. We are becoming bow-legged.

Narrator 1: And the GRINDERS cease because they are few:

Narrator 2: The grinders are our teeth.  This refers to missing teeth caused by old age.

Narrator 1. And those that look out of the WINDOWS be darkened:

Narrator 2: Refers to our eyes becoming weak with old age.

Narrator 1: And the DOORS shall be shut in the streets:

Narrator2:  Our hearing is failing.

Narrator 1: When the SOUND OF GRINDING is low:

Narrator 2: Our teeth are nearly gone.  This pertains to toothless chewing

Narrator 1: And he shall RISE UP at the voice of a bird:

Narrator 2: We are having trouble sleeping. We get up early when the birds begin to sing at first light.

Narrator 1: And all the DAUGHTERS OF MUSIC shall be brought low:

Narrator 2: Our voice is failing and we can no longer sing.

Narrator 1: Also when they shall be AFRAID of that which is HIGH:

Narrator 2: We now have a fear of heights and fear of falling due to our advancing years that we didn’t have when we were young.

Narrator 1: And FEARS shall be in the Way:

Narrator 2: We have reached the point in our lives that we fear many things due to not being able to defend ourselves.

Narrator 1: And the ALMOND TREE shall flourish:

Narrator 2: Our hair has turned white with age.  The almond tree is all white when in full bloom is as is the hair on an old man’s head.

Narrator 1: And the GRASSHOPPER shall be a burden:

Narrator 2: We have become so weak, that even the weight of a grasshopper is difficult for us to bear.

Narrator 1: And Desire shall fail:

Narrator 2: We have reached that point in our declining years where we just doesn’t care about anything anymore.

Narrator 1: Because man goeth to his LONG HOME:

Narrator 2: This is the point in this parable where we go to our grave and heaven..

Narrator 1: And the MOURNERS go about the Streets:

Narrator 2: This refers to the funeral procession that is held after we die.

Narrator 1: Or ever the SILVER CORD be loosed or the GOLDEN BOWL be broken:

Narrator 2: The silver cord is the spinal marrow; being loosed is the cessation of nerve function from the Golden Bowl   (the brain) due to the death of the old man.

Narrator 1: Or the Pitcher be broken at the FOUNTAIN or the WHEEL broken at the CISTERN:

Narrator 2: The pitcher is the great vein, which carries blood to the right ventricle of the heart, which is called the FOUNTAIN.  The Wheel represents the great artery, which carries the blood from the left ventricle of the heart, which is called the CISTERN.

Narrator 1: Then shall the DUST return to the earth as it was:

Narrator 2:  Refers to that from which God created man.  As from dust we came, so unto it we must all return.

Narrator 1: And the Spirit shall return unto God who gave it:

Narrator 2: Genesis 2:7 tells us that God formed man from the dust of the earth and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.  At the time of death, man ceases to exist on earth and his spirit returns to God, who gave it to him in the first place.

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Master Mason Degree Checklist  

This short program will give the Lodge Officers a guideline for planning work in the Master Mason Degree. The overview and guidelines may be presented as the program with the checklist used as a handout to the Master

MASTER MASON CHECKLIST OVERVIEW  

Working a degree can be a lot of fun and a great experience for you and your officers as well as the Candidate.  However, a good time and experience is not a guarantee by simply saying we are going to do it.  You need to follow some simple steps to make sure the night goes forward with out a hitch

As Master, your time will be much more enjoyable if you know your part well.  This will be passed on to your officers and the candidate as they see you talk smoothly with out stopping often for prompts or sounding unsure of yourself.  The first step is to prepare yourself.  Sit down with your Cipher and Maine Masonic text Book and study your part.  If you have trouble with words don’t guess or make up something that sounds good, contact a good reliable source from your lodge, your District Ritual Instructor or one of the Lecturers. (If you learn a word wrong it is very hard to learn it right later!)  Once you can read through the cipher well, try it a few times with out the book.  The best way to make sure you have it down is to practice out loud.   If you only practice inside your head your own voice can throw you off when you go to say it out loud on the big night.  Practice often, you can never have it down too well!

The following pages are written out guidelines for the Master Mason degree.  These are the things that need to be thought of if you want to have a smooth flowing degree.  Attached to each of these guidelines are checklists that you can photocopy for each time you work that particular degree.  By having a separate copy for each night you can literally check off the items as you do them.

MASTER MASON CHECKLIST GUIDELINES

There are things that must be taken care off now besides just your speaking part.  As Master the entire night is your responsibility.  Several days to a week or more before the degree, you will want to do the following:  

• Notify the Candidate
  • Tell him the Date of the degree
  • Tell him the Time of the degree
  • Let him know if there is a Meal or not and that he is invited  
• Has someone been designated to:
  • Talk with Candidate before degree (Fellow Craft)?
  • Prompt?
  •  Take every Station for the Degree?
    • Be Speaking Fellow Craft?
    • Two Non-Speaking Fellow Craft?
    • The Three Ruffians?
    • Wayfaring Man?
  • Do the Lectures?
  • Do the Charge?
  • Work with the Candidate after the Degree?
  • Pick up the Candidate and take him home?
  • Give the Candidate his Lesson?  
• Do you feel a Rehearsal needed?
  • Do Officers know this?
  • Do Officers know their parts?
    • SD does not carry rod in