Page 55 - LESTER'S LOOK TOTHE EAST

FELLOW CRAFT, OR SECOND DEGREE.

As stated in the Entered Apprentice degree, the ceremonies of
initiation, passing and raising are performed after the transaction of the
regular business, which latter can only be done in a Master Masons'
Lodge. The Lodge is therefore opened in the third degree, and the
regular business of the Lodge is first attended to; after which the Lodge
is called off in the third degree, and remains so until opened in the
second degree for the purpose of passing a candidate.

OPENING A LODGE OF MASTER MASONS.

The ceremony of opening a Lodge in the third degree is conducted as
follows: When the regular time for opening has arrived, the Master
repairs to his station and calls the Lodge to order with one rap of his
gavel. The door is shut, the brethren clothe themselves and take their
seats; the officers put on their jewels; the Wardens dispose of their
columns, down in the West, erect in the South; the Deacons take their
rods; the Secretary lays his books and papers and the three Great
Lights upon his table, and in a few moments the Lodge is silent and in
order for the opening. The Master then proceeds as follows:

W.M. to S.W. Brother Senior Warden, proceed to satisfy yourself that
all present are Master Masons.

The Senior Warden rises and makes a personal observation of every
one that is present. He then requests the Senior and Junior Deacons to
give to him, in a whisper, the pass of a Master Mason, and to demand it,
under the same conditions, from each person present except the
Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden. After this is done,
the Junior Deacon communicates the pass to the Senior Deacon and he
to the Worshipful Master.

W.M. to S.W. The pass is------.

S.W. to W.M. All present are Master Masons, Worshipful Master.

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