The Entered Apprentice degree is the first degree in the three degrees of Freemasonry, a fraternity that has a long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is the degree that initiates a man into the fraternity and represents the beginning of his journey as a Mason.
The Entered Apprentice degree is filled with symbolism and ritual that are meant to impart lessons about the values and principles of Freemasonry. The degree is centered around the story of the building of King Solomon's Temple, which is used as a metaphor for the building of oneself as a person.
During the degree, the candidate is given a series of lectures that explain the history, symbols, and values of Freemasonry. The candidate is also required to take a series of vows, in which he promises to be a good man and a faithful member of the fraternity.
One of the most important symbols of the Entered Apprentice degree is the apron, which is presented to the candidate as a symbol of his initiation into the fraternity. The apron is meant to represent the simple, honest, and upright life of a Mason and serves as a reminder of the candidate's obligations to the fraternity.
Another important symbol in the Entered Apprentice degree is the square and compass, which are used to represent the principles of morality and truth. The square represents the virtues of honesty and integrity, while the compass represents the importance of self-control and discipline.
Overall, the Entered Apprentice degree is a significant and meaningful rite of passage for those who wish to join the fraternity of Freemasonry. It marks the beginning of a journey of personal growth and self-improvement, and helps to instill in its members the values and principles that are at the heart of the fraternity.
Entered Apprentice, or First Degree
Of what do they remind us? Former Masons should be examined carefully before they are allowed to take any teaching or leadership role in the church. In going around this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines as well as upon the Holy Scriptures, and while a Mason keeps himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should materially err. Why are they thus dedicated? A listening ear, a silent tongue, and a faithful heart. Peter Gabe, who has long been in darkness, and now seeks to be brought to light, and to receive a part in the rights and benefits of this worshipful Lodge, erected to God, and dedicated to the holy Sts. Having passed once around the Lodge, they halt at the Junior Warden's station in the south.
In the South c. The symbolism of the Rite of Destitution reverts to those ancient times when men believed that the soul descended through the planetary spheres and vested itself with the qualities attributed to each sphere before birth. The Saints John and Mark b. However, this page will not provide you with an online degree of any kind. The right hand therefore we make use of on this occasion to 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 test in the strongest manner possible the sincerity of your intentions in the business on which you were about to engage.
Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not print, paint, stamp, stain, cut, carve, mark, or engrave them, or cause the same to be done, on any thing movable or immovable, capable of receiving the least impression of a word, syllable, letter, or character, whereby the same may become legible or intelligible to any person under the canopy of heaven, and the secrets of Masonry thereby unlawfully obtained through my unworthiness. The three movable Jewels of the Lodge consist of the Rough and Perfect Ashlar and the Trestleboard. Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that, by the secrets of our art, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of brotherly love, relief, and truth, to the honor of Thy Holy Name. If your jurisdiction does not require you to memorize the material, reading the rest of this page will help you to fully understand your obligation, and thus make it easier for you to move forward to the Fellow craft degree.
The three Masonic degrees are designed to represent three stages of life: youth, manhood, and age. Only Officers should be seated 15. If so, Brother Senior Deacon, you wild close the ballot. Republication on another web site prohibited. In going round this circle, we necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well upon the Holy Scriptures, and while p. By certain signs, a token, a word, and the perfect points of my entrance. See Note I, Appendix.
Lodge was opened in due form on the Third Degree of Masonry. The Worshipful Master approaching me from the east a second time, who presented me with a lambskin or white linen apron which he informed me was an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason; that it had been worn by kings, princes, and potentates of the earth; that it was more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle; more honorable than the Star or Garter, or any other order that could be conferred on me at that or any time thereafter by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason; and hoped that I would wear it with equal Praise to myself and honor to the fraternity; and ordered me to carry it to the Senior Warden in the west, who taught me how to wear it as an Entered Apprentice. Responded to by all the brethren present: "Amen! He is recommended as one of the best of men. How should an Entered Apprentice wear his apron? None in the north? Where were you first prepared to be a Mason? By this time the Senior Warden has examined, and the Master inquires of him: W. In addition to secrecy, he promises to help his brothers, and to obey the rules and laws of the lodge.
Senior Deacon makes candidate take the Junior Warden by the right hand. How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you? To remind me of my extremely poor and penniless state, and that, should I ever meet with a friend, more especially with a brother, in like destitute circumstances, I should contribute as liberally to his relief as his circumstances demanded, without any material injury to myself. Which number is the most often seen and used within Freemasonry? Twenty-four Inch Gauge is an instrument made use of by operative masons to measure and lay out there work; but we, as Free and Accepted Mason, are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing our time. They will be learned in the lodge in which you will be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. How a man lives and dies is the most important message the degrees of Masonry convey. Second, at the building of King Solomon's temple there was not heard the sound of an axe, hammer or any tool of iron.
The Fellow Craft degree The second degree is the Fellow Craft, which represents manhood, the middle period of life. Senior Deacon gives the duegard, and directs the candidate to do likewise. On the point of a sharp instrument pressing my naked left breast. It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of the twenty-four hours of the day which we are taught to divide the twenty-four inch gauge into three parts, whereby we find a portion for the service of God and the relief of a distressed worthy brother, a portion for our usual avocations, and a portion for refreshment and sleep. See Note F, Appendix. On being brought to light, what did you first discover? He ordered me to be reconducted to the Senior Warden in the west, who taught me to approach the east by one upright, regular step, my feet forming an angle of an oblong square, my body erect, at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east.
Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor: Entered Apprentice, or First Degrees
As you are yet uninformed, your conductor will answer for you. See Note A , Appendix. What are the three immovable jewels? Each Mason ponders its meaning and relies on the counsel of his brethren to develop a more complete understanding during his search for light. Page 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 ENTERED APPRENTICE LECTURE PART 1 Brother you were divested of all metals when made a Mason for two reasons. Senior Warden reports to the Worshipful Master.
Masonic Rituals for Entered Apprentice, FellowCraft and Master Mason Degrees of Blue Lodge
What do you conceal? Let not interest, favor or prejudice bias your integrity, or influence you to be guilty of a dishonorable action. The two spiritual qualifications not only inform the entire structure of Freemasonry but also align the Fraternity with the great Mystery Schools and religions of the world. Because it was said he was our most ancient Grand Master, or the founder of our present system. How were you received? After candidate is clothed, the deacon ties on his apron, and, returning to the Lodge, conducts him to the Worshipful Master in the east, who orders the Deacon to place him in the northeast corner of the Lodge, which is at the Master's right. Much the same idea as the labyrinth, it portrays the path of initiation as that of a journey. From whence came you? How many lights has a Lodge? I am so taken and accepted among all brothers and fellows.
What were you next presented with? The mosaic pavement is a representation of the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple, with a blazing star in the centre; the indented tessel, that beautiful tessellated border which surrounds it. It is of such vast dimensions to signify the universality of Masonry and that Masonic charity should be equally extensive. It needs to be mentioned that there is a seeming contradiction of this symbolism with physical reality. Makes the sign of an Entered Apprentice. Freemasons are usually unwilling to reveal the contents of ritual to non-Masons. We work in speculative Masonry only and an Entered Apprentice should wear his apron with the flap turned up. The Master approaching me from the East, on the step, under the due guard and penal sign of an Entered Apprentice, who, in token of his Brotherly love and friendship presented me with his right hand, and with it the word and grip of an Entered Apprentice, and bade me arise and salute the Wardens as such.
