Manual of the Freemasonry Lodge. Albert Gallatin Mackey

      MANUAL OF THE LODGE.

       Table of Contents

      OPENING AND CLOSING THE LODGE.

      The necessity of some preparatory ceremonies, of a more or less formal character, before proceeding to the dispatch of the ordinary business of any association, has always been recognized. Decorum and the dignity of the meeting alike suggest, even in popular assemblies called only for a temporary purpose, that a presiding officer shall with some formality be inducted into the chair, and he then, to use the ordinary phrase, "opens" the meeting with the appointment of his necessary assistance, and with the announcement, in an address to the audience, explanatory of the objects that have called them together.

      If secular associations have found it expedient by the adoption of some preparatory forms to avoid the appearance of an unseeming abruptness in proceeding to business, it may well be supposed that religious societies have been still more observant of the custom, and that as their pursuits are more elevated, that the ceremonies of their preparation for the object of their meeting should be still more impressive.

      In the Ancient Mysteries (those sacred rites which have furnished so many models for Masonic symbolism), the opening ceremonies were of the most solemn character. The sacred herald, in the Ancient Mysteries, commenced the ceremonies of opening the greater initiations by the solemn formula of "Depart hence, ye profane!" to which was added a proclamation which forbade the use of any language which might be deemed of unfavorable augury to the approaching rites.

      In like manner a Lodge of Masons is opened with the employment of certain ceremonies in which, that attention may be given to their symbolic as well as practical import, every member present is expected to take a part.

      These ceremonies, which slightly differ in each of the degrees—but differ so slightly as not to affect their general character—may be considered in reference to the several purposes which they are designed to affect, to be divided into eight successive steps or parts.

      1. The Master having signified his intention to proceed to the labors of the Lodge, every brother is expected to assume his necessary Masonic clothing, and, if an officer, the insignia of his office, and silently and decorously to repair to his appropriate station.

      2. The next step in the ceremony is, with the usual precautions, to ascertain the right of each one to be present. It is scarcely necessary to say that in the performance of this duty, the officers who are charged with it should allow no one to remain who is not either well known to themselves or properly vouched for by some discreet and experienced brother.

      3. Attention is next directed to the external avenues of the Lodge, and the officers within and without, who are intrusted with the performance of this important duty, are expected to execute it with care and fidelity.

      4. By a wise provision, it is no sooner intimated to the Master that he may safely proceed, than he directs his attention to an inquiry into the knowledge possessed by his officers of the duties that they will be respectively called upon to perform.

      5. Satisfied upon this point, the Master then announces, by formal proclamation, his intention to proceed to business; and mindful of the peaceful character of our Institution, he strictly forbids all immoral or unmasonic conduct whereby the harmony of the Lodge may be impeded, under no less a penalty than the by-laws may impose or a majority of