W. M.–Why in the south, and your duty there, Brother Junior?
J. W.–(See opening ceremony, p. 15.)
W. M.–The Senior Warden’s station?
J. W.–In the west, Worshipful Master.
W. M.– Why in the west, and your duty there, Brother Senior?
S. W.–(See opening ceremony, p. 15.)
W. M.–The Worshipful Master’s station?
S. W.–In the east, Worshipful.
W. M.–Why in the east, and his duty there?
S. W.–As the sun rises in the east, to open and govern the day, so rises the Worshipful Master in the east (here the Master gives three raps (• • •), when all in the Lodge rise to their feet, the Master rising first), to open and govern his Lodge, set the Craft to work, and give them proper instructions.
W. M.–Brother Senior Warden, it is my orders that this Lodge be now closed, and stand closed until our next regular communication (barring emergency), when all, or a suitable number, shall have due and timely notice. In the mean time, it is hoped and expected that every brother will demean himself as becomes a man and a Mason. This you will communicate to the Junior Warden in the south, and he to the brethren about the
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[paragraph continues] Lodge, that they having due and timely notice, may govern themselves accordingly.
S. W.–Brother Junior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful Master, &c., &c.
J. W.–Brethren, you have heard the orders of the Worshipful Master, as communicated to me through the Senior Warden in the west–you will take notice, and govern yourselves accordingly.
W. M.–Brethren, together on the signs. (The signs are just the same as at opening. See pp. 16, 17, 18; also p. 155.)
After the signs are gone through with by the whole Lodge, the Master gives one rap with his gavel, which is responded to by the Senior Warden, and then by the Junior Warden, and then again by the Master, one rap. Senior Warden, one. Junior Warden, one. Again, the Master, one. Senior Warden, one. Junior Warden, one. Rapping three times each.
W. M.–Brother Senior Warden, how should Masons meet?
S. W.–On the Level.
W. M.–And how act, Brother Junior?
J. W.–On the Plumb.
W. M.–And part on the Square; and so let us ever meet, act, and part.
Master takes off his hat, and repeats the following prayer:
“May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us, and all regular Masons; may brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us. Amen.”
Response–So mote it be.
Some Lodges sing the following, to the air of “Bonny Doon”;
“Adieu! a heart-warm, fond adieu, Ye brothers of our mystic tie, Ye favored and enlightened few, Companions of my social joy.”
See Monitors for balance of the verses.
CHARGE AT CLOSING A LODGE
BRETHREN:–You are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amid its concerns and temptations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. Remember that you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother
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who shall need your assistance; you have promised to remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors, and, if possible, to aid him in a reformation. These generous principles are to extend further. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. Do good unto all. Remember it more “especially to the household of the faithful.”
Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you.
W. M.–Brother Senior Warden, I now declare this Lodge duly closed. Brother Junior Deacon (turning to that officer), you will inform the Tyler.
Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel, when the Lodge is closed, and the brethren divest themselves of their regalia, preparatory to returning to their respective homes.1
Moe is the founder of GnosticWarrior.com. He is a father, husband, author, martial arts black belt, and an expert in Gnosticism, the occult, and esotericism.
