Chapter Thirty-One   Aaron could barely contain her excitement as the day of her entrance into the Masonic Temple drew near.  Gordon met with her every day to give her bits and pieces of information she would need.  When the day arrived, she was ready.  She walked to the Lodge where Gordon met her on the entrance stairs.  Her heart pounded rapidly and her face flushed.  Gordon whispered in her ear, “Don’t be afraid, the best is yet to come.  Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”   Gordon took her into a small room called the Preparation Room.  It was sparsely furnished and she suddenly felt claustrophobic.  She felt like she was having a panic attack.  She was an eavesdropper, an enemy of the Masons.  She was here on purely false pretenses and she was sure she would be exposed.    Aaron sat in a wooden chair, Gordon taking a place alongside her.  He took Aaron’s hand and held it as he reassured Aaron that everything would be fine.  Just trust in him.  She had little else she could do at that moment than trust that everything would be just fine.   Gordon talked to Aaron about what was happening out in the Temple.  The Fellow Masons were all filing into the Lodge.  The Worshipful Master was calling the Lodge to order then someone would come and talk to Aaron.  “Take three deep breaths and do as I say,” Gordon stated.  “Right now, we just wait.”   Out in the Temple the ritual began.   The Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual   Entered Apprentice Opening:   Worshipful Master (WM):  One rap of his staff on the floor * Officers, take your respective stations and places; Brethren, be clothed.   WM:  * Brother Senior Warden   Senior Warden (SW):  Worshipful Master   WM:  Are all present Masons?   SW:  One rap of his staff. * Brothers Senior and Junior Deacons; are all present Masons?   (Deacons rise, and in a prescribed fashion proceed throughout the lodge room, observing those in attendance, ascertaining that they are all Masons.)   Junior Deacon (JD):  Brother Senior Deacon, all are Masons in the South.   Senior Deacon (SD):  Brother Senior Warden, we are all Masons.   SW:  We are all Masons, Worshipful Master.   (The Deacons return to their places.)   WM:  * Brother Junior Deacon.   JD:  Worshipful Master.   WM:  The first great care of Masons when convened.   JD:  To see that they are duly tyled.   WM:  Attend to the duty and inform the Tyler that I am about to open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices, and direct him to tyle accordingly.   JD:  Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform you that the Worshipful Master is about to open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices.  Take due notice thereof and govern yourself accordingly.   JD:  Three raps of the staff on the floor *** Tyl: ***   JD:  (Shows the Duegard sign as a salutation to the WM.  Hands in the position of the right hovering over the left representing the position when taking the oath—left hand supporting the Bible and right hand resting thereon.)  Worshipful Master, we are duly tyled.   WM:  How are we tyled?   JD:  By a Brother Mason without armed with the proper implement of his office.   WM:  His duty there?   JD:  To observe the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to re-pass except such as are duly qualified and have permission from the Worshipful Master.   WM:  * Brother Senior Warden.   SW:  (Shows the Duegard Sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Whence came you?   SW:  From a Lodge of the Holy Saints of John of Jerusalem.   WM:  What came you here to do?   SW:  To learn to subdue my passions and improve myself in the Mason.   WM:  Then you are a Mason, I presume?   SW:  I am so taken and accepted among Brethren and Fellows.   WM:  What makes you a Mason?   SW:  My obligation.   WM:  Where were you made a Mason?   SW:  Within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge and Free and Accepted Masons, assembled in a place representing the ground floor of King Solomon’s Temple.   WM:  How many compose an Entered Apprentices Lodge?   SW:  Seven or more.   WM:  When composed of seven, or whom does it consist?   SW:  The Worshipful Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary, Senior and Junior Deacons.   WM:  Brother Senior Warden, the Junior Deacon’s place in the Lodge?   SW:  At my right.   WM:  ** Brother Junior Deacon.   JD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Your duty?   JD:  To carry messages from the Senior Warden to the West to the Junior Warden in the South, and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct; attend to alarms at the outer door and report the same to the Worshipful Master; also to see that we are duly tyled.   WM:  The Senior Deacon’s place?   JD:  At the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.   WM:  Brother Senior Deacon.   SD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Your duty?   SD:  To carry orders from the Worshipful Master in the East, to the Senior Warden in the West, and elsewhere about the Lodge as he may direct; welcome and clothe visiting Brethren, attend to alarms at the inner door; also to receive and conduct candidates.   WM:  The Treasurer’s place?   SD:  At the right of the Worshipful Master in the East.   WM:  Brother Treasurer.   Treasurer (TR):  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Your duty?   TR:  To receive all moneys from the Secretary, keeping a just and accurate account of the same, and pay it out on order of the Lodge, signed by the Worshipful Master; also to perform such other duties as are prescribed by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge.   WM:  The Secretary’s place?   TR:  At the left of the Worshipful Master in the East.   WM:  Brother Secretary.   Secretary (SEC):  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Your duty?   SEC:  To observe the proceedings of the Lodge, make a full record of all that is proper to be written; to receive all moneys due the Lodge and pay it to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefore; and to perform such other duties as are prescribed by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge.   WM:  The Junior Warden’s station?   SEC:  In the South.   WM:  Brother Junior Warden.   Junior Warden (JW):  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Your duty in the South?   JW:  To observe the sun at meridian, which is the glory and beauty of the day; call the Masons from labor to refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, carefully to observe that the means of refreshment are not perverted to intemperance or excess, and see that they return to their labor in due season, that the Worshipful Master may receive honor, and they pleasure and profit thereby.   WM:  The Senior Warden’s station?   JW:  In the West.   WM:  Brother Senior Warden.   Senior Warden (SW):  (Shows the Duegard sign.) Worshipful Master.   WM:  Why in the West?   SW:  As the sun is in the West at close of day, so stands the Senior Warden in the West to assist the Worshipful Master in opening and closing the Lodge; paying the Masons their wages, if any by due, that none may go away dissatisfied, harmony being the support of all institutions, especially this of ours.   WM:  The Master’s station?   SW:  In the East.   WM:  Why in the East?   SW:  As the sun rises in the East to open and govern the day, (WM***) so rises the Worshipful Master in the East to open and govern the Lodge; setting the Masons at work, giving them proper instruction for their labor.   WM:  Brother Senior Warden, it is my order that the Grand Lodge of Oregon, Lodge No. 3488 be now opened on the First Degree of Freemason for work and instruction.  This communicate to the Junior Warden in the South, and he to the Brethren present, that having due notice thereof, they may govern themselves accordingly.   SW:  Brother Junior Warden.   JW:  Brother Senior Warden.   SW:  It is the order of the Worshipful Master that the Grand Lodge of Oregon, Lodge No. 3488 be now opened on the First Degree of Freemason for work and instruction.  This communicate to the Brethren present, that having due notice thereof.  They may govern themselves accordingly.   JW:  Brethren; it is the order of the Worshipful Master, communicated to me through the Senior Warden in the West, that the Grand Lodge of Oregon, Lodge No. 3488 be now opened on the First Degree of Freemason for work and instruction.  I communicate the same to you, that having due notice thereof, you may govern yourselves accordingly.   WM:  Brethren; attend to giving the signs, observe the East.   WM: * SW * JW *   WM:  Brethren, give your attention to the Chaplain.   Chaplain (CHAP):  Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of the Universe, the Giver of all goods, gifts, and graces.  Thou hast promised that “Where two or three are gathered together in Thy name, Thou will by in their midst and bless them.”  In Thy name we have assembled, and in Thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings.  Grant that the sublime principles of Freemason may be so subdue every discordant passion within us—so harmonize and enrich our hearts, with Thine own love and goodness—that the Lodge at this time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign forever before Thy throne. Amen.   All:  So must it be.   WM:  Brother Senior Deacon.   SD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Attend at the Altar and display the Three Great Lights in the Mason.   WM:  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for Brethren to dwell together in unity.  It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.   WM:  In the name of God and the Holy Saints John, I now declare the Grand Lodge of Oregon, Lodge No. 3488 duly opened and in order for business; at the same time strictly forbidding any un-Masons conduct whereby the harmony of the same might be disturbed.   WM:  Brother Junior Deacon.   JD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Inform the Tyler.   JD:  *** Brother Tyler, I am directed to inform you that the Lodge is now opened on the Entered Apprentice Degree.  Take due notice thereof and tyle accordingly.   JD: *** Tyl: ***   WM:  Brother Senior Deacon.   SD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Present the flag of our country at the Altar.   WM:  Brethren, you will join with me in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States.   (All join with the Pledge of Allegiance.)   WM:  *   WM:  If there are present any Present or Past Grand Officers, Present or Past Masters, they are cordially and fraternally invited to seat in the East.   Chapter Thirty-Two   ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE:   WM: ** Brethren:  Mr. Aaron Jones is in waiting for the First Degree of Freemason, he having been duly accepted.  If there is no objection, I shall confer this degree upon him.   WM:  There being none, I will proceed.   WM:  * Brother Stewards.   Senior Steward (SS):  (Shows the Duegard sign.) Worshipful Master.   WM:  How should a candidate be prepared for the First Degree of Freemason?   SS:  By being divested of all metallic substances, neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod, left knee and breast bare, hoodwinked, and with a cable-tow about his neck.   WM:  Repair to the preparation room where Mr. Jones is waiting.  When thus prepared, cause him to make the usual alarm at the inner door.  Brother Secretary, accompany them.   (In the preparation room.)   SEC:  Mr. Jones, somewhat of your motives in applying for admission into our ancient and honorable Fraternity we have learned from the declaration, over your signature, contained in your petition; but in order that you may not be misled as to the character or the purpose of the ceremonies in which you are about to engage, the Lodge addresses to you these preliminary words of advice.   Mason ship is far removed from all that is trivial, selfish and ungodly.  Its structure is built upon the everlasting foundation of the God-given law—The Brotherhood of Man; in the family whose Father is God.  Our ancient and honorable Fraternity welcomes to its doors and admits to its privileges worthy men of all creeds and of every race, but insists that all men shall stand upon an exact equality, and receive its instructions in a spirit of due humility, emphasizing in demeanor, in conduct, in ceremony and in language the helpless, groping nature of man at his birth and his need of reliance upon Divine guidance through all the transactions of life.    You will be taught to divest your mind and conscience of all the vices and superfluities of life, and the Lodge into which you are now to be admitted expects you to divest yourself of all those worldly distinctions and equipments which are not in keeping with the humble, reverent and childlike attitude it is now your duty to assume, as all have done who have gone this way before you.  Every candidate, previous to his reception, is required to give his free and full assent to the following interrogatories, in a room adjacent to the Lodge.   Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that unbiased by the improper solicitation of friend, and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of Freemason Society?    Aaron:  Yes, I do.   SEC:  Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasons by a favorable opinion conceived of the institution, a desire for knowledge, and a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures?    Aaron:  Yes, I do.   SEC:  Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established customs of the Fraternity?   Aaron:  Yes, I do.   The secretary re-enters the Lodge as Fellow Gibson talks with Aaron.  OK, this is it.  You will take all your clothes off down to your underwear.  Aaron reluctantly stripped down to her Balls-In-A-Brief and her tee shirt.    "Is this good enough, or do I have to take my shirt off too?”  She asked.   Gordon looked at Aaron’s flat chest under her tight tee shirt.  He looked down Aaron’s body now showing obvious workout muscles in her arms and abs.  He looked at Aaron’s briefs with the outline of soft tissue in the front of her briefs and a few stray hairs coming from her leg bands.    “You are supposed to have your breast bare, but these tee straps show enough. If the Worshipful Master needs more proof of your maleness, he can pull the strap down to reveal your entire left breast.   “I am going to wrap this sackcloth around your right shoulder and drape it over your left, leaving your left breast exposed.  I will drape it down over your right knee, leaving your left knee and genital area exposed.  I am going to wrap this rope around your waist to keep it all in place.”   Gordon busied himself draping Aaron.  Aaron was trying not to blush, feeling very vulnerable.  She felt Gordon’s hand brush the front of her Balls-In-A-Brief with his hand.  If Gordon suspected anything, he didn’t show it.  He continued with the waist sash and stood in front of Aaron, inspecting his work.    “Looks good.  I am going to blindfold you now and place a cable tow around your neck.  I’ll lead you into the Temple by this rope.  You are sure you have all your lines memorized?”   “I do,” Aaron said.  She smiled under her blindfold and asked Gordon, “Does this mean we are married?”   Gordon smiled at Aaron.  If ever there were someone he could fall in love with, it would be Aaron.  From the moment he saw Aaron near the pentacle, he knew they had chemistry.    “You could say that.  This is a very close brotherhood.”  He continued to fuss with Aaron’s sackcloth.  “Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you something important.”   Aaron stood up straight and dreadfully asked, “What?”   “Your bare left breast and knee,” Gordon started.  “Part of the ritual is the Worshipful Master will prick them both with the sharp end of a compass.  You will feel a little pain and draw a little blood.  I just didn’t want you to jump out of your skin when it happens.  I wanted you to be prepared.”   “Thanks for telling me,” Aaron replied.  “You are a good friend, Gordon.  I appreciate everything you have done for me.”   “Just remember, Aaron, I am your friend and sponsor to this fellowship.  I am at your beaconed call any time of the day or night.  I will be with you before and after each ritual to talk you through the mysteries of the Fellowship.    “Listen very carefully to your lecture at every degree level.  It is important you hear and understand all that will be taught to you.  This is the only way you can be enlightened.  And remember, you will never be alone.  I will be here for you.”    Aaron was so touched with Gordon’s speech she reached out to him and gave him a hug.  “Thanks, dear friend.”  She realized she had just touched her fake private parts to Gordon’s real private parts.  Gordon held the hug for a little longer than Aaron wanted to.  She finally pushed herself away from Gordon’s chest.  “OK, Fellow Masons, take me to your leader.”   Gordon smiled and led Aaron to the inner door of the Lodge where the Worshipful Master awaited.   SEC:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Brother Secretary.   SEC:  The candidate has answered the usual questions in the affirmative.   Gordon entered with Aaron in tow.   Aaron rapped on the door three times.   SD:  (Shows the Duegard sign.)  Worshipful Master.   WM:  Brother Senior Deacon.   SD:  There is an alarm at the inner door.    WM:  Attend to the alarm and ascertain the cause.   SD:  *** Who comes here?   SS:  Mr. Jones, a poor blind candidate who is desirous of having and receiving a part in the rights, lights, and benefits of this Worshipful Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, erected to God and dedicated to the memory of the Holy Saints John, as all Brethren and Fellows have done who have gone this way before him.   SD:  Mr. Jones, is this an act of your own free will and accord?   Aaron:  It is.   SD:  Brother Stewards, is he worth and well qualified?   SS:  He is.   SD:  Duly and truly prepared?   SS:  He is.   SD:  By what further right does he expect to obtain this important privilege?   SS:  Being a man, free born, of lawful age, and well recommended.   SD:  Since the candidate is in possession of these necessary qualifications, let him wait until the Worshipful Master can be informed of his request and his answer returned.   SD:  *** Worshipful Master.   WM:  Brother Senior Deacon.   SD:  There is without, Mr. Jones, a poor blind candidate, who is desirous of having and receiving a part in the rights, lights, and benefits of this Worshipful Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, erected to God and dedicated to the memory of the Holy Saints John, as all Brethren and Fellows have done who have gone this way before him.   WM:  Is it an act of his own free will and accord?   SD:  It is.   WM:  Is he worth and well qualified?   SD:  He is.   WM:  Duly and truly prepared?   SD:  He is.   WM:  By what further right does he expect to obtain this important privilege?   SD:  Being a man, free born, of lawful age, and well recommended.   WM:  Since the candidate is in possession of all these necessary qualifications, let him enter this Worshipful Lodge, in the name of God, and be received in due and ancient form   SD: *** Let him enter this Worshipful Lodge, in the name of God, and be received in due and proper form.   The Senior Deacon stops Aaron immediately upon his entering the Lodge room.   SD:  Mr. Jones, I am commanded to receive you on the point of a sharp instrument, piercing your naked left breast, which is to teach you that as this is an instrument of torture to the flesh, so should the recollection thereof be to your mind and conscience, should you ever reveal the secrets of the Freemasons unlawfully.   The Senior Deacon stepped to the left side of Aaron and took him by the arm, forearm horizontal, forming the angle of a square.    SD:  Mr. Jones, as no man should ever enter upon any great and important undertaking without first invoking the aid of Deity, you will be conducted to the center of the Lodge, caused to kneel and attend prayer.   WM:  ***   All in the Lodge stood.  The Worshipful Master is escorted to the center of the Lodge and stopped in front of Aaron.    WM:  Vouchsafe Thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for the Masons may dedicate and devote his life to Thy service, and become a true and faithful Brother among us.  Endue him with a competency of Thy divine wisdom, that by the influence of the pure principles of our Fraternity, he may be better enabled to display the beauties of holiness, to the honor of The Holy Name. Amen.   ALL:  So must it be.   WM:  Mr. Jones, in whom do you put your trust?   Aaron:  In God.   WM:  Your trust being in God, your faith is well founded.   The Worshipful Master grasped Aaron in a firm handshake and assisted her up.    WM:  Rise, follow your conductor, and fear no danger.