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"Alternative" explanation of Working Tools as given to new WM at Installation.

Deltech

Registered User
I used to give an alternative explanation of the Working Tools in 3rd, 2nd, 1st Degree, to the new WM at Installation in my 2 previous Provinces, but due to a serious computer failure I have lost the document.

If any Brother has a copy of these I would be very grateful, as I am Installing my successor soon and nobody in this Province will have ever heard these before, so I want to give them a treat.

It begins (in each Degree) words to the effect of....



"I now present to you the Working Tools of a MM/FC/EA. They are the X/Y/Z.

With their uses to the operative mason you are already acquainted, as well as their moral connotation to us as Free and Accepted, or, Speculative Masons.

But to YOU as an Installed Master they have a further signification.

In this sense, the X teaches YOU to ......, whilst the Y will remind YOU to ......, whereas the Z will guide YOU to ......"



I can't remember which of the X/Y/Z "teaches/reminds/guides etc, but each of the 9 Tools has it's own explanation, and the emphasis when speaking is on the word "YOU". The theme of these explanations is about how the WM sets the standard for HIS Lodge.



If any Brother has a copy of these I would be very grateful, as I am Installing my successor soon and nobody in this Province will have ever heard these before, so I want to give them a treat.
 

Bill Lins

Moderating Staff
Staff Member
Wish I could help, but GLoTX has nothing like that in our installation ceremony. The closest we have is the following:

"The various implements of the profession are emblematical of our conduct in life, and upon this occasion are carefully enumerated.
The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth; it will direct your path to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die regretted.
The Rule directs that we shall punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the right nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to immortality.
The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend to ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.
You now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve and duly transmit it to your successor in office.
Lastly, you receive in charge the By-Laus of your Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed."
 

Glen Cook

G A Cook
Site Benefactor
Wish I could help, but GLoTX has nothing like that in our installation ceremony. The closest we have is the following:

"The various implements of the profession are emblematical of our conduct in life, and upon this occasion are carefully enumerated.
The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you to all truth; it will direct your path to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station, that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die regretted.
The Rule directs that we shall punctually observe our duty; press forward in the path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the right nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to the path which leads to immortality.
The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times. Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend to ignorance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.
You now receive in charge the Charter, by the authority of which this Lodge is held. You are carefully to preserve and duly transmit it to your successor in office.
Lastly, you receive in charge the By-Laus of your Lodge, which you are to see carefully and punctually executed."
In most, if not all English rituals, the new master is presented the working tools of each degree, given as you would in the degree. There is, apparently, a different version to which the brother refers.
 
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