Closing Charge

When does the charge at closing become a prayer? I've been told the WM is uncovered during the whole time and I've also been told that he uncovers when "finally" is said.

I was taught during the last paragraph, so 'finally' like you say. I stay uncovered for the rest of the closing until I declare the lodge closed but I've seen brothers recover then uncover again, which seems silly to me. Hope this helped.

Here, our opening charge requires the WM to be uncovered, but our closing charge does not. We have a closing benediction (after the charge/prayer/closing of the lights) where the WM uncovers.

I'm a new MM. What does "covered" and "uncovered" mean?

Hat on or off.

It's a subtle transition from the closing charge to benediction. I uncover at the mention of Deity: "... and may the G... " and recover after "Amen - So mote it be." Then the questions to the Wardens, and uncover again at "... may the blessing..." Hat back on after "So mote it be." Hat off at the mention of Deity in the closing order, then recover.

Sounds like a bit of a drill, but they're trying to inculcate into us new guys that the Master puts his hat on when he walks into the lodge room, and it only comes off at specific times: during prayer, mention of Deity, reading of Scripture, pledge of Allegiance, reading of a brother's death notice, and when yielding the East to a grand lodge officer.

Me, still learning...