RITUAL DIRECTOR S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK

Transcription

1 RITUAL DIRECTOR S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK Key: WM = Master; SW = Senior Warden; JW = Junior Warden; Ch = Chaplain; Sc = Secretary; M = Marshal; SD = Senior Deacon; JD = Junior Deacon; SC = Senior Master of Ceremony; JC = Junior Master of Ceremony; C = Candidate; Co = Conductor EXITING THE LODGE TO PREPARE THE CANDIDATES The first piece of floorwork is when the Worshipful Master calls up the Masters of Ceremony, who rise, come to the Sign of Fidelity and respond. Teaching: They do not retrieve their staffs at this point. This is a good moment to remind them to stand tall and maintain a formal body position throughout. After describing how Candidates are prepared for the Degree, the Masters of Ceremony are instructed to repair to the Preparation Room. They retrieve their staffs, holding them in their left hands, and proceed together to the Altar. At the Altar, they prop the butts of their staffs against the kneeler and lean them against their left shoulders to free their arms to perform the signs of the Degree. They wait in this position for the arrival of the Secretary and/or another Brother to join the group at the Altar in the middle. Once all are at the Altar, they come on the step of the Degree and salute the Worshipful Master. Teaching: The Masters of Ceremony should retrieve their staffs as quietly as possible. They always hold their staffs upright (never at an angle) in the left hand and at the same height as their counterpart. They always move together as a unit and stay even with each another, which requires each to maintain constant awareness of his counterpart s location. They should practice placing their staffs at the Altar several times until it is no longer awkward. They should be reminded that they will need to leave room between them at the Altar. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

2 After saluting, the Masters of Ceremony turn right and the Senior Master of Ceremony leads them single file through a clockwise turn to proceed out through the Inner Door Teaching: It is the Senior Master of Ceremony s responsibility to know the correct pathway and lead the group. The Senior Master of Ceremony opens the Inner Door. The Junior Master of Ceremony is the last to exit, and he closes the Inner Door. In the Preparation Room, the Masters of Ceremony and any Brothers who are assisting prepare the Candidates to enter as quickly and efficiently as possible. Teaching: The Candidates are arranged single-file on the left side behind the Senior Master of Ceremony in the same order as the card that lists their names. Each Candidate s right hand is placed on the shoulder in front of him, with the instruction to follow along and not remove his hand until someone takes it away. The Secretary reenters without knocking and proceeds to the Altar to salute. RESPONDING TO THE CANDIDATE S ALARM AT THE INNER DOOR The Senior Master of Ceremony knocks three times. The Senior Deacon rises, comes to the Sign of Fidelity and informs the Master, who orders him to ascertain the cause of the alarm. The Senior Deacon retrieves his staff, holding it in his left hand, and proceeds directly to the Inner Door. At the Inner Door the Senior Deacon knocks three times. The Senior Master of Ceremony responds with one knock, after which the Senior Deacon opens the door and inquires as to the alarm. Teaching: The Senior Deacon always holds his staff upright in the left hand. This is a good time to remind him to always maintain an upright, formal body position. The Senior Deacon is the one who opens the door. He and Senior Master of Ceremony should be certain of the number of knocks they each give. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

3 After receiving replies to his inquiries, the Senior Deacon closes the Inner Door and proceeds to the west side of the Altar where he comes to the Sign of Fidelity and makes his report to the Master. Teaching: There is no knocking on the door after it is closed. The Senior Deacon should move at a reasonably fast pace here. PROCEEDING TO THE INNER DOOR Following the Senior Deacon s report, the Master orders him to admit the Candidates. Immediately upon the Master s order, four things happen simultaneously: 1. The Junior Deacon turns off the lights. 2. The Conductors take positions on the skirting of the Senior Warden s station. 3. The Senior Deacon turns right, proceeds directly to the south sideline, faces west and awaits the arrival of the Marshal at his right. 4. The Marshal rises and proceeds west to come alongside the Senior Deacon, holding his baton in the right hand. The Marshal and Senior Deacon wait in place for the Stewards to fall in behind them. Teaching: Both the Marshal and Senior Deacon should move at a reasonably fast pace here. The Senior Deacon goes all the way to the south sideline before turning to face west. The Marshal should not wait for the Senior Deacon to make his move before rising and proceeding to their meeting place. When passing by the Stewards, he should make brief eye contact and give them a subtle nod to remind them to rise. Once they are together, the Marshal and Senior Deacon should remain strictly side-by-side with their shoulders even throughout the processions of the floorwork. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

4 As soon as the Marshal has passed, the Stewards rise together and quietly retrieve their staffs, holding them in the left hand. The Steward closer to the west simply makes a quarter turn to face west. The Steward closer to the east takes a few steps outward, then proceeds west to come alongside his counterpart. Once they are side-by-side they proceed together to fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon. Teaching: The Stewards should retrieve their staffs as quietly as possible. They always hold their staffs upright (never at an angle) in the left hand and at the same height as their counterpart. The Steward closer to the west must remember to wait for the other Steward before proceeding to fall in behind the Senior Deacon. Once they are together, the Stewards should remain strictly side-by-side with their shoulders even throughout the processions of the floorwork. This is a good moment to remind them to stand tall and maintain a formal body position throughout. The Marshal then leads the procession towards the Inner Door, stops at the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair, and directs the Senior Deacon to withdraw to the north sideline. Teaching: The Marshal and Senior Deacon should practice this move a few times: The Marshal points his baton at the Senior Deacon and then points it to the north sideline, somewhat east of the formation. The Senior Deacon moves immediately to the indicated position. The Senior Deacon should face west once he withdraws so he can see the Marshal, and should adopt a formal body position and alert demeanor as he awaits the erection of the arch over the Inner Door. The move from the south sideline to the position in front of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair should be made at a reasonably brisk pace. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

5 As soon as the Senior Deacon is out of the way, the Marshal proceeds quickly to the Inner Door, takes a position in the center of the space between the pillars and turns east to face the Stewards. Teaching: The Senior Deacon should move at a reasonably fast pace here. If the Conductors are not already on the skirting of the Senior Warden s platform, the Marshal must direct them to move into place before proceeding to the Inner Door and positioning the Stewards. Having taken a position between the pillars, the Marshal uses his baton to position the Stewards one at a time in front of each pillar, facing east. Teaching: To position each Steward, the Marshal points his baton at the Steward and then decisively points his baton to the position where he would like to place that Steward. The Steward moves immediately to the indicated position. The Marshal will usually have to whisper to each Steward to make sure they have their heels against the pillar and are facing east. The Marshal should wait until each Steward is correctly positioned before directing the next Steward to his place. The easiest way to position the Stewards is to begin with the closest Steward and direct him to the nearest pillar, as illustrated at right above. However, if the Marshal and Stewards are sufficiently well-drilled and if the Stewards desire to end up in their original chairs, the Marshal can place them at the pillars using a crossing pattern so that the closest Steward ends up on the left hand side of the arch rather than the right hand side. In either case, the closest Steward should be positioned first; it is too difficult for the Stewards to tell who is being selected if the Marshal gestures to the Steward on the far side first. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

6 After the Stewards are in their positions, the Marshal directs them to raise their staffs simultaneously and form an arch. Teaching: To direct the erection of the arch, the Marshal holds his baton in the middle and extends his arm straight out in front of him, then slowly and decisively raises his arm to an upright position overhead. As he performs this movement he may want to softly say, form... an... arch to further cue the Stewards. The Stewards should complete the erection of the arch at the same time as the baton reaches its apex. As soon as the arch is formed, the Marshal comes forward to take a place under the arch at the right, in line with the Stewards. Teaching: The spacing is tight here, so it is important that the Marshal stands as far to the right as possible. Having taken his place under the arch, the Marshal gestures to the Senior Deacon to approach. The Senior Deacon proceeds to the Inner Door, knocks once and opens the Inner Door to admit the Masters of Ceremony and Candidates. Teaching: The Senior Deacon needs to remember that he knocks here, and knocks only once, before opening the Inner Door. THE ENTRANCE OF THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY AND CANDIDATES After the Senior Deacon directs the Candidates to enter, he turns about-face and comes to the left of the Marshal under the arch. The Marshal and Senior Deacon wait under the arch for the arrival of the Masters of Ceremony and Candidates behind them. Teaching: This is the first of many times the Marshal needs to be aware of what is behind him. He should not start leading the procession until the Masters of Ceremony are at his back. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

7 Once the Masters of Ceremony have come up behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon, the Marshal leads the procession into the Lodge and makes an immediate turn to the right upon entering the working area of the Lodge room. The Master gavels up the Lodge upon the entrance of the Candidates. Conductors are waiting on the Senior Warden s platform and acquire Candidates immediately after each Candidate passes through the arch Teaching: The Marshal must make the right turn as sharp and as soon as possible, so that there is room west of the Altar to make multiple reverse turns later on during the floorwork. The Master should gavel immediately once the Marshal begins to lead the procession into the Lodge room. Teaching for every first-time Conductor The procedure for acquiring and leading Candidates is as follows: After the Candidate passes under the arch, the Conductor comes alongside his Candidate and reaches across with his right hand to lift the Candidate s hand off the shoulder where it rests. He inserts his left arm under the Candidates extended right arm and then draws the Candidate s arm back so that the Candidate s arm rests inside the crook of his arm. This will enable him to push the Candidate s arm in guiding him through the floorwork, which is much more effective than trying to pull the hoodwinked Candidate. He then grasps the Candidate s right forearm with his left hand, brings his right hand across to cover the Candidate s right hand, and gently squeezes the Candidate s arm against his body. This Conductor s grip gives him secure control over all the Candidate s movements, and Candidates who feel more secure are easier to lead. Conductors should take responsibility for moving their Candidates at a reasonable pace so there are no gaps in the line of the procession. When the procession right-or-left faces, Conductors remain in place and use their hands on both shoulders of the Candidate to pivot him one quarter turn in place. They never change position to come alongside the Candidate. Conductors should never freelance. They only move, turn Candidates, etc. at the Marshal s direction. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

8 After the last Candidate clears, the Stewards strike the arch. One Steward closes the Inner Door and both proceed together to join the procession at the rear. Teaching: The Stewards should move as quickly as they can within the bounds of decorum, so the procession doesn t have to wait in the West for them to join. If the Stewards forget to close the Inner Door, it should be quietly and discretely closed by the Senior Warden. THE RECEPTION The Marshal halts the procession in front of the West station with the Candidates centered on the Altar, checks to make sure that the Stewards have joined at the rear, then left faces all for the Senior Deacon s reception. Teaching: The Marshal needs to know where to stop at every position in the Lodge so that the Candidates are centered appropriately. When there are five Candidates, as at left, he will sometimes need to go all the way to the sideline. The Marshal must always check to make sure all members of the procession are in place before right- or left-facing the procession. After the Marshal left-faces the procession, the Senior Deacon leaves his place and comes to a point in front of the Candidates. He admonishes the Candidates as appropriate for the Degree and returns to his place in the procession. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 8 -

9 In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, the Marshal proceeds as described below for the Prayer. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals, the Master gavels to seat the Lodge and begin the perambulations. After the Master s gavel, the Marshal right-faces the procession and proceeds south (to whatever extent possible) before making a full reverse via a counterclockwise turn. At the north sideline, he turns right and proceeds with the perambulations. Teaching: The Marshal must wait for the Master s gavel to right-face the procession. THE PRAYER (ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE ONLY) Without waiting for the Master s gavel to begin (the Lodge remains standing until the conclusion of the Prayer) the Marshal leads the procession through a counterclockwise turn as above, proceeds to the north sideline and turns east. Immediately after turning east the Marshal is halted by the Master s gavel. Teaching: In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual the Marshal must make all the initial turns as tight as possible to ensure there is sufficient room for two full sets of turns west of the Altar. These should be pivot turns where the man on the inside rotates around the axis of his inside foot while the other man walks the outside of the turn (see illustration at right). The Marshal and Senior Deacon should practice this, and the Marshal can use his arm to direct the Senior Deacon if need be. The Marshal does not wait for the Master s gavel to right-face the procession here. The Master must gavel immediately after the Marshal turns east. If he does not, the Marshal should be taught to stop anyway and remind the Master to gavel with subtle hand gestures. The Master then orders the Candidates to the center of the Lodge for prayer. The Marshal leads the procession in a sharp right turn, stopping when the Candidates are centered with respect to the Altar. All face east. The Master and Chaplain come down for the Prayer via the south side of the Lodge Room to a position in front of the Candidates. They are joined by any other Brothers who may be needed. Teaching: If there is not sufficient space for the upcoming turn, the Marshal must work the procession in a Southwest diagonal on this turn to create space. Once the procession is facing east, the Senior Deacon can quietly help the Candidates to kneel. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide - 9 -

10 Following the Prayer, the Master returns to the East, any Brothers who assisted return to their places in the Lodge room, and the Chaplain withdraws to the Altar where he faces east. Once the Master has returned to the East, he gavels to seat the Lodge and begin the perambulations. The Marshal right-faces the procession and proceeds south (to whatever extent possible) before making a full reverse via a counter-clockwise turn. At the north sideline, he turns right and proceeds with the perambulations. Teaching: The Marshal must wait for the Master s gavel to right-face the procession. PERAMBULATIONS In the perambulations, the Marshal leads the procession around the Lodge room one, two or three times, depending on the Degree. Each principal officer strikes his gavel to indicate that the candidates are properly clothed and to permit the Marshal to turn right and lead the procession past the next officer. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, the Chaplain follows the procession down the south sideline on its final perambulation to his place at the Altar (as at right). Teaching: The Marshal must always be aware of the spacing of the procession, and go slow enough to keep it in tight formation. The officers should inspect the Candidates as early as possible in order to strike their gavels without halting the procession. If an officer does not gavel by the time the Marshal needs to make the next turn, he halts the procession and the Senior Deacon and/or principal officer make any necessary corrections. After the corrections are made, the principal officer strikes his gavel and the perambulations proceed as before. No corrections or adjustments are to be made to the Candidates clothing prior to the Junior Warden s first inspection. If there is an egregious error, such as the Candidates lacking Aprons or Cable-Tows, the Ritual Director should discretely obtain these items prior to the first inspection and stand ready to make corrections when the Junior Warden withholds his gavel. The Wardens rise for inspection. The Master is not required to rise, but may rise at his discretion. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

11 SCRIPTURE LESSON AND EXAMINATIONS After the final perambulation, the Marshal halts in front of the Junior Warden s station, with the Candidates centered at the station, and all continue to face west. The Chaplain recites the Scripture Lesson and remains in place at the west side of the Altar. Teaching: The spacing at the South station is tight. The Marshal should take care to bring the procession as close to the Altar as possible so there is sufficient room for the Senior Deacon to approach the South. As the procession approaches the South station the final time, the Marshal and Senior Deacon should look over their shoulders and use gestures as necessary to ensure that Conductors draw their Candidates back towards the Altar. The Junior Warden can assist in this regard as well, since all members of the procession have a good view of him as they approach the South. The Ritual Director should reiterate this consideration to the Conductors before the Ritual commences. The Marshal does not left-face the procession towards the Junior Warden until after the Scripture Lesson. After the Scripture Lesson, the Marshal faces the procession left for the Junior Warden s examination. Thereafter, the Marshal leads the procession clockwise to the Senior Warden s station and the Master s station for similar examinations. Teaching: The Chaplain returns to his place via the south sideline after the procession has moved to the West station. The Marshal should take care to ensure that he halts the procession when the Candidates are centered with respect to each station. The Marshal should make the turn to bring the procession before the Master s station as far west as possible, so that there is sufficient space for a full reverse turn when the Master orders the Candidates reconducted to the Senior Warden. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

12 TURNING BACK WEST After the Master orders the Candidates reconducted to the Senior Warden, the Marshal right-faces the procession and leads it south (to whatever extent possible) before making a full counterclockwise turn to proceed west along the north side of the Lodge. The Marshal halts at the west edge of the Altar, and the Senior Deacon conveys the Master s order to the Senior Warden. Teaching: The Marshal does not come all the way back to the West station. The Senior Deacon does not knock with his staff before communicating with the Senior Warden. Following the Senior Warden s direction, the Marshal continues to lead the procession west, then turns left to bring the procession to a position in front of the Senior Warden s station. All face east. Teaching: The Marshal should make the turn to the Senior Warden s station as far west as possible so that there is plenty of space to form the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple. BRINGING THE CANDIDATES TO THE ALTAR After some dialogue, it is time for the Senior Warden to instruct the Candidates to come on the step of the Degree. As the illustration at left shows, this can often be a somewhat disorganized affair by the end because the Candidates are blindfolded. Teaching: The Senior Deacon should come to a position in the middle of the Lodge room where he has a good view of the Candidates and can make eye contact with the Senior Warden. He can assist by whispering, but may not touch the Candidates. When the Candidates have all arrived on the step of the Degree, he informs the Senior Warden with a brief nod and steps out of the way. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

13 The Master then orders the Candidates to kneel at the Altar after which the Senior Deacon brings each Candidate forward and positions him for the obligation. When all the Candidates are positioned, the Senior Deacon takes a place near the southwest corner of the Altar, well out of the way of the Masters of Ceremony. He will remain there until the Master returns to the East and gavels to seat the Lodge. After verifying that the Marshal has completed building the West Wall, the Senior Deacon informs the Master that the Candidates are in due form. Teaching: The Senior Deacon positions Candidates by conducting them to within a few feet of the Altar; then he instructs them to shuffle their feet for the last few steps until their toes touch the kneeler; then he places both of their hands on the Altar and instructs them kneel on both knees; then he tells them to place one foot flat on the floor as appropriate for the E A or Fc Degree; then he positions their hands as appropriate for the Degree. The Senior Deacon should bring forward the Candidates closest to the West first, in order to clear space for the Marshal to erect the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple. Conductors are directed to take places on the sidelines except for the Fellowcraft Degree, where the Senior Deacon directs them to stand behind the Candidates and support their left elbows. If individual Volumes of Sacred Law are used and not already laid out on the Altar, another designated Brother assists the Senior Deacon by placing them in front of each Candidate as he is positioned at the Altar. The Senior Deacon must remember to check in with the Marshal. FORMING THE WEST WALL As soon as the Senior Deacon clears the Candidates sufficiently, the Marshal begins to position the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards in the West Wall. The goal is for the Marshal to form the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple in an orderly and efficient manner by the time the Senior Deacon has completed positioning the Candidates at the Altar. The Marshal is in the middle, the Stewards on the inside and the Masters of Ceremony on the outside, with the Senior Master of Ceremony on the South side. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

14 To begin, the Marshal takes a position about halfway between the Altar and the West, centered with respect to the Altar. Upon reaching his place, he turns around and faces west to direct the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards. Next, the Marshal uses his baton to direct the Stewards one at a time to their places on the inside of the West Wall. Teaching: To position each Steward, the Marshal points his baton at the Steward and then decisively points his baton to the position where he would like to place that Steward. The Steward moves immediately to the indicated position. A simple mnemonic to teach the Marshal is S.I.C.N. ( Stewards Inside Closest Nearest ), meaning that he should begin with the Stewards, that he should build from the Inside out, and that he should always direct the Closest officer first, to the Nearest position in the West Wall. FORMING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the Stewards are positioned, the Marshal uses his baton to place the Masters of Ceremony in their positions on the outside of the West Wall, then faces east to wait for the Master s signal. Teaching: The Marshal should still remember Closest Nearest so that he positions the Senior Master of Ceremony on the south end of the West Wall. The Marshal should make sure he maintains the attention of the Masters of Ceremony and that they are ready to form the Symbolic Temple. Once the Senior Deacon has verified that the West Wall is formed, he informs the Master that the Candidates are in due form. The Master gavels three times and says Brethren, form a Lodge! to initiate the formation of the Symbolic Temple. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

15 Immediately following the Master s gavel, the Marshal points his baton forward toward the East in a broad gesture to signal the Masters of Ceremony. The Masters of Ceremony proceed briskly to the East, keeping even with each other and holding their staffs in the usual upright position. In the East, the Masters of Ceremony about-face to face west and remain in place, waiting for the Marshal s next signal. As soon as the Masters of Ceremony pass by the South station, the Wardens come down from their stations and take positions directly behind the Masters of Ceremony s places in the West Wall. Teaching: The Masters of Ceremony need to understand the importance of being on the absolute top of their game for this portion of the floorwork. Both the Marshal and the Masers of Ceremony should know that the staffs are not lowered for this move. The Marshal should have some gestures prepared to remind them. The Wardens frequently forget their floorwork. The Marshal must be prepared to signal the Wardens to come down out of their stations and/or to point out their proper positions behind the West Wall. The Masters of Ceremony wait in the East while the Brethren form rough lines in the north and south. Teaching: The Marshal should establish and maintain eye contact with the Masters of Ceremony so they are ready for his next signal. After the Brethren have taken their places in the North and South Walls, the Marshal makes a broad gesture to place his baton in the spearing position. This signals the Masters of Ceremony to lower their staffs to a horizontal position, held on the outside. Teaching: The Marshal should be prepared to remind the Junior Master of Ceremony to hold his staff on the outside. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

16 Once the Masters of Ceremony s staffs are in the correct position, the Marshal turns and points his baton back towards the West to signal the Masters of Ceremony to return to the West Wall. The Masters of Ceremony proceed west inside the lines, keeping even with each other and dressing the lines along the way. Once the Masters of Ceremony reach their original places in the West Wall, they return their staffs to the normal upright position in the left hand, aboutface and await the Marshal s cue. Teaching: In dressing the lines the Masters of Ceremony should walk in a direct east-west path and encourage the Brethren to form neat and orderly lines by coming forward or moving back from the imaginary lines illustrated by their lowered staffs. These lines will constitute the North and South Walls of the Symbolic Temple. The Masters of Ceremony should also discretely encourage Brothers to take positions east of the Altar, so the Candidates can see them upon being brought to Light. Only after the spaces east of the Altar are sufficiently filled should the remaining Brothers take positions west of the Altar. This is something the Ritual Director should announce prior to the commencement of the Degree Ritual. The Marshal should use gestures as necessary so that the Masters of Ceremony stop in line with the West Wall (not behind it); return their staffs to the normal upright position in the left hand; turn around to face east; and are ready for his next signal to proceed east. After a brief pause, the Marshal points his baton decisively towards the East in a broad gesture to signal the Masters of Ceremony. The Masters of Ceremony and Wardens proceed to the East where the Masters of Ceremony arrange themselves into the ends of the East Wall. The Wardens continue on to take positions slightly further to the east, behind the East Wall. Teaching: The Masters of Ceremony move inward to a good position for forming the Arch. The Masters of Ceremony face west throughout. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

17 As soon as everyone is in position, the Marshal holds his baton in the middle and extends his arm straight out in front of him, then slowly and decisively raises his arm to an upright position overhead to signal the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to form their arches. Afterward he returns his baton to its normal position. Teaching: The Masters of Ceremony and Stewards should use the hanging lights as points of reference to ensure that their arches are centered. The Marshal can also use gestures as necessary to ensure that the arches are centered and that the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards are facing forward and not inward towards each other. After the arches are formed, the Wardens take places under the arch in line with the Masters of Ceremony. Teaching: The Wardens remain in line with the Masters of Ceremony for most of the work at the Altar. When the Master passes through the East Wall on his way to or from the Altar, they simply step aside to let him pass and then return to their positions in line under the arch. If the Wardens have come to the Altar to assist with teaching the grips, they must return to their places under the arch in the East Wall immediately after the Master pronounces the name of the grip (before he orders the Candidates to rise). Due to the length of the work at the Altar, there is a real danger that the floorwork team will lose their alertness and zone out. The Marshal should be thinking ahead to the next move and periodically check in with the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to make sure they are alert, attentive and ready for the next move. BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the business at the Altar is concluded and the Master has returned to the East, it is time to break the Symbolic Temple. The Master does not gavel here! All the Officers return to their stations and places before the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. The breakdown of the Symbolic Temple is initiated when the Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to simultaneously break the arches. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

18 After the work at the Altar concludes, the Master returns to the East. Once the Master has passed through the East Wall, the Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to break their arches using the reverse of the motion that cued them to erect their arches. The Wardens then step around the back of the East Wall and lead the Masters of Ceremony west inside the lines. The Junior Warden steps inward and stops somewhere near the South end of the West Wall. The Senior Warden and Masters of Ceremony continue on to their station and places, where they remain standing and holding their staffs. Teaching: As the end of the work at the Altar nears its conclusion, the Marshal should make sure the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards are attentive and ready for their next move. If the Wardens appear confused, the Marshal should prepared to use gestures to cue their return and to make sure that they proceed west inside the lines. Once the Masters of Ceremony have passed by the West Wall, the Junior Warden turns and leads the Marshal and Stewards behind the South Wall to their places, where they remain standing and holding their staffs. All officers and Brethren remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. Teaching: If the Junior Warden goes directly to his station by mistake, the Marshal should be prepared to take his place and lead the Stewards up the south sideline himself. The Master does not gavel until all the officers have returned to their respective stations and places. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

19 DEMONSTRATIONS Once the Symbolic Temple has been broken and the Marshal is seated, the Senior Deacon is responsible for the remaining floorwork. Especially in the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, he should not hesitate to speak directly to the Candidates if they are hesitant about coming on the step, displaying the signs properly, etc. After the Brethren have been seated, the Senior Deacon asks the Candidates to form a line behind him and follow in a single-file line, walking the same pathway that he walks. He leads the Candidates east up the south side of the Lodge room, travels well past the Junior Warden s station, then executes a reverse clockwise turn and proceeds west to the Junior Warden s station. They all come on the step of the Degree and the Senior Deacon knocks three times with his staff. Teaching: The Candidates are frequently confused by the tight turn in the south sideline. The Senior Deacon can help them to follow the correct path by making a sweeping movement with his arm as he makes the turn to indicate that the Candidates should make the same turn. The Senior Deacon should take a moment to ensure that the Candidates are all on the step of the Degree before knocking at each station. The Senior Deacon does not come forward to the front of the Warden s stations as he does for the examinations, but remains in line with the Candidates. The Stewards should be prepared to assist in giving the grips, and other Brothers should be assigned beforehand as needed. After the Candidates are dismissed by the Junior Warden, the Senior Deacon leads the Candidates single file in a clockwise path to the Senior Warden s station where all come on the step of the Degree for a similar demonstration. Teaching: The Senior Deacon should take a moment to ensure that the Candidates are all on the step of the Degree before knocking. The Masters of Ceremony should be prepared to assist in giving the grips, and other Brothers should be assigned beforehand as needed. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

20 APRONS After the Candidates are dismissed by the Senior Warden, the Senior Deacon continues to lead the Candidates in a clockwise pathway up the north sideline as though he were going to the East. At some point before he has reached the west edge of the Altar, the Master gavels to halt the procession. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, the Senior Deacon right-faces the Candidates and the Apron Presentation proceeds as described below. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals, the Master orders the Candidates to the Senior Warden s station for instruction in wearing their aprons. Teaching: If the Master does not gavel soon enough, the Senior Deacon should stop before passing the west edge of the Altar and remind him to gavel using subtle hand gestures. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: The Senior Deacon right faces the Candidates for the Apron Presentation. The Master or his designee approaches to present the Candidates with their White Leather Aprons. After the Apron Presentation he directs the Candidates to the Senior Warden s station for instruction in wearing their Aprons, then retires. After receiving his order, the Senior Deacon leads the Candidates in a clockwise path west of the Altar to a position in front of the Senior Warden s station, where all face west. The Senior Warden comes down from his station and teaches the Candidates how to wear their Aprons. Teaching: The Candidates do not come on the step here. The Candidates face west here, not east. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

21 FINAL INSTRUCTION IN THE EAST After the Candidates Aprons have been adjusted, the Senior Deacon lead them east along the north side of the Lodge room, finally turning right to bring the Candidates before the Master s station. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, the Master demands some metallic substance, then the Candidates are presented with the Working Tools of the Degree, and then there is the Bible Presentation. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals the Candidates are presented with the Working Tools of the Degree only. Teaching: The Candidates do not come on the step. It is important to turn early so there is sufficient space to the east for a full reverse turn. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: Following the Bible Presentation, the Master orders the Senior Deacon to conduct the Candidates to the Northeast Corner of the Lodge. The Senior Deacon leads the Candidates to the Northeast Corner by means of a counterclockwise turn. In the Northeast Corner, the Candidates face south and come on the step of Entered Apprentice for the Master s admonition. Teaching: The Senior Deacon should ensure that the Candidates come on the step here. The Master comes down on the level to a position directly in front of the Candidates for his admonition, then returns to his station. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

22 DISMISSAL Finally, the Master orders the Senior Deacon to conduct the Candidates out of the Lodge room. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: The Candidates are in the Northeast Corner when they are dismissed. The Senior Deacon leads them directly west down the north side of the Lodge room. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals: The Candidates are in the East when they are dismissed. The Senior Deacon leads them in a full counterclockwise turn, then proceeds west down the north side of the Lodge room. After passing west of the Altar, the Senior Deacon turns the procession left to bring the Candidates across the Altar. All face east. After a brief pause, the Senior Deacon moves a few steps to the south to make space for the Senior Master of Ceremony who joins the Candidates at the Altar on the right. The Junior Master of Ceremony joins the Candidates on the left. The Senior Deacon makes sure the Candidates are on the step and salute properly, but does not come on the step or salute himself because he is not exiting the Lodge room. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

23 When the Master dismisses the Candidates, the Senior Deacon leads the group single file to the Inner Door via a clockwise turn in the west. At the Inner Door, he opens the door and steps aside while the others exit the Lodge room. Teaching: The Masters of Ceremony are responsible for assisting the Candidates and seeing that all Ritual clothing is unbuttoned and unfolded as necessary, and neatly returned to the storage locker. After the Masters of Ceremony and Candidates have exited the Lodge room, the Senior Deacon closes the Inner Door, returns directly to his place and seats himself. Ritual Director s Floorwork Guide

24 MARSHAL RITUAL DIRECTOR S GUIDE TO THE FLOORWORK QUESTIONS EVERY OFFICER SHOULD KNOW 1. What is the basic pattern of the Marshal s floorwork? Come down to meet the Senior Deacon; lead the team to the inner door and erect the arch; lead the procession in a hard right turn to the Senior Warden s station for the Senior Deacon s reception; counterclockwise reverse turn to the north sideline (two sets of turns in the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual); proceed clockwise through the perambulations and examinations; counterclockwise reverse turn to go back to the Senior Warden s station; erect Symbolic Temple; break Symbolic Temple; follow the Junior Warden up the south sideline back to Marshal s chair. 2. What side does the Marshal stand on when he is together with the Senior Deacon? Always on the right side. 3. What are the basic moves to place the Stewards at the Inner Door? What do you do if you arrive at the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair and the Conductors have not taken their positions on the skirting to the Senior Warden s station? Stop at the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair and direct the Senior Deacon to the north sideline; take a position in-between the pillars; direct each Steward to a place at the base of each pillar; direct them to form the arch; take a place under the arch at the right and motion the Senior Deacon to approach. If the Conductors are not in place, motion them to take their places before taking the position between the arches. 4. Other than the number of perambulations, what is the one element of the Marshal s floorwork that is not the same for all three Degrees? What is the Marshal s special concern in this Degree? In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual there are two zig-zags west of the Altar, and all the turns west of the Altar must be as tight as possible to ensure that there is sufficient space. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 1 -

25 5. Where does the Master s gavel signal you to proceed in all three Degrees? Which Degree is different and why? In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual it is after the Prayer. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals it is after the Senior Deacon s reception. The Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual is different. This is because the Master gavels to seat the Lodge and signal the Marshal to commence the perambulations. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual the Prayer comes after the Senior Deacon s reception, so the Master does not seat the Lodge and commence the perambulations until after the Prayer. 6. In which Degree does the Master gavel you to halt, and where in the Degree does this occur? What do you do if the Master does not gavel there? In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual the Master gavels to halt the procession as soon as it begins to turn east at the north sideline following the Prayer. If he does not gavel on time, I stop anyway and signal the Master to gavel using subtle hand signals. 7. Where is the one place the Marshal halts the procession of his own accord in all three Degrees that is not at a station of the Lodge, and why? At the west edge of the Altar after the procession has been ordered reconducted to the Senior Warden to learn how to approach the East. The procession stops there so the Senior Deacon can convey the Master s order to the Senior Warden. 8. What is the mnemonic for placing officers in the West Wall, what does it signify and what is the order of officers in the West Wall from north to south? S.I.C.N. signifies Stewards Inside Closest Nearest, meaning that the Stewards are placed first on the Inside of the West Wall, and that the Closest officer is always directed to the Nearest location. From north to south, the order of the officers in the West wall is: 1. Junior Master of Ceremony, 2. Steward, 3. Marshal, 4. Steward, 5. Senior Master of Ceremony. 9. What are the basic moves to erect the Symbolic Temple and how do you direct them? Point baton east to send Masters of Ceremony to the East; place baton in spearing position to signal Masters of Ceremony to lower staffs; point baton west to signal Masters of Ceremony to return; point baton east to send Masters of Ceremony and Wardens to the East; hold baton horizontal and slowly rise to signal erection of the arches. 10. How do you get back to your chair? Follow the Junior Warden outside the south line. If he returns directly to his chair by mistake, take his place and lead the Stewards. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 2 -

26 SENIOR DEACON 1. Where do you go to meet up with the Marshal? All the way to the south sideline. 2. What are the numbers of knocks given on the inner door, when and by whom? The Senior Master of Ceremony gives three knocks to alarm the Lodge. The Senior Deacon proceeds to the inner door and gives three knocks. The Senior Master of Ceremony responds with one knock and the Senior Deacon opens the door to interrogate the Candidates. When the Senior Deacon returns to the inner door to admit the Candidates, he gives one knock before opening the door. The pattern is 3 3, then There are three times during the floorwork processions when you initiate communication with a principal officer of the Lodge without first rapping your staff. When and where are they? 1. At the west edge of the Altar when informing the Senior Warden of the Master s order to teach the Candidates how to approach the East; 2. standing at the southwest corner of the Altar when informing the Master that the Candidates are in due form for the obligation; and 3. at the West station when informing the Senior Warden of the Master s order to teach the Candidates how to wear their Aprons. 4. Where do you stand for the examinations at each Station? Where do you stand for the demonstrations at each Station? Where do you stand during the obligation and subsequent work at the Altar? Directly in front of each officer for the examinations. In line with the newly-obligated Brothers for the demonstrations. At the southwest corner of the Altar for the obligation and subsequent work at the Altar. 5. What is the basic pattern of the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon (i.e., beginning after the work at the Altar and continuing through the end of the First Section)? Proceeding to the South station via a reverse turn on the south sideline; then to the West station; then continuing clockwise up the north sideline until halted by the Master; then making a clockwise loop west of the Altar back to the West station; then continuing clockwise up the north sideline to the east; then a reverse clockwise turn back down the north sideline to the Altar; then proceeding clockwise to the inner door. 6. What are the two things in the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon that are not the same in all three Degrees? 1. The Apron presentation; and 2. the Candidates are brought to the northeast corner after the Bible Presentation. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 3 -

27 7. When and where does the Master gavel to halt you during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon? What do you do if he does not gavel? As the Senior Deacon proceeds up the north sideline following the demonstrations of the signs, grips and words at the West station the Master gavels before the Senior Deacon reaches the west edge of the Altar. If the Master does not gavel in time, the Senior Deacon stops anyway and reminds the Master with subtle hand gestures. 8. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must you and the Candidates come on the step of the Degree together? When demonstrating the signs, grips and words at the South and West stations. 9. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must you and the Candidates not come on the step of the Degree? During the Apron Presentation; when the Candidates are instructed in how to wear their Aprons; in the East following the demonstrations when presented with the Working Tools, etc. 10. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must the Candidates come on the step of the Degree but not you? (Hint: there are two places in the Entered Apprentice Degree.) At the Altar when the Candidates and Masters of Ceremony salute before exiting the Lodge. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, when the Candidates are placed in the northeast corner. MASTERS OF CEREMONY 1. How are Candidates prepared for all three Degrees? Entered Apprentice: All metal removed or covered up; shoe on left foot only; left pant leg rolled up and buttoned; left flap of cape buttoned back; open noose around neck; blindfold and hoodwink applied. Fellowcraft: All metal removed or covered up; shoe on right foot only; right pant leg rolled up and buttoned; right flap of cape buttoned back; Apron deployed over cape as Entered Apprentice; double-noose snugly around right bicep over sleeve; blindfold and hoodwink applied. Master Mason: All metal removed or covered up; shoe on left foot only; both pant legs rolled up and buttoned; both cape flaps buttoned back; Apron deployed over cape as Fellowcraft; triple coil of rope handing diagonally across body from right shoulder to left hip; blindfold and hoodwink applied. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 4 -

28 2. How many knocks are given on the inner door, in what order and by whom? The Senior Master of Ceremony gives three knocks to alarm the Lodge. The Senior Deacon proceeds to the inner door and gives three knocks. The Senior Master of Ceremony responds with one knock and the Senior Deacon opens the door to interrogate the Candidates. When the Senior Deacon returns to the inner door to admit the Candidates, he gives one knock before opening the door. The pattern is 3 3, then When do the Masters of Ceremony walk in single file rather than side-by-side, who leads and where are they going? When walking side-by-side in the procession, what side is the Senior Master of Ceremony on? The Masters of Ceremony are only ever in single file when proceeding from the Altar to the inner door, with the Senior Master of Ceremony in the lead. When side-by-side in procession, the Senior Master of Ceremony is always on the left side. 4. Which hand to you use to hold your staff and how do you hold it? Do you ever change hands or the position of the staff? If so, when, how and why? The staff is held upright in the left hand. The only time the position of the staff is changed is when the Masters of Ceremony proceed from the East back to the West Wall dressing the lines. At this time only, the staffs are held in a horizontal position and the Junior Master of Ceremony switches to his right hand so the staff is in-between him and the Brethren forming the North Wall of the Symbolic Temple. 5. What is your position in the West Wall prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple? The Senior Master of Ceremony is on the south end (right side when facing east) of the West Wall, and the Junior Maser of Ceremony is on the north end (left side when facing east) of the West Wall. 6. In what order are you placed in the West Wall? What do you do if the Marshal goes in the wrong order? The Stewards are placed in the West Wall first. If the Marshal tries to place the Masters of Ceremony before the Stewards, they shake him off and point to the Stewards. When the Masters of Ceremony are placed, the Senior Master of Ceremony should go before the Junior Master of Ceremony. 7. What are the three basic moves of your floorwork in erecting the Symbolic Temple and what are the cues for performing these moves? The basic moves are: 1. Proceed to the East, then turn around to face west; 2. lower staffs and proceed back West while dressing the lines; 3. proceed to the East and form an arch. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 5 -

29 The cues are: 1. The Marshal points his baton east; 2. the Marshal places his baton in a spearing position, then points it back West; 3. the Marshal points his baton east, then holds it horizontally and raises it overhead. 8. What is dressing the lines and how is it done? Dressing the lines is done when proceeding West with a lowered staff. The Brethren forming rough lines in the north and south are encouraged to approach or back away from the line indicated by the lowered staff, thereby creating neat lines for the North and South Walls of the Symbolic Temple. 9. What direction do you face then holding the arch in the East Wall? West. 10. How do you get back to your chair? After the arches of the Symbolic Temple are broken, the Masters of Ceremony follow the Wardens inside the lines, proceed directly to their chairs and remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. STEWARDS 1. Do the Stewards ever walk single file instead of side-by-side? It so, when? Only when proceeding back to their places after the Symbolic Temple is broken. 2. Which hand to you use to hold your staff and how do you hold it? Upright in the left hand. 3. How do you arrive at your position to form the arch over the inner door? The Marshal halts the procession at the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair and directs the Stewards one at a time to their positions. 4. What are the cues directing you to your position? Which Stewards goes to his position first? The Marshal points his baton at a Steward and then points it at that Steward s proper position. The Steward closest to the inner door (i.e., on the left hand side of the procession) goes first. 5. What direction do you face when holding the arch? East. Never inward. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 6 -

30 6. After the last Candidate has passed through the arch, what do you do? Break the arch and close the inner door, then come together and fall in at the rear of the procession. 7. What is your position in the West Wall prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple? On the inside, with one Steward on each side of the Marshal. 8. What do you do if the Marshal directs you to the wrong position? Which Steward goes first? Go to the correct position anyway. The Steward closest to the West Wall (i.e., in the front) goes first. 9. What direction do you face then holding the arch in the West Wall? East. Never inward. 10. How do you get back to your chair? The Stewards follow the Junior Warden (or the Marshal if the Junior Warden goes directly back to his station) outside the line of the South Wall to their places where they remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. WARDENS 1. How should you time your gavel strikes during the perambulations? Early enough so that the Marshal does not have to halt the perambulations. 2. What do you do when the Master initiates the formation of the Symbolic Temple by gaveling three times and saying, Brethren form a Lodge! and when do you do it? As soon as the Masters of Ceremony have passed east of the Junior Warden s station, the Wardens come down on the level and take positions behind the West Wall. 3. Where do you stand relative to the Masters of Ceremony s positions in the West Wall prior to proceeding to the East? The Wardens stand behind the Masters of Ceremony s positions in the West Wall. 4. After following a Master of Ceremony East, where do you go and what do you do? Continue to proceed in a straight line to take a position further to the East than the Masters of Ceremony. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 7 -

31 5. When do you first take your position in the East Wall? What is that position, and from which direction is it approached? The Wardens take their positions in the East Wall after the arches have been formed. They approach from the east side and take positions under the arch in line with the Masters of Ceremony. 6. Under what circumstances would you leave your position in the East Wall? Where would you go and what would you do? If you are required to leave your position in the East Wall, when do you return? The Wardens may temporarily move out of the way to allow the Master to pass through the East Wall. Otherwise they never leave their places unless they are needed to assist in demonstrating the grips at the Altar. If they have assisted at the Altar, the Wardens return to the East Wall immediately after the Master pronounces the name of the grip. 7. When the arches in the East and West Walls come down, what do you do? After the arches come down, the Warden s step around the back (i.e., the east side) of the East Wall and lead the Masters of Ceremony west inside the lines. 8. How do you get back to your station? In which direction do you leave your position in the East Wall and what is your exact pathway to your station? The Wardens exit the East Wall to the east, then curl around the outside of the Masters of Ceremony and proceed west inside the lines. The Senior Deacon proceeds directly to his station. The Junior Warden proceeds to the West Wall, then proceeds outside the lines to his station. Both remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. 9. What special responsibility does the Junior Warden have in returning to his station? Stopping at the West Wall and leading the Marshal and Stewards east outside the lines. 10. What is uniquely different about the Junior Warden s pathway back to his station? He is he only officer who doesn t go directly back to his chair. MASTER 1. When do you gavel up the Lodge at the beginning of the Degree? As soon as the Marshal begins to lead the procession into the Lodge. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 8 -

32 2. When do you gavel to seat the Brethren and start the perambulations? After the Prayer in the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual. After the Senior Deacon s reception in the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees. 3. What is different about what you do following the Senior Deacon s reception in the Entered Apprentice Degree compared to the other two Degrees? In the Entered Apprentice Degree, the Master does not gavel after the Senior Deacon s reception because the Prayer happens before the perambulations and the Brethren must remain standing. 4. When do you gavel to halt a procession in the Lodge room in each Degree? What is different about the Entered Apprentice Degree and why? In all three Degrees, the Master gavels to halt the Senior Deacon and Candidates before they reach the west edge of the Altar following the demonstrations at the West station. This is so he can order them back the Senior Warden to be taught how to wear their Aprons. In the Entered Apprentice Degree, the Master gavels as soon as the Marshal begins to turn east at the north sideline following the Senior Deacon s reception. 5. How should you time your gavel strikes during the perambulations? Early enough so that the Marshal does not have to halt the perambulations. 6. What visual cue informs you that the officers are ready to form the Symbolic Temple? What do you do if they are not ready when the Senior Deacon tells you the Candidates are in due form? If the officers are ready to form the Symbolic Temple, they will be arranged in the line of the West Wall and all will be facing east. If they are not yet in this position, the Master should wait until they finish moving into position or direct the Marshal to arrange them in their proper positions for forming the Symbolic Temple. 7. What do you say and do to initiate formation of the Symbolic Temple? Gavel three times and say, Brethren, form a Lodge! 8. When should the Wardens return to the East Wall if they have been assisting at the Altar? Immediately after the Master pronounces the name of the grip. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know - 9 -

33 9. What do you do to initiate the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple? Nothing. The Master simply returns to the East and the Marshal directs the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. 10. After you have returned to the East following the work at the Altar, when do you gavel and what is your cue? The Master gavels after all the officers have returned to their stations and places. The Master s cue is when the Marshal arrives at his chair. CHAPLAIN 1. When do you proceed to the west side of the Altar in the Entered Apprentice Degree, and how do you get there? The Master leads the Chaplain down the south sideline for the Prayer in the Entered Apprentice Degree. 2. Where do you go following the Entered Apprentice Prayer? Following the Prayer, the Chaplain withdraws to the west side of the Altar. 3. When do you proceed to the West side of the Altar in the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, and how do you get there? In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, the Chaplain follows behind the procession on its final perambulation and proceeds to the west side of the Altar. 4. Where do you stand for the Scripture Lesson, and what direction do you face? The Chaplain stands at the west side of the Altar facing east for the Scripture Lesson. 5. When do you go back to your chair following the Scripture Lesson, and what pathway do you take to get there? After the Scripture Lesson the Chaplain waits until the procession has vacated the South following the Junior Deacon s examination, then proceeds up the south sideline directly to his place. Ritual Director s Key to the Floorwork Questions Every Officer Should Know

34 RITUAL DIRECTOR S TEACHING GUIDE TO THE FLOORWORK TEAM DRILL Especially the first time the drill is run, it s a good idea to explain the concept to the members of the floorwork team. For most of the floorwork, the team s two responsibilities are easy to understand and perform: (1) follow the person in front of you; and (2) do what he does and nothing more. But there are three places where the floorwork is more complicated than that and the members of the team have to perform movements on their own. These are: (A) the initial assembly of the procession and erection of the arch over the Inner Door; (B) the erection of the Symbolic Temple; and (C) the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. This drill goes over just those three parts. It begins at the point where the Senior Deacon is ordered to admit the Candidates and proceeds to the reception. Then, because the position of the procession for the reception is the same as the position just before erecting the Symbolic Temple, it skips ahead to erecting and breaking the Symbolic Temple. If possible, go over all of this with the Marshal first. To begin: The Senior Deacon is at the west side of the Altar, the Masters of Ceremony are in the Preparation Room, and the Marshal and Stewards are in their chairs. This is where they will be in the Degree Rituals when the Master orders the Senior Deacon to admit the Candidates. 1. The Senior Deacon faces right and proceeds directly to the south sideline, where he faces west and awaits the arrival of the Marshal at his right. At the same time, the Marshal rises and proceeds west to join the Senior Deacon at the right. Upon passing the Stewards places, the Marshal can remind them to rise with eye contact and a brief nod. The Marshal and Senior Deacon remain in place and await the arrival of the Stewards behind them. Teaching: Begin the drill by quoting the Master s instructions to the Senior Deacon ( Let them enter this... due and ancient form ) so he and the Marshal get used to moving on this cue. Instruct the Marshal and Senior Deacon to move simultaneously and quickly. Remind the Senior Deacon to proceed all the way to the South sideline. Remind the Marshal to cue the Stewards as he passes by. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 1 -

35 2. As soon the Marshal has passed by, the Stewards rise together and retrieve their staffs, holding them upright in the left hand. The Steward to the west steps in front of his chair, turns to face west and awaits the arrival of the other Steward at his side. The Steward to the east walks out a few steps, turns left and proceeds west to join the other Steward at his side. The Stewards then proceed west together and fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon. Teaching: The Stewards should retrieve their staffs together. The Stewards come side-by-side before joining the procession, and remain side-by-side throughout. Reinforce the importance of making crisp turns and maintaining a formal body position throughout. 3. The Marshal leads the procession toward the Inner Door. At the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair, the Marshal halts the procession and directs the Senior Deacon to withdraw to a position near the north sideline, facing west. Teaching: Instruct the Marshal as to the proper baton signals. Talk the Marshal through halting the procession and directing the Senior Deacon. Show the Senior Deacon where he should stand and how he should face west. 4. The Marshal then proceeds to the Inner Door, takes a place between the pillars and faces east. Teaching: Demonstrate this to the Marshal by walking it yourself first. Instruct the Marshal to move quickly here. Make sure the Stewards know they remain in place here. They do not move unless directed by the Marshal. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 2 -

36 4. The Marshal uses his baton to place the Stewards one at a time at the Inner Door using either a straight or crossing pattern. Each Steward moves to his place immediately upon the Marshal s signal and faces east. Teaching: Instruct the Marshal as to the baton directions for placing the Stewards. Demonstrate it yourself first. Instruct the Stewards to move quickly once directed. Explain to the Marshal and Stewards that the closest Steward is always directed first. Explain to the Stewards that they must watch the Marshal and go to the place where they are directed, which may be in a straight pattern or in a crossing pattern. Instruct the Stewards that they are to center themselves on their assigned pillars with the backs of their heels against the base of the pillar. Confer with the Stewards and Marshal as to which method they prefer and stick with it for the year. Explain to the Marshal that he may have to whisper directions to the Stewards until they are properly positioned at each pillar. 5. The Marshal directs the Stewards to form an arch. Once the arch is formed, the Marshal steps under the arch to the right and signals the Senior Deacon to approach the Inner Door. Teaching: Instruct the Marshal as to the baton directions for erecting an arch. Explain to the Stewards that they should begin forming the arch when the Marshal begins his motion, and complete its formation when the Marshal completes his motion. Remind the Marshal that he can whisper to the Stewards to form... an... arch as a way of helping with the timing. Remind the Marshal that his place under the arch is to the right. This will be the opposite from the side he was on when approaching the Inner Door. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 3 -

37 6. The Senior Deacon proceeds to the Inner Door, knocks once and opens the Inner Door to admit the Masters of Ceremony (followed by imaginary Candidates). Teaching: Instruct the Marshal as to the baton direction for directing the Senior Deacon. Instruct the Senior Deacon to move quickly here. Remind the Senior Deacon that he only gives one knock before opening the door. 7. Immediately after ordering the Candidates to enter, the Senior Deacon turns about-face and joins the Marshal under the arch at the left. Teaching: Remind the Senior Deacon that he should speak loudly here, then about face immediately and come alongside the Marshal. 8. The Masters of Ceremony enter (followed by imaginary Candidates) and, as they fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon, the Marshal leads the procession into the Lodge room and makes a sharp right turn. Teaching: Remind the Masters of Ceremony that they come out side-by-side. Remind the Marshal that he does not begin leading the procession until the Masters of Ceremony are directly behind him. Remind the Marshal that he should move especially slowly during this portion of the floorwork, and always be mindful of gaps. Instruct the Marshal to make the initial sharp right hand turn immediately after coming into the working area of the Lodge room floor. Remind everyone to account for imaginary Candidates. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 4 -

38 9. After the imaginary Candidates have all passed under the arch, the Stewards strike the arch, close the Inner Door and join the procession at the rear (leaving plenty of space for imaginary Candidates). Teaching: Remind the Stewards that they must break the arch of their own accord after the last Candidate has passed through. They should practice this by waiting for imaginary Candidates to pass. Remind the Stewards that one closes the door, then they join up and both proceed together to join the procession. Instruct the Stewards to move quickly once the last Candidate has passed through the arch, so everyone isn t waiting for them. 10. The procession is now arranged across the West with space reserved for the imaginary Candidates, and the Marshal faces the procession east. The Senior Deacon withdraws for the rest of the drill. Teaching: Remind the Marshal that he does not face the procession east until the Stewards have joined the procession at the rear. Instruct the Marshal to proceed sufficiently far south to account for four or five imaginary Candidates. Instruct the Stewards to account for the imaginary Candidates by taking positions near the west sideline. After the Marshal faces the procession east, inform the team that the Senior Deacons reception is the next thing that will happen. Then tell them that the Marshal will lead them through a series of movements around the Lodge room until they arrive back in the exact same position in which they currently find themselves. This is the position of the procession prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple. Explain that the drill has skipped all the in-between stuff, and is now going to perform erection of the Symbolic Temple, the next difficult part of the Floorwork. Explain that the Senior Deacon will place the Candidates at the Altar and take a place near the southwest corner of the Altar. Since he is not part of the Symbolic Temple, instruct the Senior Deacon to withdraw to the sidelines for the rest of the drill (or his positon at the Altar, if he prefers). Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 5 -

39 11. The Marshal takes a central position about half-way between the Altar and the West and turns around to face the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards. Teaching: Walk this yourself to illustrate it to the Marshal. 12. The Marshal then directs the Stewards one at a time to their places in the West Wall, where they face east. Teaching: Instruct the Marshal in the mnemonic S.I.C.N. ( Stewards Inside Closest Nearest ), meaning that he should begin with the Stewards, that he should build from the Inside out, and that he should always direct the Closest officer first, to the Nearest position in the West Wall. Remind the Marshal of the baton technique for placing the Stewards and Masters of Ceremony. Instruct the Stewards to face east when they reach their places. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony that they should shake off the Marshal s direction if he makes a mistake and attempts to place them first, in which case they should gesture to the Stewards. 13. The Marshal then directs the Masters of Ceremony one at a time to their places in the West Wall, where they face east. The Marshal turns to face east. All pause to remember that all the Candidates must be positioned at the Altar before moving on. Teaching: Remind the Marshal that he should still have S.I.C.N. in mind, so that he remembers Closest Nearest and places the Senior Master of Ceremony on the south end of the West Wall. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony to face east when they reach their places. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 6 -

40 14. The Marshal then directs the Masters of Ceremony to the East, where they about-face, look west and await the Marshal s next signal. Imaginary Wardens take places behind the West Wall on either side and imaginary Brethren come on the level and form rough lines. Teaching: Remind the team that their next cue will be initiated when the Master gavels three times and says, Brethren, form a Lodge! You should say this every time at this point in the drill. Instruct the Marshal as to the baton direction that sends the Masters of Ceremony to the East. Remind the Masters of Ceremony that their staffs remain in the upright position here. Remind the Masters of Ceremony to stay strictly side-by-side with each other. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony in picking their spot and simultaneously turning inward. Remind the floorwork team that there will be a pause here while the Brethren form rough lines. 15. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony to lower their staffs as appropriate for dressing the lines. Teaching: Instruct the Marshal and the Masters of Ceremony as to the baton direction that cues this move. Remind the Junior Master of Ceremony that this is the only time he carries his staff on the right hand side. Explain that this is because the staff needs to be in-between him and the Brethren when he dresses the line on his side. Remind the Masters of Ceremony that this is the only time they have their staffs lowered. must stay even with each other. 16. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony to return to their original positions in the West Wall, dressing the lines along the way. Upon arriving back at the West Wall the Masters of Ceremony return their staffs to the upright position in the left hand, turn east and await the Marshal s next signal. Teaching: Explain to the Masters of Ceremony what dressing the lines is, how to do it, that it happens inside the lines and that they Remind the Marshal and Masters of Ceremony that the imaginary Wardens have come down to positions behind their places in the West Wall. Instruct the Marshal as to the baton direction for the Masters of Ceremony to ship their staffs. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 7 -

41 17. The Marshal directs the Masters of Ceremony to proceed to the East (followed by imaginary Wardens). Upon arriving in the East, the Masters of Ceremony walk inward, if necessary, then turn west and await the Marshal s signal to form the arch. The imaginary Wardens proceed slightly past them to the east. Teaching: Remind the Marshal of the baton direction to send the Masters of Ceremony and Wardens east. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony as to picking their place to stop, so that there is enough room behind them for the Wardens to come under the arch from behind and enough room between them for the Wardens to fit. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony as to moving inward to a good distance for forming the arch, both equidistant from the center line of the Lodge room. Remind the Masters of Ceremony that they must face west. Remind the Masters of Ceremony that the Wardens will proceed past them after they stop and wait for the arch to be formed in the east. 18. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to form simultaneous arches (the imaginary Wardens take places under the arch in the line of the East Wall). Teaching: Remind the Marshal, Masters of Ceremony and Stewards of the baton direction for forming the arches, and the fact that the formation should start at the beginning of the Marshal s movement and be completed at its end. Instruct the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to use the lights as reference points to make sure the apex of their arches is properly centered in the Lodge room. Remind the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards that they must face front and maintain a formal body position throughout. Remind the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to choose a position they can maintain for as long as twenty minutes. The Drill now skips ahead to the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 8 -

42 19. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to simultaneously break their arches. Immediately following, the imaginary Wardens proceed down their sides inside the lines, followed by the Masters of Ceremony. The Masters of Ceremony proceed directly to their chairs where they remain standing and holding their staffs. The imaginary Junior Warden stops at the south end of the West Wall and waits for the Masters of Ceremony to pass by. Teaching: Remind the Marshal that the departure of the Wardens cues the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. Remind the Marshal, Masters of Ceremony and Stewards as to the baton direction for breaking the arches. Remind the Masters of Ceremony to follow behind the imaginary Marshals, proceed directly to their places and remain standing. Remind the Masters of Ceremony that their staffs stay upright here. 20. The Marshal and Stewards face right and follow the imaginary Junior Warden behind the lines back to their places where all remain standing and holding their staffs. Teaching: Remind the Stewards and Marshal that the imaginary Junior Warden leads them back to their places behind the lines. Remind the Marshal what he must do if the Junior Warden returns directly to his station. Remind the Marshal and Stewards to hold their staffs and remain standing until seated by the Master s gavel. Talk this drill through slowly with all the teaching the first time. Then reset and do it again, this time just reminding the team here and there. Then reset and fast-walk it with minimal instruction. Then have the Marshal lead the drill in fast time. Thereafter, the Marshal should be able to lead the team in refresher drills. Ritual Director s Floorwork Drill Guide - 9 -

43 MARSHAL S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK PROCEEDING TO THE INNER DOOR To commence the Ritual, the Candidates make an alarm at the Inner Door. This alarm is attended by the Senior Deacon who then proceeds to the west side of the Altar and reports to the Master. Following this report, the Master orders the Senior Deacon to admit the Candidates. When the Master orders the Senior Deacon to admit the Candidates, this is your cue to rise. Hold your baton in your right hand and begin walking west down the south sideline to meet up with the Senior Deacon. When you pass by the Stewards, remind them to rise with eye contact and a brief nod. The Senior Deacon will walk directly to the south sideline, turn to face west and wait for your arrival at his right hand side. When you arrive alongside the Senior Deacon, pause and wait for the Stewards to form up behind you. Once the Stewards are in place, use your baton to lead the procession towards the Inner Door. Stop the procession at the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair. From this position, use your baton to direct the Senior Deacon to withdraw to a location near the north sideline and out of the way. Point your baton at the Senior Deacon, and then point the baton decisively to the location where you would like to position him. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

44 As soon as the Senior Deacon is out of the way, proceed quickly to the Inner Door, position yourself in the center of the space between the Pillars and turn east to face the Stewards. The Conductors should already have taken places on the skirting of the Senior Warden s platform so they are in position to acquire their Candidates after they pass under the arch. If they are not in position, direct them to move into place before proceeding to the Inner Door. Direct the Stewards one at a time to take positions in front of the pillars: make eye contact with a Steward, point at him with your baton, then point the baton to the location where he should go. Use clear, crisp, decisive movements. It works best to place the closest Steward first, as illustrated. You will usually have to remind them to face east with their heels against the base of their pillars. If the Stewards are sufficiently well-drilled and they desire to end up in their original chairs, you can place them at the pillars using a crossing pattern so that the closest Steward ends up on the left hand side of the arch rather than the right hand side. In either case, the closest Steward should be positioned first; it is too difficult for the Stewards to tell who is being selected if you gesture to the Steward on the far side first. When the Stewards are in position, hold your baton in the middle and extend your arm straight out in front of you, then slowly and decisively raise your arm to an upright position overhead to signal them to form the arch over the Inner Door. As you perform this movement you may want to softly say, form... an... arch to further cue the Stewards. They should time it so that the arch is completed when your baton reaches its apex. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

45 As soon as the arch is formed, return your baton to its normal position in your right hand, step under to the arch on the right hand side, facing east, and motion to the Senior Deacon to approach the Inner Door. THE ENTRANCE OF THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY AND CANDIDATES The Senior Deacon will re-open the Inner Door, direct the Candidates to enter, then turn around and come alongside you at your left, facing east. Wait in place until the Masters of Ceremony enter and fall in behind you before beginning to lead the procession into the Lodge room. Once the Masters of Ceremony have arrived at your back, lead the procession into the Lodge room and take an immediate sharp turn to the right as soon as you have entered the working area of the Lodge room floor. At all times you should be aware of the spacing of the Candidates in the procession, and adjust your speed so that there are no large gaps. It is especially important to go slow at this moment in the Degree because the Candidates are being acquired by their Conductors after they pass under the arch. THE RECEPTION Halt the procession in front of the West station when the Candidates are centered on the Altar, check to make sure that the Stewards have joined at the rear, then left face all for the Senior Deacon s reception. The room is very narrow. When there are a lot of Candidates, you will need to proceed almost all the way to the south sideline in order to have the Candidates in the center. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

46 Once the Senior Deacon returns to his place in the procession, the Master will strike his gavel to seat the Brethren and start the perambulations, except in the Entered Apprentice Degree (see below). In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, as soon as the Master strikes the gavel, right-face the procession, make a full counterclockwise turn to proceed to the north sideline, then turn right to begin the perambulations. Do not right-face the procession until the Master gavels. THE PRAYER (ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE ONLY) Without waiting for the Master s gavel to begin, right face the procession, make a very sharp full counter-clockwise turn to proceed to the north sideline, then turn right. As soon as you turn, the Master should gavel to halt the procession. If the Master doesn t gavel immediately, stop anyway and remind him using hand gestures. There is little room between the Altar and the West, so it is important to make all the turns west of the Altar in the Entered Apprentice Degree as tightly as possible to avoid running out of space. These should be pivot turns where the man on the inside rotates around the axis of his inside foot while the other man walks the outside of the turn. After the Master orders the Senior Deacon to conduct the Candidates to the center of the Lodge for prayer, make a very sharp right turn, halt the procession when the Candidates are centered on the Altar, then left face the procession. You may have to work the procession back west on a diagonal in order to create sufficient space for another full counterclockwise turn after the Prayer. The Master, Chaplain and any others needed will come down for the Prayer, then retire. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

47 After the Master returns to the East, he will gavel to seat the Brethren and start the perambulation. Right face the procession, make a full counterclockwise turn to proceed to the north sideline, then turn right to begin the perambulation. Do not right-face the procession until the Master gavels. PERAMBULATIONS In the perambulations, you will lead the procession around the Lodge room one, two or three times, depending on the Degree. Each principal officer will strike his gavel to indicate that you are allowed to make a right hand turn and lead the procession past the next officer. Always stay aware of the spacing of the procession, and go slow enough to keep it in tight formation. If an officer does not gavel by the time you need to make the next turn, halt the procession. The Senior Deacon and/or principal officer will make any necessary corrections. When the principal officer strikes his gavel, continue to lead the procession through the perambulation. SCRIPTURE LESSON AND EXAMINATIONS After the final perambulation, halt the procession in front of the Junior Warden s station, with the Candidates centered at the station. All continue to face west for the Scripture Lesson. The procession does not face left towards the Junior Warden until after the Scripture Lesson. The space is very narrow here. Position the procession close to the Altar so the Senior Deacon has room to approach the South station. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

48 After the Scripture Lesson, left face the procession for the Junior Warden s examination. After the Junior Warden s examination, right face the procession and proceed to the Senior Warden s and Master s stations for their examinations. Take care to always halt the procession when the Candidates are centered with respect to each station. Make the final turn to bring the procession before the Master s station as far west as possible, so that there is sufficient space for a full reverse turn when the Master orders the Candidates reconducted to the Senior Warden. TURNING BACK WEST After the Master orders the Candidates reconducted to the Senior Warden, right face the procession and make a full counterclockwise turn to proceed to the north sideline, then turn left and proceed west along the north side of the Lodge. Halt the procession at some point during the journey westward before reaching the west edge of the Altar so the Senior Deacon can convey the Master s order to the Senior Warden. Following the Senior Warden s direction, lead the procession to the west end of the Lodge room, then turn left and bring the procession to a position in front of the Senior Warden s station. Once all are in position, left-face the procession. Turn the procession when it is as far west as possible so that there is plenty of space to form the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

49 FORMING THE WEST WALL On the Master s order, the Candidates will be positioned at the Altar. As soon as there is enough room, it is time to prepare the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple. Your goal is to form the West Wall in an orderly and efficient manner with yourself in the middle, the Stewards on the inside and the Masters of Ceremony on the outside. As soon as the Senior Deacon has cleared enough Candidates for you to have some working space, you begin the process of forming the West Wall by taking a position about half-way between the Altar and the West, centered with respect to the Altar. Upon reaching your place, turn around to face west so you can see the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards A simple mnemonic to remember the order for building the West Wall is S.I.C.N. (Stewards Inside, Closest Nearest), meaning that you should begin with the Stewards, that you should build from the Inside out, and that you should always direct the Closest officer first, to the Nearest position. Use the same baton technique you used at the Inner Door to position the Stewards one at a time in the West Wall. The Stewards will be standing on the same side as your baton when you are facing west, so you begin with the easiest motion by directing the closest Steward to the north inside position in the West Wall. After the Stewards are positioned, use your baton to place the Masters of Ceremony in their positions on the outside of the West Wall. Remember that S.I.C.N. tells you start with the officer closest to you and direct him to the nearest position in the West Wall. Thus, the Senior Master of Ceremony is placed first on the south end of the West Wall. Finally, face east yourself to wait for the Master s signal and make sure the Masters of Ceremony are paying attention. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

50 FORMING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE When it is time to form the Symbolic Temple, the Master will gavel three times and say, Brethren, form a Lodge! Point your baton decisively towards the East in a broad gesture to signal the Masters of Ceremony to proceed east. The Wardens should come down from their stations to take positions behind each end of the West Wall, but they often forget their floorwork. Be prepared to remind them to come down on the level and to point out their proper positions behind the West Wall. Once the Masters of Ceremony reach the East, they will turn to face you. Wait for the Brethren to come on the level and form rough lines. Establish and maintain eye contact with the Masters of Ceremony so they are ready for your next signal. After the Brethren have taken their places in the North and South Walls, get the Masters of Ceremony s attention and make a broad gesture to place your baton in the spearing position. This will signal them to lower their staffs to a horizontal position, held on the outside. When the Masters of Ceremony s staffs are in the correct position, turn and point your baton decisively back towards the West in a broad gesture to signal the Masters of Ceremony to return to the West Wall As the Masters of Ceremony approach the West Wall, make eye contact with both of them and use gestures as necessary to make sure they: stop in line with the West Wall (not behind it); return their staffs to the normal upright position in the left hand; turn around to face east; and are ready for your signal to proceed east. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 8 -

51 Once you are sure you have everyone s attention, but without waiting too long, point your baton decisively towards the East in a broad gesture to signal the Masters of Ceremony. The Masters of Ceremony and Wardens will proceed to the East where the Masters of Ceremony will arrange themselves into the ends of the East Wall. The Wardens will continue on to take positions slightly further to the east. As soon as everyone is in position, hold your baton in the middle and extend your arm straight out in front of you, then slowly and decisively raise your arm to an upright position overhead to signal the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to form the arches in the East and West Walls. Use gestures as necessary to ensure that the arches are centered and that the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards are facing forward and not inward towards each other. After the arches have been properly formed, return your baton to its normal position. The Wardens will take places under the arch in line with the Masters of Ceremony. Use gestures to direct them if necessary. WORK AT THE ALTAR During the Work at the Altar, the Members of the Floorwork Team have a tendency to get caught up in the administration of the obligation and subsequent instruction, and may lose focus on their upcoming floorwork responsibilities. Maye sure you check in visually with the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards from time to time to make sure they are alert and that you have their attention. Once the Master begins to demonstrate the grips and words, you should prepare yourself and ready your team for the upcoming breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. Marshal s Floorwork Guide - 9 -

52 BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the work at the Altar concludes, the Master will return to the East. This is the cue to renew your attentiveness and obtain the attention of the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards. You can now cue the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. Signal the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to break their arches using the reverse of the motion that cued them to erect their arches. The Wardens will then step around the back of the East Wall and lead the Masters of Ceremony west inside the lines. If the Wardens appear confused, be prepared to use gestures to cue their return and make sure that they proceed West inside the lines. The Junior Warden should stop somewhere near the South end of the West Wall. Once the Masters of Ceremony have passed by the West Wall, the Junior Warden will lead you and the Stewards behind the South Wall to your places. Remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. If the Junior Warden goes directly to his station, be prepared to take his place and lead the Stewards up the south sideline yourself. THIS IS THE END OF THE MARSHAL S FLOORWORK Marshal s Floorwork Guide

53 THE MARSHAL S FLOORWORK PATHWAYS IN BRIEF The Marshal s responsibilities are twofold. First, he must be able to direct the floorwork team in erecting the arch over the Inner Door as well as in building and breaking down the Symbolic Temple. This requires a comprehensive knowledge of each officer s responsibilities as well as a thoroughly rehearsed system for directing them in executing these difficult maneuvers all of which are set forth in the Marshal s Floorwork Guide. Second, he must be intimately familiar with all the patterns of the floorwork so he can lead the processions of the Lodge with confidence and exactitude. Because there is so much starting and stopping and right-facing and left-facing and conducting and re-conducting, it can sometimes obscure the fact that the basic walking patterns of the floorwork are actually quite simple. The first move can be understood as coming down from your place, getting the Candidates out of the Preparation room and leading them across the West for the Senior Deacon s Reception. On your way, you collect the Senior Deacon and Stewards and take them with you. Next, come some counterclockwise turns west of the Altar. The purpose of these is to get you over to the north sideline so you can begin the perambulations. Since you are in the southwest corner of the Lodge room, the only way to get to the north sideline is by making a counterclockwise turn. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual there are two counterclockwise turns because you are interrupted for the Prayer. Marshal s Floorwork Guide

54 After you turn up the north sideline, there begins a long period where you simply lead the procession clockwise around the Lodge room. The perambulations come first, then the clockwise movement continues for examinations at each station of the Lodge After the Master s examination you are supposed to re-conduct the procession to the West. Since conduct generally means clockwise, it follows that re-conduct means counterclockwise. You therefore lead the procession in the opposite direction as before, and end up in front of the Senior Warden s station. After that comes the erection of the Symbolic Temple. Finally, after the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple, you proceed up the south sideline to your place. Marshal s Floorwork Guide

55 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY MARSHAL SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. What is the basic pattern of the Marshal s floorwork? 2. What side does the Marshal stand on when he is together with the Senior Deacon? 3. What are the basic moves to place the Stewards at the Inner Door? What do you do if you arrive at the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair and the Conductors have not taken their positions on the skirting to the Senior Warden s station? 4. Other than the number of perambulations, what is the one element of the Marshal s floorwork that is not the same for all three Degrees? What is the Marshal s special concern in this Degree? 5. Where does the Master s gavel signal you to proceed in all three Degrees? Which Degree is different and why? 6. In which Degree does the Master gavel you to halt, and where in the Degree does this occur? What do you do if the Master does not gavel there? 7. Where is the one place the Marshal halts the procession of his own accord that is not at a station of the Lodge, and why? 8. What is the mnemonic for placing officers in the West Wall, what does it signify and what is the order of officers in the West Wall from north to south? 9. What are the basic moves to erect the Symbolic Temple and how do you direct them? 10. How do you get back to your chair? Marshal s Floorwork Guide

56 SENIOR DEACON S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK RESPONDING TO THE ALARM AT THE INNER DOOR When the Candidates alarm the Inner Door, rise and come to the Sign of Fidelity to report the alarm. The Master will order you to ascertain the cause. Retrieve your staff and, holding it upright in your left hand, proceed to the Inner Door where you knock three times. The Senior Master of Ceremony will respond with once knock, after which you open the door to question the Candidates. After completing your questions, close the Inner Door and proceed to the west side of the Altar to report. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

57 PROCEEDING TO THE INNER DOOR After receiving your report, the Master will order you to admit the Candidates. Walk directly to the south sideline, turn to face West and wait for the Marshal s arrival at your right hand side. The Stewards will fall in behind, and the Marshal will lead the procession towards the Inner Door. At the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair, the Marshal will halt the procession and direct you to withdraw to a location near the north sideline and out of the way. Face west and wait for the Marshal s signal. The Marshal will then direct the Stewards to form an arch at the pillars in front of the Inner Door, take his position under the arch to the right, and signal you to approach the Inner Door. Proceed to the Inner Door, knock once, open the door and order the Candidates to enter. As soon as you order the Candidates to enter, turn around and come alongside the Marshal at his left. Throughout the processions of the floorwork that follow, you should stay strictly side-by-side with the Marshal and follow his directions. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

58 THE RECEPTION AND PERAMBULATIONS The Marshal will lead the procession into the Lodge room and across the West, where all will face east for your reception. Come out of your place to receive the Candidates, then return to your place in the procession. The Marshal will then lead the procession through the floorwork and perambulations. Should the procession be halted during a perambulation, it is your responsibility to work with the principal officer who withheld his gavel to quietly and discretely resolve any problems. SCRIPTURE LESSON AND EXAMINATIONS TURNING BACK WEST Following the final perambulation and the Scripture Reading, the procession will face the principal officers for their examinations, starting with the Junior Warden. When the Marshal left-faces the procession to address each principal officer, leave your place at the head of the line and come to a position on the floor directly in front of the station. This is where you will strike your staff (there is no need to strike it particularly hard) and respond to the officer s examination. Upon being dismissed, return to your place in the procession. The Lodge is very narrow here, and there is frequently not much room to pass to the Junior Warden s station. You and the Marshal can help by making sure the procession comes into the South station as close to the Altar as possible. All the other officers, conductors and Candidates should follow your lead. After the Master finishes his examination in the East, he will order you to reconduct the Candidates to the Senior Warden. The Marshal will lead the procession down the north sideline and stop when he reaches the west edge of the Altar. There, you convey the Master s order to the Senior Warden without striking your staff, and the Senior Warden will order you to cause the Candidates to face the East. The Marshal will then lead the procession to the West and all will turn to face east. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

59 BRINGING CANDIDATES TO THE ALTAR After some dialogue, it is time for the Senior Warden to instruct the Candidates to come on the step of the Degree. As the illustration at left shows, this can often be a somewhat disorganized affair because the Candidates are blindfolded. Come to a position in the middle of the Lodge room where you have a good view of the Candidates and can make eye contact with the Senior Warden, who cannot see their feet. You can assist by whispering, but may not touch the Candidates. When the Candidates have all arrived at the proper position for the step of the Degree, inform the Senior Warden with a brief nod and step out of the way. The Master will then order the Candidates to kneel at the Altar. It is your responsibility to bring them to the Altar and position them properly for the obligation. Have then shuffle their feet for the last few steps until their toes touch the kneeler; then place both of their hands on the Altar and instruct them kneel on both knees; then tell them to place one foot flat on the floor as appropriate for the Degree; then position their hands. Bring forward the Candidates closest to the West first, in order to clear space for the Marshal to erect the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple. Conductors are directed to take places on the sidelines except for the Fellowcraft Degree, where you direct them to stand behind the Candidates and support their left elbows. When all the Candidates are positioned, take a place near the southwest corner of the Altar, well out of the way of the Masters of Ceremony. This is where you will remain throughout the obligation and other work at the Altar, until the Master returns to the East and gavels to seat the Lodge. Do not tell the Master that the Candidates are in due form until you have verified that the Marshal has finished building the West Wall. DEMONSTRATIONS Once the Symbolic Temple has been broken and the Marshal is seated, you are responsible for the remaining floorwork. Especially in the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, you should not hesitate to speak directly to the Candidates if they are hesitant about coming on the step, displaying the Signs properly, etc. After the Brethren have been seated, ask the Candidates to form a line behind you and follow in a single-file line, walking the same pathway that you walk. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

60 Lead the Candidates east up the south side of the Lodge room. After you have traveled well past the Junior Warden s station, execute a reverse clockwise turn and proceed west to the Junior Warden s station. This time, stay in the line with the Candidates at each station. The Candidates are frequently confused by the tight turn in the south sideline. You can help them to follow the correct path by making a sweeping movement with your arm as you make the turn to indicate that the Candidates should make the same turn. Before knocking, ensure that you and the Candidates are all on the step of the Degree. After the Candidates are dismissed by the Junior Warden, lead the Candidates in a clockwise path to the Senior Warden s station and come on the step of the Degree for a similar demonstration. APRONS After the Candidates are dismissed by the Senior Warden, continue to lead the Candidates on a clockwise path as though you were going to the East. At some point before the you have reached the west edge of the Altar, the Master will gavel to halt the procession. If the Master does not gavel soon enough, stop before passing the west edge of the Altar and remind him using subtle hand gestures. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals: The Master will order you to lead the Candidates to the Senior Warden s station for instruction in wearing their Aprons. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

61 In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: Right face the Candidates for the Apron Presentation. The Master or his designee will approach to present the Candidates with their White Leather Aprons. After the Apron Presentation he will direct the Candidates to the Senior Warden s station for instruction in wearing their Aprons, and then retire. Lead the Candidates in a clockwise path west of the Altar to a position in front of the Senior Warden s station, where all face west. The Candidates do not come on the step here. The Senior Warden will come down from his station and instruct the Candidates as to wearing their Aprons. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, stand behind each Candidate as he is clothed so you can assist the Senior Warden by passing the Apron ties around the Candidates waists and back to the Senior Warden. FINAL INSTRUCTION IN THE EAST After the Candidates Aprons have been adjusted, lead them east along the north side of the Lodge room, finally turning right to bring the Candidates before the Master s station. The Candidates do not come on the step here. It is important to turn early so there is sufficient space to the east for a full reverse turn. Here the Candidates are presented with the Working Tools of the Degree. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

62 In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: the Master demands some metallic substance before the Working Tools, and after the Working Tools is the Bible Presentation. Following the Bible Presentation, the Master will order you to conduct the Candidates to the Northeast Corner of the Lodge. Lead the Candidates to the Northeast Corner by means of a counter-clockwise turn, cause them to come on the step of Entered Apprentice and face south for the Master s admonition. The Master will come down on the level to a position directly in front of the Candidates for his admonition, then return to his station. EXITING THE LODGE Finally, the Master dismisses the Candidates and you lead them to the Altar to salute. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual: The Candidates are in the Northeast Corner when they are dismissed. Lead them directly west down the north side of the Lodge room. In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals: The Candidates are in the East when they are dismissed. Lead them in a full counterclockwise turn, then proceed west down the north side of the Lodge room. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

63 After passing west of the Altar, turn the procession left to bring the Candidates across the Altar. All face east. After a brief pause, move a few steps to the south to make space for the Senior Master of Ceremony who will join the Candidates at the Altar on the right. The Junior Master of Ceremony will join the Candidates on the left. Make sure the Candidates are on the step and salute properly, but do not come on the step or salute yourself. You don t salute because you are not exiting the Lodge room. When the Master dismisses the Candidates, lead the group single file to the Inner Door via a clockwise turn in the west. At the Inner Door, open the door and step aside while the others exit the Lodge room. After the Masters of Ceremony and Candidates have exited the Lodge room, close the Inner Door, return directly to your place and be seated. THIS IS THE END OF THE SENIOR DEACON S FLOORWORK Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 8 -

64 THE SENIOR DEACON S FLOORWORK PATHWAYS IN BRIEF The Senior Deacon has many responsibilities during the First Section of the Degree Rituals. For much of this time, he is able to rely upon the Marshal to lead the processions of the Lodge so he can focus his attention on this work. After the breakup of the Symbolic Temple, however, the Senior Deacon must lead the Candidates through the remaining floorwork of the Degree himself. This can be a bit confusing, but it makes a lot more sense if it is understood as a kind of clockwise double loop up to the East, followed by bringing the Candidates back to the Altar in a counterclockwise direction to salute and then leading them to the Inner Door the usual way. At left below is an abstract representation of the clockwise double loop, which should help give you some idea of the overall concept. In actual practice, it looks like the illustration at right. It begins at the Junior Warden s station, then loops once on the west side of the Altar, then goes to the East. Looking at each portion of the double loop individually, we see this: The double loop begins at the Junior Warden s station and proceeds to the Senior Warden s station. But in order to approach the South as part of an overall clockwise pathway, you have to get above the South station. This is why you go up the south sideline past the Junior Warden s station and then turn around to approach the South from above. The smaller inside part of the double loop happens after the Senior Warden s examination, when you continue clockwise on the west side of the Altar to bring the Candidates back to the West so they can be taught how to wear their Aprons. Finally, after making the smaller inside loop, you finish the larger outside part of the clockwise double loop by bringing the Candidates up the north side to the East. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide - 9 -

65 After the Candidates are presented in the East, they are re-conducted to the place whence they came. Re-conducted means counterclockwise so you turn around and proceed back down the north sideline. In the Entered Apprentice Degree, there is a small layover the Northeast Corner, but the basic pattern of the floorwork is the same. After saluting at the Altar, it s back to the usual clockwise pathway to lead the Candidates and Masters of Ceremony to the Inner Door where they exit the Lodge room. Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide

66 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY SENIOR DEACON SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. Where do you go to meet up with the Marshal? 2. What are the numbers of knocks given on the inner door, when and by whom? 3. There are three times during the floorwork processions when you initiate communication with a principal officer of the Lodge without first rapping your staff. When and where are they? 4. Where do you stand for the examinations at each Station? Where do you stand for the demonstrations at each Station? Where do you stand during the obligation and subsequent work at the Altar? 5. What is the basic pattern of the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon (i.e., beginning after the work at the Altar and continuing through the end of the First Section)? 6. What are the two things in the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon that are not the same in all three Degrees? 7. When and where does the Master gavel to halt you during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon? What do you do if he does not gavel? 8. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must you and the Candidates come on the step of the Degree together? 9. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must you and the Candidates not come on the step of the Degree? 10. When and where during the floorwork led by the Senior Deacon must the Candidates come on the step of the Degree but not you? (Hint: there are two places in the Entered Apprentice Degree.) Senior Deacon s Floorwork Guide

67 MASTERS OF CEREMONY S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK PREPARING THE CANDIDATES After the Junior Deacon reports the names of the Candidates in waiting, the Master will call up the Senior and Junior Masters of Ceremony. Rise, come to the Sign of Fidelity and respond. When the Master orders you to repair to the Preparation room and prepare the Candidates, quietly retrieve your staff, holding it upright in your left hand, and proceed together to the Altar. At the Altar, prop the butt of your staff against the kneeler and lean it against your left shoulder to free your arms to perform the signs of the Degree. The Secretary and/or another Brother will come down and join the group at the Altar in the middle. Once all are at the Altar, come on the step of the Degree and salute the Worshipful Master. After saluting, left face and make a full clockwise turn to head towards the north sideline, then proceed to exit through the Inner Door. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

68 In the Preparation room: Arrange the Candidates into a single-file line in the same order as the card that lists their names. The line should be on the left side behind the Senior Master of Ceremony; Make sure the Candidates are clothed as appropriate for the Degree; Place each Candidate s right hand on the shoulder in front of him, with the first Candidate in line resting his hand on the Senior Master of Ceremony s shoulder, and instruct them follow along and not remove their hands until someone takes it away. Once the Candidates are properly arranged, the Junior Master of Ceremony makes one final check and takes his place to the right of the Senior Master of Ceremony, who makes the knocks on the Inner Door. ENTRANCE, PERAMBULATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS After the Senior Deacon orders the Candidates to enter the Lodge, you follow behind the Senior Deacon and Marshal in the procession. Your job is to remain strictly side-by-side with respect to one another while following the Marshal and obeying his signals. When right- or leftfacing, simply pivot one quarter turn while remaining in the same place. Do not change positions to come alongside one another. Throughout the floorwork, hold your staff in an upright position in the left hand at the same height as your counterpart, maintain an upright and formal body position, and make turns that are crisp and sharp. FORMING THE WEST WALL The Marshal will lead the procession through a variety of stops and turns, eventually ending back in the West where all will face east. The Candidates will then be taught how to come on the step of the Degree and the Senior Deacon will position them at the Altar. At this point, the Marshal will begin positioning the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards in the West Wall and preparing to form the Symbolic Temple. This begins the most difficult and important part of your Ritual duties as a Master of Ceremony. It is critically important that you understand your responsibilities, remain alert and attentive, and give the Marshal your full attention. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

69 The goal is to form the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple in an orderly and efficient manner with the Marshal in the center, the Stewards on the inside, and the Masters of Ceremony on the outside with the Senior Master of Ceremony on the right end and the Junior Master of Ceremony on the left end, as illustrated at left. First, the Marshal will take a position in the center of the room between the Altar and the West. He will then place the Stewards in their positions in the West Wall. The Marshal sometimes gets confused and starts to direct the Masters of Ceremony before placing the Stewards in the West Wall. Be prepared to remind him of the proper order by shaking your head and gesturing to the Stewards. Next, the Marshal will place the Masters of Ceremony one at a time in your proper positions in the West Wall. The Marshal will point at you with his baton, then point to the position in the West Wall where you should be positioned. Once directed, proceed to the indicated position and remain facing east. In case the Marshal makes a mistake, remember that the Senior Master of Ceremony should be positioned first, on the right side, and the Junior Master of Ceremony second, on the left side of the line. You go to the same side as your chairs. Once you are in position, continue to watch the Marshal closely for his signals. The erection of the Symbolic Temple is the most important piece of floorwork and can have a dramatic effect on the Ritual atmosphere, either positively or negatively, depending on how well it is done. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

70 FORMING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE When it is time to form the Symbolic Temple, the Master will gavel three times and say, Brethren, form a Lodge! Watch the Marshal, who will point his baton decisively towards the East in a broad gesture to signal you to proceed east, keeping even with your counterpart. You do not lower your staffs here! Once you have reached the east end of the Lodge room, turn around to face west. (While you are proceeding east, the Wardens will take places behind your positions at each end of the West Wall.) Once you have turned around, establish and maintain eye contact with the Marshal, and make sure you are ready for his next signal. He will wait for the Brethren to form rough lines before signaling your next move. After the Brethren have formed rough lines for the North and South Walls, the Marshal will make a broad gesture to place his baton in the spearing position. This will signal you to lower your staff to a horizontal position, held on the outside. This is the only time the Junior Master of Ceremony holds his staff on the right hand side. The Marshal will then point his baton decisively back towards the West in a broad gesture to signal you to return to the West Wall. As you proceed west inside the lines, your job is to stay even with your counterpart and dress the lines by making the Brethren approach or back away from the line indicated by your lowered staff. This is the only time you walk with your staff in the lowered position. Return to your original place in the West Wall, then return your staff to the usual upright position in the left hand, turn to face East and look to the Marshal for his next signal. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

71 The Marshal will once again point his baton decisively towards the East in a broad gesture to signal you to proceed east, followed by the Wardens. Proceed to the east end of the Lodge room, keeping even with your counterpart, and pause at a point that leaves sufficient space for the Wardens to pass behind you. Then turn to face your counterpart, move inward as necessary until you reach a spacing that allows you to comfortably maintain an arch, then turn to face west and look to the Marshal for his next signal. Make sure there is enough room between you for the Wardens to stand in line under the arch. As soon as you are in position, the Marshal will hold his baton in the middle, extend his arm straight out in front of him, then slowly and decisively raise his arm to an upright position overhead. This is your signal to form the arches in the East Wall simultaneously with the Stewards erecting their arch in the West Wall. Use the overhead lights as a reference to make sure the top of your arch is centered, and remain facing west in a formal body position throughout. It is important to choose a position in which you will be comfortable to remain for up to twenty minutes. Remain facing west as you maintain the arch throughout the work at the Altar (never facing inward towards each other). Once the arches have been formed, the Wardens will take places under the arch in line with the Masters of Ceremony. The Master will come down from the East to lead the Candidates in the obligation and perform other work at the Altar. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

72 BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE ESCORTING THE CANDIDATES OUT OF THE LODGE After the work at the Altar concludes, the Master will return to the East. It is easy to zone out during all the work at the Altar, so this is the cue to renew your attentiveness. Make sure you are prepared to move and look to the Marshal. The Marshal will signal you to break the arch using the reverse of the motion he used to cue you in erecting it. Return your staff to its usual upright position in the left hand. The Wardens will then step around the back of the East Wall and proceed west inside the lines. Follow close behind the Warden on your side and proceed directly back to your place where you will face east, remain standing and continue to hold your staff. If the Wardens forget to go first, be prepared to remind them with whispered instruction. The Junior Warden should step inward to take a position near the South end of the West Wall, although he may return directly to his station by mistake. If the Wardens get it wrong and proceed west outside the lines instead of inside, follow them. Once all the officers have returned to their respective stations and places, the Master will gavel to seat the Lodge. Stow your staff and be seated. At the end of the First Section, the Senior Deacon will lead the Candidates back to the Altar to salute before they retire to change clothes. Once they are at the Altar, rise and retrieve your staff, then proceed together with your counterpart to join the Candidates on the right and left. Come on the step of the Degree and salute along with the Candidates, who may be reinstructed multiple times. Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

73 After you are dismissed by the Worshipful Master, right face and follow the Senior Deacon to the Inner Door. The Senior Deacon will open the door so you can exit with the Candidates. It is now your responsibility to assist the Candidates with disrobing and to see that the Ritual garb is neatly folded and returned to the locker in good condition. THIS IS THE END OF THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY S FLOORWORK Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

74 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY MASTER OF CEREMONY SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. How are Candidates prepared for all three Degrees? 2. How many knocks are given on the inner door, in what order and by whom? 3. When do the Masters of Ceremony walk in single file rather than side-by-side, who leads and where are they going? When walking side-by-side in the procession, what side is the Senior Master of Ceremony on? 4. Which hand to you use to hold your staff and how do you hold it? Do you ever change hands or the position of the staff? If so, when, how and why? 5. What is your position in the West Wall prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple? 6. In what order are you placed in the West Wall? What do you do if the Marshal goes in the wrong order? 7. What are the three basic moves of your floorwork in erecting the Symbolic Temple and what are the cues for performing these moves? 8. What is dressing the lines and how is it done? 9. What direction do you face then holding the arch in the East Wall? 10. How do you get back to your chair? Masters of Ceremony s Floorwork Guide - 8 -

75 STEWARD S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK PROCEEDING TO THE INNER DOOR To commence the Ritual, the Candidates make an alarm at the Inner Door. This alarm is attended by the Senior Deacon who then proceeds to the west side of the Altar and reports to the Master. Following his report, the Master orders the Senior Deacon to admit the Candidates. The Senior Deacon will proceed directly to the south sideline to await the arrival of the Marshal at this right. At the same time the Marshal will rise and proceed directly west to meet the Senior Deacon. As he passes by your place, he may make brief eye contact and nod to remind you to rise. As soon as the Marshal has passed, rise and retrieve your staff as quietly as possible, holding it upright in the left hand (as you should throughout all the floorwork). The Steward closer to the west simply makes a quarter turn to face west. The Steward closer to the east takes a few steps outward, then proceeds west to come alongside his counterpart. Once both Stewards are alongside one another, proceed west together to fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon. Steward s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

76 The Marshal will lead the procession towards the Inner Door, stopping at the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair where he will direct the Senior Deacon to withdraw to the north sideline. The Marshal will then proceed quickly to the Inner Door, position himself in the center of the space between the Pillars and turn east to face you. He will then direct the Stewards one at a time to the proper positions to form the arch at the Inner Door. Watch the Marshal for his signals. When it is your turn to be positioned, the Marshal will point at you with his baton, then point the baton to the location where you should go. Once directed, proceed immediately to the indicated position in front of a pillar. Your heels should be touching the base of the pillar in the center, and you should be facing east (not inward towards your counterpart). The Steward closest to the Inner Door should be placed first, but if there is any confusion just remember to go one at a time and the Steward on the west side should go first. Pay close attention to the Marshal s signals. If you would like to return to your original chairs at the end of the floorwork, the Marshal may place you at the pillars in a crossing pattern. Steward s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

77 Once you are both in position, the Marshal will hold his baton in the middle and extend his arm straight out in front of him, then slowly and decisively raise his arm to an upright position overhead to signal you to form the arch. At the same time as the Marshal s cue, raise your staff simultaneously with your counterpart and form an arch over the Inner Door. Remain facing east throughout. As soon as the arch is formed, the Marshal will take a position under the arch to the right and the Senior Deacon will approach to open the Inner Door and admit the Masters of Ceremony and Candidates. THE ENTRANCE OF THE MASTERS OF CEREMONY AND CANDIDATES The procession will enter and proceed into an immediate right hand turn upon reaching the working area of the Lodge room floor. Conductors will be waiting on the Senior Warden s platform, and will come down to acquire Candidates after they pass under your arch. Steward s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

78 After the last Candidate in line passes under your arch, break the arch. One Steward closes the door, then both proceed together to join the procession at the rear. Since you will have some catching up to do, it is important to move quickly here so the rest of the procession doesn t have to wait too long for you to join them. They cannot turn to face east for the Senior Deacon s reception until you are in position. PERAMBULATIONS AND EXAMINATIONS Your job is to remain strictly side-by-side with respect to one another while following the Marshal and obeying his signals. When right- or left-facing, simply pivot one quarter turn while remaining in the same place, do not come alongside one another. Throughout the floorwork hold your staffs with the left hand in an upright position, maintain an upright and formal body position, and make turns that are crisp and sharp. You are the only ones in the procession who can see the Conductors. Be prepared to instruct them quietly if needed. FORMING THE WEST WALL The Marshal will lead the procession through a variety of stops and turns, eventually ending back in the West where all will face east. The Candidates will then be taught how to come on the step of the Degree, and the Senior Deacon will begin to position them at the Altar. At this point, the Marshal will begin positioning the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards in the West Wall and preparing to form the Symbolic Temple. This begins one of the most difficult and important part of your Ritual duties as a Steward. It is critically important that you understand your responsibilities, remain alert and attentive, and give the Marshal your full attention. Steward s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

79 The goal is to form the West Wall of the Symbolic Temple in an orderly and efficient manner with the Marshal in the center, the Stewards on the inside, and the Masters of Ceremony on the outside, as illustrated at left. The Marshal will begin by taking a position in the center of the room between the Altar and the West. He will then turn around to face you, and will proceed to direct you to your position in the West Wall. The Marshal will place you by pointing at you with his baton, then pointing his baton to the location in the West Wall where you should go. The Steward to the east should be placed first, on the left hand inside position in the West Wall. If there is any confusion, just remember to go one at a time. Once directed, proceed immediately to the indicated position in the West Wall and face east. After you are both properly situated, the Marshal will direct the Masters of Ceremony to their places in the West Wall. Sometimes the Marshal may make a mistake and direct you to a position at the end of the West Wall instead of the inside. Be prepared to take the correct inside position regardless. Once the West Wall is build, the Master will order the Brethren to form a Lodge. The Masters of Ceremony will dress the lines, lead the Wardens to the East and then come into position to form the arch of the East Wall. This is your cue to give your attention to the Marshal and prepare to form your own arch in the West Wall. Steward s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

80 As soon as the Masters of Ceremony are in position, the Marshal will hold his baton in the middle, extend his arm straight out in front of him, then slowly and decisively raise his arm to an upright position overhead. This is your signal to form the arches in the West Wall simultaneously with the Masters of Ceremony erecting their arch in the East Wall. Use the overhead lights as a reference to make sure the top of your arch is centered, and remain facing east in a formal body position throughout. It is important to choose a position in which you will be comfortable to remain for up to twenty minutes. BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the work at the Altar concludes, the Master will return to the East. It is easy to zone out during all the work at the Altar, so this is your cue to renew your attentiveness. Make sure you are prepared to move and know your responsibilities, and look to the Marshal for his cue. The Marshal will signal you to break the arch using the reverse of the motion he used to cue you in erecting it. Return your staff to its usual upright position in the left hand and remain in place. The Senior Warden and Masters of Ceremony will return to their station and places. The Junior Warden will stop alongside the West Wall. Once the Masters of Ceremony have passed by the West Wall, the Junior Warden will lead you and the Marshal behind the South Wall to your places. Remain standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. If the Junior Warden forgets that he has to lead you back to your places and goes directly to his station, be prepared to proceed to your places under the direction of the Marshal. THIS IS THE END OF THE STEWARD S FLOORWORK Steward s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

81 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY STEWARD SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. When is the one time the Stewards walk single file rather than side-by-side? 2. Which hand to you use to hold your staff and how do you hold it? 3. How do you arrive at your position to form the arch over the inner door? 4. What are the cues directing you to your position? Which Stewards goes to his position first? 5. What direction do you face when holding the arch? 6. After the last Candidate has passed through the arch, what do you do? 7. What is your position in the West Wall prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple? 8. What do you do if the Marshal directs you to the wrong position? Which Steward goes first? 9. What direction do you face then holding the arch in the West Wall? 10. How do you get back to your chair? Steward s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

82 WARDENS GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK PERAMBULATIONS The Master and Wardens exercise great control over this procession of the Lodge, which they can halt by withholding their gavels. Because we would like for the perambulations to proceed smoothly without a lot of stopping and starting, you should rise to inspect the Candidates and strike your gavel as early as possible. Do not nitpick minor clothing issues. If a Candidate s Apron is experiencing tip sag or a pant leg is unrolling a little bit, just let it go. It disrupts the Ritual to have these minor things corrected again and again at every station of the Lodge. ERECTING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE The Wardens have very little actual floorwork to speak of, but as a result it is usually neglected and often poorly done, diminishing the hard work and efforts of the junior officers. The Wardens are the last piece in the Lodge s goal of performing the floorwork at the highest level of excellence. It is therefore critically necessary that both Wardens equip themselves with a thorough knowledge of your limited floorwork responsibilities. When it is time to form the Symbolic Temple, the Master will gavel three times and say, Brethren, form a Lodge! and the Marshal will direct the Masters of Ceremony to the East. Once the Masters of Ceremony pass by the Junior Warden, both Wardens come down from their stations and take positions behind each end of the West Wall, just a few feet west of where the Masters of Ceremony had been standing. After pausing in the East to let the Brethren come on the level and form rough lines, the Masters of Ceremony will return to their original positions in the West Wall, dressing the lines along the way. Warden s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

83 After they have returned to their positions in the West Wall, the Masters of Ceremony will pause and turn around to face east. The Marshal will then direct them to proceed again towards the East. Follow closely behind the Master of Ceremony on your side as he proceeds towards the East. The Masters of Ceremony will pause near the East and move inward slightly. Continue to proceed east until you have reached a position slightly further the east than the Masters of Ceremony, then turn around to face west. As soon as everyone is in position, the Marshal will direct the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to form simultaneous arches in the East and West Walls. Once the arches have been formed, take a place under the arch of the East Wall in line with the Masters of Ceremony. You will remain in this position for most of the work at the Altar. When the Master passes through the East Wall on his way to or from the Altar, simply step aside to let him pass and then return to your position in line under the arch. If you have come to the Altar to assist with teaching the grips, you must return to your place under the arch in the East Wall immediately after the Master pronounces the name of the grip (before he orders the Candidates to rise). Warden s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

84 BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the work at the Altar concludes, the Master will return to the East and the Marshal will signal the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to break their arches. As soon as the arches are broken, step around the back of the East Wall on your side and lead the Master of Ceremony west inside the lines. The Senior Warden returns directly to his place and remains standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. The Junior Warden steps inward at the West Wall and waits for the Masters of Ceremony to pass by. Once the Masters of Ceremony have passed by the West Wall, the Junior Warden leads the Marshal and Stewards behind the South Wall and returns to his station where he remains standing until the Master gavels to seat the Lodge. THIS IS THE END OF THE WARDENS FLOORWORK Warden s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

85 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY WARDEN SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. How should you time your gavel strikes during the perambulations? 2. What do you do when the Master initiates the formation of the Symbolic Temple by gaveling three times and saying, Brethren form a Lodge! and when do you do it? 3. Where do you stand relative to the Masters of Ceremony s positions in the West Wall prior to proceeding to the East? 4. After following a Master of Ceremony East, where do you go and what do you do? 5. When do you first take your position in the East Wall? What is that position, and from which direction is it approached? 6. Under what circumstances would you leave your position in the East Wall? Where would you go and what would you do? If you are required to leave your position in the East Wall, when do you return? 7. When the arches in the East and West Walls come down, what do you do? 8. How do you get back to your station? In which direction do you leave your position in the East wall and what is your exact pathway to your station? 9. What special responsibility does the Junior Warden have in returning to his station? 10. What is uniquely different about the Junior Warden s pathway back to his station? Warden s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

86 MASTER S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK THE MASTER HAS FLOORWORK?! Okay, not exactly. The Master doesn t walk any of the floorwork, but he does control several critical moments in the floorwork with his gavel. These small but important moments cue the Marshal and can have a significant impact on how well the floorwork team executes its work. ENTRANCE OF THE CANDIDATES As soon as you see the Marshal and Senior Deacon begin to lead the procession into the Lodge room, gavel three times to bring up the Lodge. Do not wait until you can see the Candidates inside the Lodge room before you gavel. AFTER THE SENIOR DEACON S RECEPTION This is a notoriously confusing spot for both the Master and the Marshal, because the placement of the perambulations in the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual is different from the placement of the perambulations in the other two Degree Rituals. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual the Master does not gavel after the Senior Deacon s reception. This is because the Master gavels to seat the Lodge and commence the perambulations. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, however, the Prayer comes before the perambulation and everyone stays standing until after the Prayer. Master s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

87 Instead, the Marshal will lead the procession through a tight reverse turn without waiting for your gavel. At the north sideline, the Marshal will turn east as though he were going to begin the perambulation. As soon as the Marshal starts his eastward turn, strike your gavel to halt the procession. It is important to gavel as early as possible so there is room for two more turns west of the Altar. It is not necessary to wait for the Marshal and Senior Deacon to be facing east before you gavel. The Marshal will lead the procession to the center of the Lodge and the Candidates will kneel. You will then lead the Chaplain down the south sideline and come to a position in front of the Candidates for the Prayer. After the Prayer, ask each Candidate individually in whom they put their trust. When he answers; take him by the right hand, placing your left hand under his elbow, and assist him to rise. As soon as you have helped the final Candidate to his feet, proceed to the East and gavel immediately to seat the Lodge and signal the Brethren to be seated. It is important to get back to the East and gavel as quickly as possible. If you take too long, the Marshal may begin to turn the procession before you have a chance to seat the Brethren. Master s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

88 In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals the perambulations proceed directly after the Senior Deacon s reception. As soon as the Senior Deacon returns to his place in the procession, gavel to seat the Lodge and cue the Marshal to begin the perambulations. PERAMBULATIONS The Master and Wardens exercise great control over this procession of the Lodge, which they can halt by withholding their gavels. Because we would like for the perambulations to proceed smoothly without a lot of stopping and starting, you should inspect the Candidates and strike your gavel as early as possible. Do not nitpick minor clothing issues. If a Candidate s Apron is experiencing tip sag or a pant leg is unrolling a little bit, just let it go. It disrupts the Ritual to have these minor things corrected again and again at every station of the Lodge, and the tip of that Apron is only going to sag back down anyway. THE ASSURANCE After the Senior Warden has taught the Candidates the step of the Degree, it is time for the Master to give the assurance. In Mariners Lodge, it is the tradition of the Lodge for the Master to come down on the level and approach the east side of the Altar for the assurance. Following the assurance, you should ask each Candidate individually if he is willing to take the obligation. When all Candidates have responded in the affirmative, direct the Candidates to advance to the Altar, then return immediately to the East. Master s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

89 ERECTING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE After the Candidates have been positioned at the Altar, the Senior Deacon will tell you that they are in order. It is now time to cue the erection of the Symbolic Temple. First, check to make sure the Marshal has arranged the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards in the West Wall and is awaiting your signal. If not, you must wait until this is completed. If the Marshal looks confused and has not made any effort to place the officers in the West Wall, you can order him to do so by saying, Brother Marshal, form the West Wall. Just make sure you use a commanding tone of voice and it will sound like part of the Ritual. You cue the erection of the Symbolic Temple by gaveling three times and saying, Brethren, form a Lodge! The spoken words are not in the Ritual book, but they represent a Ritual landmark of Mariners Lodge and other old New York City Lodges. OBLIGATION AND WORK AT THE ALTAR After the Symbolic Temple has been fully formed and all the officers and Brethren are in place, you come down from the East and advance to the Altar. The Wardens will step aside to receive your hat and gavel, and to let you pass through the East Wall. After the obligation when you are teaching the grips of the Degree, the Wardens will usually come down from the East Wall to assist with the instruction. As soon as you pronounce the name of the grip, the Wardens immediately return to their former positions in the East Wall. If they do not return at the proper moment, you should direct them to return and make sure they have taken their proper places before ordering the Candidates to rise. Master s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

90 BREAKING THE SYMBOLIC TEMPLE AND SEATING THE LODGE Once the Wardens have returned to their places in the West Wall, then you order the Candidates to rise and instruct them to demonstrate their possession of the step, signs, etc. of the Degree. Immediately following this order, you return to the East. You do not gavel here! This is a mistake made by many Masters. Your arrival in the East is all that is required to initiate the breakup of the Symbolic Temple. If any of the Brethren begin to break the north and south walls to return to their seats prior to your gavel, you can remind them to stay put by saying, Brethren: You are to remain in your places on the north and south sides until I seat the Lodge. Use a commanding tone of voice and it will sound like Ritual. After the Symbolic Temple has been broken and all officers are standing at their respective stations and places, then you gavel to seat the Lodge. The last officer to return to his place is the Marshal. You can use the Marshal s arrival at his chair as your cue to strike the gavel. Master s Floorwork Guide - 5 -

91 AFTER THE DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE WEST Your last important gavel strike in the floorwork comes after the Candidates have demonstrated possession of the step, signs and grips to the Senior Warden. The Senior Deacon will lead the Candidates up the north sideline towards the East, and you must strike your gavel before they the Senior Deacon reaches the west side of the Mosaic Pavement. In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual you don t have to say anything and the Apron Presentation ensues. In the Fellowcraft and Maser Mason Degree Rituals you order the Senior Deacon to reconduct the Candidates to the Senior Warden for instruction in wearing their Aprons. SALUTING AT THE ALTAR Finally, at the end of the First Section, after the Senior Deacon has brought the Candidates to the Altar so they can salute and retire, the Masters of Ceremony are supposed to join the Candidates at the Altar and exit together with them. The Masters of Ceremony frequently forget this last responsibility, so you should be ready to remind them by saying, Brothers Senior and Junior Masters of Ceremony, accompany them. Master s Floorwork Guide - 6 -

92 TEN QUESTIONS EVERY MASTER SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. When do you gavel up the Lodge at the beginning of the Degree? 2. When do you gavel to seat the Brethren and start the perambulations? 3. What is different about what you do following the Senior Deacon s reception in the Entered Apprentice Degree compared to the other two Degrees? 4. When do you gavel to halt a procession in the Lodge room in each Degree? What is different about the Entered Apprentice Degree and why? 5. How should you time your gavel strikes during the perambulations? 6. What visual cue informs you that the officers are ready to form the Symbolic Temple? What do you do if they are not ready when the Senior Deacon tells you the Candidates are in due form? 7. What do you say and do to initiate formation of the Symbolic Temple? 8. What do you do to initiate the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple? 9. When should the Wardens return to the East Wall if they have been assisting at the Altar? 10. After you have returned to the East following the work at the Altar, when do you gavel and what is your cue? Master s Floorwork Guide - 7 -

93 CHAPLAIN S GUIDE TO THE DEGREE FLOORWORK The only floorwork the Chaplain has during the First Section of the Degree Rituals in connection with the Scripture Readings and the Prayer. THE PRAYER (ENTERED APPRENTICE DEGREE ONLY) In the Entered Apprentice Degree the Master will order the Candidates to the Center of the Lodge for the Prayer. You follow the Master down the south side of the Lodge room to a position in front of the Candidates and recite the Prayer. When the Prayer is finished, the Master and any other Brothers who assisted will vacate the area. You withdraw to a position directly west of the Altar, facing east, which is your proper place for the Scripture Reading. It may be more convenient for you to withdraw to your position at the Altar during the lines where the Master is bringing the Candidates to their feet. Chaplain s Floorwork Guide - 1 -

94 THE SCRIPTURE READING In the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degree Rituals you join the procession at the rear on its final perambulation. The final perambulation will always be the same number as the number of the Degree thus, the second perambulation in the Fellowcraft Degree and the third perambulation in the Master Mason Degree. As the procession passes west of the Altar, you turn right and take a position directly west of the Altar, facing east. This is your proper place for the Scripture Reading. (In the Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual you are already in place following the Prayer.) The procession will complete its final perambulation and stop in front of the Junior Warden s station where they will continue to face front. Once the procession is in place, you give the Scripture Reading. Chaplain s Floorwork Guide - 2 -

95 Following the Scripture Reading the procession will face the Junior Warden for his examination and you return to your place via the south side of the Lodge room. In our Lodge room, however, there is not enough room for you to pass up the south side while it is occupied by the procession, and you may not return to your place via the north side. You must remain in place until the Junior Warden completes his examination and the procession has vacated the south side before proceeding up the south side of the Lodge room to your place. THIS IS THE END OF THE CHAPLAIN S FLOORWORK Chaplain s Floorwork Guide - 3 -

96 FIVE QUESTIONS EVERY CHAPLAIN SHOULD BE ABLE TO ANSWER 1. When do you proceed to the West side of the Altar in the Entered Apprentice Degree, and how do you get there? 2. Where do you go following the Entered Apprentice Prayer? 3. When do you proceed to the West side of the Altar in the Fellowcraft and Master Mason Degrees, and how do you get there? 4. Where do you stand for the Scripture Lesson, and what direction do you face? 5. When do you go back to your chair following the Scripture Lesson, and what pathway do you take to get there? Chaplain s Floorwork Guide - 4 -

97 THE CONDENSED FLOORWORK These schematics and narratives are for the Marshal s and Senior Deacon s use as portable study sheets and preparation guides. 1. Senior Deacon goes to Inner Door. 2. Senior Deacon goes to Altar to report. 3. Senior Deacon goes South to wait for Marshal. 4. Marshal joins Senior Deacon (Stewards join at rear). 5. Group proceeds to the Inner Door and erects arch. 6. Procession proceeds across West, stops and turns east. 7. Senior Deacon admonishes Candidates and returns to procession. 8. Procession performs counterclockwise turn, then turns east. Halted in the First Degree, comes to center for Prayer, turns counterclockwise again, then turns east. Condensed Study Sheet - 1 -

98 9. Procession perambulates one, two or three times depending on Degree. 10. Procession halts at Junior Warden s station, remains facing forward for the Scripture Lesson, then faces left for the Junior Warden s examination. 11. Procession proceeds clockwise for examinations in the West and East, leaving space in the East for a reverse turn. 12. Procession turns counterclockwise and proceeds west, stopping at the Altar to ask the Senior Deacon to instruct the Candidates how to approach the East. 13. Procession proceeds to the West and all face east for Senior Warden s instructions 14. Candidates placed at the Altar; Symbolic Temple formed and broken (see the Floorwork Team Drill). 15. Senior Deacon leads the Candidates to demonstrations at the South and West, then proceeds east until halted. In First Degree, all turn for the Apron Presentation. 16 Senior Deacon leads Candidates clockwise west of Altar to the Senior Warden to teach Candidates how to wear Aprons 17. Senior Deacon leads Candidates clockwise to the East, leaving room for a reverse turn. 18. Senior Deacon leads Candidates counterclockwise. In the First Degree, they stop in the Northeast Corner for the Master s admonition, then go west of the Altar. In the Second and Third Degrees, they go directly west of the Altar to salute 19. Upon being dismissed, Senior Deacon waits for Masters of Ceremony to join then leads all to exit through the Inner Door. 20. Senior Deacon closes the Inner Door and returns to his chair. Condensed Study Sheet - 2 -

99 NARRATIVE STUDY SHEET The Marshal and Senior Deacon can keep this page in their pockets throughout the week as a handy reminder so they can mentally review the floorwork when they have a free moment. 1 Senior Deacon: Answer the Inner Door, question the Candidates, go the Altar 2 Marshal and Senior Deacon: Meet at the south sideline 3 Marshal: Go to the Inner Door and admit the Candidates 4 Marshal: Go across the West, stop for the Senior Deacon to admonish the Candidates 5 Marshal: Make turns to go up the North side (counterclockwise) (First Degree) Stopped by the gavel and sent back to the center for Prayer, then make turns to go up the North Side (counterclockwise) 6 Marshal: Do the perambulations 7 Marshal: Stop at Junior Warden s station for the Scripture Lesson 8 Marshal: Examinations by Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Master 9 Marshal: Go back to the West, stopping at West edge of Altar to ask Senior Warden to teach the approach to the East (counterclockwise) 10 Marshal and Senior Deacon: place Candidates at the Altar and form the Symbolic Temple 11 Marshal: Break the Symbolic Temple 12 Senior Deacon: Go up the South side then turn back to do demonstrations for the Junior Warden, then the Senior Warden 13 Senior Deacon: Stopped by gavel on the way East (First Degree) Apron presentation 14 Senior Deacon: Go to Senior Warden to teach how to wear the Apron 15 Senior Deacon: Go to the Master in the East (First Degree) go back to the Northeast Corner (counterclockwise) 16 Senior Deacon: Go back to the Altar for Candidate salute (counterclockwise) 17 Senior Deacon: Go to the Inner Door 18 Senior Deacon: Return to chair Narrative Study Sheet - 1 -

100 FLOORWORK TEAM DRILL This drill focuses only on the portions of the floorwork when the team has to perform complex coordinated movements that are more difficult than simply following along in the procession. It begins at the point where the Senior Deacon is ordered to admit the Candidates, proceeds to the reception, then skips ahead to erecting and breaking the Symbolic Temple. To begin: The Senior Deacon is at the west side of the Altar, the Masters of Ceremony are in the Preparation Room, and the Marshal and Stewards are in their chairs. This is where they will be in the Degree Rituals when the Master orders the Senior Deacon to admit the Candidates.. 1. The Senior Deacon faces right and proceeds directly to the south sideline, where he faces west and awaits the arrival of the Marshal at his right. At the same time, the Marshal rises and proceeds west to join the Senior Deacon at the right. Upon passing the Stewards places, the Marshal can remind them to rise with eye contact and a brief nod. The Marshal and Senior Deacon remain in place and await the arrival of the Stewards behind them. 2. As soon the Marshal has passed by, the Stewards rise together and retrieve their staffs, holding them upright in the left hand. The Steward to the west steps in front of his chair, turns to face west and awaits the arrival of the other Steward at his side. The Steward to the east walks out a few steps, turns left and proceeds west to join the other Steward at his side. The Stewards then proceed west together and fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon. Floorwork Team Drill - 1 -

101 3. The Marshal leads the procession toward the Inner Door. At the approximate location of the Junior Master of Ceremony s chair, the Marshal halts the procession and directs the Senior Deacon to withdraw to a position near the north sideline, facing west. 4. The Marshal then proceeds to the Inner Door, takes a place between the pillars and faces east. 4. The Marshal uses his baton to place the Stewards one at a time at the Inner Door using either a straight or crossing pattern. Each Steward moves to his place immediately upon the Marshal s signal and faces east. 5. The Marshal directs the Stewards to form an arch. Once the arch is formed, the Marshal steps under the arch to the right and signals the Senior Deacon to approach the Inner Door. Floorwork Team Drill - 2 -

102 6. The Senior Deacon proceeds to the Inner Door, knocks once and opens the Inner Door to admit the Masters of Ceremony (followed by imaginary Candidates). 7. Immediately after ordering the Candidates to enter, the Senior Deacon turns about-face and joins the Marshal under the arch at the left. 8. The Masters of Ceremony enter (followed by imaginary Candidates) and, as they fall in behind the Marshal and Senior Deacon, the Marshal leads the procession into the Lodge room and makes a sharp right turn. Floorwork Team Drill - 3 -

103 9. After the imaginary Candidates have all passed under the arch, the Stewards strike the arch, close the Inner Door and join the procession at the rear (leaving plenty of space for imaginary Candidates). 10. The procession is now arranged across the West with all facing east and space reserved for the imaginary Candidates. This is the position of the procession immediately following the entrance of the Candidates, as well as the position of the procession prior to the erection of the Symbolic Temple. At this point the drill skips ahead to the erection of the Symbolic Temple, the next difficult part of the Floorwork. Since the Senior Deacon is not part of the Symbolic Temple, he withdraws to the sidelines for the rest of the drill. 11. The Marshal takes a central position about half-way between the Altar and the West and turns around to face the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards. 12. The Marshal then directs the Stewards one at a time to their places in the West Wall, where they face east. Floorwork Team Drill - 4 -

104 13. The Marshal then directs the Masters of Ceremony one at a time to their places in the West Wall, where they face east. The Marshal turns to face east. All pause to remember that all the Candidates must be positioned at the Altar before moving on. 14. The Marshal then directs the Masters of Ceremony to the East, where they about-face, look west and await the Marshal s next signal. Imaginary Wardens take places behind the West Wall on either side. Imaginary Brethren come on the level and form rough lines. 15. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony to lower their staffs as appropriate for dressing the lines. 16. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony to return to their original positions in the West Wall, dressing the lines along the way. Upon arriving back at the West Wall the Masters of Ceremony return their staffs to the upright position in the left hand, turn east and await the Marshal s next signal. 17. The Marshal directs the Masters of Ceremony to proceed to the East (followed by imaginary Wardens). Upon arriving in the East, the Masters of Ceremony walk inward, if necessary, then turn west and await the Marshal s signal to form the arch. The imaginary Wardens proceed slightly past them to the east. Floorwork Team Drill - 5 -

105 18. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to form simultaneous arches (the imaginary Wardens take places under the arch in the line of the East Wall). The Drill now skips ahead to the breakdown of the Symbolic Temple. 19. The Marshal signals the Masters of Ceremony and Stewards to simultaneously break their arches. Immediately following, the imaginary Wardens proceed down their sides inside the lines, followed by the Masters of Ceremony. The Masters of Ceremony proceed directly to their chairs where they remain standing and holding their staffs. The imaginary Junior Warden stops at the south end of the West Wall and waits for the Masters of Ceremony to pass by. 20. The Marshal and Stewards face right and follow the imaginary Junior Warden behind the lines back to their places where all remain standing and holding their staffs. THIS DRILL SHOULD BE REPEATED UNTIL IT IS DONE CORRECTLY. Floorwork Team Drill - 6 -