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CEREMONY OF CLOSING A LODGE OF ENTERED APPRENTICES.

A brother having made a motion that the Lodge be closed, it being seconded and carried, the Master says to the Junior Deacon, “Brother Junior [giving one rap, which calls up both Deacons], the first as well as the last care of a Mason?” The Junior Deacon answers, “To see the Lodge tyled, Worshipful.”  Master to the Junior Deacon, “Attend to that part of your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to close this Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons, and direct him to tyle accordingly.”  The Junior Deacon steps to the door and gives three raps, which are answered by the Tyler with three more; the Junior Deacon then gives one, which is also answered by the Tyler by one.  The Junior Deacon then opens the door, delivers his message, and resumes his place in the Lodge, and says, “The door is tyled, Worshipful.”  Master to Junior Deacon, “By whom?” Ans.  “By a Master Mason without the door, armed with the proper implements of his office.”  Master to Junior Deacon, “His business there?” Ans.  “To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and see that none pass or repass without permission from the chair.”  Master to Junior Deacon, “Your duty there?” Ans.  “To wait on the Worshipful Master and Wardens, act as their proxy in the active duties of the Lodge, and take care of the door.”  Master to Junior Deacon, “The Senior Deacon’s place in the Lodge?” Ans.  “At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the East.”  Master to Senior Deacon, “Your duty there, Brother Senior?” Ans.  “To wait on the Worshipful Master and Wardens, act as their proxy in the active duties of the Lodge, attend to the preparation and introduction of candidates; receive and clothe all visiting brethren.”  Master to the Senior Deacon, “The Secretary’s place in the Lodge?” Ans.  “At your left hand, Worshipful.”  Master to Secretary, “Your duty there, Brother Secretary?” The Secretary replies, “Duly to observe the Master’s will and pleasure; record the proceedings of the Lodge; transmit a copy of the same to the Grand Lodge, if required; receive all moneys and money-bills from the hands of the brethren; pay them over to the Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same.”  Master to the Secretary, “The Treasurer’s place in the Lodge?” Ans.  “At the right hand of the Worshipful Master.”  Master to Treasurer, “Your business there, Brother Treasurer?” Treasurer answers, “Duly to observe the Worshipful Master’s will and pleasure; receive all moneys and money-bills from the hands of the Secretary; keep a just and accurate account of the same; pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and consent of the brethren.”  Master to the Treasurer, “The Junior Warden’s place in the Lodge?” Ans.  “In the South, Worshipful.”  Master to the Junior Warden, “Your business there, Brother Junior?” The Junior Warden says,