Explanation of the Working Tools of the First Degree
The WM in the Chair announces that “The Working Tools will
now be presented.”
The Tools are placed on the cushion for presentation by IPM
JD positions Candidate about half way between pedestal and WM
chair.JD stands behind Candidate.
No1 holds the cushion and stands with No 2 on his left and No 3 on
his right in front of the WM chair
No1 We now present to you the Working Tools of an Entered
Apprentice Freemason. They are No 2 picks it up and says
the 24 inch gauge No 3 picks it up and says
the common gavel No 1 picks it up and says
and the chisel
No 2
The 24 inch gauge is to measure our work
No 3
the common gavel to knock off all superfluous knobs
and excresences
No1
and the chisel to further smooth and prepare the stone
and render it fit for the hands of the more expert workmen.But as
we are not operative masons but rather Free and Accepted or
Speculative we apply these tools to our morals.
No 2
In this sense the 24 inch gauge represents the 24 hours
of the day part to be spent in prayer to Almighty God part in labour
and refreshment and part in serving a friend or brother in time of
need without detriment to ourselves or connections he now
replaces the tool on the cushion
No 3
The common gavel represents the force of conscience
which should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts which
might obtrude during any of the aforementioned periods so that our
words and actions may ascend unpolluted to the throne of grace he
now replaces the tool on the cushion
No 1
The chisel points out to us the advantages of education
by which means alone we are rendered fit members of regularly
organised society he now replaces the tool on the cushion and
returns it to IPM after all 3 have turned and given court bow to
WM in the Chair