Brother _, the heart of every sincere Mason rejoices when a worthy man
such as yourself, is raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason.
Masonry is a song of the human soul. Along it’s pathways for countless centuries,
courageous, manly men have trod the Master’s carpet, drawing their inspirations from its
treasures of art, poetry, philosophy, history, tradition, and science. Backwards lies the
past upon whose milestones is engraved the wisdom of our Masonic lore. About us the
transcendent thought and life of men who today lend stability to the craft, while before us
stretches the future, resplendent with the brightest hope.
You were taught the white apron was an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason.
Kings wrapped in their purple robes, judges clothed in their ermine, statesman crowned
with the laurel wreaths of fame, as well as he who with sunburned face must earn his
bread by the sweat of his brow, have all deemed it a peculiar honor to be permitted to
wear that apron, even as you now wear it, truly a Master Mason. To such an institution,
born of Heaven in the grey dawn of earth’s morning, it is now our happy privilege to
extend to you a cordial craftsman “Welcome” greeting.
To keep alive the sweet memory of this occasion, and as a token of (his, her, their, our)
love and respect for you, (he, she, they, we) rejoice with you in this moment of
happiness. I am proud and pleased to present to you on behalf of ___, this
beautiful Masonic (pin, ring, emblem) surmounted by the Square and Compasses and the
letter “G”, symbols whose meanings you have already been taught.
Today the sunshine of hope gladdens your heart, and the vigor and health of manhood are
pictured upon your countenance. Yet, on the morrow, your eyes may be closed in eternal
sleep. So long as life shall last therefore Brother _, may you so conduct
yourself, that no word of shame or reproach shall ever come to you, nor to (him, them)
who tonight so (fondly or respectfully) present you this (pin or ring). Nor to the
fraternity, who (tonight or today) so confidently entrusts these, its symbols, to your
keeping.
May I remind you that a Mason is only As great as the truth he speaks
As great as the help he gives
As great as the destiny he seeks
And as great as the life he lives.
Accept this gift with the blessings and benediction of all of us, your brethren here. And in
brief conclusion, my own congratulations.