Mormonism & Freemasonry
The information on this chart comes from various sources. If anyone has suggestions for additions or changes on this chart, please send email to Paul M. Bessel at paulb’at’bessel.org
Information about LDS (Mormon) ceremonies and their relationship to Freemasonry can be found at the following places
http://www.geocities.com/masonicmoroni/Home.htm
http://www.geocities.com/masonicmoroni/Articles.htm
http://www.geocities.com/masonicmoroni/Documents/fmlyncarth.htm
http://www.geocities.com/masonicmoroni/Documents/utahmasons.htm
http://www.freedomdomain.com/freemasons/mormons01.html
http://www.freemason.org/cfo/may_june_2001/mormon.htm
http://www.helpingmormons.org/mormonism_and_masonry.htm
http://www.lds-mormon.com/veilworker/endowment.shtml
This Web Page is not officially associated, in any way, with
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (The Mormon Church).
“I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor
underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot
be talked about and will not bear investigation.”
—Mormon President John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, vol. 20, p. 264.
To the Reader
The purpose of this homepage is not to offend, but to inform. This page discusses, in a frank manner, the
temple ceremonies of the Latter-day Saint (Mormon) Church. These ceremonies are held sacred by members
of the Church. Although I have printed the text of the entire Endowment Ceremony, I am told that the Ceremony
is almost completely symbolic. The meaning of the symbolism is revealed through the “Spirit of God” which
enables sincere patrons to understand the “mysteries of Godliness” as they regularly participate in the
Ceremony.
Because I am not a Mormon, I cannot claim to completely understanding the ceremonies. I am only an
interested (and hopefully fair-minded) observer, not a participant in these sacred mysteries.
Why this page exists: My “Close Encounter” with Mormonism.
In 1986, after taking the “Missionary discussions,” several members of my family converted to Mormonism. The
Mormon religion, with its wholesome, family-oriented image was very appealing to my parents, who had always
tried to raise us responsibly. Allured by the Church’s appearance, I was also almost converted, but decided to
investigate the matter on a deeper level. I resolved to study several books pro et con and then weigh their
arguments in the balance. On the “pro” side, I read all of the Mormon “Standard Works” (scriptures) in their
original editions, and compared them with their modern counterparts, as well as several other “faith promoting”
LDS books. I also read several historical works on Mormonism and its doctrines, and a few anti-Mormon books
(for a suggestion of fascinating titles on Mormonism, see my recommended reading list).
After reading the Mormon scriptures, I put Mormonism to the test. I prayed several times to learn whether the
Church was “true,” and received no answer at all. The only “answer” that made any sense to me was that
Mormonism–however appealing–was not what it represented itself to be.
My LDS family members have refused to listen to me and reconsider their position. The missionaries who
taught my family insisted that the temple ceremonies were inspired by God, and that they contained great
secrets which were necessary for “exaltation” in the “Celestial Kingdom.” I do not believe this. Because there is
so much rumour and speculation (and a share of lying) as to what really happens in a Mormon temple, I have
decided to create a page with factual information on Mormon temple rites.
Some Preliminary Information on Mormon Doctrine.
The LDS Church professes to be a restoration of the primitive church established by Jesus. Following his
crucifixion, the primitive church is believed to have fallen into a state of apostasy which reigned until 1820, when
Joseph Smith, a young man living in New York, was selected by God to be his instrument in bringing forth the
“restoration of the fullness of times.” This restoration included the power to act in God’s name (Priesthood
authority), and faithful Mormon Priesthood holders have the power to perform acts with eternal consequences.
Priesthood functions include blessing and naming new born children, baptism, confirmation, blessing the sick,
and conferring Priesthood authority on others. Shortly before his martyrdom, Joseph Smith introduced several
remarkable concepts into Mormonism. One of these was that family ties could survive the grave and that worthy
couples who were “sealed” by Priesthood authority could remain married throughout eternity in heaven (the
“Celestial Kingdom”). Another was that there were many Gods, although there is only One True God as far as
the inhabitants of the Earth are concerned. God, he revealed, is an exalted man who had lived faithfully on
another planet, died, resurrected and now sits enthroned in heaven. Because of his love for us, God provided a
way for us, his children, to overcome the consequences of the fall of man (Adam’s transgression, which resulted
in death for humanity). The redemption of humanity is in part brought about by the crucifixion and resurrection of
Jesus, but one must also assume certain covenants and receive certain Priesthood secrets in order to become
a God. This is one of the reasons for building temples.
What are Temples?
According to Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie, “Holy sanctuaries wherein sacred ordinances, rites and
ceremonies are performed which pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God are called temples.
They are the most sacred places of worship on earth; each one is literally a House of the Lord, a house of the
great Creator, a house where he and his Spirit may dwell, to which he may come, or send his messengers, to
confer priesthood and keys and give revelation to his people” (Mormon Doctrine, 1979 ed., pp.779-780).
Once a Mormon temple is dedicated only faithful Mormons who bear a temple recommend may enter. The
temple recommend is like a license or dues card, and a new one must be obtained each year. Possession of a
temple recommend indicates that the bearer is in full faith and fellowship with the Church. In order to obtain a
temple recommend, one must answer a series of questions in a temple recommend interview.
Salvation for the Dead: Work by Proxy in the Temples
Mormonism teaches that all people will have an opportunity to accept or reject the restored gospel. After death
the deceased enters the “spirit world” where he awaits resurrection at the second coming of Christ. If the
deceased is non-Mormon, or never had a fair opportunity to accept the Mormon gospel, the spirits of deceased
Mormons are called upon to perform missionary labor. Mormons believe that the spirits of the dead have the
same personalities and tendencies as when they were living. Thus, a good man may accept the gospel
whereas as evil man may not. In order for the deceased to be worthy of entering heaven he must receive the
same ordinances (by proxy) as a living human being. This means that he must be baptized, by proxy, and also
be ordained to the Priesthood and receive his endowments and temple marriage. The LDS Church’s emphasis
on genealogy is to further “temple work” by performing the temple ordinances on as many dead persons as
possible.
What is the Temple Endowment Ceremony?
Apostle James E. Talmage explains, “The temple endowment, as administered in modern temples, comprises
instruction relating to the significance and sequence of past dispensations, and the importance of the present
as the greatest and grandest era in human history. This course of instruction includes a recital of the most
prominent events of the creative period, the condition of our first parents in the Garden of Eden, their
disobedience and consequent expulsion from that blissful abode, their condition in the lone and dreary world
when doomed to live by labor and sweat, the plan of redemption by which the great transgression may be
atoned, the period of the great apostasy, the restoration of the gospel with all its ancient powers and privileges,
the absolute and indispensable conditions of personal purity and devotion to the right in present life, and a strict
compliance with gospel requirements…” (The House of the Lord, 1912 ed., p. 99).
Among other things, the temple endowment answers the “terrible questions,” i.e., Where did I come from? Why
am I here? And Where will I go when this life is over? These questions are answered by a meaningful, richly
symbolic drama, which is presented as a filmed presentation. The setting of the drama begins with the creation
of earth by the Gods Elohim (God the Father), Jehovah (Jesus Christ in his pre-mortal form), and Michael (the
Archangel, whose spirit is put into a body when he becomes the first man, Adam). By following the Mormon
version of the story of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden, and their subsequent expulsion, temple patrons
discover the “plan of salvation” which may enable them to return to live with God. During the endowment
participants are encouraged to view Adam and Eve as representatives of the human race. Thus, their fidelity
becomes a model for the faithful Mormon’s lifestyle.
Although the endowment is currently presented on film, it was previously acted out in dramatic form, not
dissimilar to fraternity rituals. But the ceremony is much more than a modern “morality play,” because faithful
Mormons believe it has eternal consequences. During the ritual, participants (called “patrons”) enjoy brief
participation, as they are required to don special robes, and stand up in front of their seats, while assuming
certain obligations and receiving the Mormon priesthood secrets (the tokens and signs of the Holy Priesthood).
Initiatory Ordinances.
Prior to receiving the endowment one must be baptized, ordained a member of the LDS Church, receive the
Melchizedek Priesthood (if male), and the “Initiatory Ordinances” of the temple. The latter consist of a series of
symbolic washings and anointings, the reception of the Garment of the Holy Priesthood and also a new name.
The washings and anointings include a series of ceremonial blessings spoken over various members of the
body, and prepare the initiate for the life hereafter.
Following this, the initiate is clothed in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood, which is said to be “a shield and a
protection” to the wearer throughout life. Mormons sometimes claim escape from bodily harm on account of
wearing this Garment.
With the Garment, the initiate receives a “new name” which serves as a “key word” to be used later on in the
Endowment Ceremony. This new name may be almost any Biblical or Book of Mormon name, such as Moses,
David, Nephi, etc. If the patron’s given name is similar to the new name used that day in the temple, the
substitute name of “Adam” is given.
On to Part 2
back to part 1
Articles Necessary for Temple Initiatory Work (Washings and Anointings)
Special regalia (ritual clothing) is needed for temple work. In order to participate in the Initiatory Work one
needs a Shield and a Garment.
The Shield is a poncho-like covering. It is made by folding a rectangular piece fabric (such as terry cloth, or
cotton flannel) in half, and cutting a circular opening at the fold for the patrons head to fit through. It reaches
about eight inches from the floor on both sides, and covers the front and back sides. The sides are open, and
are held closed by the patron. Prior to receiving the Washings and Anointings the patron removes all clothing
and puts on the shield in the privacy of a locker. The temple worker performing the Washings and Anointings
touches the partron’s various body parts as they are mentioned in special blessing s/he recites. It must be
understood that all Washings and Anointings are performed in sexually segregated rooms.
The Garment of Holy Priesthood (Garment, Regulation Garment, Temple Garment) is distinguished as the only
article of Temple clothing members are expected to wear outside the Temple confines. It represents the
garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the garden of Eden. It is an undergarment with religious
significance and has four symbols known as the “Marks of the Holy Priesthood” sewn into it. Over the left breast
is “the mark of the compass”; over the right breast is “the mark of the square”; over the navel is a mark, and
another appears over the right knee (the latter two are one-inch horizontal lines). These marks remind the
wearer of the covenants assumed in the temple ritual. There are currently a variety of Church-approved Garment
styles available for wear (manufactured by the LDS-owned Beehive Clothing Mills). Garments are currently
available in one-piece (ankle-length, long sleeve; ankle-length, short sleeve; button front; knee-length, short
sleeve) and two-piece styles, some of which are available in square back, V-back, crew neck, maternity and
nursing varieties. They may be made of cotton, polyester, nylon, nylon-mesh, rayon and/or rayon-nylon
(Bemberg) fabrics. Early Garments were reportedly made of unbleached muslin and/or cotton.
The Nauvoo “old style” Garment (c1842-1975) was partially described by Ebenezer Robinson (who had once
served as the editor of the Mormon newspaper Times and Seasons) in his periodical The Return Vol. II (April
1890), 252:
“As early as 1843 a secret order was established in Nauvoo, called the HOLY ORDER, the members of which were of both sexes, in
which, we are credibly informed, scenes were enacted representing the garden of Eden, and that the members of the order were
provided with a peculiar under garment called a robe. ‘It was made in one piece. On the right breast is a square, on the left a
compass, in the center a small hole, and on the knee a large hole.’ This was the description of the garment as given to the writer in
Nauvoo, in Joseph Smith’s life time. It was claimed that while they wore this ‘robe’ no harm could befall them.”
Increase McGee Van Dusen, who described the Nauvoo temple endowment ceremony in 1847, mentioned that
the Garment was a “tight fit” and only remembered the Priesthood marks of the square and
compass-mistakenly stating the latter was on the knee. A description attributed to Elizabeth Warren Allred, who
had been hired by the Prophet Joseph Smith to cut out the garment pattern, intimated that the Marks of the Holy
Priesthood were originally stitched in red:
“It was while they were living in Nauvoo that the Prophet came to my mother, who was a seamstress by trade, and told her that he
had seen the Angel Moroni with the garments on, and asked her to assist in cutting out the garments. They spread unbleached
muslin out on the table and he told her how to cut it out. She had to cut the third pair, however, before he said it was satisfactory.
She told the prophet that there would be sufficient cloth from the knee to the ankle to make a pair of sleeves, but he told her he
wanted as few seams as possible and that there would be sufficient whole cloth to cut the sleeve without piecing. The first garments
were made of unbleached muslin and bound with turkey red and were without collars. Later on the prophet decided he would rather
have them bound with white. Sister Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife, proposed that they have a collar on as she thought they would
look more finished, but at first the prophet did not have the collars on them. After Emma Smith had made the little collars which were
not visible from the outside of the dress, Sister Eliza R. Snow made a collar of fine white material which was worn on the outside of
the dress. The garment was to reach to the ankle and the sleeves to the wrist. The marks were always the same.”
(Diary of James T.S. Allred; Letter to Col. Williams; [Microfilm d.1021/f.92, end of roll #2 (July 10, 1844)] LDS Church Archives, Salt
Lake City).
The design of the garment has gone through various stages of evolution, the four principle designs are
illustrated below. The earliest Nauvoo-period garment (c1842) is based on an original owned by Hyrum Smith,
Joseph Smith’s brother.
The second garment shown above was commonly called the “old style” temple garment. It was used in Initiatory
Ordanances until 1975, at which time patrons receiving their own endowment were clothed in the third style
shown. This third garment is put on by stretching the neck open wide and stepping into it one leg at a time. In
1979 the new two-piece garment was introduced, which became very popular with missionaries and
sports-active Mormons.
Below appears a list of the temple clothes. It should be noted that at certain stages of the endowment,
participants are required to change their robes and caps from the left side of the body to the right side (the
girdles are worn opposite the robe). This indicates a transition from officiating in the ordinances of the lower, or
Aaronic Priesthood, to the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood.
Articles Necessary for Temple Endowment Work (This includes articles worn by couple at time of
marriage)
For men:
White Robe (worn over the shoulder)
White Cap (has a bow on one side, and a string on the other side. It is tied to one of three loops on the top of
the robe)
White girdle (worn as a sash, and tied over the hip on the opposite side as the robe)
Green apron (with fig-leaf pattern)
White Trousers and Shirt (or White Jumper)
White Tie (optional)
White socks
White slippers or moccasins of sturdy fabric.
For women:
White Robe (worn over the shoulder)
White Veil
White girdle (worn as a sash, and tied over the hip)
Green apron (with fig-leaf pattern)
White Dress
White slip
White hose
White slippers or moccasins of sturdy fabric.
Below is a picture of the temple clothing from an old exposure of the endowment called “Lifting the Vail.” It was
published in The Daily Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), Sunday September 28, 1879. It shows the “old style”
garment, a robe, a cap, an apron and a woman’s veil (the head is placed in the hole, the diamond-shaped part
hangs down the back, and the two strings are tied beneath the chin).
The Endowment Ceremony: An Overview of the Ritual.
Modern “Endowment rooms” are small movie theaters inside the temple with an aisle running down the center
of the room. Women sit on the left, men on the right, separated by the aisle. In the front of the room is an altar,
on which rest the Bible and the Mormon Scriptures known as the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and
Covenants. The endowment is presented as a film which is halted occasionally to allow the viewers brief
participation at key points.
When all is quiet a tape recording begins which welcomes the patrons to the temple and explains that they
should all have already received the Initiatory Ordinances of Washing, Anointing, clothing in the Garment of the
Holy Priesthood and receiving the New Name. The lights are then dimmed and a movie begins which depicts
the creation of the earth in “creative periods” of unspecified duration which are afterward called “days.” The
creation is performed by two Gods under the direction of a third. The head God, named Elohim, orders Jehovah
and Michael to perform the creative labors. (Mormons believe that Elohim is God the Father, while Jehovah is
Jesus Christ in his pre-mortal form, and Michael is the Archangel whose spirit will be put into the first human,
which makes him Adam.) In order to make the ritual impressionable and vital to them in their daily lives, the
temple participants are counseled to consider themselves respectively Adam and Eve.
Following the creation, the spirit of Michael is put into a body. The Gods awaken him, but put him to sleep again
in order to form a woman from his ribs. When he awakens from the sleep which the Gods caused to come upon
him, he is known as Adam, and is become “as a little child.” He has also forgotten everything about this
pre-mortal existence. After awakening, Adam names his wife Eve, “because she is the mother of all living” and
Gods forbid the couple to partake of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The happy couple
then go about their way and tend to the garden. The temptation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden is then
enacted.
Satan (played by Mormon opera singer Michael Balam in one version) is shown lurking about the garden, when
he introduces himself to Adam as his “brother.” Unable to seduce Adam into taking the fruit, Satan succeeds in
pursuading Eve to partake of the fruit. She, in turn tells Adam what she has done, and he partakes “that man
may be.” Suddenly Eve’s eyes are opened, and she recognizes her tempter as “He who was cast out of father’s
presence for rebellion.” Lucifer acknowledges this, and then tells the couple to clothe themselves in fig-leaf
aprons lest God discover their nakedness. The couple makes the aprons and hides. (At this point the
participants put on their aprons). The Gods appear and chastise Adam and Eve for their disobedience, and
Elohim curses, and then thrusts Lucifer out of the garden. Cherubim and a flaming sword are placed between
Adam and Eve and the Tree of Life, lest they put forth their hands and partake of the fruit and live forever in their
sins.
Although Elohim has provided a Savior for mankind (meaning Jesus), Adam and Eve must still take upon
themselves certain covenants and learn the secrets of the Priesthood if they are to return to his presence. The
Priesthood secrets consist of Signs, Tokens and Words. The Signs are physical gestures, the Tokens are
secret handclasps, and the Words are the names of the Tokens. In the pre-1990 ritual there were also “penal
signs” or “penalties” which indicated how the patron could expect to die if s/he betrayed the temple secrets.
The film is paused to enable the participants the opportunity to learn these valuable secrets. The covenants
(given at appropriate times throughout the ceremony) include such things as living chastely, obeying the
Mormon leaders and donating all one’s wealth to the Church, if called upon to do so. The temple participants
are required to stand and take all the obligations given to Adam and Eve. Patrons are also required to put on
their temple clothing. The robe, cap and girdle are switched to the other side of the body during a later part of
the ceremony. After receiving these first secrets, they are thrust from the garden.
After being thrust out of the garden into the “lone and dreary world” Adam and Eve are followed around by
Lucifer who attempts to lead them astray. Elohim sends down the pre-mortal spirits of Peter, James and John,
to learn whether Adam has been true to the Token and Sign he was given. The Apostles report that Adam and
Eve “and their posterity” (the Temple patrons) are true and faithful, and they later return to provide the “further
light and knowledge” Adam desires. They also cast out Satan. They then give Adam more secret signs, tokens
and covenants.
This ends the film, and the remainder of the endowment is pantomimed by an “officiator” who stands at the
head of the altar and who teaches the secret signs, etc., when the recording mandates. The patrons are also
taught “the True Order of Prayer.” This consists of standing around the altar and making all the Priesthood
Signs and Tokens, including a chant of the words “O God, hear the words of my mouth” (repeated three times).
In the pre-1990 endowment the words were given in the Adamic Language as “Pay Lay Ale.”
Following this, Patrons learn the meaning of the symbols on their garments, by watching the officiator point to
similar marks on the temple veil. They are informed that they must all pass through an opening in the veil into the
Celestial Room to complete the ceremony (this represents entering the Celestial Kingdom, the Mormon
heaven). The veil has several slits in it, in the shape of the marks on the garment (the square and compass, etc.)
and a person, representing “the Lord” stands unseen on its other side. He puts his hand through a slit at
mid-waist to test the officiator’s knowledge of the tokens of the Priesthood. There is a rehearsal of all the
Priesthood tokens at this time, given in a catechism. The patrons are informed that they must do likewise, and
they are called up to the veil to do so. After doing so, they enter the “Celestial Room.” This completes the
endowment.
The Endowment Ceremony Online
The most accurate temple ceremony transcription and description ever.
In January 1997 I received an improved transcription of the current temple endowment ritual, made with the
assistance of an active, though unbelieving Mormon (she showed me her current temple recommend). Prior to
reading it, however, I suggest you read the “Initiatory Ordinances” or preliminary temple rituals performed on
behalf of the dead. Otherwise, click on this link: Current Temple Endowment Ritual
Changes in the Temple Rituals
Most of the changes resulted from political pressure. To read about some of them, click on the underlined links
below.
The Adam-God Doctrine
This controversial temple teaching maintained that Adam, as a resurrected being, came to earth and had
sexual relations with Mary, who then begat Jesus as their offspring. This was taught in the temple prior to about
1904.
The Oath of Vengeance.
Following Joseph Smith’s martyrdom, Brigham Young introduced a traitorous oath in the endowment ritual
which required members to swear vengeance “upon this nation.” It became the subject of a United States
Senate Investigation.
Death Penalties.
Prior to 1990, the endowment included specific “penalties” for revealing its secrets. These penalties were
demonstrated by certain signs made during the ritual, and they symbolized having the throat cut, the breast cut
open, and the bowels torn out. The wording was toned down in recent years, and finally removed in 1990.
Knowledge of these penalties remain important to understand why Mormons were afraid to talk about the
temple rituals. They could loose their lives over it! This section includes the actual wording of these oaths, as
well as a photograph of a man in temple clothes demonstating the “penal signs.”
Early Versions of the Temple Ceremonies
The Kirtland, Ohio “endowment” was much different from the later Nauvoo-type ritual. (A brief article on the
Kirtland version was written by non-Mormon James David.)
The Nauvoo, Illinois, version was the first to resemble the current version, but has such differences as members
being washed in bath tubs and Satan crawing on the floor.
The Salt Lake City, Utah, “Endowment House” version (“Lifting the Vail”) was a refinement of the Nauvoo
version. The Endowment House was used prior to the completion of the Salt Lake Temple.
There are other Internet sites containing descriptions of the temple rituals, some of which provide a rather
complete version of the 1931 version, as well as the complete text of the 1984 and 1990 (current) versions.
Other Temple Rituals:
Temple Marriage and Sealing Ceremony
Both older versions and the current ritual are provided of this interesting ritual, which is essential for “exaltation
in the Celestial Kingdom.” Included is the complete ritual, and the most accurate description of a Mormon
marriage ever published.
Washing of the Feet
In addition to the Initiatory Ordinances, the Endowment and Marriage Ceremony, there have been other secret
rituals. The ceremony of “washing of the feet” was performed by early LDS Church leaders in imitation of
Jesus’s act on his disciples. This act was a preliminary to receiving the “Second Anointing,” which is the most
secret of all temple ceremonies. In connection with the latter, the foot washing is done by a wife to her husband
so she may claim him in the resurrection.
The “Second Anointing”
The most secret Mormon temple ceremony is known as the “Second Anointing” and was designed to ensure a
person’s exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, which resulted in Godhood. The text of an outline of this ordinance
and early versions (with source citation) was sent to me by an anonymous e-mail.
• • • Books “exposing” the temple ceremonies • • •
There have been over one hundred printed exposures of the LDS Temple Ceremonies. The most extensive
bibliography of these exposures was prepared with the assistance of Mormon / Masonic scholar Art Dehoyos,
and is found in David John Buerger’s The Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship (San
Francisco: Smith Research Associates, 1994). I highly recommend this book. It is by far the most scholarly
study ever written on the subject.
The following list only includes exposures which are both reliable and should be still readily available in libraries,
or by contacting the publishers.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner, The Mormon Kingdom, vol. 1 (Salt Lake City: Modern Microfilm Co. [later called
Utah Lighthouse Ministry], 1969), pp. 123-72.
Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism: Shadow or Reality (Salt Lake City: Modern Microfilm Co. [later called
Utah Lighthouse Ministry], 1972, 1982), pp. 451-92.
Latayne Colvett Scott, The Mormon Mirage: A Former Mormon Tells Why She Left the Church (Grand
Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1979), pp. 196-204.
Bob Witte and Gordon H. Fraser, What’s Going on in Here? An Exposing of the Secret Mormon Temple
Rituals ([?Florida] Gordon Fraser Pub., c1980)
Chuck Sackett, What’s Going on in There? The Verbatim Text of the Mormon Temple Rituals, Annotated
and Explained by a Former Temple Worker (n.p., 1982; 2nd edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Ex-Mormons for
Jesus, 1982)
Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990 (Salt Lake City: Utah
Lighthouse Ministry, 1990).
Don’t Believe Everything You Read
One does not have to agree with Mormon theology to know when it has been misrepresented. Many
anti-Mormon books and writings are either rubbish, or greatly distort and misrepresent Mormon theology. Some
people have distorted the purpose of the temple by relating lurid tales of sexual depravity and abuse. Nothing
could be farther from the truth. Nothing indecent or immoral occurs during the temple ritual, as will be seen in
the text of the ceremony itself.
AUTHORS I DO *NOT* RECOMMEND include Ed Decker (Ex-Mormons for Jesus), Pastor Ron Carlson
(Christian Ministries International), and William J. Schnoebelen.
In my opinion, the above three individuals have purposely distorted the truth about Mormonism and other
religions, as well as non-religions, like Free Masonry.
Ed Decker’s most popular book, The God Makers, is a misrepresentation of Mormonism that is just
deplorable. Decker appears to prefer “shock tactics” to reason, and falsely claims Mormons worship Lucifer in
the temple. Some of his more ludicrous allegations outraged Jerald and Sandra Tanner, who exposed his
deceptions in their book The Lucifer-God Doctrine: A Critical Look at charges of Luciferian Worship in the
Mormon Temple, with a Response to the Decker-Schnoebelen Rebuttal (Salt Lake City: Utah Lighthouse
Ministry, 1987, 1988).
Ron Carlson collaborated with Decker on a book called Fast Facts on False Teachings (Eugene, OR: Harvest
House, 1994). It presents inaccurate representations of Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Free Masonry, New
Age practices, Evolution, and more.
William J (Bill) Schnoebelen and James R. Spencer co-authored Mormonism’s Temple of Doom (Idaho Falls:
Triple J Pub., 1987). This silly little book claims that the temple ceremony is akin to witchcraft, and Bill, who at
one time belonged to a wiccan (modern witch) group and several other occult societies, claims the LDS temple
ceremonies are intended to awaken occult powers in the participants. Some of his dubious claims are
demolished by the Tanners in The Lucifer-God Doctrine, mentioned above. If you are interested in the true
sources of the modern Wiccan ritual, I recommend reading Aidan A. Kelly, Crafting the Art of Magic. Book 1. A
History of Modern Witchcraft, 1939-1964 (St. Paul, MN: Llewellyn Pub., 1991). It gives the complete Wiccan
initiation ritual (including those parts similar to the endowment), and traces their origins.
Be Fair: Give Mormons a Chance to Explain Their
Views.
I always suggest hearing the “other side” of an argument. Because there are dishonest books by people like
Decker, Carlson and Schnoebelen, I recommend a you give the Mormons a chance to answer their critics. If you
have had the misfortune of reading a book by the above authors, or others who falsely claim that Mormonism is
“satanic,” you might want to read the following:
Randall L. Mackey, ed., “The Godmakers Examined” in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought vol. 18
(Summer 1985) No. 2, pp. 14-39.
Gilbert W. Scharffs, The Truth About “The God Makers” 2d ed. (Salt Lake City: Publisher’s Press, 1986,
1989).
There are several interesting LDS books on the temple. My two favorite are:
Hugh Nibley, Temple and Cosmos: Beyond this Ignorant Present (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1992)
Donald W. Parry, ed., Temples of the Ancient World (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1994)
A simple, introductory book on Mormon temple symbolism is Allen H. Barber, Celestial Symbols. Symbolism
in Doctrine, Religious Traditions and Temple Architecture (Bountiful, UT: Horizon Pub., 1989, 1990).
An Excellent Pro-Mormon Temple Internet Site
There are several internet sites by Mormons. The page most relevant to this site is Nick Literski’s LDS Temple
Homepage. Once you understand what goes on in an endowment session Nick’s page can be pretty
interesting.
Other Temple-Related Material of Interest
The Book of Abraham
Mormons believe that Joseph Smith learned about the Temple endowment while “translating” a Mormon
scripture known as The Book of Abraham. This book was supossedly “translated” by Joseph Smith from
Egyptian Papyrus. Modern Egyptologists (even active Mormon ones) say that Joseph was wrong, and they’ve
translated the papyrus. After the “Book of Abraham Papyrus” was discovered, Hugh Nibley wrote a book in
which he claimed the Egyptian funerary papyrus contained a ritual similar in purpose to the temple endowment.
The book has become a classic among Momon “intellectuals” even though the argument is worse than weak.
Nibley’s book was called The Message of the Joseph Smith Papyri: an Egyptian Endowment (Salt Lake City:
Deseret Book, 1975).
Books on temple architecture and interiors
Mormon temples are beautiful structures by almost anyone’s standards. Four books which include several
illustrations of temple architecture and interiors follow.
Laurel B. Andrew, The Early Temples of the Mormons: The Architecture of the Millennial Kingdom in the
American West (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1978). This book includes a reconstruction of the
Nauvoo, Illinois temple, and has some nice prints of the architect’s drawings for the Salt Lake temple.
C. Mark Hamilton, The Salt Lake Temple: A Monument to a People (Salt Lake City: University Service Corp.,
1983). This book is magnificent, and would make a great coffee-table book (Mormons don’t drink coffee, but
“Postum-table” just doesn’t sound right). It includes many beautiful color photographs of the Salt Lake Temple’s
interior, as well as some early photos taken in the temple in 1920. The first photos taken in the Salt Lake temple
were actually illicitly taken and many are included in Kent Walgren’s article, “Inside the Salt Lake Temple:
Gisbert Bossard’s 1911 Photographs” in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought vol. 29 (Fall 1996) No. 3,
pp. 1-43. Among other things, Mr. Walgren reproduces a photo of a washing and anointing room in which a tub
is clearly visible. This feature was often mentioned in early exposures.
Douglas F. Tobler and Nelson B. Wadsworth, The History of the Mormons in Photographs and Texts: 1830 to
the Present (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1987). Although this book is not dedicated to temples it does
include some nice shots of some of them, including the Kirtland, Nauvoo and Salt Lake temples.
Janice Force DeMille, The St. George Temple: The First 100 Years (Hurricane, Utah: Homestead Publishers,
1977). The St. George Temple was the first temple competed after the Mormons migrated to Utah. This book
includes some architectural drawings, photographs and an interesting history.
This site explores the issue by examing the theology and function of the Jerusalem temple. If you would like to
read a great book on the temple at Jerusalem, we recommend Alfred Edersheim’s classic, The Temple: its
Ministry and Services as They Were at the Time of Christ (reprint ed., Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B.
Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1990). Those of you already familiar with the connection between Freemasonry and the
LDS temple ritual may want to read Alexander Horne, King Solomon’s Temple in the Masonic Tradition
(Wellingborough, Northamptonshire: The Aquarian Press, 1972). They are both fascinating books with a wealth
of information.
Some interesting links to learn about Mormonism
James David has a great site called A Close Look at Mormonism. It includes an extremely useful, alphabetical
list of “Controversial Mormon Links.”
Mormon Origins is a great site by H. Michael Marquardt, author of Inventing Mormonism. Tradition and the
Historical Record.
A scene from the prayer circle as they chant PAY LAY ALE, meaning, “O God, hear the words of my mouth!”
The arms raised over their heads form the first part of the “Sign of the Second Token of the Melchezedek Priesthood, the
Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.”
THE MORMON TEMPLE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY
Comparison between the pre and post 1990 versions
The following is the 1984 transcript of the endowment with the appropriate changes marked to indicate where
differences between this version and the current endowment. Strikethroughs are used to indicate deleted
passages, bold typewriter font is used to indicate added text. In passages where the wording was
changed, the old text is marked as deleted and the new text is marked as added. Original version of this can be
found here.
FIRST LECTURER: Brethren and sisters, we welcome you to the temple, and hope you will find joy in serving
in the house of the Lord this day. Those of you who are here to receive your own Endowments should have been
washed, anointed, and clothed in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood. For those who are representing
deceased persons, the ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood,
together with the ordaining in behalf of the deceased brethren were preformed previously for those deceased
persons whom you are representing. Each of you should have received a New Name in connection with this
company. If any of you have forgotten the New Name, or have not received these ordinances as explained,
please stand. (pause)
Please be alert, attentive and refrain from whispering during the presentation of the Endowment. As you are
asked to proceed to the Veil, please do so in an orderly manner, row by row, as directed. After passing through
the Veil into the Celestial Room, and in other areas in the Temple, if you need to communicate, please whisper,
thus helping us maintain the quiet reverence that should prevail in the House of the Lord. We will now proceed
with the presentation of the Endowment.
SECOND LECTURER: Brethren, you have been washed and pronounced clean, or that through your
faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation. You have been anointed to
become hereafter Kings and Priests unto the Most High God, to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever.
Sisters, you have been washed and anointed to become hereafter Queens and Priestesses to your husbands.
Brethren and Sisters, if you are true and faithful, the day will come when you will be chosen, called up, and
anointed Kings and Queens, Priests and Priestesses, whereas you are now anointed only to become such. The
realization of these blessings depends upon your faithfulness.
You have had a Garment placed upon you, which you were informed represents the garment given to Adam and
Eve when he was they were found naked in the garden of Eden, and which is called the “Garment of the Holy
Priesthood.” This you were instructed to wear throughout your life. You were informed that it will be a shield and
a protection to you inasmuch as you do not defile it and if you are true and faithful to your covenants.
You have had a New Name given unto you, which you were told never to divulge, nor forget. This New Name is a
keyword which you will be required to give at a certain place in the temple today. The Your Endowment is to
prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. receive all those ordiances in the House if the
Lord, wich are neccessary for you to enable you to walk back to the prescence of the Father,
passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being able to givem them the key words, the signs
amd tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation.
If you proceed and receive your full endowment, you will be required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations,
the violation of which will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not be mocked. If any of you desire to
withdraw rather than accept these obligations of yourown free will and choice, you may now make it known by
raising your hand.
Brethren and sisters, as you sit here, you will hear the voices of three persons who represent Elohim, Jehovah,
and Michael. Elohim will command Jehovah and Michael to go down and organize a world. The work of the six
creative periods will be represented. They will also organize man in their own likeness and image, male and
female. This, however, is simply figurative so far as the man and woman are concerned.
THE CREATION–FIRST DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, see: yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down and organize it into a world like
unto the worlds that we have hereunto formed. Call your labors the First Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, see: here is matter unorganized. We will organize it into a world like unto worlds that we
have heretofore formed. We will call our labors the First Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on the First Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down done as thou hast commanded, and have organized a world like unto
the worlds that we have heretofore formed, and we have called out labors the First Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SECOND DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters together and cause the dry land to appear. The
great waters call ye seas, and the dry land call ye earth. Form mountains and hills, great rivers and small
streams, to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. When you have done this, call your labors the
Second Day, bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will gather the waters together and cause the dry land to appear. The great waters we
will call seas, and the dry land we will call earth. We will form mountains and hills, great rivers and small streams
to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. We will call our labors the Second Day, and return and
report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors on of the Second Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down done as thou hast commanded, and have gathered the waters
together, and have caused the dry lands to appear. The great waters we have called seas, and the dry land we
have called earth. We have formed mountains and hills, great rivers, and small streams, to beautify and give
variety to the face of the earth; and we have called our labors the Second Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
THIRD DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth that you have organized. Divide the light from the
darkness. Call the light “day”, and the darkness “night.” Cause the lights on the firmament to appear; the
greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. Cause the stars also to appear and give light to
the earth, the same as with other worlds heretofore created. Call your labors the Third Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us return again to the earth that we have organized.
MICHAEL: We will return again, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness, and we will call the light “day,” and the darkness
“night”. We will cause the lights in the firmament to appear, the greater to rule the day, and the lesser to rule the
night. We will cause the stars also to appear and give light to the earth; the same as with other worlds
heretofore created. We will call our labors the Third Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Third Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down done as thou hast commanded, and have divided the light from the
darkness, and have called the light “day” and the darkness “night”. We have caused the lights in the firmament
to appear; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. We have caused the stars also to
appear and give light to the earth, the same as with worlds heretofore created. We have called our labors the
Third Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, return again. and place seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth as
grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its own kind, as
on the world we have heretofore created. Call your labors the Fourth day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, we will place seeds of all kinds in the earth that they may spring forth as grass flowers,
shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing seed in itself after its own kind, as on the worlds
we have heretofore created. We will call our labors the Fourth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: We will return and report our labors of the Fourth Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have placed seeds of all kinds in the
earth that they may spring forth as grass, flowers, shrubbery, trees, and all manner of vegetation; each bearing
seed in itself, after its own kind, as on the worlds we have heretofore created; and we have called our labors the
Fourth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and beautified, and vegetation is growing
thereon, return and place beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse, and all other
kinds of animals; fowls in the air in all their varieties, fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects and all manner
of animal life upon the earth. Command the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things, and
other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind, and every kind of
vegetation to multiply it its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and have joy
therein. Call your labors the Fifth Day, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.
MICHAEL: We will go down, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and beautified, and vegetation is growing thereon,
we will place all beasts upon the land: the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse, and all other kinds of
animals; fowls in the air in all their varieties, fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects and all manner of
animal life upon the earth. We will command the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things,
and other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind, and every kind of
vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and have joy
therein. We will call our labors the Fifth Day, and return and report.
MICHAEL: It is well, Jehovah. Now that the earth is formed, divided an beautified with vegetation growing
thereon, and provided with animal all manner of life, it is glorious and beautiful.
JEHOVAH: It is, Michael.
MICHAEL: Let us return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.
JEHOVAH: Elohim, we have been down done as thou hast commanded; we have placed beasts upon the land:
the elephant, the lion, the tiger, the bear, the horse, and all other kinds of animals; in the waters, and insects,
and all manner of animal life upon the earth. We have commanded the beasts, the fowls, the fishes, the insects,
all creeping things, and other forms of animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind, and
every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and
have joy therein. We and have called our labors the Fifth Day.
ELOHIM: It is well.
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, is man found upon the earth?
JEHOVAH: Man is not found on the earth, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Jehovah, Michael, then let us go down and form man in our own likeness and in our own image, male
and female, and put into him his spirit, them their spirits and let us give him them dominion over the
beasts, the fishes, and the birds, and make him lord over the earth, and over all things on the face of the earth.
We will plant for him them a garden, eastward in Eden, and place him them in it to tend and cultivate it, that he
they may be happy, and have joy therein. We will command him them to multiply and replenish the earth, that he
they may have joy in his their posterity. We will place before him them the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom we have thrust out to tempt him them, and to try him
them, that he they may know by his their own experience the good from the evil. If he yields they yield to
temptation we will give unto him them The Law of Sacrifice, and we will provide a savior for him them, as we
counseled in the beginning, that man may be brought forth by the power of the redemption and the resurrection,
and come again into our presence, and with us partake of Eternal Life and exultation. We will call this the sixth
day, and we will rest from our labors for a season. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
(The film now shows a scene of a lush, tropical area. A thick mist rises from the earth.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see the earth that we have formed. There is no man to till and take care of it. We are here to
form man in our own likeness and in our own image.
JEHOVAH: We will do so, Elohim.
(The youthful body of Adam who lies in a comatose state, is shown from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, man is now organized, and we will put into him his spirit, the breath of life, that he may
become a living soul.
(Light shines on Adam’s face, and his chest expands as he begins to breathe. He stirs, as if awakening.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, is it good for man to be alone?
JEHOVAH: It is not good for man to be alone, Elohim.
ELOHIM: We will cause a deep sleep to come upon this man whom we have formed, and we will take from his
side a rib from which we will form a woman to be a companion and helpmeet for him.
(Adam lays his head upon the ground as he looses consciousness.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this is Michael, who helped form the earth. When he awakens from the
sleep which Elohim and Jehovah have caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam, and having
forgotten all, will have become a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if you were asleep.
(All male patrons in the room close their eyes.)
ELOHIM: Adam, awake and arise.
(Adam obeys the command, and is shown with foliage in front of him which conceals his body from view. The
youthful Adam appears to be in his 20’s, is in good physical condition, and is clean shaven.)
NARRATOR: All the brethren will please arise.
(The male patrons open their eyes and rise from their seats. An attractive, youthful Eve enters the scene and
stands beside Adam. They are both shown from the shoulders up.)
ELOHIM: Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give unto you to be a companion and
helpmeet for you. What will you call her?
ADAM:: Eve.
(For the first time, the Gods, Elohim and Jehovah, are shown. They are two bearded, luminescent, glorious
personages, clothed in flowing white robes. They appear standing in mid air above and in front of Adam and
Eve, and are surrounded by a radiant aura of silvery-white light.)
ELOHIM: Why will you call her Eve?
ADAM:: Because she is the mother of all living.
ELOHIM: That is right, Adam; because she is the mother of all living. Adam, we have organized for you this
earth, and have planted a garden, eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and we will there command
you and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah,
introduce Adam and Eve into the garden which we have prepared for him them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
Part 2
Back to Part 1
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The brethren will now be seated.
(As the male patrons sit down Adam and Eve are shown turning to follow Jehovah into the garden. The scene
quickly changes to the garden.)
ELOHIM: Adam, Eve we have created for you this earth, and have placed upon it all kinds of vegetation and
animal life. We have commanded all these to multiply in their own sphere and element. We give you dominion
over all these things, and make you, Adam, Lord over the whole earth, and all things on the face thereof. We now
command you and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity.
We have also planted for you this garden, wherein we have placed all manner of fruits, flowers, and vegetation.
Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not
eat; nevertheless, thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee. But, remember that I forbid it, for in the
day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Adam, remember this commandment these comandments which we have given unto you. Now go to, dress this
garden, take good care of it, be happy and have joy therein. We shall go away, but we shall visit you again and
give you further instructions.
(The scene changes, and it is understood that the Gods have again ascended. The following scene occurs in
the garden, and no indication is given as to how much time has passed since the Gods’ departure. Lucifer,
the devil, is shown standing nonchalantly observing Adam, and is clad in black and red robes; also wearing a
square black apron tied to his waist. Though youthful, Lucifer appears perhaps a few years older than Adam,
and wears a beard and mustache, His speach is fluid, persuasive, and without hesitation.)
LUCIFER:: Well, Adam, you have a new world here.
ADAM:: A new world?
LUCIFER:: Yes, a new world, patterned after the old one where we used to live.
ADAM:: I know nothing about any other world.
LUCIFER:: Oh, I see, your eyes are not yet opened. You have forgotten everything. You must eat some of the
fruit of this that tree.
(Lucifer plucks two pieces of fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and presents it to Adam.)
LUCIFER:: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that this tree. It will make you wise.
ADAM:: I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the day I should partake of it I should surely die.
LUCIFER:: You shall not surely die but shall be as the Gods, knowing good and evil.
ADAM:: I will not partake of it.
LUCIFER:: Oh you will not? Well, we shall see.
(Adam leaves, and Lucifer walks over to Eve, who is tending flowers.)
LUCIFER:: Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make you wise. It is delicious to the taste and very
desirable.
EVE: Who are you?
LUCIFER:: I am your brother.
EVE: You, my brother, and come here to persuade me to disobey Father?
LUCIFER:: I have said nothing about Father. I want you to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and
Evil, that your eyes may be opened, for that is the way Father gained his knowledge. You must eat of this fruit so
as to comprehend that everything has its opposite: good and evil, virtue and vice, light and darkness, health and
sickness, pleasure and pain; and thus your eyes will be opened and you will have knowledge.
EVE: Is there no other way?
LUCIFER:: There is no other way.
EVE: Then I will partake.
(Eve takes the fruit from Lucifer, and bites it. Lucifer approves and places the other piece in her hand, which
he closes around it and pats gently.)
LUCIFER:; There, now go and get Adam to partake.
(Eve approaches Adam, fruit in hand, and presents it to him with a persuasive tone of voice.)
EVE: Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.
ADAM:: Eve, do you know what fruit that is?
EVE: Yes, it is the fruit if the tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
ADAM:: I cannot partake of it. Do you not know that Father commanded us not to partake of the fruit of that
tree?
EVE: Do you intend to obey all of Father’s commandments?
ADAM:: Yes, all of them.
EVE: Do you not recollect remember that Father commanded us to multiply and replenish the earth? I have
partaken of this fruit and by so doing shall be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in the garden of Eden.
ADAM:: Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake that man may be.
(Adam takes a bite, and Lucifer walks to their side with a look of approval.)
LUCIFER:: That is right.
EVE: It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we may know the good from the evil.
EVE: I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father’s presence for rebellion.
LUCIFER:: Yes, you are beginning to see already.
ADAM:: What is that apron you have on?
LUCIFER:: It is an emblem of my power and Priesthoods.
ADAM:: Priesthoods?
LUCIFER:: Yes, Priesthoods.
ADAM:: I am looking for Father to come down to give us further instructions.
LUCIFER:: Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you?
(The Gods’ voices are suddenly heard in the garden, reverberating through the air.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, we promised Adam and Eve that we would visit him them and give him them further
instructions. Come, let us go down.
JEHOVAH: We will go down, Elohim.
ADAM:: I hear their voices, they are coming.
LUCIFER:: See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness.
Quick! Hide!
ADAM:: Come, let us hide.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, put on your aprons.
(The film pauses temporarily while the patrons remove their fig-leave aprons from the bundles whch have
been resting on their laps. All patrons tie the aprons on around their waists. When the film resumes, the Gods
have once again descended, represented as before.)
ELOHIM: Adam … Adam! … Adam!! Where art thou?
ADAM:: I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.
ELOHIM: Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou partaken of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good
and Evil, of which we commanded thee not to partake?
ADAM:: The woman thou gavest me, and commanded that she should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit
of the tree, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Eve, what is this that thou hast done?
EVE: The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?
LUCIFER:: I have been doing that which has been done in other worlds.
ELOHIM: What is that?
LUCIFER:: I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.
ELOHIM: Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou shalt be cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy
belly thou shalt go, and dust shalt thou thou shalt eat all the days of thy life.
LUCIFER:: If thou cursest me for doing the same thing which has been done in other worlds, I will take the
spirits that follow me, and they shall possess the bodies thou createst for Adam and Eve!
ELOHIM: I will place enmity between thee and the seed of the woman. Thou mayest have power to bruise his
heal, but he shall have power to crush thy head.
LUCIFER:: Then with that enmity I will take the treasure of the earth, and with gold and silver I will buy up armies
and navies, Popes and false priests who oppress, and tyrants who destroy, and reign with blood and
horror on the earth!
ELOHIM: Depart!
(Lucifer looks defiantly at Elohim; he then turns and walks away.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam
and Eve put forth his their hand, hands, and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his their sins.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns to the side, and stretches his arm toward the tree.)
JEHOVAH: Let cherubim and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put
forth his hand and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins. It is done, Elohim.
ELOHIM: Eve, because thou hast hearkened to the voice of Satan and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and
given unto Adam, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow shalt thou bring forth children.
Nevertheless, thou mayest be preserved in child-bearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule
over thee in righteousness.
Adam, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, the earth
shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it shall bring forth thorns,
thistles, briars, and noxious weeds to afflict and torment man. Any by the sweat of thy face halt thou eat thy
bread all the days of thy life, for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
THE LAW OF OBEDIENCE
ELOHIM: Inasmuch as Eve was the first to eat of the forbidden fruit, if she will covenant that from this time forth
she will obey your the law in of the Lord, and will hearken unto your counsel as you hearken unto mine, and if
you will covenant that from this time forth you will obey the Law of Elohim, we will give unto you the Law of
Obedience and Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for you, whereby you may come back into our presence,
and with us partake of Eternal Life and exaltation.
EVE: Adam, I now covenant to obey your the law of the Lord and to hearken to your counsel as you obey
our hearken unto Father.
ADAM:: Elohim, I now covenant with thee that from this time forth I will obey thy law and keep thy
commandments.
ELOHIM: It is well, Adam. Jehovah, inasmuch as Adam and Eve have discovered their nakedness, make coats
of skins as a covering for them.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(At this point the film pauses and the lights come on.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters the garment which that was placed upon you in the washing room is to
cover your nakedness and represents the coat of skins spoken of. Anciently it was made of skins. You have
received the garment, also your New Name. The officiator will represent Elohim at the Altar. A couple will now
come to the altar.
(A pre-selected “Witness Couple” now come forward and kneel at the altar, resting their hands upon it as they
face the Officiator. The Officiator pantomimes all movements and gestures as a model for the patrons to
follow when directed.)
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, this couple at the altar represents all of you as if at the altar. You must
consider yourselves as if you were respectively Adam and Eve.
ELOHIM: We will put the sisters each sister under covenant to obey the law of their husbands the Lord and
to hearken to the counsel of her husband, as her husband hearkens unto the counsel of the
Father. Sisters, arise.
(Female patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise
before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will each observe and keep the law of your
husbands, the Lord and abide by his hearken unto the counsel in righteousness of your husband as he
hearkens unto the counsel of the Father. Each of you bow your head and say “Yes.”
WOMEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(The female patrons now resume their seats.)
ELOHIM: Brethren, Arise.
(Male patrons stand as instructed.)
ELOHIM: Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise
before God, angles, and these witnesses at this altar that you will obey the law of God, and keep his
commandants. Each of you bow your head and say “yes”.
MEN: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(Male patrons resume their seats.)
THE LAW OF SACRIFICE
ELOHIM: Brethren and sisters, you are about to be we will now put you under covenant to obey and keep the
Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and New Testament. Holy Scriptures. This Law of Sacrifice was
given to Adam in the garden of Eden, who, when he was driven out of the garden, built an alter on which he
offered sacrifices; and after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: “Why dost thou offer
sacrifice sacrifices unto the Lord?” And Adam said unto him: “I know not, save the Lord commanded me.”
And then the angel spake saying: “This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father,
which is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou dost in the name of the Son, and thou shalt
repent, and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.”
The posterity of Adam down to Moses, and from Moses to Jesus Christ offered up the first fruits of the field, and
the firstlings of the flock, which continued until the death of Jesus Christ, which ended sacrifice by the shedding
of blood. And as Jesus Christ has laid down his life for the redemption of mankind, so we should covenant to
sacrifice all that we possess, even our own lives if necessary, in sustaining and defending the Kingdom of God.
All arise. Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and promise
before God, angels, and these witnesses at this alter that you will observe and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as
contained in the Old and New Testament Holy Scriptures, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow
your head and say “yes.”
PATRONS: Yes.
ELOHIM: That will do.
(patrons resume their seats.)
THE FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
ELOHIM: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name,
and sign, and penalty. Before doing this, however, we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred character
of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign, and penalty, as well as that
of all the other tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names, and signs, and penalties, which you will receive
in the temple this day. They are most sacred, and are guarded by solemn covenants and obligations of secrecy
to the effect that made in the prescense of God, Angels and these witnesses to hold them sacred and
under no condition, even at the peril of your life, will you ever divulge them, except at a certain place in the
temple that will be shown you hereafter. The representation of the execution of the penalties indicates different
ways in which life may be taken.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb
directly over the first knuckle of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator, representing Elohim, takes the right hand of the male witness, who represents Adam at the
alter, and demonstrates the token. The male witness, who remains kneeling, is obliged to raise his hand
above his head while receiving the grip, thus enabling the patrons to view the manner in which the token is to
be given.)
ELOHIM: Adam, we unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the patrons stand, the Witness Couple returns to their seats. The Officiator and several other temple
workers circulate around the room and administer the token to the patrons as they stand at their seats. Male
workers attend to the male patrons, female workers to the females. The Witness couple also receives the
token at this time. Each patron sits after receiving the token.)
ELOHIM: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand.
The name of this token is the New Name that you received in the temple today. If any of you have forgotten the
New Name, please stand.
The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close
together, and the thumb extended.
(The Officiator, again at the altar, demonstrates the sign and penalty as the descriptions are given.)
ELOHIM: This is the sign. The execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the thumb under the left ear,
the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the
hand to the side.
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, and
sign and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving my own Endowment
today, and had been given the name of “John” as my New Name, I would repeat in my mind these words, after
making the sign at the same time representing the execution of the penalty:
I, John, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses that I will never reveal the First Token of the
Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my
life to be taken.
(The Officiator demonstrates the execution of the penalty.)
ELOHIM: All arise.
(All patrons stand.)
ELOHIM: Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, by bringing your right arm to
the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign. Now,
repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the execution of the
penalty.
I ________, think of the new name, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses that I will never reveal
the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name and sign, and penalty. Rather than do
so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
That will do. (Patrons sit down.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, see that Adam is and Eve are driven out of this beautiful garden into the lone and dreary
world, where he they may learn from his their own experience to distinguish good from evil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(As the lights are turned down the film presentation continues.)
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD: THE TELESTIAL KINGDOM
(Adam and Eve are shown full view for the first time. They are clad in animal skins which cover their bodies to
their knees. The lone and dreary world is represented by desert scenery. Adam kneels at his stone altar,
spreads his hands to heaven, and piously invokes the Lord.)
NARRATOR: We now go with Adam and Eve into the lone and dreary world. Brethren and sisters, this
represents the Telestial kingdom, or the world in which we now live. Adam, on finding himself in the lone and
dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he uttered:
ADAM:: Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.
(As Adam prays, Lucifer approaches from behind out of the shadows.)
LUCIFER:: I hear you; what is it you want?
(Although Adam has already encountered Lucifer in the Garden of Eden, he fails to recognize him at this
appearance.)
ADAM:: Who are you?
LUCIFER:: I am the God of this world.
ADAM:: You, the God of this world?
LUCIFER:: Yes, what do you want?
ADAM:: I am looking for messengers.
LUCIFER:: Oh, you want someone to preach to you. You want religion, do you? I will have preachers here
presently. There will be many willing to preach to you the philosophies of men mingled with
scripture.
(Lucifer turns his head as a sectarian minister approaches.)
LUCIFER:: Good Morning sir!
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Good morning!
(The preacher turns and looks into the camera.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: A fine congregation!
LUCIFER:: Yes, they are a very good people. They are concerned about religion. Are you a preacher?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I am.
LUCIFER:: Have you been to college and received training for the ministry?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Certainly! A man cannot preach unless has been trained for the ministry.
LUCIFER:: Do you preach the orthodox religion?
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Yes, that is what I preach.
LUCIFER:: If you will preach your orthodox religion to these people, and convert them, I will pay you well.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I will do my best.
(Lucifer guides the preacher to Adam and Eve, who stand nearby.)
LUCIFER:: Here is a man who desires religion. He is very much exercised, and seems to be sincere.
(As Lucifer presents the preacher to Adam and Eve he steps back and observes the ensuing conversation.
The preacher is made to sound sincere, although misguided and credulous. Adam appears humble, faithful
and immovable in his determination to serve God. He is not swayed by the preacher, and is astounded by
the doctrines espoused by the preacher.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I understand that you are inquiring after religion.
ADAM:: I was calling upon Father.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: I am glad to know that you were calling upon Father. Do you believe in a God who is
without body, parts, or passions; who sits on the top of a topless throne; whose center is everywhere and whose
circumference is nowhere; who fills the universe, and yet is so small that he can dwell in your heart; who is
surrounded by myriads of beings who have been saved by grace, not for any act of theirs, but by His good
pleasure. Do you believe in such a great Being?
ADAM:: I do not. I cannot comprehend such a being.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: That is the beauty of it. Perhaps you do not believe in a devil, and in that great hell,
the bottomless pit, where there is a lake of fire and brimstone into which the wicked are cast, and where they
are continually burning, but none never consumed?
ADAM:: I do not believe in any such place.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: My dear friend, I am sorry for you.
LUCIFER:: I am sorry, very very sorry! What is it you want?
ADAM:: But I am looking for messengers from my Father.
(The scene changes to a view of the Celestial Kingdom, where Elohim reigns from a white throne afront tall
white pillars. He is radiant as before, and his voice resonates as he speaks with Jehovah, who stands before
him.)
ELOHIM: Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without
disclosing their identity. Have them observe conditions generally, see if Satan is there, and learn whether Adam
has been true to the token and sign given to him in the garden of Eden. Have them then return and bring me
word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim.
(Jehovah turns from Elohim and walks to the edge of the platform upon which he stands. He there meets
Peter, James and John, who await His command. They are dressed as the Jews were at the time of Christ.)
JEHOVAH: Peter, James and John, go down and visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing
your identity. Observe conditions generally. See if Satan is there, and learn whether Adam has been true to the
token and sign given to him in the Garden of Eden. Then return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
JAMES: We will go down.
JOHN: We will go down.
(The three turn and leave, and the scene turns to the lone and dreary world. Peter steps out from behind a
large rock, followed by James and John; they approach Adam, Eve, et al.)
PETER: Good morning.
LUCIFER:: Good morning gentlemen.
PETER: What are you doing here?
LUCIFER:: Teaching religion. Observing the teachings of these people.
PETER: What religion do you teach? is being taught?
LUCIFER:: We teach a religion made of the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture.
PETER: How is your religion received by this community?
LUCIFER:: Very well–excepting except this man. He does not seem to believe anything we preach. what is
being taught.
(Peter, James and John approach Adam and Eve.)
PETER: Good morning. What do you think of the preaching of these gentlemen? what is being
taught?
ADAM:: I cannot comprehend it.
PETER: Can you give us some idea concerning it?
ADAM:: They preach of a God who is without body, parts, or passions; who is so large that he fills the universe,
and yet is so small that he can dwell in your heart; and of a hell, without a bottom, where the wicked are
continually burned but are never consumed. To me, it is a mass of confusion.
ADAM: I am looking for messengers from my Father to teach me.
PETER: That is good.
PETER: We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such doctrine. Have you any tokens or signs?
(Lucifer steps up to the side of Peter and interjects his query.)
LUCIFER:: Do you have you any money?
PETER: We have sufficient for our needs.
LUCIFER:: You can buy anything in this world for money.
PETER: Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them, I presume.
ADAM:: I have them, but I do not sell them for money. I hold them sacred. I am looking for the further light and
knowledge Father promised to send me.
PETER: That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good day. We shall probably visit you again.
(Peter, James and John exit; Lucifer stares into the camera.)
LUCIFER:: Now is the great day of my power. I reign from the rivers to the ends of the earth. There is none who
dares to molest, or make me afraid.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?
LUCIFER:: No. However, there may be some who will profess revelation or apostleship. If so, just test them by
asking that they perform a great miracle, such as cutting off an arm or some other member of the body, and
restoring it, so that the people may know that they have come with power.
(The scene changes to the Celestial Kingdom. Peter, James, and John approach Jehovah with their report.)
PETER: Jehovah, we have visited the man Adam in the Telestial World as thou didst command us. We found
Satan there, with his ministers, preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the posterity of Adam
astray with all manner of false doctrine. But Adam has been true and faithful to the token and sign given
him in the Garden of Eden, and is waiting for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is
our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John (Jehovah turns and approaches Elohim) Elohim–Peter, James
and John have been down to the man Adam in the Telestial World. They found Satan there, with his ministers
preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been
true and faithful to the token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and he is waiting for the further light and
knowledge you promised to send him. This is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James and John to go down in their true character as Apostles of
the Lord Jesus Christ, to the man Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast
Satan out of their midst. Instruct them to give unto Adam and Eve and his their posterity the Law of the Gospel
as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible Holly Scriptures ; also give unto them a charge to avoid all
lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and
every other unholy and impure practice; and cause these to be received by covenant. Instruct Peter, James, and
John further to clothe Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe
on the left shoulder, and to give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying
name, and sign, and penalty. The have them return and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. (Jehovah turns, and approaches Peter, James and John.) Peter, James
and John, go down in your true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to the man Adam and Eve and
his their posterity in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out of their midst. Give unto them the Law of the Gospel
as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all
lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and
every other unholy and impure practice. Cause them to receive these by covenant. Clothe them in the Robes of
the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the left shoulder, and give unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic
priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Then return and bring us word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.
(The scene changes again to the lone and dreary world. The three Apostles boldly approach Lucifer.)
PETER: I am Peter.
JAMES: I am James.
JOHN: I am John.
LUCIFER:: Yes, I thought I knew you. What are you going to do now? (He turns to the Preacher.) Do you
know who these men are? They claim to be apostles. Try them!
(The Preacher approaches Peter.)
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Do you profess to be an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ?
PETER: We do.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: This man told me that we should never have any revelation or apostles, but if any
should come professing to be apostles, I was to ask them to cut off an arm or some other member of the body
and the restore it, so that the people might know that they came with power.
PETER: We do not satisfy men’s curiosity in that manner. It is a wicked and an adulterous generation that
seeks for a sign. Do you know who that man is? He is Satan!
SECTARIAN MINISTER: What? The Devil?
PETER: That is one of his names.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: He is quite a different person from what he told me the devil is. He said the devil has
claws like a bear’s on his hands, horns on his head, and a cloven foot, and that when he speaks he has the roar
of a lion!
PETER: He has said this to deceive you, and I would advise you to get out of his employ.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: Your advise is good; but, if I leave his employ, what will become of me?
PETER: We will preach the gospel unto you, with the rest of Adam’s posterity.
SECTARIAN MINISTER: That is good. (He turns to Lucifer) I would like to have a settlement. I want you to pay
me for preaching.
LUCIFER:: I am ready to keep my word and fulfill my part of the agreement. I promised to pay you if you would
convert these people, and they have nearly converted you! You can get out of my kingdom, I want no such men
in it! (As the preacher turns sadly and leaves Lucifer approaches Peter) Now, what are you going to do?
PETER: We will dismiss you without further argument.
LUCIFER:: Aah! You have looked over my kingdom, and my greatness and glory. Now you want to take
possession of the whole of it. (Lucifer turns, and stares into the camera). I have a word to say concerning these
people. If they do not walk up to every covenant they make at these altars in this temple this day, they will be in
my power!
PETER: Satan, we command you to depart!
LUCIFER:: By what authority?
PETER: (With his right arm raised to the square.) In the name of Jesus Christ, our Master. (Lucifer is visibly
shaken as he turns and leaves. Peter waits until he has left, and then approaches Adam) Adam, we are true
messengers from the Father, and have come down to give unto you the further light and knowledge He
promised to send you.
Part 3
The Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony Part 3
Part 1
ADAM:: How shall I know that you are true messengers?
PETER: By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in the Garden of Eden.
ADAM:: (Grasps Peter by the right hand.) What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
ADAM:: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
ADAM:: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot, for it is the New Name, and I have made a covenant not to disclose it, but this is the
sign (The right arm to square); and this represent the Execution of the Penalty (Thumb of right hand drawn
across the throat).
ADAM:: Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father. (To audience) These are true
messengers, I exhort you to give strict heed to their counsels counsil and teachings teaching, and they will
lead you in the way of life and salvation.
NARRATOR: The Officiator will represent Peter at the altar.
(At this point the film is concluded. The remainder of the Endowment is conducted from an audio recording.)
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness couple comes to altar as before.) Brethren and sisters,
this couple at the altar represent all of you as if at the altar, and you will be under the same obligations as they
will be. We are required to give unto you the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the
Bible Holy Scriptures; to give unto you also a charge to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil
speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure
practice, and to cause you to receive these by covenant.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. (this is done.)
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you will
observe and keep the Law of the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your
head and say “yes.”
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
THE ROBES OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD
PETER: We are instructed to clothe you in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood. Place the robe on your left
shoulder. Place the cap on your head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron, tie the girdle with the
bow on the right side, remove the slippers from your feet, and put them in again as part of the temple clothing.
You may now proceed to clothe.
(Patrons open their clothing envelopes dress as instructed.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (The witness couple kneels at the altar as before.) With the robe
on the left shoulder, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give
unto you the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. This
Token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb between the first and second
knuckles of the hand, in this manner.
(The Officiator and the male witness joins hands in the token, and slightly raise their hands to demonstrate in
to the patrons.)
PETER: We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(As the Patrons stand, the witness couple returns to their seats, and various temple workers circulate about
the room administering this token as they did the former.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. The name of this token is
your own first given name if you are going through the temple for your own Endowment, or, if you are going
through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating.
The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming
a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. (The officiator demonstrates.) The
Execution of the Penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing the hand quickly
across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides. I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy
which are associated with this token, its name, and sign, and penalty, and which you will be required to take
upon yourselves.
If I were receiving my own endowment today, and if my first given name were “David,” I would repeat in my mind
those words, after making the sign, at the same time representing the Execution of the Penalty:
I, David, covenant before God, angels and these witnesses , that I will never reveal the Second Token of the
Aaronic priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. Rather than do so I would suffer my life
to be taken.
All arise. (All Patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic priesthood by
bringing the right hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, and the
left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign.
Now, repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Executing of the
Penalty.
I, _________, think of the first given name, solemnly covenant, before God, angels, and these witnesses
that I will never reveal the second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and
penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken. That will do.
(All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and Eve and his their
posterity in the Telestial World, and have cast Satan out of their midst. We have given unto them the Law of the
Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible Holy Scriptures; also a charge to avoid all
lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of God in vain, and
every other unholy and impure practice, and have caused them to receive these by covenant. We have also
clothed them in the Robes of the Holy Priesthood and have given unto them the Second Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James and John. Elohim–Peter James and John have been down to the man
Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Telestial World, have cast Satan out of their midst, and have done
all else that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John again to the Telestial World. Have Adam and
Eve and his their posterity change their robes to their right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances
of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Instruct Peter, James and John
further, to give unto Adam and his posterity them the Law of Chastity, and to put them under covenant to obey
this law, which is, that the daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse relations
except with their husbands or wives to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded, and to give unto them the
First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign, and
penalty. Have them return, and bring me word.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down again to the Telestial World; instruct
Adam and Eve and their his posterity to change their robes to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in
the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood; and introduce them into the Terrestrial World. Give to them unto
Adam and his posterity the Law of Chastity, and put them under covenant to obey this law, which is, that the
daughters of Eve, and the sons of Adam shall have no sexual intercourse relations except with their husbands
or wives, to whom they are legally and lawfully wedded. Give unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood, or the Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty; and return and bring us
word.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down. We are instructed to have you
change remove the robe and change it to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the
Melchizedek Priesthood, and introduce you into the Terrestrial World. You may now make the change by
removing remove the robe.
(The patrons stand, and remove their robes, replacing them on their right shoulders. The male patrons now
turn their cap, so that the bow is now placed over the left ear, and the girdle is tied on the left side. The
patrons then sit.)
THE TERRESTRIAL WORLD
NARRATOR: We now enter the Terrestrial World. (Additional lights are switched on.)
THE LAW OF CHASTITY
PETER: A couple will now come to the altar. (Witness Couple comes as before.) We are instructed to give
unto you the law of Chastity; which this I will explain. To the sisters it is, that no one of you will shall have no
sexual intercourse relations except with your husband to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded. To the
brethren it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse except with your wife to whom you are legally and
lawfully wedded.
Sisters All please arise. (All women stand up.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each
of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and
keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
SISTERS ALL:Yes.
PETER: That will Do. (All women sit down.) Brethren, please arise. (All men stand up.) Each of you bring your
right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at
this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow
your head and say “yes.”
BRETHREN: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All men sit down.)
FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD OR SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the sign of the Nail, with
its accompanying name, and sign, and penalty. This token is received by bringing the right hand into this
position: the hand vertical, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended; and the person giving the token
placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of
the hand of the one receiving it, in this manner. We desire all to receive it. All arise.
(After Officiator and male witness demonstrate token at the altar, temple workers circulate around room to
administer this token to the patrons.)
PETER: If any of you have not received this token, you will please raise your hand. Then name of this token is
“the Son”, meaning the Son of God.
The sign is made by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a
square; the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, with the thumb
extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip. (The Officiator makes the sign.) This is the sign. The
penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the sides.
(Officiator completes the action.)
I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, and
sign and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving the Endowment
today, either for myself or for the dead, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the sign, at the
same time representing the execution of the Penalty:
I solemnly covenant before God, angels and these witnesses in the name of the Son that I will never reveal
the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, and sign and
penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life to be taken.
All arise (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or
Sign of the Nail by brining the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a
square; also by bringing the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together,
the thumb extended, and by placing the thumb over the left hip. This is the sign.
Now repeat in your mind after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the Execution of the
Penalty:
I solemnly covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the First Token of the Melchizedek
Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name,and sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would
suffer my life to be taken.
(Patrons perform the action as the Officiator guides them.)
That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
PETER: We will return and report. Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and Eve and his their
posterity, and have done all that they were commanded to do have placed the robe on the right shoulder
and have introduced them into the Terrestrial World. We have put them under covenant to observe and keep the
Law of Chastity. We have also given them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail,
with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter James and John. Elohim–Peter, James and John have been down to the man
Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder, and have introduced them into the
Terrestrial World. They have also put them under covenant to observe and keep the Law of Chastity. They have
given unto them the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name,
and sign, and penalty. This is their report.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John and instruct them to give to the man Adam and
Eve and his their posterity in the Terrestrial world the Law of Consecration in connection with the law of the
Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it by covenant; to give unto them the Second
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign,
and to teach them the Order of Prayer, and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil.
Then have them report at the Veil.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James and John, go down to the man Adam and Eve and his their
posterity in the Terrestrial World, and give unto them the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law of the
Gospel, and the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive it by covenant. Give unto them the Second Token
of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sing of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. Teach
them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the Veil. Then report at
the Veil.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come, James and John, let us go down.
THE LAW OF CONSECRATION.
PETER: A couple will now come to the alter. (The Witness couple comes forward, and kneels at the altar as
before.) We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and
Covenants (The Officiator picks up a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants from the altar, and holds it up in
view of all patrons.), in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice which you have already
received. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything which the Lord has blessed
you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint, for the building up of the
Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you bring your right arm to the square.
You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar, that you do
accept the Law of Consecration as contained in this, (The Officiator holds up a copy of the Doctrine and
Covenants again.), the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in that you do consecrate yourselves, your time,
talents, and everything with which the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the
establishment of Zion.
Each of you bow your head and say “yes.”
PATRONS: Yes.
PETER: That will do. (All patrons sit down.)
SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, THE PATRIARCHAL GRIP, OR SURE SIGN
OF THE NAIL
PETER: We will now give unto you the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or
the Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. This token has reference to the crucifixtion of
the Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove nails through the palms of
his handsm then feering that the weight of his body would cause the nails to tear through the
flesh of the hands, they drove nails through his wrists. Hence, in the palm is the sign of the
nail, and in the wrist, is the Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place. This token is
given by clasping the right hands, interlocking the little fingers, and placing the tip of the forefinger upon the
center of the wrist, in this manner (The Officiator demonstrates this token with male witness.). We desire all to
receive it. All arise.
(As the witness couple returns to their seats various temple workers administer the token as before, and each
patron sits after receiving it.)
If any of you have not received this token, You will please raise your hand.
This token has a name and a sign, but no penalty is mentioned. However, you will be under just as the same
sacred obligation of secrecy in connection with this token and sign as you are with the other tokens and signs of
the Holy Priesthood which you have received in the temple this day. The name of this token will not be given
unto to you at this stage in the Endowment, but it will be given later on.
The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head (The officiator demonstrates.), and while lowering
the hands repeating aloud the words:
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
Pay Lay Ale
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
(The hands are lowered in three distinct movements, one move for each word. [1] Pay–hands above head,
[2] Lay–both arms dropped to the square, [3] Ale–both hands lowered to the height of chest.)
PETER: When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and offered prayer, and these are
the words that he uttered used, which interpreted are: “Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!”, repeated three
times.
All arise. (All patrons stand.) Each of you make the sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,
the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail, by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the
hands repeating aloud three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
(As the patrons make the sign they repeat words with recording as described before.)
PETER: That will do (All patrons sit down.) Brethren and sisters, with the robe on the right shoulder you are
prepared to be taught the True Order of Prayer; and to be introduced at the Veil.
THE PRAYER CIRCLE AND THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER
PETER: A few of you, including couples, will please come forward and form a circle around the altar.
(The audio recording stops and the Officiator says in his own words a statement to the following effect.)
OFFICIATOR: We would like to invite the witness couple, to take their place at the head of the altar,
and an equal number of Brothers and Sisters to join us in the circle. any receiving their own
personal Endowment, and any who are about to be married are especially invited to join us in the Prayer
Circle at this time.
(The tape recording again resumes.)
NARRATOR: Only the best of feelings should exist in the Circle. If any of you have unkind feelings toward any
member of this Circle, you are invited to withdraw so that the Spirit of the Lord may be unrestrained.
In the Circle we make the signs of all the tokens of the Holy Priesthood.
(Patrons make each sign as they are mentioned by the Narrator.)
We will begin by making the Sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. This is done by brining the right
arm to the square, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. This is
the sign. The name of this token is the New Name received in the temple today. The Execution of the Penalty is
represented by placing the thumb under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the thumb
quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. This sign is done by bringing the
right hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the right hand forming a square, and the left arm being
raised to the square. This is the sign. The name of this token is your first given name if you are going through
the temple for your own Endowment, or if you are going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the
person for whom you are officiating. The Execution of the penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the
left breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hands to the sides.
We will now make the sign of the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the Nail. This is done by
bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square. The right
hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, with the thumb extended, and the
thumb is placed over the left hip. This is the sign. The name of this Token is “the Son”, meaning the Son of God.
The Execution of the penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body, and dropping the
hands to the sides.
We will now make the Sign of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure
sign of the Nail. This is done by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands
repeating aloud three times the words:
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
O God, hear the words of my mouth!
signifying, “Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth!”
We have here a list of names of persons who are sick, or otherwise afflicted, whom we are requested to
remember in our prayer. We will place the this list upon the altar, and request the faith of those present in
behalf of these persons.
The sisters in the room will please veil their faces. Each brother in the circle will take the sister at his left, by the
right hand in the Patriarchal Grip. Each of you bring your left arm to the square, and rest it upon the shoulder or
arm of the person at your left. The brethren and sisters Those in the Circle will repeat the words of the prayer.
OFFICIATOR: (the officiator kneels at the altar, and makes the sign of the Second Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood by bringing his right hand forward, with the hand in cupping shape, resting it upon the altar. His
left arm is raised to the square. The prayer is spoken by the Officiator, who decides its form and content. He
speaks a few sentences at a time, which are repeated in unison by the patrons in the circle. After the prayer,
the patrons in the circle release the grip, the Officiator rises, and the audio tape resumes.)
PETER: The sisters will unveil their faces, and the brethren and sisters in the circle will return to their seats. (All
patrons sit.) We will now uncover the Veil.
THE VEIL OF THE TEMPLE
(A Veil segment is now displayed from behind the curtain which is in the front of the Endowment room. The
Officiator takes a pointer in and, prepares to draw attention to the marks on the Veil as they are explained.)
PETER: Brethren and sisters, this is the Veil of the Temple. I will now explain the marks on the Veil.
These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are found in your individual
Garment.
This one on the right is the mark of the square. It is placed in the Garment over the right breast, suggesting to
the mind exactness and honor in keeping the covenants entered into this day.
This one on the left is the mark of the compass. It is placed in the Garment over the left breast, suggesting to the
mind an undeviating course leading to Eternal Life, a constant reminder that the desires, appetites and
passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has set, and that all truth may be circumscribed into one
great whole.
This is the navel mark. It is placed in the Garment over the navel, suggesting to the mind the need of constant
nourishment to the body and spirit.
This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the garment, so as to be over the knee cap, suggesting that
every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus is the Christ.
These other three marks are for convenience in working at the Veil. Through this one, the person representing
the Lord puts forth his right hand, to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy Priesthood. Through the one on
our right, he asks us certain questions, through the one on the left, we give our answers.
(As the Officiator, who now represents Peter, steps to the front of the Veil another male worker steps behind it
to represent the Lord. A small mallet hangs on the metal frame which supports the Veil.)
PETER: As all of you will have to pass through the Veil, we will show you how this is to be done. The person is
brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. (The officiator raps the mallet
three times.) Whereupon, The Lord parts the Veil, and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing
with the Lord, through the Veil.
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
PETER: The person is then brought to this point, whereupon the Lord puts forth his right hand, gives the First
Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives, through the Veil, the name of this token, which is the New Name received in
the temple today. The Lord then gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is his first given name, if he is going through the
temple for his own Endowment, or if he is going through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for
whom he is officiating. The Lord then gives the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail,
and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then gives the name of this token, which is “the Son,” meaning, the Son of God. The Lord
then gives the Second Token of he Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, and
asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through the
Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
PETER: It is received as left arms are placed upon right shoulders through the veil.
(The officiator demonstrates the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil with the temple worker who
represents the Lord, as each point is mentioned.)
PETER: The Five Points of Fellowship are “inside of right foot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to
breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear.” The Lord then gives the name of this token, and asks:
LORD: What is that?
PETER: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PETER: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PETER: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship, through the Veil.
PETER: The person then repeats back to the Lord the name of this token, as he receives it, whereupon the
Lord says:
LORD: That is correct.
PETER: The person is again brought to this point, and the worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet. The
Lord parts the Veil and asks:
LORD: What is wanted?
PETER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil desires now to enter his presence.
PETER: The Lord puts forth his right hand, takes the person by the right hand, and says:
LORD: Let him enter.
PETER: He is admitted into the presence of the Lord. We will now report. Jehovah, we have been down to the
man Adam and Eve and his their posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have given unto them the Law of
Consecration, and have caused them to receive it by covenant. We have given unto them the Second Token of
the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign, and
have taught them the Order of Prayer. They are now ready to converse with the Lord through the Veil. This is our
report.
JEHOVAH: It is well, Peter, James, and John. Elohim–Peter, James and John have been down to the man
Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial World, and have done all that they were commanded to do.
ELOHIM: It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James, and John to introduce the man Adam and his posterity at
the Veil, where we will give unto them the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the
Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
JEHOVAH: It shall be done, Elohim. Peter, James, and John you will introduce the man Adam and Eve and his
their posterity at the Veil, where we will give unto them, the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek
priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to their entering into our presence.
PETER: It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, we will introduce them at the Veil.
Brethren and sisters, we are instructed to introduce you at the Veil, where you will receive the name of the
Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or the Sure Sign of the Nail, preparatory to
your entering into the presence of the Lord.
LECTURE AT THE VEIL
(The following lecture is only given when there are patrons present who are receiving their own Endowments,
or when the Endowment room is full, and additional time is needed to present the patron at the Veil.)
PETER: A lecture will now be given which summarizes the instructions, ordinances and covenants, and also
the tokens, with their key words, signs and penalties, pertaining to the Endowment, which you, have thus far
received. You should try to remember and keep in mind all that you have heard and seen and may yet hear and
see in this house. The purpose of this lecture is to assist you to remember that which has been taught you this
day.
You must keep in mind that you are under a solemn obligation never to speak outside of the temple of the Lord
of the things you see and hear in this sacred place.
NARRATOR: Brethren and sisters, the ordinances of the Endowment as here administered, long withheld from
the children of men pertain to the Dispensation of the Fullness of Time and have been revealed to prepare the
people for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, where God and Christ dwell. The deep meaning of the Eternal
Truths constituting the Endowment, has been set forth in brief instructions, and by symbolic representation. If
you give prayerful and earnest thought to the Holy Endowment, you will obtain the understanding and spirit of the
work done in the temples of the Lord. The privilege of laboring here for the dead permits us to enter the temple
frequently, and to refresh our memories, and to enlarge our understanding of the Endowment.
You were first washed and anointed, a Garment was placed upon you, and a New Name was given you. This
name you should always remember; but you must never reveal it to any person, except at the Veil. You then
enter entered this room. Here you heard voices of persons representing a council of the Gods, Elohim,
Jehovah, and Michael. Elohim said: “See, yonder is matter unorganized, go ye down and organize it into a
world, like unto the other worlds that we have heretofore formed.” As the creation of the earth progressed, you
heard the commands and the reports of the persons representing the Gods.
If we are faithful, we shall enter the Celestial Kingdom, and there hear and know the Gods of heaven. They are
perfect, we are imperfect, The are exalted, we may attain exaltation.
Our spirits at one time lived with the Gods, but each of us was given the privilege of coming upon this earth to
take upon himself a body, so that the spirit might have a house, in which to dwell.
Michael, one of the council of the Gods, became the man Adam, to whom was given the woman Eve. However,
as Adam, he did not remember his life and labors in the council. It is so with us all. We came into the world with
no memory of our previous existence.
We then followed Adam and Eve into the garden, where Elohim provided that they might eat freely of all kinds of
fruit of the garden, except the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. He forbade them to partake of
this fruit, saying that in the day they did so, the should surely die. When Adam and Eve were left alone in the
garden, Satan appeared, and tempted them. Eve yielded to the temptation, partook of the fruit, and offered it to
Adam. Adam had resisted the temptation of Satan, but when Eve offered him the forbidden fruit he partook of it,
that they might continue together, and perpetuate the human race. Adam and Eve now understood that it was
Lucifer who had tempted them. They became self-conscious. Discovering their nakedness, and hearing the
voice of the Lord, they made aprons of fig leaves and hid themselves. They had learned that everything has its
opposite, such as good and evil, light and darkness, pleasure and pain. The Lord again entered the garden,
Adam and Eve confessed their disobedience. The Lord cursed Satan, and cast him out of the Garden of Eden,
and the Lord commanded: “Let cherubim, and a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life,
lest Adam put forth his hand, and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in his sins.”
Before their departure however, instructions were given them. Addressing Eve, the Lord said: “Because thou
hast hearkened to the voice of Satan, and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given unto Adam, I will
greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception. In sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, nevertheless, thou mayest
be preserved in childbearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee, in righteousness.”
To Adam, the Lord said: “Because thou hast hearkened to the voice of thy wife, and hast partaken of the
forbidden fruit, the earth shall be cursed for thy sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it
shall bring forth thorns, thistles, briars, and noxious weeds, to afflict and torment man. And by the sweat of thy
face shalt thou eat thy bread all the days of thy life, for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
Having been commanded, Jehovah provided Adam and Eve with coats of skins for a covering. The Garment
which was placed upon you after you had been washed and anointed, represents the coat of skins or covering
of Adam and Eve. They were also promised that further light and knowledge would be given them.
The Law of Obedience was then taught Adam and Eve, and accepted by them. Eve covenanted with Adam that
thence forth she would obey the law of her husband, and abide by his counsel in righteousness; and Adam
covenanted with the Lord that he would obey the Lord, and keep his commandments. You, likewise covenanted
to comply with the Law of Obedience. The Law of Sacrifice, accompanying the Law of Obedience, as
contained in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, was next presented to Adam; and you were all placed
under covenant to observe it. The Law of Obedience and Sacrifice includes the promise of the Savior, the Only
Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace and truth, and who by His sacrifice has become the Redeemer of
Mankind. All things should be done in the Name of the Son. An angel of the Lord explained this to Adam, who
was given the privilege of showing his Obedience by offering sacrifices to the Lord, in similitude of the sacrifice
of Jesus Christ. Later, the people of Israel lived under this law, which continued in force until the death of Jesus
Christ.
The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty was given you; and
you were told that the name of this token is your New Name or the New Name of the dead, if officiating for the
dead. The sacred nature of the tokens of the Priesthood was carefully explained at this time. You were placed
under solemn covenant never to reveal these tokens, with their accompanying names, signs, an penalties, even
at the peril of your life. You were told that the execution of the penalties indicate different ways in which life may
be taken; then, Adam and Eve were driven out of the garden into the Telestial Kingdom, or the lone and dreary
world, the world in which we are now living. There, Adam offered a prayer saying “Oh God, hear the words of my
mouth!”, repeating it three times. Satan entered, and claiming to be the god of this world, asked Adam what he
desired. Adam replied that he was waiting for messengers from his Father. Satan declared that a preacher
would soon arrive. A man representing a sectarian minister entered and preached doctrine which Adam did not
accept.
Peter, James and John were sent down by the Lord, to learn, without disclosing their identity, if the man Adam
had been faithful to his covenants. They found that he had been faithful and so reported. They were sent down
again, this time in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to visit and to instruct Adam and his
posterity in the Telestial World. Before so teaching the people, they cast Satan out. The Law of the Gospel, as
contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible was then given Adam and his posterity. You were placed under
covenant to obey the Law of the Gospel, and to avoid all lightmindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the
Lord’s anointed, and taking the name of the Lord in vain. The Robe of the Holy Priesthood was placed upon
your left shoulder, according to the order of the Aaronic Priesthood. The Second Token of the Aaronic
Priesthood was given you, with its name, sign, and penalty; and you were informed that the name of this token is
your first given name, or the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating. The Robe of the Holy
Priesthood was then changed to the right shoulder, as was done anciently, when officiating in the ordinances of
the Melchizedek Priesthood. With the robe on the right shoulder, you have authority also if called to the
Bishopric, to act in the Aaronic Priesthood. You were then introduced with the Robe of the Holy Priesthood on
the right shoulder into the Terrestrial Kingdom. The Law of Chastity was there explained to you in plainness, and
you were placed under covenant to obey this law. The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the
Nail, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty was next given you. You were told that the name of the First
Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood is “the Son'” meaning the Son of God.
The Book of Doctrine and Covenants, in connection with the Book of Mormon and the Bible was presented to
you; and the Law of Consecration as contained in the book of Doctrine and Covenants was explained to you,
and you received this law by covenant.
The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in
the Sure Place was given you, together with its sign. The name of this token will be given you at the veil. This
token has reference to the crucifixion of the Savior. When he was placed upon the cross, the crucifiers drove
nails through the palms of his hands, then fearing that the weight of his body would cause the nails to tear
through the flesh of his hands, they drive nails through his wrists. Hence, in the palm is the Sign of the Nail, and
in the wrist is the Sure Sign of the Nail, or the Nail in the Sure Place. You have now progressed so far in the
Endowment that you are ready to receive the name of the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and to
pass through the Veil, into the Celestial Kingdom.
The sisters in this company who are to be married and sealed for time and eternity should be taken through the
Veil by their intended husband. Others will be taken through the Veil by the regular temple workers.
Brethren and sisters, you will have received this day, the sacred ordinances of the Endowment, the Eternal Plan
of Salvation for man as he journeys from his pre-existenant state, to his future high place in the Celestial
Kingdom, has been presented to you. You have covenanted to obey all the laws of the gospel, including the
laws of Obedience, Sacrifice, Chastity, and Consecration, which make possible an exaltation with the Gods;
and you have received the First and Second Tokens of the Aaronic Priesthood, and the First and Second
Tokens of the Melchizedek Priesthood, wit the names, signs, and penalties of these tokens, except the name of
the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which will be given you at the Veil. All this is done for the
glory, honor and endowment of the children of Zion.
Brethren and sisters, strive to comprehend the glorious things presented to you this day. No other people on
earth have ever had this privilege, except as they have received the keys of the Priesthood, given in the
Endowment.
These are what are termed “the Mysteries of Godliness,” that which will enable you to understand the
expression of the Saviour, made just prior to his betrayal: “This is life Eternal, that they might know the Only True
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou has sent.” May God bless you all, amen.
CEREMONY AT THE VEIL.
(At this point, a temple worker motions to the patrons, row by row, directing them to the various Veil
segments. A worker stands at each segment to introduce the patron to “the Lord” who is on the other side of
the Veil. The worker gives three distinct taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having been true and faithful in all things, desires further light and knowledge, by conversing
with the Lord, through the Veil [for and in behalf of _____, who is dead].
LORD: Present him at the Veil, and his request shall be granted.
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood through the opening in the Veil.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil. (The patron gives the New Name).
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil (The patron gives the first given name of the person for whom the temple
work is being done).
(The Lord gives the First Token of the Melchizedeck Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, through the Veil–the Son.
(The Lord gives the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood.)
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it a name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I have come to converse with the Lord through
the Veil.
LORD: You shall receive it upon the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil.
(The Lord and the patron, still holding the grip, embrace upon the Five points of Fellowship by placing their
left arms through the marks of the compass and square, which are cut through the Veil. The patron’s left arm
goes through the mark of the compass, and the Lord’s left arm goes through the mark of the square.)
LORD: This is the name of the Token–“Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in the
sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all generations of time, and
throughout all eternity.”
LORD: What is that?
PATRON: The Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or Sure Sign of the Nail.
LORD: Has it an name?
PATRON: It has.
LORD: Will you give it to me?
PATRON: I will, upon the Five Points of Fellowship through the Veil.- Health in the navel, marrow in the bones,
strength in the loins and in the sinews, power in the Priesthood be upon me, and upon my posterity through all
generations of time, and throughout all eternity.
LORD: That is correct.
(The Lord and patron break the ceremonial embrace, and the temple worker gives three taps with the mallet.)
LORD: What is wanted?
WORKER: Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the Veil, desires now to enter his presence.
LORD: Let him enter.
(The Veil is now parted and the Lord takes the patron by the right hand, and pulls him gently through the Veil into the Celestial Room.)
http://www.2think.org/hii/arm.shtml
http://www.usd.edu/~theaton/mormon/mason.html
Mason/Endowment Comparison
First posted to alt.religion.mormon on December 14, 1994, by Tim Heaton
An associate of mine is a Mason who wishes to remain anonymous. He recently read the three versions of the
Mormon endowment ceremony posted to talk.religion.misc (1931, 1984, and 1990 versions) and has offered
the following description and comparison.
It is not our attempt here to offer anything offensive to either the Masons or the Mormons, though we realize that
any talk of the secret rites will potentially offend some. We have skirted sensitive elements by simply mentioning
their correspondence. Since this is written for a Mormon audience, the document focuses on the Masonic
ceremony, and the Mormon reader can assess the similarities for him/herself. We hope this brief comparison
will be useful. Since both the Mormon and Masonic temple ceremonies have been divulged and are widely
published, anyone wishing further information can research both ceremonies on their own.
It is not our purpose here to confirm or deny the prophetic status of Joseph Smith, but only to show similarities. It
is accepted by most interested scholars that Joseph Smith used the Masonic ceremonies, which he was
thoroughly familiar with, as a partial basis for the Mormon temple endowment. This will become evident in the
following comparison.
1. The nature of the ceremonies and the structure of a Masonic lodge
There are three secret Masonic ceremonies, each used for the conferral of one of the three Masonic degrees.
Other Masonic ceremonies, such as the installation of officers and Masonic funeral, are open to the public. The
Mormon endowment has four tokens (two for the Aaronic Priesthood and two for the Melchizedek Priesthood),
the first three of which correspond in several respects to the three Masonic degrees. The fourth one does not
correspond to a Masonic degree but has strong parallels to the final portion of the third Masonic ceremony.
What follows is a description of the Masonic lodge and ceremonies. The officers of a lodge are:
Worshipful Master (WM) Marshall (M)
Senior Warden (SW) Chaplain (C)
Junior Warden (JW) Organist (O) [optional]
Senior Deacon (SD) Tiler (T)
Junior Deacon (JD) Secretary (S)
Senior Steward (SS) Treasurer (TR)
Junior Steward (JS)
Lodges are dedicated to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist (“the Holy Saints John”).
The 3 degrees are conferred within the body of a “just and legally constituted lodge” of Masons of the degree
being conferred. The players (“players” is used here because the part may or may not be played by the actual
elected officer of the lodge; usually it is not: it is played by someone who is learning the part as part of his
advancement “up the line” of officers) required are:
1.seven or more Entered Apprentices (EA) to open a lodge of EA’s (they are the WM, SW, JW, TR, S, SD,
JD); the EA ceremony is called “initiation.”
2.five or more Fellowcrafts (FC) to open a lodge of FC’s (they are the WM, SW, JW, SD, JD); the FC
ceremony is called “passing.”
3.three or more Master Masons (MM) to open a lodge of MM’s (they are the WM, SW, JW); the MM
ceremony is called “raising.”
Here are the duties of the lesser officers:
M – interrogates candidates for EA
C – reads opening/closing prayers and prayers during the degree ceremony itself
S – keeps a written record “of all things proper to be written,” collects dues, transmits money to TR
TR – keeps the books and pays out money
T – guards the entrance to an open lodge from “cowens and eavesdroppers”
The SS and JS prepare candidates to receive the degrees. Candidates must be dressed in a certain way to
receive each degree. The mode of dress has symbolic meaning within the degree and was important in old
times because it allowed the SS and JS to disqualify women right away (parts of the chest are bare). The SS
and JS introduce the candidate to receive the degree.
The layout of the lodge room and the stations of the players are as follows (no one sits in the North):
G
East
O/TR/C WM S
SD
SS
North ALTAR South
HB, S, C JW
JS
JD
SW
West
Jachin Boaz
——– ———-
Prep.Room Lodge Door
Door T
SS & JS
Jachin and Boaz are the names of the pillars that frame the entrance to the lodge from the preparation room.
These names are the names of the pillars that framed the entrance to the Holy of Holies at King Solomon’s
Temple. The preparation room is where the candidate is dressed by the SS and JS to receive the degrees.
G is a very large letter ‘G’ hanging on the wall above the station of the WM. It is the symbol of the Great Architect
of the Universe. HB, S, C are the 3 “Great Lights” — the Holy Bible, Square and Compass. The HB is open (any
random page unless the candidate requests a specific place). The S and C sit on top of the HB. The positions
of the S and C on top of the HB varies depending on the degree on which the lodge is “laboring.”
An “open lodge” does not necessarily have to be held inside a lodge room. A lodge may be opened in any
place:
1.that is “well-tiled;” AND
2.where the required number of Masons of the appropriate degree are assembled with the 3 Great Lights.
The JD’s duties are:
“To carry messages from the Senior Warden in the West to the Junior Warden in the South, and
elsewhere about the Lodge as directed; attend to all alarms at the door and see the Lodge is duly
tiled.”
The SD’s duties are:
“To carry orders from the Worshipful Master in the East to the Senior Warden in the West, and
elsewhere about the Lodge as required; attend to all alarms at the door of the preparation room,
receive and conduct candidates, introduce and accommodate visiting brethren.”
After the SS and JS present the candidate to the SD and the SD takes charge of the candidate, the SS and JS
walk move to their stations to the right and left of the JW and stay there throughout the degree.
The duties of the WM, SW and JW are important to the instruction of the candidate and cannot be revealed
specifically.
Special clothing is worn by the participants in both the Masonic ceremonies and the Mormon endowment. The
black suit and top hat worn by Lucifer in the 1931 ceremony resemble the outfit of the WM. Participants in both
ceremonies wear embroidered aprons. In Masonry the aprons are always white. Players in the degree
ceremonies have blue designs embroidered on their aprons according to their part (WM, SW, etc.). The
brethren in the audience wear plain white aprons. The 1984 and 1990 endowment transcripts exhibit many
fewer Masonic features than the 1931 transcript.
The general structure of the all the degrees is as follows:
1.The Lodge is opened on the degree to be performed or opened on a higher degree and then “called
down” to the degree to be performed.
2.The SS and JS are dispatched to escort the candidate to the preparation room assist him in dressing
properly.
If this is an initiation, the Marshall will be dispatched from the Lodge to interrogate the candidate. The
Marshall will re-enter the Lodge and report the results of his interrogation before the SS and JS are
dispatched and the Lodge is called to rest.
3.When the candidate is properly dressed (includes being blindfolded), he knocks 3 times on the
preparation room door. Upon hearing “the alarm” the WM gavels the lodge “to labor” and the SD is
dispatched to the preparation room door to investigate. The SD reports the results of his investigation
back to the WM and the WM dispatches the SD back to the door of the preparation room to receive the
candidate from the SS and JS.
The candidate is received:
EA: “upon the points of a sharp instrument [points of a closed compass] piercing his naked left breast.”
FC: “upon the angle of the square applied to his naked right breast.”
MM: “upon the points of the extended compass applied to his breast.”
4.The SD conducts the candidate on 1, 2 or 3 clockwise trips around the ALTAR while the Chaplain reads a
prayer.
5.The candidate is conducted to the JW, SW and WM who repeat the interrogation of the candidate given
by the SD at the door of the preparation room.
6.The candidate is conducted to the SW who teaches him to advance by 1, 2 or 3 regular steps.
7.The candidate is taken to the ALTAR and placed “in due form” to take the obligation of the degree.
8.The WM administers the obligation on the HB, S, and C. Each obligation has a different penalty. These
are the same penalties found in the 1931 endowment transcript with the following correspondence:
EA – First Token of Aaronic Priesthood
FC – Second Token of Aaronic Priesthood
MM – First Token of Melchizedek Priesthood
These penalties are altered in the 1984 transcript to remove the gory phrases. They are completely
removed in the 1990 transcript.
After the obligation is administered, the blindfold is taken off the candidate.
9.The WM gives instruction at the alter regarding the due guard, sign, grip and token of the degree. The due
guards and signs of the 3 degrees are essentially the same as the signs described in the 1984
endowment transcript with the following correspondence:
EA – First Token of Aaronic Priesthood
FC – Second Token of Aaronic Priesthood
MM – First Token of Melchizedek Priesthood
The grips are essentially the same and have the same correspondence, but the tokens are very different.
After the candidate is given the due guard, sign, grip and token of each degree, an interrogation is
spoken (that the candidate must later memorize) that is essentially a mode of recognition among Masons
of that degree. This exchange involves the WM as the interrogator and the SW as the person
interrogated. During the course of the exchange, the interrogator will ask the “interrogatee” to describe
the grip and give the token of that degree.
These interrogations are basically the same as the interrogations before the veil for the tokens of the
Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. The Masonic versions are much more elaborate, however.
10.The SD conducts the candidate to the JW and SW for an examination regarding the due guard and sign
of the degree. The SW instructs the candidate how his apron is to be worn. If this is an initiation, the apron
is presented at this time.
11.The WM examines the JW and SW as to the correctness of “the work.” The JW and SW report the work is
correct and the WM orders the SD to conduct the candidate back to the preparation room.
12.The SD and candidate leave the lodge and the WM gavels the lodge to rest.
After the candidate dresses, he is returned to the lodge by the SD and introduced as a “newly-obligated
brother” and given a lecture for that degree.
If the candidate is being initiated or passed, the candidate is given a lecture for the degree. If the candidate is
being raised, the candidate takes part in a morality play prior to receiving the lecture. This morality play
(described below) bears strong parallels to the fourth Mormon “degree.”
The lecture of the EA degree addresses the “Form, Supports, Covering, Furniture, Ornaments, Lights and
Jewels of a Lodge; how it is situated and to whom dedicated.”
The lecture of the FC degree addresses the difference between operative and speculative Masonry; the
symbolism of the two pillars at the preparation room entrance to the lodge; the 5 Orders of Architecture; the 7
Liberal Arts; and the nature of Geometry.
The lecture of the MM degree “illustrates certain hieroglypical emblems well calculated to increase knowledge
and promote virtue. In it, also, many particulars relative to the building of King Solomon’s Temple are noticed.”
After the lecture the candidate is given “a charge” by one of the brothers in attendance. If the candidate is being
raised, the charge is given in 2 parts by 2 different brothers. The charge admonishes the candidate to
remember the lessons he has been taught and apply the learning to his everyday life. The candidate is also
reminded of his obligation and the penalty.
After the charge is given, the candidate is seated amongst the brethren, the lodge is regularly closed, and
refreshments are served. Alcohol is forbidden inside a Masonic Temple.
2. More on “raising”
The second section of the raising ceremony involves the candidate as a participant. Upon returning to the lodge
after taking the obligation and being given the due guard and sign, grip and word of the 3rd degree, the
candidate (still in the charge of the SD) is greeted by the WM and others. The JW greets the candidate last and
gives the candidate his jewel. The WM gavels the lodge to labor and the JW gives his seat in the South to the
candidate.
The WM calls the candidate to the East. The candidate is told that before he can receive all the secrets of a
Master Mason that he must travel. The travels may be over rough and rugged roads and the candidate’s life
may be threatened. The candidate is reminded in whom he puts his trust [God], is blindfolded again, caused to
kneel in the East and is admonished to pray silently. As soon as the candidate says “Amen,” the SD takes
charge of the candidate. Remember that the candidate is blindfolded and is wearing the jewel of the JW.
Here is some background:
“That promise [the promise God made to David, King of Israel, that out of his loins should come a
man who would construct the Temple] was verified in the person and character of Solomon, his son,
who ascended the throne, and, after David was gathered to his fathers, wielded the sceptre over
Israel at a time when (as the great Jewish historian, Josephus, informs us) peace and tranquility
pervaded the world, and all eyes seemed to be directed toward Jerusalem, as if to witness the
splendid display of the wisdom of Solomon.”
“About this time King Solomon received a congratulatory letter from Hiram, King of Tyre, desiring to
participate, in a small degree at least, in the rich honors which then seemed to be clustering around
his throne. In his reciprocations with Hiram of Tyre, King Solomon desired him to furnish a man
well-skilled in the arts and sciences, and his attention was directed to Hiram Abif, a widow’s son of
the tribe of Naphthali. . . .”
At this point in the ceremony, the candidate IS Hiram Abif. The rest of the ceremony uses all the players and the
candidate to illustrate the murder of the Grand Master Hiram Abif (GMHA), the loss of the “ancient master’s
word,” the raising of the Grand Master Hiram Abif’s body from the shallow grave dug by his murderers and
establishment of the “substitute for the ancient master’s word.” Here is the story:
One day at high twilight [noon], when the Temple was nearing completion, GMHA entered the Holy of Holies to
offer his devotion to God and ask for the inspiration to draw designs upon his trestleboard.
Unbeknownst to GMHA, the 15 Fellowcrafts working in the temple, fearing that they might not receive the
secrets of a Master Mason, have conspired to extort those secrets from GMHA. On his way out of the Holy of
Holies, GMHA is confronted by one of the Fellowcrafts, Ja (an abbreviation that cannot be explained) who
demands from GMHA the secrets of a MM or Ja will take his life. GMHA tries to reason with Ja, explaining that
he should wait until the Temple is complete, and, if Ja is found worthy, Ja will receive those secrets lawfully. Ja
is not buying. Ja then tries to kill GMHA. GMHA escapes out the West gate of the Temple.
GMHA is confronted by another of the Fellowcrafts, Jo, who makes the same demands. GMHA refuses and
escapes out the East gate of the Temple.
GMHA is confronted by a third Fellowcraft, Jm, who makes the same demands. GMHA refuses and Jm strikes
GMHA on the head with a mason’s mallet and kills him. Ja, Jo and Jm have killed GMHA and have not received
the secrets of a Master Mason. They hide GMHA’s body in the rubble of the Temple and meet again at low
twilight dusk to figure out how to dispose of the body and cover up their crime. (Ja, Jo and Jm are termed “the 3
ruffians” in most accounts of this story.)
Ja, Jo and Jm meet and take the body west of the Temple to the top of hill near Mt. Moriah where Jm has dug a
grave. They bury the body and mark the grave with an acacia tree. They make their escape to the sea. At the
sea, they meet a seafaring/wayfaring man and try to book passage to Ethiopia, but, since Ja, Jo and Jm do not
have King Solomon’s pass, the seafaring/wayfaring man denies them passage and they go back into the
wilderness.
Back at the Temple, there is much commotion. King Solomon (the WM) gavels the lodge to order and asks
Hiram of Tyre (the SW) what the cause of the commotion is. Hiram of Tyre states the GMHA has been missing
since yesterday at high twilight. King Solomon (KS), fearing the worst, tells Hiram of Tyre (HT) to search the
Temple and have the roll of the workmen called. GMHA cannot be found. The roll is called and HT discovers that
there are three workmen missing — Ja, Jo and Jm (brothers and men of Tyre).
The remaining 12 Fellowcrafts repent and appear before KS in white gloves to confess their conspiracy. They
tell KS that they fear that the Ja, Jo and Jm may have carried out the conspiracy. KS sends the 12 Fellowcrafts
out in all directions from the Temple to search for GMHA (3 North, 3 South, 3 East and 3 West). The story now
focuses on the 3 Fellowcrafts who travel West from the Temple.
The 3 Fellowcrafts (this group includes the SD) who travel West toward Jappa (a seaport town) run into the
seafaring/wayfaring man. They inquire about Ja, Jo and Jm. The seafaring/wayfaring man tells them that they
tried to book passage to Ethiopia but were denied. The Fellowcrafts return to the Temple to report to KS.
The report is made and KS sends the 12 Fellowcrafts out again to bring back either GMHA or Ja, Jo and Jm.
KS is suspicious that the 12 may be covering up their own guilt.
The same 3 Fellowcrafts travel West once again. After several days of fruitless search, they decide to give up
and return to the Temple and offer themselves up to KS to suffer the consequences of their conspiracy. They
decide to spread out on the way back in case they might have overlooked something. One of the group (the
SD) stops at a rock to rest. He muses on his impatience and wishes he’d not been tempted by the others. He is
tired, and so he uses a nearby acacia tree to help him up from the rock.
The acacia tree gives way. The Fellowcraft hails his brethren to investigate. They have discovered GMHA’s
grave. Nearby, they hear Ja, Jo and Jm bemoaning their fate. The 3 Fellowcrafts seize Ja, Jo and Jm and take
them before KS. KS judges Ja, Jo and Jm guilty of GMHA’s murder and sentences them to death. The 12
Fellowcrafts carry out the sentence. KS sends the 3 Fellowcrafts back to the gravesite to search for the body of
GMHA. They cannot find it but they find the jewel of GMHA. They return it to KS at the Temple.
KS, HT and the 12 Fellowcrafts go to the gravesite to retrieve the body and bring it back to the Temple for a
fitting burial. Along the way a hymn is sung, reminiscent of a hymn sung by the congregation in the 1931 temple
endowment. When KS sees the body and knows that Hiram Abif is dead, he cries, while lowering his hands
from above his head three times: “Oh Lord! My God! Oh Lord! My God! Oh Lord! My God! Is there no help for
the widow’s son?” KS tells HT to try to raise it from the grave with the grip of an EA. The body is badly
decomposed and cannot be raised because the skin slips from the flesh. KS tells HT to try to raise the body
with the grip of an FC. The flesh cleaves from the bone and the body cannot be raised. KS and HT are now in a
quandary about what to do. HT suggests they pray.
During the prayer, the WM (KS) and SW (HT) kneel on their right knees with the left forming the angle of a
square. The WM is at the feet of the body facing South and the SW is at the head facing North. Six brothers
kneel the same way and face each other, three on each side of the body. The following prayer is then offered by
the WM (one of the best parts of the ceremony in my colleague’s opinion):
“Thou, Oh God! knowest our downsitting and our uprising, and understandest our thoughts afar off.
Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and
afflictions which we are destined to endure while travelling through this veil of tears. Man that is born
of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down; he fleeth
also as a shadow, and continueth not. Seeing that his days are determined, the number of his
months is with Thee; Thou has ointed his bounds that he cannot pass; turn from him that he may rest
till he shall accomplish his days. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again,
and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But a man dieth and wasteth away; yea, a man
giveth up the ghost and where is he? As the waters fall from the sea and the flood decayeth and
drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not till the heavens be no more. Yet, Oh Lord! have
compassion on the children of Thy creation; administer them comfort in time of trouble; and save
them with an everlasting salvation. Amen.”
The SW removes the candidates blindfold at this point.
The prayer does the trick and KS is inspired to invoke the strength of the lion of the tribe of Judah. KS, with HT’s
assistance, raises GMHA’s body with the “strong grip of the lion’s paw” and “on the five points of fellowship.”
KS has declared the ancient master’s word to be lost but the first words “spoken or uttered after the body is
thus raised, shall be the substitute for the lost master’s word until future ages may discover the right.”
The WM raises the candidate off the floor to the five points of fellowship (“foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to
breast, hand to back, and mouth to ear”) and speaks the substitute for the lost master’s word into the
candidate’s ear.
The candidate is admonished never to speak the word except in the manner in which it was given or for
instruction. The five points of fellowship are explained. The candidate then goes to a chair and the historical
lecture described earlier is given.
3. Parallels to the Mormon endowment
Six parallels can be seen here between the raising of Hiram Abif’s body and the Second Token of the
Melchizedek Priesthood: 1) both are associated with a plea to God, 2) both have the same sign, 3) both involve
an especially strong grip, 4) both are done “on the five points of fellowship” (though this has been removed in
the 1990 transcript), 5) both involve the whispering of secret words that have some parallels (the meaning of the
secret word in the Masonic ceremony corresponds with the second phrase of the much longer token of the
endowment), and 6) both lack the penalty associated with the three preceding degrees.
It may be significant that the secret words spoken in the Masonic ceremony were “the substitute for the lost
master’s word until future ages may discover the right.” If Joseph Smith believed he was restoring a corrupted
ceremony, he may have seen this as an opportunity to restore the proper words and thus added the more
elaborate fourth degree. It is curious, though, that while the Masonic story of Hiram Abif has parallels with the
resurrection of Christ, the Second Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood has more parallels with the crucifixion.
In conclusion, the Mormon endowment parallels the Masonic ceremonies in many respects and uses a large
number of Masonic symbols and elements. There are also many differences, including the very purpose of the
ceremonies. Masons deliberately skirt religious issues while religion and salvation are the heart of the Mormon
endowment. Lastly, the Masonic elements in the Mormon endowment were much more pronounced at its
inception, and many have been deleted as the ceremony has undergone periodic revisions.
http://www.geocities.com/masonicmoroni/Articles.htm
http://www.mindspring.com/~engineer_my_dna/mormon/masendow.htm
LDS ENDOWMENT AND MASONIC INITIATION
This article will quote transcripts from both the LDS endowment ceremony and the Masonic initiation. The
transcript for the 1931 LDS endowment ceremony was obtained from the internet at Dave’s Controversial
Religion Web Site, http://www.inlink.com/~rife/religion.html Also, a very detailed description of the endowment
ceremony, including drawings of the temple garments, can be found at the Mormon Temple Endowment
Homepage http://members.aol.com/VeilWorker/endowment.index.html
The description of the Masonic initiation and the figures were taken from “Illustrations of Masonry by One of the
Fraternity”, by Captain William Morgan, Batavia, New York, 1827. This expose on Masonry can be obtained
from Utah Lighthouse Ministry, P.O. Box 1884, Salt Lake City, Utah, 84110, (801) 485-8894 for around five
dollars. Also, extracts from the “Monitor of Free-Masonry”, by Jabez Richardson, Chicago;(n.d). illustrates some
of the higher degrees not mentioned in Morgan’s book. The statements for Richardson’s book were taken
directly from Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s book “The Evolution of the Mormon Temple Ceremony: 1842-1990”
and will be identified with astericks “***”. Although I present the “higher” degrees along with the degrees
described from William Morgan’s book, please note that they are from two different Masonic rituals. You can
contact the Utah Lighthouse Ministry on the internet by e-mailing [email protected] or visiting their web page at
http://members.aol.com/lshamgar/ulm/home.html
If you do not choose to know about these two ceremonies or think that you may be offended by reading them
DO NOT READ ON! If you are a Mormon who has not been through the LDS temple some of the temple rites
are disclosed, likewise for Masons. This article was not meant to offend the reader, only to educate them on the
similarities between the two ceremonies. In keeping with this purpose, I have purposefully only included areas of
where there are similarities between the two rites. My inclusion of some similarities does not exclude others.
Also, note that the similarities were reduced after the 1990 Temple Ceremony revisions. Mormons that only
participated in post 1990 ceremonies may not recognize the five points of fellowship and penalty signs.
SIMILARITIES
MASONIC PREPARATION ROOM
“He is ushered into the “preparation room” where he meets the Junior Deacon and Stewards who divest him of
all his clothing except his shirt. He is then handed an old pair of drawers which he puts on; …”
MORMON DRESSING ROOM
“The candidate, being directed to these washing and dressing rooms and having divested himself of all his
clothing, awaits his time in bath with his special inner garments over his shoulder.”
MASONIC COMPASS
“The candidate then enters, the Senior Deacon at the same time pressing his naked left breast with the point of
the compass,…”
MORMON COMPASS
“… on the garments — the compass on the left [breast]…”
MASONIC SQUARE
“As he enters, the angle of the square is pressed hard against his naked right breast,…”
MORMON SQUARE
“…the square on the right side [of the garment]…”
MASONS WASHING CEREMONY
“Master orders the basin of the perfumed water and a clean napkin to be brought to him, and directs candidate
to wash his hands, which he does…Master takes a box of perfumed ointment and annoints candidate on his
head, eyes, mouth, heart, the tip of his right ear, hand, foot, and says — You are now, my dear brother, received
a member of our society;…” ***
MORMON WASHING CEREMONY
“As the candidate is washed, the official hurries through the lustration ritual …. the candidate is passed on to
another attendent and is anointed with oil. The oil is very definitely applied to various organs of his body.”
MASONS PRESENTING NEW NAME TO CANDIDATE
“I also present you with a new name; it is CAUTION”
MORMON TEMPLE WORKER PRESENTS NEW NAME TO CANDIDATE
“With these garments I give you a new name which is never to be divulged to anyone … The name I shall give
you is ________.”
MAN REPRESENTING ADAM IN MASONIC CEREMONY
“Thrice Puissant Grand Master, representing Father Adam, is stationed in the east.” *** (This occurs in the
Knight of the Sun Degree.)
MAN REPRESENTING ADAM IN MORMON CEREMONY
“Elohim — (Turning to the audience) — ‘This man who is now being operated upon is Michael who helped form
the world. When he awakes … he will be known as Adam”
MAN REPRESENTING DEITY IN MASONIC CEREMONY
“One of the members now personates the Deity, behind the bush, and calls out Moses! Moses!” *** (This
occurs in the Royal Arch Degree.)
MAN REPRESENTING GOD IN MORMON CEREMONY
“When all is quiet, a man dressed in white flannels, representing Elohim, comes from behind the curtain…”
MASONS USE A MALLET
“…he gives a rap with the common gavel or mallet, …”
MORMONS USE A MALLET
“…one of the temple workers, … gives three raps with a mallet…”
MASONIC ENTERED APPRENTICE VS. FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
MASONIC PENALTY SIGN
“Made from the due-guard by dropping the left hand carelessly; at the same time raise the right arm and draw
the hand, still open, across the throat, thumb next [to] the throat, and drop the hand perpendicular by the side.”
MORMON PENALTY SIGN
“In executing the sign of the penalty, the right hand, palm downward, is drawn sharply across the throat, then
dropped from the square to the side”
MASONIC GRIP
“The right hands are joined together as in shaking hands and each sticks his thumb nail into the third joint or
upper end of the fore finger.”
MORMON GRIP
“The Grip — Hands clasped, pressing the knuckle of the index finger with the thumb”
MASONIC WORDING CONCERNING THE GRIP
“The Master and candidate holding each other by the grip, as before described, the Master says. ‘What is this?’
“Ans. ‘A grip.’
“A grip of what?’
“Ans. ‘The grip of an Entered Apprentice Mason.’
“‘Has it a name?’
“Ans. ‘It has.’
“Will you give it to me?’
“Ans. ‘I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it.’
MORMON WORDING CONCERNING THE GRIP
“Peter — ‘What is that?’
“Adam — ‘The first token of the Aaronic Priesthood.’
“Peter — ‘Has it a name?’
“Adam — ‘It has.’
“Peter — ‘Will you give it to me?’
“Adam — ‘I can not, for it is connected with my new name, but this is the sign.’
MASONIC OATH
“… binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots …”
MORMON OATH
“We and each of us, covenant and promise that we will not reveal any secrets of this… Should we do so, we
agree that our throats be cut from ear to ear and our tongues torn out by their roots.”
MASONIC FELLOW CRAFT VS. SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
MASONIC OATH
“…binding myself under no less penalty than to have my left breast torn open and my heart and vitals taken from
thence and thrown over my left shoulder.”
MORMON OATH
“We and each of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal the secrets of this … Should we do so, we
agree to have our breasts cut open and our hearts and vitals torn from our bodies “
MASONIC PENALTY SIGN
“The sign is given by drawing your right hand flat, with the palm of it next to your breast from the left to the right
side with some quickness, and dropping it down by your side”
MORMON PENALTY SIGN
“The Sign is made by placing the left arm on the square at the level of the shoulder, placing the right hand
across the chest with the thumb extended and the drawing it rapidly from the left to right and dropping it”
MASONIC GRIP
“Take each other’s hands as in ordinary hand-shaking and press the top of your thumb hard against the space
between the first and second knuckles of the right hand.”
MORMON GRIP
“The Grip is given by clasping the hand and pressing the thumb in the hollow between the first and second
knuckle of the hand.”
MASONIC NAME GIVEN
“Brother, I now present you with my right hand, in token of brotherly love and confidence, and with it the
pass-grip and word of a Fellow Craft Mason …. the name of it is Shibboleth.”
MORMON NAME GIVEN
“The Name is the given name of the candidate.”
MASONIC MASTER MASON VS. FIRST AND SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDECH
PRIESTHOOD
MASONIC SIGN
“The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicular, one each side of the head, the
elbows forming a square.”
MORMON SIGN
“The sign is made by bringing both hands to the square, palms to the front
MASONIC PENALTY SIGN
“The Penal Sign is given by putting the right hand to the left side of the bowels, the hand open, with the thumb
next to the belly, and letting it fall; this is done tolerably quick.”
MORMON PENALTY SIGN
“As the last words are spoken the hands are dropped till the thumbs are in the center of the stomach and drawn
swiftly across the stomach to the hips, and then dropped to the sides.”
MASONIC OATH
“binding myself under no less penalty than to have my body severed in two in the midst…”
MORMON OATH
“We and each one of us do covenant and promise that we will not reveal any of the secrets of this… Should we
do so, we agree that our bodies be cut asunder in the midst and all our bowels gush out.”
MASONIC GRIP
“Grasp each other’s right hands very firmly, the spaces between the thumb and first finger being in interlocked
and the tops of the fingers being pressed hard against each other’s wrist where it joins the hand, the fingers of
each being somewhat spread.”
MORMON GRIP (Slightly Different Method of Grip)
“The Grip is made by grasping the hand, the forefinger on center of the wrist and little fingers locked”
MASONIC GRAND HAILING SIGN AND DUE GUARD
“The sign is given by raising both hands and arms to the elbows, perpendicularly, one on each side of the head,
the elbows forming a square.”
“The due guard is made by holding both hands in front, palms down…”
MORMON PAY, LAY, ALE
“The sign is made by elevating both the arms above the head … the arms dropped to the square,… and then to
the sides.”
MASONIC APRON
“While the Wardens are examining the candidate, the Master returns to the east and gets an apron, and as he
returns to the candidate… The Master then says to the candidate, “Brother, I now have the honor to present you
with a lamb-skin or white apron…”
MORMON APRON
“Adam– (Turning to the audience)– ‘In your bundles brethren and sisters, you will each find an apron, you will
now put it on.”
MASONIC RAISING OF HIRAM ABIFF vs. MORMON VEIL
MASONIC FIVE-POINTS OF FELLOWSHIP AS HIRAM ABIFF’s DEAD BODY IS RAISED
“He (the candidate) is raised on what is called the five points of fellowship, which are foot to foot, knee to knee,
breast to breast, hand to back and mouth to ear.”
MORMON FIVE-POINTS OF FELLOWSHIP AT THE VEIL
“The five points of fellowship are given by putting the inside of the right foot to the inside of the Lord’s, the inside
of your knee to his, laying your breast close to his, your left hands on each other’s backs, and each one putting
his mouth to the other’s ear….”
MASTER MASON RAISING CANDIDATE
“The Master, in raising him, is assisted by some of the brethren, who take hold of the candidate by the arms
and shoulders; as soon as he is raised to his feet, they step back, and the Master whispers the word ###### in
his ear, and causes the candidate to repeat it, telling him that he must never give it in any manner other than that
in which he receives it. He is told that ###### signifies marrow in the bone. They then separate …”
MORMON PASSING THROUGH THE VEIL
At the five points of fellowship “… one putting his mouth to the other’s ear, in which position the Lord whispers:
Lord–‘This is the sign of the token: ‘Health to the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and sinews,
and power in the priesthood be upon me and my posterity through all generations of time and throughout all
eternity.”
When did Joseph Smith have intimate access to the Masonic Rites?
On March 15, 1842 Joseph Smith became a Mason in his general business office (History of the Church, vol. 4,
pg. 551)
When did Joseph Smith instruct the other LDS Church leaders regarding the endowment and communication of
key?
On May 4, 1842 Joseph Smith instructed the other LDS Church leaders on the principles and order of the
Priesthood, attending to the washings, anointing, endowments and communication of keys. (History of the
Church, vol. 5, pg. 2) This instruction took place only weeks after Joseph Smith became a Mason and in Joseph
Smith’s business office, the exact same place where he received the Masonic rites just weeks earlier. In
addition, Joseph Smith’s business office was the Masonic lodge room. Joseph Smith’s temple records even
indicate that he received his endowments on May 4, 1842 (Family Group Sheet-Father Temple Index Bureau).
In my opinion, the many similarities between the LDS endowment ceremony and the Masonic initiation could
NOT have occurred by chance. There are definitely more than slight resemblances as even Gilbert Scharffs
would not even concede to in his book “The Truth About the God Makers”.
Do the two ceremonies have significant similarities? I think so, but you should decide for yourself.
http://mormon-truth.net/temple.htm
http://www.geocities.com/swickersc/mormonmason.html
http://www.luciferlink.org/mcerem.htm
http://www.algonet.se/~daba/lds/endowmen.htm
http://www.mrm.org/articles/masonic-influence.html
