Duncan's Masonic Ritual and Monitor - Rose Croix

Warden takes from his desk a small wooden column, about eighteen inches in length, and
sets it in an upright position at his right hand, and at the same time he gives three raps
(• • •) with the gavel, and says:
J. W.--Brethren, you are accordingly at refreshment.
It should be remarked here, that there is a similar column on the Senior Warden's desk,
which is always placed in a horizontal position (i.e., turned down on its side) when the
Junior Warden's column is up, and vice versâ. When the Lodge is opened, the Junior
Warden's column is turned down, and the Senior Warden's turned up, at his right hand.
The brethren are now allowed a few minutes for recreation, styled by Masons
refreshment; during which time the candidate is being prepared in the ante-room, and the
Lodge made ready for the remaining portion of the ceremony of initiation.
This latter is accomplished as follows: a canvas, seven feet long and about six feet wide,
with five or six strong loops on each side, is produced from a closet or chest in the room;
and a buckskin bag, stuffed with hair, about the size of two boxing-gloves, is taken from
the same receptacle. These implements are both used as will be described hereafter.
The room is cleared by removing the altar and lights, and the two large pillars used in the
Second Degree. By this time the candidate is dressed, his apron is tied on as a Master
Mason,
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with the right-hand corner tucked up, and he wears a yoke with a Senior Warden's jewel
attached to it. In some Lodges, the brethren on this occasion attire the candidate with a
very rich apron and yoke.
When the candidate is fully dressed, the door is unceremoniously thrown open, and he, in
company with others, is permitted to enter the Lodge. His friends now approach him, and
congratulate him upon his Masonic appearance, asking him how he likes the degree, and
if he is not glad he is through, &c., &c.
The object of this is to mislead the candidate, and to impress upon his mind the idea that
there is no more of the ceremony, and that his initiation is completed.
Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (•).
J. W.--Brethren, you are now called from refreshment to labor again. (Gives one rap (•),
steps to his desk, and turns the small column down on its side, as already explained.)
At the same time the Senior Warden steps to his stand, and turns up the column on his
desk at his right. The brethren then all take their seats, and the candidate with them.