The First and Last: The Initiation Declarations and the Charge

In Freemasonry, the journey of a candidate is framed by two significant moments that help shape their path: the Initiation Declarations and the Charge. Each moment plays a vital role in guiding the candidate from entry into the Fraternity to the responsibilities they take on as a full-fledged Mason. While the Initiation Declarations ensure that the candidate is genuinely prepared to join, the Charge delivered after initiation serves as a reminder of the long-term duties and the moral principles that will guide the candidate in their new life as a Mason.

The Initiation Declarations are a key part of the candidate’s journey before initiation, acting as a safeguard to ensure that they are truly ready and committed to the Masonic journey. The candidate must affirm that their decision to join Freemasonry is not influenced by external pressures but rather by a genuine desire for knowledge and a wish to serve others. The Declarations also emphasize the candidate’s readiness to adhere to the ancient customs and practices of the Fraternity, marking the beginning of their commitment to the values of Freemasonry. Importantly, these declarations confirm that the candidate is prepared to enter the Craft with a pure heart, free from mercenary motives, and with a sincere wish to learn and grow in the Masonic teachings.

Once initiated, the candidate is presented with the Charge, a powerful message outlining the duties and responsibilities they are now expected to uphold. The Charge serves as a reminder of the Fraternity’s ancient and honorable nature, describing Freemasonry as an institution that has always been dedicated to promoting moral and intellectual excellence. At the core of the Charge is the emphasis on the Volume of the Sacred Law, which is presented as the ultimate source of truth and justice, guiding the Mason’s actions in accordance with divine precepts. The Charge instructs the new Mason in their duties to God, their neighbor, and themselves, encouraging a life marked by reverence, justice, and self-discipline. It also stresses the importance of civic responsibility, urging Masons to be exemplary citizens who contribute to the peace and order of society. Furthermore, the Charge highlights the importance of Masonic virtues such as temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, and encourages the new member to live by the guiding principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.

Although both the Initiation Declarations and the Charge emphasize honor and integrity, they serve different purposes. The Declarations focus on ensuring that the candidate’s motivations for joining are sincere, and that they are truly ready to begin their journey as a Mason. In contrast, the Charge shifts the focus to the long-term responsibilities that come with being a Mason. It calls on the new member to live up to the moral ideals of Freemasonry, to continuously seek knowledge, and to contribute to the betterment of society and the Fraternity. Together, the Declarations and the Charge provide a balanced framework for the Masonic journey—one that begins with a sincere commitment and continues with the constant pursuit of self-improvement and service to others.

The Initiation Declarations and the Charge form two bookends of the Masonic journey, with the Declarations marking the beginning and the Charge pointing to the lifelong responsibilities that lie ahead. The Declarations act as a precautionary measure, ensuring that the candidate is genuinely prepared to join the Craft, while the Charge serves as a guide to living out the moral and ethical principles of Freemasonry. Both moments are essential in shaping the Masonic path, reinforcing the values of integrity, service, and continual learning that define the Fraternity. Together, they help the new Mason build a foundation for a lifelong journey of self-improvement and contribution to the greater good.