The Temple Ceremonies Mormoni
THE TEMPLE CEREMONIES
Throughout the following account of the Temple ceremonies certain explanatory notes have been added to help you understand the flow of events. The temple ceremonies are set forth with no editorial commentary on our part, for we feel that the words spoken and doctrines revealed truly “Speak for themselves,” and demonstrate that Mormonism is not in any way Christian.
The rituals, called “ordinances” or “temple work”, which are performed inside the temple are of two classes, work for the living and work for the dead.
Please refer to the introduction for an explanation of these. Over 95% of the temple rituals are performed for the dead by a patron acting as proxy for the dead person.
PRE-INITIATORY RITUAL
The first ceremony for the dead in the Temple is that of Baptism. This is performed in the beautiful baptismal font mounted on the backs of 12 full sized oxen, located in the Temple basement. The officiator and the patron are dressed in heavy white jump-suits. There are two or more witnesses observing the procedure. Usually a closed circuit T.V. is used to project the names of the deceased persons on a large T.V. screen. Typically 200-300 baptisms are performed per hour. The baptismal pronouncement is recited in full for each baptism, and the patron is completely immersed.
BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD
“Brother (or Sister) ________, having authority, I baptize you, for and in behalf of________, who is dead, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen.”
Next comes the Confirmation for the Dead. This is usually performed at or near the baptismal font, by the same persons who performed the baptism ritual.
CONFIRMATION FOR THE DEAD
“Brother (or Sister) ________, in the name of Jesus Christ, we lay our hands upon your head for and in behalf of ________, who is dead, and confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and say unto you: Receive the Holy Ghost. Amen.”
After the Baptism and Confirmation for the Dead are done, the person who is doing work for the dead is ready to be washed with water, anointed with oil and clothed in the garment of the Holy Priesthood. This is the beginning of the Endowment Ceremony.
The ordination of the dead males to the Mormon “Holy Melchizedek Priesthood” is usually (but not always) performed in the same area of the Temple by the same proxy. Other temple workers perform this ordinance following the baptism and confirmation. Two workers lay their hands upon the patron’s head and one of them pronounces the ordination.
ORDINATION FOR THE DEAD
“Brother ________, having authority we lay our hands upon your head and confer upon you the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordain you an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for and in behalf of ________, who is dead, and seal upon you every grace, gift and authority appertaining to his office in the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, for and in his behalf, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
INITIATORY ORDINANCE
Following the pre-initiatory ordinances of baptism and confirmation and ordination, other proxies will perform the next group of rituals for these deceased parsons. These are called the “initiatory ordinances” or rituals and are performed on the main floor level of the Temple, adjacent to the men’s and women’s locker rooms. These include washing with water, anointing with oil, and clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood.
PREPARATION FOR PARTICIPATION
As patrons enter the Temple, they present their “Temple Recommend” to a doorkeeper immediately inside. They then proceed to a room with two typists at counters, one for men and the other for women. Each patron presents his recommend to the typist, she types his name, then tears off a strip of the page approximately 1/2 inch wide by 2 1/2 inches long. This contains the name and birthdate of the deceased person, and the proxy’s name. The patrons proceed to a room where Temple clothing may be rented. Many patrons do not own their own Temple clothing but prefer to rent it as a nominal charge. Each Temple has a large and busy laundry and sewing facility to provide this service. The patrons separate at this point to the men’s and women’s locker rooms, where each patron is assigned a locker.
The typical locker rooms are identical for men and women with one exception, the bride’s rooms. The locker rooms are composed of rows of dressing booths with chest high partitions. The booth contains three tall lockers with locks and keys. There is a space on top of the lockers for suitcases in which most patrons carry their own white temple clothing. Most patrons will remove their street clothing and place it in the locker, leave their temple garment on, and put on the white temple clothing – white dress, slip, stockings and slippers, or white pants shirt, tie, belt, socks and slippers which they either bought or rented.
They will then lock their locker and proceed to receive the “New Name” in a special booth, and then go to the theatre like endowment room to receive the Endowment. These patrons who are receiving the Washing, Anointing, and Clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood, either for themselves or for a dead person for whom they are proxy, will proceed as follows
WASHING AND ANOINTING ROOM FOR MEN
The patron prepares for these rituals, called the initiatory ordinances, by removing all clothing and placing it in the locker. The patron puts on a devise called a shield. This strip of white sheeting approximately three feet wide by 8 feet long with a head sized whole in the center. It hangs open at the sides and covers the body front and back. The patron then proceeds to the washing and anointing room, taking with him his temple garment, name slip and locker key. Usually he joins a group of similarly attired patrons on a bench waiting their turn to enter. As each patron enters, the temple worker takes the garment from the patron and the patron enters the first section of the room to be washed with water.
The temple worker wets his right hand in running water and proceeds to ceremonially wash the patron’s body. As he recites the words of the ceremony, the temple worker lightly touches each part of the patron’s body mentioned with his fingers or hand.
WASHING – OF MEN
“Brother ________, having authority, I wash you preparatory to your receiving your anointings (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), that you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation. I wash your head, that your brain and your intellect may be clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the Lord; your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth and error; your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may never speak guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly; your shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed thereon; your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the spine; your breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous principles; your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and strong and perform their proper functions; your arms and hands, that they may be strong and wield the sword of justice in defense of truth and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.”
The washing is then sealed by two temple workers placing their hands upon the patron’s head. One of them pronounces the
CONFIRMATION OF WASHING – OF MEN
“Brother ________, having authority, we lay our hands upon your
head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and seal upon you this washing, that you may become clean from the blood and sins of this generation through your faithfulness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Next, the patron enters the second part of the room where he is seated upon a sort of a tile covered throne chair. Another temple worker pours some drops of oil from a large horn into his hand and proceeds to anoint the patron’s body, by dipping his fingers in the oil and touching each part in turn.
ANOINTING – OF MEN
“Brother ________, having authority, I pour this holy anointing oil upon your head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and anoint you preparatory to your becoming a King and a Priest unto the Most High God, hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever. I anoint your head, that your brain and your intellect may be clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the Lord; your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth and error; your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may never speak guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly; your shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed thereon; your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the spine; your breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous principles; your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and strong and perform their proper functions; your arms and hands, that they may be strong and wield the sword of justice in defense of truth and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be weary, and walk and not faint.”
The anointing is then sealed by two of the temple workers laying their hands upon the patron’s head and one of them pronouncing the sealing.
CONFIRMATION OF ANOINTING – OF MEN
“Brother ________, having authority we lay hands upon your head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and confirm upon you this anointing, wherewith you have been anointed in the Temple of our God preparatory to becoming a king and a priest unto the Most High God hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever; and seal upon you all the blessings hereunto appertaining, through your faithfulness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
The patron now enters the third section of the room to be clothed in the garment that he brought with him to the washing and anointing room. A temple worker holds the garment open for the patron, who is still wearing the shield, to step into. He then helps the patron pull the garment up and put his arms in as the worker is giving instructions and “New Name”. RECEIVING THE “GARMENT OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD” AND THE “NEW NAME” “Brother ________, having authority, I place this garment upon
you (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), which you must wear throughout your life. It represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the Garden of Eden, and is called the Garment of the Holy Priesthood. Inasmuch as you do not defile it, but are true and faithful to your covenants, it will be a shield and a protection to you against the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work here on earth. With this garment I give you a new name, which you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never reveal except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter. The name is ‘________’.”
Each of the men and each of the women participating in the Endowment (on a particular day) receive the same “New Name”.. The “New Name” is usually Biblical, such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, etc. or Martha, Mary, or Naomi. An alternate New Name is provided to those patrons who are representing a dead person whose first name sounds like the New Name in use.
The patron then goes back to his locker, removes his shield, and puts on his white clothing, which he either rented or brought with him. This includes white shirt, trousers, belt, socks, tie and moccasins. This is put over the garment. He then carries in his hand the Temple Clothing which he will put on later in the ceremony.
The women patrons have been going through similar rituals in their identical area of the Temple. Over the Temple garment they now dress in white slip, long dress, hose and moccasins.
Today it is common practice for the Washing, Anointing and Clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood to be performed separately from the Endowment by other proxies. Those who come to the Temple to perform only the Endowment dress in their white Temple clothing and pass through a special booth where they receive the “New Name” on their way to the Endowment rooms. The name slip containing the name of the dead person is green or gold for these persons.
The patrons will usually pass through a beautiful foyer and climb an impressive flight of stairs to reach the Endowment room where they will be segregated by a temple worker, women to the left and men to the right (entering always from the rear) and be seated on richly upholstered theatre type seats. In the older Temples, patrons often still move from room to room through the various stages of presentation of the Endowment. In modern Temples, patrons remain in one room throughout the first one and one half hours of the Endowment, which is presented in motion picture form except for the secret tokens, names, signs, penalties, prayer circle and veil explanation portion, which are on a tape recording. The Officiator, who is “in charge” of the presentation pantomimes much of the taped portion, and rarely speaks.
CREATION ROOM
LECTURER #1: (tape recording) “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 for your own Endowments and those who have yellow or white family name slips should have been washed, anointed, and clothed in the garment of the Holy Priesthood. The brethren with the yellow name slips should also have been ordained. The ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the garment of the Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining on behalf of deceased brethren, were performed previously by other proxies for those whose names are on the green or gold nameslips.”
“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. 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.”
LECTURER #2: “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 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 when he was 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 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 Endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom. 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 your own free will and choice, you may now make it known by raising your hand.” (PAUSE)
“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 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.” (PAUSE)
Here begins a motion picture presentation which constitutes the major portion of the Endowment. Originally it was done on stage with live actors, but most all Temples are now using the filmed versions of the Endowment ceremony. During the creation sequence a series of scenes and animation or still art work are shown portraying the creation activities. Only the voices of the characters are heard.
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 heretofore 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 the matter unorganized. We will organize it into a world like unto the 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 of the First Day, Jehovah.”
JEHOVAH: “Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded and have organized a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore formed and we have called our 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 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 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 of the Second Day, Jehovah.”
JEHOVAH: “Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have gathered the waters together and have caused the dry land 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 you have formed. Divide the light from the darkness. Call the light day and the darkness night. Cause the lights in 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, to give light to the earth, the same as with the worlds we have heretofore formed. When you have done this, call your labors the Third Day, and return and report.”
JEHOVAH: “It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down.”
MICHAEL: “We will go down, Jehovah.”
JEHOVAH: “Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness. We will call the light day, and the darkness night. We will cause the lights in the firmaments to appear, the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. We will cause the stars also to appear, to give light to the earth, the same as with the worlds we have heretofore formed. 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: “We have been down as thou hast commanded, and divided the light from the darkness. The light we have called day, and the darkness we have called night. We have caused the firmament to appear. We have set the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. We have caused the stars to appear to give light to the earth, and have called our labors the Third Day.”
ELOHIM: “It is well.”
FOURTH DAY
ELOHIM: “Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth you have formed. Plant seeds of all kinds in the earth … ”
NOTE: Elohim continues the instructions for filling the earth with vegetation, various forms of flora are specified. Jehovah and Michael accept the instructions and the process is repeated as in the first three days, with the instructions being put into action upon the earth. Jehovah and Michael return and repeat the same instructions in the form of a report, which Elohim accepts with, “It is well”.
FIFTH DAY
ELOHIM: “Jehovah, Michael, go down again to the earth you have formed, and place beasts and all forms of animal life thereon: the Elephant, the Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse, Cattle in the fields and other kinds of animals; fouls 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 fouls, 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 fulfill the measure of its creation and have joy therein. Call your labors the Fifth Day, and return 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 there on, we will place beasts upon the land: the Elephant, the Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse, and all other kinds of animals; fouls 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 fouls, 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: “We will return and report our labors of the Fifth Day, Jehovah.”
(Jehovah and Michael then return and repeat the dialogue again to Elohim in the form of a report.)
ELOHIM: “It is well.”
SIXTH DAY
ELOHIM: “Jehovah, is man found upon the earth?”
JEHOVAH: “No, man is not found upon 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, and let us give him 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 a garden, eastward in Eden, and place him in it to tend and cultivate it, that he may be happy and have joy therein. We will command him to multiply and replenish the earth, that he may have joy in his posterity. We will place before him the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and we will allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom we have thrust out, to tempt him and to try him, that he may know by his own experience the good from the evil. If he yields to temptation, we will give unto him the Law of Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for him, 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 exaltation. 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.”
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.”
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.”
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 a helpmeet for him.”
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 become like a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if you were asleep.”
ELOHIM: “Adam, awake and arise.”
NARRATOR: “All the brethren will please arise.” (Men all stand up.)
ELOHIM: “Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give unto you to be a companion and an helpmeet for you. What will you call her?”
ADAM: “Eve.”
(Elohim and Jehovah are shown suspended in air against the garden backdrop, as identical, brilliant, white, radiant personages with long white beards, white hair, and long white robes. Adam and Eve are shown shoulders and up behind garden foliage.)
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 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 into the Garden which we have prepared for him.”
JEHOVAH: “It shall be done, Elohim.”
NARRATOR: “We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The Brethren will please be seated.”
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
ELOHIM: “Adam, 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 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 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.”
LUCIFER: (Wearing crimson velvet flowing robe with tunic and apron underneath.) “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 tree.” (Walks to Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and picks 2 ripe fruit, usually having a appearance of an apple, then walks over to Adam and holds fruit out to him.) “Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It will make you wise.”
ADAM: “I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the day that 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 ?” (Looks at Eve and expresses a wise grin.) “Well, we shall see.” (Walks over to where Eve is admiring the flowers.) “Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree.” (Holds fruit out to Eve.) “It will make you wise. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.”
EVE: (surprised) “Who are you?”
LUCIFER: (tenderly) “I am your brother.”
EVE: (inquisitively) “You, my brother, and have come here to persuade me to disobey Father?”
LUCIFER: (expounding LDS doctrine) “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: (plaintively) “Is there no other way?”
LUCIFER: (confidently) “There is no other way.”
EVE: (resignedly) “Then I will partake.”
LUCIFER: (Expresses a smug, wise grin.) “There, now go and get Adam to partake.” (Places another fruit in Eve’s hand, closes it, and pats her hand.)
EVE: (Walks over to where Adam is – Sweetly and persuasively) “Adam, here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to the taste and very desirable.”
ADAM: (surprised) “Eve, do you know what fruit that is?”
EVE: “Yes, it is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.”
ADAM: “I can not partake of it. Do you not know that Father commanded us not to partake of the fruit of that tree?”
EVE: (searchingly) “Do you intend to obey all of Father’s commandments?”
ADAM: (resolutely) “Yes, all of them.”
EVE: (pathetically) “Do you not recollect 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: (resignedly) “Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake that man may be.”
LUCIFER: (Walks into the scene.) “That is right.”
EVE: (philosophically) “It is better for us to pass through sorrow that we may know the good from the evil.” (Eve turns to Lucifer – contemptuously.) “I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast out of Father’s presence for rebellion.”
LUCIFER: (wisely) “Yes, you are beginning to see already.”
ADAM: (inquisitively) “What is that apron you have on?”
LUCIFER: (arrogantly) “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?”
ELOHIM: (voices from a distance) “Jehovah, we promised Adam that we would visit him and give him further instructions. Come, let us go down.”
JEHOVAH: “We will go down, Elohim.”
ADAM: (excitedly) “I hear their voices, they are coming.”
LUCIFER: (excitedly and slyly) “See, you are naked. Take some fig leaves and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick! Hide!”
(Note how often Lucifer voices instructions and teaches doctrine.)
ADAM: (alarmed) “Come, let us hide.”
NARRATOR: “Brethren and Sisters, put on your aprons.” (The movie stops while the patrons in the audience remove the green fig-leaf apron from their package of Temple clothing and tie it around their waist.)
ELOHIM: “Adam, Adam! Where art thou?”
ADAM: (cowering) “I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was naked.”
ELOHIM: (searchingly) “Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou partaken of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, of which we commanded thee not to partake?”
ADAM: (ashamedly) “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: (sternly) “Eve, what is this thou hast done?”
EVE: (ashamedly) “The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.”
ELOHIM: (angrily) “Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?”
LUCIFER: (arrogantly) “I have been doing that which has been done in other worlds.”
ELOHIM: “What is that?”
LUCIFER: (arrogantly) “I have been giving some of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to them.”
ELOHIM: (judgmentally) “Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou shalt be cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life.”
LUCIFER: (defiantly) “If thou curseth 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 heel, but he shall have power to crush thy head.”
LUCIFER: (vehemently) “Then with that enmity I will take the treasures of the earth, and with gold and silver I will buy up armies and navies, Popes and Priests, and reign with blood and horror on this earth.”
ELOHIM: (authoritatively) “Depart!”
ELOHIM: (turning to Jehovah) “Jehovah, let cherubim and 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.”
JEHOVAH: “It shall be done, Elohim.” (Turns away and gives command.” “Let cherubim an 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.” (Turns back to Elohim.) “It is done, Elohim.”
ELOHIM: (judgmentally) “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. 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.”
THE LAW OF OBEDIENCE
ELOHIM: (condescendingly) “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 law in the Lord, and will harken unto your council as you harken 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: (humbly) “Adam, I now covenant to obey your law as you obey our Father.”
ADAM: (humbly) “Elohim, I now covenant with you that from this time forth I will obey your law and keep your 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.”
NARRATOR: “Brethren and Sisters, the garment 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” seated front row center aisle come forward and kneel at the altar facing forward.)
(It is considered a very special experience to be selected to be the “witness couple”. As they represent all the patrons at the altar, the Endowment takes on a very ‘realistic’ atmosphere for his couple as they move back and forth to the altar to receive the tokens and actually take part in the ceremony. Dolly and I were selected twice in approximately 150 Endowment ceremonies in nine years, and I remember the experience clearly.)
NARRATOR: “Brethren and Sisters, this couple at the altar represent 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 under covenant to obey the law of their husbands. Sisters, arise.” (sisters all stand up) “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 husband, and abide by his council in righteousness. Each of you bow your head and say yes.”
SISTERS: “Yes.”
ELOHIM: “That will do.” (sisters sit down) “Brethren, arise.” (brethren all stand up) “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 obey the law of God and keep His commandments. Each of you bow your head and say yes.”
BRETHREN: “Yes.”
ELOHIM: “That will do.” (brethren all sit down)
LAW OF SACRIFICE
ELOHIM: “You are now about to be put under covenant to obey and keep the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and the New Testament. This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden, who, when he was driven out of the Garden, built an altar on which he offered sacrifices. And after many days, an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam saying: ‘Why dost thou offer sacrifice 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, who is full of grace and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest 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 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.” (The Mormon Church is the Kingdom of God.)
NARRATOR: “All arise.” (patrons all stand up) “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 observe and keep the law of sacrifice as contained in the Old and the New Testaments, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say yes.”
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their head) “Yes.”
ELOHIM: “That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
ELOHIM: “We now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name, 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, sign and penalty, as well as that of all the other Tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names, 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 under no condition, even at the peril of your life, will you ever divulge them, except at a certain place 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 takes the Brother kneeling at the altar by the right hand and demonstrates the token to the audience.)
“We give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We desire all to receive it…. All arise.” (The patrons all stand in place. The witness couple return to their seats. Several temple workers circulate through the rows of patrons giving each one the token. The patrons sit down after each receives it.)
“If any of you did not receive this token you will please raise your hands.”
“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.” (pause) “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 demonstrates the sign to the audience.) “This is the sign.”
(The Officiator continues to demonstrate the instructions. If a patron stands up, indicating he has forgotten the New Name, he is taken by a Temple Worker to the rear of the room where the New Name is whispered in his ear. He then returns to his seat, and the ceremony then resumes. This gives the false impression that there is more than one New Name in use. Many patrons have attended the Temple for years before they realized that everyone has the same New Name.)
(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.)
NARRATOR: “I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, 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.” (He makes the sign, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.)
“I, John, covenant that I will never reveal the first token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (pause, places right thumb under left ear) my life .. (pause, draws thumb quickly across throat to right ear) to be taken.” (drops hands to side)
NARRATOR: “All arise.” (patrons all stand up) “Each of you make the sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing your right arm to the squares, the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended.” (patrons all make the sign) “This is the sign.”
“Now, repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.”
“I, (think of the New Name), covenant that I will never reveal the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (patrons all place right thumb under left ear as described above) my life .. (patrons all draw thumb across their throat to the right ear) to be taken.” (patrons all drop the hand to their side)
NARRATOR: “That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
(If any of the brethren or sisters make a mistake in the execution of the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all of the patrons together as instructed.)
NARRATOR: “It is necessary to repeat the sign of the execution of the penalty. The sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood 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. This is the sign.” (patrons all make sign) “It is not necessary to repeat again the words of the covenant in representing the execution of the penalty, but let the name of the token pass through your mind. Now represent the execution of the penalty.” (patrons all execute the penalty)
NARRATOR: “That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
ELOHIM: “Jehovah, see that Adam is driven out of this beautiful garden into the lone and dreary world, where he may learn from his own experience to distinguish good from evil.”
JEHOVAH: “It shall be done, Elohim.”
THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD
NARRATOR: “We will now go with Adam and Eve to the lone and dreary world. Brethren and Sisters, this represents the Telestial Kingdom, or the world in which we now live. Adam, upon finding himself in the lone and dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he uttered:”
ADAM: (hands raised up and looking toward heaven) ” Oh God, hear the words of my mouth! Oh God, hear the words of my mouth! Oh God, hear the words of my mouth!”
LUCIFER: (arrogant voice from off scene) “I hear you.” (Camera pans left to show towering, arrogant, colorful Lucifer poised near Adam, Lucifer walks over to Adam.) “What is it you want?”
ADAM: (surprised) “Who are you?”
LUCIFER: (arrogantly) “I am the God of this world.”
ADAM: (unsure, questioning) “You, the God of this world?”
LUCIFER: “Yes, what do you want?”
ADAM: “I am looking for messengers.”
LUCIFER: (expresses a smug, wise grin) “Oh, you want someone to preach to you. You want religion do you. I will have preachers here presently.” (Lucifer turns and looks left. Camera pans to approaching figure dressed in dark blue ministerial robe and priest’s collar until he walks up to Lucifer.) “Good Morning Sir.”
PREACHER: (wisely) “Good morning!” (looking into the audience) “A fine congregation.”
LUCIFER: “Yes, they are very good people. They are concerned about religion. Are you a preacher?”
PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) “I am.”
LUCIFER: (searchingly) “Have you been to college and received training for the ministry?”
PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) “Certainly! A man cannot preach unless he has been trained for the ministry!”
LUCIFER: “Do you preach the orthodox religion?”
PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) “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.”
PREACHER: “I will do my best.”
LUCIFER: (looks and gestures toward Adam and Eve) “Here is a man who desires religion. He is very much exercised, and seems to be sincere.” (Lucifer steps back as Preacher approaches Adam and Eve.)
PREACHER: (authoritatively) “I understand you are inquiring after religion.”
ADAM: (sincerely) “I was calling upon Father.”
PREACHER: (dramatically, with gestures) “I am glad to know that you were calling upon Father. Do you believe in a God who is without body, parts and 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 by any act of theirs, but by His good pleasure. Do you believe in this great Being?”
ADAM: (emphatically) “I do not. I cannot comprehend such a Being.”
PREACHER: (wistfully) “That is the beauty of it.” (reproachfully) “Perhaps you do not believe in the 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 are never consumed?”
ADAM: (emphatically) “I do not believe in any such place.”
PREACHER: (reproachfully) “My dear friend, I am sorry for you.”
LUCIFER: (disgustedly) “I am sorry! Very, very sorry!” (searchingly) “What is it you want?”
ADAM: (sincerely) “I am looking for messengers from my Father.”
ELOHIM: (Scene fades to ethereal view of magnificent, huge throne set – with semi-circle of towering Grecian columns, broad steps, Celestial splendor. Elohim majestically towering above Jehovah, both appearing as in Garden scene.) “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: (reverently and submissively) “It shall be done, Elohim.” (Jehovah turns and walk from the presence of Elohim to the edge of the great columned set. T here Peter, James and John reverently enter amid rolling clouds [stage smoke] in an ethereal view. Peter, James and John are wearing long, full, shepherd type robes with colorful sashes.)
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: (reverently and submissively) “It shall be done, Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.”
JAMES: (reverently and submissively) “We will go down.”
JOHN: (reverently and submissively) “We will go down.”
(All turn and exit scene in single file, Peter leading. Scene fades back to Lone and Dreary World. Peter, James and John file into scene, Peter leading, approaches Lucifer, who turns toward him.
PETER: “Good morning.”
LUCIFER: “Good morning.”
PETER: (intently) “What are you doing here?”
LUCIFER: “Teaching religion.”
PETER: (searchingly) “What religion do you teach?”
LUCIFER: (proudly with emphasis) “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 this man. He does not seem to believe anything we preach.” (Peter, James & John turn from Lucifer and walk over to Adam and Eve.)
PETER: (intently) “Good morning. What do you think of the preaching of these gentlemen?”
ADAM: (intently) “I cannot comprehend it.”
PETER: (searchingly) “Can you give us some idea concerning it?”
ADAM: (expresses wonderment) “They preach of a God who is without body, parts or passions, who is so large he fills the universe and yet so small that he can dwell in my heart, and of a hell without a bottom where the wicked are continually burning but are never consumed. To me it is a mass of confusion.”
PETER: (sympathetically) “We do not wonder that you cannot comprehend such doctrine. Have you any tokens or signs?” (Lucifer enters the scene and interrupts the conversation.)
LUCIFER: (dramatically, with gestures) “Do you have any money?”
PETER: “We have sufficient for our needs.”
LUCIFER: (dramatically, with gestures) “You can buy anything in this world for money.”
PETER: (turns back to Adam, searchingly) “Do you sell your tokens or signs for money? You have them, I presume.”
ADAM: (sincerely) “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.” (Peter, James and John turn and exit, single file, Peter leading. They stop at the edge of the set.) “We shall probably visit you again.” (Peter, James and John exit set. Camera pans to Lucifer who approaches camera ominously and threateningly. Looks intently into the audience.)
LUCIFER: (vehemently) “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 afraid.”
PREACHER: (curiously) “Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?”
LUCIFER: (proudly) “No. However, there may be some who will profess revelation or apostleship. If so, just test them by asking them to 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 come with power.” (Scene fades to Elohim’s columned throne set. Peter, James and John enter single file, Peter leading, [amid stage smoke] and approach Jehovah who has been awaiting their return.)
PETER: “Jehovah, we have been to the man Adam in the Telestial World as thou didst command. We 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 to 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 ascends the set width stairs to approach Elohim, standing majestically at the top.) “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 his posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast Satan out of their midst. Instruct them to give unto Adam and his posterity the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and the Bible. Also a charge to avoid all light-mindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed, the taking of the name of the 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 his 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, sign and penalty. Then have them return and bring me word.”
JEHOVAH: “It shall be done, Elohim.” (Jehovah turns, descends stairs, 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 his 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. 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, sign and penalty. 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.”
(Peter, James and John turn and exit scene as before. Scene fades to Lone and Dreary World set. Everyone is idle as Peter, James and John file into set, and approach Lucifer as before.)
PETER: “I am Peter.”
JAMES: “I am James.”
JOHN: “I am John.”
LUCIFER: (reproachfully) “Yes, I thought I knew you.” (turns to preacher, who is listening – dramatically) “Do you know who these men are? They claim to be apostles. Try them!” (Lucifer backs away and Preacher steps up to Peter.)
PREACHER: (searchingly) “Do you profess to be apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ?”
PETER: (confidently) “We do.”
PREACHER: (with sophistication) “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 then restore it, so that the people might know that they came with power.”
PETER: (reproachfully) “We do not satisfy man’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!”
PREACHER: (surprised) “What! The Devil?”
PETER: “That is one of his names.”
PREACHER: (sincerely) “He is quite a different person from what he told me the Devil is. He said the Devil has claws like a bear on his hands, horns on his head, and a cloven hoof, and that when he speaks he has the roar of a lion!”
PETER: (confidently) “He has said this to deceive you, and I would advise you to get out of his employ.”
PREACHER: (doubtfully) “Your advice is good. But, if I leave his employ, what will become of me?”
PETER: (wisely) “We will preach the gospel unto you with the rest of Adam’s posterity.”
PREACHER: (with satisfaction) “That is good.” (turns to Lucifer who is watching nearby) “I would like to have a settlement. I want you to pay me for preaching.”
LUCIFER: (Proudly with emphasis) “I am ready to keep my word and fulfill my part of the agreement.” (reproachfully) “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.” (Preacher backs out of scene as Lucifer approaches Peter – arrogantly.) “Now, what are you going to do?”
PETER: (reproachfully) “We will dismiss you without further argument.”
LUCIFER: (dramatically, with gestures) “Ah! You have looked over my kingdom, and my greatness and glory. Now you want to take possession of the whole of it.” (Lucifer turns, approaches the camera, eyes on, ominously, speaks sinisterly – with vehemence [high drama]) “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: (voice from off camera – commandingly. Camera pans and zooms back to include Peter, James and John.) “Satan, we command you to depart.”
LUCIFER: (turns toward Peter, James and John – arrogantly) “By what authority?”
PETER: (Right arm to the square – judgmentally) “In the name of Jesus Christ, our Master.” (Satan very emotionally turns and departs scene, Peter turns and approaches Adam and Eve.) “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.”
ADAM: (searchingly) “How shall I know that you are true messengers?”
PETER: (confidently) “By our giving unto you the token and sign you received in the Garden of Eden.”
ADAM: (taking Peter by the right hand, but out of view) “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, but this is the sign .. (right arm elevated to the square) and this represents the execution of the penalty.” (thumb of right hand across throat)
ADAM: “Now I know that you are true messengers sent down from Father.” (turns to audience) “These are true messengers. I exhort you to give strict heed to their counsel and teachings, 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 motion picture presentation is concluded. The remainder of the presentation is from a tape recording.
THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL
PETER: “A couple will now come to the altar.” (The witness couple comes forward and kneels at the altar.) “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 that 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. To give unto you also a charge to avoid all light-mindedness, 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.” (patrons all stand up) “Each of you bring your right arm to the square.” (patrons all raise 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 the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow your head and say yes.”
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their heads) “Yes.”
PETER: “That will do.” (patrons all 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 the 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 on again as part of the Temple Clothing. You may now proceed to clothe.”
(The patrons all stand, and turn around to use their seat as a dressing table. They remove the green fig-leaf apron and the slippers from their feet, open their package of Temple clothing, and commence dressing by placing the long white robe on their left shoulder and tie it in at the waist on the right side. Next they put on the hat (6) (or veil for women) with the bow over the right ear, and then tie the string from the hat to the shoulder loop of the rope. Next they replace the green apron at the waist, and then tie the long six inch wide sash in a large bow at the right side of the waist. They then sit down and replace the slippers on their feet.)
(6) The hat looks like a baker’s hat without the wide band. It has a bow on one side and a string on the opposite side.
SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD
PETER: “A couple will now come to the altar.” (the witness couple comes forward and kneels at the altar) “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, 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. (Officiator takes brother at the altar in the grip and shows the audience)
“We desire all to receive it. All arise.” (The witness couple stand up and return to their seats. All patrons stand up in place and receive the token from one of the temple workers who circulate through the rows. Then they sit down.) “If any of you have not received this token, will you 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.”
PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the sign as the instructions are given) “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, the left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. 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 hand to the sides. I will now explain the covenant and obligation to secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourself.”
“If I were receiving my own Endowment today, and if my first given name were David, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making the sign, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.” (Officiator, still making the sign, demonstrates the execution of the penalty) “I, David, covenant that I will never reveal the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (pause, right hand to left breast) my life .. (pause, draws hand across chest to right breast) to be taken.” (drops hands to side)
“All arise.” (patrons all stand up) “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.” (patrons all make the sign)
“Now repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.”
“I, (think of the first given name), covenant that I will never reveal the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (patrons all place left hand on right breast) my life .. (patrons all draw left hand quickly across the body) to be taken.” (patrons all drop both hands to the sides) “That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
(If any one of the brethren or sisters makes a mistake in the execution of the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all patrons together, as before.)
(The tape resumes)
PETER: “Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and his 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. Also a charge to avoid all light-mindedness, 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, sign and penalty. This is our report.”
JEHOVAH: “It is well, Peter, James and John.” (Jehovah repeats the same report to Elohim – who is pleased – and gives Jehovah further instructions for Peter, James and John to return again to Adam in the Telestial World and to give unto Adam instructions to change his robe to the right shoulder preparatory to receiving the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood and to administer to Adam the Law of Chastity and introduce him into the Terrestial World. Jehovah then instructs Peter, James and John. They accept the instructions and depart)
PETER: “We are instructed to have you change your robe to the right shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, and to introduce you into the Terrestial World. You may now make the change by removing the robe.” (The room light level is increased to represent the change to the Terrestial World.)
(The patrons all stand, turn around to use their seat as a clothes stand, and proceed to remove the hat, sash, apron, robe and slippers. They put the robe on again, but on the right shoulder, then put all of the other items on reversed, with the bow of the hat on the right ear and the sash tied to the left side. They sit down an put on the slippers.) THE TERRESTIAL WORLD Law of Chastity
PETER: “A couple will now come to the altar.” (the witness couple come forward and kneel at the altar as before) “We are instructed to give unto you the Law of Chastity. This I will explain to you. To the sisters, it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse 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, please arise.” (sisters all 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 bow their heads) “Yes.”
PETER: “That will do.” (sisters all sit down) “Brethren, please arise.” (brethren all 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: (all bow their heads) “Yes.”
PETER: “That will do.” (brethren all sit down) FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD OR THE SIGN OF THE NAIL
PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the instructions before the audience as the tape plays) “We will now give unto you the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with its accompanying name, 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.” (The witness couple stand up and return to their seats as the patrons all stand and receive the token from one of the temple workers, then sit down.)
PETER: “If any of you have not received this token, please you will please raise your hand.” “The 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 cupped shape, the left arm forming a square, the right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close together, thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip.” (Officiator makes the sign facing the audience as before) “This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the side.” (Officiator demonstrates execution of the penalty)
“I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, 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.” (Officiator makes the sign, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty) “I 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, sign and penalty. Rather that do so, I would suffer my life .. (pause, draws right thumb across body) to be taken.” (drops hands to his sides)
“All arise.” (patrons all stand up) “Each of you make the sign of the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail 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 and the thumb extended and the thumb is placed over the left hip.” (patrons all make the sign) “This is the sign.”
“Now repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty.”
“I 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, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer my life .. (patrons all draw their right thumb quickly across their body) to be taken.” (patrons all drop both hands to their sides)
“That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
(If any of the brethren or sisters makes a mistake in the execution of the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all the patrons as with previous penalties.)
PETER: “We will return and report.”
“Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder and have introduced them into the Terrestial 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 Terrestial 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, 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 his posterity in the Terrestial 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 to 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 his 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 sign of the nail, with its accompanying sign. Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in all things to receive further instruction at the veil. Then report at the veil.”
PETER: “It shall be done Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go down.”
LAW OF CONSECRATION
PETER: “A couple will now come to the altar.” (the witness couple come forward and they kneel 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 (picks up Doctrine and Covenants from the altar) 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 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.”
“All Arise.” (patrons all stand up) “Each of you bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant before God, angels and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and keep the Law of Consecration as contained in this the book of Doctrine and Covenants. It is 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 heads and say yes.
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their heads) “Yes.”
PETER: “That will do.” (patrons all sit down) SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD The Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail
PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the token with the Brother at the altar) “We will now give you the second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying sign. This token is given by clasping the right hands interlocking the little finger, and placing the tip of the forefinger on the center of the wrist, in this manner.” (shows the audience the token) “We desire all to receive it. All arise.”
(The witness couple stand up and return to their seats as the patrons all stand and each one receives the secret grip from one of the temple workers who circulate through the rows of patrons.)
“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 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 to you at this stage of the Endowment, but it will be given later on.”
(The Officiator demonstrates the sign.)
“The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:” “Pay lay ale” “Pay lay ale” “Pay lay ale”
(The Officiator raises and lowers his hands three times in synchronism with the words.)
“When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he used, Which interpreted are: ‘Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.’ repeated three times.” (7)
“We desire all to receive it. All arise.” (patrons all stand up) “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 by lowering your hands to your sides, while repeating the words of the prayer.”
BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (Patrons all make the sign by raising and lowering their hands three times while reciting the words in unison.) “Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale.”
PETER: “That will do.” (patrons all sit down)
“A lecture will next 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 Temple this day. 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 these walls, of the things you see and hear in this sacred place.”
LECTURE BEFORE THE VEIL
LECTURER: “Brethren and sisters, these Endowments as herein administered, long withheld from the children of men, pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times and have been revealed to prepare the people for exaltation.”
(The Lecturer explains to the patrons what they have gone through, from the Washing and Anointing Room to the time they receive this lecture. He mentions that they have received the keys of the Priesthood contained in the Endowments.)
“These are what are termed the mysteries of Godliness and they will enable you to understand the expression of Jesus made prior to his betrayal – This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. May God bless you all. Amen.”
(7) Another translation of these words, from Biblical Hebrew, is “Wonderful Lucifer” repeated three times. See Strong’s Concordance, Hebrew Dictionary section, words #6382 and #1966. Note that on page 27 it is Lucifer who answers Adam’s prayer.
THE PRAYER CIRCLE
PETER: “We will now teach you the ‘True Order of Prayer’. The witness couple will now come forward and stand at the head of the altar. Six or seven other couples will come forward and form a circle around the altar.” (The tape recording stops while the witness couple and several other couples at random come forward and arrange themselves in a circle of couples around the altar, men on the right of their partners.) (tape resumes)
“John will instruct and lead in the prayer circle.” (the Officiator acts as John, pantomiming the tape recording.)
JOHN: “If any of you have unkind feelings towards any member of this circle, you are invited to withdraw, that the Spirit of the Lord may be unrestrained. In this circle, we are required to make all the signs and penalties of the Holy Priesthood.”
(The Officiator and patrons in the prayer circle all make the signs and penalties as instructed.)
“We will begin by making the sign of the first token of the Aaronic Priesthood, the sign is made by raising the right hand to the square, the palm forward, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by placing the right thumb under the left ear, drawing the thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the hand to the side. The name of this token is the ‘New Name’.”
“We will now make the sign of the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing the right hand forward, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square. The left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. 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 hand to the side. The name of this token is the first given name of the person for whom you are officiating today.”
“We will now make the sign of the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or sign of the nail, by bringing the left hand in front of you, 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, the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip. This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the sides. The name of this token is ‘The Son’ meaning the son of God.”
“We will now 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 the words, Pay lay ale; Pay lay ale; Pay lay ale.”
“The sisters will please veil your faces. The brethren will each take the sisters at your left by the right hand in the Patriarchal Grip. Each of you will raise your left arm to the square and place your left elbow on the shoulder or arm of the person on your left. You will please repeat the words of the prayer.”
(At this point the tape recording stops and the Officiator actually speaks. He first carefully checks and adjusts the position of all patrons in he prayer circle. Then he kneels at the Altar inside the circle, facing forward and offers the prayer. The Officiator pauses regularly to allow the patrons in the circle to repeat his words.)
A typical prayer would be as follows:
“Our Eternal Heavenly Father:
We thank Thee for the privilege of coming to the Temple this day and participating in these sacred ordinances which are essential to these deceased individuals. We ask you to bless our Prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, to bless the Temple Presidency, and all those who serve with them .. (Many other topics may be covered, especially the missionaries, missionary programs and work, genealogical work.) We ask Thee Heavenly Father to look with favor upon all those whose names are contained on this altar this day. We ask Thy healing blessing to manifest in all their various needs, to restore health and strength to body, mind, and spirit. We ask Thee to bless all those who are participating here tonight and see them safely home to their destination. We ask you to watch over their families and loved ones until they arrive home, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.”
(Tape recording resumes, with Officiator and his aide standing front and center facing the patrons.)
PETER: “The Sisters will unveil their faces and the Brethren and Sisters in the circle will return to their seats.” (patrons return to their seats.) “We will now uncover the Veil.”
(The Officiator and aide take appropriate action to expose a veil segment to the audience. The Officiator continues to pantomime the tape, using a pointer to identify the marks.)
“Brethren and Sisters, This is the veil of the Temple. We will now explain to you the significance of the marks on the Veil. These four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding marks are found on your individual garments. This is the mark of the square. It is located on the garment over the right breast, signifying exactness and honor in living up to all of the covenants made in the Temple this day. This is the mark of the compass. It is located in the garment over the breast, signifying that desires, appetites and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has established, and that all truth can be circumscribed into one great whole. This is the navel mark. It is placed in the garment over the navel as a reminder of the constant need of nourishment to body and spirit. This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the garment over the knee, and indicates that every knee shall bow and every tongue 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 his right hand to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy priesthood; through this one, he asks us certain questions, and through this one, we give our answers.”
“Since all of you will have to pass through the veil, we will show you how this is done.” (The aide is now behind the veil to act as the Lord. The Officiator, acting as both Peter and Adam, gives three taps with the mallet against the doorjamb, as the tape recording continues.)
LORD: “What is wanted?”
PETER: “Adam, having been true and faithful, 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.”
LORD: (Extends his right hand through the compass mark in the veil and takes Peter by the right hand in the first token of the Aaronic Priesthood.) “What is that?”
PETER: (acting as Adam) “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.”
NARRATOR: “You will now give the New Name to the Lord through the Veil.”
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.) “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.”
NARRATOR: “You will each give your own first given name if you are going through the Temple for your own Endowments, or the first given name of the deceased for whom you are presiding today.”
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 – the Son.”
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the Patriarchal grip) “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: “The five points of fellowship are: inside of right boot by the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back and mouth to ear.” (Peter demonstrates the five points with the Lord.) “The Lord now gives you the name of the token, you will then repeat it back to him through the veil, whereupon, the Lord responds, ‘That is correct.’ The worker will then give three raps with the mallet – like this, (Officiator taps with the mallet) and the Lord will ask:”
LORD: “What is wanted?”
PETER: “Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the veil, desires now to enter his presence. The Lord then takes Adam by the right hand through the opening in the veil and says:”
LORD: “Let him enter.”
PETER: “The Lord then admits Adam into the Celestial Kingdom. We desire all to enter his presence.”
(The Officiator, who until now has not spoken to the audience, now gives instructions for orderly movement, row by row, of the patrons into the Telestial Room, where the actual veil is located. The patrons then proceed to move to the Telestial Room and take up seats there, still segregated, women on the left, men on the right. The entire front of this room, plus extra space to both sides is filled with approximately 50 veil segments [Los Angeless Temple]. Patrons are called from their seats in groups of 8-10 by the Officiator [still segregated by sex] to the veil area, where they are assigned to a veil section in turn and then introduced at the veil.)
Three persons are involved at each veil ceremony: the VEIL WORKER, who represents the Lord behind the veil; the PATRON, who is going through the ceremony to obtain entrance into the Celestial Room, representing the Celestial Kingdom, located behind the veil; and the INTRODUCER who helps the patron and introduces him to the Lord. All Veil Workers are men, but the veil segments are divided between men and women patrons and women INTRODUCERS help women Patrons.
CEREMONY AT THE VEIL
(As the Patron approaches the veil, the Introducer takes the Patron’s nameslip. The Introducer taps 3 times on the veil framework with a small mallet. The Veil Worker parts the veil opening slightly with his right hand.)
LORD: “What is Wanted?”
(The Introducer holds up the Patron’s nameslip for the Veil Worker to read while he is stating the introductions.)
INTRODUCER: “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).”
(The Veil Worker reads the nameslip and notes if the alternate New Name has been given [The name of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood], and the first given name of the deceased [the name of the 2nd Token of the Aaronic Priesthood]. NO COMMUNICATION IS PERMITTED between the Veil Worker and the Introducer or the Patron except the specified dialogue. If the patron makes a mistake, the Introducer immediately corrects him, and the patron restates the correction. If the Introducer misses the mistake, the Veil Worker [Lord] stops, or breaks contact and repeats the same question to indicate an error was made.)
(The Veil Worker extends his right hand through the compass mark on the veil, takes the patron by the right hand in the first token of the Aaronic Priesthood described above.)
LORD: “Present him at the Veil and his request shall be granted.”
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.” (Gives the new name)
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron’s hand in the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood) “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.” (gives the first given name)
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron’s right hand in the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood) “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.”
LORD: (breaks contact, then takes the patron’s hand in the Patriarchal Grip) “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.” (Patron and Veil Worker embrace in the five points of fellowship through the veil.) “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 a 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 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 patron and the Veil Worker break their embrace and withdraw their arms. The Introducer gives three taps with the mallet on the framework.)
LORD: “What is wanted?”
INTRODUCER: (parts the veil slightly with right hand) “Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the veil, desires now to enter his presence.”
(The Veil Worker parts the Veil, takes the Patron by the right hand with his right hand, and while guiding the Patron through the Veil opening says:)
LORD: (solemnly) “Let him enter!”
(The Patron then passes by the Veil Worker, normally with a momentary thank you – greeting, and moves on into the Celestial Room (8) – which completes the Endowment Ceremony.)
(8) The Celestial Room is an elegantly furnished sitting room where patrons may stand or sit for a few minutes to wait for spouses, friends or associates to come through the veil. Conversation is permitted only in quiet whispers. This is the only opportunity a Mormon ever has to ask a question about the Temple ceremonies. It is supposed to be a place to meditate, or seek answers to problems or inspiration. In actual practice patrons are not permitted to remain in the Celestial room for more than a few minutes. Rarely is anyone available to answer questions or discuss a problem. It is very business like and efficiently operated, like a production line.
(Patrons move from the Celestial room back downstairs to the locker room, still wearing all the Temple clothing. There the patron removes his temple clothing and puts on his normal clothing and is free to leave at his leisure. There is a comfortable waiting room near the entrance where he may await spouse and friends.)
TEMPLE MARRIAGE FOR TIME AND ETERNITY
A typical Temple contains from six to ten or more Sealing Rooms where marriages and sealings are performed for the living and the dead. Sealings are performed for couples already married, living or dead, to extend their marriage to eternity. On a typical Saturday in Los Angeles anywhere from 60 to 90 marriages and sealings may be performed, mostly for young couples. The Sealing Rooms are elegantly furnished and decorated. The walls are lined with chairs and a beautiful altar is in the center. The Officiator for this ceremony is a Temple Sealer, who is supposed to be an especially spiritual person. The actual ritual or “ordinance” takes approximately two or three minutes to recite. When marriages or sealings for the living are performed they are normally preceded by a discourse or instruction – especially for the wedding couple, stressing the great significance of this ceremony to the eternal destiny and earthly life of the family. The room is often filled with up to 40 friends and family of the wedding couple who must also have Temple Recommends, and who have come to be with them – all of them dressed in white Temple attire.
There were approximately 40 persons at the sealing of my wife and children to myself (the order of the Priesthood is that wife and children are sealed to the father). After the preliminary message, two “witnesses” are seated in a special position of honor and the bride and groom kneel on opposite sides of the elegantly upholstered altar and join right hands in the Patriarchal grip previously described.
THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
(The Sealer stands at the head to the altar and pronounces the ceremony.)
SEALER: “Brother _____ (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead), do you take Sister ____ [maiden name] (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead) by the right hand and receive her unto yourself to be your lawful and wedded wife for time and for all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this Holy Order of Matrimony in the new and everlasting Covenant, and this you do in the presence of God, angels and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?”
BROTHER: “Yes.”
SEALER: “Sister ____ [maiden name] (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead), do you take Brother _____ (acting as proxy for _____, who is dead) by the right hand and give yourself to him to be his lawful and wedded wife, and for him to be your lawful and wedded husband, for time and for all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this Holy Order of Matrimony in the new and everlasting Covenant: and this you do in the presence of God, angels and these witnesses of your own free will and choice?”
SEALER: “By virtue of the Holy Priesthood and the authority vested in me, I pronounce you ______, and ______, legally and lawfully husband and wife for time and for all eternity, and I seal upon you the blessings of the holy resurrection with power to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection clothed in glory, immortality and eternal lives, and seal upon you the blessings of kingdoms, thrones, principalities, powers, dominions, and exaltations, with all the blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and say unto you, be fruitful and multiply and replentish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. All these blessings, together with all the blessings appertaining unto new and everlasting covenant, and I seal upon you by virtue of the Holy Priesthood, through your faithfulness, in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.”
(The parties then kiss each other over the altar which ends the ceremony. No exchange of rings is included in the ceremony, but may be done after the ceremony. The couple is then congratulated by their guests and the Sealer and the party leaves to change to street clothing.)
SEALING OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS CEREMONY
Married couples, usually converts, who are being sealed often have minor children. These children are normally sealed to their parents immediately following the Sealing ceremony of the parents to each other. The children may not be present for the parents’ sealing, but are brought in, dressed in white, while the parents are still kneeling at the altar. The parents are moved to the ends of the rectangular altar and the children kneel along the sides where the parents were. The parents join hands in the Patriarchal grip and the Children place their right hand in the top of the parents hands, starting with the oldest child. The Officiator then stands behind the father and pronounces the ceremony
SEALER: “By the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I seal you _____ (acting as proxy for and in behalf of ______), to your father _____ and to your mother _____, for time and all eternity, as an heir (or heirs) (with all the children) as though you were born in the new and everlasting covenant, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.”
Other family sealings are performed in a similar manner on occasion. A member of the wedding couple could be sealed to his or her parents at this time, or have their parents sealed and act as proxy for the appropriate parent.
“Sealing Sessions” are conducted nearly every evening in the Temple in which a group of four couples and an Officiator will perform approximately 200 to 300 proxy sealings in about two hours. These are very business like and efficiently conducted working sessions, which produce over-stressed knees and barks among the participants.
CONCLUSION
The Mormon Temple ceremonies have been presented here almost in their entirety and very nearly “word perfect” for the instruction and information of honest investigators looking into the deepest teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
Those readers who are offended or disturbed by this objective and truthful presentation of this information are asked to consider this: darkness flees from light, error flees from truth, deceit and deception flee from honesty and integrity. Perhaps you should reevaluate your commitment to light, truth, honesty and integrity as opposed to blind, mindless obedience to the precepts of men.
The Apostle Paul told the saints in Ephesus, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of light .. proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame to even speak of those things which are done of them in secret, but all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” (Ephesians 5:8,10-13)
Brethren and Sisters, we invite you to come out of secret works of darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus, the Light of the World and Savior of every soul who will abandon man made churchianity and come to Him for Salvation and Redemption. Praise the Lord, He is faithful to His Word – to SAVE all who will accept His matchless grace by faith in Him.
Chuck Sackett
Computers for Christ – Chicago