THE MORMON CURTAIN
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MORMON TEMPLE CEREMONIES
Total Articles:
38
Mormons who have paid 10% of their gross income to the Church and have obeyed the LDS rules may enter LDS Temples. This section contains the secret ceremonies conducted by Mormons in their temples.
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Temple Clothing Symbolism
Men’s Hat
The baker-looking hat symbolizes the crown of light where the Godhead rests directing the rest of the body (church).
Men’s Hat Ribbon
The ribbon on the hat has three portions, symbolizing the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost).
Attachment of Ribbon to Robe
The ribbon (the Godhead) is attached to the Priesthood (the robes of the Priesthood) through the little string which symbolizes revelation.
Shoulder Loops
Notice that there are four loopty-loops on the shoulder portion of the robes, broken up into three different sections making a total of twelve sections. These 12 sections symbolize the quorum of the twelve apostles.
Top Loops
Note that the top three loops of the priesthood robe, for men, is attached via the string (revelation) to the hat (the godhead). These top 3 loops represent the First Presidency, which is connected by revelation to the Godhead.
Sash
The sash is the bond of charity as Paul said.
Green Apron
The apron worn by temple patrons is green, which is symbolic of life. The fig leaves on the green apron are a fruit known for the countless multitude of seeds. This green apron full of fruitful seeds is worn after Adam and Eve are cast out, and strategically over the loins symbolizing the new power to procreate, be fruitful and multiply.
Satan's Apron
Satan's Temple Apron Currently in temple ceremonies, Satan wears a dark apron, which he says is a symbol of his powers and priesthoods. But before the 1960’s, Satan in the temple wore an apron with many symbols on it, including an all-seeing eye, beehive, skull and crossbones, compasses, suns, moons, stars, etc.. If you don't believe it, ask your grandparents who participated in live sessions before 1960.
Interestingly, George Washington, a Mason, wore an identical apron to the one Satan wore in the temple. (Click the apron on the right to discover the meanings of the symbols.)
Shield Used During Initiatory
The shield during the initiatory is a symbol of the atonement. It is said to be the same as the one Christ used to cover the naked man that Christ initiated the night of His atonement in the Garden of Gethsemane (See Mark 14:51-52).
Garments
The symbols on the garment are explained in the temple endowment. However, garments has gone through several revisions since they were first introduced in Nauvoo. Read the interesting history of garments here.
Outside Temple Symbolism
Angel Moroni Statue
Moroni on top the temple is there to announce that the fullness of the everlasting gospel has been restored to earth.
Spires on Salt Lake Temple
Six Spires, three on each end of the temple, represent the restoration of the priesthood. The three east spires, representing the Melchizedek Priesthood, are six feet higher than the three west spires, representing the Aaronic Priesthood. Also the three east spires represent the First Presidency, and the three west spires the Presiding Bishopric.
Stars outside Temple
Star Stones are found all over the temple, like on keystones above corner tower windows and above the lower set of windows on the walls. They are reminders of the pillars of heaven and the glory of God, and of the telestial kingdom. The stars pointing downward represent the reception of truth from the heavens, and also the priesthood, that the "lost may find themselves," according to Truman O. Angell, temple architect.
Moon Stones on Salt Lake Temple
All 50 moon stones are on the buttresses in line with the top of the first row of oval windows. They illustrate the computation of the earth’s time, and also the terrestrial kingdom.
Sun Stones on Salt Lake Temple
The sun stones also number 50 and are in line with the top of the upper row of oval windows. They also represent the computation of the earth’s time, and in addition, stand for the celestial kingdom.
Saturn Stones on Salt Lake Temple
The Saturn stones are located directly below the parapet on each side of the six towers. They represent Kolob, the dwelling place of God.
Corner Tower Windows on Salt Lake Temple
The five windows on the east end of the building commemorate the five offices of the Melchizedek priesthood: Elder, Seventy, High Priest, Patriarch, and Apostle. The four on the west end of the building stand for the four offices of the Aaronic priesthood: Deacon, Teacher, Priest, and Bishop.
All-Seeing Eye
The all-seeing eye is a symbol of omniscience, omnipresence, and the omnipotent nature of God, is found on the east facade of the central tower, just below the dedicatory inscription.
http://www.i4m.com/think/temples/temp...
| This is what a Mormon Temple Recommend looks like. In order to receive a Temple Recommend, you have to pay the Mormon
Church 10% of your income for one year and be a "Worthy Member".
The bottom reads:
When properly signed and endorsed this certifies that the person named is in good standing and may enter the house of the Lord. This recommend expires one year from the last day of the month
issued. Remains the property of the Church. Is not transferrable. Must be surrendered on demand.
NOTE:As of June of 2007, the Mormon Temple Recommend has been changed to add a magnetic strip. While it is unknown what the LDS Corporation is doing with the information gathered by attendance (members must now swipe to get into the Temple), speculation is that the LDS Corporation is tracking individual Membership temple participation.
| 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.
| 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.
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 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.
| 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.
| (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.)
| 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.
| 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.)
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"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"
(NOTE: The prayer circle words have been changed. "Pay Lay Ale" is no longer used and has been changed to: "Oh God, Hear the words of my mouth." said three times in unison.)
(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."
| 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)
| 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."
| 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)
| 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.)
| 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.
| 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)
| 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 and 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 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. 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.
| 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."
| 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)
| 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)
| 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."
| 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."
| 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."
| 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".
| 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."
| 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."
| 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.
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."
| 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.
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)
| 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".
"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 '________'."
Mormons believe that the holy garment will protect them from fire, bullets, knives and other assaults if the person wearing the garments have
kept all of their "temple covenants". During the washing and anointing ceremony the Mormon is told the garment "represents the
garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the garden of Eden." The person is told that the garment "will be a shield and
a protection to you against the power of the destroyer until you have finished your work here on earth." In general, Mormons view the
garment as a symbolic and spiritual shield against the powers of Satan. Some LDS believe that the garment provides them with
"supernatural powers" of physical protection. Bill Marriott, prominent Mormon and owner of Marriott Hotels International stated in
an interview with Mike Wallace of 60 Minutes that he believed his garments protected him from being burned during a boating accident.
From LDS-Mormon:
"The Garment of Holy Priesthood (Garment, Regulation Garment, Temple Garment) is distinguished as the only article of Temple
clothing members are expected to wear outside the Temple confines. It represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the
garden of Eden. It is an undergarment with religious significance and has four symbols known as the "Marks of the Holy Priesthood" sewn into
it. Over the left breast is "the mark of the compass"; over the right breast is "the mark of the square"; over the navel is a mark, and another
appears over the right knee (the latter two are one-inch horizontal lines). These marks remind the wearer of the covenants assumed in
the temple ritual. There are currently a variety of Church-approved Garment styles available for wear (manufactured by the LDS-owned
Beehive Clothing Mills). Garments are currently available in one-piece (ankle-length, long sleeve; ankle-length, short sleeve; button
front; knee-length, short sleeve) and two-piece styles, some of which are available in square back, V-back, crew neck, maternity
and nursing varieties. They may be made of cotton, polyester, nylon, nylon-mesh, rayon and/or rayon-nylon (Bemberg) fabrics. Early
Garments were reportedly made of unbleached muslin and/or cotton."
Garments must be purchased for a price from the Mormon Church. No other outside party can manufacture these garments.
When a pair of holy garments becomes "worn out", the owner of the garment must take a pair of scissors and cut out the embroidered symbols on the
breast, navel and knees. These symbols must then be burned by fire as they are treated as "holy relics". The worn out garment can then be disposed
of by throwing the garment into the trash.
Deceased Mormons will be buried in their temple garments. Dressing the corpse is done by the ward's Relief Society President if the
mortician is not an endowed member, so as not to reveal anything.
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 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.
"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."
| 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.
"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 washing is then sealed by two temple workers placing their
hands upon the patron's head. One of them pronounces the confirmation:
"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."
| 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.
"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 patron prepares for these rituals, called the initiatory ordinances, by removing all clothing and placing it in the locker. The patron puts on a device 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.
Please Note: The above "touching" ceremony was changed in 2005. Patrons are no longer touched on the neck, shoulders, arms, loins, legs and feet. They are now only touched on their forehead. The "pancho" has been changed. It is no longer completely open on each side (with the patron completely naked underneath), it is now a one piece "jump suit". It is speculated that the LDS Church changed this ordinance to protect itself from sexually based lawsuits and discrimination.
| 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.
| | 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.
| 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"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."
| This is usually
performed at or near the baptismal font, by the same persons who
performed the baptism ritual.
"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 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. "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."
| 2002 courtesy of David John Buerger taken from his book The Mysteries of Godliness - A History of Mormon Temple Worship Pages 166-170
Since its introduction in 1842, the endowment has been presented within a theatrical setting. The earliest known comment by the First Presidency regarding the use of motion pictures in the ceremony came in 1927, when they affirmed that they had no intention of using them. (Heber J. Grant, Anthony W. Ivins, and Charles W. Nibley to Pearl W. Peterson, 27 August 1927, First Presidency Letterpress Copybooks, LDS Archives.)
This attitude changed by late 1953, however, when President David O. McKay asked Gordon B. Hinckley to chair a committee to create an endowment presentation for the new one room Swiss temple. (Based on Frank S. Wise, Oral History, interviewed by Gordon Irving, 1980-81, James H. Moyle Oral History Project, and Frank S. Wise, "A New Concept in Temple Building and Operation," 18 February 1983, attached to Wise's oral history. Wise edited all endowment films.)
Other committee members included Richard L. Evans, Edward O. Anderson, and Joseph Fielding Smith. (David O. McKay Diary, 29 October 1953, in Francis M. Gibbons, David O. McKay: Apostle to the World, Prophet of God - Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1986)
The outgrowth was a 16-millimeter film directed by Harold I. Hansen, filmed mostly in the upper room of the Salt Lake Temple, and shot over a period of one year. Due to inclement weather, outside photography was done in the southern United States, while lava-flowing scenes accompanying the creation portion came from Walt Disney Studios which granted permission to use 350 feet from the film Fantasia. (Correspondence of the First Presidency, BYU president Ernest L. Wilkenson and Wetzel O. Whitaker in Richard L. Evans Collection, LDS Archives.)
Different casts were used for versions in English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish. A year later additional casts produced Samoan, Tahitian, Tongan, and Maori films, for use in the New Zealand temple.
In these early films, there was no real acting, no scenery, and no attempt at sophistication; the temple workers simply enacted a live endowment session. This conservative use of the technology was not an effort to produce an art form but a means of efficiency allowing sessions to take place in a single room rather than moving from one room to another. (Spencer Palmer, interview, 1 August 1979; Wise, Oral History, 53. Palmer was an actor in the third endowment movie, 1969.)
The wide screen concept introduced in early 1960s American movies influenced architect Harold Burton in designing the Oakland temple's two endowment rooms. He planned huge projection areas that required the use of 35-millimeter film, although curtains reduced the total screen size.
After the temple was dedicated in 1964, 4" by 5" slide projectors were used to produce photo murals depicting room changes found in live endowment presentations.
The second film of the endowment ceremony was produced in 1966. (The cast for the film was Adam: Max Mason Brown; Eve: Marielen Wadley Christiansen; Lucifer: Lael Woodbury; Minister: Morris Clinger; Peter: Harold I. Hansen; James: Douglas Clawson; John: Max Golightly; Elohim: unknown; Elohim voice: Dan Keeler; Jehova: unknown; Jehovah voice: Carl Pope; Narrator: Glen Shaw; Editing: Frank S.Wise; and Director: Wetzel O. Whitaker.)
Due to space limitation in the Salt Lake temple, the First Presidency authorized this production (known as Project#100) to take place in the motion pictures studio on the campus of Brigham Young University.
A new studio stage constructed for this purpose was formerly opened on 24 April 1966 with a prayer by Gordon B. Hinckley.
This film was used for several years in Oakland; 16-millimeter reduction prints were prepared for English-speaking patrons in foreign temples.
In a successful effort to condense the presentation to about ninety minutes, a third motion picture was filmed at the BYU studio during October and November 1969.
Like the second film, this professional effort (known as Project #134) was directed by Wetzel O. Whitaker. The cast included both professional and amateur actors (See table above) as well as elaborate scenery.
Much of the outside scenery was filmed on the West Coast. Actors and production staff had to have temple recommends and receive prior worthiness clearance through their bishops before being asked to participate.
The portions filmed in studio were shot between ten at night and midnight to ensure privacy.
Actors were required to memorize their lines in a room just off the set and could not take he script home for study. Prompt cards were used.
This film was completed by November 1971 when the Provo and Ogden temples opened. Due to its shorter playing time, it replaced the second film originally used in the Oakland temple.
Primarily because of President Harold B. Lee's discomfort with the long hair and beards of a few cast members in the third film, a fourth endowment movie (Project #198) was produced at BYU during the early to mid 1970's.
Again, directed by Wetzel Whitaker, this film used a predominantly new cast. (see above) A major goal for this production was to create foreign sound tracks without re-filming that did not look obviously dubbed.
Since some languages such as Finnish and Japanese require substantially more time than the English equivalents, this aspect was challenging. Moreover, theological concerns required translations to be literal in nature, and not merely approximate as they often are in general entertainment films.
This synchronization was partially accomplished through techniques such as speeded up sound track playback and step-printing every third frame twice to expand film length. Voice actors for the dubbings were local nationals.
Production crews recorded audio sequences for European nationals in the London Temple in June 1972 and for Pacific nationals in a secured sound room at the BYU-Hawaii campus in June 1973.
In early 1976 the church's Temple Committee transferred all endowment film and sound operations from BYU to new facilities in the Salt Lake temple basement. While the film continues to be processed in a California lab, all sound tracks are now produced in this basement facility. Sound track duplication facilities also exist in some other temples.
Because of recommendations made by Harold B.Lee, of the First Presidency, and a committee including Howard W. Hunter (president of the Genealogical Society) working from 1968 to 1972 to investigate endowment procedures, several phrases used in ceremony film scripts were subsequently dubbed out in the mid 1970s.
For example, the preacher's reference to Satan having black skin was omitted. Another omission was the preacher leading the audience in a Protestant hymn. Satan and the preacher no long fix a specific salary to proselytize the audience for converts.
According to Spencer Palmer who portrayed the minister in the third filmed version, the role of Satan was to have originally been filled by an African-American, but due to protests by LDS Polynesians , a Caucasian filled the role.
Although this film was intended as an interim production, both the third and fourth films remained in use for nearly two decades. Reportedly, the third film was not phased out as soon as expected because people preferred it over the fourth film.
Film two was cut down to the same length as that of films three and four to provide diversity for frequent temple-goers.
The most recent modifications to the temple ceremony occurred in April 1990. Following several in-house studies, including a national survey of some 3.400 members, a number of changes were implemented to soften the ritual's treatment of women, non-Mormon clergy, use of Masonic elements, and violence of the penalties. According to the Los Angeles Times:
"The central temple ceremony has been altered to eliminate the woman's vow to obey her husband? Two other features dropped were a dramatization suggesting that Satan beguiles Christian clergy to teach false doctrine and the requirement that members make throat slitting and disemboweling gestures as signs that they will not reveal the ceremony's contents? Also dropped is an 'embrace' of a man representing God, who stands behind a ceiling-to-floor veil. Reaching through a slit in the veil, the church member puts his or her hand to the back of the deity and presses against him at the cheek, shoulders, knees and feet with the veil between them. The contact as 'five points of fellowship' including the hand to his back, has been omitted, although the member must still give a secret handshake and repeat a lengthy password." ("Mormons Modify Temple Rites," Los Angeles Times, 5 May 1990, F20)
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