Skip to main content
We've detected that you're using an unsupported browser. You may experience issues using the OA website. Please visit our supported browsers page for more information.

Our History

First Ceremony Booklet


First Degree (Ordeal Ceremony) in booklet form Ordeal is Rewritten - The Legend is Introduced in Meter

In 1921, the Grand Lodge distributed First Degree and Second Degree ceremonies in 8½" x 11" mimeographed booklets.

By 1927, it was decided that the First Degree (Ordeal) Ceremony should be printed in booklet form. The booklet was 5” x 7” and was 24 pages long. Folded vertically, it fit easily into a pocket, a tradition that lasted until 1998 when the booklet was replaced with a printed 8½” x 11” booklet. The booklet included the Pre-Ordeal Ceremony as well as the Ordeal Ceremony. The Legend in poetic form was introduced in this booklet as well.

The Second Degree (Brotherhood) Ceremony remained in mimeograph format until a first booklet was printed in 1936.