THE TEMPLE CEREMONIES

Throughout the following account of the Temple ceremonies certain

explanatory notes have been added to help you understand the flow of

events. The temple ceremonies are set forth with no editorial

commentary on our part, for we feel that the words spoken and

doctrines revealed truly "Speak for themselves," and demonstrate that

Mormonism is not in any way Christian.

The rituals, called "ordinances" or "temple work", which are

performed inside the temple are of two classes, work for the living

and work for the dead.

Please refer to the introduction for an explanation of these.

Over 95% of the temple rituals are performed for the dead by a patron

acting as proxy for the dead person.

PRE-INITIATORY RITUAL

The first ceremony for the dead in the Temple is that of Baptism.

This is performed in the beautiful baptismal font mounted on the backs

of 12 full sized oxen, located in the Temple basement. The officiator

and the patron are dressed in heavy white jump-suits. There are two or

more witnesses observing the procedure. Usually a closed circuit T.V.

is used to project the names of the deceased persons on a large T.V.

screen. Typically 200-300 baptisms are performed per hour. The

baptismal pronouncement is recited in full for each baptism, and the

patron is completely immersed.

BAPTISM FOR THE DEAD

"Brother (or Sister) ________, having authority, I baptize you,

for and in behalf of________, who is dead, in the name of the Father,

and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen."

Next comes the Confirmation for the Dead. This is usually

performed at or near the baptismal font, by the same persons who

performed the baptism ritual.

CONFIRMATION FOR THE DEAD

"Brother (or Sister) ________, in the name of Jesus Christ, we

lay our hands upon your head for and in behalf of ________, who is

dead, and confirm you a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints, and say unto you: Receive the Holy Ghost. Amen."

After the Baptism and Confirmation for the Dead are done, the

person who is doing work for the dead is ready to be washed with

water, anointed with oil and clothed in the garment of the Holy

Priesthood. This is the beginning of the Endowment Ceremony.

The ordination of the dead males to the Mormon "Holy Melchizedek

Priesthood" is usually (but not always) performed in the same area of

the Temple by the same proxy. Other temple workers perform this

ordinance following the baptism and confirmation. Two workers lay

their hands upon the patron's head and one of them pronounces the

ordination.

ORDINATION FOR THE DEAD

"Brother ________, having authority we lay our hands upon your

head and confer upon you the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordain you an

Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for and in

behalf of ________, who is dead, and seal upon you every grace, gift

and authority appertaining to his office in the Holy Melchizedek

Priesthood, for and in his behalf, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Amen."

INITIATORY ORDINANCE

Following the pre-initiatory ordinances of baptism and

confirmation and ordination, other proxies will perform the next group

of rituals for these deceased parsons. These are called the

"initiatory ordinances" or rituals and are performed on the main floor

level of the Temple, adjacent to the men's and women's locker rooms.

These include washing with water, anointing with oil, and clothing in

the Garment of the Holy Priesthood.

PREPARATION FOR PARTICIPATION

As patrons enter the Temple, they present their "Temple

Recommend" to a doorkeeper immediately inside. They then proceed to a

room with two typists at counters, one for men and the other for

women. Each patron presents his recommend to the typist, she types

his name, then tears off a strip of the page approximately 1/2 inch

wide by 2 1/2 inches long. This contains the name and birthdate of

the deceased person, and the proxy's name. The patrons proceed to a

room where Temple clothing may be rented. Many patrons do not own

their own Temple clothing but prefer to rent it as a nominal charge.

Each Temple has a large and busy laundry and sewing facility to

provide this service. The patrons separate at this point to the men's

and women's locker rooms, where each patron is assigned a locker.

The typical locker rooms are identical for men and women with one

exception, the bride's rooms. The locker rooms are composed of rows

of dressing booths with chest high partitions. The booth contains

three tall lockers with locks and keys. There is a space on top of

the lockers for suitcases in which most patrons carry their own white

temple clothing. Most patrons will remove their street clothing and

place it in the locker, leave their temple garment on, and put on the

white temple clothing - white dress, slip, stockings and slippers, or

white pants shirt, tie, belt, socks and slippers which they either

bought or rented.

They will then lock their locker and proceed to receive the "New

Name" in a special booth, and then go to the theatre like endowment

room to receive the Endowment. These patrons who are receiving the

Washing, Anointing, and Clothing in the Garment of the Holy

Priesthood, either for themselves or for a dead person for whom they

are proxy, will proceed as follows

WASHING AND ANOINTING ROOM FOR MEN

The patron prepares for these rituals, called the initiatory

ordinances, by removing all clothing and placing it in the locker.

The patron puts on a devise called a shield. This strip of white

sheeting approximately three feet wide by 8 feet long with a head

sized whole in the center. It hangs open at the sides and covers the

body front and back. The patron then proceeds to the washing and

anointing room, taking with him his temple garment, name slip and

locker key. Usually he joins a group of similarly attired patrons on

a bench waiting their turn to enter. As each patron enters, the

temple worker takes the garment from the patron and the patron enters

the first section of the room to be washed with water.

The temple worker wets his right hand in running water and

proceeds to ceremonially wash the patron's body. As he recites the

words of the ceremony, the temple worker lightly touches each part of

the patron's body mentioned with his fingers or hand.

WASHING - OF MEN

"Brother ________, having authority, I wash you preparatory to

your receiving your anointings (for and in behalf of ________, who is

dead), that you may become clean from the blood and sins of this

generation. I wash your head, that your brain and your intellect may

be clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the

Lord; your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth

and error; your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may

never speak guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly;

your shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed

thereon; your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the

spine; your breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous

principles; your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and

strong and perform their proper functions; your arms and hands, that

they may be strong and wield the sword of justice in defense of truth

and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and multiply and

replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your

posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be weary, and

walk and not faint."

The washing is then sealed by two temple workers placing their

hands upon the patron's head. One of them pronounces the

CONFIRMATION OF WASHING - OF MEN

"Brother ________, having authority, we lay our hands upon your

head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and seal upon you

this washing, that you may become clean from the blood and sins of

this generation through your faithfulness, in the name of Jesus

Christ. Amen."

Next, the patron enters the second part of the room where he is

seated upon a sort of a tile covered throne chair. Another temple

worker pours some drops of oil from a large horn into his hand and

proceeds to anoint the patron's body, by dipping his fingers in the

oil and touching each part in turn.

ANOINTING - OF MEN

"Brother ________, having authority, I pour this holy anointing

oil upon your head (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and

anoint you preparatory to your becoming a King and a Priest unto the

Most High God, hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel

forever. I anoint your head, that your brain and your intellect may

be clear and active; your ears, that you may hear the word of the

Lord; your eyes, that you may see clearly and discern between truth

and error; your nose, that you may smell; your lips, that you may

never speak guile; your neck, that it may bear up your head properly;

your shoulders, that they may bear the burdens that shall be placed

thereon; your back, that there may be marrow in the bones and in the

spine; your breast, that it may be the receptacle of pure and virtuous

principles; your vitals and bowels, that they may be healthy and

strong and perform their proper functions; your arms and hands, that

they may be strong and wield the sword of justice in defense of truth

and virtue; your loins, that you may be fruitful and multiply and

replenish the earth, that you may have joy and rejoicing in your

posterity; your legs and feet, that you may run and not be weary, and

walk and not faint."

The anointing is then sealed by two of the temple workers laying

their hands upon the patron's head and one of them pronouncing the

sealing.

CONFIRMATION OF ANOINTING - OF MEN

"Brother ________, having authority we lay hands upon your head

(for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), and confirm upon you

this anointing, wherewith you have been anointed in the Temple of our

God preparatory to becoming a king and a priest unto the Most High God

hereafter to rule and reign in the House of Israel forever; and seal

upon you all the blessings hereunto appertaining, through your

faithfulness, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

The patron now enters the third section of the room to be clothed

in the garment that he brought with him to the washing and anointing

room. A temple worker holds the garment open for the patron, who is

still wearing the shield, to step into. He then helps the patron pull

the garment up and put his arms in as the worker is giving

instructions and "New Name".

RECEIVING THE "GARMENT OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD"

AND THE "NEW NAME"

"Brother ________, having authority, I place this garment upon

you (for and in behalf of ________, who is dead), which you must wear

throughout your life. It represents the garment given to Adam when he

was found naked in the Garden of Eden, and is called the Garment of

the Holy Priesthood. Inasmuch as you do not defile it, but are true

and faithful to your covenants, it will be a shield and a protection

to you against the power of the destroyer until you have finished your

work here on earth. With this garment I give you a new name, which

you should always remember, and which you must keep sacred, and never

reveal except at a certain place that will be shown you hereafter.

The name is '________'."

Each of the men and each of the women participating in the

Endowment (on a particular day) receive the same "New Name".. The "New

Name" is usually Biblical, such as Abraham, Joseph, Moses, etc. or

Martha, Mary, or Naomi. An alternate New Name is provided to those

patrons who are representing a dead person whose first name sounds

like the New Name in use.

The patron then goes back to his locker, removes his shield, and

puts on his white clothing, which he either rented or brought with

him. This includes white shirt, trousers, belt, socks, tie and

moccasins. This is put over the garment. He then carries in his hand

the Temple Clothing which he will put on later in the ceremony.

The women patrons have been going through similar rituals in

their identical area of the Temple. Over the Temple garment they now

dress in white slip, long dress, hose and moccasins.

Today it is common practice for the Washing, Anointing and

Clothing in the Garment of the Holy Priesthood to be performed

separately from the Endowment by other proxies. Those who come to the

Temple to perform only the Endowment dress in their white Temple

clothing and pass through a special booth where they receive the "New

Name" on their way to the Endowment rooms. The name slip containing

the name of the dead person is green or gold for these persons.

The patrons will usually pass through a beautiful foyer and climb

an impressive flight of stairs to reach the Endowment room where they

will be segregated by a temple worker, women to the left and men to

the right (entering always from the rear) and be seated on richly

upholstered theatre type seats. In the older Temples, patrons often

still move from room to room through the various stages of

presentation of the Endowment. In modern Temples, patrons remain in

one room throughout the first one and one half hours of the Endowment,

which is presented in motion picture form except for the secret

tokens, names, signs, penalties, prayer circle and veil explanation

portion, which are on a tape recording. The Officiator, who is "in

charge" of the presentation pantomimes much of the taped portion, and

rarely speaks.

CREATION ROOM

LECTURER #1: (tape recording) "Brethren and Sisters, we welcome you

to the Temple and hope you will find joy in serving in the house of

the Lord this day. Those of you who are here for your own Endowments

and those who have yellow or white family name slips should have been

washed, anointed, and clothed in the garment of the Holy Priesthood.

The brethren with the yellow name slips should also have been

ordained. The ordinances of washing, anointing, and clothing in the

garment of the Holy Priesthood, together with the ordaining on behalf

of deceased brethren, were performed previously by other proxies for

those whose names are on the green or gold nameslips."

"Each of you should have received a "New Name" in connection with

this company. If any of you have forgotten the "New Name", or have

not received these ordinances as explained, please stand. Please be

alert, attentive and refrain from whispering during the presentation

of the Endowment. As you are asked to proceed to the veil, please do

so in an orderly manner, row by row as directed. After passing

through the veil into the Celestial Room, and in other areas in the

Temple, if you need to communicate, please whisper, thus helping us

maintain the quiet reverence that should prevail in the House of the

Lord. We will now proceed with the presentation of the Endowment."

LECTURER #2: "Brethren, you have been washed and pronounced clean, or

that through your faithfulness, you may become clean from the blood

and sins of this generation. You have been anointed to become

hereafter Kings and Priests unto the Most High God, to rule and reign

in the House of Israel forever."

"Sisters, you have been washed and anointed to become Queens and

Priestesses to your husbands."

"Brethren and Sisters, if you are true and faithful, the day will

come when you will be chosen, called up and anointed Kings and Queens,

Priests and Priestesses, whereas you are now anointed only to become

such. The realization of these blessings depends upon your

faithfulness."

"You have had a garment placed upon you, which you were informed,

represents the garment given to Adam when he was found naked in the

garden of Eden, and which is called the Garment of the Holy

Priesthood. This you were instructed to wear throughout your life.

You were informed that it will be a shield and a protection to you if

you are true and faithful to your covenants."

"You have had a New Name given unto you, which you were told

never to divulge nor forget. This New Name is a keyword which you

will be required to give at a certain place in the temple today."

"The Endowment is to prepare you for exaltation in the Celestial

Kingdom. If you proceed and receive your full Endowment, you will be

required to take upon yourselves sacred obligations, the violation of

which will bring upon you the judgment of God; for God will not be

mocked. If any of you desire to withdraw rather than accept these

obligations of your own free will and choice, you may now make it

known by raising your hand." (PAUSE)

"Brethren and Sisters, as you sit here, you will hear the voices

of three persons who represent Elohim, Jehovah and Michael. Elohim

will command Jehovah and Michael to go down and organize a world. The

work of the six creative periods will be represented. They will

organize man in their own likeness and image, male and female. This

however is simply figurative so far as the man and woman are

concerned." (PAUSE)

Here begins a motion picture presentation which constitutes the

major portion of the Endowment. Originally it was done on stage with

live actors, but most all Temples are now using the filmed versions of

the Endowment ceremony. During the creation sequence a series of

scenes and animation or still art work are shown portraying the

creation activities. Only the voices of the characters are heard.

THE CREATION - FIRST DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, See yonder is matter unorganized. Go ye

down and organize it into a world like unto the worlds that we have

heretofore formed. Call your labors the First Day and bring me word."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down."

MICHAEL: "We will go down, Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Michael, see, here is the matter unorganized. We will

organize it into a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore

formed. We will call our labors the First Day and return and report."

MICHAEL: "We will return and report our labors of the First Day,

Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded and have

organized a world like unto the worlds that we have heretofore formed

and we have called our labors the First Day."

ELOHIM: "It is well."

SECOND DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, go down again. Gather the waters together

and cause the dry land to appear. The great waters call ye seas and

the dry land call ye earth. Form mountains and hills, great rivers

and small streams to beautify and give variety to the face of the

earth. When you have done this, call your labors the Second Day and

bring me word."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down."

MICHAEL: "We will go down, Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Michael, we will gather the waters together and cause the

dry land to appear. The great waters we will call seas, and the dry

land we will call Earth. We will form mountains and hills, great

rivers and small streams to beautify and give variety to the face of

the earth. We will call our labors the Second Day and return and

report."

MICHAEL: "We will return and report our labors of the Second Day,

Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Elohim, we have been down as thou hast commanded, and have

gathered the waters together and have caused the dry land to appear.

The great waters we have called seas and the dry land we have called

earth. We have formed mountains and hills, great rivers and small

streams to beautify and give variety to the face of the earth. And we

have called our labors the Second Day."

ELOHIM: "It is well."

THIRD DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth you have formed.

Divide the light from the darkness. Call the light day and the

darkness night. Cause the lights in the firmament to appear, the

greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night.

Cause the stars also to appear, to give light to the earth, the same

as with the worlds we have heretofore formed. When you have done

this, call your labors the Third Day, and return and report."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down."

MICHAEL: "We will go down, Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Michael, we will divide the light from the darkness. We

will call the light day, and the darkness night. We will cause the

lights in the firmaments to appear, the greater light to rule the day

and the lesser light to rule the night. We will cause the stars also

to appear, to give light to the earth, the same as with the worlds we

have heretofore formed. We will call our labors the Third Day, and

return and report."

MICHAEL: "We will return and report our labors of the Third Day,

Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "We have been down as thou hast commanded, and divided the

light from the darkness. The light we have called day, and the

darkness we have called night. We have caused the firmament to

appear. We have set the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser

light to rule the night. We have caused the stars to appear to give

light to the earth, and have called our labors the Third Day."

ELOHIM: "It is well."

FOURTH DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, return again to the earth you have formed.

Plant seeds of all kinds in the earth ... "

NOTE: Elohim continues the instructions for filling the earth with

vegetation, various forms of flora are specified. Jehovah and Michael

accept the instructions and the process is repeated as in the first

three days, with the instructions being put into action upon the

earth. Jehovah and Michael return and repeat the same instructions in

the form of a report, which Elohim accepts with, "It is well".

FIFTH DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, go down again to the earth you have

formed, and place beasts and all forms of animal life thereon: the

Elephant, the Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse, Cattle in the

fields and other kinds of animals; fouls in the air in all their

varieties; fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects and all

manner of animal life upon the earth. Command the beasts, the fouls,

the fishes, the insects, all creeping things and other forms of animal

life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its kind,

and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that every

form of life may fulfill the measure of its creation and have joy

therein. Call your labors the Fifth Day, and return and bring me

word."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim. Come Michael, let us go down."

MICHAEL: "We will go down, Jehovah."

JEHOVAH: "Michael, now that the earth is formed, divided and

beautified, and vegetation is growing there on, we will place beasts

upon the land: the Elephant, the Lion, the Tiger, the Bear, the Horse,

and all other kinds of animals; fouls in the air in all their

varieties, fishes of all kinds in the waters, and insects, and all

manner of animal life upon the earth. We will command the beasts, the

fouls, the fishes, the insects, all creeping things and other forms of

animal life to multiply in their respective elements, each after its

kind, and every kind of vegetation to multiply in its sphere, that

every form of life may fill the measure of its creation, and have joy

therein. We will call our labors the Fifth Day, and return and

report."

MICHAEL: "We will return and report our labors of the Fifth Day,

Jehovah."

(Jehovah and Michael then return and repeat the dialogue again to

Elohim in the form of a report.)

ELOHIM: "It is well."

SIXTH DAY

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, is man found upon the earth?"

JEHOVAH: "No, man is not found upon the earth, Elohim."

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, Michael, then let us go down and form man in our

own likeness and in our own image, male and female, and put into him

his spirit, and let us give him dominion over the beasts, the fishes,

and the birds, and make him Lord over the earth and over all things on

the face of the earth. We will plant for him a garden, eastward in

Eden, and place him in it to tend and cultivate it, that he may be

happy and have joy therein. We will command him to multiply and

replenish the earth, that he may have joy in his posterity. We will

place before him the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and we will

allow Lucifer, our common enemy, whom we have thrust out, to tempt him

and to try him, that he may know by his own experience the good from

the evil. If he yields to temptation, we will give unto him the Law

of Sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for him, as we counseled in

the beginning, that man may be brought forth by the power of the

redemption and the resurrection, and come again into our presence, and

with us partake of eternal life and exaltation. We will call this the

sixth day and we will rest from our labors for a season. Come, let us

go down."

JEHOVAH: "We will go down, Elohim."

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, see the earth that we have formed. There is no man

to till and take care of it. We are here to form man in our own

likeness and in our own image."

JEHOVAH: "We will do so, Elohim."

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, man is now organized and we will put into him his

spirit, the breath of life, that he may become a living soul."

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, is it good for man to be alone?"

JEHOVAH: "It is not good for man to be alone, Elohim."

ELOHIM: "We will cause a deep sleep to come upon this man whom we

have formed and we will take from his side a rib from which we will

form a woman to be a companion and a helpmeet for him."

NARRATOR: "Brethren and Sisters, this is Michael, who helped form the

earth. When he awakens from the sleep which Elohim and Jehovah have

caused to come upon him, he will be known as Adam and having forgotten

all, will become like a little child. Brethren, close your eyes as if

you were asleep."

ELOHIM: "Adam, awake and arise."

NARRATOR: "All the brethren will please arise." (Men all stand up.)

ELOHIM: "Adam, here is a woman whom we have formed and whom we give

unto you to be a companion and an helpmeet for you. What will you

call her?"

ADAM: "Eve."

(Elohim and Jehovah are shown suspended in air against the garden

backdrop, as identical, brilliant, white, radiant personages with long

white beards, white hair, and long white robes. Adam and Eve are

shown shoulders and up behind garden foliage.)

ELOHIM: "Why will you call her Eve?"

ADAM: "Because she is the Mother of all living."

ELOHIM: "That is right, Adam. Because she is the Mother of all

living. Adam, we have organized for you this earth, and have planted

a garden eastward in Eden. We will place you in the garden and will

there command you and Eve to multiply and replenish the earth, that

you may have joy and rejoicing in your posterity. Jehovah, introduce

Adam into the Garden which we have prepared for him."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim."

NARRATOR: "We now go with Adam and Eve into the garden. The Brethren

will please be seated."

THE GARDEN OF EDEN

ELOHIM: "Adam, we have created for you this earth, and have placed

upon it all kinds of vegetation and animal life. We have commanded

all these to multiply in their own sphere and element. We give you

dominion over all these things, and make you Lord over the whole

earth, and all things on the face thereof. We now command you and Eve

to multiply and replenish the earth, that you may have joy and

rejoicing in your posterity. We have also planted for you this

garden, wherein we have placed all manner of fruits, flowers and

vegetation. Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but

of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil thou shalt not eat,

nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto

thee. But remember that I forbid it, for in the day thou eatest

thereof thou shalt surely die."

"Adam, remember this commandment which we have given unto you.

Now go to, dress this garden, take good care of it, be happy and have

joy therein. We shall go away, but we shall visit you again and give

you further instructions."

LUCIFER: (Wearing crimson velvet flowing robe with tunic and apron

underneath.) "Well, Adam, you have a new world here."

ADAM: "A new world?"

LUCIFER: "Yes, a new world, patterned after the old one where we used

to live."

ADAM: "I know nothing about any other world."

LUCIFER: "Oh, I see, your eyes are not yet opened. You have

forgotten everything. You must eat some of the fruit of this tree."

(Walks to Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil and picks 2 ripe fruit,

usually having a appearance of an apple, then walks over to Adam and

holds fruit out to him.) "Adam, here is some of the fruit of that

tree. It will make you wise."

ADAM: "I will not partake of that fruit. Father told me that in the

day that I should partake of it I should surely die."

LUCIFER: "You shall not surely die, but shall be as the Gods, knowing

good and evil."

ADAM: "I will not partake of it."

LUCIFER: "Oh, you will not ?" (Looks at Eve and expresses a wise

grin.) "Well, we shall see." (Walks over to where Eve is admiring

the flowers.) "Eve, here is some of the fruit of that tree." (Holds

fruit out to Eve.) "It will make you wise. It is delicious to the

taste and very desirable."

EVE: (surprised) "Who are you?"

LUCIFER: (tenderly) "I am your brother."

EVE: (inquisitively) "You, my brother, and have come here to

persuade me to disobey Father?"

LUCIFER: (expounding LDS doctrine) "I have said nothing about

Father. I want you to eat of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of

Good and Evil, that your eyes may be opened, for that is the way

Father gained his knowledge. You must eat of this fruit so as to

comprehend that everything has its opposite: good and evil; virtue and

vice; light and darkness; health and sickness; pleasure and pain; and

thus your eyes will be opened and you will have -- knowledge."

EVE: (plaintively) "Is there no other way?"

LUCIFER: (confidently) "There is no other way."

EVE: (resignedly) "Then I will partake."

LUCIFER: (Expresses a smug, wise grin.) "There, now go and get Adam

to partake." (Places another fruit in Eve's hand, closes it, and pats

her hand.)

EVE: (Walks over to where Adam is - Sweetly and persuasively) "Adam,

here is some of the fruit of that tree. It is delicious to the taste

and very desirable."

ADAM: (surprised) "Eve, do you know what fruit that is?"

EVE: "Yes, it is the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and

Evil."

ADAM: "I can not partake of it. Do you not know that Father

commanded us not to partake of the fruit of that tree?"

EVE: (searchingly) "Do you intend to obey all of Father's

commandments?"

ADAM: (resolutely) "Yes, all of them."

EVE: (pathetically) "Do you not recollect that Father commanded us

to multiply and replenish the earth? I have partaken of this fruit

and by so doing shall be cast out, and you will be left a lone man in

the Garden of Eden."

ADAM: (resignedly) "Eve, I see that this must be so. I will partake

that man may be."

LUCIFER: (Walks into the scene.) "That is right."

EVE: (philosophically) "It is better for us to pass through sorrow

that we may know the good from the evil." (Eve turns to Lucifer -

contemptuously.) "I know thee now. Thou art Lucifer, he who was cast

out of Father's presence for rebellion."

LUCIFER: (wisely) "Yes, you are beginning to see already."

ADAM: (inquisitively) "What is that apron you have on?"

LUCIFER: (arrogantly) "It is an emblem of my power and Priesthoods."

ADAM: "Priesthoods?"

LUCIFER: "Yes, Priesthoods."

ADAM: "I am looking for Father to come down to give us further

instructions."

LUCIFER: "Oh, you are looking for Father to come down, are you?"

ELOHIM: (voices from a distance) "Jehovah, we promised Adam that we

would visit him and give him further instructions. Come, let us go

down."

JEHOVAH: "We will go down, Elohim."

ADAM: (excitedly) "I hear their voices, they are coming."

LUCIFER: (excitedly and slyly) "See, you are naked. Take some fig

leaves and make you aprons. Father will see your nakedness. Quick!

Hide!"

(Note how often Lucifer voices instructions and teaches doctrine.)

ADAM: (alarmed) "Come, let us hide."

NARRATOR: "Brethren and Sisters, put on your aprons." (The movie

stops while the patrons in the audience remove the green fig-leaf

apron from their package of Temple clothing and tie it around their

waist.)

ELOHIM: "Adam, Adam! Where art thou?"

ADAM: (cowering) "I heard thy voice and hid myself, because I was

naked."

ELOHIM: (searchingly) "Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast

thou partaken of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and

Evil, of which we commanded thee not to partake?"

ADAM: (ashamedly) "The woman thou gavest me, and commanded that she

should remain with me, she gave me of the fruit of the tree, and I did

eat."

ELOHIM: (sternly) "Eve, what is this thou hast done?"

EVE: (ashamedly) "The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat."

ELOHIM: (angrily) "Lucifer, what hast thou been doing here?"

LUCIFER: (arrogantly) "I have been doing that which has been done in

other worlds."

ELOHIM: "What is that?"

LUCIFER: (arrogantly) "I have been giving some of the fruit of the

Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil to them."

ELOHIM: (judgmentally) "Lucifer, because thou hast done this, thou

shalt be cursed above all the beasts of the field. Upon thy belly

shalt thou go and dust thou shalt eat all the days of thy life."

LUCIFER: (defiantly) "If thou curseth me for doing the same thing

which has been done in other worlds, I will take the spirits that

follow me, and they shall possess the bodies thou createst for Adam

and Eve."

ELOHIM: "I will place enmity between thee and the seed of the woman.

Thou mayest have power to bruise his heel, but he shall have power to

crush thy head."

LUCIFER: (vehemently) "Then with that enmity I will take the

treasures of the earth, and with gold and silver I will buy up armies

and navies, Popes and Priests, and reign with blood and horror on this

earth."

ELOHIM: (authoritatively) "Depart!"

ELOHIM: (turning to Jehovah) "Jehovah, let cherubim and flaming

sword be placed to guard the way of the Tree of Life, lest Adam put

forth his hand and partake of the fruit thereof, and live forever in

his sins."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim." (Turns away and gives command."

"Let cherubim an a flaming sword be placed to guard the way of the

Tree of Life, lest Adam put forth his hand and partake of the fruit

thereof, and live forever in his sins." (Turns back to Elohim.) "It is

done, Elohim."

ELOHIM: (judgmentally) "Eve, because thou hast hearkened to the

voice of Satan and hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, and given

unto Adam, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in

sorrow shalt thou bring forth children. Nevertheless thou mayest be

preserved in child-bearing. Thy desire shall be to thy husband, and

he shall rule over thee in righteousness."

"Adam, because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife and

hast partaken of the forbidden fruit, the earth shall be cursed for

thy sake. Instead of producing fruits and flowers spontaneously, it

shall bring forth thorns, thistles, briars and noxious weeds to

afflict and torment man. And by the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat

thy bread all the days of thy life. For dust thou art, and unto dust

shalt thou return."

THE LAW OF OBEDIENCE

ELOHIM: (condescendingly) "Inasmuch as Eve was the first to eat of

the forbidden fruit, if she will covenant that from this time forth

she will obey your law in the Lord, and will harken unto your council

as you harken unto mine, and if you will covenant that from this time

forth you will obey the law of Elohim, we will give unto you the law

of obedience and sacrifice, and we will provide a Savior for you

whereby you may come back into our presence, and with us partake of

eternal life and exaltation."

EVE: (humbly) "Adam, I now covenant to obey your law as you obey our

Father."

ADAM: (humbly) "Elohim, I now covenant with you that from this time

forth I will obey your law and keep your commandments."

ELOHIM: "It is well, Adam. Jehovah, inasmuch as Adam and Eve have

discovered their nakedness, make coats of skins as a covering for

them."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim."

NARRATOR: "Brethren and Sisters, the garment that was placed upon you

in the washing room is to cover your nakedness and represents the coat

of skins spoken of. Anciently it was made of skins. You have

received the garment, also your New Name. The Officiator will

represent Elohim at the altar. A couple will now come to the altar."

(A pre-selected "witness couple" seated front row center aisle come

forward and kneel at the altar facing forward.)

(It is considered a very special experience to be selected to be the

"witness couple". As they represent all the patrons at the altar, the

Endowment takes on a very 'realistic' atmosphere for his couple as

they move back and forth to the altar to receive the tokens and

actually take part in the ceremony. Dolly and I were selected twice

in approximately 150 Endowment ceremonies in nine years, and I

remember the experience clearly.)

NARRATOR: "Brethren and Sisters, this couple at the altar represent

all of you as if at the altar. You must consider yourselves as if you

were respectively Adam and Eve."

ELOHIM: "We will put the sisters under covenant to obey the law of

their husbands. Sisters, arise." (sisters all stand up) "Each of you

bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly

covenant and promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this

altar that you will each observe and keep the law of your husband, and

abide by his council in righteousness. Each of you bow your head and

say yes."

SISTERS: "Yes."

ELOHIM: "That will do." (sisters sit down) "Brethren, arise."

(brethren all stand up) "Bring your right arm to the square. You and

each of you solemnly covenant and promise before God, angels and these

witnesses at this altar that you will obey the law of God and keep His

commandments. Each of you bow your head and say yes."

BRETHREN: "Yes."

ELOHIM: "That will do." (brethren all sit down)

LAW OF SACRIFICE

ELOHIM: "You are now about to be put under covenant to obey and keep

the Law of Sacrifice, as contained in the Old and the New Testament.

This Law of Sacrifice was given to Adam in the Garden of Eden, who,

when he was driven out of the Garden, built an altar on which he

offered sacrifices. And after many days, an angel of the Lord

appeared unto Adam saying: 'Why dost thou offer sacrifice unto the

Lord?' And Adam said unto him: 'I know not, save the Lord commanded

me.' And then the angel spake saying: 'This thing is a similitude of

the Sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, who is full of grace

and truth. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name

of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the

Son forevermore.' The posterity of Adam down to Moses and from Moses

to Jesus Christ offered up the first fruits of the field and

firstlings of the flock, which continued until the death of Jesus

Christ, which ended sacrifice by the shedding of blood."

"And as Jesus Christ has laid down his life for the redemption of

mankind so we should covenant to sacrifice all that we possess, even

our own lives if necessary, in sustaining and defending the Kingdom of

God." (The Mormon Church is the Kingdom of God.)

NARRATOR: "All arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you bring your

right arm to the square. You and each of you solemnly covenant and

promise before God, angels, and these witnesses at this altar that you

will observe and keep the law of sacrifice as contained in the Old and

the New Testaments, as it has been explained to you. Each of you bow

your head and say yes."

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their head) "Yes."

ELOHIM: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

FIRST TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD

ELOHIM: "We now give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic

Priesthood with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Before doing

this, however, we desire to impress upon your minds the sacred

character of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its

accompanying name, sign and penalty, as well as that of all the other

Tokens of the Holy Priesthood, with their names, signs and penalties,

which you will receive in the temple this day. They are most sacred

and are guarded by solemn covenants and obligations of secrecy to the

effect that under no condition, even at the peril of your life, will

you ever divulge them, except at a certain place that will be shown

you hereafter. The representation of the execution of the penalties

indicates different ways in which life may be taken."

"The First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is given by clasping

the right hands and placing the joint of the thumb directly over the

first knuckle of the hand, in this manner." (The Officiator takes the

Brother kneeling at the altar by the right hand and demonstrates the

token to the audience.)

"We give unto you the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood. We

desire all to receive it.... All arise." (The patrons all stand in

place. The witness couple return to their seats. Several temple

workers circulate through the rows of patrons giving each one the

token. The patrons sit down after each receives it.)

"If any of you did not receive this token you will please raise

your hands."

"The name of this token is the New Name that you received in the

temple today. If any of you have forgotten the New Name, please

stand." (pause) "The sign is made by bringing the right arm to the

square; the palm of the hand to the front, the fingers close together,

and the thumb extended." (The Officiator demonstrates the sign to the

audience.) "This is the sign."

(The Officiator continues to demonstrate the instructions. If a

patron stands up, indicating he has forgotten the New Name, he is

taken by a Temple Worker to the rear of the room where the New Name is

whispered in his ear. He then returns to his seat, and the ceremony

then resumes. This gives the false impression that there is more than

one New Name in use. Many patrons have attended the Temple for years

before they realized that everyone has the same New Name.)

(The execution of the penalty is represented by placing the thumb

under the left ear, the palm of the hand down, and by drawing the

thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the

hand to the side.)

NARRATOR: "I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy

which are associated with this token, its name, sign and penalty and

which you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were

receiving my own Endowment today and had been given the name of John

as my New Name, I would repeat in my mind these words, after making

the sign." (He makes the sign, at the same time representing the

execution of the penalty.)

"I, John, covenant that I will never reveal the first token of

the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign, and penalty.

Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (pause, places right thumb under

left ear) my life .. (pause, draws thumb quickly across throat to

right ear) to be taken." (drops hands to side)

NARRATOR: "All arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you make the

sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing your

right arm to the squares, the palm of the hand to the front, the

fingers close together, and the thumb extended." (patrons all make the

sign) "This is the sign."

"Now, repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at

the same time representing the execution of the penalty."

"I, (think of the New Name), covenant that I will never reveal

the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name,

sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would suffer .. (patrons all

place right thumb under left ear as described above) my life ..

(patrons all draw thumb across their throat to the right ear) to be

taken." (patrons all drop the hand to their side)

NARRATOR: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

(If any of the brethren or sisters make a mistake in the execution of

the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all of the

patrons together as instructed.)

NARRATOR: "It is necessary to repeat the sign of the execution of the

penalty. The sign of the First Token of the Aaronic Priesthood is

made by bringing the right arm to the square, the palm of the hand to

the front, the fingers close together, and the thumb extended. This

is the sign." (patrons all make sign) "It is not necessary to repeat

again the words of the covenant in representing the execution of the

penalty, but let the name of the token pass through your mind. Now

represent the execution of the penalty." (patrons all execute the

penalty)

NARRATOR: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

ELOHIM: "Jehovah, see that Adam is driven out of this beautiful

garden into the lone and dreary world, where he may learn from his own

experience to distinguish good from evil."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim."

THE LONE AND DREARY WORLD

NARRATOR: "We will now go with Adam and Eve to the lone and dreary

world. Brethren and Sisters, this represents the Telestial Kingdom,

or the world in which we now live. Adam, upon finding himself in the

lone and dreary world, built an altar and offered prayer, and these

are the words he uttered:"

ADAM: (hands raised up and looking toward heaven) " Oh God, hear the

words of my mouth! Oh God, hear the words of my mouth! Oh God, hear

the words of my mouth!"

LUCIFER: (arrogant voice from off scene) "I hear you." (Camera pans

left to show towering, arrogant, colorful Lucifer poised near Adam,

Lucifer walks over to Adam.) "What is it you want?"

ADAM: (surprised) "Who are you?"

LUCIFER: (arrogantly) "I am the God of this world."

ADAM: (unsure, questioning) "You, the God of this world?"

LUCIFER: "Yes, what do you want?"

ADAM: "I am looking for messengers."

LUCIFER: (expresses a smug, wise grin) "Oh, you want someone to

preach to you. You want religion do you. I will have preachers here

presently." (Lucifer turns and looks left. Camera pans to

approaching figure dressed in dark blue ministerial robe and priest's

collar until he walks up to Lucifer.) "Good Morning Sir."

PREACHER: (wisely) "Good morning!" (looking into the audience) "A

fine congregation."

LUCIFER: "Yes, they are very good people. They are concerned about

religion. Are you a preacher?"

PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) "I am."

LUCIFER: (searchingly) "Have you been to college and received

training for the ministry?"

PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) "Certainly! A man cannot preach

unless he has been trained for the ministry!"

LUCIFER: "Do you preach the orthodox religion?"

PREACHER: (proudly with emphasis) "Yes, that is what I preach."

LUCIFER: "If you will preach your orthodox religion to these people

and convert them, I will pay you well."

PREACHER: "I will do my best."

LUCIFER: (looks and gestures toward Adam and Eve) "Here is a man who

desires religion. He is very much exercised, and seems to be

sincere." (Lucifer steps back as Preacher approaches Adam and Eve.)

PREACHER: (authoritatively) "I understand you are inquiring after

religion."

ADAM: (sincerely) "I was calling upon Father."

PREACHER: (dramatically, with gestures) "I am glad to know that you

were calling upon Father. Do you believe in a God who is without

body, parts and passions, who sits on the top of a topless throne,

whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere; who

fills the universe, and yet is so small that he can dwell in your

heart. Who is surrounded by myriads of beings who have been saved by

Grace, not by any act of theirs, but by His good pleasure. Do you

believe in this great Being?"

ADAM: (emphatically) "I do not. I cannot comprehend such a Being."

PREACHER: (wistfully) "That is the beauty of it." (reproachfully)

"Perhaps you do not believe in the devil and in that great hell, the

bottomless pit, where there is a lake of fire and brimstone, into

which the wicked are cast, and where they are continually burning but

are never consumed?"

ADAM: (emphatically) "I do not believe in any such place."

PREACHER: (reproachfully) "My dear friend, I am sorry for you."

LUCIFER: (disgustedly) "I am sorry! Very, very sorry!"

(searchingly) "What is it you want?"

ADAM: (sincerely) "I am looking for messengers from my Father."

ELOHIM: (Scene fades to ethereal view of magnificent, huge throne set

- with semi-circle of towering Grecian columns, broad steps, Celestial

splendor. Elohim majestically towering above Jehovah, both appearing

as in Garden scene.) "Jehovah, send down Peter, James and John to

visit the man Adam in the Telestial World, without disclosing their

identity. Have them observe conditions generally, see if Satan is

there, and learn whether Adam has been true to the token and sign

given to him in the Garden of Eden. Have them then return and bring

me word."

JEHOVAH: (reverently and submissively) "It shall be done, Elohim."

(Jehovah turns and walk from the presence of Elohim to the edge of the

great columned set. T here Peter, James and John reverently enter amid

rolling clouds [stage smoke] in an ethereal view. Peter, James and

John are wearing long, full, shepherd type robes with colorful

sashes.)

JEHOVAH: "Peter, James and John, go down and visit the man Adam in

the Telestial World, without disclosing your identity. Observe

conditions generally. See if Satan is there, and learn whether Adam

has been true to the token and sign given to him in the Garden of

Eden. Then return and bring us word."

PETER: (reverently and submissively) "It shall be done, Jehovah.

Come James and John, let us go down."

JAMES: (reverently and submissively) "We will go down."

JOHN: (reverently and submissively) "We will go down."

(All turn and exit scene in single file, Peter leading. Scene fades

back to Lone and Dreary World. Peter, James and John file into scene,

Peter leading, approaches Lucifer, who turns toward him.

PETER: "Good morning."

LUCIFER: "Good morning."

PETER: (intently) "What are you doing here?"

LUCIFER: "Teaching religion."

PETER: (searchingly) "What religion do you teach?"

LUCIFER: (proudly with emphasis) "We teach a religion made of the

philosophies of men, mingled with Scripture."

PETER: "How is your religion received by this community?"

LUCIFER: "Very well - excepting this man. He does not seem to

believe anything we preach." (Peter, James & John turn from Lucifer

and walk over to Adam and Eve.)

PETER: (intently) "Good morning. What do you think of the preaching

of these gentlemen?"

ADAM: (intently) "I cannot comprehend it."

PETER: (searchingly) "Can you give us some idea concerning it?"

ADAM: (expresses wonderment) "They preach of a God who is without

body, parts or passions, who is so large he fills the universe and yet

so small that he can dwell in my heart, and of a hell without a bottom

where the wicked are continually burning but are never consumed. To

me it is a mass of confusion."

PETER: (sympathetically) "We do not wonder that you cannot

comprehend such doctrine. Have you any tokens or signs?" (Lucifer

enters the scene and interrupts the conversation.)

LUCIFER: (dramatically, with gestures) "Do you have any money?"

PETER: "We have sufficient for our needs."

LUCIFER: (dramatically, with gestures) "You can buy anything in this

world for money."

PETER: (turns back to Adam, searchingly) "Do you sell your tokens or

signs for money? You have them, I presume."

ADAM: (sincerely) "I have them, but I do not sell them for money. I

hold them sacred. I am looking for the further light and knowledge

Father promised to send me."

PETER: "That is right. We commend you for your integrity. Good

day." (Peter, James and John turn and exit, single file, Peter

leading. They stop at the edge of the set.) "We shall probably visit

you again." (Peter, James and John exit set. Camera pans to Lucifer

who approaches camera ominously and threateningly. Looks intently

into the audience.)

LUCIFER: (vehemently) "Now is the great day of my power. I reign

from the rivers to the ends of the earth. There is none who dares to

molest or make afraid."

PREACHER: (curiously) "Shall we ever have any apostles or prophets?"

LUCIFER: (proudly) "No. However, there may be some who will profess

revelation or apostleship. If so, just test them by asking them to

perform a great miracle, such as cutting off an arm or some other

member of the body, and restoring it, so that the people may know that

they come with power." (Scene fades to Elohim's columned throne set.

Peter, James and John enter single file, Peter leading, [amid stage

smoke] and approach Jehovah who has been awaiting their return.)

PETER: "Jehovah, we have been to the man Adam in the Telestial World

as thou didst command. We found Satan there, with his ministers,

preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead the

posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to the

token and sign given to him in the Garden of Eden, and is waiting for

the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is our

report."

JEHOVAH: "It is well, Peter, James and John." (Jehovah turns and

ascends the set width stairs to approach Elohim, standing majestically

at the top.) "Elohim, Peter, James and John have been down to the man

Adam in the Telestial World. They found Satan there with his

ministers preaching all manner of false doctrine, and striving to lead

the posterity of Adam astray. But Adam has been true and faithful to

the token and sign given him in the Garden of Eden, and he is waiting

for the further light and knowledge you promised to send him. This is

their report."

ELOHIM: "It is well. Jehovah, instruct Peter, James and John to go

down in their true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, to

the man Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World, and to cast

Satan out of their midst. Instruct them to give unto Adam and his

posterity the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon and

the Bible. Also a charge to avoid all light-mindedness, loud

laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the name

of the God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and

cause these to be received by covenant."

"Instruct Peter, James and John further to clothe Adam and his

posterity in the robes of the Holy Priesthood, with the robe on the

left shoulder, and to give unto them the second token of the Aaronic

Priesthood, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Then have

them return and bring me word."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done, Elohim." (Jehovah turns, descends

stairs, approaches Peter, James and John.) "Peter, James and John, go

down in your true character as Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ to

the man Adam and his posterity in the Telestial World. Cast Satan out

of their midst. Give unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in

the Book of Mormon and the Bible. Also a charge to avoid all 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.

THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL

PETER: "A couple will now come to the altar." (The witness couple

comes forward and kneels at the altar.) "Brethren and Sisters, this

couple at the altar represent all of you as if at the altar, and you

will be under the same obligations that they will be. We are required

to give unto you the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of

Mormon and the Bible. To give unto you also a charge to avoid all

light-mindedness, loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's Anointed,

the taking of the name of God in vain, and every other unholy and

impure practice, and to cause you to receive these by covenant."

"All arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you bring your

right arm to the square." (patrons all raise right arm to the square)

"You and each of you covenant and promise before God, angels and

these witnesses at this altar, that you will observe and keep the Law

of the Gospel and this charge as it has been explained to you. Each

of you bow your head and say yes."

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their heads) "Yes."

PETER: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

THE ROBES OF THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD

PETER: "We are instructed to clothe you in the robes of the Holy

Priesthood. Place the robe on the left shoulder, place the cap on

your head with the bow over the right ear, replace the apron, tie the

girdle with the bow on the right side, remove the slippers from your

feet, and put them on again as part of the Temple Clothing. You may

now proceed to clothe."

(The patrons all stand, and turn around to use their seat as a

dressing table. They remove the green fig-leaf apron and the slippers

from their feet, open their package of Temple clothing, and commence

dressing by placing the long white robe on their left shoulder and tie

it in at the waist on the right side. Next they put on the hat (6)

(or veil for women) with the bow over the right ear, and then tie the

string from the hat to the shoulder loop of the rope. Next they

replace the green apron at the waist, and then tie the long six inch

wide sash in a large bow at the right side of the waist. They then

sit down and replace the slippers on their feet.)

(6) The hat looks like a baker's hat without the wide band. It has a

bow on one side and a string on the opposite side.

SECOND TOKEN OF THE AARONIC PRIESTHOOD

PETER: "A couple will now come to the altar." (the witness couple

comes forward and kneels at the altar) "With the robe on the left

shoulder, you are prepared to officiate in the ordinances of the

Aaronic Priesthood. We will now give unto you the Second Token of the

Aaronic Priesthood with its accompanying name, sign and penalty. This

token is given by clasping the right hands and placing the joint of

the thumb between the first and second knuckles of the hand, in this

manner. (Officiator takes brother at the altar in the grip and shows

the audience)

"We desire all to receive it. All arise." (The witness couple

stand up and return to their seats. All patrons stand up in place and

receive the token from one of the temple workers who circulate through

the rows. Then they sit down.) "If any of you have not received this

token, will you please raise your hand."

"The name of this token is your own first given name if you are

going through the temple for your own Endowment, or if you are going

through for the dead, it is the first given name of the person for

whom you are officiating."

PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the sign as the instructions are

given) "The sign is made by bringing the right hand in front of you,

with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm forming a square, the

left arm being raised to the square. This is the sign. The execution

of the penalty is represented by placing the right hand on the left

breast, drawing the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the

hand to the sides. I will now explain the covenant and obligation to

secrecy which are associated with this token, its name, sign and

penalty, and which you will be required to take upon yourself."

"If I were receiving my own Endowment today, and if my first

given name were David, I would repeat in my mind these words, after

making the sign, at the same time representing the execution of the

penalty." (Officiator, still making the sign, demonstrates the

execution of the penalty) "I, David, covenant that I will never

reveal the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its

accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would

suffer .. (pause, right hand to left breast) my life .. (pause, draws

hand across chest to right breast) to be taken." (drops hands to

side)

"All arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you make the sign

of the Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood by bringing the right

hand in front of you, with the hand in cupping shape, the right arm

forming a square, and the left arm being raised to the square. This

is the sign." (patrons all make the sign)

"Now repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at

the same time representing the execution of the penalty."

"I, (think of the first given name), covenant that I will never

reveal the second token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its

accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would

suffer .. (patrons all place left hand on right breast) my life ..

(patrons all draw left hand quickly across the body) to be taken."

(patrons all drop both hands to the sides) "That will do." (patrons

all sit down)

(If any one of the brethren or sisters makes a mistake in the

execution of the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by

all patrons together, as before.)

(The tape resumes)

PETER: "Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and his posterity

in the Telestial world, and have cast Satan out of their midst. We

have given unto them the Law of the Gospel as contained in the Book of

Mormon and the Bible. Also a charge to avoid all light-mindedness,

loud laughter, evil speaking of the Lord's anointed, the taking of the

name of God in vain, and every other unholy and impure practice, and

have caused them to receive these by covenant. We have also clothed

them in the robes of the Holy Priesthood and have given unto them the

Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood, with its accompanying name,

sign and penalty. This is our report."

JEHOVAH: "It is well, Peter, James and John." (Jehovah repeats the

same report to Elohim - who is pleased - and gives Jehovah further

instructions for Peter, James and John to return again to Adam in the

Telestial World and to give unto Adam instructions to change his robe

to the right shoulder preparatory to receiving the ordinances of the

Melchizedek Priesthood and to administer to Adam the Law of Chastity

and introduce him into the Terrestial World. Jehovah then instructs

Peter, James and John. They accept the instructions and depart)

PETER: "We are instructed to have you change your robe to the right

shoulder, preparatory to officiating in the ordinances of the

Melchizedek Priesthood, and to introduce you into the Terrestial

World. You may now make the change by removing the robe." (The room

light level is increased to represent the change to the Terrestial

World.)

(The patrons all stand, turn around to use their seat as a clothes

stand, and proceed to remove the hat, sash, apron, robe and slippers.

They put the robe on again, but on the right shoulder, then put all of

the other items on reversed, with the bow of the hat on the right ear

and the sash tied to the left side. They sit down an put on the

slippers.)

THE TERRESTIAL WORLD

Law of Chastity

PETER: "A couple will now come to the altar." (the witness couple

come forward and kneel at the altar as before) "We are instructed to

give unto you the Law of Chastity. This I will explain to you. To

the sisters, it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse

except with your husband to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded.

To the brethren, it is that no one of you will have sexual intercourse

except with your wife to whom you are legally and lawfully wedded."

"Sisters, please arise." (sisters all stand up) "Each of you

bring your right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant and

promise before God, angels and these witnesses at this altar that you

will observe and keep the Law of Chastity, as it has been explained to

you. Each of you bow your head and say yes."

SISTERS: (all bow their heads) "Yes."

PETER: "That will do." (sisters all sit down) "Brethren, please

arise." (brethren all stand up) "Each of you bring your right arm to

the square. You and each of you covenant and promise before God,

angels and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and

keep the Law of Chastity as it has been explained to you. Each of you

bow your head and say yes."

BRETHREN: (all bow their heads) "Yes."

PETER: "That will do." (brethren all sit down)

FIRST TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

OR THE SIGN OF THE NAIL

PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the instructions before the

audience as the tape plays) "We will now give unto you the first

token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with its

accompanying name, sign and penalty. This token is received by

bringing the right hand into this position. The hand vertical, the

fingers close together, and the thumb extended. And the person giving

the token placing the tip of the forefinger of his right hand in the

center of the palm, and the thumb opposite on the back of the hand of

the one receiving it, in this manner. We desire all to receive it."

"All arise." (The witness couple stand up and return to their

seats as the patrons all stand and receive the token from one of the

temple workers, then sit down.)

PETER: "If any of you have not received this token, please you will

please raise your hand."

"The name of this token is 'The Son', meaning the Son of God."

"The sign is made by bringing the left hand in front of you with

the hand in cupped shape, the left arm forming a square, the right

hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close

together, thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left hip."

(Officiator makes the sign facing the audience as before) "This is

the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented by drawing the

thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to the side."

(Officiator demonstrates execution of the penalty)

"I will now explain the covenant and obligation of secrecy which

are associated with this token, its name, sign, and penalty, and which

you will be required to take upon yourselves. If I were receiving the

Endowment today, either for myself or for the dead, I would repeat in

my mind these words, after making the sign." (Officiator makes the

sign, at the same time representing the execution of the penalty) "I

covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the first

token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with its

accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather that do so, I would

suffer my life .. (pause, draws right thumb across body) to be taken."

(drops hands to his sides)

"All arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you make the sign

of the first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail

by bringing the left hand in front of you with the hand in cupping

shape, the left arm forming a square. The right hand is also brought

forward, the palm down, the fingers close together and the thumb

extended and the thumb is placed over the left hip." (patrons all

make the sign) "This is the sign."

"Now repeat in your minds after me the words of the covenant, at

the same time representing the execution of the penalty."

"I covenant in the name of the Son that I will never reveal the

first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or sign of the nail, with

its accompanying name, sign and penalty. Rather than do so, I would

suffer my life .. (patrons all draw their right thumb quickly across

their body) to be taken." (patrons all drop both hands to their sides)

"That will do." (patrons all sit down)

(If any of the brethren or sisters makes a mistake in the execution of

the penalty, the execution of the penalty is repeated by all the

patrons as with previous penalties.)

PETER: "We will return and report."

"Jehovah, we have been down to the man Adam and his posterity,

have placed the robe on the right shoulder and have introduced them

into the Terrestial world. We have put them under covenant to observe

and keep the law of chastity. We have also given them the first token

of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or sign of the nail, with its

accompanying name, sign, and penalty. This is our report.

JEHOVAH: "It is well Peter, James and John."

"Elohim - Peter, James and John have been down to the man Adam

and his posterity, have placed the robe on the right shoulder, and

have introduced them into the Terrestial world. They have also put

them under covenant to observe and keep the law of chastity. They

have given unto them, the First Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood,

or Sign of the Nail, with its accompanying name, sign and penalty.

This is their report."

ELOHIM: "It is well. Jehovah, send down Peter, James, and John and

instruct them to give to the man Adam and his posterity in the

Terrestial World the law of consecration in connection with the Law of

the Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and to cause them to receive it

by covenant. To give unto them the second token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or sure sign of the nail, with its

accompanying sign, and to teach them the order of prayer, and to

prepare them in all things to receive further instructions at the

veil. Then have them report at the veil."

JEHOVAH: "It shall be done Elohim. Peter, James, and John, go down

to the man Adam and his posterity in the Terrestrial World, and give

unto them the Law of Consecration, in connection with the Law of the

Gospel and the Law of Sacrifice, and cause them to receive it by

covenant. Give unto them the second Token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or sure sign of the nail, with its

accompanying sign. Teach them the Order of Prayer and prepare them in

all things to receive further instruction at the veil. Then report at

the veil."

PETER: "It shall be done Jehovah. Come James and John, let us go

down."

LAW OF CONSECRATION

PETER: "A couple will now come to the altar." (the witness couple

come forward and they kneel at the altar as before) "We are

instructed to give unto you the Law of Consecration as contained in

the Book of Doctrine and Covenants (picks up Doctrine and Covenants

from the altar) in connection with the Law of the Gospel and the Law

of Sacrifice which you have already received. It is that you do

consecrate yourselves, your time, talents and everything with which

the Lord has blessed you, or with which he may bless you, to the

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for the building up of

the Kingdom of God on the earth and for the establishment of Zion."

"All Arise." (patrons all stand up) "Each of you bring your

right arm to the square. You and each of you covenant before God,

angels and these witnesses at this altar that you will observe and

keep the Law of Consecration as contained in this the book of Doctrine

and Covenants. It is that you do consecrate yourselves, your time,

talents and everything with which the Lord has blessed you or with

which he may bless you, to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day

Saints, for the building up of the Kingdom of God on the earth and for

the establishment of Zion. Each of you bow your heads and say yes.

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (all bow their heads) "Yes."

PETER: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

SECOND TOKEN OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD

The Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail

PETER: (the Officiator demonstrates the token with the Brother at the

altar) "We will now give you the second token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail, with its

accompanying sign. This token is given by clasping the right hands

interlocking the little finger, and placing the tip of the forefinger

on the center of the wrist, in this manner." (shows the audience the

token) "We desire all to receive it. All arise."

(The witness couple stand up and return to their seats as the patrons

all stand and each one receives the secret grip from one of the temple

workers who circulate through the rows of patrons.)

"If any of you have not received this token you will please raise

your hand."

"This token has a name and a sign but no penalty is mentioned.

However, you will be under just as sacred obligation of secrecy in

connection with this token and sign as you are with the other tokens

and signs of the Holy Priesthood which you have received in the Temple

this day. The name of this token will not be given to you at this

stage of the Endowment, but it will be given later on."

(The Officiator demonstrates the sign.)

"The sign is made by raising both hands high above the head, and

while lowering the hands repeating aloud the words:"

"Pay lay ale"

"Pay lay ale"

"Pay lay ale"

(The Officiator raises and lowers his hands three times in synchronism

with the words.)

"When Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden, he built an

altar and offered prayer, and these are the words he used, Which

interpreted are: 'Oh God, hear the words of my mouth.' repeated three

times." (7)

"We desire all to receive it. All arise." (patrons all stand up)

"Each of you make the sign of the second token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail by raising

both hands high above the head, and by lowering your hands to your

sides, while repeating the words of the prayer."

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: (Patrons all make the sign by raising and

lowering their hands three times while reciting the words in unison.)

"Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale, Pay lay ale."

PETER: "That will do." (patrons all sit down)

"A lecture will next be given, which summarizes the instructions,

ordinances and covenants, and also the tokens with their key words,

signs and penalties, pertaining to the endowment which you have thus

far received. You should try to remember and keep in mind all that

you have heard and seen and may yet hear and see in this Temple this

day. The purpose of this lecture is to assist you to remember that

which has been taught you this day. You must keep in mind that you

are under a solemn obligation never to speak, outside of these walls,

of the things you see and hear in this sacred place."

LECTURE BEFORE THE VEIL

LECTURER: "Brethren and sisters, these Endowments as herein

administered, long withheld from the children of men, pertain to the

dispensation of the fullness of times and have been revealed to

prepare the people for exaltation."

(The Lecturer explains to the patrons what they have gone through,

from the Washing and Anointing Room to the time they receive this

lecture. He mentions that they have received the keys of the

Priesthood contained in the Endowments.)

"These are what are termed the mysteries of Godliness and they

will enable you to understand the expression of Jesus made prior to

his betrayal - This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the

only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. May God bless

you all. Amen."

(7) Another translation of these words, from Biblical Hebrew, is

"Wonderful Lucifer" repeated three times. See Strong's Concordance,

Hebrew Dictionary section, words #6382 and #1966. Note that on page

27 it is Lucifer who answers Adam's prayer.

THE PRAYER CIRCLE

PETER: "We will now teach you the 'True Order of Prayer'. The

witness couple will now come forward and stand at the head of the

altar. Six or seven other couples will come forward and form a circle

around the altar." (The tape recording stops while the witness couple

and several other couples at random come forward and arrange

themselves in a circle of couples around the altar, men on the right

of their partners.) (tape resumes)

"John will instruct and lead in the prayer circle." (the

Officiator acts as John, pantomiming the tape recording.)

JOHN: "If any of you have unkind feelings towards any member of this

circle, you are invited to withdraw, that the Spirit of the Lord may

be unrestrained. In this circle, we are required to make all the

signs and penalties of the Holy Priesthood."

(The Officiator and patrons in the prayer circle all make the signs

and penalties as instructed.)

"We will begin by making the sign of the first token of the

Aaronic Priesthood, the sign is made by raising the right hand to the

square, the palm forward, the fingers close together, and the thumb

extended. This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is

represented by placing the right thumb under the left ear, drawing the

thumb quickly across the throat to the right ear, and dropping the

hand to the side. The name of this token is the 'New Name'."

"We will now make the sign of the second token of the Aaronic

Priesthood by bringing the right hand forward, with the hand in

cupping shape, the right arm forming a square. The left arm being

raised to the square. This is the sign. The execution of the penalty

is represented by placing the right hand on the left breast, drawing

the hand quickly across the body, and dropping the hand to the side.

The name of this token is the first given name of the person for whom

you are officiating today."

"We will now make the sign of the first token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, or sign of the nail, by bringing the left hand in front of

you, the hand in cupping shape, the left arm forming a square. The

right hand is also brought forward, the palm down, the fingers close

together, the thumb extended, and the thumb is placed over the left

hip. This is the sign. The execution of the penalty is represented

by drawing the thumb quickly across the body and dropping the hands to

the sides. The name of this token is 'The Son' meaning the son of

God."

"We will now make the sign of the second token of the Melchizedek

Priesthood, the Patriarchal Grip, or sure sign of the Nail, by raising

both hands high above the head, and while lowering the hands repeating

aloud the words, Pay lay ale; Pay lay ale; Pay lay ale."

"The sisters will please veil your faces. The brethren will each

take the sisters at your left by the right hand in the Patriarchal

Grip. Each of you will raise your left arm to the square and place

your left elbow on the shoulder or arm of the person on your left.

You will please repeat the words of the prayer."

(At this point the tape recording stops and the Officiator actually

speaks. He first carefully checks and adjusts the position of all

patrons in he prayer circle. Then he kneels at the Altar inside the

circle, facing forward and offers the prayer. The Officiator pauses

regularly to allow the patrons in the circle to repeat his words.)

A typical prayer would be as follows:

"Our Eternal Heavenly Father:

We thank Thee for the privilege of coming to the Temple this day

and participating in these sacred ordinances which are essential to

these deceased individuals. We ask you to bless our Prophet, Spencer

W. Kimball, to bless the Temple Presidency, and all those who serve

with them .. (Many other topics may be covered, especially the

missionaries, missionary programs and work, genealogical work.) We

ask Thee Heavenly Father to look with favor upon all those whose names

are contained on this altar this day. We ask Thy healing blessing to

manifest in all their various needs, to restore health and strength to

body, mind, and spirit. We ask Thee to bless all those who are

participating here tonight and see them safely home to their

destination. We ask you to watch over their families and loved ones

until they arrive home, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

(Tape recording resumes, with Officiator and his aide standing front

and center facing the patrons.)

PETER: "The Sisters will unveil their faces and the Brethren and

Sisters in the circle will return to their seats." (patrons return to

their seats.) "We will now uncover the Veil."

(The Officiator and aide take appropriate action to expose a veil

segment to the audience. The Officiator continues to pantomime the

tape, using a pointer to identify the marks.)

"Brethren and Sisters, This is the veil of the Temple. We will

now explain to you the significance of the marks on the Veil. These

four marks are the marks of the Holy Priesthood, and corresponding

marks are found on your individual garments. This is the mark of the

square. It is located on the garment over the right breast,

signifying exactness and honor in living up to all of the covenants

made in the Temple this day. This is the mark of the compass. It is

located in the garment over the breast, signifying that desires,

appetites and passions are to be kept within the bounds the Lord has

established, and that all truth can be circumscribed into one great

whole. This is the navel mark. It is placed in the garment over the

navel as a reminder of the constant need of nourishment to body and

spirit. This is the knee mark. It is placed in the right leg of the

garment over the knee, and indicates that every knee shall bow and

every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ."

"These other three marks are for convenience in working at the

veil. Through this one the person representing the Lord puts his

right hand to test our knowledge of the tokens of the Holy priesthood;

through this one, he asks us certain questions, and through this one,

we give our answers."

"Since all of you will have to pass through the veil, we will

show you how this is done." (The aide is now behind the veil to act as

the Lord. The Officiator, acting as both Peter and Adam, gives three

taps with the mallet against the doorjamb, as the tape recording

continues.)

LORD: "What is wanted?"

PETER: "Adam, having been true and faithful, desires further light

and knowledge by conversing with the Lord through the veil (for and in

behalf of _____, who is dead.)"

LORD: "Present him at the veil and his request shall be granted."

LORD: (Extends his right hand through the compass mark in the veil

and takes Peter by the right hand in the first token of the Aaronic

Priesthood.) "What is that?"

PETER: (acting as Adam) "The first token of the Aaronic Priesthood."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PETER: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PETER: "I will through the veil."

NARRATOR: "You will now give the New Name to the Lord through the

Veil."

LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the

Second Token of the Aaronic Priesthood.) "What is that?"

PETER: "The Second token of the Aaronic Priesthood."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PETER: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PETER: "I will through the veil."

NARRATOR: "You will each give your own first given name if you are

going through the Temple for your own Endowments, or the first given

name of the deceased for whom you are presiding today."

LORD: "What is that?"

PETER: "The first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood or Sign of the

Nail."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PETER: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PETER: "I will through the veil - the Son."

LORD: (breaks contact, then takes Peter by the right hand in the

Patriarchal grip) "What is that?"

PETER: "The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the

Patriarchal Grip or sure Sign of the nail."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PETER: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PETER: "I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I

have come to converse with the Lord through the veil."

LORD: "You shall receive it upon the five points of fellowship

through the veil."

PETER: "The five points of fellowship are: inside of right boot by

the side of right foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back

and mouth to ear." (Peter demonstrates the five points with the Lord.)

"The Lord now gives you the name of the token, you will then repeat it

back to him through the veil, whereupon, the Lord responds, 'That is

correct.' The worker will then give three raps with the mallet - like

this, (Officiator taps with the mallet) and the Lord will ask:"

LORD: "What is wanted?"

PETER: "Adam, having conversed with the Lord through the veil,

desires now to enter his presence. The Lord then takes Adam by the

right hand through the opening in the veil and says:"

LORD: "Let him enter."

PETER: "The Lord then admits Adam into the Celestial Kingdom. We

desire all to enter his presence."

(The Officiator, who until now has not spoken to the audience, now

gives instructions for orderly movement, row by row, of the patrons

into the Telestial Room, where the actual veil is located. The

patrons then proceed to move to the Telestial Room and take up seats

there, still segregated, women on the left, men on the right. The

entire front of this room, plus extra space to both sides is filled

with approximately 50 veil segments [Los Angeless Temple]. Patrons are

called from their seats in groups of 8-10 by the Officiator [still

segregated by sex] to the veil area, where they are assigned to a veil

section in turn and then introduced at the veil.)

Three persons are involved at each veil ceremony: the VEIL

WORKER, who represents the Lord behind the veil; the PATRON, who is

going through the ceremony to obtain entrance into the Celestial Room,

representing the Celestial Kingdom, located behind the veil; and the

INTRODUCER who helps the patron and introduces him to the Lord. All

Veil Workers are men, but the veil segments are divided between men

and women patrons and women INTRODUCERS help women Patrons.

CEREMONY AT THE VEIL

(As the Patron approaches the veil, the Introducer takes the Patron's

nameslip. The Introducer taps 3 times on the veil framework with a

small mallet. The Veil Worker parts the veil opening slightly with

his right hand.)

LORD: "What is Wanted?"

(The Introducer holds up the Patron's nameslip for the Veil Worker to

read while he is stating the introductions.)

INTRODUCER: "Adam, having been true and faithful in all things,

desires further light and knowledge by conversing with the Lord

through the veil (for and in behalf of ____, who is dead)."

(The Veil Worker reads the nameslip and notes if the alternate New

Name has been given [The name of the First Token of the Aaronic

Priesthood], and the first given name of the deceased [the name of the

2nd Token of the Aaronic Priesthood]. NO COMMUNICATION IS PERMITTED

between the Veil Worker and the Introducer or the Patron except the

specified dialogue. If the patron makes a mistake, the Introducer

immediately corrects him, and the patron restates the correction. If

the Introducer misses the mistake, the Veil Worker [Lord] stops, or

breaks contact and repeats the same question to indicate an error was

made.)

(The Veil Worker extends his right hand through the compass mark on

the veil, takes the patron by the right hand in the first token of the

Aaronic Priesthood described above.)

LORD: "Present him at the Veil and his request shall be granted."

LORD: "What is that?"

PATRON: "The first token of the Aaronic Priesthood."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PATRON: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PATRON: "I will, through the veil." (Gives the new name)

LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron's hand in the Second Token

of the Aaronic Priesthood) "What is that?"

PATRON: "The second token of the Aaronic Priesthood."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PATRON: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PATRON: "I will, through the veil." (gives the first given name)

LORD: (breaks contact, then takes patron's right hand in the First

Token of the Melchizedek Priesthood) "What is that?"

PATRON: "The first token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, or sign of

the Nail."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PATRON: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PATRON: "I will, through the veil - The Son."

LORD: (breaks contact, then takes the patron's hand in the

Patriarchal Grip) "What is that?"

PATRON: "The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, The

Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PATRON: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PATRON: "I cannot. I have not yet received it. For this purpose I

have come to converse with the Lord through the Veil."

LORD: "You shall receive it upon the five points of fellowship,

through the veil." (Patron and Veil Worker embrace in the five points

of fellowship through the veil.) "This is the name of the token -

Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and in

the sinews, power in the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity

through all generations of time and throughout all eternity."

LORD: "What is that?"

PATRON: "The second token of the Melchizedek Priesthood, the

Patriarchal Grip or Sure Sign of the Nail."

LORD: "Has it a name?"

PATRON: "It has."

LORD: "Will you give it to me?"

PATRON: "I will, upon the five points of fellowship through the veil

- Health in the navel, marrow in the bones, strength in the loins and

in sinews, power in the priesthood be upon me and upon my posterity

through all generations of time and throughout all eternity."

LORD: "That is correct."

(The patron and the Veil Worker break their embrace and withdraw their

arms. The Introducer gives three taps with the mallet on the

framework.)

LORD: "What is wanted?"

INTRODUCER: (parts the veil slightly with right hand) "Adam, having

conversed with the Lord through the veil, desires now to enter his

presence."

(The Veil Worker parts the Veil, takes the Patron by the right hand

with his right hand, and while guiding the Patron through the Veil

opening says:)

LORD: (solemnly) "Let him enter!"

(The Patron then passes by the Veil Worker, normally with a momentary

thank you - greeting, and moves on into the Celestial Room (8) - which

completes the Endowment Ceremony.)

(8) The Celestial Room is an elegantly furnished sitting room where

patrons may stand or sit for a few minutes to wait for spouses,

friends or associates to come through the veil. Conversation is

permitted only in quiet whispers. This is the only opportunity a

Mormon ever has to ask a question about the Temple ceremonies. It is

supposed to be a place to meditate, or seek answers to problems or

inspiration. In actual practice patrons are not permitted to remain

in the Celestial room for more than a few minutes. Rarely is anyone

available to answer questions or discuss a problem. It is very

business like and efficiently operated, like a production line.

(Patrons move from the Celestial room back downstairs to the locker

room, still wearing all the Temple clothing. There the patron removes

his temple clothing and puts on his normal clothing and is free to

leave at his leisure. There is a comfortable waiting room near the

entrance where he may await spouse and friends.)

TEMPLE MARRIAGE FOR TIME AND ETERNITY

A typical Temple contains from six to ten or more Sealing Rooms

where marriages and sealings are performed for the living and the

dead. Sealings are performed for couples already married, living or

dead, to extend their marriage to eternity. On a typical Saturday in

Los Angeles anywhere from 60 to 90 marriages and sealings may be

performed, mostly for young couples. The Sealing Rooms are elegantly

furnished and decorated. The walls are lined with chairs and a

beautiful altar is in the center. The Officiator for this ceremony is

a Temple Sealer, who is supposed to be an especially spiritual person.

The actual ritual or "ordinance" takes approximately two or three

minutes to recite. When marriages or sealings for the living are

performed they are normally preceded by a discourse or instruction -

especially for the wedding couple, stressing the great significance of

this ceremony to the eternal destiny and earthly life of the family.

The room is often filled with up to 40 friends and family of the

wedding couple who must also have Temple Recommends, and who have come

to be with them - all of them dressed in white Temple attire.

There were approximately 40 persons at the sealing of my wife and

children to myself (the order of the Priesthood is that wife and

children are sealed to the father). After the preliminary message,

two "witnesses" are seated in a special position of honor and the

bride and groom kneel on opposite sides of the elegantly upholstered

altar and join right hands in the Patriarchal grip previously

described.

THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY

(The Sealer stands at the head to the altar and pronounces the

ceremony.)

SEALER: "Brother _____ (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead), do you

take Sister ____ [maiden name] (acting as proxy for ____ who is dead)

by the right hand and receive her unto yourself to be your lawful and

wedded wife for time and for all eternity, with a covenant and promise

that you will observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances

pertaining to this Holy Order of Matrimony in the new and everlasting

Covenant, and this you do in the presence of God, angels and these

witnesses of your own free will and choice?"

BROTHER: "Yes."

SEALER: "Sister ____ [maiden name] (acting as proxy for ____ who is

dead), do you take Brother _____ (acting as proxy for _____, who is

dead) by the right hand and give yourself to him to be his lawful and

wedded wife, and for him to be your lawful and wedded husband, for

time and for all eternity, with a covenant and promise that you will

observe and keep all the laws, rites and ordinances pertaining to this

Holy Order of Matrimony in the new and everlasting Covenant: and this

you do in the presence of God, angels and these witnesses of your own

free will and choice?"

SEALER: "By virtue of the Holy Priesthood and the authority vested in

me, I pronounce you ______, and ______, legally and lawfully husband

and wife for time and for all eternity, and I seal upon you the

blessings of the holy resurrection with power to come forth in the

morning of the first resurrection clothed in glory, immortality and

eternal lives, and seal upon you the blessings of kingdoms, thrones,

principalities, powers, dominions, and exaltations, with all the

blessings of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and say unto you, be fruitful

and multiply and replentish the earth, that you may have joy and

rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. All these blessings,

together with all the blessings appertaining unto new and everlasting

covenant, and I seal upon you by virtue of the Holy Priesthood,

through your faithfulness, in the name of the Father, and of the son,

and of the Holy Ghost, Amen."

(The parties then kiss each other over the altar which ends the

ceremony. No exchange of rings is included in the ceremony, but may

be done after the ceremony. The couple is then congratulated by their

guests and the Sealer and the party leaves to change to street

clothing.)

SEALING OF CHILDREN TO PARENTS CEREMONY

Married couples, usually converts, who are being sealed often

have minor children. These children are normally sealed to their

parents immediately following the Sealing ceremony of the parents to

each other. The children may not be present for the parents' sealing,

but are brought in, dressed in white, while the parents are still

kneeling at the altar. The parents are moved to the ends of the

rectangular altar and the children kneel along the sides where the

parents were. The parents join hands in the Patriarchal grip and the

Children place their right hand in the top of the parents hands,

starting with the oldest child. The Officiator then stands behind the

father and pronounces the ceremony

SEALER: "By the authority of the Holy Priesthood, I seal you _____

(acting as proxy for and in behalf of ______), to your father _____

and to your mother _____, for time and all eternity, as an heir (or

heirs) (with all the children) as though you were born in the new and

everlasting covenant, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of

the Holy Ghost, Amen."

Other family sealings are performed in a similar manner on

occasion. A member of the wedding couple could be sealed to his or

her parents at this time, or have their parents sealed and act as

proxy for the appropriate parent.

"Sealing Sessions" are conducted nearly every evening in the

Temple in which a group of four couples and an Officiator will perform

approximately 200 to 300 proxy sealings in about two hours. These are

very business like and efficiently conducted working sessions, which

produce over-stressed knees and barks among the participants.

CONCLUSION

The Mormon Temple ceremonies have been presented here almost in

their entirety and very nearly "word perfect" for the instruction and

information of honest investigators looking into the deepest teachings

of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).

Those readers who are offended or disturbed by this objective and

truthful presentation of this information are asked to consider this:

darkness flees from light, error flees from truth, deceit and

deception flee from honesty and integrity. Perhaps you should re-

evaluate your commitment to light, truth, honesty and integrity as

opposed to blind, mindless obedience to the precepts of men.

The Apostle Paul told the saints in Ephesus, "For ye were

sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children

of light .. proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no

fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove

them. For it is a shame to even speak of those things which are done

of them in secret, but all things that are reproved are made manifest

by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light." (Ephesians

5:8,10-13)

Brethren and Sisters, we invite you to come out of secret works

of darkness into the wonderful light of Jesus, the Light of the World

and Savior of every soul who will abandon man made churchianity and

come to Him for Salvation and Redemption. Praise the Lord, He is

faithful to His Word - to SAVE all who will accept His matchless grace

by faith in Him.

Chuck Sackett

Computers for Christ - Chicago


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