1. Our Country (no response)
2. The Craft
3. The Grand Lodge of Iowa
4. _____________ Lodge No. __________ (by the J. W.)
5. Our Visiting Brethren
6. The Initiates
7. The Tyler's Toast (no response)
"To all Freemasons wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth." The first and fifth toasts should invariably be proposed by the Master; the fourth by the Junior Warden in order to relieve the Master of any possible embarrassment because of the fact that he is, for the time being, the executive head of the lodge proposed; the last toast is always given by the Tyler, as above indicated. The second, third and sixth may be proposed by the Master, or by any brother he may designate. The fourth, by the Junior Warden, is proposed only after asking and receiving the Master's permission. The following suggested forms may be found helpful: 1. Our Country: In proposing the first toast, the Master rises, calling up the brethren with three knocks of the gavel. Each one holds his glass breast high, in front, facing the Master. He then says, "My brethren, let us drink to the honor, peace and prosperity of our country, pledging anew our undivided loyalty. With me, my brethren—To our Country!" At this point all raise their glasses, repeating in unison "to our country," then drink the toast briefly, setting down their glasses at the same instant the Master sets his down. He then seats them with one knock of the gavel. (No Response) The same procedure should be exactly followed in proposing and drinking the remaining toasts, which should be brief, leaving their elaboration to those who respond. In every case the Master calls up the brethren immediately upon his own or another's rising, with the following modifications: in the fourth he calls them up but remains seated himself, and does not join in drinking the toast. The brethren face the Junior Warden as he asks permission to propose his own lodge, as they likewise do the Tyler as he proposes the final toast. The other exceptions are those of the fifth and sixth toasts: if visitors or initiates are present, they do not rise with the others when their healths are proposed, nor do they join in the drinking. They can be posted on this matter prior to assembling at the table. The Master may quietly remind them as this point is reached in the ceremony. 2. The Craft: To the memory of our founders, to the ties which unite a world Brotherhood, and to a future made great by reason of a greater understanding of the Spirit of Masonry. With me, my brethren—To the Craft! (Response) 3. The Grand Lodge of Iowa: To its long and honored career, its steady adherence to our principles, its unfailing answer to the call of distress, and its encouragement to those who seek further light in Masonry. May it direct with wisdom, decide with justice, and plan with a vision worthy of the Fraternity it serves. With me, my brethren—To the Grand Lodge of Iowa! (Response) 4. ______________ Lodge No. _______ : (By the Junior Warden) Worshipful Master, I beg permission to propose our own lodge. (Master gives assent.) To the lodge so close to the hearts of its members, commanding through long years an interest and loyalty unshaken by adversity and unspoiled by prosperity. So may we reflect its integrity and stability in our daily lives. With me, my brethren— To ________ Lodge No. ____ . (Response) 5. Our Visiting Brethren: (By the Master) To our guests of the evening, who will not doubt the cordial sincerity of our welcome. May this occasion persuade them to share our hospitality whenever their circumstances permit. With me, my brethren— To our Visiting Brethren! (Response) 6. The Initiates: To our newly acquired brethren who have so recently entered into what should be a life relationship with a great Brotherhood. They have crossed an invisible boundary, yet one as real as light and darkness. May they find in our Fraternity at least some of its finest values, and may they contribute their share to the building of this cathedral of friendship and service which we call Masonry. With me, my brethren—: To the Initiates! (Response) 7. The Tyler's Toast: (By the Tyler) (This is an ancient toast, and is never omitted) "To all Freemasons wheresoever dispersed over the face of the earth." With me, my brethren—(all repeat the toast in unison). (No Response) After the toast has been drunk, all glasses are set down at the same instant as that of the Tyler. The Master then closes the Table Lodge with the gavel. Lodge is then called from refreshment to labor, and closed in form.