There is no doubt that Joseph’s primary interest in Masonry lay in its ritual. Like Solomon he was a temple-builder. Whatever had come down through the ages that was of value he meant to incorporate into his church. Six weeks after the installation of the lodge he called seven of his leading men — Masonic Grand Master James Adams among them — and instructed them “in the principles and order of the Priesthood, attending to washings, anointings, endowments and the communication of keys.” In this council, he said, “was instituted the ancient order of things for the first time in these last days.”
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