Opening Charge 

This Charge, known as the Opening Charge, is sometimes called the Charge at the Opening of a Lodge.

The Opening Charge is given during the Opening of a Stated Meeting of a Lodge, at least in Pennsylvania.  I do not know about other States or Countries.

The Opening Charge is a speech usually given by the Worshipful Master just before the Pursuviant is told by the Worshipful Master to inform the Tyler that the Lodge is now open.

It should be memorized by the the Worshipful Master.  The Opening Charge is always to be given from Memory.

Some Worshipful Masters have the Opening Charge given by another member other than the Worshipful Master if the Worshipful Master has not yet memorized the Opening Charge. When this happens the Worshipful Master will instruct the the other Brother to give the Opening Charge.

The Worshipful Master really should learn the Opening Charge and give it himself.  Members who pay attention during the opening of a Lodge can easily memorize the Opening Charge since they hear it at every Stated Meeting of the Lodge.  All that is needed is to pay attention to the meeting and follow along with what is said by the speaker.  It should be the same at every meeting.

The Charge at the Opening of a Lodge is written and can be memorized by any who wish to learn to give the Opening Charge. The Opening Charge is not part of the Esoteric Work of a Lodge.  The Opening Charge is in no way a Masonic Secret of any kind since it has been written for a long time. Feel free to read and study it.  Following its precepts is a great idea for all, not just for Freemasons.

Click here to see the written Opening Charge. 

It can also be found in Section 2.03 of the Ahimon Rezon.