What is the standard form of entry into the first degree?

• A. Petition, hearing, election, initiation
• B. Petition, investigation, ballot, then initiation
• C. Application, interview, vote, ceremony
• D. Request, assessment, ballot, initiation

Answer: (B)

The standard form follows a four-step sequence: a petition to join the lodge is submitted, a committee conducts an investigation of the applicant’s character and qualifications, the petition is then decided by a ballot of the members, and if the ballot is favorable, the candidate is initiated into the first degree. This order ensures a careful, deliberate process where the lodge assesses fitness and willingness before granting membership. The initiation is the actual ceremony that confers the first degree. Other wordings like “application” or “interview” show different terminology, but the traditional flow is petition, investigation, ballot, then initiation.