An assembly for controlling a vertically extending member includes a device having a stop member and a speed control member for controlling movement of the vertically extending member such as an elevator load bearing member during a roping procedure. In a disclosed example, the stop member is biased into a stop position where the vertically extending member is locked between a brake pad and a guiding member so that the vertically extending member cannot move relative to the device. An example input member for moving the stop member out of the stop position comprises a foot pedal that can be manipulated to control a position of the stop member. Absent manual manipulation of the input member, the stop member prevents movement of the vertically extending member. In a disclosed example, a speed control member comprises a pad that selectively engages a vertically extending member responsive to manual manipulation of a handle for moving the pad relative to a base of the device.