Amdusa r1

Grand Council
of
Allied Masonic Degrees
of the
United States of America
RITUAL NUMBER 1

CONTENTS
Foreword……………………………………………………………2
Explanation of the Allied Masonic Degrees ……………………….3
Form of Opening and Closing an AMD-Council …………..……...5
Ceremony of Reception………………………………………….…7
Royal Ark Mariner………………………………………………..10
Ark and Dove or Ark Mariner.……………………………………23
Secret Monitor…………………………………………………….42
Order of the Secret Monitor 1°…………………………..………..58
Assembly of Princes OSM 2°.…………………………………….29
St. Lawrence the Martyr…………………………………………..90
Knight of Constantinople………………………………………….99
Grand Tilers of Solomon…………………………………………106
Excellent Master……………………………….………..………..116
Master of Tyre……………………………………………………128
Architect………………………………………………………….143
Grand Architect…………….…………………………………….155
Superintendent……………………………………………………167
Ceremony of Instituting a Council of AMD..……….……………177
Ceremony of Constituting a Council of AMD..……….………….181
Installation of Officers of an AMD-Council………………….…..185
Ceremony of Instituting a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners………...188
Ceremony of Instituting a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners………...177
Installation of Officers of a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners……….192
Memorial Service………………………………………………….204
Photographs of Regalia……………………………………………206
1
Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees
of the
United States of America
FOREWORD
The Allied Masonic Degrees are detached degrees, which, many years ago,
were conferred under Craft Warrants and formed a part of the loosely
governed Freemasonry, which afterward eliminated all save the three Craft
degrees and the Royal Arch. All old references to the Royal Arch were
invariably to the "Excellent Super Excellent Royal Arch Masons," which
comprised three grades. The Super Excellent has long since been
discontinued, save in the veil-working of Irish Royal Arch Chapters, while
the Excellent Master is a predicate to the Royal Arch in the Supreme Grand
Royal Arch Chapters of Scotland and is worked in English Councils of
Royal & Select Master The other degrees, likewise, were worked in Craft
Lodges in both America and the British Isles. When Freemasonry
discontinued the working of outside degrees, these degrees became
practically dormant, although they were perpetuated and finally formed their
own supreme heads, in many instances. They were finally grouped together
under a governing head and hence the title of "Allied Masonic Degrees;"
they have been allied together for mutual benefit and perpetuation. The
working of these degrees in America is encouraged, but not required; the
blanket obligation of the Council binding the newly invited brother
sufficiently. Where it is possible, Grand Council recommends that some of
the degrees be worked each year in order that the members may be fully
informed as to the working. Membership in an Allied Council is limited by
law to twenty-seven, and then only by invitation. It is predicated upon Royal
Arch Masonry. Officers of a Council are the same as of a Craft Lodge,
although the opening and closing ceremonies must remain true to the form
prescribed.
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An Explanation of the Allied Masonic Degrees
The Allied Masonic Degrees are detached degrees some of which, many
years ago, were conferred under Craft warrants and formed part of the then
loosely governed Freemasonry of the period. Many of these detached
degrees became dormant in some places, although in others they were
conferred as side degrees. In time, the better of these degrees were grouped
together in an organized body under the title of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
The degrees comprising the system in our jurisdiction in the USA are the
Royal Ark Mariner, Secret Monitor, Knight of Constantinople, Saint
Lawrence the Martyr, Architect, Grand Architect, Superintendent, Grand
Tyler of Solomon, Master of Tyre, Excellent Master, Installed Sovereign
Master, Installed Commander Noah, Red Branch of Eri, and Ye Antient and
Olde Order of Corks. In addition, other dormant degrees may be added if the
Grand Council decides to append them to the system. These degrees are
conferred in the United States in Councils, chartered by the Grand Council
of the AMD. Each Council is limited to twenty-seven members, with two
exceptions. One of these exceptions is known as the Council of the Nine
Muse #13 and it is limited to nine members. The other exception is Grand
Master's Council, A which has what is known as a "roving Charter". The
purpose of the latter Council is to provide a place of membership in the
Allied Masonic Degrees for brethren residing in localities where Councils
have not been organized. Membership in this Council, as well as every other
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees is by invitation only, and is
predicated on membership in a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. In addition
to perpetuating these degrees, there is another and equally important purpose
to the AMD. It brings together in small groups Freemasons who are
interested in the advancement of all branches of Masonry, preparing
themselves to better serve the Craft through the medium of study and
research. By limiting the membership in a Council and acquiring members
only by invitation, the result is a congenial group able to enjoy full
fellowship when meeting together. Wherever there is an active Council of
the Allied Masonic Degrees, it exerts an influence for the betterment of
Freemasonry in all of the Masonic bodies of the area. There is no intent on
the part of the Allied Masonic Degrees to detract from any organized and
established body of Masonry. On the contrary, you will find our members
active beyond the average in all local Masonic bodies. The real purpose of
AMD is to stimulate interest in Freemasonry in general and bring together in
small groups those who are interested in the study of Masonic subjects.
3
Thus, the members are better enabled to serve the Craft. As a member of
________________ Council # ___ AMD, you will receive a copy of the
Annals of the Grand Council, which covers the transactions of the annual
communication of that body during "Masonic week" in Washington D.C.
You also will receive a copy of the Miscellanea, the official publication of
the Grand Council, which contains papers on Masonic subjects prepared by
members of the AMD from all over the U.S. and Canada.
_________________ Council meets on the ______________________, and
thus has ____ meetings a year. Our meetings are congenial, friendly and
always interesting. We trust you will find a challenge in your new
membership and, through you, our allied efforts may become more effective.
4
Form for Opening and Closing a Council
of the
(Officers positioned as in a Craft Lodge, no candles used.)
Opening
SM - * Officers, take your stations. Brethren, be seated.
SM - Brother Senior Warden, are all present brethren of the Allied

Masonic Degrees ?
SW - Sovereign Master, all present are brethren of the Allied Masonic

Degrees (except the candidates.)
SM - *** "No man should enter upon any great or important undertaking
without first invoking the blessing of Deity."
Brother Chaplain, lead our devotions.
Chaplain - "Almighty God, Thou hast promised that where two or three are
gathered together in Thy name Thou wilt be in the midst of them and bless
them. Grant, we beseech Thee, the petitions of Thy servants as may be most
expedient for them, granting us in this world knowledge of Thy truth and in
the world to come life everlasting. Amen."
SM - I now declare ____________________ Council No. ____, Allied

Masonic Degrees, duly opened.
SM - Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.
SM - Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the altar. (done)
JD - Sovereign Master, the duty is performed.
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Closing
SM – Closing the Council:
SM - Brethren, is there anything further to come before this Council?
SM - Brother Secretary, read the minutes. (Read and approved)
SM - *** Brethren, before I declare this Council closed, let us invoke the
blessing of Deity. Brother Chaplain, lead our
Devotions.
Chaplin - (gives a benediction)
SM - Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the altar. (as the SD arrives at the
altar he, together with the brethren, gives sign after which the Holy Bible is
closed.)
SM - Brethren, I now declare this Council duly closed. Brother Junior

Deacon, inform the Tyler. (done)
JD - Sovereign Master, the duty is performed.
Special Procedures
SM - (If the meeting is held at table with the ladies present, the SM simply
declares the meeting open, has the Holy Bible opened without S & C, and
the Chaplain offers a prayer. No signs are used. If there are proposals,
initiations or election of officers, the ladies are to be excused. The closing is
done as the opening except in reverse order.)
(If it is necessary to go from "labor to refreshment" for any reason, the

procedure used by the Grand Lodge in whose jurisdiction the Council is
chartered shall be observed, making the appropriate changes in wording.
This may not be done with the ladies present.)
6
Ceremony of Reception of a Council
of the
With Blanket Obligation to cover degrees when they are not conferred but communicated.
SM - Brother Senior Deacon, present the candidate before the altar. (done)
SD - Sovereign Master, I have the pleasure of presenting Brother

_________________ for reception into the Allied Masonic Degrees.
SM - My brother, it is necessary that you assume a solemn obligation before

you can receive the Allied Masonic Degrees. If you are willing to assume
the obligation, kneel at the altar, place both hands on the Holy Bible, Square
and Compasses.
SM - *** Say "I," pronounce your name and repeat after me: In the presence
of Almighty God and this Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees do hereon
solemnly swear that I will forever keep and conceal the secrets of the Allied
Masonic Degrees and will not reveal them except to him or them to whom
they of right belong.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will maintain and support the Constitution,
Laws and Edicts of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America and the By-Laws and Regulations of any Council of
which I may be a member.
All this I solemnly swear on my honor as a Freemason. So help me God and

keep me steadfast. (Salutes the V.S.L. once.)
SM - My brother, this is the sign with which you will salute the Master on
entering or retiring from a Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees. (Touches
the tip of the left shoulder with the right hand, thumb and fingers extended in
a straight line, rapidly crossing the hand to the right thigh.)
SM - Brother Senior Deacon, you will seat our new member. *

(The Explanation of the Allied Masonic Degrees may be given here if
desired.)
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TOAST LIST
NOTE: Prior to the opening of the Council, and as the Brethren are
standing at their places at the Festive Board, the following toasts are drunk -
- usually in pure wine, in the absence of which, with water. This is an
optional ceremony.
TO THE M.V.SOVEREIGN GRAND MASTER
Proposed by the Master- Brethren, I propose a toast to the Most Venerable

Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic
Degrees of the United States of America; may he enjoy long life and may
the Craft of the Allied Masonic Degrees prosper under his leadership !
TO THE BRETHREN
Proposed as a response, by the ranking officer or PSM- Brethren, as a

response to the toast just drunk, I propose a toast to the Brethren of the
Allied Masonic Degrees, whosesoever dispersed upon the face of the Globe,
be they under American, Scottish, English, Canadian, or Australian
Constitution -- to the Brethren of the Allied Masonic Degrees !
TO THE BRETHREN ABSENT
Proposed by the Senior Warden- Brethren, I propose a toast to the Brethren

absent -- (giving their names and cities) -- may the deliberations of this
Council meet with their approval and may our labors be transacted with
fervor, but mingled with sadness due to their absence upon this occasion !
TO THE BRETHREN ABSENT FOREVER
Proposed as a response, by the Secretary- Brethren, as a response to the toast

just drunk, I propose a toast to the Brethren absent forever --(giving their
names)-- May our loss be the gain of the Grand Council Above ! (The toast-
glass is drained and all Brethren return the glass to the table -- upside down.)
When the Council meets for the first time after the death of a Brother, the
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Secretary, in giving the name of the Brother, also gives his Masonic record,
and always a place must be at the table for the newly departed Brother, with
toast-glass turned down; after the toast, the Master goes to the vacant place
and taking the glass, says:
"Brethren, at this place our beloved Brother ________ once sat; from this
station he raised the glass to toast those who had gone before him to the
Great Beyond. In sacred memory of his vacant station, I now break the
human glass of participation which his tender hand once held" (taking the
glass, the Master breaks it in a box prepared upon the floor); "Let us pray".
(Silent Prayer) (Council meeting begins)
TYLER'S TOAST
Proposed by the Junior Deacon, at command of Master, after the sign is

given in closing, but before the Great Light is closed
(Glasses refilled): "Here's to him who guards our entrance door; may he
withhold all those whose conduct does not merit admittance, and may he
throw wide the portal to those who by their virtue, skill and inflexible
fidelity and by their love for the Royal Art, are found worthy of
membership in the Allied Masonic Degrees.
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Royal Ark Mariner
Officers needed for conferral:
Commander Noah - in the East
Japhet - in the Northwest
Shem - in the Southwest
Conductor - Senior Deacon's station
Inner Guard - Junior Deacon's station
Outer Guard - Tiler's station
Equipment needed:
3 small axes to replace gavels
Small triangle for Square & Compasses to rest on
Small triangle for working tool
A cabletow
Blindfold
Ax, Saw, Borer (old non-mechanical hand drill)
Tape or floor cloth for triangle West of Altar
Apron - undressed lambskin or dressed with a rainbow ribbon
border
Sash - Rainbow ribbon or light green
Jewel - Rainbow over an Ark and Dove
Conductor's rod (optional)
Lodge Arrangements
A Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners is arranged like a Craft Lodge, with the
Senior Warden's station in the North across from the Junior Warden. The
Altar should be of triangular shape, and no candles are used. On the West
side of the Altar is a triangle on the floor (Tape or floor cloth) with its base
along the North-South line and a point to the West. This triangle should be
equilateral, about 3 feet long on each side. The Apron is at the SW's station,
the working tools at the JW's station. The Sash and Jewel are at N's station.
Axes are used instead of gavels.
Introduction
The exact date of the origin of this Degree is uncertain, but is has been
known to have been conferred as early as 1790. It has made an appearance in
10
several rites and is known throughout the English speaking world of
Freemasonry. It is always "moored" to another body; in England to the
Grand Lodge of Mark Masters, in Scotland to the Supreme Grand Royal
Arch Chapter, in Canada to the Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters
and in the United States to the AMD. It was revived in the US in 1892 with
the establishment of the Sovereign College of Allied Masonic and Christian
Degrees, using a slightly different ritual. With the institution of the US
AMD in 1932 by three RAM Lodges chartered by Scotland and the "union"
with the Sovereign College, the Grand Council AMD now controls bodies
using both rituals. This is the Scottish ritual of the Degree. The Grand
Council AMD has instituted several Royal Ark Mariner Lodges, which
according to local usage, may initiate non-AMD Royal Arch Masons into
this degree.
For further background information, consult the Collectanea of the Grand

College of Rites, volume 12 parts 1-4, by Dr. William G. Peacher.
Royal Ark Mariner

Opening
N - (*) Sons! Be upright. It is my will and pleasure that a Royal

Ark Mariner Lodge be opened for all business relative to this
Degree.
J - Thy will, father, be ours; so shall it be.
N - Son Shem, what is the first care in every Lodge of Royal Ark
Mariners ?
S - To see the Lodge secured.
N - Direct that to be done.
S - Brother Inner Guard, you will see the Lodge secured.
(Inner Guard having ascertained that the Outer Guard is at his

post, gives * and reports.)
IG - The Lodge is secured.
11
N - How do you know it to be so ?
IG - By the one response.
N - Why by one ?
IG - For three reasons: -Because of the first Ark Lodge; one was
designated by God to build the Ark: and there was but one God to
be worshipped.
N - Son Japhet, what is our next care ?
J - To see that none but Royal Ark Mariners are present.
N - Are you satisfied of that ?
J - I am.
N - Wherein, then, do Royal Ark Mariners hold a Lodge ?
J - On the highest hills or in the lowest valleys.
N - Why so ?
J - Because the Ark rested on lofty Mount Ararat, and the first
sacrifice after the Deluge was made in the valley after descent
therefrom.
N - What is the form of the Lodge ?
J - An equilateral triangle.
N - Why so ?
J - As an emblem of Deity, for God commanded the building of the

vessel.
N - How long is your cabletow ?
J - Length unknown, for it includes the distance the Ark floated
12
til it settled on the mountain top, but a truly marked summons
will always find me.
N - Do you use the square and compasses ?
J - Yes, with the triangle. They are laid on a passage of

Scripture.
N - Explain why.
J - Because in that Scripture the Lord God makes another and

greater covenant than with Noah.
N - Son Shem, from what part of the world did Royal Ark Mariners
come ?
S - From the mountains of Armenia.
N - Whither did they direct their course ?
S - They were dispersed over the whole earth, and rested whosesoever the
providence of God directed them. The descendants of Ham to the South; the
descendants of Japhet to the North and West; and the descendants of Shem
to the East, from whom the Great Light was descended, whence Shem is
named first.
N - Then to order as Royal Ark Mariners.
(The Conductor opens the Volume of Sacred Law at Isaiah 54:9-10 on

which he places the Square and Compasses and Triangle.)
N - Glory be to God on high, and peace on earth to men of goodwill. I

declare this Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners duly opened.
(Gives *, which is repeated by Japhet and Shem and Inner and Outer
Guards.)
13
Reception
N - Son ! According as the Lord hath in the Ark, By mercy and by

providence preserved Us his frail creatures, from the floods And rushing
waters, so by His great word We with our offspring people all the earth. As
He delivered us from death, so we Will join in praise for our deliverance
With any who may wish to enter now.
J - A true and faithful brother waits without and seeks admittance. Brother
___________.
N - (To Shem) Let the Conductor pass the gate, prepare, and introduce the
brother in due form.
S - (To Conductor)
You will now prepare and bring the brother into Lodge in proper form.
(Conductor retires and prepares Candidate. The Candidate is divested of
such clothing as may indicate a hasty flight. He is divested of outer
garments, coat laid loosely across shoulders, both feet slipshod and a Cable
Tow three times round the neck. He is blindfolded and wears no apron. He
approaches the door and stands at it with his feet together, forming an angle,
and with his right hand up he knocks once. *.)
IG - (opens door) Who comes there ?
CO - A Master Mason tried and proved.
IG - What is his name ?
CO - Noachida.
IG - How is he clothed ?
CO - In the habiliments of a distressed Mason.
IG - Doth he possess our pass word ?
CO - Only I, but I will answer for him.
IG - Give it me !
14
CO - (Whispers "Methuselah, Lamech, Jared" to IG)
IG - Wait patiently until report is made unto the Master.
IG - (Closes door and reports to N:)

A Master Mason duly tried and proved,
Who states his name to be Noachida,
Requests admittance. He is clothed
In the habiliments of sore distress.
N - Entrance give.
IG - Brother Noachida, enter.
(IG places triangle point to Candidate's left breast.)
(Conductor leads him to the center of the Lodge and causes him to
step on the western point of the Triangle on the floor. Conductor
then causes him to advance half-way round the Triangle by means of three
steps, placing the feet at each step as in the Master Mason
Degree. Motion is counter-clockwise; two steps to the right to the
other point, and one step to the left to the center of the base- line of the
Triangle. He stands erect.)
N - (***) Let us pray.

Oh, great and glorious Architect of Heaven
And Earth, who spake and it was done;
We, the frail creatures of Thy might and power,
Preserved by favour and by mercy Thine,
Entreat Thee to fulfill Thy gracious word,
To help and succour all who trust in Thee.
We greet a Brother coming in Thy Name
To meet with us and celebrate the fame
Of our deliverance out of the depths
Of sin, as Noah and his people from the deluge.
Oh let our Brother faithful be;
May he be prosperous in life and work,
And rich in faith, accountable to Thee
Beneficent and kindly, loving and sincere,
15
With open hand and heart, not such as Ham.
So with Thy blessing in this Ark below
May we so order all our thoughts and acts,
Then when Thy call, O Great Commander, comes,
We'll find a bless'd asylum and refuge
In heaven on high. Give ear, O God,
To these our supplications and our prayers.
(All - So mote it be.)
N - You now have been presented to your Master,

The Lord of Heaven and Earth; and may His blessing
Rest all through life on you and your endeavors.
But still, before you learn our mysteries
An obligation, solemn and sincere,
Is requisite. So stand erect (à), and place
Your left hand on the Sacred Law, and raise
Your right, repeat your name and say:
I, _____, in the presence of the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and

before this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, of my own free will and accord, do
hereby and hereon, most solemnly engage never to reveal any of the secrets
or mysteries of the Degree of Royal Ark Mariner, except to a Brother or
Brothers of that Degree, well known or proved to be such, after due
examination, or in the body of a lawfully constituted Lodge of the same. I
furthermore engage to answer all lawful signs, and obey all lawful
summonses sent to me from a regularly constituted Royal Ark Mariner
Lodge, when duly marked, and I am found within the length of my Cable
Tow. I will defend the character of a Brother so far as is consistent with my
duty to God, my neighbor, and myself, and assist him so far as prudence
may lay the line and justice hold the scales. All this I solemnly promise and
swear, under no less a penalty than that of having my ribs broken, and that
the waters may overwhelm me and wash me away. So help me God, and
keep me steadfast, in the due performance of the same.
(N raps *, Brethren seated. CO removes Cable Tow and blindfold.)
CO - The Square and Compasses which now you see,
The symbols are of Masonry, and so Are also used in Royal Ark Mariner
Lodges
16
With the triangle Equilateral, our special sign.
Upon Isaiah's prophecies they lie,
At chapter fifty-four, verses nine to ten,
Because a greater covenant there is made
And spoken by His prophet, than with Noah,
But still the same toward men - that they
Who trust and serve Him shall endure
Till time shall be no more.
(CO assists in displaying signs.)
N - I shall now instruct you in the Secrets of this Degree. The signs are
seven in number.
The first is the Sign of Distress or Swimming Sign, which is given thus, by
placing the palms of the hands together and holding them in front of the
body, the two arms and chest forming a triangle, it refers to the
Antedeluvians making an attempt to escape to some elevated object by
swimming; it also refers to the symbol of the degree, the Equilateral
Triangle.
The second is the Pass Sign, and is given by holding the left arm so as to
shade the eyes and look under it, the head resting in the hollow of the arm,
and refers to Noah looking out of the ark for the dove, and resting his head
in the hollow of his left arm. It is usually given at the door of the Lodge, and
hence is called the Pass Sign.
The third is the Sign of the Dove, it is given thus, by closing down the
3rd,4th and 5th fingers of the right hand, extending the arm, thumb and
forefinger, and refers to Noah extending his hand for the dove; it is usually
accompanied with the words "Lo, she cometh".
The fourth is the Penal Sign, it is given the right hand in the same manner as
in the Sign of the Dove and drawing back the arm quickly so as to strike the
short rib with the elbow. In doing so, the grand word "El Elion" is
sometimes given. This Sign refers to Noah while hurriedly pulling in his
hand with the dove, striking his short rib with his elbow.
The fifth is the Sign of Salute, it is given by bending the right arm over the
head, with the hand an inch or two above it. It is an imperfect rainbow sign.
17
The sixth is the Sign of Demand or Questioning Sign, it is given by forming
a half arch with your forefinger. This is also an imperfect rainbow sign, and
is nearly the Sign of the Dove inverted.
The seventh is the Sign of Security; it is given by two making the sixth sign
putting the points of the fingers together, thus forming a perfect bow, and
refers to the bow in the heavens in token of God's covenant with Noah.
The Grip is given thus by grasping the hands tightly as in the Pass Grip of
the Mark Degree, but with the thumb placed over the knuckles. It refers to
the Antediluvians sentenced to the watery abyss, and struggling against the
execution of that sentence, endeavouring to frustrate the wrath of Heaven by
pulling each other up to the summits of hills, tops of trees, and all other
places that presented a temporary relief from the justice of Him who was
then pouring down destruction upon their heads. Hence it is sometimes
called the Token of Distress.
The Pass Word is "Methuselah, Lamech, Jared".

The Word of recognition is "Noah, Shem, Japhet".
The Grand Word is "El Elion".
The marks placed on the summonses in this Degree are three parallel
Triangles with their respective initials, and three concentric ones over them.
The initials on the right signify the ancestors of Noah; "Methuselah,
Lamech, Jared". Those on the left represent the Master and Wardens of the
first Royal Ark Mariner Lodge; "Noah, Ham, Japhet". Those in the
center, our present patrons; "Noah, Japhet, Shem", his second son, Ham,
being expelled with the curse which fell on his posterity.
Our Patrons three are emblems of the light

Which shines by day - the Sun, - by night
The Moon and Stars: so each in his own sphere
Performs his allotted task, and he the best
Who does his duty, be it great or small,
Not he who occupies the highest place;
For though the Moon's pure brightness but reflects
By borrowed ray the glory of the Sun,
Yet Moon and Stars and flowerets of the field,
All equally set forth the power of Him
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Who made the whole, the Architect Divine.
[An alternative text to the above lines is: Our three patrons are emblematical
of the sun, moon, and stars, because those who move in the highest sphere of
life have indeed the largest province wherein to do good; but those of an
inferior degree will be as eminently distinguished in the mansions of bliss, if
they discharge aright the duty allotted to them. The highest is he who
performs best his part, not he who fills the most exalted position: for the
moon, though she borrows all her light from the sun, as evidently sets forth
the glory of God, and the flowers of the field declare His power equally with
the stars of the firmament.]
(CO conducts Candidate to SW in the North-West)
J - I now invest you with this Apron. It is the badge of innocence

and virtue, and therefore you are never to put it on if angry with
a Brother present. You are first to be reconciled to him and then
put it on and sit down in peace and brotherly affection.
(CO conducts Candidate to JW in the South-West)
S - As a Master Mason, the Compasses, Square, and many other tools belong
to you, but as an Ark Mariner only those which Noah used are employed,
(viz.), the Axe, the Saw, and the Auger or Borer: - The Axe to cut down the
trees, the Saw to separate them into planks, and the Auger to make holes in
them, while with the Axe pins were cut out and driven into the planks to
keep them together. Thus, by wisdom and cunning workmanship, Noah
formed the Ark that proved the salvation of himself and his family, and all
those living creatures contained therein.
(S hands tools to Candidate during lecture. CO conducts Candidate holding

tools to N in the East)
N - (Takes tools from Candidate appropriately) As the Axe is to fell trees, so

man falls before God's wrath. As trees are squared and cleared of useless
parts, so by the wisdom of Providence Noah and his family were chosen to
accomplish His gracious designs. As the Saw divides trees into planks, so
the Lord divided the family of Noah to people different parts of the world.
As the Auger makes holes in the planks, so it teaches the use of affliction,
that the Axe of God's goodness and mercy may cut out promises as pins and
19
drive them into our remembrances to keep us as one family, dependent on
His gracious bounty. As the Ark was built with these tools, so it showeth
that, by the exercise of Faith, Hope and Love, we may be shut into the Ark
of safety above, when the whole earth shall be dissolved by liquid fire and
the elements shall melt with fervent heat.
[This part may be omitted if desired. If used, CO and Candidate stand to

side, facing Altar].
N - Son Japhet, of what was the Ark a type ?
J - The church of God.
N - Of what was it composed ?
J - Of Gopher wood that was lasting and incorruptible.
N - Why so ?
J - Because goodness and righteousness are alone everlasting.
N - Son Shem, how was entrance obtained to the Ark ?
S - By the door in the centre of the side.
N - Why so ?
S - For three reasons.
N - Give them.
S - First, because those entering might turn to either right or

left and be saved; Second, because there is a single choice to be
good or evil; and Third, because there is but one way to worship
God.
N - Why was the window placed in the centre of the top ?
S - Because the all-seeing Eye of God is in the centre of the

Universe.
20
N - What went forth from that window ?
S - A Dove, the messenger of peace.
N - With what symbol did it return ?
S - An Olive Branch, the symbol of reconciliation.
N - From the destruction in the deluge of all except Noah and his family, we
learn that the whole earth, and all that is therein, exists by the will of God
alone. He can create, so He can utterly destroy. That man to all posterity
might be convinced of this, He publicly declared His intention of destroying
the earth and the manner in which it was to be accomplished one hundred
and twenty years before He put it into execution, that all succeeding
generations might know that He only is possessor of universal power, and
might learn to fear Him before whom all nations are but as a drop in the
bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the earth in the balance, yea,
even as less than nothing and vanity. When God shall judge the people and
shall send to overwhelm the ungodly with His wrath, His mighty arm will
cover and defend the righteous. They in peace secure shall dwell His
servants shall find safety in the Ark, While all the wicked perish utterly.
[An alternative text to the above lines is: Divine judgments are limited both
in measure and in duration, and are mitigated or removed according to God's
sovereign will and pleasure. When a deluge of wrath is about to descend, His
own people shall be preserved in safety even when the desolation is general
and oppressing. When storms overwhelm the ungodly, the righteous are
secure. Their reward is with the Lord, and the care of them is with the Most
High, for with His right hand shall he cover them, and with His mighty arm
shall He protect them. When all the wicked shall perish, the good and
faithful servants shall find rest and safety in the true Ark.]
(Noah now presents Candidate with the Sash and Jewel. Candidate is
seated.)
21
Closing
N - (Rises) Son! Be upright.
J - (Rises) Son! Be upright.
S - (Rises) Son! Be upright. (***)
(All place right hand on left breast)
N - It is my will and pleasure that this Royal Ark Vessel be removed.
J - Thy will, father, be ours. So mote it be.
N - Before the Lodge is closed, let us beseech the Supreme Grand Architect
of the Universe, who maketh the storms to cease, and the waves to be still,
the wilderness a standing water, and the water springs a dry ground, to have
us in His good keeping until we meet here again in His name, or until it is
His pleasure that we be received in the Ark of Safety above, prepared for all
His true and faithful servants.
All - So mote it be.
N - Brethren, the Lodge is closed.
(Conductor closes the Volume of Sacred Law.)

N-*
J-*
S-*
[ So stood Noah when he offered up his sacrifice on coming out

of the Ark.]
22
The Degree
of
The Ark and Dove
or
Ark Mariner
Entered Number One on the register of degrees
conferred by authority of The Sovereign College of
Allied Masonic Degrees of Allied Masonic and Christian
Degrees for America.
Originally Printed by Ark Mariners in the Office of

Oxford Country Advertiser 1901, Norway Maine
A Dinner / Feast Variation of the Royal Ark Mariner Degree

To form an Ark there must be present eight Ark Mariners:
The Master: called Venerable Patriarch, he represents Noah

The Senior Warden in the west, called the Ark Master he represents Shem
The Junior Warden, called the Ark Mate, he represents Japheth
Secretary
Treasurer
Master of Ceremonies
Assistant Master of Ceremonies
Inner Watch
Tiler
Equipment needed and Lodge Arrangement:
The Lodge must be lighted with eight lights, four in the east, three in the
west and one in the north. The north, being the place of Ham, must be of
darkness. In the east should be a transparency representing a rainbow. In the
midst of the Lodge be an Ark of curtains.
23
The Secretary sits on the floor of the Lodge, to the right of the Venerable
Patriarch. The Treasurer holds a similar position on this left. The Master of
Ceremonies sits to the right of the altar, face to the West. The Assistant
Master of Ceremonies sits in a similar position left of the altar. The Inner
Watch stands in the Lodge at the door. The Tiler is outside the door.
Special Arrangement and Equipment needed for Reception:
For reception there must be three apartments. The first being hung with
green, and there must be a table with plenty of choice food and wine.
Special Arrangement and Equipment needed for Reception Second

Apartment:
It is lighted with two windows through which all the light should come. In
the floor should be in the center of the arrangement must be made so that the
sound of waves and the noise of living creatures can be imitated. The
Patriarch has white hair and beard, and wears a yellow robe; the Ark Master
wear white robes and have brown beards.
Equipment Needed, General:

3 small axes to replace gavels
Small triangle for Square & Compasses to rest on
Small triangle for working tool
A cabletow
Blindfold
Ax, Saw, Auger “Borer”- (brace & bit non-mechanical hand drill)
Tape or floor cloth for triangle West of Altar
Apron – (Special Apron of white, bordered with blue), instead
of the current standard apron of undressed lambskin or dressed
with a rainbow ribbon border
Sash - Rainbow ribbon or light green
Jewel - Rainbow over an Ark and Dove
Conductor's rod (optional)
Olive leaf (artificial)
Equipment Required Working Tools for Lecture:

Axe
24
Auger “Borer”- (brace & bit non-mechanical hand drill)
Saw
Optional Equipment:
1. For entrance to Ark a gangplank.

2. An artificial white bird, Dove-like with feathers: (type used for
decorating)
3. CD/Tape Player and Speakers:
4. Sound Effects Ocean Surf
5. Sound Effects Animal Sounds
Opening
Patriarch – Shem, my son, what is the hour?
Ark Master – My father, it is gray dawn
Patriarch- Shem, my son, what seest thou?
Ark Master- My father, I have looked, and lo, the waters are rising over the
face of the earth, and if they abate not all flesh shall perish.
Patriarch- Japhet, my son, is the Ark made ready, that we may take shelter
therein?
Ark Mate- It is, my father
Patriarch- How is it made ready, my son?
Ark Mate- All that Lord God has commanded thee to place therein are even
as he commanded.
Patriarch- What now remaineth to be done?
Ark Mate- To see that none enter the Ark save those who are Ark Mariners.
Patriarch- Japhet, my son, see that all who desire the Ark are Ark Mariners
25
Ark Mate- Brethren, to order, as Ark Mariners.
(The Brothers shall here give the Salutation Sign)
“Salutation Sign it is given by bending the right arm over the head, with
the hand an inch or two above it. It is an imperfect rainbow sign”
Ark Mate- All those who desire to enter the Ark are Ark Mariners
Patriarch- Since all present are Ark Mariners, what remains to be done.
Ark Master- My father, with your permission, we shall enter the Ark.
Patriarch- Brethren, let us enter the Ark.
(Here all shall enter the Ark and the Curtains shall be drawn)
Patriarch- Is all secured?
Ark Mate- All is secured.
Patriarch- Let us pray
Prayer Oh Lord God, keep us, we beseech thee, from perils that assail the
wicked world. Give to us who are in the Ark peace and harmony. Grant that
wee, being freed from the sins of the evil age may so pass through the waves
of a stormy life that we may be finally grounded safely on Ararat of ever
lasting peace.
All the Brethren- So mote it be.
Patriarch- Shem my son, is the sacred Book of Law on the altar?
Ark Master- It is my father.
Patriarch- Then give notice that I am about to launch this Lodge of Ark
Mariners.
Ark Master- Brethren, the Venerable Patriarch is about to launch this Lodge
of Royal Ark Mariners.
26
Patriarch- Give me the sign
(The Brethren shall give the Sign of Salute)
(Sign of Salute it is given by bending the right arm over the head, with
the hand an inch or two above it. It is an imperfect rainbow sign.)
Reception
Into the Chamber the Master of Ceremonies introduces the CANIDATE. He

is received by the officers. The Patriarch at the head of the table, with is the
east; the Ark Master at the foot, and the Ark Mate at the south.
Patriarch- Eat, my brother, and be filled, for without eating of what use were
life? Hunger comes to us that we may take pleasure in eating; do we not live
that that we may eat? To-morrow death may come, and we can enjoy the
delight of food no more. He that careth not for himself, for him shall no
more care. It is good for a man to satiate himself in meat, for one day may
come when his taste maybe gone, and then shall he in vain pray for the days
of his youth.
(Patriarch- Offers the candidate food to eat and he shall eat)
Ark Master- Drink, my brother, and neglect not to fill thyself with strong
drink, for what greater blessing can man have than wine? It maketh us when
we are weary strong, when we are cowardly to become brave. To him that is
a fool, it giveth wisdom. From the sorrowful it taketh away sorrow. It filleth
the veins of the old with the blood of youth. Luck, my brother, on the wine
when it is red in the cup. It sparkleth like sunlight; its smell is as the smell
of a new-ploughed field; it bring slumber; maketh a man at ease within his
heart, so that he saith: “Who is more happy than I?” Drink, my brother be no
fruit of the grape beyond the grave.
(Ark Master – Offers candidate the wine of which he shall drink)
Ark Mate- Foolish is the man who saith, “restrain they passions and keep a
rein on thy desires;” for the desires were given they might have pleasure
thereby………………..
27
(At this pint there must be a great confusion and noise. The roof of the room
shall fall in. All the light are put out. Wailings and groans are heard)
The CANIDATE is now hoodwinked and unshod, and in this condition he is

brought to the door of the second apartment. This apartment should
represent the Ark of Noah.
(It should be lighted with two windows through which all the light should
come. In the floor should be in the center of the arrangement must be made
so that the sound of waves and the noise of living creatures can be imitated.
The Patriarch has white hair and beard, and wears a yellow robe; the Ark
Master wear white robes and have brown beards).
Inner Watch – Who comes here?
Master of Ceremonies- A poor inhabitant of earth who hastens to escape the

great destruction.
Inner Watch- Alas, my brother how can I give him entrance, for I fear he is
not one whom the Lord God hath chosen.
Master of Ceremonies- The Lord chooseth them that are righteous.
Inner watch- Is he who seeks distraction
Master of Ceremonies- He will answer for himself.
Inner Watch- Dost thou believe that a man should eat to live, but not live to
eat?
Candidate- I do
Inner Watch- Wilt thou ever seek to be temperate, least wine should make
three to err, or strong drink compel thee to sin?
Candidate- I will
Inner Watch- Wilt thou earnestly seek to be pure in thy life, and govern thy
passions and appetites?
28
Candidate- I will
Inner Watch- Let him wait until I inform the Venerable Patriarch.
(The Inner Watch closes the door and reports to the Venerable Patriarch as follows).
Inner Watch- Venerable Patriarch there is without a poor in habitant of earth who
hastens to escape great destruction and now seeks admission to the Ark of safety.
Patriarch- Alas, my brother, how can I give him entrance?, for I fear he is not one of
those whom the Lord God hath chosen.
Inner Watch- The Lord chooseth them that are righteous.
Patriarch- Is he who seeks admission such a one?
Inner Watch- He has answered for himself.
Patriarch- Does he believe that believe that a man should eat to live, and live to eat?
Inner Watch – He does.
Patriarch- Wilt he ever seek to be temperate, least wine should make three to
err, or strong drink compel thee to sin?
Inner Watch- He will
Patriarch- Wilt he earnestly seek to be pure in thy life, and govern thy
passions and appetites?
Inner Watch- He will
Patriarch- Let the candidate be admitted, but first see that he or his guide is
in position of the password of entrance.
(Inner Watch returns to the door and opens it slightly)
Inner Watch- Have you the Password of entrance?
Master of Ceremonies- He has it not, but I have it for him.
29
Inner Watch- Advance and communicate it. "Methuselah, Lamech,
Jared".
(The password of entrance is given and the candidate admitted, passing, if

desired over a gang plank, or other entrance to the Ark, with such instruction
from the Master of Ceremonies as may be necessary on the equilateral
triangle).
Inner Watch- [At the entrance of the Ark the candidate is received on the
angle of a equilateral triangle] Brother…………………., you are now
received into the Ark of Safety on angle of the great equilateral triangle,
which is the peculiar symbol of this degree.
(The Master of Ceremonies presents the candidate to the Venerable

Patriarch, placing him on the east angle of the great equilateral triangle,
which should be represented on the floor of the Ark.
(Hoodwink is taken off)
Master of Ceremonies- Venerable Patriarch, I present Brother……………..,

who has escaped the great destruction and gained admission to the Ark of
Safety.
Patriarch- Brother………………., do you believe that a man should eat to

live and not live to eat?
Candidate- I do
(The Ark Mate goes to the Window and looks out).
Ark Mate- The water prevail, my father; what shall we do?
Patriarch- Send forth the dove, my son, and peradventure if she return no
more, we shall know that there is yet room for the foot of man upon earth.
(The Ark Mate takes the dove and puts it forth from the window. There is a
pause, during which noise of waves are heard and cattle and fowls of the
air.)
30
(The Master of Ceremonies leads CANIDATE from the east to the south
west corner)
Master of Ceremonies- Will now make the first side of the great equilateral
triangle.
Ark Mate – My father, lo, the dove that thou sentest out; she hath found no
rest for the sole of her foot, and now she hovereth to and fro near the
window of the Ark.
Patriarch – Stretch forth thine hands, my son, and take her in.
(The Ark Mate tales in the dove and removes it to a convenient place; then
he returns to his station, the Ark Master going to the window and looking
out.)
Ark Master – The waters still prevail, my father; what shall we do?
Patriarch – Send forth again the dove, my son, and peradventure if there be
no dry land, she shall not return, then shall we know that there is room for
the foot of man upon the earth.
(The Ark Mate puts forth the dove. The noise of waves, etc., as before. The
Master of ceremonies conducts the candidate from the southwest corner to
the northwest.)
Master of Ceremonies – We will now make the second side of the great
equilateral triangle.
Ark Master – My father, the dove that thou sentest out has found no rest for
the sole of her foot, and, lo, she hath returned, and flyeth to and fro around
the Ark.
Patriarch – Stretch forth thy hands my son, and take her in.
Ark Master – The waters must be abating, my father, and the tops of the
trees must be above the surface, for the dove hath an olive leaf in her bill
which she hath plucked in her journeying.
(The Venerable Patriarch makes the Pass Sign.)
31
“Pass Sign, and is given by holding the left arm so as to shade the eyes
and look under it, the head resting in the hollow of the arm, and refers
to Noah looking out of the ark for the dove, and resting his head in the
hollow of his left arm”.
Patriarch – Praise be to God, my son, the waters are indeed abating; stay yet
a little while and send her forth again.
(The Patriarch sends forth the dove himself. Waves and noise as before. The
Master of Ceremonies conducts the candidate from the northwest to the east,
placing him on the movable board.)
Master of Ceremonies – We will now make the third and last side of the
great equilateral triangle.
(The Patriarch looks from one window.)
Patriarch – The waters have abated, for the dove returneth no more.
(Ark Master looks from the other window.)
Ark Master – There ariseth land before us, and it appeareth as the summit of
a great mountain.
(The board is removed and the candidate falls)
All of the Brothers. give the Grand Sign
“This Sign refers to Noah while hurriedly pulling in his hand with the
dove, striking his short rib with his elbow” , crying: “HALLELUJAH!”
(The candidate is then placed on his feet)
Patriarch – Once more shall we feel the earth beneath our feet. Let us go
forth, that man may once more be fruitful and multiply upon the earth.
(All leave the Ark and enter the third apartment. In case of convenience, the
candidate may instead be seated or reconducted to the anteroom while room
is rearranged. This apartment is furnished as set forth at the beginning, save
32
that at the receptions the triangular altar shall have a green cloth on it as well
as the O L. The candidate is led around the Lodge eight times, while the
Patriarch reads as follows.)
Patriarch – “Thus saith the Lord: I will not any more curse the ground for
man’s sake. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and
heat, and winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease. I do set my
bow in the cloud, and it shall be a token of a covenant between me and the
earth; and it shall come to pass when I bring a cloud over the earth that the
bow shall be seen in the cloud; and I will remember my covenant which is
between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters
shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in
the cloud, and I will look upon it that I may remember the everlasting
covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the
earth.”
(At the end of the eighth time around the Lodge, the candidate is led to the
east.)
Start of Elevation
Patriarch – My brother, do you desire to be Elevated to the degree of the
Ark and Dove, and to be made an Ark Mariner?
Candidate – I do.
Obligation
Patriarch – Stand then perfectly erect; look upon the rainbow in the east;
hold up both hands thus Holy Scriptures; repeat your name in full, and say
after me:
(The hands of the candidate may be lowered by instruction of the Patriarch

or Master of Ceremonies, if desired, after the first sentence of the
obligation.)
I, . . . . . . . . . . . ., in the presence of the Grand Patriarch of the Universe, the

God of Heaven and earth, and of this Venerable Lodge of Ark Mariners
opened upon the Olive Leaf, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and
sincerely promise and swear that I will never reveal the secrets of this degree
to any one in the world, unless I am duly authorized and empowered so to
33
do, save to a legally elevated Ark Mariner, or brother of the Ark and Dove,
and them only shall I acknowledge to be Ark Mariners who have been made
such in a Lodge under the obedience of and bearing allegiance to The Grand
Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, or who
have received this degree in a body in communion with said Sovereign
Grand Council.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will due allegiance pay to the said
Sovereign Council and its Grand Master, nor will I countenance, nor be
present at, the meetings of any Lodges of this degree on the continent of
America, unless they are of the obedience of the said Sovereign Council, or
by it recognized.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will make every endeavor to be

temperate in meats and drinks; that I will seek to lead a pure life and speak
no evil of my brother man; that in affliction I will pray for patience to
endure, in hope, for whatever it may please God to bring about; that I will
avoid, as far as possible, the company of wicked men; nor will I follow a
multitude to do evil, but will seek earnestly to be with the right when the
many desert it and the few uphold it.
All which I solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, with a clear
knowledge of the meaning of this obligation, binding myself under no less a
penalty __________. So help me God and keep me steadfast in this my Ark
Mariner’s most solemn obligation.
Patriarch – Take the olive leaf in your right hand, and hearken:
For a small moment have I forsaken thee, but with great mercies will I
gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee, for a moment but with
everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee. For this is as the waters of
Noah unto me. For as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more
go over the earth, so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee nor
rebuke thee.” With this promise ever before you, may you be saved in the
Ark of Safety from all evil, and pass safely through the waves of life to the
Ararat of everlasting life. So mote it be.
34
Communication of Signs, Words and Tokens
(The Patriarch shall here communicate to the candidate the signs, words and
tokens of the degree.)
Patriarch - I shall now instruct you in the Secrets of this Degree. The signs
are seven in number.
The first is the Sign of Distress or Swimming Sign, which is given thus, by
placing the palms of the hands together and holding them in front of the
body, the two arms and chest forming a triangle, it refers to the
Antedeluvians making an attempt to escape to some elevated object by
swimming; it also refers to the symbol of the degree, the Equilateral
Triangle.
The second is the Pass Sign, and is given by holding the left arm so as to
shade the eyes and look under it, the head resting in the hollow of the arm,
and refers to Noah looking out of the ark for the dove, and resting his head
in the hollow of his left arm. It is usually given at the door of the Lodge, and
hence is called the Pass Sign.
The third is the Sign of the Dove, it is given thus, by closing down the 3rd,
4th and 5th fingers of the right hand, extending the arm, thumb and
forefinger, and refers to Noah extending his hand for the dove; it is usually
accompanied with the words "Lo, she cometh".
The fourth is the Penal Sign, it is given the right hand in the same manner as
in the Sign of the Dove and drawing back the arm quickly so as to strike the
short rib with the elbow. In doing so, the Grand Word "El Elion" is
sometimes given. This Sign refers to Noah while hurriedly pulling in his
hand with the dove, striking his short rib with his elbow.
The fifth is the Sign of Salute, it is given by bending the right arm over the
head, with the hand an inch or two above it. It is an imperfect rainbow sign.
The sixth is the Sign of Demand or Questioning Sign, it is given

by forming a half arch with your forefinger. This is also an
imperfect rainbow sign, and is nearly the Sign of the Dove
inverted.
35
The seventh is the Sign of Security; it is given by two making the sixth sign
putting the points of the fingers together, thus forming a perfect bow, and
refers to the bow in the heavens in token of God's covenant with Noah.
The Grip is given thus by grasping the hands tightly as in the Pass Grip of
the Mark Degree, but with the thumb placed over the knuckles. It refers to
the Antediluvians sentenced to the watery abyss, and struggling against the
execution of that sentence, endeavoring to frustrate the wrath of Heaven by
pulling each other up to the summits of hills, tops of trees, and all other
places that presented a temporary relief from the justice of Him who was
then pouring down destruction upon their heads. Hence it is sometimes
called the Token of Distress.
The Pass Word is "Methuselah, Lamech, Jared".

The Word of recognition is "Noah, Shem, Japhet".
The Grand Word is "El Elion".
Patriarch – Go now, my brother, to the Ark Mate in the south, for further
instruction.
Master of Ceremonies – Brother Ark Mate, by direction of the Venerable

Patriarch, I present to you Brother. . . . . . . . . .for further instruction.
Lecture 1
Ark Mate – My brother, a search of the records deposited in the archives of

the Sovereign Council reveals the fact that our ancient brethren of the Ark
and Dove laid great stress upon the virtue of temperance in eating and
drinking. Particular emphasis was put upon the necessity of governing the
passions and appetites. It was the invariable custom of our ancient brethren,
whenever a stranger was seated at their table, to place before him an
abundance of choice food and wine, that he might be able to show that he
could conduct himself toward temptation with propriety. You, my brother
have this evening been put to the same, test, and the excellent manner in
which you have acquitted yourself meets with, our heartiest approbation.
During your progress this evening you have promised to eat to live and not
live to eat, to be temperate in meats and drinks, to lead a pure life, and speak
no evil of your brother man. The strict performance of these promises will
36
mark your consequence as an Ark Mariner. Previous to this evening, you
have learned that the customs and tenets of Masonry never change. The
lapse of time, which has worked such havoc among races, nations and
individuals, has only served to cement more securely the bonds of our
fraternity. The lessons taught in this Lodge of Ark Mariners are essentially,
the same as those taught to our ancient brethren, in the seaport town of Tyre,
by our revered Grand Master, King Hiram.
Presentation of Apron
Go now, my brother, to the Ark Master in the west, who will invest you with
the apron of this degree.
Master of Ceremonies – Brother Ark Master, by direction of the Ark Mate, I

present to you Brother . . . . . . . . ., to be invested with the apron of this
degree.
(The Ark Master clothes the candidate with the apron.)
Ark Master - My brother, this apron of white, bordered with blue should
ever warn you that the purest life cannot escape the waves of trouble. The
Ark in the center reminds you of that the only refuge for the world, is
Almighty God, in the hour of death and before the throne of judgment. Go
now to the Venerable Patriarch, who will present you with the collar and
jewel of the degree.
Presentation of Jewel and Collar
Master of Ceremonies – Venerable Patriarch, by direction of the Ark Master,

I again introduce to you Brother . . . . . . . . . . to be presented with the collar
and jewel of this degree.
Patriarch – Receive this collar, which by its colors will ever remind you of
the promise that God has made to you, and that he who hath promised will
surely perform.
Receive the jewel, the emblem of gentleness and peace. It bids you ever to
be at one with your brethren, and remember that the Ark Mariner ought
37
always to be lowly in heart, and to bear himself towards his brethren with
courage and urbanity.
(The candidate is conducted to the anteroom and shod; he is then

reconducted to the east, and receives this lecture.)
Lecture 2
Patriarch – Those of our ancient brethren who attribute to Freemasonry a

very great antiquity tell us that when, on account of the iniquities of man,
God determined to visit the earth with a deluge, Noah and his family, among
the male members of which the true Masonry existed, were saved form the
destructive waters. Thus was the secret art preserved, and handed down
through the ages to that most wise Grand Master, King Solomon, who will
ever be esteemed by the Craft as the true patron of Freemasonry. The
Masonry, however, of King Solomon being of an architectural character and
its symbolical language derived from the instruments of architecture, it was
but natural that a degree so peculiar in its legend and symbolism as that of
the Ark and Dove, notwithstanding its great antiquity, should have become
neglected amongst the Jews, who were never, in the true sense of the word, a
maritime people. We are therefore indebted, say our ancient brethren, for
this degree to Hiram, King of Tyre, who had received his Masonic
knowledge Independently of King Solomon and through a different channel.
Tyre being a seaport, this degree was conferred upon many seafaring—
brethren, whence it is supposed the title Ark Mariner was derived. Through
them and their successors the degree has come down to later days.
Presentation of Working Tools
I now present you with the working tools of Royal Ark Mariner. They are
the axe, the auger and the saw.
The axe is an instrument used to fell trees, and was employed by the
patriarch Noah in preparing the timbers for the building of the ark, but we as
Ark Mariners use it for a more noble purpose, to remind us that we ought to
fell down from the very root all evil and corrupt habits within our souls, so
that we may bear in our lives the fruits of righteousness.
38
The auger is a tool for boring holes in planks, and was used by Noah and his
sons when preparing their refuge from the waves, but we as Ark Mariners
use it for the purpose of reminding us that, as through the holes made by the
auger the pegs are placed to join the planks together, so it is by the rents that
are made in our hearts by affliction that we are more closely united to our
brethren in sympathetic friendship and brotherly love.
The saw divides the timber into planks, and is said to have been used thus by
Noah in the construction of the ark, but we use it for the more noble purpose
of reminding us that while we are all derived from the one great parent tree
of humanity, yet is each man responsible for his own soul to God, and for
work, sympathy and help to his fellows. And, as the saw from the tree
separates the plank, so ought we to be separated from the evil that is in the
world, and live as good men and true Masons.
Equilateral Triangle
But little remains, my brother, for me to say. The Equilateral Triangle,

which is the peculiar symbol of the degree of the Ark and Dove, deserves
your careful consideration and thought. Its angles are Beauty, Strength and
Wisdom, its sides, each equal to the other, represent God in His threefold
relation of Self-existence, Revelation and Redemption. When it is seen on a
summons, that summons must be treated by you with the most serious
attention. Unless your business be such as to prevent, absolutely, your
attendance in answer to it, you must be absent from the meeting called under
this sacred symbol. If you cannot be present, you must write the reasons to
the brother who, by authority, has issued the summons. If those reasons are
good, he will respect your position; but if they are trivial and unimportant,
you must be prepared at the next meeting of your Lodge to receive a
reprimand from its Patriarch.
You will now take a seat among the brethren as a member of this Lodge.
To Close
Patriarch --Shem, my son, what is the hour?
Ark Master – My father, the sun is in mid-heaven, and shineth with

exceeding brightness.
39
Patriarch – What seest thou, my son?
Ark Master – I have looked, and lo, the heaven above, and the waters over
the face of the earth.
Patriarch – Shem, my son, how long is it since the dove that brought us the
olive leaf of hope went forth from the ark
Ark Master – Seven days, my father.
Patriarch – Japhet, my son, what seest thou?
Ark Master – I have looked, and lo, there is a dark line upon the waters, as
though the highest hill were above the surface.
Patriarch – Then let us offer thanks to God.
Prayer: We thank thee, O God, for thy mercies; we bless thee for thy tender
care, and we pray thee to go with us into a renewed world, that we may,
walk therein as thy children. So mote it be amen.
(The Grand Sign Given) “This Sign refers to Noah while hurriedly
pulling in his hand with the dove, striking his short rib with his elbow”
Patriarch – The Ark is grounded.
All the Brethren – Hallelujah!
Patriarch – Since the ark is grounded, lot us prepare to land, but before we
do so let me see that all here are prepared to make themselves known as Ark
Mariners. Brethren, give me the signs.
Patriarch, - Shem, my son, give notice that I am about to moor this ark of
Ark Mariners.
Ark Master – Japhet my brother, give notice that the Patriarch is about to
moor this ark of Ark Mariners.
Ark Mate - Brethren, the Patriarch is about to moor this ark of Ark Mariners.
40
Patriarch – The Ark is moored; let us go forth to be the servants of God.
Here it is to be noted that no one can be elevated to the degree of Ark

Mariner who is not a Master Mason in good standing, and the Patriarch
must exhort each newly elevated brother to become a Mark Master
Mason if he be not already such.
41
Secret Monitor
(American Version)
Supreme Ruler - in the East
Senior Warden - in the West
Junior Warden - in the South
Guide - Senior Deacon's station
Guardian - Junior Deacon's station
Second section Officers:

Junior Warden as Saul - in the East
Supreme Ruler as Jonathan - with group
Senior Warden as David - behind rocks
Guard - with spear, near Saul
Guide - with candidate
Guardian - at Junior Deacon's station
Equipment needed:
Green "hangings" - station covers, banners etc.
Altar - made to resemble stones
Globe - lamp with spherical shade
Small bow & 3 arrows - gold, on VSL
Bible - Pentateuch (Jewish Bible)
Hackle - curry comb with teeth
3 step stepladder
Spear
Toy bow and 3 arrows
Appropriate robes
Apron - Black boardered with white. In the center is embroidered,
in black, a hackle, and on the flap an ear
Collar - purple, and worn around the neck
Jewel - a hackle
Introduction
This is a version of the degree which was worked when the degree was in
transition from a "side" degree to a "body- conferred" degree. Rev. Hartley
Carmichael revised and augmented a much older version of this degree that
42
had been in circulation as a "side" degree to produce a ritual for use by the
Sovereign College of Allied Masonic and Christian Degrees. This degree is
often referred to as a "trader's degree" and was in general circulation in the
early 1800's. It began as a true "side" degree, in that one brother would take
another "aside" and confer it upon him, administering the obligation and
relating the story of the degree and its secret work.
For more background information consult the Collectanea of the Grand

College of Rites, volume 13 parts 1 & 2 by Dr. William G. Peacher.
The items within the []s are additional material from the older version or
added to assist in conferral. Their use is optional. The original rubrics called
for a Treasurer, Recorder, Steward and Sentinel in addition to the first five
officers. Two or more members constitute a Conclave of Secret Monitors.
The Biblical reference for this degree is I Samuel 20: 16-23 and 35-42.
Opening
SR - Brethren, the hour has come; clothe yourselves. Officers, take your
places. Brother Guardian, ascertain if we are duly tiled.
GU - (after ascertaining) We are duly tiled, Supreme.
SR - Brother Guide, make sure that all present are Secret Monitors.
GI - All present are Secret Monitors.
SR - As a further precaution, you will collect the password of a Secret

Monitor from the brethren present and communicate it to the East; but first
communicate it to me.
(the word is taken, and, if right, the Supreme Ruler says, "The
word is right).
SR - (*)(all rise) Brother Senior Warden, are you a Secret Monitor ?
SW - Try me and prove me.
SR - By what will you be tried ?
43
SW - By the Hackle.
SR - What is a hackle ?
SW - An instrument used for combing, with sharp steel teeth.
SR - What signifies the hackle ?
SW - That he who would keep a secret must be prepared to endure torture

rather than disclose it.
SR - By what else will you be tried ?
SW - By the arrows.
SR - Brother Junior Warden, will you be tried by the arrows ?
JW - I cannot, Supreme.
SR - Why ?
JW - I know not what you mean.
SR - Approach the East, my brother, and I will communicate the secret to

you; for though it is enough that two who know the secret can open the
lodge, yet, since you are one of us, it must not be kept from you, my brother.
(Junior Warden then goes to the East, and the Supreme Ruler communicates
the mystery of the arrows. The former then returns to his place.)
SR - Brother Junior Warden, will you now be tried by the arrows ?
JW - Are not the arrows beyond thee ?
JW - Make speed, haste, stay not.
44
JW - Go, carry them to the city.
SR - Brother Senior Warden, Who are you ?
SW - I am David.
SR - Brother Senior Warden, whom does the Supreme Ruler represent?
SW - Jonathan.
SR - As the representative of Jonathan, I order you, Brother

David, to give notice that I am about to open this Conclave of
Secret Monitors.
(The Senior Warden gives the message to the Junior Warden, who
reports to the brethren)
SW - As the representative of David, I order you, Brother Junior Warden, to

give notice that the Supreme Ruler is about to open this Conclave of Secret
Monitors.
JW - Brethren, I give you notice that the Supreme Ruler is about to open this
Conclave of Secret Monitors.]
SR - Let us pray. O Thou, who hidest Thyself in darkness and shroudest

Thyself in mystery, vouchsafe Thine aid to us Thy servants assembled in this
Conclave. Give us secrecy in that which is right, fidelity to each other, and
obedience and loyalty to Thee. Amen.
(the Supreme Ruler raps once; Wardens repeat.)
SR - Brethren, give me the signs. (done)
SR - In the name of the Most High and under the auspices of the Grand
Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the U.S.A. I declare this Conclave of
Secret Monitors duly opened in ancient form.
45
Reception
(the candidate must be received in the preparation room by the Guide, who
warns him that he is about to be tried exceedingly, but at the same time,
assures him that he will suffer aught of harm, as he, the Guide, will take care
of him; he tells the candidate that unless he is prepared to obey absolutely
the orders given him that he must at once retire; if the candidate does not
give this promise he will be dismissed after he has been obligated to reveal
nothing of what has occurred; if he consents he is then taken to a dark place
where is a ladder with three steps; at the foot of the ladder is a steel hackle.
The Guide takes up the hackle and makes the candidate feel it; then he says:)
GI - They who are employed for great enterprise must be tried accordingly.
He who cannot suffer rather than betray a secret is not fit to be entrusted
with it. On the ground behold a hackle with sharp teeth; ascend this ladder
and from the topmost step leap down upon these teeth.
(If the candidate refuses he will be again obligated to conceal all that he has
seen; if he consents, he is told that he will be excused from leaping.)
GI - I congratulate you, my brother, that you have endured this test. I now
feel that you are a fit person to use in a great enterprise. What is about to
happen to you requires silence, bravery, and obedience, if you would bear
yourself as one who is fitted to receive this degree. Come with me, now, and
stand your second trial.
(The candidate is then taken to the next apartment, which represents the
court of King Saul. It is arranged as a royal presence-chamber, and the
Junior Warden sits in the chair of state as Saul. The Supreme Ruler is there
as Jonathan. The candidate is placed, sitting, as one of the brethren who
represent the court of Saul.)
Saul - Jonathan, my son, I am greatly wroth with David the Bethlehemite;

why cometh he not to feast with us this day ?
Jon - Why art thou angry, my father ?
Saul - This is the second day that he hath not come to eat meat, and
yesterday when he came not I thought, "peradventure he is unclean;
therefore his place is empty."
46
Jon - My father, David earnestly besought me leave to go to Bethlehem; and
he said,"Let me go, I pray thee, for my father hath a sacrifice in the city; and
my brother he hath commanded me to be there." And I gave him leave;
therefore he is not at my Lord the King's table.
Saul - As the Lord liveth and thy soul liveth thou art the son of a rebellious
woman; do I not know that thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thy shame ?
As long as the son of Jesse liveth thou shalt not be established in thy
kingdom; wherefore now, send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely
die.
Jon - Wherefore shall I fetch him unto thee, my father ? What hath he done ?
Saul - Thou son of a rebellious woman, thou shalt die because thou art his
friend. (to one of the officers) - Give me the spear, that I may slay him.
(at this point the Supreme Ruler, as it were, flees from the apartment, and as
he goes out he takes with him the candidate, whispering to him,)
Jon - "He who goeth with me is the enemy of my Lord the King, and
is in danger of his life; wilt thou go with me ?"
(The candidate answers, "I will".)
(The candidate is now taken to the door of the principal apartment, where
the Guide knocks three times, and is asked by the Guardian -)
GU - Who comes here ?
GI - A worthy Master Mason, who, having endured the great test,

and having incurred the emnity of the king, now desires to be
allowed to serve his master still further in the cause of Justice
by Secrecy.
GU - Wait till I inform the Supreme Ruler.
(the door is closed and the Supreme Ruler is accordingly informed,

and permits the candidate to enter.)
47
SR - Brother Guardian, who comes here ?
GU - A worthy Master Mason, who, having endured the great test, and
having incurred the emnity of the king, now desires to be allowed to serve
his master still further in the cause of Justice by Secrecy.
SR - Let him enter.
(He is led around the Lodge three times, the perambulation ending at the
East; there he is encountered by the Supreme Ruler, who TAKES him by the
arm and says - )
SR - Wilt thou be my arrow bearer ?
Candidate - I will.
SR - Take, then, this bow and arrows and come with me.
(The candidate takes the bow and arrows; meantime the Senior Warden
hides behind the pile of stones representing the altar.)
SR - Give me the bow and arrows. (the candidate does so.)
SR - Run; find out, now, the arrows which I shoot.
(The Supreme Ruler then shoots an arrow; the candidate goes after it.)
SR - Is not the arrow beyond thee ?
Candidate - Lo, here it is. [arrow and answer repeated twice more]
SR - Gather up my arrows; make speed; haste; stay not.
(the candidate takes the arrows and gathers them in a bundle.)
SR - Knowest thou the matter ?
Candidate - I know not the matter.
SR - Carry these arrows to the city.
48
Candidate - I obey you.
(Whereupon the candidate departs and goes behind a curtain, where he can
hear and partly see what takes place in the lodge. The Senior Warden comes
from behind the altar, and embracing the Supreme says -)
SW - What tidings, my beloved ?
SR - Go in peace; forasmuch as we have sworn in the name of the Lord,

saying, The Lord be between me and thee, and between my seed and thy
seed for ever.
(The Senior Warden then leaves the lodge and the candidate is brought to the
altar, where he is obligated as follows.)
(He holds the arrows in his left hand.) [kneels]
Obligation
I, A.B., in the presence of Him who hides Himself in darkness and of this
Conclave of Secret Monitors, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and
sincerely promise and swear that, save when I am empowered to confer it on
worthy Master Masons, I will ever conceal the secrets of this degree from
everybody who is not entitled to the same; and them only shall I hold to be
lawfully entitled to the same who have been made Secret Monitors in a
Conclave owing obedience to the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees
of the U.S.A., or in a Conclave under the jurisdiction of a lodge or body in
alliance therewith.
I furthermore promise and swear that I will give to a Secret Monitor

brotherly caution if I see him doing, or about to do, anything contrary to the
true principles of Freemasonry.
I furthermore promise and swear that I myself will always take a brotherly
caution from a brother Secret Monitor in a brotherly spirit, and will not
allow my temper or my pride to hinder me from suffering myself to be done
by as I am bound to do.
49
I furthermore promise and swear that I will in every lawful way help a
Secret Monitor, if such action can be done by me with propriety.
All of which I solemnly promise and swear, without any secret evasion of
mind in me; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having a
sharp arrow pierce me through the heart. So help me God, and keep me
true to this my Secret Monitor's solemn obligation. Amen.
(The newly obligated brother then kisses the book three times.)
SR - Rise, my brother, and receive the sign, words, and tokens of

this degree.
The Grand Sign of Tribulation is - Extend the right arm at full length, the
right hand open; then raise the fingers and thumb, the palm remaining
horizontal to represent the teeth of a hackle.
The words are: David and Jonathan.
SR - You will now proceed to the Junior Warden, who will invest you with
the apron of this degree.
(The candidate is taken by the Guide to the Junior Warden and placed facing
East.)
JW - (putting the apron on candidate) Let this apron of black bordered with
white ever remind you that secrecy must ever be maintained concerning
purity, justice, and truth, and that he who is secret concerning evil is the
servant and soldier of evil, and the enemy, not only of Freemasonry, but of
humanity.
JW - The duty is performed, Supreme Ruler.
SR - Reconduct the candidate to the East, that he may be decorated

with the collar and jewels.
(The Guide brings the candidate to the East and places him facing
the Supreme Ruler.)
50
SR - (presenting the collar) - Let this collar of purple remind you that justice
is the royal virtue, and that he who is just to his fellow is king, though no
imperial robes adorn his person or no coronet grace his brow.
(presenting jewel) –
Let this jewel, emblematic of suffering or endurance, teach you that Truth
can never be kept sacred by any man unless he is able to bear the odium and
persecution which is ever the lot of her servants; let it also remind you that
to the true Mason, sorrow is never more than is within the power of man
to bear, and that it is our duty to meet it as good men and pure Masons.
History
Our ancient brethren inform us that the institution of this degree is anterior
to the time of Solomon. They were wont to point to the secret understanding
which existed between David and Jonathan as a proof that those Masonic
principles which were to be found in the days of Noah were alive among the
descendants of the Patriarch in Israel, and they loved to find in this story
of David and Jonathan a link between the Masonry of the antediluvian days
and that of the Solomonic period.
(When time will permit the following may be given):
Catechism
SR - Are you a Secret Monitor?
SW - I am, and glory in it.
SR - How were you received a Secret Monitor?
SW - I endured the great ordeal, and showed myself a faithful

servant.
SR - Where were you made a Secret Monitor ?
SW - By the Ergab.
51
SR - Who made you a Secret Monitor ?
SW - Jonathan son of Saul, and David son of Jesse.
SR - How is this Conclave lighted ?
SW - By the Sun.
SR - What does that teach you ?
SW - That, though we must conceal our secrets from the profane, we

must be open as the day with a brother Secret Monitor.
SR - How many constitute a Conclave of Secret Monitors ?
SW - Two.
SR - Can you name them ?
SW - The Supreme Ruler and the Senior Warden.
SR - Whom do they represent ?
SW - Jonathan and David.
SR - What further do they typify ?
SW - The conscience of man.
SR - How is this typified ?
SW - Jonathan is emblematical of God, who advises and warns the human

soul; and David of the soul. God and a man's heart alone know a secret
matter - the world without, knows nothing of it.
SR - Who are you ?
SW - David.
SR - How call you me ?
52
SW - Jonathan.
SR - Have you any signs, Brother David ?
SW - Try me.
SR - Give me the grand sign of Tribulation.
SW - Behold it. [gives sign]
SR - Have you a word ?
SW - I have more than one.
SR - Advance and communicate them secretly in my listening ear.
SW - (advancing, whispering) David and Jonathan.- I here give them as I

know them.
SR - I acknowledge the correctness of your signs and words. I greet you,

Brother David.
SW - I greet you, Brother Jonathan.
(The Supreme Ruler presents the working tools.)
SR - I now present yow with the working tools of a Secret Monitor, which
are the hackle and the bow and arrows. Let the hackle ever teach you that no
man can escape sorrow; that it is as inevitable as death; that just as surely as
it is appointed for us all once to die, so surely must a portion of the life of
every man be overshadowed by the cloud of grief. However we try to avoid
it, sorrow will cross the threshold of our home. The world is no lovely
palace of pleasure where the inmates live enchanted lives. We need not
expect immunity from suffering. We might as well demand immunity from
death. Therefore let sorrow be our teacher - leading us away from sin -
inviting our sympathy - directing us into the paths of heroism, and reminding
us that we suffer, because we are not as the beasts that perish, but as the
children of the Living God. Receive the bow and arrows. They are
emblematical of man in his uncivilized state - relying on his own resources.
53
Let them ever remind you that man apart from God has no understanding;
that from God has come all enlightenment which has led on humanity in the
road of progress; that if man would have all things put under his feet he must
recognize his dependence on God, and that man will assume his true position
as head of created things, when he acknowledges, not by his word only, but
also by his will and resultant conduct that he is not only Son of Man, but
also Son of God.
SR - You will now take your seat in this Conclave as a member thereof.
Closing
SR - [* all rise] Brother Senior Warden, have you anything more

for the consideration of this Conclave of Secret Monitor ?
SW - Nothing.
SR - Brother Junior Warden, have you anything more for the

consideration of this Conclave of Secret Monitor ?
JW - Nothing.
SR - Then I will proceed to close the Conclave. Brother Senior

Warden, are you a Secret Monitor ?
SW - Try me and prove me, Supreme Ruler.
SR - By what will you be tried ?
SW - By the hackle and by the arrows.
SR - How many form a Conclave of Secret Monitors ?
SW - Two.
SR - How many may know the secret ?
SW - Two.
SR - Who are they ?
54
SW - The Supreme Ruler and the Senior Warden.
SR - Since, then, the required number are present, and since the business is
ended, give notice to the brethren that we are about to close this Conclave of
Secret Monitors.
(The Senior and Junior Wardens give the notice.)
[SW - Brethren, you will take notice that we are about to close
this Conclave of Secret Monitors.]
[JW - Brethren, you will take notice that we are about to close
this Conclave of Secret Monitors.]
SR - Let us Pray. Ineffable - Invisible - Immortal give us the power to be

silent; the knowledge that we may say, "Now can I speak, now can I keep
silence;" the humility to be as though we were not, in times when we, in our
own souls, think we are all. Give to us these graces, O Thou, whose Great
name is unknowable. Amen.
SR - I declare this Conclave of Secret Monitors closed in solemn form.
[1] - An 1831 version of this degree has the obligation as follows:
I, A.B., in the presence of Almighty God and this witness, do hereby and
hereon, solemnly and sincerely swear, in addition to my former obligations,
that I will not confer this degree of Secret Monitor, on any person in the
known world, except it be a worthy Master Mason.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will caution a brother Secret Monitor
by sign, word, or token, whenever I see him doing or about to do anything
contrary to the true principles of Masonry.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will caution a brother Secret Monitor
by sign, word, or token, whenever I see him doing or about to do anything
contrary to his interest in buying or selling.
I furthermore promise and swear, that when I am so cautioned myself by a

brother Secret Monitor, I will pause and reflect on the course I am pursuing.
55
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will assist a brother Secret Monitor,
in preference to any other person, by introducing him to business, by
sending him custom, or in any other manner in which I can throw a penny in
his way.
I furthermore promise and swear, that I will immediately commit this

obligation to memory: to all of which do I most solemnly and sincerely
promise and swear, without any mental reservation or self-evasion of mind
in me whatever; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having
my heart thrust through with the arrow of an enemy, and to be without
friends in the hour of trouble. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this
my solemn oath and obligation of a Secret Monitor.
[1] - From 1831 ritual
The signs, and also the words and tokens of this degree, are of
two kinds, negatives and affirmatives.
The negative sign is made by exhibiting two fingers (held aloft). It is given
whenever you see a brother doing, or about to do anything contrary to his
interest in buying or selling; it means desist; the brother who receives the
sign, is bound by his oath to pause and reflect.
The sign of approbation is given by holding up one finger. It is given

whenever you wish secretly to advise a brother in any traffic or dealing to
his profit and interest; it means proceed.
Grips are given and received in the same admonishing way. When you take
the hand of a brother, if you grip him in the center of the hand, with two
fingers, it means desist; if you grip with one finger, it means proceed.
To caution a brother by word, if you see a brother doing anything contrary to

his interest, in buying or selling, say to him, you had better buy two, "two is
better than one;" it means desist. If you say to him, "one is as good as two,"
it means proceed, and he will directly understand you, and act accordingly.
Thus you can caution a brother by sign, token, or word, whenever you see
him doing anything contrary to the principles of Masonry, or his interest;
and he, so cautioned, is bound to pause and reflect, before he further goes,
under the penalties of having the arrow of an enemy thrust through his heart
56
Then there is another way to caution a brother. If you say to him, "the
arrows are beyond thee;" it means desist. If you say to him, "the arrows are
on this side of thee;" it means proceed.
The due-guard and sign of this degree is given by placing yourself in the
attitude of springing a bow; it is in imitation of Jonathan shooting the
arrows; it alludes to the penalty of the obligation.
To answer this sign, strike the left side, opposite the heart, with the end of
the fore finger of the left hand, the other fingers clenched.
57
Brotherhood of David and Jonathan
Order of the Secret Monitor
(English ) 1st Degree
Ceremony of Induction - 1
Supreme Ruler - in the East, center, facing West
Counsellor - in the East, South of SR, facing North
Guide - in the East, North of SR, facing South
Director of Ceremonies - in the West
4 Visiting Deacons - corners of floorcloth facing Altar
1st - Southeast, 2nd - Southwest,
3rd - Northeast, 4th - Northwest
Secretary - on the North side of room
Guarder - near door
Sentinel - outside door
Equipment needed
Floor cloth - About 8ft by 8ft square, red material on which is a

double triangle. In the center is a hexagon.
Bow and Arrows - Short bow with 3 hunting arrows for symbols and
3 rubber tipped similar arrows for shooting.
Sashes - For 1st Degree (officers only) 4 inch wide, Medici
Crimson color, with 4 inch gold fringe on each end, two gilt
triangles interlaced at overlap.
Breast Jewels - Two interlaced triangles on top of three arrows, one

arrow pointing down through two points of the triangles, the
other two bisecting the angles next to the first arrow pointing
up. The letters "D" and "J" on either side of the arrow's
intersection point. Gold metal. Suspended by a ribbon : 1st
degree - three equal stripes; violet, Indian Yellow, violet,
Lodge arrangements:
58
The floor cloth represents Holy Ground and should be in the center of the
room with two edges parallel to the North-South centerline. The Stone Ezel,
an altar made to look like stones, is in the center of the floor cloth, on which
rests the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The VD stations are upon the
corners of the floor cloth facing in to the center
Introduction
While the Order of David and Jonathan is thought to be of Dutch origin, it

became known in America as a side degree called the Secret Monitor (q.v.)
in the early 1800's. In 1875, Dr. I. Zacharie established the American degree
in England, where a Grand Council of the Order was formed in 1887. This
"Grand Council of the Order of the Secret Monitor, or Brotherhood of David
and Jonathan, in the British Isles &c." rewrote and expanded the American
ritual into a system of two degrees and a "chair" degree, and has enjoyed a
measure of success. It continues to exist as a seperate Order in England and
has created other District, Provincial and Grand Councils of the Order
around the world. An interesting feature of the "English" Secret Monitor is
that the 4 Visiting Deacons are specifically charged to "search out and warn
any brother who may be exposed to danger, whether secret or apparent, and
to visit those afflicted with sickness or sorrow or otherwise in need of
fraternal help and consolation." To accomplish this end, the roster of the
entire Conclave is divided among them and each member appropriately
contacted each term a number of times, with the results reported to the
Conclave. Note the colloquial spellings of the Hebrew and Arabic words,
as well as the use of Latin words in the ritual.
Ceremony of Induction
Opening
SR - (* all stand) Brethren assist me to open this Conclave.
SR - Brother Guide, what is our first care ?
GI - To see the Guarder at his post, and that only Brethren of
David and Jonathan are present.
SR - Brother Guide, are you a Brother of the Order ?
59
GI - I am Supreme Ruler, try me and prove me.
SR - As Master Masons where do we meet ?

GI - On the Center, Supreme Ruler.
SR - You will prove the Brethren Master Masons by the penal sign.
GI - Brethren, by command of the Supreme Ruler, you will prove

yourselves Master Masons by the penal sign.
(the Brethren prove themselves by standing to order as M.M.s)
GI - (gives the Sign and reports) Supreme Ruler, the Brethren have
duly proved themselves.
(the SR gives the sign and knocks ** *. Sign of a M.M. is dropped)
SR - Brother Counselor, as Brothers of David and Jonathan where

do we meet ?
CO - At the appointed place, Supreme Ruler.
SR - Brother Guide, you will receive from each Brother present the
name of the appointed place, and communicate it to Brother
Counsellor.
(GI, commencing with the Immediate Past SR, goes round, by way of the
South, outside the holy ground and receives the word "Ezel" from each one.
He continues upon the holy ground and receives the word "Ezel" from each
of the VDs in turn, commencing with the 1stVD. GI enters from, and leaves
the holy ground by the East. Stepping up to CO he whispers the word to
him, and proceeds to his seat)
SR - Brother Counsellor, which is the appointed place ?
CO - By the Ezel, Supreme Ruler
SR - To order, Brethren, as Brothers of David and Jonathan.
60
(The brethren stand to order with the sign of a Secret Monitor.
Note: the complete sign, i.e. P-D-P [point, draw, pierce], should
be given on every occasion)
SR - Brother Guarder, what are the duties of your post ?
GU - To admit only tried Secret Monitors, to receive candidates on

the point of peril, and to report the approach of friend or
stranger, Supreme Ruler.
SR - Brother Visiting Deacons, what is your constant duty ?
4VD - To search out and visit all Brethren, members of the

Conclave, who may be in danger or distress, or may need or desire
friendly monition, fraternal sympathy, or brotherly and
disinterested advice, to minister to their necessities and report
to you, Supreme Ruler.
SR - Brother Guide, what duties are yours ?
GI - It is mine to see that only true and worthy Brothers of David

and Jonathan are present, to receive the reports of the Guarder,
to collect the Artillery, and to deposit it in a place of safety,
Supreme Ruler.
SR - Brother Counselor, in whom we confidently trust, what is

your duty ?
CO - To give the token and word, Supreme Ruler, to respond to your

call, and to hold myself as a faithful friend, till death us do part.
SR - Brethren, before I declare the Conclave open, let us implore

the aid of the Almighty Friend of all Friends, the Founder of
faithful friendship. May he graciously vouchsafe His blessing on
our Order and his favor on all its members.
SR - In the name of David and Jonathan I declare this Conclave of

Secret Monitors duly opened. (* ** *)
61
(GU gives knocks and the knocks are repeated from without. Immediate Past
SR or Director of Ceremonies opens Volume of Sacred Law at I Samuel 20.
The VSL should be placed so that it can be read by the candidate, the points
of the Compasses pointing to the foot of the page. The Brethren resume their
seats.After the minutes of the last meeting have been read and confirmed,)
SR - Brother Secretary, you will call the Muster Roll.
SR - Visting Deacons upstanding.
(the Secretary calls the Muster Roll, Brethren present rise and answer
"Present, Supreme Ruler" with the sign of a Secret Monitor; the Visiting
Deacons report as to absent Brethren on their respective lists.)
SR - Brother Visiting Deacons resume your seats.
Ceremony of Induction
(Note: The "alarm" for candidate is one knock. The report for a Bro. seeking
admission is the knock of the degree in which the Conclave is open, i.e., *
** * or ** **. The Guide's answer to a report is "Find out the occasion
thereof".)
( The "customary declaration" is as follows:
I, ______, being a Master Mason, and a member of __________Lodge No.

___ holding under the Grand Lodge of ________ hereby request the
Supreme Ruler, Officers and Brethren of the __________Conclave to induct
me as a member of the Order of the Secret Monitor and to receive me as a
member of their Conclave. I do solemnly declare that, should I be so
inducted, I will maintain and uphold the supremacy of the Grand Council of
the Order in America, will pay strict obedience to the Constitution and
Regulations of the Order, and will conform to all the laws,usages and
established customs thereof. I further solemnly promise that, if I be received
as a member of this Conclave, I will submit to and observe the by-laws of
the Conclave which may from time to time be made for its government.
Signature _______________________
Date _______ Witness _________________________
62
(This declaration shall be preserved with the records of the Conclave.)
(The Sentinel gives one knock on the door of the Conclave.)
GU - (With the sign of a SM) Brother Guide, there is an alarm.
GI - Ascertain the cause thereof.
GU - (Opening the door) Wherefore this alarm ?
SE - Brother ___________, a Master Mason, desires to be received into this

Order, that he may be the better enabled to discharge his duties to his
Brethren.
GU - Wait while I report to the Supreme Ruler.
GU - (After closing the door) Supreme Ruler, at the door of this

Conclave stands Brother ___________, a Master Mason, who desires
to be received into this Order, that he may be the better enabled
to discharge his duties to his Brethren.
SR - Brother Guarder, first assure yourself that he has signed the

customary declaration; then admit him in due form, and admonish
him to take heed how he enters.
(The GU goes outside, sees the signature affixed, and asks the
candidate for the password; as he cannot give it, the SE gives it
for him in a whisper [Ezel], and the GU returns to the room.)
GU - Supreme Ruler, the Candidate has subscribed the declaration,

but is not in possession of the password. I will however give it
for him.
(GU advances to the East, gives password to the GI, and, by way of
the South, returns bearing the bow and three arrows. The GU gives
one arrow to each of the 2nd and 4th VDs and himself retains the
bow and third arrow.)
SR - Brother Deacons, admit the Candidate.
63
(The 2nd and 4th VDs open the door, not the GU, they close the door when
the Candidate is inside, standing each side of him, while GU faces him with
bow drawn and the arrow touching his left breast. The DC should not take
part but be in a position to direct the procedure.)
GU - Brother ___________, in this degree of Freemasonry you are admitted

on the point of an Arrow. May your heart never be pierced by the Arrow of
unfaithful friendship.
(The GU carries the bow to the SR, gives the third arrow to the 1st VD, and
returns to his seat by way of the South. The candidate, conducted by the 2nd
and 4th VDs, is placed in the NW facing the SR).
SR - Do you pledge your honor as a man and your fidelity as a Mason that
you will steadily persevere through the ceremony of induction into the
honorable brotherhood of David and Jonathan, and that with the same strict
caution as with other secrets in Masonry you will conceal whatever may
now be known by you, or may at any future time be communicated to you ?
Cand. - I do.
SR - Then you will kneel while the blessing of heaven is invoked

upon our proceedings.
(Stool is placed by DC. Candidate kneels. 2nd and 4th VDs stand on either
side who turn inwards and cross arrows above the head of the candidate, the
arrows being held in the right hand; no attempt should be made by them to
give the Sign of Reverence. All other brethren rise giving the Sign of
Reverence.)
Chap (or SR) - Vouchsafe unto us, O merciful Lord, that the Candidate now
about to be received into our Order may be endued with the graces meet to
merit and appreciate true friendship. May his life and ours henceforth be
more fully devoted to Thy service; and do Thou so increase and multiply
upon us Thy mercy, that, Thou being our Ruler and Guide, we may in such
wise pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal.
SR - Let the Candidate rise. (stool is removed by DC)
64
SR - Brother __________ as none but a worthy Master Mason may be
received into this Order, I demand of you, are you a Master Mason?
Cand. - I am.
SR - You will advance to the Deacon and give the proofs.
(2nd VD moves toward Southwest and turns towards Candidate. 4th VD

tells Candidate to turn towards 2nd VD, and to advance towards him
in the 3 degrees of Craft Masonry showing the signs. 2nd VD tells
Candidate, now in line with Ezel, to turn towards SR. Both Deacons
take post by Candidate.)
2VD - (no sign) The proofs are correct, Supreme Ruler.
SR - Brethren, Brother __________, who is this day a Candidate for

Induction into the Order, having proved himself a worthy Master
Mason, the Deacons will now instruct thim to advance to the Ezel
in due form.
(The 2nd VD instructs the Candidate to advance to the Stone Ezel

as follows:)
2VD - The method of advancing to the Ezel is by four steps, the

first and fourth long and slow, the second and third short and
quick. I will go through them and you will afterwards copy my
example. Place your feet in this position and step off with the
left foot.
(After demonstration both Deacons advance to Ezel with Candidate.

When this has been done,:)
SR - Brother _________, will you kneel on both knees, place both

hands on the Volume of Sacred Law, state your names at length, and
repeat after me.
(SR sounds gavel. The brethren rise and stand to order with the
Sign of Fidelity. The 2nd and 4th VDs cross arrows above the head
of the Candidate, they should face each other, the arrows being
held in the right hand; no attempt should be made by them to show
65
Sign of Fidelity.)
Obligation
I, ______, in the presence of Almighty God, and of this warranted conclave

of Brothers of David and Jonathan, regularly held and assembled, do hereby
and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear that I will faithfully conceal any or
either of the secrets or mysteries of this degree, and never reveal any of them
to anyone in the world, except a Brother of the Order, and not even to him,
except in strict conformity with the laws of the Order; that I will in all things
cheerfully obey the rules and constitutions of the Grand Council of the
Allied Masonic Degrees for the United States of America, that I will not
confer, or assist in conferring the degree of Secret Monitor on any person
who is not a worthy Master Mason, nor on him except in accordance with
the rules of this Order, and in a Meeting of a regularly warranted Conclave,
holding under the Grand Council.
I further promise and swear that I will, in all things, act as a true and faithful
Secret Monitor, and will caution a Brother Secret Monitor by word, sign, or
token, whenever or wherever I see him doing, or about to do, anything
contrary to the true principles of Freemasonry, or against his own interests.
I likewise solemnly promise that, when I am so cautioned by a Brother
Secret Monitor, I will pause and reflect on the course I am perusing.
I furthermore solemnly promise and swear that I will assist a Brother Secret
Monitor, at any time, so far as lies in my power, without detriment to myself
or my connections; that if he be in sorrow he shall have my sympathy, if in
danger my monition, if in distress my consolation, if in poverty my aid, so
long as he prove worthy and I be able to assist. All these points I solemnly
promise to observe, without evasion or mental reservation of any kind, on
the faith of my former obligations and further binding myself under a
penalty no less than that of having my heart thrust through with the arrow of
an enemy,
(The 1st VD presses the point of an arrow on Candidate's left breast.) and to
be left without a friend in the hour of my tribulation. So help me Almighty
God, and keep me steadfast in this solemn obligation of a Secret Monitor).
SR - As a pledge of your fidelity, you will seal that obligation with your lips
on the Volume of Sacred Law.
66
(Candidate salutes the VSL)
SR - Rise, duly obligated Secret Monitor, and listen with an

attentive ear to a portion of Holy Scripture.
(All except 4 Deacons resume seats. Chaplain (or PSR) reads

I Samuel Chapter 20, Verses 16-23 and 35-42)
So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, Let the Lord
even require it at the hand of David's enemies. And Jonathan caused David
to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own
soul. Then Jonathan said to David, Tomorrow is the new moon; and thou
shalt be missed, because thy seat will be empty. And when thou hast stayed
three days, then thou shalt go down quickly, and come to the place where
thou didst hide thyself when the business was in hand, and shalt remain by
the stone Ezel. And I will shoot three arrows on the side thereof, as though I
shot at a mark. And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, find the arrows. If
I expressly say unto the lad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, take
them; then come thou: for there is peace to thee, and no hurt; as the Lord
liveth. But if I say thus unto the young man, Behold, the arrows are beyond
thee; go thy way: for the Lord hath sent thee away. As touching the matter
which thou and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between thee and me
for ever. And it came to pass in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the
field at the time appointed with David, and a little lad with him. And he said
unto the lad Run, find out now the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran,
he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the lad was come to the place of the
arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the lad, and said, Is not
the arrow beyond thee ? And Jonathan cried after the lad, make speed, haste,
stay not. And Jonathan's lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master.
But the lad knew not anything: only Jonathan and David knew the matter.
And Jonathan gave his artillery unto the lad, and said unto him, Go, carry
them to the city. And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place
toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three
times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until David
exceeded. And Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, forasmuch as we have
sworn both of us in the name of the Lord, saying: The Lord be between me
and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever. And he rose and
departed: and Jonathan went into the city.
67
(The 3rd and 4th VDs, with Candidate between them, stand aside in the
North. The 1st VD collects arrows from 2nd and 4th VDs, and hands them to
the SR, he then stands aside in the South with 2nd VD; the DC standing
between them).
The SR takes the Bow and shoots three arrows beyond the Ezel.)
(After shooting 1st arrow -)
SR - Run, find out the arrows which I shoot.
(GI crosses to South side.)(After 2nd arrow -)
SR - Is not the arrow beyond thee ?
(GI takes one step forward.)(After 3rd arrow -)
SR - Make speed, haste, stay not.
(SR holds Bow horizontally in both hands. GI collects arrows and places
them on Bow so that they intersect at one point in the middle, 2 points
forward. SR then hands Bow and Arrows to GI.)
SR - Go, carry them into the city.
(GI places Bow and Arrows on the SR's pedestal, and returns to his seat. The
1st and 3rd VDs take charge of the Candidate and place him before the SR,
at the East of the holy ground. They stand beside him. The 2nd and 4th VDs
return to seats. The CO, placing himself about three paces from the SR,
approaches him by three steps, each with the left foot closing the right to it,
bowing on the completion of each step. After the third step shake hands with
1st finger of right hand, at the same time placing left hand on each other's
right shoulder; remain in this position while the colloquy is spoken aloud
and the word exchanged in a whisper.)
CO - I am David.
SR - I am Jonathan.
CO - David and Jonathan knew the matter.
68
SR - The lad knew nothing at all.
(The SR and CO exchange word in a whisper, and the CO steps back

by three steps in the same manner as approaching.)
(The CO then approaches the Candidate in the same manner, he gives

the token and goes through the colloquy with him, the 1st VD
dictating to the Candidate the replies. The CO whispers the word
Magen David to the Candidate and with three backward steps resumes
his place.)
(Note: The CO must not say "the word is" or give any explanations.)
Lecture
SR - Now that you have taken the solemn obligation of a Secret Monitor,
and received the word, I will proceed to entrust you with the secrets of the
first degree of the Order. You will recollect that, in the passage of Scripture
you have just heard, Jonathan was to make known to David his success, or
want of success, by shooting Arrows on this or that side of the Stone Ezel.
Had the Arrows fallen on this side, the meaning would have been that David
was to proceed to take his accustomed place with the king's household; but
the words "The Arrows Are Beyond Thee" signified that he must no longer
seek the peace of home, but must become a fugitive, fleeing from the
presence of his king, and leaving behind him family and friends.
From this circumstance is derived the password of the first degree, Ezel,
and so the words "The Arrows are on this side of thee", spoken by one
Brother Secret Monitor to another, mean "Proceed," while the words "The
Arrows are beyond thee" mean "Desist".
To caution a Brother, if you see him doing, or about to do, anything contrary
to the principles of Freemasonry, or against his own interests -
By word - you may suggest that he should "Take Two" or that "Two are
better than one" which means "Desist"; on the other hand, if you would
advise him to "Proceed" you may say "One is as good as two".
69
By sign - you may raise the left hand (clenched) to represent the Stone Ezel
and signal on this side with one finger or beyond with two fingers, with the
meaning given in the previous explanation.
By grip or token thus - you may shake hands by giving one finger; this will
mean "Proceed"; but should you desire to warn him, you would give him
two fingers and this would mean "Desist".
Thus you may caution a Brother by word, sign or token; and, when so
cautioned, he is bound to pause and reflect.
(The SR rises and says:)
The Due Guard and Sign of this degree is given by placing oneself in the
attitude of springing a Bow in imitation of Jonathan's shooting the Arrows;
to complete the sign, strike the left breast over the Heart with the end of the
First Finger of the Left Hand, the other Fingers Clenched. This alludes to the
penalty of the obligation.
The complete sign should always be used on entering and on leaving the
Conclave and when addressing the Supreme Ruler.
(SR leaves chair, and stands in front of Candidate.)
The word of this degree is "Magen David" and is given thus (SR gives it to
Candidate.)
(Note: When communicating the word the colloquy is not gone through here
and the Right Hand is not raised.)
This word must not be repeated aloud except in open Conclave when
inducting a Candidate. The meaning of the word is the "Shield of David";
and as this Shield of David afterwards became the Seal of Solomon it has
been adopted in other degrees of Freemasonry as you are no doubt aware.
I now decorate you with this jewel, the badge of the Order, which should
always be worn on your left breast whenever you are attending a Conclave
of the Order.
(SR resumes his seat)
70
As for your induction you will be called upon for certain fees, it is my duty
to inform you by what authority we act. This is our Charter or Warrant from
the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degree of the United States of
America (Council Charter); it is open for your inspection at this or any other
meeting of the Conclave. No Conclave can be lawfully held in the absence
of such a Warrant; and the obligation, which you have just taken, forbids
you to confer, or assist in conferring, this degree except in a warranted
Conclave, regularly held and assembled.
I present to you copies of the Constitutions and Regulations of the Order and
of the By-Laws of the Conclave. From the latter you will learn your duty to
your Conclave, while from the former you will obtain information which
you will appreciate more highly as you advance in rank.
Explanation of the Weapons

(SR or other Brother) The weapons of the Secret Monitor are the Bow and
Arrows - The Bow, which though bent by superior power for some wise
purpose known only to the bender, yet springs back to its former shape, is an
emblem of our mortal life. It typifies that the trials sent us by the Almighty
hand should not leave us cast down, dejected and repining; but like the bow,
which, when the strain is relaxed, at once resumes its original form, so we,
aided by the help that comes from above, should learn to rise superior to our
griefs, intent only on doing our duty, in our day and generation, with joy and
friendliness. And, as the arrow shot by the unerring hand of a skilful archer
speeds straight to its destined mark, so the Brethren and Officers of this
Conclave, each in his particular sphere, will strive, we trust, with single
mind and clear intention to carry out the commands of their Supreme Ruler,
to render to each other comfort and aid, and to fulfil the great ends for which
God has placed us here on the earth.
Thus the weapons of a Secret Monitor teach us to remember the duties we

owe to our Conclave and to each other: they also remind us of the great
archer Death, whose unerring and remorseless shaft will, sooner or later,
strike each one and summon him to render an account of the manner in
which he has discharged his duty to his Brother and his God.
71
Address
(SR or other Brother) Brother ___________, in admitting you a member of

our Order, - a step we have been induced to take by reason of the good
report we have heard from those in whose judgment we place the utmost
confidence, - we trust we have received into our ranks one whose future
conduct will fully justify the choice we have made, whose presence among
us will always be welcome, whose advice within the Conclave will be
fraught with wisdom and sound judgment, whose ear will be continually
open to the cry of the suffering and needy, and whose bosom will ever glow
with satisfaction in fulfilling the great ends and aims of our Order. We trust
that the Supreme Ruler of all things may guide you in all your paths, and
that, when for you the shadows of this transitory life shall have faded into
the realities of the life to come, you may be received into that Grand
Conclave above, over which the Grand Supreme Ruler of all presides, where
distress and sorrow are no more, and where all is
harmony and peace.
(The VDs conduct the Candidate to a seat in the Conclave.)
72
Assembly of Princes
Order Secret Monitor
(English ) 2nd Degree
Assembly of Princes - 2
David - in the East, see rubrics
Jonathan - in the East, see rubrics
Abishai - in the East, in the Guide's station
Adino - Southwest corner of floorcloth
Eleazar - Northwest corner of floorcloth
Shammah - in the West
Director of Ceremonies - in the West, right of Shammah
Assistant Director of Ceremonies - unstationed
Sentinel - outside door
Past Supreme Ruler(s) for instruction - unstationed
Equipment needed:
Sash For 2nd Degree (officers only): 4 inch wide ribbon, with two outer
stripes of Indian Yellow 1.125 inches wide, two inner violet stripes .8125
inches wide, and a central Medici Crimson stripe .125 inches wide, ending in
4 inch gold fringe on each end, two gilt triangles interlaced at overlap.
Swords to be suspended from sashes as needed.
Jewels - Two interlaced triangles on top of three arrows, one

arrow pointing down through two points of the triangles, the
other two bisecting the angles next to the first arrow pointing
up. The letters "D" and "J" on either side of the arrow's
intersection point. Gold metal. Ribbon Breast Jewel: 2nd degree - three equal
stripes; Indian Yellow, violet, Indian Yellow.
Robe for SR - Purple, trimmed with yellow.
SR Jewels- Two interlaced triangles on top of three arrows, one arrow

pointing down through two points of the triangles, the other two bisecting
73
the angles next to the first arrow pointing up. The letters "D" and "J" on
either side of the arrow's intersection point. The totally surrounded by a gold
eclipse jewel all gold metal. Suspended by collar with rosette of - three
equal stripes; Indian Yellow, violet, Indian Yellow.
Two handled cup or glass - filled with wine or grape juice.
Floor cloth - About 8ft by 8ft square, red material on which is a double
triangle. In the center is a hexagon
Lodge Arrangements
The floor cloth represents Holy Ground and should be in the center of the
room with two edges parallel to the North-South centerline. The Stone Ezel,
an altar made to look like stones, is in the center of the floor cloth, on which
rests the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses. The VD stations are upon the
corners of the floor cloth facing in to the center
(The Conclave having been previously opened in the First Degree, the Past
Supreme Rulers appointed to act as Jonathan in the Second Degree leaves
the Conclave unobtrusively.
[Note: Sign of a SM; P-D-P]
The Sentinel knocks * ** * on the door of the Conclave.
GU - (Gives Sign of a SM) Brother Guide, there is a report.
GI - Find out the occasion thereof.
GU - (Opening the door) Who seeks admission?
SEN - The Most Mighty and Eminent Prince Jonathan desires a conference.
GU - Wait while I report to the Supreme Ruler.
(After closing the door, gives Sign of a SM and reports:)
74
GU - Supreme Ruler, the Most Mighty and Eminent Prince Jonathan is
without and desires a conference.
SR - Will the Grand Officers and the Past Supreme Rulers accompany
me ?
(Music. The SR withdraws, accompanied by the Grand Officers and Past

Supreme Rulers in order of precedence, seniors leading, preceded by the
DC, the Conclave remaining under the rule of the CO. The CO and GI must
stay in their respective places even though they may be Grand Officers or
Past Supreme Rulers. The door is closed behind the procession. When
outside, the SR divests himself of his robe and places it upon J. (Jonatha)
The Supreme Ruler keeps the Sash and Collarette [officer's jewel] on
himself.
(The Sentinel knocks * ** * on the door of the Conclave.)
GU - (Gives Sign of a SM) Brother Guide, there is a report.
GI - Find out the occasion thereof.
GU - (Opening the door) Who seeks admission?
SEN - The Supreme Ruler returns with Prince Jonathan and his suite.
GU - (After closing the door, gives Sign of a SM and reports to CO) Brother
Counselor the Supreme Ruler returns with Prince Jonathan and his suite.
CO - Admit them. Brethren, to order as Secret Monitors.
(Music. The escort of Grand Officers and PSRs enter in procession, juniors
leading. DC heads the procession. On arriving in the East, escort turns
inwards, D and J enter between the ranks. J walks on right; D places J in the
seat of the SR and himself occupies a seat to J's left. Escort files from rear to
seats.)
DC - Brethren, be seated.
J - Brother David, who are these about us ?
75
D - (D rises and gives Sign of a SM) Brethren of our Order, Most
Mighty Prince.
J - We would be alone with David our Brother. Let all men retire.
GI - (Rises, gives Sign of a SM, and addresses D) Most Mighty
Prince, may we ask that the Princes of the Order be permitted to
remain ?
D - (Rises, gives Sign of a SM, addresses J) The Princes of the

Order beg the favour of your permission to remain.
J - Let all below the rank of a Prince of our Order retire.
(All below the rank of a Prince of the Order, including the Candidate about
to be admitted, withdraw from the Conclave.)
J - Let each one prove himself a Prince of our Order, or retire on

pain of death.
DC - Princes, you will assemble in the North and pass before Prince David,
to whom you will communicate the Pass Word.
(The DC leads the Princes in procession; each one as he passes David [who
places himself in a convenient position] gives the Sign of a SM and
communicates the Second Degree Pass Word in a whisper. An Assistant DC
or PSR places himself about halfway along the line of Princes and halts a
West end of South side so that the number of Princes on the North side is
about equal to that on the South Side.)
D - (Addressing J) All present are true and faithful Princes of our Order.
J - My Brother David, do thou assume the King's seat, for verily thou shalt
be King over Israel, and I shall be next unto thee, and that also my father
knoweth.
(D leaves his seat and moves to the right-hand side of J. J then rises,
removes robe and places it on D. J then "hands" D into chair and moves to
seat on D's left but remains standing.)
76
J - Let our Brother Abishai sit on thy right hand. (done) and let Adino and
Eleazar guard our courts,(done) while Shammah keepeth watch (done). (The
officers arm themselves and take their places as follows: - AB occupies the
seat of GI, AD and EL take the places of the 2nd and 4th VDs respectively,
and SH takes his place in the West, while the chairs of CO and GU remain
vacant. The chairs of the 1st and 3rd VDs are removed by AD and EL; and
SH removes the kneeling stool to West.
(Second Degree Sashes with swords already inserted should be placed in a

convenient position for Officers to pick up. Officers remove First Degree
Sashes. Note: Although SH sits in the West, where the DC sits in the First
Degree, he should not serve as DC or Asst. DC in this Degree.)
D - Let the Captains prove the mighty men. (AD and EL pass from West to
East and receive from each Prince the Sign, Token and Word of the Second
Degree. Proving: on receiving the Token, AD or EL gives the greeting
"Salaam Eleikum", and the Prince being proved replies "Eleikum
Salaam." On their return to their places EL gives the Sign of a SM and
reports to D:)
EL - All are proved men, my lord, all mighty men of valour and
faithful to the cause.
(D gives ** **, repeated by SH on door and Sentinel responds with

same.)
SH - The watch is set; no enemy appeareth.

D - Princes, be seated.
(SH places kneeling stool for Candidate in position in West.)
Ceremony of Admission of a Prince
(The Sentinel knocks once (*) upon the door.)
SH - (Gives Sign of a SM) Brother Abishai, there is an alarm.
AB - Ascertain the cause thereof.
SH - (Opening door) Wherefore this alarm ?
77
SEN - Brother __________, a worthy Secret Monitor, humbly craves
to be admitted to the rank of Prince of the Order.
SH - Let him wait patiently while I report. (After closing door,

gives Sign of a SM, and addresses D:)
SH - Most Mighty Prince, Brother _________, a worthy Secret

Monitor, stands without and humbly craves to be admitted to the
rank of Prince of our Order.
D - Let him enter.
(The Candidate is received by SH, who places him before the kneeling stool
in the West and instructs him to salute as a Secret Monitor [P-D-P].)
D - Let the Candidate kneel while the Blessing of Heaven isinvoked on our
proceedings.
We implore Thine aid, Grand Supreme Ruler of the Universe, to this

Assembly of Princes, and humbly beseech Thee so to increase Thy
beneficent influence upon this candidate now about to be admitted to our
ranks that his life and actions may henceforth be regulated according to Thy
Holy Will and Word. So mote it be.
Let the Candidate rise.
(DC removes kneeling stool. Brethren sit when Candidate rises.)
D - Brother __________, as you seek to be admitted to the Second, or

Princes' Degree of our Order, it is my duty to demand of you:
Do you seriously declare upon your honor as a man and your fidelity as a
Brother of David and Jonathan that you will steadily persevere through the
ceremony of Admission, and that you will faithfully conceal whatever may
be made known to you prior to your obligation ?
CAN - I do.
D - Then I direct your attention to Brother Chaplain, while he
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reads passages of Holy Scripture explanatory of the ceremony.
Chap or PSR - (Stands and reads I Samuel 22, verses 11-23 and
I Samuel 23, verses 13-18.)
Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest the son of Ahitub, and all his
father's house, the priests that were in Nob; and they came all of them to the
king. And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I
am, my Lord. And Saul said unto him, Why have ye conspired against me,
thou and the son of Jesse, in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword,
and has enquired of God for him, that he should rise against me, to lie in
wait, as at this day ? Then Ahimelech answered the king, and said, And who
is so faithful among all thy servants as David, which is the king's son in law,
and goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable in thine house ?
Did I then begin to enquire of God for him ? Be it far from me and my house
of my father: for thy servant knew nothing of all this, less or more. And the
king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house.
And the king said unto the footmen that stood about him, Turn, and slay the
priests of the Lord; because their hand also is with David, and because they
knew when he fled, and did not shew it to me. But the servants of the king
would not put forth their hand to fall upon the priests of the Lord. And the
king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the
Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore
and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.
And Nob, the city of priests, smote he with the edge of the sword, both men
and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, and asses, and sheep, with the
edge of the sword. And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub,
named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David. And Abiathar shewed David
that Saul had slain the Lord's priests. And David said unto Abiathar, I knew
it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul:
I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house. Abide
thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with
me thou shalt be in safeguard.
Then David and his men, which were about six hundred, arose and departed
out of Keilah, and went whitersoever they could go. And it was told Saul
that David was escaped from Keilah; and he forbare to go forth. And David
abode in the wilderness in strong holds, and remained in a mountain in the
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wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God delivered him
not into his hand. And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life:
and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood. And Jonathan Saul's son
arose, and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.
And he said unto him, Fear not: for the hand of Saul my father shall not find
thee; and thou shalt be king over Israel and I shall be next unto thee; and that
also Saul my father knoweth. And they two made a covenant before the
Lord: and David abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house.
(Chaplain or PSR resumes his seat.)
D - From the portions of Scripture just read you have learned that Saul, in
his persecution of David, spared no one whom he believed to be aiding in his
concealment, and that in the city of Nob even the priests of the Lord were
slain at his merciless command, only one of the family of Ahimelech saving
his life by flight. As the ceremony of Admission is based upon these
circumstances, it is necessary that you should assume the name and
character of Abiathar who thus escaped. Are you willing to do so ?
CAN - I am.
D - Then I will entrust you with the Pass Word by which you may
gain admission. It is "Ziph".
(D instructs the Candidate to repeat and spell the Pass Word.)
(The Candidate is shewn out by SH.)
(After a brief interval the Sentinel knocks once (*) upon the door.)
SH - (gives the Sign of a SM) Brother Abishai, there is an alarm.
AB - Ascertain the cause thereof.
SH - (Opening door) Wherefore this alarm ?
SEN - Abiathar, son of Ahimelech, who has escaped from the slaughter of
his father's house at the hands of Doeg the Edomite, desires to be admitted
as a Prince of the Order.
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SH - (To Candidate) Give me the Pass Word.
CAN - "Ziph"
SH - Wait while I report.
(After closing the door, he gives Sign of a SM, and addresses D:)
SH - Most Mighty Prince, our trusty Brother Abiathar, who has escaped
from the slaughter of his father's house at the hands of Doeg the Edomite,
desires to come among us and to be admitted a Prince of our Order.
D - Is he in possession of the Pass Word ?
SH - He is, Most Mighty Prince.
D - Let him enter.
(SH receives the Candidate and places him in the West facing East.)
D - (As Candidate enters) Cursed be this Doeg; nevertheless, abide thou with
me, fear not, for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life, but with me thou
shalt be in safeguard.
Chaplain or PSR - (Rises and reads Psalm 11, verses 1,2, and 4-7.) In the
Lord put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain?
For, lo, the wicked bend their bow, they make ready their arrow upon the
string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. The Lord is in his
holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try,
the children of men. The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him
that loveth violence his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares,
fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their
cup. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth
behold the upright.
AB - (Rises) Brother Abiathar, will you this day cast your lot with us, friend
of our friends, foe of our foes, using your best strength on our behalf and
aiding us with your counsel, until the Lord shall bring our Captain to his
promised seat ?
CAN - I will.
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D - Then let our Brother stand before us, and we will take of him a binding
oath, lest at any time the fear of the King may turn away his heart. Let the
Ezel be removed from its place;
(AD and EL remove the Ezel to close to the pedestal of the SR, leaving the
Volume of Sacred Law on it, they then place themselves respectively at the
South East and North East points of the Magen David [on the floor cloth];)
Let the Candidate stand within the Magen David.
(SH places Candidate in the centre of Magen David and returns to his place
in the West.)
(D knocks once (*), all rise with the Sign of Fidelity. DC gives order
"Officers draw swords". AD and EL present point of swords towards the
breast of Candidate. During obligation DC, Asst DC, AB and SH keep their
swords at the carry. DC and Asst DC should have placed themselves level
with South West and North West points of the Magen David.)
D - Let the Candidate raise his hands to heaven, state his several names at
length and repeat after me:-
I, __________, in the presence of the Almighty Ruler of Princes, and before

this Assembly of Princes of the Order of Brothers of David and Jonathan, of
my own free will and accord, do solemnly vow that from henceforth I will
act as a true and faithful Prince of the Order, and will uphold the rightful
claims of David my lord; will carry my life in my hand while obeying his
behests, and, clinging loyally unto him and the Princes of his retinue, will at
all times and in every way succor, comfort and support the Princes of the
Order and those faithful to his cause. Their friends shall be my friends, their
foes my foes, their cause I will advance by all lawful means, so long as the
cause be right and I be free to assist. I further solemnly promise to guard,
when committed to my care, all the secrets of Princes, and to communicate
them to none, except a Brother justly entitled to them, bound under an
obligation such as that I am now undertaking, and in the presence of three
other Princes of the Order, lawfully assembled for that purpose in a regularly
warranted Conclave holding under the Grand Council of the Order. All these
points I solemnly promise to observe on the faith of my former obligations
and further penalty of being hewn in pieces,
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(AD and EL make appropriate movements with swords) as were my father
and brethren before my eyes this day. So help me, the Almighty Ruler of
Princes, and keep me steadfast in this solemn obligation of a Prince of the
Order).
(Candidate drops hands)
DC - Officers take post.
(DC occupies South West point of the Magen David. Asst DC occupies
North West point of the Magen David. AB occupies East point of the
Magen David. SH occupies West point of the Magan David.)
D - Princes, you have heard the vow of Abiathar, our brother. Will
you that he be this day admitted to our ranks and entrusted with
our secrets ?
(All officers on Magan David - (Forming a dome of swords with a

clash) We will it. (Officers carry swords.)
D - Princes, do you promise to cherish him, to acknowledge him,

and to support him as a Prince of our Order from this time forth
so long as he prove worthy ?
All officers on Magen David - (Repeating clash) We do.
(Officers carry swords. DC gives order "Return Swords.")
D - Then let Abiathar be placed before me. Princes, resume your seats.
(AD and EL conduct the Candidate to the East. Candidate is placed

two paces from the East.)
D - (Seated, addressing Candidate) Now that you have been admitted to our
ranks and have taken the solemn obligation of a Prince of our Order, I will
proceed to entrust you with the sign, token and word of this the Second
Degree, and will explain to you the source from which these secret modes of
recognition are derived. David, when he was perused by Saul and in danger
of his life, was compelled to seek a hiding place in the mountains, in the
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caves, and in the rocks of the wild goats. There his father and his brothers
joined him in order to escape the cruel vengeance of the irate king, while to
them flocked everyone in distress and everyone that was discontented, and
he became Captain over them. Unwilling to place implicit confidence in
these diverse supporters, David placed sentries on the outskirts of his camp
and bound each newcomer under a solemn oath to be faithful to his chief and
to his comrades; and, recalling the old oath, passwords and signs instituted
by Moses, which had lain forgotten for long years except as they had been
handed down by tradition through the wealthier and more powerful families,
he recognized the value of safeguards such as these and revived them. Hence
are derived the word and token of this degree.
The password chosen by David was, as you have already been informed,
"Ziph", the name of the place where David and Jonathan met for the last
time, a place dear to David's memory throughout the long years of the
remainder of his life, and never forgotten by those who that day witnessed
the final and afflicting severance of a friendship which for tenderness,
fervour and constancy is unsurpassed by anything recorded in the pages of
history or romance.
In addition to this password it is customary for Princes to make use of a

secret form of greeting. This consists of the words "Semper Fidelis",
meaning "Ever Faithful".
(D leaves his seat, and stands in front of Candidate.)
The sign is given by each extending his left arm to touch the center of the
other's chest with the tips of the fingers, raising the right arm below the
other's left arm similarly to touch the centre of the other's chest, thus forming
a living Magen David and it is in this position that the grip or token is
exchanged by dropping your left hand and taking hold of three fingers of the
other's right hand with three fingers of your right hand
(Hands at waist level.); the words are exchanged with the hands raised, and
are "Salaam Eleikum" meaning "Peace be with you", to which the reply is
"Eleikum Salaam" meaning "With you be peace".
(Candidate does not repeat at this point.)
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D - Since you will be required to give the sign, token and words later in the
ceremony, it might be helpful to you if we go through them again.
(Candidate is led through the procedure this time prompted by AD and gives
the reply "Eleikum Salaam" at the appropriate place. D returns to his seat.)
D - Brother Abishai, to enable our newly admitted Prince to pass our sentries
you will instruct him in the use of the challenge and countersign.
AB - The challenge revived by David and his band of faithful followers was
that instituted by Moses when, after crossing the wilderness of Paran, he
wished to distinguish the Hebrew from the stranger. You will now stand
aside
(No movement takes place until AB has finished speaking)
while Brother Eleazar and I demonstrate this challenge, after which you will
be required to take the part of the approaching stranger. I therefore charge
you to be particularly careful to observe how the sentry's challenge should
be met, for upon the correct communication of the countersign your
very life depends.
(AD then places Candidate on South side on left of COs chair.)
(The Challenge)
(Ab, with sword drawn marches to and fro before the pedestal like a sentry.
EL passes round the room, and when he has turned the North West corner to
walk along North side AB presents the point of sword towards EL's bosom,
then:)
AB - "Gur Amod."
EL - "Gur ?" (shewing the token) "Ben Abram Oveni."
AB - "Ben Abram Oveni ?" (Then passing sword to his left hand he grasps
the token, at the same time raising the hands and saying)
AB - "Salaam Eleikum".
EL - "Eliekum Salaam".
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(AB retruns sword to right hand and taking EL's hand in his own left leads
him back to South side. At this point the following explanation of the
challenge will be given to the Candidate by a PSR who stands in front of the
Candidate to give it. AB stands in front of his seat while it is given.)
PSR - Brother __________, before you are conducted through the challenge
I will explain to you the meaning of the words used. They are in two
languages, the first part Hebrew and the second Arabic. The approaching
stranger is challenged by the sentry with the words "Gur Amod" meaning
"Stranger halt". He replies "Gur?" meaning "A stranger?", exhibits the token
and adds "Ben Abram Oveni" meaning "I am a son of Abraham our father".
The challenger then repeats "Ben Abram Oveni?" meaning "One of
Abraham's sons ?", clasps the token at the same time raising the hands and
says "Salaam Eleikum" meaning "Peace be with you" and receives the reply
"Eleikum Salaam" meaning "With you be peace".
(The Candidate, prompted by EL, then acts the part of an approaching

stranger, and is challenged by AB in like manner. AB places Candidate
before D, and then resumes his seat. AD and EL stand on either side of
Candidate. The Lecture is then given. If a brother other than D is to give the
Lecture he should stand immediately to the right or left of the pedestal when
so doing.)
Lecture
The circumstances in which the challenge, afterwards revived by David,

came to be instituted were these. After crossing the Red Sea our great and
illustrious leader Moses received a visit from Hobab, son of Ruel the
Midianite, his father-in-law, who, having dwelt all his life on the borders of
the wilderness, was acquainted with every part of it, and consequently well
able to advise them on how to conduct themselves in case they should be
attacked by any of the neighboring nations. Moses persuaded Hobab to
journey with the people; and Hobab journeyed with them until they reached
the wilderness of Paran. But, after the twelve spies had returned, and the
people, fearing to go in and take possession of the land flowing with milk
and honey, were condemned to wander, harassed and embarrassed on all
sides, for forty years until the carcases of all that generation, save only
Joshua and Caleb, should have fallen in the wilderness, the men of the
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surrounding nations, moved by the hope of gain and by jealousy of their
power, sought admittance among the Israelites, offered them their daughters
in marriage, tempted them to serve false gods, and wrought them much
harm. Finding difficulty in distinguishing the stranger from the Hebrew,
Moses took counsel with Joshua, Caleb, and the elders of the people, and
instituted a sign, token and word wherewith they might hold all strangers
aloof, and so prevent them spying upon the weakness of the Hebrews or
mixing with them to their detriment. Moses set guards or sentries upon the
outskirts of the camp, and gave them the challenge with which you have
already been made familiar.
(Hitherto the story has been about Moses; as it now changes to David the
name David should be stressed.)
You will remember that in addition to this challenge David protected himself
from the possible infidelity of his numerous and untried followers by means
of an oath and certain other secrets. These proved so powerful that no
member of David's devoted band was ever found unfaithful to his trust, a
traitor to the cause, or wanting in the hour of his lord's trial and need. On the
contrary, their loyalty and devotion provoked them to deeds of the utmost
heroism and daring; as, for example, when Adino, Eleazar and Shammah
broke through the host of the Philistines, and at the risk of their lives drew
water for their thirsty chief from the well of Bethlehem, his native city.
Upon his acession to the throne David remembered the oath which he sware,
and when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, came to him trembling and
expecting to be put to death, as often happened with the seed royal upon the
advent of a new dynasty, David said unto him - "Fear not; for I will surely
shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father's sake, and will restore thee all
the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually".
Again, when the Gibeonites demanded some of the family of Saul, in order
to sacrifice them as victims to stay the years of famine, David spared
Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, because of the oath that was between
them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul, when they did sware,
both of them, in the name of the Lord, saying - "The Lord be between me
and thee, and between my seed and thy seed for ever".
(D leaves seat and stands in front of Candidate)
D - I now decorate you with this jewel, the emblem of a Prince of our Order.
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D - Princes you will form a circle round the Magen David.
(All present form a circle round the Magen David. D stands at the East part
of circle, the newly admitted Prince on his right. DC presents the loving cup
to D.)
D - I now invite you as a symbol of our fraternal union to share with us this
Cup of goodwill.
(D partakes from the loving cup and passes it round the circle to the left,
while the Princes chant [recite]: Psalm 133.)
Behold, how good and joyful a thing it is: brethren, to dwell together in
unity ! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the
beard: even unto Aron's beard, and went down to the skirts of his clothing.
Like as the dew of Hermon: which fell upon the hill of Sion. For there the
Lord promised his blessing and life forevermore.
D - (Addressing the newly admitted Prince on the return of the loving cup.)
May your union with us prove to be a blessing to yourself and fruitful in
good works among your Brethren.
(D hands loving cup to DC and takes his seat.)
D - Princes, reume your seats.
(AD conducts Candidate to a seat in the South East.)
Form of Closing an Assembly of Princes
(D gavels once (*). All rise.)
D - Princes, assist me to close this Assembly. The Captains will prove the
mighty men. (AD and EL prove the Princes as in the opening.)
(AD and EL pass from West to East and receive from each Prince the Sign,
Token and Word of the Second Degree. Proving: on receiving the Token,
AD or EL gives the greeting "Salaam Eleikum", and the Prince being
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proved replies "Eleikum Salaam." On their return to their places EL gives
the Sign of a SM andreports to D:)
EL - All are proved men, my lord, all mighty men of valour, and
AB - Princes, you will now assemble in the North and follow me.
(AB leads the procession and each Prince as he passes before D

gives the Sign of a SM and whispers over his left shoulder the
words "Semper Fidelis".
D - Let the Ezel be restored to its place (done) and let the guard be changed
(done).
(AD and EL replace the Ezel bearing the Volume of Sacred Law; SH
replaces kneeling stool by the Ezel; the Officers of the Second Degree
disarm and remove Second Degree Sashes; the chairs of the 1st and 3rd VDs
are restored to their former positions; and the Officers of the First Degree
resume their places and First Degree Sashes.)
(The SR gives the knocks of the First Degree * ** *, which are repeated [on
door] by the GU and Sentinel.)
SR - Brother Guarder, admit all Brethren.
(The Brethren resume their seats.)
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St. Lawrence the Martyr
Worshipful Master - in the East
Tyler - outside door
Past Master - in the North
Equipment needed:
Small Gridiron for altar
Bread on small skewers, 2
Aprons - 14 to 16 in. x 12 to 14 in. white, edged in 1.5 in. ribbon -orange in
center, bordered by royal blue on each side.
Officer's jewels - same as in Craft Lodge, superimposed on a Gridiron
Member's jewel - small gridiron in silver, suspended on a ribbon like on
apron
Lodge arrangements:
A Lodge of St. Lawrence is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but without candles
or Wardens' columns. A Gridiron is placed on the Volume of Sacred Law,
but the Square and Compasses are not used. Before the ceremony, two
skewers with bread impaled on them are placed on the Master's pedestal: one
is for the Master and one for the candidate. The Volume of Sacred Law and
gridiron are placed on the Master's pedestal. There is no Altar in the center
of the room. In the United States, this Degree should be conferred with all
stations on the Lodge floor.
Introduction:
The Degree of St. Lawrence the Martyr was designed to commemorate the
martyrdom of that Saint in Rome in the middle of the third century A.D. It
has been suggested that it was a piece of old Operative ritual, intended to
distinguish a genuine Craftsman from the Speculatives when they started to
join Craft Lodges. It is recorded that the Degree has been worked in England
for over two centuries. This Degree teaches the lessons of fortitude and
humility. A candidate in this Degree is said to be "introduced, received and
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admitted as a Brother of St. Lawrence". For further background information,
consult the Collectanea of the Grand College of Rites, volume 15 part 1, by
Dr. William G. Peacher.
Opening
WM - (*) (all rise) Brethren, assist me to open this Lodge of St. Lawrence
the Martyr.
WM - Brother JW, what is the first care of every Brother of St. Lawrence ?
JW - (no sign) To see the Lodge properly tyled.
WM - Direct that duty to be done.
JW - Brother IG, see that the Lodge is properly tyled.
IG - (no sign) (knocks on door *** *, replied to by Tyler *** *)
Brother JW, the Lodge is properly tyled.
JW - (*** *) WM, the Lodge is properly tyled.
WM - Brother SW, what is our next care ?
SW - (no sign) To see the Brethren stand to order with the first sign of the
Order of St. Lawrence.
WM - To order Brethren. (all stand to order with first sign)
Brother SW, are you a St. Lawrence Mason ?
SW - I am. Try me and prove me.
WM - By what will you be tried ?
SW - By Elbow Square. (gives second sign left arm)
WM - What is Elbow Square ?
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SW - An angle of 90' or the 4th part of a circle.
WM - How do you support Elbow Square ?
SW - By Elbow Square. (gives sign right arm)
WM - Can you give me any further proof ?
SW - I could if I were in a hidden vault or in some secret place.
WM - You are now in a closely tyled Lodge of St. Lawrence, and I demand
the proof.
SW - (SW drops signs, goes directly to middle of Lodge and gives third
sign)
WM - What is that ?
SW - The due guard and sign. "Tooth and Nail"
WM - So it is my lad. (SW returns to station and resumes first sign)
WM - Our Lodge thus being duly formed, let us supplicate the Great
Disposer of All Things to guide us according to His Heavenly Will
and Power.
WM - In the name of St. Lawrence the Martyr, I declare this Lodge

opened on Elbow Square. (*** *)
SW - (*** *) JW - (*** *) IG - (*** *) Tyler - (*** *)
PM - (opens Volume of Sacred Law to New Testament portion and lays

Gridiron thereon)
Ceremony
(Conductor withdraws from the Lodge and brings the candidate to the door)
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(Tyler gives alarm - * * **)
IG - (opens door) Who comes here ?
Cond - A worthy Brother of a Lodge dedicated to St. John, who is about to

proceed on his travels to distant lands, and desires to be admitted to the
Order of St. Lawrence to enable him to demand the hospitality ever
bestowed by the Brethren.
IG - What are his qualifications ?
Cond - The tongue of good report and the consent of the Brethren.
IG - Halt till I make report. (closes door) WM, a worthy Brother of a Lodge
dedicated to St. John, who is about to proceed on his travels to distant lands,
and desires to be admitted to the Order of St. Lawrence to enable him to
demand the hospitality ever bestowed by the Brethren.
WM - What are his qualifications ?
IG - The tongue of good report and the consent of the Brethren.
WM - Let him be admitted.
IG - (opens door, Conductor enters with candidate, who is placed

in the West)
WM - Brother _________, The tongue of good report has already been heard
in your favor, and the unanimous consent of the Brethren has been given to
your admission to the Order of St. Lawrence, but I must first call upon you
to take a solemn Obligation in this Lodge of St. Lawrence the Martyr to keep
inviolate the secrets of this Degree. Are you prepared to take it ?
Candidate - I am.
WM - You will therefore advance to the Pedestal, place your right hand on
the Volume of Sacred Law, and with your left hand, you will elevate the
token of the Order. (skewer)(* all rise)
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Obligation
I ___________, in the presence of the Great Disposer of All, and of this

Worthy and Worshipful Lodge of St. Lawrence the Martyr, do hereby and
hereon, most solemnly vow and swear to keep inviolate the secrets of the
Order which shall be communicated to me, and only to reveal them in strict
conformity with the Laws of the Order to those who may be found worthy of
my confidence. I also promise I will never be present or assist in the
admission of anyone whomsoever to this degree under a less fee than that
authorized by the Grand Council, and not even then unless in the body of a
lawful Lodge of St. Lawrence the Martyr regularly opened on Elbow Square.
I further engage that should a Brother present to me the token of the Order, I
will, if necessary, prepare for him food sufficient for his necessities, and will
find his Bread, Water and Salt. To these several points I swear Fidelity under
a penalty no less than that of being broiled alive on a Gridiron, as was St.
Lawrence the Martyr.
WM - As a pledge of your fidelity you will seal this obligation once on the
Volume of Sacred Law. (done)
WM - Your obligation has been ratified, not only on the Volume of Sacred
Law but on the Gridiron. In token therefore of your solemn obligation, and
in memory of St. Lawrence the Martyr, I call upon you to copy my
example, and eat the food on the token of the Order, which you hold in your
hand. I have now much pleasure in acknowledging you a member of the
Order of St. Lawrence, and will at once proceed to entrust you with the signs
and tokens of the Order, but I may inform you they will be more fully
explained to you in the Lecture.
The first sign is given by extending the right arm at an angle of 90', palm of
the hand downwards, elbow close to the side, turning the hand with palm
upward and again downward, and is accompanied by the Words " Turn me
over". This sign is to be given on entering and leaving the Lodge, and when
addressing the Worshipful Master.
The second sign is Elbow Square, and is given by placing the left hand on
the left hip, thumb to the rear, forming a 90' angle at the elbow, which is
answered by Elbow Square, and is given by placing the right hand on the
right hip, thumb to the rear, forming a 90' angle at the elbow, while
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maintaining the second sign. I will now explain to you the method of
proving a Brother of the Order, and the Conductor will dictate your replies.
Brother Conductor, are you a St. Lawrence Mason ?
Cond - I am, try and prove me.
WM - By what will you be tried ?
Cond - By Elbow Square. (gives second sign left arm)
WM - What is Elbow Square ?
Cond - An angle of 90' or the 4th part of a circle.
WM - How do you support Elbow Square?
Cond - By Elbow Square. (gives sign right arm)
WM - Can you give me any further proof ?
Cond - I could if I were in a hidden vault or in some secret

place.
WM - You are now in a closely tyled Lodge of St. Lawrence, and I

demand the proof.
Cond - (drops sign, gives third sign)
WM - What is that ?
Cond - The due guard and sign. "Tooth and Nail".
WM - So it is my lad.
WM - The Words are "Tooth and Nail", and the sign is given thus Place
the nail of the right hand thumb (fingers closed or clenched) behind the
front teeth, then flick the thumb forward quickly. You will now proceed
to the Senior Warden who will invest you with the jewel.
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(Conductor leads candidate directly to the North side of the Senior Warden's
Pedestal)
SW - By command of the Worshipful Master, I now invest you with the

jewel of this Degree, which is a representation of a Gridiron.
(then follows the Lecture)
Lecture
About the year 258, when Emperor Valerian was prisoner of Sapor, King of
Persia, and Gallienus, his son, reigned in the East, the Prefect of Rome being
informed of the riches of the Christian Church, sent for St. Lawrence, the
Deacon, who was a Spaniard by birth, and to whose care he understood the
treasures were confided, and demanded that he should at once give them up.
St. Lawrenece replied that certainly the Christian Church was wealthy, but
that he would require three days to make an inventory and set things in
order. This time having been granted to him, St. Lawrence assembled all the
halt, the maimed, and the blind of both sexes, and led them in processions to
the great Square of the City. The Prefect, in surprise, demanded where the
treasures were, to which St. Lawrence replied, pointing to the poor and the
sick, "Behold, here are the treasures of the Christian Church." Infuriated by
this reply, the Prefect ordered a great Gridiron to be prepared, and live coals,
almost extinguished, to be thrown underneath, so that the Martyr might be
more slowly burned. St. Lawrence was accordingly stripped, extended, and
bound with chains on the iron bed over a slow fire, which broiled his flesh
little by little, reaching at length even to his vitals. The Martyr, however, felt
not the bodily pangs, but esteemed his torture as refreshment and comfort.
After having suffered a long time, he turned to the Judge, and with a smiling
and cheerful countenance, exclaimed -"Let my body be turned. One side is
broiled enough." When, by order of the Prefect, the executioner turned him
over, he said - "It is broiled enough, you may eat and see which is better,
roast meat or raw." The Token of the Degree, from which you partook of
food, reminds us of the instruments by which the Martyr's body was turned.
In its present state there is evidence of this degree having existed in England
over 200 years, principally in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and it must have
been of great practical importance to our Operative Brethren in former times
when traveling from place to place in search of employment. Symbolically,
the Gridiron reminds us of the ultimate doom of the impenitent, while it still
further impresses upon us the advantages of morality and rectitude, which
96
are symbolized by the parallel bars within the rectangle of the Gridiron. The
Volume of Sacred Law in conjunction with the Gridiron denotes our utter
dependence on the will of our Great Creator, who has inspired us with a
humble belief that he will each day provide for us our daily bread, and to
whom our heartfelt thanks are due for his favor continually bestowed upon
us and all men. By the peculiar obligation of the Degree, we are reminded of
that great Masonic Virtue, Charity, and are taught how we may assist a
Brother in distress. Thus, my brethren, let the Symbols of this Degree ever
remind us of the humility and reverence due to our Creator, and the Charity
and Hospitality which we owe to our fellow men.
Closing
WM - Brethren, assist me to close this Lodge of St. Lawrence the Martyr.

(*) (all rise)
WM - Brother JW, what is the last care of every Brother of St. Lawrence ?
JW - To see the Lodge properly tyled.
WM - Direct that duty to be done.
JW - Brother IG, prove the Lodge close tyled.
IG - (gives knocks on door *** *)
Tyler - (replies) (*** *)
IG - (with first sign) Brother JW, the Lodge is close tyled.
JW - (with knock *** * and first sign) WM, the Lodge is close
tyled.
WM - Brother SW, our next care ?
SW - To see the Brethren stand to order as Brothers of St. Lawrence.
WM - To order, Brethren. (all stand to order with first sign)
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Before our departure let us beseech the Great Disposer of All to have us in
His Holy keeping until we meet together again.
WM - Brother SW, our labors being ended, you have my command to close
the Lodge. (knocks *** *)
SW - In the name of St. Lawrence the Martyr, and by command of the WM,
I close this Lodge of St. Lawrence. (knocks *** *)
JW - And it is closed accordingly. (knocks *** *)
(IG and Tyler repeat knocks *** *)
PM - (removes Gridiron, closes Volume of Sacred Law) Nothing now

remains but, according to ancient custom, to lock up our secrets in the safe
repository of our hearts, uniting in the act Fidelity, Fidelity, Fidelity -
Fidelity.
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Knight of Constantinople
I.P.-Illustrious Potentate - in the East

C.B.- Chief of Builders (Eusebius) - in the West
C.A.- Chief of Artisans (Anthemius) - in the South
C.O.- Conductor - Senior Deacon's station
G.U.- Guarder - Junior Deacon's station
SENT.- Sentinel - Tiler's station
PIP- Past Illustrious Potentate - in the North
Com.Peo. - Common People - all about the Lodge
Equipment needed:
Robe for Illustrious Potentate - purple, with crown and sceptre

1Sword
3 daggers
1 Jewel - cross patee, surmounted by a vertical crescent facing
left both in gold, suspended from a green ribbon on which there
are three poignards (daggers) in gold pointing down.
No rods or collars used
Lodge arrangements:
A Council of Knights of Constantinople is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but

without candles, columns or Square and Compasses. The Altar should be
moved towards the East. The jewel and sword should be at the Chief of
Builder's station. While no apron is specified for this degree, the best effect
can be had by providing rough leather aprons and tools for the Common
People.
Introduction
The Degree of Knight of Constantinople was originally a "side degree",

conferred on a candidate by one or more brethren who took him "aside" and
explained the degree. As with most "side degrees", the origin and date of this
degree is uncertain but it is recorded in the expose’s of the early 1800's. This
degree was rewritten by the Reverend Hartley Carmichael in the 1890's and
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included among the degrees conferred in the Sovereign College of Allied
Masonic and Christian Degrees for America. Carmichael elaborated the
workings and included some "rough usage" to emphasize the lesson of the
degree. He also included a distinctly Christian character in the degree. The
ritual contain here is the pre-Carmichael version generally in use around the
world today. The presiding officer represents Constantine, and is seated in
the East. The Conductor represents one of Constantine's noblemen, the rest
of the Sir Knights represent the common people. This Degree teaches the
lessons of humility and of the equality of all men.
Opening
IP - (*) Sir Knights, assist me to open this Council of Knights of

Constantinople. Sir Knight Guarder, what is your duty?
GU - To see the Council duly guarded, and the Sentinel at his post.
IP - See that the approaches are properly guarded.
GU - (Opens door, sees that the Sentinel is at his post, then closes door and
gives one knock thereon. Sentinel responds with one knock.).
GU - Illustrious Potentate, the Council is duly guarded.
IP - Sir Knight Anthemius, Chief of Artizans, do you vouch that all present
are Knights of Constantinople?
CA - They are, Illustrious Constantine.
IP - Let us pray: "May the Supreme Ruler endow the members of this
Council with every knightly virtue, that they may faithfully discharge their
duties as worthy citizens, and true Knights of the Order of Constantinople.
Amen."
IP - Sir Knights, in the name of Constantine I declare this Council duly

open.
(gives one knock, repeated by Sir Kt. Eusebius, Sir Kt. Anthemius, the
Guarder and the Sentinel.)
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PIP- (Past Illustrious Potentate opens Volume of Sacred Law to 15th Psalm.)
Reception
(When the Candidate is brought in, each and every one goes to work, in
imitation of so many artizans, workmen, & common people . The Conductor
takes the Candidate by the arm and opens the door without any ceremony,
and both walk up the hall to the East, and introducing themselves to
Constantine, say: -)
CO - Your majesty's most humble servants (bowing very low), we have long
observed it has pleased your majesty to show your favor to the common
people, while we, the nobility, have been neglected. We should like to know
the reason, that if for crimes we may be punished, make amends, and receive
your majesty's favor.
IP - None can expect to receive my favor but the Knights of Constantinople.
CO - Ah ! The Knights of Constantinople.
(They turn and walk off. The Conductor observes contemptuously as he

passes the brethren, who are all this time busily at work: -)
These are the common people; they are beneath our notice; it would be
degrading for us, the nobility, to condescend to speak to them.
(Pause) Our sovereign says, none can receive his favor but the Knights of
Constantinople. Let us return, and request him to
confer that degree on us. (Return to East)
CO -(Both bow) Will your majesty confer the degree of Knight of

Constantinople upon us, your humble servants ?
IP - (With emphasis on "I") I confer it on no man.
CO - Where then can we expect to obtain it ?
IP - From those laboring people you have just observed to be your inferiors,
the Knights of Constantinople.
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CO - Ah ! From the Knights of Constantinople.
(Conductor and Candidate turn and proceed to West, they halt and face East)
CO - Are you the Knights of Constantinople ? (Addressing brethren

generally)
Com.Peo. - We are the Knights of Constantinople.
CO - Will you confer that degree on us ?
Com.Peo. - O yes, O yes, O yes, if you are willing to take an obligation.
CO - We are. (Conductor and Candidate proceed to the East.)
CO - (Both bow) Illustrious Potentate, the Knights of Constantinople here

present are willing to receive us into the Order on taking an obligation,
which we are now prepared to do.
IP - (Gives one knock) You will stand erect, place your right hand on the
Volume of Sacred Law, and after repeating your name, say after me.
(Knights quietly form a crescent behind the Candidate)
Obligation
I, ______, in the presence of these Sir Knights of Constantinople, do

solemnly and sincerely swear, in addition to my former obligations, that I
will not confer this degree upon any person, unless he be a regularly
advanced Mark Master.
I also promise that I will not confer this degree of Knights of Constantinople
upon any person, unless he shall acknowledge that all men are equal in the
sight of the Most High; all of which do I solemnly and sincerely promise to
observe; binding myself under no less a penalty than that of being thrust
through with a dagger should I violate this my oath and obligation of a
Knight of Constantinople.
IP - As a pledge of your fidelity you will seal this obligation once on the
Volume of Sacred Law. (done)
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(As soon as he has received the oath, Conductor turns Candidate to West, the
brethren in the crescent point at him, 3 holding daggers, and demand: -)
Com.Peo. - Are all men equal ? (Candidate answers.)
(Conductor turns Candidate to East. Common People are seated.)
IP - Now that you have taken the solemn obligation of a Knight of

Constantinople, and have publicly admitted that all men are equal, I am
permitted to entrust you with the sign and words of this Degree.
The sign is made by clenching the right hand with the thumb extended,
then striking the left breast with the extended thumb.
(Candidate copies)
This sign is given on entering or leaving the Council, or when addressing the
Illustrious Potentate.
The Words are: Constantine and Helena, our Royal Founder and his
Mother.
IP - As you have taken the solemn obligation of a Knight of Constantinople,

I may inform you, that although the chief of this Illustrious Order, I am
bound by a solemn engagement never to confer it on anyone. I will therefore
ask you to proceed to the West, where I have no doubt Sir Knight Eusebius,
the Chief of Builders, will admit you to the honor of knighthood and invest
you with the jewel. (Conductor and Candidate proceed to West)
CB - (Asks Candidate to kneel.) By virtue of the power and authority

committed to me by our Illustrious Potentate, I make, create, and constitute
you, now and forever, a Knight of Constantinople;
(CB lays sword first on Candidates left shoulder, then on his right shoulder,
and then on his head, as he says the following: -) be loyal - brave - and
humble. Arise, Sir Knight
CB - I now invest you with the jewel of the Order. It consists of a cross
surmounted by a crescent, and is suspended by a green ribbon on which
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three poignards [daggers] are placed. It should ever remind you of the
peculiar obligation you have entered into as a Knight of Constantinople.
Lecture
The Emperor Constantine the Great, to enable him to curb the pride and
arrogance of the nobility, founded this Order. Their power had so greatly
increased under the weak rule of several of his predecessors that he foresaw
that his kingdom would be greatly endangered unless they could be kept in
submission. In order, therefore, to remedy this very great evil, and bring the
nobility to a proper level with the humble classes, Constantine instituted this
Order, and conferred it upon some of the artizans and laborers. He then
solemnly declared that he would not confer it again upon any man, but
whosoever desired to obtain it must receive it from those whom he had
created Knights and appointed to be its rulers. He also announced that he
would only show his favor to the Knights of Constantinople, and
commanded them to put to instant death any member of the Order who
would not acknowledge all men to be equal. The Nobles, perceiving that
they had lost the confidence of their Sovereign, sent a deputation to enquire
the reason, and were informed that favor would only be shown to the
Knights of Constantinople. Accordingly the honor was greatly sought after,
and many of the nobility having complied with the requirements of the
Order, received it from the duly constituted authorities. Thus Constantine
succeeded not only in humbling his haughty subjects but also in warding off
the peril which threatened to engulf his throne. This Order inculcates the
virtue of humility. It teaches us to remember that those who occupy a lower
station in life may have more intrinsic merit than ourselves, to hate
arrogance and pride and above all never to forget that "he that exalteth
himself shall be abased, but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
Closing
IP - (*) Sir Knights, assist me to close the Council. Sir Knight Guarder, is
the Council Chamber duly guarded ?
GU - (Gives one knock, answered by Sentinel) It is duly guarded within and

without.
IP - Have the Knights completed their labors ?
104
CB - They have, Illustrious Constantine, and await your commands.
IP - Let us pray: May the ever blessed Sovereign of the Universe take the
members of this Council into His Holy keeping throughout the watches of
the night and the labors of the day, so that they may be prepared for the
coming of that night when no man can work. Amen.
IP - Sir Knight Eusebius, Chief of the Builders, our labors being at an end,
you have my command to close the Council. (one knock).
CB - In the name of Constantine, and by command of the Illustrious

Potentate, I close the Council. (one knock).
CA - And it is closed accordingly. (one knock, answered by Guarder and

Sentinel.)
PIP - (Closes Volume of Sacred Law) Nothing now remains save to treasure
up our secrets in a safe and sacred repository.
IP - Sir Knights, depart in peace
105
Grand Tilers of Solomon

Worshipful Master - in the East
Senior Warden - in the West, in the East for conferral
Junior Warden - in the South, in the East for conferral
Captain of Host - Senior Deacon's station
Conductor - with Candidate for conferral
Tiler - Tiler's station for opening & closing
Suggested: 23 Brethren total, for conferral
Equipment needed:
27 seats
Altar plans
Gold colored altar
Blindfold
Robes - Master; red robe, edged in gold
SW; purple robe, edged in gold
JW; yellow robe
3 crowns with linings to match robe colors
Apron - Black satin trimmed with gold, crown in center, hand
griping sword pointing up on flap.
Sash - Red bordered with pale grey.
Jewel - Inverted triangle, on one side the ineffable name in the
Cabalistic order, on the other the number "27" in Hebrew. Jewel
is attached to sash at overlap.
Swords - three, or more as desired.
Square for altar
Lodge arrangements:
For conferral, 24 seats should be arranged in the form of a semi-circle facing
East, West of the altar. Three seats should be elevated in the East under a
crimson canopy. The altar is in the usual position. During the dispatch of
business (opening & closing), the Officers occupy the same positions that
they do in a Lodge of Craft Freemasons. Knocks are given in groups of
three.
106
Introduction:
A Lodge of Grand Tilers of Solomon represents a vaulted chamber in the

bowels of the earth and should be approached by a long, arched passage, at
the end of which is a door. The Master and Wardens represent Solomon,
Hiram of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff and each wears a robe and crown. The
vaulted chamber is only used at receptions, but the Lodge Room in this
Degree is always called the Mystic Chamber. The Rite of Perfection's
influence and possible origin of this degree can be seen in certain internal
phrases and words and in the degree's alternate name; "Masons Elect of
Twenty-Seven". It may well be the precursor to its cousin, the Select Master
degree. Lodges of this degree only were known to exist in the early 1800's
and it is known to have been worked under various names in the late 1700's.
Opening
(All should be standing)
WM - My Brother of Tyre, shall we continue the glorious work so

favourably begun ?
SW - Illustrious Brother, let it be as you desire.
WM - Dear Brother Hiram Abiff, see that the Captain of the Host does his
duty, and that not only the entrance to this vault, but all possible approaches,
be warily watched and closely tiled.
JW - Brother Captain of the Host, see that not only the entrance to this vault,
but all possible approaches, be warily watched and closely tiled.
(The Captain of the Host departs from the Lodge with two trustworthy
attendants armed, and being absent some space returns and reports to the
Junior Warden as follows:)
CH - Brother Junior Warden, we have faithfully done our duty; we have

carefully examined all possible entrances and approaches; at every entrance
we have posted trusted guards, outside the door of this Lodge stands one of
your own faithful servants, created by you one of your Grand Tilers. He
holds a drawn sword in his hand. We are warily watched and closely tiled.
107
JW - Thrice Illustrious King Solomon, we have faithfully done our duty; we
have carefully examined all possible entrances and approaches; at every
entrance we have posted trusted guards, outside the door of this Lodge
stands one of your own faithful servants, created by you one of your Grand
Tilers. He holds a drawn sword in his hand. We are warily watched and
closely tiled.
WM - Brother Senior Warden, of how many is a Grand Tiler's Lodge

composed ?
SW - Twenty-seven.
WM - Are there here the necessary number of Elect Masons ?
SW - I count twenty-four brethren known to me: and with you, my royal

brethren, the mystic number is completed.
WM - Brother Junior Warden, give notice that I am about to open this

Mystic Chamber, that we may resume our work.
JW - Brethren, the Worshipful Master announces that he is about to open

this Mystic Chamber for the resumption of work.
(The JW knocks three times; the SW nine; the WM twenty-seven.)
WM - I declare this Mystic Chamber open to all who are Masons Elect of
27, that we may work truly and faithfully. (*)
(Captain of the Host opens Volume of Sacred Law and places a Square
thereon.)
Reception
(Lights should be dimmed to represent night.)
(The Candidate must be blindfolded; he is then brought into the Lodge room,
where he makes nine circuits. He ought then be made to ascend and descend
a lofty flight of stairs three times; he is then conducted through the arched
passage to the door of the Mystic Chamber. The brethren are all in their
108
places and stations. The Candidate is placed near the door of the chamber
and the bandage [blindfold] removed from his eyes. Door should be
partially open).
(The Master approaches the altar, on which is laid a plan of the altar. Senior
and Junior Wardens near altar, behind Master.)
WM - Brethren, our dear Brother Abiff hath here a design for the altar of the
Lord which is of exceeding beauty: therefore have I called you together this
night that I may have your counsel concerning it,
(The Junior Warden then exhibits the plan to the brethren.)
SW - Thrice Illustrious King Solomon, we are not tiled.
WM - Fear not, my Brother of Tyre, this chamber is unknown to all in

Jerusalem, save those Elect Masons whom we have admitted to our secret.
Lo ! They are all here. The approaches to our chamber are so intricate and so
far removed from the haunts of men that there is no danger of cowans, my
brother.
(They continue to examine the plans. The Conductor, who is in charge of the
Candidate, coughs.)
(The Master starts and rushes to the door. On seeing the Candidate, he
clutches him by the throat with his left hand.)
(All action from here to the obligation takes place west of the semi-circle of
chairs.)
WM - Alas ! My brother, thou were right; there is a man here who is not one
of us.
(The brethren seize the Candidate.)
SW - What shall be done with him ?
WM - Let him be at once put to death, lest our secrets be made known.
109
JW - Thrice Illustrious kings, hearken unto me; condemn not a man unheard.
(To Candidate) What has thou to say why we should not put thee to death ?
(The Candidate does not answer.)
JW - Are you a Mason ?
(The Candidate having answered satisfactorily should be diligently

examined in the catechism of the symbolic Degrees of Apprentice
and Fellow Craft.)
JW - Thrice Illustrious King Solomon, this man is a Fellow of the

Craft.
WM - Therefore the more it is right that he should die, for he hath sought to
know that which, as a Mason, he knew was unlawful for him to seek to
know.
JW - Let us be just. Let us ask of him how came he hither.
WM - (To Candidate) How camest thou hither ?
Cond - (For Candidate) It came to pass as I was working in a remote part of

the building that my foot rested on some imperfect masonry, which gave
way beneath me and precipitated me into a deep and gloomy pit. For a time,
so dense was the darkness that I could not distinguish my right hand from
my left; but after a little time had elapsed, I became aware of a dim light in
the distance towards which I groped my way. Arriving at it, I saw another
like light beyond. Towards it I pursued my way, guiding myself by feeling
with my hands the stonewalls of the passage. In this manner, I traversed no
small space of ground until I at length found myself at a half opened door.
There were lights within, and the sound of voices reached my ears. As a
Mason, I feared I had entered where it was forbidden me, but paralyzed with
fear, I became convinced that I was in the presence of some great danger. In
such straits ye found me.
WM - This story, if it be true, can soon be verified. Captain of the Host, take
with you two of the brethren, and search diligently if there be this breach in
the masonry of which the stranger speaks.
110
(The Captain of the Host and two brethren withdraw and, after a pause,
return.)
CH - Thrice Illustrious King Solomon, the brother hath spoken the truth; it is
even as he hath said. There is a breach in the masonry, and signs that
someone has entered by it.
WM - What shall be done ?
JW - Thrice Illustrious kings, spare our brother's life. He came not here of
himself, and if he know aught of our secrets, the fault is ours, O Kings, for
when your brother of Tyre warned you, O Solomon, that this Mystic
Chamber was not closely tiled, did you not reply "We fear no intrusion, my
brother?" Wherefore, O Solomon, to slay the brother who is in our power,
and who has unwittingly been present at our secret convocation, would be to
sin against God. Forgive him; in this case forgiveness is but justice.
WM - I am willing to forgive, but what shall be done with him ? He hath

heard our words, and yet he is not one of us.
JW - But one thing remains, Illustrious Master; admit him to our counsels.
He hath come here led by God. Let him now in due form become a true and
faithful brother among us.
WM - No longer then will we be but twenty-seven.
JW - The number may be changed, but the name will remain. Admit
him, O Master.
WM - Brethren, you have heard the earnest request of our dear Brother
Abiff. If none say "nay," then shall his request be granted.
(The votes are then taken, and if none are in the negative, the Candidate is
released and brought into the Mystic Chamber, where he is placed at the
altar kneeling on his knee, as in the Second Symbolic Degree.)
111
Obligation
I, ________, in the presence of the Grand Geometrician of the Universe, of

this Lodge of Masons Elect of 27, opened on the square, do hereby and
hereon solemly and sincerely promise and vow, that I will never make
known the mystery of the 27 to anyone in the world, except it be a Mason
Elect of 27, or in a just and legally constituted Lodge of the Grand Tilers of
Solomon, opened upon the square.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will not judge hastily concerning the
motives of any man, especially if he be a brother Mason, but will patiently
and perseveringly make such enquiries as will lead me to a just and truthful
opinion; that I will not blame others for my own errors, thoughtlessness, or
want of care, but will ever be ready to acknowledge my misdeeds, and atone
for my mistakes.
I furthermore solemnly swear that I will not remain silent in a lodge if I

think the Tiler has not done his duty; that I will, as far as in my power lies,
keep all cowans and profane persons from the halls of Masonry; that I will
not, if I can prevent it, permit a Lodge room to be polluted by conventions of
cowans, and meetings of those who are not Masons, but will faithfully
perform the duties of a Grand Tiler of Solomon. All which I solemnly and
sincerely promise and swear, under the penalty of being put to death at the
door of the Mystic Chamber, and my body buried in the bowels of the earth,
where no man may know of my grave. So help me God, and keep me
faithful to this my Grand Tiler's solemn obligation.
(Candidate kisses the book nine times, and then, after a pause, three times.
Candidate rises.)
WM - I will now entrust you with the secrets of this degree. The Token is
given by grasping a brother by the throat with the left hand.
The Sign is given by raising the clenched right hand and arm at right angles
as if grasping a sword by the hilt.
The Password is Joabert. Joabert was the favorite of King Solomon: he

acted as principal secretary to both King Solomon and King Hiram during
the building of the Temple.
112
The Words are HU HE (pronounced HEW HAY). The exact meaning of
these words seems to have been lost; they were probably a corruption of the
words HO HI (pronounced HOH HEE). These words formed one of the 26
names of God in the Hebrew language; each of these names referred to one
or more of the divine attributes of the Almighty.
HO HI signified:
The Author of Time and the Arbiter of the Tide of Events.
The Eternal and Absolute Principle of Creation and Destruction.
The Male and Female Principle, elsewhere depicted in Masonry as a Point

within a Circle.
Since these meanings were ascribed to the words HO HI, it is reasonable to

assume that our Words HU HE were intended to convey the same meanings.
( The Candidate is now invested with the apron, sash and jewel.)
History
During the building of the Temple, in order that he might have a perfectly
secret place where he and the two other Grand Masters might meet, for
conference concerning the progress of the building, Solomon had a chamber
built underground, the approach to which was made by a long, subterraneous
passage. In this secret retreat the Grand Masters met from time to time. In
order that he might have the advice and counsel of the most prominent and
eminent Masons then in Jerusalem, Solomon formed an order, into which he
admitted twenty-four of the most eminent Fellow Crafts, making in all
twenty-seven. So secure was this mystic chamber supposed to be from all
intrusion, that the Tiler's office became neglected, and through a chance, a
strange brother, unwittingly, gained admission to the secret counsel of the
Elect Masons. The first determination of King Solomon, on the discovery of
the stranger, was to put him immediately to death; but by the mild counsels
of Grand Master Hiram Abiff, he was persuaded not only to forgive him, but
even admit him to the fellowship of Elect Masons. At the same time, the
brethren were warned of the great danger of carelessness, and too frequent
intermingling with the profane, and in order that they might ever have before
them the solemn lesson which they had learned in connection with the
113
careful tiling of their proceedings, Solomon commanded that a degree
should be formed from the remarkable incident which had just occurred, and
that the Elect Masons receiving it should be henceforth known as his Grand
Tilers.
Closing
WM - Illustrious Brother Senior Warden, what must occupy our immediate

consideration ?
SW - To see that the door of the Mystic Chamber is duly tiled, Illustrious
Master.
WM - See that duty is performed, my brother, by the proper officers, that we

may be in no danger of intrusion while closing this lodge.
SW - Brother Captain of the Host, see that the Tiler does his duty, and make
sure that all the approaches to the door of this chamber be warily watched
and guarded, by taking with you two armed brethren, making rounds, and
satisfying yourself that all things are as they should be.
(The Captain of the Host having performed this duty, returns and reports:)
CH - Illustrious Brother Senior Warden, we have gone to the extreme end of

the covered passage; we have carefully examined all possible approaches;
we have seen that the Tiler is at his post, and we report that we are perfectly
tiled.
SW - Illustrious Master, we have gone to the extreme end of the covered

passage; we have carefully examined all possible approaches; we have seen
that the Tiler is at his post, and we report that we are perfectly tiled.
WM - Brother Junior Warden, of how many does our lodge consist ?
JW - Twenty-seven or more, Illustrious Master.
WM - What is the Masonic rank of the brethren ?
JW - The three stationed officers are Masters, the rest are Fellows of the
Craft.
114
WM - What hope do we hold out to these ardent brethren ?
JW - That they may yet become Master Masons and receive the true word.
WM - Have we here a word ?
JW - We have; that of a Mason Elect of Twenty-Seven.
WM - Cause it to be taken up by the proper officers.
JW - Brother Captain of the Host, collect the word.
(Captain of the Host collects the word "HU HE" from all present and reports
it to WM in a whisper. All remain standing.)
WM - The word has come to the East pure and undefiled. My Brother
of Tyre, announce to the brethren that I am about to close this Mystic
Chamber and bid them to be governed accordingly.
SW - Brethren, the Worshipful Master announces that he is about to close

this Mystic Chamber, be governed accordingly.
(The JW knocks three times; the SW nine; the WM twenty-seven.)
WM - The Mystic Chamber is closed; let us ascend to the world above, and
may we work and live there as true Masons.
(Captain of Host closes Volume of Sacred Law.)
WM - (*)
115
Excellent Master

Right Worshipful & Excellent Master - in the East
Excellent Senior Warden - in the East, North & West of RW&EM
Excellent Junior Warden - in the East, South & West of RW&EM
Tiler - Tiler's station
Excellent Captain of the First Veil - same as in Royal Arch
Excellent Captain of the Second Veil - same as in Royal Arch
Excellent Captain of the Third Veil - same as in Royal Arch
Equipment needed:
Rod for Conductor
Blindfold
Master Mason's apron
Pentagram for working tool
Veils and equipment used in Royal Arch for passing Veils
A glass or cup
Member Apron - White with scarlet boarder, pentangle on flap (Scottish
Regulation Version)
Sash - Scarlet color
Member Jewel - Pentangle in gold suspended from a scarlet ribbon (Scottish
Regulation Version)
Lodge arrangements:
A Lodge of Excellent Masons is arranged like a Craft Lodge, except that it is

divided into separate compartments by four curtains or veils; blue, purple,
scarlet and white respectively, which are always open (drawn to the sides)
except in the ceremony of "passing the veils." The seats of the Presiding
Officers are placed in the compartment at the East end of the Hall, within the
White Veil. The altar is outside the White Veil. The three Principals of the
Chapter usually act as Right Worshipful & Excellent Master, and Senior and
Junior Wardens respectively.
116
Introduction
The Lodge represents the Grand Lodge of Excellent Masters assembled at

Babylon, composed of the descendants of the children of the Captivity. The
theme is one of instruction and it takes place before the "journey" in the
Royal Arch Degree. The purpose of this degree was to instruct those who
were going to make the trip to Jerusalem on how to be recognized and
properly admitted by the Craftsmen engaged in the rebuilding of the Temple.
It is interesting to note that the "ceremony of passing the veils" as utilized by
American Royal Arch Chapters is almost completely unknown in English
Royal Arch working. This degree is one of the Degrees obtained by M.V.
John Raymond Shute II from the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Scotland that formed the basis of the American Allied Masonic Degrees in
1932. The Scottish working of the Royal Arch Degree does not contain the
"ceremony of passing the veils" and this ceremony would seem to convey
that information by means of a separate degree.
Opening
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, are all present Excellent Masters ?
ESW - (If satisfied, answers) All present are Excellent Masters.
(If not satisfied, answers) I shall ascertain and report.
(The Wardens examine Brethren in the North and South and report.)
(After this preliminary testing the Penal Sign shall always be given when
addressing the RW&EM or other superior Office-Bearer.)
RW&EM - Excellent Junior Warden, what is the first care of a Lodge

of Excellent Masters ?
EJW - To prove the Lodge close tyled, Right Worshipful & Excellent
Master.
RW&EM - Excellent Junior Warden, you will direct that duty to be

done.
117
EJW - Brother Inner Guard, you will see that the Lodge is close
tyled.
(Inner Guard opens the door, sees that the Tyler is at his post,closes the door,
knocks *** *** which arte answered by the Tyler,
and reports:-)
IG - Excellent Junior Warden, the Lodge is close tyled.
EJW - Right Worshipful & Excellent Master, the Lodge is close tyled.
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, what is the next care ?
ESW - To see that the Brethren stand to order as Excellent Masters, Right
Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - (knocks *) To order, Brethren, as Excellent Masters.
(All stand to order with Penal Sign.) Excellent Captain of the First
Veil, where is your station in the Lodge ?
CFV - Within the First Veil, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - Your duty there ?
CFV - To guard that Veil, and admit none but such as are duly qualified, and
have the sign, token, and word of the First Veil.
RW&EM - What is the color and signification of your Veil ?
CFV - Blue, emblematic of Friendship.
RW&EM - Excellent Captain of the Second Veil, your station ?
CSV - Within the Second Veil, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
CSV - To guard that Veil, and admit none but such as are duly qualified, and
have the sign, token and word of the Second Veil.
118
RW&EM - What is the color and signification of your veil ?
CSV - Purple, emblematic of Union.
RW&EM - Excellent Captain of the Third Veil, your station ?
CTV - Within the Third Veil, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.þ000
CTV - To guard that Veil, and admit none but such as are duly qualified, and
have the sign, token, and word of the Third Veil.
RW&EM - What is the color and signification of your Veil ?
CTV - Scarlet, emblematic of Fervency and Zeal.
RW&EM - Excellent Junior Warden, your station in the Lodge ?
EJW - in the South, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - Your duty there?
EJW - To observe the sun at high twelve, and there from to regulate
the time of the Craft.
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, your station in the Lodge ?
ESW - In the West, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
ESW - To observe the setting sun, and close the Lodge by command
of the Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, the Master's station in them Lodge ?
ESW - In the East, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - His duty there ?
119
ESW - As the sun rises in the East to open and enliven the day, so is the
Right Worshipful & Excellent Master in the East to open the Lodge, and set
the Brethren to work with proper instruction.
RW&EM - In the name of the Most High I declare this Lodge of

Excellent Masters duly opened.
(Knocks *** *** which are answered by the Senior and Junior Wardens,
Inner guard, and Tyler.)
Ceremony of Reception
(The Candidate wears the apron of a Master Mason, and is veiled

[blindfolded]; Ezra, Chapter 1:1-3 is read to him; he is the brought to the
door of the Lodge by the Conductor who knocks** ** .)
(Veils are open at this point)
IG - Excellent Junior Warden, there is an alarm.
EJW - Right Worshipful & Excellent Master, there is an alarm.
RW&EM - Excellent Junior Warden, you will enquire the cause of the
alarm.
EJW - Brother Inner Guard, you will see who seeks admission.
IG - (Opens door and enquires:-) Who comes here ?
Cond. - (For Candidate) Brother ______, who has been raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason, and advanced to the degree of Mark Master
Mason, wishing to avail himself of the decree of Cyrus, and to return to
Jerusalem to assist in rebuilding a House to the Lord God of Israel, now
approaches the Grand Lodge of Babylon with a request to grant him
permission, and such tokens as shall be satisfactory to his Brethren, who
have already set out from here and arrived at Jerusalem.
IG - How does he hope to obtain that privilege?
Cond. - By virtue of a pass grip and pass word.
120
IG - Is he in possession of the pass grip and pass word ?
Cond. - He is not, but I will give them for him.
IG - Give them to me. (Conductor gives pass grip and pass word.)
IG - You will wait till I make a report to the Right Worshipful &
Excellent Master. (Closes door and says:-) Right Worshipful &Excellent

Master, at the door of this Lodge stands Brother______, who has been raised
to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, and advanced to the degree of
Mark Master Mason, wishing to avail himself of the decree of Cyrus, and to
return to Jerusalem to assist in rebuilding a House to the Lord God of Israel,
now approaches the Grand Lodge of Babylon with a request to grant him
RW&EM - How does he hope to obtain that privilege ?
IG - By virtue of a pass grip and pass word.
RW&EM - Is he in possession of the pass grip and pass word ?
IG - He is not, but his Conductor has given them for him.
RW&EM - Then let him be admitted in due form. (Conductor & Candidate
are admitted, and the Jewel of the Degree, the pentagram, is applied to his
left breast by the Inner Guard who says:-)
IG - Enter this Lodge of Excellent Masters on the pentagram, which

represents the five points of fellowship, to remind you of your Obligation as
a Master Mason. (Conductor & Candidate go to West)
RW&EM - Who comes here ?
Cond. - (For Candidate) Brother ______, who has been raised to the Sublime
Degree of Master Mason, and advanced to the degree of Mark Master
Mason, wishing to avail himself of the decree of Cyrus, and to return to
Jerusalem to assist in rebuilding a House to the Lord God of Israel, now
121
approaches the Grand Lodge of Babylon with a request to grant him
RW&EM - Let the Candidate kneel while the blessing of Heaven is

invoked on our proceedings. (done)
Prayer: O Thou Eternal and Omnipotent God, who didst aforetime appear to
Thy servant Moses in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; enkindle we
beseech Thee in our hearts devotion to Thee, love to our Brethren, and
Charity to all mankind. Comfort us and all Thy people with Thy divine
grace, guide and assist us in rebuilding a Second Temple to Thy Holy
Service, and grant that when the Veil of this earthly Tabernacle shall be rent
asunder we may be received into that Holy Sanctuary where Thou reigneth
for ever and ever. Amen.
Brethren - So mote it be.
(Candidate rises.)
RW & EM - As the first three degrees of Masonry, as well as that of Mark

Master Mason, must, during the 470 years that have elapsed since the
building of King Solomon's Temple, have been widely spread, and as the
decree of Cyrus only affects the descendants of those who were brought
captive to Babylon, we, previous to the departure of Zerubbabel and our
Brethren, in order to prevent others from sharing in the great and glorious
work now commencing, have instituted a new degree in Masonry. For so
doing we have the example of our ancestors, who, at every building of
importance, adopted particular marks of recognition known only to those
employed at it. We only communicate this degree, however, to those who
have been found qualified to preside over Operative or Fellow Craft Lodges.
You will, therefore, now satisfy the Brethren present of your qualifications
to become an Excellent Master, by advancing to me as a Mark Master
Mason.
(Candidate is instructed by the Conductor to advance by six steps, giving the

signs of the several degrees from Entered Apprentice to Mark Master Mason
[EA, FC, MM, MMM], and being in front of the Altar he is addressed by the
RW&EM.)
122
RW&EM - As in all degrees of Freemasonry the secrets must be kept
separate and distinct, another Obligation is now required of you before you
can be put in possession of the secrets of this degree; are you willing to take
it ?
Cand. - I am.
RW&EM - Then you will kneel on both knees, place both hands on the
Volume of Sacred Law, use your name in full where I use mine, and say
after me:
I,_____, in the presence of Almighty God and this Lodge of Excellent

Masons, do hereby and hereon solemnly promise and sincerely swear that I
will never reveal any of the secrets, parts, or points of the degree of
Excellent Master to any one of an inferior degree except in the body of a
lawfully constituted Lodge of Excellent Masters, not fewer than seven Royal
Arch Masons- myself included - being present, and not even then except to
him who is a Mark Master Mason and is desirous of becoming a Royal Arch
Mason. All this I swear to observe under no less a penalty than that of
having my bowels torn asunder, and that the earth may open and swallow
me up as it did Korah, Dathan and Abiram for their rebellion. So help me
God and keep me steadfast in this my solemn Obligation of an Excellent
Master.
(Conductor removes blindfold.)
RW&EM - You will now seal this Obligation six times.(done) Rise, duly
obligated Excellent Master. (RW&EM raises Candidate by the pass grip and
instructs him in the pass word and penal sign.)
(Pass Grip: Take the Brother's right hand and press the thumb between the
knuckles of the 3rd and 4th fingers.)
(Pass Word:" Rabboni.")
(Penal Sign: Place both hands before your belly, bending your fingers so
that the tips point to the belly, then separate them with a jerk.)
(Candidate retires with Conductor; the Veils, which hitherto have been open,
are now closed, and the Captains of the Veils take their respective places
123
within the Veils. The Candidate is then brought to the First or Blue Veil, and
the Conductor knocks *** *** with his rod.)
CFV - Who comes here ?
Cond. - Brother _____, who wishes to avail himself of the decree of Cyrus,
and to return to Jerusalem, is now desirous of being instructed in the secrets
of the Blue Veil.
CFV - What recommendation does he bring ?
Cond. - A pass grip and pass word.
CFV - Give them to me.
(Candidate gives them, and the Veil being drawn aside, he is admitted with
the Conductor.)
Cond. - (To Candidate) Now listen attentively.(Exodus 3:1-6, 4:1-5 is read.)
CFV - The sign of the Blue Veil is; throw a rod down before you, then take
it up by the lower or narrow end.(Exodus 31:1-5 is read.)
CFV - The grip is given thus; grasp a Brother's right arm at the
wrist with both hands, the thumbs above and the fingers under, and
the Word is "Bezal-el."
(Conductor and Candidate then approach the Purple Veil, and the
Conductor knocks *** *** with his rod.)
CSV - Who comes here ?
of the Purple Veil.
CSV - What recommendation does he bring ?
Cond. - The sign, grip and word of the Blue Veil.
124
CSV - Give them to me.
the Conductor.)
Cond. - (To Candidate) Now listen attentively. (Exodus 4:6-8 is read.)
CSV - The sign of the Purple Veil is; place your right hand in your bosom,
withdraw it, look at it, replace it by the aid of the left hand grasping the wrist
to support it, then again remove it. (Exodus 31:6 is read.)
CSV - The grip is given thus; grasp the arm with both hands, as before, but
immediately below the elbow, and the Word is "Aholiab."
(Conductor and Candidate now approach the Scarlet Veil, and the Conductor
knocks *** *** with his rod.)
CTV - Who comes here ?
of the Scarlet Veil.
CTV - What recommendation does he bring ?
Cond. - The sign, grip and word of the Purple Veil.
CTV - Give them to me.
the Conductor.)
Cond. - (To Candidate) Now listen attentively.(Exodus 4:9 is read.)
CTV - The sign of the Scarlet Veil is; hold in your right hand a cup or glass
of water, turn your hand as if to pour out the water backwards. (Exodus
3:13-14 is read.)
CTV - The grip is given thus; grasp the arm with both hands, as before, but
immediately above the elbow, and the Word is "I am that I am."
125
RW&EM - (In front of White Veil, which remains closed) I have already
explained to you the origin of this degree. It is divided by Curtains or Veils
into three parts, and is given in one Lodge or Chamber, denoting that these
parts, though distinct, form but one degree. The Veils allude to the Veils or
coverings of the Tabernacle, which Moses erected in the Wilderness. The
ceremony of passing the Veils may also be considered as emblematical of
the wandering of the Israelites in the Wilderness, and of their return from
Babylon to Jerusalem. These Veils are of different colors; blue, purple,
scarlet, and white, typifying the elements Air, Water, Fire, and Earth, and
are symbolical, respectively of Friendship, Union, Fervency and Zeal, and
Purity. In passing the Blue, Purple, and Scarlet Veils, you have been made to
represent one of the Hebrew captives in Babylon desirous of availing
himself of the decree of Cyrus, and of following Zerubbabel to Jerusalem to
assist in rebuilding there a House to the Lord God of Israel. You will now
proceed on your journey to Jerusalem. On your arrival there you will meet
with guards stationed for the purpose of keeping off intruders. They are
distinguished by standards or badges of the same color as the Veils. To those
with the Blue standards or badges you will give the sign, token and word of
the First Veil; to those with the Purple the sign, token and word of the
Second Veil; to those with the Scarlet the sign, token and word of the Third
Veil; and if the Officers of that Supreme Court require further proof from
you, you will give them this Grand Grip and Word;
(Grand Grip) grasp the right arm immediately under the armpit with the
right hand, place the left hand on the shoulder and give the:
Grand Word "Ammi Ruhamah", which will enable you to gain admission
to the Sanhedrin sitting in Council.
(Candidate is now invested with Apron, Sash and Jewel and seated.)
Closing
RW&EM - Assist me to close this Lodge, Excellent Junior Warden what is

the constant duty in a Lodge of Excellent Masters ?
EJW - To prove the Lodge close tyled.
RW&EM - See that duty done.
126
EJW - Brother Inner Guard, you will prove that the Lodge is close tyled. (IG
knocks on the door *** *** which is answered from without the same.)
EJW - The Lodge is close tyled, Right Worshipful & Excellent Master.
RW&EM - Excellent Junior Warden, the Excellent Senior Warden's

place in the Lodge ?
EJW - In the West.
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, your duty in the West ?
ESW - To close the Lodge, take charge of the plans when the work
of the day is over, and pay Excellent Masters their wages.
RW&EM - Excellent Senior Warden, you have my command to close this

Lodge.
ESW - Brethren, take notice that, by the Right Worshipful & Excellent
Master's command, I declare this Lodge closed.*** ***.
EJW - *** ***
RW&EM - The Lodge is closed, **
127
Masters of Tyre

Expert Master - in the East
Deputy Expert Master - in the West
Master of Exchequer - Treasurer's station
Master of Scrolls - Secretary's station
Senior Expert - Senior Deacon's station
Junior Expert - Junior Deacon's station
Sentinel - Tiler's station
First Section:
Same as opening, except:
Hiram King of Tyre - in the East
Hiram Abiff - in the West
Second Section:
3 Craftsmen - between altar and West
Hiram Abiff - between altar and West
Runner - between altar and West
Third Section:
Same as opening, without Deputy Expert Master
Equipment needed:
2 scrolls for messages
Mauls, chisels, quarry tools
Black drape
Apron - Triangular, royal purple edged with gold
Jewel - Square and Compasses, containing in the center a crown, and at the
tips of the points of the Compasses and at the apex of the Square are
suspended a Seal of Solomon ( 2 Interlaced triangles). The seal on the left
shall contain the initial "M," the center seal "O, and the seal on the right "T".
Lodge arrangement:
A Quarry of Masters of Tyre is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but with no
Junior Warden's station or altar candles. At the Altar, the Square is placed
with the apex pointing East and the compasses folded and placed at the apex,
making a "T" readable from the West.
128
Introduction
This degree was part of an originally separate organization entitled "The

Supreme Quarry of the World, Masons of Tyre". M.V. John Raymond Shute
II conceived of, wrote the ritual for, and instituted this organization in
Monroe, North Carolina around 1930. It was intended as "an historic degree
to further enlighten its members on the traditions and landmarks of Ancient
Craft Masonry" and an elaborate structure and Constitution was established.
It met with limited success, however, and was surrendered to the Grand
Council of the AMD in 1933, who adopted the ritual (with a slight name
change) as one of its degrees. Many of the lessons learned by M.V. John
Raymond Shute II in this early, unsuccessful venture would later be
rectified with the institution and operation of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
An interesting feature of this body was a requirement that "lectures and
papers sent from the Supreme Quarry" were to be read verbatim before the
subordinate Quarries. Brother M.V. John Raymond Shute II was the first and
only "Sovereign Grand Expert Master" of this body.
Opening
EM - * Craftsmen, clothe yourselves. Officers, take your stations.
EM - ** Junior Expert, are all present Masters of Tyre ?
JE - All present are Masters of Tyre. They have wrought in the quarry and
have the word of this degree.
EM - What is the word ?
JE - "The Widow's Son is dead !"
EM - Deputy Expert Master, why do Masters of Tyre use the name

of quarry for their place of assembly ?
DEM - As the builder goes to the quarry for his material, so do we, as
Masters of Tyre, go to the rich storehouse of Ancient Craft Masonry for the
material with which to further beautify and adorn our great Masonic
Structure.
129
EM - What does a quarry of Masters of Tyre represent ?
DEM - The Royal Court of Hiram King of Tyre.
EM - How many constitute a quarry ?
DEM - Seven or more.
EM - Who are the Officers and where stationed ?
DEM - The Expert Master, in the East; the Deputy Expert Master, in the
West; the Senior Expert, in front of and to the right of the Expert Master; the
Junior Expert, at the door of entrance; the Master of Scrolls to the left of the
Expert Master; the Master of Exchequer to the right of the Expert Master
and the Sentinel just outside the door.
EM - Craftsmen, assemble in the center of the Court; form a triangle and

face the East. (Triangle is formed). Give the due guard and sign of this
degree. (done)
EM - Craftsmen, before we proceed further, let us offer up our

invocation to the Supreme Architect of the Universe. You will join
me in prayer. (Done.)
EM - I now by the authority in me vested, declare this Quarry duly opened

and its labors resumed. Senior Expert, attend at the Altar
(SE opens the Sacred Writings at the 15th Psalm and places folded
compasses in the apex of the square, which forms or represents the letter T);
Junior Expert, inform the Sentinel (JE goes to the door and raps * ** ***
which is answered in like manner by the Sentinel).
JE - Sentinel, the Expert Master now declares this Quarry duly opened and
its labors resumed (closes door and Sentinel raps * ** ***, to which the JE
answers in like manner).
JE - Expert Master, the Quarry is duly guarded.
EM - Deputy Expert Master, read a lesson from the Sacred Writings

(DEM reads the 15th Psalm).
130
(Expert Master gives one rap which seats the Craftsmen.)
Reception
(This degree is divided into three sections. The First and Third represent the
Royal Court of Hiram King of Tyre. The Second represents a quarry near
Jerusalem and should be so arranged.)
First Section
Hiram King of Tyre - * Junior Expert, retire and ascertain if there are any
candidates in waiting, if so, present them in the usual form and manner.
(JE retires and conducts candidate into ante-room. He causes him to remove
his coat and roll up his sleeves, then says:)
JE - My friend, you are now prepared as a craftsman ready for the quarry. In
order for you to better understand and appreciate this degree, I will now
explain some of the history of the ancient Tyrians. Tyre was an ancient city
of Phoenicia, which in the time of King Solomon, was celebrated as the
residence of Hiram King of Tyre, to whom Solomon and his father David
were indebted for great assistance in the construction of the Temple at
Jerusalem; for Hiram was ever a lover of David. Tyre was about one
hundred miles from Jerusalem by sea and about ninety miles by land. An
intercourse between these two cities and their respective monarchs was,
therefore, easily cultivated. The inhabitants of Tyre were distinguished for
their skill as artificers, especially as workers in brass and other metals: it was
the principal seat of that skillful body of architects known as the Dionysiac
Fraternity. The city of Sidon, which was under Tyrian government was
twenty miles from Tyre, and was situated in the forests of Lebanon. The
Sidonians were, therefore, naturally woodcutters and were engaged in the
felling of trees, which afterwards were sent in floats by sea to Joppa, and
thence by land to Jerusalem, to be used in the building of the Temple. The
glass of Sidon, the purple of Tyre, and the exceedingly fine linen they wove,
were the products of their own country and the workmanship of their own
hands. The Tyrians were famous for their skill in the working of metals,
hewing of timbers and stone, and were also famous for their knowledge of
that which was solid, great and ornamental in architecture. One only needs
to think of the great work which they did at the building of King Solomon's
131
Temple to get a clear idea of what their own buildings at Tyre must have
been. Their fame was so extensive for taste, design and invention that
whatever was elegant was distinguished with the title Sidonian, or as the
workmanship of Tyrian artists. The city of Tyre and the temple of Dagon
built by the Phoenicians at Gaza were masterpieces of art and rendered the
name Tyrian architects deservedly celebrated throughout the world. The
ancient Hebrews were not expert operative masons, probably due to the fact
that they had for generations led a nomadic life and dwelt in tents. They
made very little contribution to science. They produced no new order in
architecture. Their religion forbade their making "graven images" so they
did nothing in sculpturing. These two major facts are responsible for the part
the Masters of Tyre had in the construction of the Temple on Mount Moriah.
With these thoughts fresh in your mind, you are now ready for initiation.
You will now be caused to represent a Courier from King Solomon to King
Hiram just before the Temple was begun at Jerusalem. When you are
admitted into a place representing the Royal Court of Hiram King of Tyre,
you will present this scroll to the King and say, "Illustrious Hiram King of
Tyre, I have a message from my lord and sovereign, Solomon King of
Israel." You will now follow me. (Leads candidate to the door of entrance
and knocks * ** ***)
SE - Your Majesty, there is an alarm.
HKT - Attend the alarm.
SE - (Goes to the door and says:) Who comes here ?
JE - A Courier from Solomon King of Israel, with a message for

your majesty.
SE - Let him enter and present the message. (SE conducts the
candidate to the East).
CAN - Illustrious King of Tyre (makes a low bow), I have a message

from my lord and sovereign, Solomon King of Israel.
HKT - Present the message to the Master of Scrolls. (Candidate

does so.)
HKT - Master of Scrolls, read the message.
132
MS - (Reads) From Solomon King of Israel to Hiram King of Tyre:
Greetings; As thou didst deal with David my father, and didst send him
cedars to build him an house to dwell in, even so deal with me. Behold, I
build an house to the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to him, and to
burn before him sweet incense, and for the conditional shewbread, and for
the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new
moons, and on the solemn feasts of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance
forever to Israel, and the house which I build is great; for great is our God
above all gods. But who is able to build him an house, seeing the heaven of
heavens cannot contain him ? Who am I then, that I should build him an
house, save only to burn sacrifices before him ? Send me therefore a man
cunning to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in
purple, and in crimson, and in blue, and that can skill to grave with the
cunning men that are with me in Jerusalem, whom David my father did
provide. Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon;
for I know that thy servants can skill to cut timbers in Lebanon; and, behold,
my servants, shall be with thy servants, even to prepare me timbers in
abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be wonderfully
great. And, behold, I will give to thy servants, the hewers that cut timbers,
twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures
of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of
oil. And to the Masters of Tyre, who shall come up and aid in the house
which I am about to build, I shall give abundant wages, together with the
finest gifts, as a reward for their skill. And to thee, O mighty King of Tyre, I
shall give as a token of my appreciation for thy services, twenty flourishing
cities in Galilee.
HKT - Craftsmen, as we did aid David to build him an house, so think I that
we should aid Solomon to build him an house to the Lord his God. For what
King in all the world is wiser or greater than is Solomon ? Who among all
men are more expert to hew timbers than are our own people of Sidon ?
What craftsmen in all the world are more skilled in the work of architecture
than are the Masters of Tyre ? And what Master in all the world is more
cunning in gold, in silver, in brass, in iron, in linen, in purple, in blue, in
crimson, and in the graving of works than is our own craftsman the Widow's
Son ? What say ye, Masters of Tyre, shall we go up to unto Jerusalem and
aid and assist in this great and glorious work?
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Craftsmen - Yea, we shall go.
HKT - Craftsmen, ye have wisely said. This is to be a work that shall

become the marvel of all ages and a monument to our craftsmen there
employed. What says the Widow's Son ?
HA - Though I am a man of Tyre by habitation, my mother is of the tribe of

Naphtali. We both worship the Lord God of Abraham and live according to
the law of Moses, therefore will I gladly go and aid in the building of an
house to the Lord my God.
HKT - Then go thou every man unto his own house and prepare to go up
unto Jerusalem: and do thou Junior Expert go forth and send unto the
Sidonians and have them prepare cedar trees, and fir trees, and algum trees
which shall be sent in floats by sea to Joppa, thence by land to Jerusalem.
And do thou Master of Scrolls prepare this message to be sent to Solomon
King of Israel.
(HKT dictates and the MS writes:)
From Hiram King of Tyre to his majesty Solomon King of Israel: Greetings;
Because the Lord hath loved his people, he hath made thee king over them.
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath
given to David the king a son, endued with prudence and understanding, that
might build an house for the Lord, and an house for his kingdom. And now I
have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding, of Hiram my father's,
the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of
Tyre, skilled to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in
timber, in purple, in blue and in fine linen and in crimson: also to grave any
manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him,
with the cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy
Father. Now therefore, the wheat, and the barley, the oil and the wine, which
my lord has spoken of, let him send unto his servants: And we will cut wood
out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in
floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem. (MS writes
and hands message to candidate.)
HKT - (To candidate) Take this message to your lord the king, with the good
wishes of myself and my subjects.
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(Candidate takes it and the SE conducts him to the door of the ante-room.)
Second Section
(In this section, a number of craftsmen are working in a quarry near

Jerusalem and should be dressed to suit the part, using mauls, chisels and
other quarry tools.)
(JE reconducts candidate into quarry and seats him.)
1st Craftsman - How tired I am of this work and how my soul wearies of the
constant babble of the Jewish workmen. Their thoughts seem to dwell only
on sewing and reaping, the tending of sheep and goats and the valor of their
ancestors. They chant all day, singing praises to the God of Abraham and
their prophets. Some of them are being paid the same wages as we Masters
of Tyre. Today I, by chance, overheard a conversation among some of our
own craftsmen concerning this injustice. They were also dissatisfied at not
yet having obtained the secrets of a Master whereby they could receive a
Master's wage and be enabled to travel in foreign countries as Expert
Masons. They are plotting to demand these secrets of the Master Craftsman,
and if he refuses, to extort them from him. When they beheld me, they slunk
away like jackals into the night.
2nd Craftsman - Last night I dreamed a dream in which I saw a hind

plunging through the wood. It had been wounded at the throat and as I gazed
an arrow pierced it near the heart, which was well nigh fatal. While making
a frantic effort to escape, a club descended upon its head, which felled it
dead near me. I awoke quite startled as though the dream was real. This
troubles me, as the Master Craftsman is the son of the Widow, of the tribe of
Naphtali, and the hind is an emblem of that tribe. There is an evil omen in
that dream and I shall tell it to the Master when he next visits our quarry.
3rd Craftsman - I, too, have heard of the conspiracy against our Master and
it troubles me greatly. This morn on my way to the spring, I came upon
fifteen craftsmen in earnest but subdued conversation. When they beheld me
they made known their plans to obtain the secrets from our Master, and
insisted that I join them in their evil design. I spoke to them sharply
reminding them of their obligations and also of the promise of our Grand
Masters; that when the Temple is completed, those who have wrought
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faithfully and diligently shall receive the secrets, which shall entitle them to
a Master's wage. Jubulum became very angry and would have done me
bodily harm had it not been for the other craftsmen. However, I persisted in
my efforts and finally twelve of them recanted and agreed to wait until the
Temple is completed.
(Hiram Abif enters)
All Craftsmen - Hail the Master.
HA - Craftsmen, you seem very much concerned and ill at ease. Let me
know the nature of your troubles.
1st C - It is for thee we are concerned, Master Hiram. We have heard of a

conspiracy among the craftsmen to obtain the Master's secrets from thee. We
fear that, at a time when thou least expect it, harm may befall thee.
HA - Why should they plot against me or demand that which I cannot impart
to them ? Your fidelity is commendable and it shall not be
forgotten.
2nd C - Master Hiram, last night I dreamed a dream that a hind was
heartlessly slain near me. Thou knowest the hind is an emblem of thy
mother's tribe and I fear this dream is an omen of danger that awaits thee.
HA - (In deep meditation) Thy dream concerns me greatly.
3rd C - O Master, wilt thou not cease from going about alone and
unprotected. Allow us to be near thee, lest at a time unforeseen, the
unfaithful ones use foul play, accomplish their evil purpose and take from us
one whose place can never be filled.
HA - In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid of what man can do
unto me. (HA retires from quarry)
2nd C - Alas for Hiram. Would that he would harken unto us. How
unfortunate that one so great and good should be needlessly exposed to the
evil intentions of his enemies. I hang my head in shame that our own
countrymen should stoop to so dastardly a deed.
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1st C - It is indeed deplorable. I weary of it all and will welcome the time
when I can return to my native land. My heart yearns for the spires of Tyre
and the companionship of my friends and kindred.
3rd C - I have learned to admire the Israelites for their many noble traits. I
shall remain and dwell among them.
A Runner - (Enters hastily) Woe unto us, the Master is dead.
All Craftsmen - What, the Builder ?
Runner - It is the same. Fifteen Craftsmen entered into a conspiracy to extort

the secrets of a Master from Hiram Abif, or take his life. For some reason
twelve of them recanted, but the other three persisted and committed the foul
deed. They attempted to make their escape, but were captured. They have
been executed beyond the West gate of the city. The body of our Master has
been found and we are ordered to report to the apartment of our King
for further instructions.
All Craftsmen - Let us be off. (Leave room.)
(At this period, the following lecture is to be given.)
Lecture
This intermission represents the time required for the craftsmen to convey
the body of Hiram Abif to the Temple, whence it was buried with all
Masonic honors due that great character.I quote from the ancient writings:
The consternation excited by this melancholy event was much increased by a
circumstance which prevented the ceremonies, usual in such cases, from
being performed before interment. His eyes were not closed by his nearest
relatives; his body was not washed or baptized with the customary
formalities, nor was his corpse embalmed. To compensate for these
omissions, after being fittingly raised, the honors of his funeral were
splendid beyond all former precedent. This great architect was not removed
unto his own nation, and among his kindred, to be interred with the rite of
idolatry; for being, by his mother's side, of Israelitish extraction, he appeared
to have worshipped the true God, according to the usage and direction of the
Mosaic law, and the Jews were extremely superstitious respecting the place
of their interment. They believed that, if an Israelite was buried out of
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Canaan, he would not so much as be entitled to a resurrection from the dead,
much less to eternal felicity, unless God vouchsafed to form subterranean
cavities in the bowels of the earth, through which the body might pass from
its place of interment into the promised land. This ground is taken, hereof,
from the charge of Jacob unto his son Joseph, that he should not bury him in
the land of Egypt, but in Canaan. t the dedication of King Solomon's Temple
there were thousands present to witness the placing of the Ark of the
Covenant within the Sanctum Sanctorum; and an offering of twenty-two
thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep was made as a
sacrifice to the Lord God of Israel. After the dedication ceremonies, the
craftsmen of Tyre returned to their native city with feelings of pride and
satisfaction in work well done. But for the death of Hiram Abif, their joy
would have been complete.
(JE reconducts candidate to ante-room.)
Third Section
Expert Master - Senior Expert, retire and admit the candidate to a

seat in the Quarry.
(In this section, the West is unoccupied and draped in black.)
HKT - Craftsmen, we are again in our beloved city of Tyre. Our families are
rejoiced over our safe return. We should be justly proud of having had such
an important part in the erection of that magnificent edifice which Solomon
builded at Jerusalem. It will stand as a monument to our skilled workmen.
The Masters of Tyre shall be remembered throughout the days of man as
expert craftsmen. As I meditate upon the honors that are ours and the gifts
that have been lavished upon us, I am also reminded of that great sorrow that
befell us at Jerusalem (gives three raps and Craftsmen rise and face the
West). Ah, what a great calamity to be deprived of that Master Craftsman,
Hiram Abif, that man of all men, who bore the banner of our craft and was
slain by our own countrymen (gives one rap which seats craftsmen). I shall
create an order to his memory, which shall be known as Masters of Tyre. I
shall dedicate it to Hiram Abif and receive into it all those loyal craftsmen
who went up unto Jerusalem and into the forests of Lebanon to assist in that
great and noble work of building the Temple. Let all those who participated
in that work approach the Altar, kneel on both knees and take the obligation
of the new order which I now found.
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(Candidate does so.)
HKT - (Raps ***, places himself just in front of the Altar and says:)
Place both hands just in front of your body in a position as if holding a chisel
in your left hand and a maul in your right, the your name in full, and repeat
after me; do solemnly vow, of my own free will and accord and on my word
of honor as a Master Mason, that I will abide by the rules, regulations and
by-laws of any quarry of Masters of Tyre of which I may be a member, and
will uphold and support the Constitution, Laws and Edicts of the Grand
Council under which the same operates; I furthermore vow that I will
willingly aid and assist all deserving Masters of Tyre in their time of trouble
and need, in so far as I am able; I furthermore vow that I will endeavor to
emulate that celebrated Master Craftsman Hiram Abif in his steadfast loyalty
to duty and honor, and like him sacrifice my all rather than betray any trust
reposed in me; I furthermore vow that I will, when possible, endeavor to
familiarize myself with the history, traditions and landmarks of Ancient
Craft Masonry and use that knowledge for the advancement of this order; I
furthermore vow that I will not reveal the secrets of this degree to any one,
except he be a known Master of Tyre; I furthermore vow that I will not be
present at or assist in the conferring of this degree upon any one, except he
be a Master Mason in good and regular standing, nor will I sit in a quarry
composed of less than seven members, and then only when the same is
operating under a legal warrant or charter. To all this, I solemnly pledge my
sacred word of honor to keep and perform the same without any reservation
whatsoever, binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my
body buried alive in an unmarked grave beneath the ruins of the ancient city
of Tyre.
(Candidate rises)
HKT - As you are now a obligated Master of Tyre, I will invest you with the
Due Guard, Sign, Grip, Word and apron of this degree. The Due Guard is
given by placing both hands just in front of the body in a position as if
holding a chisel in the left hand and a maul in the right, the right fist being
about six inches above the left.
The Sign is given by dropping both hands limply, and is symbolical of the
untimely death of the Master Craftsman, when he suddenly dropped forever
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the working tools of life. The Word is "The Widow's Son is dead !", and
is to be given to the Junior Expert on entering a Quarry.
The Grip is given by taking a brother's hand in a friendly grasp and pressing
it twice in quick succession.
The Due Guard and Sign must be given to the Expert Master on entering or
retiring from a Quarry. The Due Guard must be given when addressing the
Expert Master, or a Superior Officer.
The apron worn in this degree is of triangular shape and is to remind you of
the fellowship of Hiram King of Tyre, Solomon King of Israel and Hiram
Abif. The color is purple, emblematic of the renowned purple of Tyre. Its
border is of gold, to signify the royal origin of this order. The union of these
two colors emphasizes the friendly alliance of King Hiram and King
Solomon, the rulers of Tyre and Jerusalem. Tyre being noted for its purple
and Jerusalem for the Temple with its profusion of gold. (Apron placed on
candidate.) You will now approach the East and receive
the lecture. (SE conducts candidate to East)
Lecture
There are in this degree, three sections. In the first, you were caused to
represent a Courier from Solomon King of Israel to Hiram King of Tyre just
before the Temple was begun at Jerusalem. In the second, you represented
one of the craftsmen of Tyre in a quarry near Jerusalem. You there
witnessed the discontent manifested among the Tyrian craftsmen which
finally culminated in the death of Hiram Abif. In the third section, you
participated in the founding of a new order, by Hiram King of Tyre, because
of your past experience as an expert craftsman. You gained admission into
the quarry by a series of knocks consisting of one, two and three
consecutively. The first is to the memory of Hiram Abif, the next two to the
two monarchs Hiram King of Tyre and Solomon King of Israel, and the
three to the three craftsmen who warned Hiram Abif of approaching danger.
The Sacred Writings are opened at the fifteenth Psalm to remind you that
this was the original obligation of a Master Mason. Upon the Sacred
Writings are placed the folded compasses in the apex of the square, which
represent the letter "T", the initial of Tyre. It also suggests an arrow pointing
from the Sacred Writings to the Expert Master, reminding him to be ever
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watchful in following and exemplifying the teachings therein contained. The
working tools of a Master of Tyre are all the implements of the craft, but
more especially the chisel and maul which we are, symbolically, to use in
shaping our rude and imperfect natures into living stones for that building
not made with hands eternal in the heavens. A Quarry of Masters of Tyre
represents the Royal Court of Hiram King of Tyre and commemorates the
important part the Masters of Tyre had inb the erection of King Solomon's
Temple. This degree represents the meritorious order conferred upon those
deserving craftsmen who served at the building of King Solomon's Temple
and is dedicated to the memory of that celebrated architect Hiram Abif, who
lost his life just before the Temple was completed. His death left a vacancy
in Tyrian Masonry which was never filled. His cunning knowledge in the
mechanical arts was derived largely from his father who was an expert
craftsman of Tyre. Hiram Abif, by his assidious study and constant
intercourse with the distinguished artisans of Tyre, added greatly to the
knowledge acquired from his father so that in time he became the most
celebrated architect of his day. His mother was a Jewess, of the tribe of
Naphtali, and it was at her knee that the Master Craftsman learned of the
Lord God of Israel. His wife was a sister of the noble Prince Adoniram and
she was also a Jewess. She was devoutly attached to her husband and
Masonic tradition informs us that, on hearing of his untimely death, she went
up into a high mountain and cast herself to instant death, rather than go
through life without her beloved husband. In memory of this devoted couple,
the Masters of Tyre erected three bronze statues; one at Tyre, one at Joppa
and one at Jerusalem. The priests of Dionysus, having devoted themselves to
architectural pursuits established, about one thousand years before the
Christian era, a society of builders in Asia Minor which is styled by the
ancient writers the "Fraternity of Dionysian Architects". To this society was
confined exclusively the privileges of erecting temples and other public
buildings. The members of the Fraternity of Dionysian Architects were
linked together by the secret ties of the Dionysian mysteries into which they
were initiated. Thus constituted, the Fraternity was distinguished by many
peculiarities that strikingly assimilate it to our order. In the exercise of
charity, the more opulant were sacredly bound to provide for the exigencies
of the poorer brethren. For the facility of labor and government they were
divided into communities, each of which was governed by as Master and
Wardens. They held a general assembly or grand festival once each year,
which was solemnized with great pomp and splendor. They employed in
their ceremonial observances many implements which are still to be found
among Freemasons; and used, like them, a universal language by which one
141
brother could distinguish another in the dark as well as in the light and
which served to unite the members, scattered over India, Persia and Syria,
into one common brotherhood. The existence of this order in Tyre at the
building of the Temple is universally admitted; and Hiram the Widow's Son,
to whom Solomon entrusted the superintendency of the workmen, as an
inhabitant of Tyre, a skilled architect and a cunning and curious workman
was very probably one of its members. Hence we legitimately suppose that
the Dionysiacs were sent by Hiram King of Tyre to assist King Solomon in
the construction of the house he was about to dedicate to Jehovah, that they
communicated to their Jewish fellow laborers a knowledge of the advantages
of their fraternity and invited them to participate in the mysteries and
privileges. In this union, however, the apocryphal legend of the Dionysiacs
would naturally give way to the true legend of the Masons which was
unhappily furnished by a melancholy incident which occurred at the time;
that is, the death of Grand Master Hiram Abif. This may explain to the
initiates the cause for Solomon's sending to Tyre for his architects and for
that distinguished character, the Widow's Son, and will also possibly show
why Ancient Craft Masonry is a combination of Tyrian operative masonry
and Jewish religious worship. This concludes the lecture and the degree.
(Candidate seated.)
Closing
EM - Craftsmen, the time has arrived to cease work in this quarry. Has
anyone anything to offer for the good of the craft ? (pause)
EM - Master of Scrolls, you will read the minutes. (done) Are there any
corrections ? If not, they stand approved as read.
EM - I now, by authority in me vested as Expert Master of this Quarry,

declare it duly closed.
EM - (***) Senior Expert, attend the Altar. (SE closes Sacred Writings.)
Junior Expert, inform the Sentinel.
(JE goes to the door and raps * ** *** which is answered in like manner by
the Sentinel).
JE - Sentinel, the Expert Master now declares this Quarry duly closed.
(Returns to station.)
EM - (Gives one rap.)
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Architect

Right Worshipful Overseer of Master Architects - in the East
Senior Superintendent - in the West
Junior Superintendent - in the South
Equipment needed:
Black hangings - station covers, altar drape
21 candles (5 in South, 7 in West, 9 in East)
Floor drawing or Tracing Board - oblong with a representation of the jewel
in its center, below which are the letters "S.W.G."and "G.H.S."
Urn
Trowel
Mixture of milk, oil, flour, and red wine - red color
Blindfold
Apron - white edged with deep red
Sash - deep red color
Jewel - Flaming star with the letter "G" in the center, surrounded by a
triangle pointing upward.
Lodge arrangements:
A Lodge of Architects is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but the altar is
replaced with a table, upon which are placed a Volume of Sacred Law, a pair
of compasses, a square, a trowel and an urn. The urn contains a mixture of
milk, oil, flour and red wine, which is supposed to represent the Heart of
Grand Master Hiram Abiff.
Introduction
This degree is one of four added to the Allied Masonic Degrees by M.V.
John Raymond Shute II in 1933. It has a Rite of Perfection "flavor" and a
version of it can be found in the "Manual of Freemasonry" by Richard
143
Carlile printed in England in the 1800s. Because this ritual is a composite of
several rituals in use at the time (one by Finch), there are several errors
within the body of the text, which cannot at this time be corrected with
certainty. A careful observation of the text of the catechisms will reveal that
they do not match the actual proceedings of the ceremony of initiation. It can
be speculated that the catechisms of one ritual were engrafted onto the
initiation ceremony of another ritual, thus making for the discrepancies
noticed. Another hint of the period can be deduced from the reference to the
Mark Degree by its two component parts; Mark Man and Mark Master. This
degree, together with the degrees of Grand Architect and Superintendent
comprised a complete system, most probably attached to some other body,
much the way that the Council R&SM degrees were attached originally to
the Scottish Rite. A version of this degree appears in the Adonhiramite Rite.
Opening
RWO - (raps) *** *** Respectable Senior Superintendent, what is the first
duty of a Lodge of Architects ?
SS - To see the Lodge close tiled, Right Worshipful Overseer of Master

Architects.
RWO - Perform that duty and inform the Outer Guard that I am about to
open this Lodge, direct him to guard accordingly.
SS - Respectable Inner Guard, you will direct that duty to bed one.
IG - (Goes to door, raps *** ***, which is answered by OG) Respectable

Outer Guard, it is the order of the Right Worshipful Overseer of Master
Architects, coming to me by way of the West, that you see that our Lodge is
properly and close tiled and be informed that the Lodge will shortly be
opened, act accordingly.
(The door is closed and the raps given and answered, after which the IG
reports to the SS.)
Respectable Senior Superintendent, the duty is performed and we are close

tiled.
144
SS - Right Worshipful Overseer of Master Architects, the duty is performed
and we are close tiled.
RWO - Respectable Junior Superintendent, what is the hour ?
JS - The hour of a perfect Mason.
RWO - What is that hour ?
JS - The first instant of the first hour of the first day that the Grand Architect
created the heavens and the earth.
RWO - This is the first instant of the first hour of the first day and I, as
Master of Architects, do declare this Lodge is opened and holden. It is time
to begin our labors.
(RWO raps *** ****, which is answered by the SS, JS, IG and OG in
succession.)
Ceremony
(The candidate is divested of his sword and blindfolded, he is then led to the
door by the Outer Guard, who causes him to rap ******.)
IG - Respectable Junior Superintendent, there is an alarm at the door of

entrance.
JS - Right Worshipful Overseer, there is an alarm at the door ofen trance.
RWO - Respectable Junior Overseer, you will ascertain the cause of the
alarm.
JS - Repectable Inner Guard, you will ascertain the cause of the alarm.
IG - (opens door and asks) Who comes here while our Lodge mourns
the loss of our Grand Master ?
OG - A Mason, tried and true, who has made suitable proficiency in the
proceeding Degrees and now wishes further advancements as an Architect.
145
IG - By what right or benefit does he expect to do so ?
OG - By the benefit of the Pass Word.
IG - Surely he has not that knowledge, else he would be within.
OG - Nay, Respectable Inner Guard, he has not the knowledge, but I have it
for him. (gives it) (Gaboan)
IG - He will wait until I make a report to the Right Worshipful Overseer of

Master Architects. (closes door)
IG - Right Worshipful Overseer, A Mason, tried and true, who has made
suitable proficiency in the proceeding Degrees and now wishes further
advancements as an Architect.
RWO - By what right or benefit does he expect to do so ?
IG - By the benefit of the Pass Word.
RWO - Surely he has not that knowledge, else he would be within.
IG - Nay, Right Worshipful Overseer, he has not the knowledge, but I have
it for him. (gives it) (Gaboan)
RWO - You will admit him and cause him to be led round the Lodge twice.
IG - (Opens door, takes candidate by arm and conducts him twice round the
Lodge, stopping before the JS.)
JS - My Brother, before we can admit you into this mysterious Degree of

Masonry it is necessary for you to declare your abhorrence of the treachery
and crime of those worthless ruffians who caused us the loss of a former
Architect.
Cand.- (prompted) I do so abhor and detest it.
JS - You will then proceed to the West. (He does.)
146
SS - My Brother, as a test of your integrity, we require you to partake of the
heart of that innocent victim, for which purpose we have here emblematically
preserved. Do you agree to this requirement?
Cand.- Yes I do.
(The SS takes the Trowel and, giving on the point of it a small portion of the
contents of the Urn, thus addresses the candidate:)
SS - May this you now receive be the cement, which shall firmly bind us
together in brotherly love and union. May it be indissoluble. Say now with
me "Misfortune to him who would disunite us!" (Candidate repeats it.) You
will now proceed to the East.
(He does.)
RWO - My Brother, thus far you have proved your sincerity, however it now
becomes my duty to inform you that you are not yet ready to become an
Architect; you must take a solemn and binding Obligation pertaining to this
Degree, are you willing so to do ?
Cand.- I am.
RWO - Having satisfied us of your integrity, you will then approach the
Altar, kneel upon both knees, place your hands upon the Volume of Sacred
Law, say I, pronounce your name in full and repeat after me (***).
I, ______, do solemnly vow and promise that I will keep the secrets of this
Degree separate and distinct from any I have already received or may
hereafter receive; that I will never confer the same without due authority,
and acknowledge the Grand Council of the Order to be the only Body in this
country having the power to grant this authority. All of this I do swear,
under no less a penalty than being forever disgraced amongst Masons and
being deprived the rites of burial. Amen.
(after saying "Amen," the hoodwink is removed from aspirant.)
RWO - Brother Architect, upon being brought to Light, you perceive before
you three Great Lights, with a Trowel across the Square and Compasses, and
also this Urn, in which is emblematically preserved the heart of our Grand
147
Master Hiram Abiff. You also perceive upon the Tracing Board the Blazing,
or Flaming Star, having in the centre the letter G., meaning Glory, Grandeur
and Geometry. In the rays coming from the Star are the letters S.W.G. and
G.H.S., meaning Submission, Union, Gomar (Beauty), and Gaboan, Hiram,
Stolkin. The Secrets of the Degree you will discover during the recital of the
Catechisms.
Lecture
My Brother, I reward your zeal for Masonry by declaring you an Architect.

The difference which you observe in the apron proves the superiority of this
Degree, as, in future, you will be employed only in the elevation of the
Temple. The Sash, with which I invest you, is a mark of distinction over the
inferior Orders and its colors are to remind you that a former Architect chose
rather to shed his blood than to reveal our mysteries. The Blazing Star
teaches submission to lawful authority; Union amongst the Brethren, and
Beauty as the result of combined efforts; tradition informs us that this word
Gomar was the first word uttered by the first man when he opened his eyes
in Paradise. The word Gaboan, we are told, was the proper and original
name of the ground on which the Sanctuary was built. Hiram you are already
acquainted with, as also the reasons why the Lodge is hung with black.
Stolkin is the name of him who discovered the hiding place of the three
ruffians. he contents of the Urn is a mixture of milk, flour, oil and wine, he
consecrating elements, and typify the heart of Hiram Abiff. ater the death of
Grand Master Hiram Abiff, the works were at a stand still and Soloman was
zealous to complete it. For this purpose, he convened those Masters who had
distinguished themselves by their genius, capacity and manners, and formed
them into a Lodge to effect it. As those selected were no longer to be
confounded with the multitude of the workmen, Solomon commanded that
the distinct mark that they had worn should be changed, and that they should
in future have the right to enter the Sanctum Sanctorum, having previously
been placed upon the letter G and Flaming Star. By the original design of the
edifice, Solomon perceived that the first elevation was perfect. He, therefore,
ordered a second to be placed with the same proportions, under the direction
of the Lodge of Architects. Under the desire of one of these, Solomon
directed that in succeeding ages, another should be erected to prevent this
valuable part of Masonry from being obliterated. My Brother, you will now
be seated amongst the Brethren and pay close attention to the Catechisms,
which will further enlighten you.
148
Southern Catechism
(The RWO asks all questions and the JS answers thereto.)
Q - Brother Junior Superintendent, why do we open this Degree with six

reports ?
A - In allusion to the six days of Creation.
Q - In what manner is it performed ?
A - The Right Worshipful Overseer gives two on the Tracing Board before
him, as emblematic of the first and second days: and the Senior and Junior
Superintendents do the same, as emblematic of the other four days.
Q - How is the Candidate prepared in this Degree ?
A - With the outward plans of the Temple.
Q - For what purpose ?
A - To prove himself a Master Architect.
Q - How did you enter ?
A - In peace and integrity.
Q - Why do we go through the ceremony of being conducted round the

Lodge ?
A - In commemoration of King Solomon and the twelve tribes of Israel

going in Jubilee-procession three times round the foot of Mount Moriah, on
the morning that the foundation stone of the Temple was laid.
Q - To what does the sign of this Degree allude ?
A - The first or external elevation of the Temple.
149
Q - To what does the token allude ?
A - To the union of the five penal fingers of an Entered Apprentice, Fellow

Craft, Mark Man, Mark Master and Master Mason.
Q - What does the word denote ?
A - A peculiar branch of the duty of the Brethren of this Degree.
Q - Be pleased to name it.
A - Comforters and Overseers of the People appointed by King Solomon for

that purpose.
Q - What was the chief Masonic employment of the Brethren of this Order ?
A - To give the plans and elevations of the outer Temple.
Q - What number of Lodges, and what branch of Masons formed this

Order ?
A - Our Lodges only consist of Senior and Junior Wardens of the twelve
Master Masons' Lodges.
Q - How were these Masons disposed of in their employ in the plains of

Zarthan ?
A - In the same manner as in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Q - How were they arranged in the Forests of Lebanon ?
A - In one Lodge with eight in number.
Q - What was their pay per day ?
A - Thirty-six shekels, equal to about twelve dollars, seventy cents of our

money.
Q - What was the sum total paid to this class for their share in the labor of
the building ?
150
A - Six hundred ninety-nine thousand, four hundred, twenty-six dollars.
Q - By what is the Master Overseer distinguished?
A - A crimson robe, with a broad belt round the waist, with divisions for
holding the plans of the Temple.
Q - By what is the Master Overseer further distinguished ?
A - By that famous banner which distinguished the Brethren of this Order

that were enrolled as Eastern Knights in the Holy War.
Q - Be pleased to describe that banner.
A - It was made of black velvet, in the form of a square. In the center the
arms were quartered. At the ends of each bar, which formed the CROSS to
quarter the arms, were placed two letters of words of this Degree. In the
center of the said crossbars, forming the quarterage of the arms, were the
other two. In the first and fourth quarters, a right hand painted in a manner
somewhat resembling the token of this Degree. In the second, the initials of
this Degree; and in the third, "Jerusalem the Holy", in the ancient Masonic
characters. The crest was a slight emblem of the sign of this Order, the right
hand elevated, and the full word in ancient Masonic characters formed the
motto.
Q - In what part of the Lodge is this banner placed ?
A - Over the head of the Right Worshipful Overseer of Master Architects.
Q - Describe the Jewel worn by the Right Worshipful Overseer.
A - The Compasses open at ninety degrees, with the points circumscribed by

a tragic board, in the form of a G, radiant from the center of the head of the
Compasses; the Line and Plummet suspended.
Q - Describe the Jewel worn by the Senior Superintendent.
A - Two hands emblematical of the token.
151
Q - Be pleased to describe the Jewel worn by the Junior Superintendent.
A - The right hand elevated nearly in due form.
Q - I thank you, Junior Superintendent.
Western Catechism
(The RWO asks all questions and the SS answers thereto.)
Q - Respectable Senior Superintendent, are you an Architect ?
A - I am.
Q - In what place were you received ?
A - In the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Q - Did you ever work at a thing memorable ?
A - At a Grand Master's tomb.
Q - Describe the inscription.
A - S.W.G. on the superfice, and G.H.S. on the side of it.
Q - What signifies S.W.G. ?
A - Submission, Union and Gomar, or Beauty.
Q - Why is it said to be beauty ?
A - Because it is the first word the first man pronounced.
Q - What signifies the G repeated a second time ?
A - Gaboan, the proper and original name of the ground on which the
Sanctuary was built, and which was adopted as the word to distinguish
Architects from other Masons.
152
Q - The H. I am well acquainted with; the other S. remains to be explained.
A - Stolkin, the name of the first discoverer of a certain corpse.
Q - Of what use are these letters ?
A - To instruct posterity in the mysteries of Masonry.
Q - In what do you employ yourself as an Architect ?
A - In perfecting the science, and in regulating the workmen.
Q - By what means were you received an Architect ?
A - By the cement which united the stone of the Temple.
Q - What were the materials of this cement ?
A - Milk, oil, wine and flour.
Q - Of what is the cement further allegorical ?
A - The valuable remains of a great Architect.
Q - By what can you prove yourself to be an Architect ?
A - By two signs that are only made at the opening or in the Lodge, and by a
third sign to be used at discretion.
Q - Describe the former.
A - To place the right hand, thumb erect, upon the heart, to make a
diagonal line forward to the height of the face, to bring it horizontally to
it, putting the thumb on the forehead, so as to form a Triangle.
Q - What name do you give to this sign ?
A - The sign of surprise and defense.
Q - How is it disposed of ?
153
A - By the sign of sorrow.
Q - Describe it.
A - To place the right hand flat on the breast, making a motion as

if to retire, and in so doing pass the right foot behind the left foot, so as
to form a Square.
Q - What is the third sign to use at discretion ?
A - To draw the right hand over the right hip.
Q - The utility of this sign ?
A - To gain admittance into a Lodge of Architects.
Q - What time is it ?
A - The last day, the last hour, the last instant, that the Master holds his
Lodge.
Closing
RWO - Then I declare this Lodge of Master Architects duly closed.
(Raps *** ***, which is likewise given by the SS, JS, IG and OG)
RWO - * .
154
Grand Architect

Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand Architects - in the East
Senior Overseer - in the West
Junior Overseer - in the South
Chaplain - Chaplain's station
Equipment needed:
27 candles (7 in South, 9 in West, 11 in East)
An extra pair of Compasses
Sword
Floor drawing - A double Triangle, with the Altar in the center
Blindfold
Apron - white edged with blue
Sash - blue color
Jewel - a Double Triangle, formed by a pair of Compasses and aLevel. (The
level is "A" shaped with a plumb bob hanging from the apex.)
Blue Robe with broad belt for RWR
Special Banner (as described in ritual)
Lodge arrangements:
A Lodge of Grand Architects is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but the altar is
of compasses, a square and a trowel.
Introduction:
John Raymond II in 1933. It has a Rite of Perfection "flavor" and a version
of it can be found in the "Manual of Freemasonry" by Richard Carlile
printed in England in the 1800s. This degree, together with the degrees of
Architect and Superintendent comprised a complete system, most probably
attached to some other body, much the way that the Council R&SM degrees
155
were attached originally to the Scottish Rite. In this degree, as in the
Architect degree, there are minor discrepancies between the Catechisms and
the actual ritual work. A version of this degree appears in the Adonhiramite
Rite.
Opening
RWR - (raps) *** **** Respectable Senior Overseer, what is the first duty
of a Lodge of Grand Architects ?
SS - To see the Lodge close tiled, Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand

Architects.
RWR - Perform that duty and inform the Outer Guard that I am about to
SO - Respectable Inner Guard, you will direct that duty to be done.
IG - (Goes to door, raps *** ****, which is answered by OG) Respectable

Outer Guard, it is the order of the Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand
Architects, coming to me by way of the West, that you see that our Lodge is
properly and close tiled and be informed that the Lodge will shortly be
opened, act accordingly.
reports to the SO.) Respectable Senior Overseer, the duty is performed and
we are close tiled.
SO - Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand Architects, the duty is performed and

we are close tiled.
RWR - Respectable Junior Overseer, what is the hour ?
JO - The hour of a perfect Mason.
RWR - What is that hour ?
JO - The first instant of the first hour of the first day that the Grand Architect
created the heavens and the earth.
156
RWR - This is the first instant of the first hour of the first day and I, as
Master of Grand Architects, do declare this Lodge is opened and holden. It is
time to begin our labors.
(RWR raps *** ****, which is answered by the SO, JO, IG and OG in
succession.)
Ceremony
RWR - My Brethren, the second elevation of the Temple is finished and, in

conformity to the supreme orders, we are to erect a third, that will terminate
the height of it, according to the original design. The superintendence of this
third part must be committed to the care of an able, diligent and complete
workman, such a one as we have not at present amongst the Grand
Architects. We are now convened, and as we have not any particular
business before us to engage our attention, the time cannot be better spent
than in selecting an addition to our Lodge, who, by his assiduity and
experience, may be worthy of the appointment to which I allude.
SO - Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand Architects, Brother Moabon is

without and desires admittance, claiming to have a plan for the third
elevation.
RWR - The work has met with obstacles that have impeded its progress; but
it cannot with propriety be longer suspended. Our choice must be speedily
made. It is fortunate for that Architect, whose report you have just
witnessed, that he has applied in time to be a candidate; let him be,
according to his request, examined, and with caution, for it is the work only
of Grand Architects to erect structures in the air. The task is too great for
inferior Craftsmen. They only now put the finishing stroke to the Temple. If
Moabon is qualified, may he succeed, and ever after live with glory,
happiness and prosperity, and may his name exist to the end of time, as a
mighty and respectable word amongst great Architects. Brethren, is it your
will to admit Moabon ?
(The Brethren place their hands thrice upon the drawing, which is the sign of
assent for his examination and admission.)
RWR - It is well, admit Moabon !
157
(Inner Guard retires and presents Candidate before the Throne in
East. Candidate is blindfolded.)
RWR - Brother Moabon, the Degree to which you aspire is a point of

elevation to which you are a stranger. The superior art required to be
displayed on this occasion makes us apprehensive that your abilities are by
no means equal to the task. The difficulties you have to encounter are great
and can only be surmounted by the extent of your knowledge and the utmost
exertions and limits of your skill. A perfect design for the third structure of
the Temple is required from you and as the necessity of raising it is urgent,
we cannot admit of delay. The work is now at a stand still and there are no
plans to proceed, nor can any of the Master Architects supply them. I am
told that you come with plans. Is it so ?
Cand - I have plans here, Right Worshipful Ruler, to submit for

your approval. (RWR takes the plans and sends them to the two
Overseers, after they are returned, he says:)
RWR - Respectable Junior Overseer, what is your opinion of the plans

submitted by Brother Moabon ?
JO - Right Worshipful Ruler, I judge them worthy of adoption.
RWR - Respectable Senior Overseer, what is your opinion concerning the

plans ?
SO - Right Worshipful Ruler, I, too, judge them worthy of adoption.
RWR - Respectable Overseers, I am of like opinion and believe that bother

Moabon is worthy to sit with us and be acknowledged a Gand Architect;
Brother Overseers, do you approve ?
Overseers - We approve, Right Worshipful Ruler.
RWR - Let Brother Moabon be presented in due and ancient form.
(The Candidate is then conducted round the Lodge twenty-seven imes and
placed at the Altar, when the RWR says:)
158
RWR - Brother Moabon, are you now prepared to assume the vow of a Gand
Architect?
(Reply: yes)
Then kneel upon both knees at the base of the Altar, place your right hand
upon the Volume of Sacred Law and your left upon the Sword
(a pair of Compasses are placed over the left wrist),
say I, pronounce in full your name and say after me:
Obligation
In the presence of Jehovah God and these my Brethren, do hereon solemnly

affirm that I will forever conceal the secrets of this Lodge and will not speak
upon the mysteries of this Degree to anyone, unless he be a Grand Architect;
I further affirm that only to him who has produced a design for the third
elevation will I reveal the secrets of this Degree, under the penalty of being
expelled from this Lodge and the Order if I ever violate the same. Amen.
RWR - Rise, and let the veil of obscurity be removed, for Moabon is worthy
of beholding our labors. (Blindfold is removed.)
Lecture
My Brother, it is a satisfaction that we have been witnesses of your skill and

ability, and of your endeavors to give satisfaction in the task prescribed to
you. The execution of your design impels us to admit you a Grand Architect.
May this new favor conferred on you stimulate you to merit the Illustrious
Degree which succeeds, and which derives its splendor from the
circumstance, that it will fall to the lot of one of us to be recognized therein
as Grand Master, or Superintendent. Approach and receive the marks of rank
to which you are entitled and to which alone your perseverance has elevated
you. To distinguish ourselves as Grand Architects, there is a Sign, a Grip
and a Word.
The Sign is to place the two hands on the head, to form a Triangle with
the thumb and forefinger of each hand. It is to be answered by the
hands being in the same form above the head.
159
The Grip is to take one another by the right hand indiscriminately, and
to turn the hands thrice alternately above and below each other.
The Word is your name, "Moabon," to be pronounced by syllables, [Mo-

A-Bon] in making the turning of the hands.
The Sash and this Jewel are indicative of the Degree of which you are now
in possession and it is the only mode of your expressing yourself to be such
out of the Lodge. The Sign, Word and Grip are considered as sacred and are
not to be used elsewhere. If accident should occasion your visiting the
Lodges of the inferior Degrees and you are not provided with your Sash and
Jewel, you are at liberty to tuck the left corner of your Apron into the band,
and by that you will be recognized a Grand Architect. You may be seated
amongst us.
SOUTHERN CATHECHISM
(The RWR asks the question and the JO answers them.)
Q - Are you a Grand Architect ?
A - I am.
Q - Where were you received ?
A - In the middle chamber.
Q - Why there ?
A - The Lodge was held there when the second elevation was finished.
Q - Who gave the design of the Temple ?
A - The Grand Architect of the Universe.
Q - To whom ?
A - To Solomon.
160
Q - By what means ?
A - By inspiration.
Q - In what manner were you employed in the middle chamber ?
A - In designing a third elevation.

Q - By what means were you admitted a Grand Architect ?
A - By the perfection of the drawing which I presented to the Master.
Q - What reward did you receive in return ?
A - A Sign and Grip.
Q - Deliver them to the next Brother (done). What was the word
pronounced ?
A - The name of a great Architect
Q - Declare it.
A - Right Worshipful Ruler, I will give you one syllable, if you will give me
another.
Q - I am agreeable.
A - "Mo-"
Q - "A-"
A - "Bon."
Q - How old are you ?
A - Twenty-seven years.
Q - I thank you, my Brother.
161
WESTERN CATHECHISM
(The RWR asks questions and the SO answers them.)
Q - Respectable Senior Overseer, why do you open and close this

degree with seven reports ?
A - In allusion to the six days of the Creation and the institution of the
seventh as a Sabbath.
Q - How represented in the Lodge ?
A - The Right Worshipful Ruler gives two reports on the base of the column
containing the first Great Light. The Senior Overseer gives two on the shaft
of his pillar containing the second Great Light. The Junior Overseer gives
two on the chapter of his column containing the third Great Light. The
seventh represents the Holy Sabbath is given by the Right Worshipful Ruler
with his Hiram (gavel) on the Holy Writings.
Q - How is the Candidate prepared in this degree ?
A - With the inward plans of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem.
Q - What reason do we assign for this ?
A - To prove to the Brethren present that he has been duly initiated into the
Degree of Architect and then stands fully prepared to receive the promotion
of Grand Architect of the Temple as the representative of our inspired grand
superintendent, Hiram Abif.
Q - In what manner did you make your entry into this Lodge ?
A - By three distinct and two quick reports.
Q - Why in this Manner ?
A - That the square of the numbers may be represented by us when we enter

the Lodge of the Grand Architects, which our Grand Master, King Solomon,
in conjunction with his worthy colleague, the learned King of Tyre,
commanded to be practiced, for the better understanding of the basis of that
162
valuable discovery made by our Grand Master, Hiram Abif, on the morning
that the foundation-stone of the Temple was laid by the hand of that wise
and super-excellent King of the Jews.
Q - Why is this ceremony of traversing the Lodge in this Degree observed ?
A - Because King Solomon, with the High Priest and Elders of the Israelites,
went in public procession round the Temple when the cape stone was laid
and the building completed.
Q - To what does the Sign of this Degree allude?
A - To the second, or inward, elevation of the Temple.
Q - To what does the token allude ?
A - To the number of Lodges that compose the secret words of this

Degree.
Q - To what do the Words allude ?
A - To the dignity which King Solomon conferred on the Brethren of

this Order.
Q - What was the chief Masonic employ of the Brethren of this Degree ?
A - To give the plans and elevations of the Inner Temple.
Q - What were the number of Lodges and what branch of Masonry formed
this Degree ?
A - One Lodge, consisting of the Masters of the twelve Master

Masons' Lodges.
Q - How were these Masons arranged and in what manner did they assemble
during the time in which they were employed in the plains of Zarthan ?
A - In the same manner as in the Holy City of Jerusalem.
Q - In what manner were they arranged in the Quarries of Tyre ?
163
A - In one Lodge, with eight in number.
Q - How were they arranged in the Forests of Lebanon ?
A - In one Lodge, four in number.
Q - What was the pay per day ?
A - Forty-nine shekels of silver, equal to $25.70 of our money.
Q - What was the total sum paid to them ?
A - Two hundred and three thousand, three hundred and seventy-four

pounds, ten shillings.
Q - By what is the Right Worshipful Ruler distinguished?
A - By a blue robe, with a broad belt around the waist, for holding the plans
of the inner ornaments of the Temple.
Q - What other distinguishing mark of honor does the Right

Worshipful Ruler bear ?
A - That famous banner which distinguished the Brethren of this

Degree who were enrolled as the Knights of the Holy War.
Q - I will thank you, Brother Senior Overseer, to describe that

banner.
A - The banner was made of black velvet, in the form of a geometrical

square. In the centre, were their own peculiar arms quartered; and the whole
circumscribed by a star, with twelve points containing the twelve letters,
forming the characteristic words of this Degree. In the first quarter was
painted the left hand; in the fourth, the right hand, the palm outwards. In the
second quarter, a hand and two fingers; and in the third, the hands with the
backs outwards. The crest was a Brother in ancient armour, with an
emblematic representation of a part of the Sign of this Order. The words of
this Degree formed the motto.
164
Q - In what part of the Lodge is this banner placed ?
A - Over the head of the Right Worshipful Ruler.
Q - What is the Jewel of this Degree belonging to the Right Worshipful

Ruler ?
A - The Compasses, open at an angle of ninety degrees, with the points

circumscribed by the Holy Bible, so as to form a triangle, and in the centre, a
geometrical square, formed by the two hands and two fore fingers.
Q - Be pleased to describe the Jewel worn by the Senior Overseer.
A - Two hands, one forming a Level, the other a Perpendicular.
Q - What is the Jewel by which the Junior Overseer is distinguished ?
A - Two fingers, forming a right angle.
Q - I thank you, my Brother.
Closing
RWR - Brethren, I will thank you to assist me in closing the Lodge in this
Degree. What is the last duty, Brother Senior Overseer ?
SO - To see that we are properly tiled externally.
RWR - Perform that duty and announce to the Outer Guard that we are about
to close this Lodge.
SO - Respectable Inner Guard, you will direct that duty to be done.
IG - (Goes to door, raps *** ****, which is answered by OG)
IG- Respectable Outer Guard, it is the order of the Right Worshipful Ruler
of Grand Architects, coming to me by way of the West, that you see that our
Lodge is properly and close tiled and be informed that the Lodge will shortly
be closed, act accordingly.
165
reports to the SO.)
IG- Respectable Senior Overseer, the duty is performed and we are

close tiled.
SO - Right Worshipful Ruler of Grand Architects, the duty is performed and

we are close tiled.
RWR - What is your next duty, Brother Junior Overseer ?
JO - To see that we are properly tiled internally, to deposit the Royal

Standard in the pedestal and to crave a blessing on the work.
RWR - It is well. Brother Chaplain evoke a prayer in our behalf.
Chaplin- Prayer (done).
RWR - Now, My Brethren, I will crave your assistance to enable me to close

our labors with peace, unity and form; therefore, Brethren, I will thank you
to advance from the west to the pedestal in the east, and to assist each other
in taking down the Royal Standard, to see it safely deposited, with the Holy
Law and Jewels, in our ancient and sacred repository.
(The Brethren now advance in due form, they pull gently the plummet,
suspended from the crown of the standard, which, being connected with a set
of pulleys mechanically arranged, they lower it a little by degrees, while the
organ plays a solemn march. The last Brother that advances is the Senior
Overseer, who takes it down and puts it into the pedestal. He then returns,
with the rest of the Brethren, to their respective places, by the proper
advances and stop in due form, when the RWR, SO, and JO close the Lodge
by seven knocks, and the grand honors are given by all the Brethren.)
166
Superintendent

Very Powerful Master - in the East
Equipment needed:
81 candles (9 in South, 11 in West, 13 in East, 6 at each emblem)
A picture or slide of the Temple in the East
Swords for Officers
Obligation written on a card
Hibachi or small bowl
Apron - white edged with purple
Sash - purple color
Jewel - a Triangle, pendant to the Sash at overlap
Drawings of Temple furnishings as follows:

Sacred Utensils, the Ark of Alliance, Golden Candlesticks, Table of Shew
Bread, Brazen Altar, Brazen Sea, Altar of Incense, etc.
Emblems of the Degrees on banners depicted as follows:

1. Entered Apprentice - Square and Compasses appropriately placed
2. Fellow Craft - Square and Compasses appropriately placed
3. Master Mason - Square and Compasses appropriately placed
4. Mark Man - Circle, containing the letters "H.A.B".; the word
"Amasaphus," depicted in Hebrew characters; and the word "Stodan"
5. Mark Master - Circle, containing a Tau
6. Architect - Flaming star with the letter "G" in the center,
surrounded by a triangle pointing upward
7. Grand Architect - a Double Triangle, formed by a pair of Compasses and
a Level of "A" design
8. Superintendent - a Triangle containing the Tetragrammaton, surrounded
by a circle.
167
Lodge arrangements
A Lodge of Superintendents is arranged like a Craft Lodge, but the altar is

of compasses, a square and the drawings of the Temple furnishings. The
Candidate is not blindfolded in this Degree. Banners bearing the ensigns of
the different Orders of Masonry in color should be placed around the room
at proper intervals.
Introduction
John Raymond II in 1933. It has a Rite of Perfection "flavor" and a version
of it can be found in the "Manual of Freemasonry" by Richard Carlile
printed in England in the 1800s. This degree, together with the degrees of
Architect and Grand Architect comprised a complete system, most probably
attached to some other body, much the way that the Council R&SM degrees
were attached originally to the Scottish Rite. A version of this degree can be
found in the Adonhiramite Rite.
Opening
VPM - (raps) *** **** Very Honorable Senior Warden, what is the first
duty of a Lodge of Superintendents ?
SW - To see the Lodge close tiled, Very Powerful Master.
VPM - Perform that duty and inform the Outer Guard that I am about to
SW - Very Honorable Inner Guard, you will direct that duty to be done.
IG - (Goes to door, raps *** ****, which is answered by OG) Very

Honorable Outer Guard, it is the order of the Very Powerful Master, coming
to me by way of the West, that you see that our Lodge is properly and close
tiled and be informed that the Lodge will shortly be opened, act accordingly.
reports to the SW.) Very Honorable Senior Warden, the duty is performed
and we are
168
close tiled.
SW - Very Powerful Master, the duty is performed and we are close

tiled.
VPM - Very Honorable Junior Warden, what is the hour ?
JW - The hour of a perfect Mason.
VPM - What is that hour ?
JW - The first instant of the first hour of the first day that the Grand
Architect created the heavens and the earth.
VPM - This is the first instant of the first hour of the first day and I, as
Powerful Master of Superintendents, do declare this Lodge is opened and
holden. It is time to begin our labors.
(VPM raps *** ****, which is answered by the SW, JW, IG and OG in
succession.)
Reception
(When the Lodge is ready, the two Wardens retire and enter with the
Candidate, without an alarm; he is placed in the West, between the two
Wardens, and the SW says:)
SW - Very Powerful Master, it is our pleasure to present Brother Moabon,

who ardently desires to participate in our labors. You gave him to
understand, in the preceding Degree that there was wanting yet a ceremony
for him to undergo, before he would be in complete possession of the secrets
of Masonry. His zeal has brought him into your presence to obtain them.
VPM - Brother Moabon, we cannot sufficiently applaud your perseverance

in endeavoring to explore our secret mysteries. They are withheld from
every one until we are well satisfied of the conduct of those who solicit
them; for our prudence will only permit us to grant them to those whom we
have all tried. Your conceptions upon this business are most probably
erroneous; for it is scarcely possible for you to conjecture the object or intent
of our meeting. The grandeur of this Degree is immense and, with the
permission of the very honorable Brethren who assist me, I will declare it.
169
The mighty Degree which we now hold is that of a Superintendent. The
Temple is raised from the foundation to a capstone [or copestone]; the
elevations are perfect and the Sacred Utensils only remain to be prepared,
after the drawing of the greatest Master that ever lived. We are to elect a
successor, who will complete with honor and with glory the models, which
he designed. Move about the Lodge, exercise your genius, and present to us
the results.
(The Candidate traverses eighty-one times round the drawing [altar] and at
length the Wardens give him designs for the furniture, which he presents to
the Master.)
VPM - Brother Moabon, the designs are worthy of the subject; but there is
an obligation to which you are to submit, before you can be made acquainted
with our secrets. This engagement differs from those, which you have
already taken, inasmuch as that they were entered into in darkness; whereas,
this is offered to you without restraint. It is now for you to decide. We have
the power to release you from your professions, even of those, which you
have made with us, it is a matter of indifference, if you reveal all that you
already know on the subject of Masonry. We care not if it becomes the
amusement of the popular world. What is now required of you is an act of
sincerity and, as such, it is transcribed for your perusal and approbation. If
you do not concur with the contents, say so, and we will act accordingly. If
you consent, read it with an audible voice, and we will attend to you.
(The written obligation is then handed the Candidate, who reads it privately
first.)
Obligation
Upon the possession of my senses, upon the existence of my reason, and

upon the understanding that supports, guides and enlightens me, I promise,
swear and vow, that I will keep inviolate all the Secrets, Signs, and
Mysteries which have been to the present time unveiled, or that shall be
revealed to me in the future. If I am not faithful to this engagement, may my
body be exposed to pains and penalties, the veins of my temples be opened
and may I be exposed upon a pyramid to the heat of the sun, the cold of the
night, and the rigors of the winds; may my blood run slowly, drop by drop,
till the spirit is extinguished that animates the substance; may I augment my
sufferings, if I fail herein; may nourishment be given to me daily,
170
proportionate and sufficient only to preserve and prolong a miserable
existence, as no punishment can sufficiently atone for my perjury.
(If the Candidate refuses to repeat the Vow, the Wardens point their swords
to his back and drive him before them twenty-seven times round the Lodge,
and then thrust him out of doors. This is called "pumping".)
VPM - Brother Moabon, do you agree to assume the Vow ?
Cand. - I do
VPM - Then, you will read it in an audible voice to the Brethren.
(After it is read, the Wardens take it and commit it to the flames.)
VPM - Brother Moabon, your zeal having engaged you to persevere with the
firmness of a good Mason, we shall now proceed to your proclamation as a
Superintendent, a ceremony which from time immemorial has always taken
place in the eastern part of the Temple. Prior to this, it has been deemed a
mark of respect, and upon the present occasion it must not be omitted to
meditate for a few moments on the tragical end of him whom you are called
to succeed. Silence is a sincere sentiment of grief. Let the homage done to
his name be perfect, as every particular respecting his is such.
VPM – CIVI (The Brethren put one knee to the ground; the VPM knocks
thrice; the Brethren place their heads on their hands for a few moments, in a
pensive posture. The VPM then says:)
VPM – CAKI (The Brethren rise to salute each other and unanimously
address the Candidate:)
All - We adopt Moabon as our Brother and we acknowledge him to be our

Grand Master.
VPM - Very honorable Brother, it is with extreme pleasure that I behold

your proclamation to an illustrious Superintendent. Words will not express
the sentiments which my heart dictates. I will, however, confide to you the
mysteries which are reserved for this Degree. Advance and receive them.
(Candidate approaches East.)
171
The Sash will give you authority over Masons of an inferior Order.
(VPM places Sash on Candidate)
To distinguish ourselves as Superintendents, there are three Words, two

Signs and a Grip. The Words are "Urim, Thummin and Zididiac".
The Signs are to present the hands in the form of a Triangle to the
forehead, saying: "the Triangle at the forehead is my point of support".
The other is to put the right hand upon the eyes, inclining the head and
bending the knee.
The Grip is to take the two right hands, as in the Grand Architect's Degree;
but, instead of turning them thrice, mutually give three slight strokes
with the forefinger closed. Put the left hand on the Brother's right
shoulder and say: "Virtue unites two hearts, two heads, two bodies and
everything makes us one".
As Superintendent, you are to preside in the Lodge as soon as you are

capable of instructing the Brethren. I shall resign my present power, and
shall cheerfully submit to your government, as you have conformed to mine.
The mysteries of this Degree to which I require your attention, will be best
explained in the Catechism.
CATECHISM
(The VPM asks the questions and the SW answers them.)
Q - Very Honorable Brother, are you a Superintendent ?
A - I am.
Q - What do you find in that degree ?
A - I know the grand light of the third apartment.
Q - Where were you received ?
172
A - In a high place.
Q - What is your occupation ?
A - To prepare the Altars and to adorn them with precious stones.
Q - Have you any other employ ?
A - To form the Sacred Utensils and to ornament them with sculpture.
Q - What are the Utensils ?
A - The Ark of Alliance, the Altar of Incense, the Table of Shew-bread, the
Golden Candlesticks, the Brazen Altar and the Brazen Sea.
Q - What are the ornaments of the Ark of Alliance ?
A - Two cherubims support and cover it with their wings.
Q - What does it contain ?
A - The Written Law that was given on Mount Sinai.
Q - Give me the Sign of the Law.
A - By placing the hands upon the head, the fingers open, which is
the symbol of the Ten Commandments.
Q - What were the materials used in forming the Ark ?
A - Shittim wood, overlaid with gold.
Q - What were the proportions ?
A - It was two cubits and a half in length, one and a half in breadth, and as
much in height.
Q - How came you to acquire this knowledge ?
A - In return for the designs, which I presented at my initiation.
173
Q - What pledge was exacted from you before this magnificent discovery?
A - A voluntary engagement, which my heart approved and my mouth

pronounced.
Q - What succeeded this obligation?
A - My proclamation.
Q - The use of it ?
A - The unanimous acknowledgement from every one present that I was a

Superintendent.
Q - What is represented by the Triangle?
A - The divine properties of the Grand Architect of the Universe.
Q - Name them.
A - Eternity, Science and Power.
Q - What do the letters within the triangle signify?
A - The Sacred Word, and its situation evinces that the Creator is
the centre and source of Masonry.
Q - What is the signification of the circle round it?
A - That the Supreme Being has no beginning and consequently no end.
Q - Why is the Jewel pendant to a ribbon of purple color?
A - To denote the royal qualities of this distinguished Degree.
Q - In what place was the first Lodge of Superintendents held?
174
A - Between three mountains, inaccessible to the ignorant, and in a valley
where Peace, Virtue and Union reign.
Q - Name the mountains.
A - Moriah, Sinai and Harodim.
Q - Where is the last situated ?
A - In the north of Scotland, whence a cock never crowed, a lion never

roared and a woman never tattled.
Q - What is to be understood by a deep valley ?
A - The tranquility of our Lodge.
Q - What produces it ?
A - The retaining of the original marks of Masonry.
Q - What are the Marks ?
A - Three Words, two Signs and a Grip.
Q - How old are you as an Architect ?
A - Twenty-one.
Q - How old are you as a Grand Architect ?
A - Twenty-seven.
Q - How old are you as a Superintendent ?
A - Eighty-one.
Closing
VPM - Very honorable Superintendents, this is the Ultimatum, the highest

number in the archives of Masonry. It is the boundary beyond which there is
175
no passing. This is the last instant of the last hour of the last year that this
Lodge is to be held.
(The very honorable Brethren [all present] give one knock each until eighty-
one are counted, and the Lodge is closed.)
176
Ceremony of Instituting a Council of the
Officers:
Sovereign Grand Master
Grand Marshal
Grand Chaplain
Equipment Required:
Bible
Square & Compasses
Altar
Gavel
Opening
The informal meeting of the Council is declared open.
Gavel presented to Sovereign (or acting) Grand Master.
(If ceremony is performed by other than the Sovereign Grand Master, the
officiating officer will here read his Commission.)
(The Great Lights are opened and arranged.)
Sovereign Grand Master - In the name and under the auspices of the Grand
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees for the United States of America,
and by the virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare the Grand Council
open in Emergent Communication for the purpose of Instituting
__________________________ Council U.D., in due and ancient form.
(Here may be obligated those members of the Council U.D. who have not
heretofore been initiated.)
177
Grand Marshal - Most Venerable Sovereign Grand Master (or Right
Venerable Acting Grand Master), the Sovereign Master, Wardens and
members of __________________________ Council U.D., Allied Masonic
Degrees, are now assembled and I am instructed to inform you that they are
desirous that their Council be regularly Instituted, the Sovereign Master
installed and the Wardens and other officers
invested, in conformity with the ancient usages and customs of the Grand
Council.
Sovereign Grand Master - Brother Grand Marshal, you will inform them
that the Grand Council is now assembled in Emergent Communication for
that purpose, and present the Sovereign Master west of the altar.
Grand Marshal - Venerable Sovereign Master-elect, the Grand Council is

opened in Emergent Communication. Present your petition.
Sovereign Grand Master - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, this Council is
now assembled for the purpose of being Instituted, and we request you to
proceed with the ceremony in conformity with the usages and customs of the
Grand Council.
Sovereign Grand Master - Your request is granted. We will now proceed

according to ancient usage to institute this a regular Council of the Allied
Masonic Degrees under Dispensation.
Grand Marshal- Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I now present the
Dispensation granted us by the Grand Council, together with the By-Laws of
this Council which have been adopted and duly approved.
Sovereign Grand Master - I have inspected the documents offered and find
that you and your brethren have fully complied with the requirements of the
Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of
America, and by virtue of the authority vested in me I will Institute this
Council as a regular Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees, under
Dispensation. Grand Marshal, assemble the officers and members of this
Council at the altar. (done)
Sovereign Grand Master - (***) In the name of the Most High Sovereign
and of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States
of America, and by the authority with which I am invested, I now form you
178
into a regular Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees under Dispensation. I
empower you to carry on all the work and activities of such a Council, duly
instituted in conformity with the usages, rites, ceremonies and charges of our
honorable Fraternity, in strict accordance with the Constitution and
regulations of the Grand Council, to the end that in due time you may
become a regular chartered Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees. And
may the Supreme Architect of the Universe direct, counsel and prosper you
in all your doings. (*)
Grand Marshal, seat the members and present the Sovereign Master for
installation).
Grand Marshal - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I present Brother

______________, who has been chosen Sovereign Master of
_______________ Council U.D. for installation and investiture.
Sovereign Grand Master - The Acting Grand Chaplain will now offer an
invocation.
Prayer
Grand Chaplain - O, Thou, the Great Architect of the Universe, designer

and creator of all things, without whom we can neither live, move nor have
our being, look down upon us, Thy servants, in this solemn rite in which we
are engaged. Grant, we humbly implore Thee, that whenever in or out of this
meeting place, the true spirit of fraternity may animate us and that this
solemn service in which we as Craftsmen are now engaged, be sanctified by
Thy Divine Approval. Amen.
Response - So mote it be.
Sovereign Grand Master - Brother ________________, you have been

selected by your brethren as Sovereign Master of this Council of the Allied
Masonic Degrees, under Dispensation. Do you solemnly promise and vow
that you will perform all the duties of that office to the best of your skill and
ability, and in conformity to the Constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations
of the Grand Council, so far as they may come to your knowledge ?
Sovereign Master - I do.
179
Sovereign Grand Master - Having full confidence in the sincerity of your
vow, I now declare you duly installed and invested with the power and
authority to direct and control the works of this Council until a successor has
been elected and installed. And I do declare the other officers of this Council
duly invested and empowered to perform the duties of their respective
offices. Brethren, let us again give attention to the Acting Grand Chaplain.
Grand Chaplain - Grant, O Lord, that these brethren who have just been
entrusted with the government of this Council, may be endued with wisdom
to faithfully and well perform the duties devolving upon them. May
Brotherly love and Moderation prevail in all their actions and doings, to the
end that this Council may be an honor to this jurisdiction and a credit to
Freemasonry in general. We commend to Thy care and protection the
members of our Fraternity; may we be filled with the true spirit of
brotherhood and fellowship, that all our works and doings may redound to
Thy honor and Thy glory. Amen.
Address of the Instituting Officer.
Sovereign Grand Master - By virtue of the authority invested in me as

Sovereign (or acting) Grand Master, I hereby declare the works of this
Emergent Communication of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic
Degrees of the United States of America, duly closed.
Benediction.
(If this ceremony is performed at table, the officers and members may rise at
their places and the Sovereign Master represent them at the altar. If non-
members are present, the administering of the obligation shall be performed
before the ceremony in a secluded location. If non-members are present, no
signs will be employed.)
180
Ceremony of Constituting a Council
of the
The Council is opened in form.
(If ceremony is performed by other than the Sovereign Grand

Master, the officiating officer will here read his Commission.)
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, and
by virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare the Grand Council open in
Emergent Communication for the purpose of Constituting
____________________ Council No. ____ in due and ancient form.
Grand Marshal - Most (or Right) Venerable Sovereign Grand Master, the
Sovereign Master, Wardens, Officers and Members of __________
___________ Council No. ____, Allied Masonic Degrees, are now
assembled in their Council Chamber and have instructed me to inform you
that under the Dispensation which the Sovereign Grand Master was pleased
to grant them authorizing them to form and open a Council of the Allied
Masonic Degrees in the City of ______________________, State of
_______________, United States of America, they have regularly assembled
and conducted the business of Masonry according to the best of their
abilities; that their proceedings have received the approbation of the Grand
Council, that they have obtained a Charter and are desirous that their
Council be now Constituted, the Sovereign Master installed and the
Wardensand other Officers invested, in conformity with the ancient usages
and customs of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America.
Sovereign Grand Master - Grand Marshal, their request shall be granted.

You will announce to the Sovereign Master, Officers and Members of
181
___________________ Council No. ____ that the Grand Council is now
assembled for that purpose and present the Sovereign Master West of the
Altar.
Grand Marshal - Venerable Sovereign Master-elect, the Grand Council is

opened in Emergent Communication. Present your petition.
Sovereign Master - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, in accordance with your
command, this Council is assembled for the purpose of being Constituted.
We feel honored, Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, by your presence, and
request you to proceed with the ceremony in conformity with the usages and
customs of the Grand Council. I present to you a copy of the Dispensation,
minute book and by-laws of the Council for your examination.
America. We will now proceed, according to ancient usages, to Constitute
this a regular Council. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Council has granted
to the brethren of this Council a Charter or Warrant of Constitution,
confirming them in the rights
and privileges of a regularly constituted Council. Grand Marshal, assemble
the officers and members of this Council at the altar.
(done)
Sovereign Grand Master - I shall now read the Warrant. (done)
Sovereign Grand Master - The Grand Chaplain will now offer instruction.
Grand Chaplain - (recites or reads Psalm 133) Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious
ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard;
that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as
the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord
commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.
Sovereign Grand Master - (Raps ***) In the name of the Most High
Sovereign and the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America, I now Constitute and form you, my good brethren,
182
into a Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees, under the name of
__________________ Council, and numbered ____ on the records of the
Grand Council. From henceforth I empower you to act as a regular Council,
constituted in conformity with the rites, ceremonies and charges of our
honorable Fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the Universe
prosper, direct and counsel you in all your doings. Grand Marshal, you will
proclaim this Council duly Constituted.
{Grand Marshal} - In the name of and by the authority of the Grand Council
of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, and by the
direction of the Most (or Right) Venerable Sovereign Grand Master, I now
proclaim ____________________ Council No. ____ duly constituted.
Sovereign Grand Master - Grand Marshal, present the officers for

installation and
investiture.
{Grand Marshal} - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I now present to you
Brother ___________________ who the members of this Council have
chosen as their Sovereign Master, and also the officers of this Council who
have been chosen as follows: (reads list of officers).
Sovereign Grand Master - The Grand Chaplain will now offer the
invocation.
Grand Chaplain - Grant, O Lord, that the Craftsmen who are about to be
invested with the government of this Council, may be endowed with wisdom
to instruct their brethren in the duties allotted to them. May brotherly love,
truth and moderation prevail among the members, and may this Council be
an honor to this jurisdiction, and a credit to the Brethren at large. We
commend to Thy care all members of the Fraternity; may we be filled with
knowledge and the true spirit of fellowship, and fitted for that Heavenly
Temple not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Amen.

selected by your brethren as Sovereign Master of this Council of the Allied
Masonic Degrees. Do you solemnly promise and vow that you will perform
all the duties of that office to the best of your skill and ability, and in
183
conformity to the Constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations of the Grand
Council, so far as they may come to your knowledge ?
Sovereign Master - I do.

authority to direct and control the works of this Council until a successor has
been elected and installed. And I do declare the other officers of this Council
offices. Grand Marshal, you will seat the officers. (done)
Sovereign Grand Master - Venerable Sovereign Master, I now present to

your keeping the Charter of this Council. This document is the Grand
Council’s endorsement that your Council is regularly Constituted and that its
work is sanctioned. It is the cornerstone of your Council and the foundation
of your authority to govern. Preserve it honorably and your Council will
prosper in all its doings.
Address of the Constituting Officer.
Sovereign Grand Master - By the power vested in me as Sovereign (or

acting) Grand Master, I hereby declare the works of this Emergent
Communication of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America, duly closed.
Council meeting resumes.
their places and the Sovereign Master represent them at the altar. If non-
members are present, no signs will be employed.)
184
Installation of Officers
for a
Allied Masonic Degree Council
Marshal - (Officers in a line West of the altar)
Marshal - (Most or Right or) Venerable Sir, you see before you the Officers
who have been elected or appointed to conduct the affairs of
___________________ Council No. ____,AMD, for the ensuing year.
Installing Officer - Brethren, I congratulate you on having been elected or

appointed to the positions you now occupy. Brother Marshal, present the
Sovereign Master Elect before the altar.
Marshal - (Most or Right or) Venerable Sir, I present to you Brother

____________________ Who has been elected Sovereign Master of
___________________ Council No. ____ for the ensuing year, to receive at
your hands the benefit of installation to qualify him for his high office. We
know him to be of great skill, true and trustworthy, and held in high esteem
by his brethren and fellows.
Installing Officer - Brother Marshal, has he been invested with the secrets
belonging to the Chair of a Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees?
Marshal - He will be by a Council of Installed Sovereign Masters
(or "he has been" if a Past SM or if he has received ISM degree).
Installing Officer - Brother ________________, it now becomes necessary

for me to propound to you certain questions to which I require unequivocal
replies.
Installing Officer- Do you agree to hold in veneration the Constitution and

Rules of the Order, and cheerfully submit to the edicts and resolutions
of the Grand Council ?
Reply - I do.
185
Installing Officer- Do you agree to promote the good of the Order in
general and of this Council in particular, insofar as it lies in your power and
to the best of your ability ?
Reply - I do.
Installing Officer- Do you admit that no Council of the Order of any degree
can be formed without a Dispensation or a Warrant from the Grand Council?
Reply - I do.
Installing Officer- You will now place your right hand over your heart and
repeat after me:
I, _______________, in the presence of the Great Master of All, do hereby

agree to accept the office of Sovereign Master of ________________
Council No. ____, and do engage myself to a faithful performance of all that
may be required of me, to the best of my skill and ability.
I further promise never to divulge the secrets restricted to the Sovereign

Master's Chair to any one who is not duly qualified to receive them by being
an Installed Sovereign Master or a duly elected Sovereign Master of a
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees.
To all of these I pledge my honor as a man and a Mason.
(Salutes the V.S.L. once).
Installing Officer - By virtue of the authority vested in me I now declare

you duly installed and fully qualified to preside over this Council as
Sovereign Master. Brother Marshal, conduct the Sovereign Master to his
station.
(done)
Installing Officer - Brother Officers of this Council, do you solemnly

promise on your word of honor as men and Masons to perform the duties of
the offices to which you have been elected or appointed, to the best
of your ability ?
186
Reply - I do.
Installing Officer - By virtue of the authority vested in me, I now declare

each of you duly installed. Brother Marshal, conduct the Officers to their
stations and places. (done)
Installing Officer - Brother Marshal, you will make the required

proclamation.
Marshal - (At the altar) In the name of and under the authority of the Grand
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, I
proclaim the officers of _________________Council No. ____, AMD, duly
installed.
Installing Officer - Venerable Brother _________________, I now tender

you the gavel of authority in this Council. Use it wisely and well,
remembering that all authority to govern comes from the consent of
the governed.
(Prayer / Blessing by Chaplain )
(If this ceremony is performed at table, the officers may rise at their places
and the Sovereign Master represent them at the
187
Ceremony of Instituting Lodge
of
Royal Ark Mariners
The meeting of the sponsoring AMD Council is opened in form. The
Council is declared to be working in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. Those
Ark Mariners not members of AMD are invited into the chamber and seated.
(The Great Lights are opened and arranged.)
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees for the United States of America,
and by the virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare the Grand Council
open in Emergent Communication for the purpose of Instituting
__________________________ Lodge U.D., in due and ancient form.
Grand Marshal - Most Venerable Sovereign Grand Master (or Right

Venerable Acting Grand Master), the Worshipful Commander Noah,
Wardens and members of __________________________ Lodge U.D.,
Allied Masonic Degrees, are now assembled and I am instructed to inform
you that they are desirous that their Council be regularly Instituted, the
Commander Noah installed and the Wardens and other officers invested, in
conformity with the ancient usages and customs of the Grand Council.
Sovereign Grand Master - Brother Grand Marshal, you will inform them
that the Grand Council is now assembled in Emergent Communication for
that purpose, and present the Commander Noah west of the altar.
Grand Marshal - Worshipful Commander Noah Elect, the Grand Council

is opened in Emergent Communication. Present your petition.
Commander Noah - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, this Lodge is now
188
assembled for the purpose of being Instituted, and we request you to proceed
with the ceremony in conformity with the usages and customs of the Grand
Council.
Sovereign Grand Master - Your request is granted. We will now proceed

according to ancient usage to institute this a regular Lodge of Royal Ark
Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees under Dispensation.
Commander Noah - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I now present the
Dispensation granted us by the Grand Council, together with the By-Laws of
this Lodge which have been adopted and duly approved.
America, and by virtue of the authority vested in me I will Institute this
Lodge as a regular Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of the Allied Masonic
Degrees, under Dispensation. Grand Marshal, assemble the officers and
members of this Lodge at the altar.
(done)
Sovereign Grand Master - (***) In the name of the Most High Sovereign
and of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States
of America, and by the authority with which I am invested, I now form you
into a regular Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees
under Dispensation. I empower you to carry on all the work and activities of
such a Lodge, duly instituted in conformity with the usages, rites,
ceremonies and charges of our honorable Fraternity, in strict accordance
with the Constitution and regulations of the Grand Council, to the end that in
due time you may become a regular chartered Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
of the Allied Masonic Degrees. And may the Supreme Architect of the
Universe direct, counsel and prosper you in all your doings. (*) Grand
Marshal, seat the members and present the Commander Noah for
installation.
Grand Marshal - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I present Brother

______________, who has been chosen Commander Noah of
______________ Lodge U.D. for installation and investiture.
189
Sovereign Grand Master -- The Acting Grand Chaplain will now offer an
invocation.
Grand Chaplain - O, Thou, the Great Architect of the Universe, designer

and creator of all things, without whom we can neither live, move nor have
our being, look down upon us, Thy servants, in this solemn rite in which we
are engaged. Grant, we humbly implore Thee, that whenever in or out of this
meeting place, the true spirit of fraternity may animate us and that this
solemn service in which we as Craftsmen are now engaged, be sanctified by
Thy Divine Approval. Amen.

selected by your brethren as Commander Noah of this Lodge of Royal Ark
Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees, under Dispensation. Do you
solemnly promise and vow that you will perform all the duties of that office
to the best of your skill and ability, and in conformity to the Constitution,
by-laws, rules and regulations of the Grand Council, so far as they may
come to your knowledge ?
Commander Noah - I do.
Sovereign Grand Master - - Having full confidence in the sincerity of your

authority to direct and control the works of this Lodge until a successor has
been elected and installed. And I do declare the other officers of this Lodge
offices. Brethren, let us
again give attention to the Acting Grand Chaplain.
Grand Chaplain - Grant, O Lord, that these brethren who have just been
entrusted with the government of this Lodge, may be endued with wisdom to
faithfully and well perform the duties devolving upon them. May Brotherly
love and Moderation prevail in all their actions and doings, to the end that
this Lodge may be an honor to this jurisdiction and a credit to Freemasonry
in general. We commend to Thy care and protection the members of our
Fraternity; may we be filled with the true spirit of brotherhood and
fellowship, that all our works and doings may redound to Thy honor and
Thy glory. Amen.
190
Address of the Instituting Officer.
Sovereign Grand Master - By virtue of the authority invested in me as

Sovereign (or acting) Grand Master, I hereby declare the works of this
Emergent Communication of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic
Degrees of the United States of America, duly closed.
Benediction.
Those Ark Mariners not members of AMD are excused. The Council is
declared closed in the Royal Ark Mariner Degree. The meeting of the
sponsoring AMD Council is closed in form.
their places and the Commander Noah represent them at the altar. If non-
191
Ceremony of Constituting a Lodge
of
Royal Ark Mariners
The RAM Lodge is opened in form.
Sovereign Grand Master - - In the name and under the auspices of the
America, and by virtue of the authority vested in me, I declare the Grand
Council open in Emergent Communication for the purpose of Constituting
____________________ Lodge No. ____ in due and ancient form.
Grand Marshal - Most (or Right) Venerable Sovereign Grand Master, the
Commander Noah, Wardens, Officers and Members of _________________
Lodge No. ____, Allied Masonic Degrees, are now assembled in their Lodge
Chamber and have instructed me to inform you that under the Dispensation
which the Sovereign Grand Master was pleased to grant them authorizing
them to form and open a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of the Allied
Masonic Degrees in the City of ______________________, State of
_______________, United States of America, they have regularly assembled
and conducted the business of Masonry according to the best of their
abilities; that their proceedings have received the approbation of the Grand
Council, that they have obtained a Charter and are desirous that their Lodge
be now Constituted, the Commander Noah installed and the Wardens and
other Officers invested, in conformity with the ancient usages and customs
of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of
America.
Sovereign Grand Master - Grand Marshal, their request shall be granted.

You will announce to the Commander Noah, Officers and Members of
__________________ Lodge No. ____ that the Grand Council is now
assembled for that purpose and present the Commander Noah West of the
Altar.
192
Grand Marshal - Worshipful Commander Noah-elect, the Grand Council
is opened in Emergent Communication. Present your petition.
Commander Noah - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, in accordance with

your command, this Lodge is assembled for the purpose of being
Constituted. We feel honored, Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, by your
presence, and request you to proceed with the ceremony in conformity with
the usages and customs of the Grand Council. I present to you a copy of the
Dispensation, minute book and by-laws of the Lodge for your examination.
America. We will now proceed, according to ancient usages, to Constitute
this a regular Lodge. Upon due deliberation, the Grand Council has granted
to the brethren of this Lodge a Charter or Warrant of Constitution,
confirming them in the rights and privileges of a regularly constituted
Lodge. Grand Marshal, assemble the officers and members of this Lodge at
the altar.
(done)
Sovereign Grand Master - I shall now read the Warrant. (done)
Sovereign Grand Master - The Grand Chaplain will now offer instruction.
Grand Chaplain - (recites or reads Psalm 133) Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious
ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard;
that went down to the skirts of his garments. As the dew of Hermon, and as
the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord
commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.
Sovereign Grand Master - (Raps ***) In the name of the Most High
Sovereign and the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America, I now Constitute and form you, my good brethren,
into a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees, under
the name of __________________ Lodge, and numbered ____ on the
193
records of the Grand Council. From henceforth I empower you to act as a
regular Lodge, constituted in conformity with the rites, ceremonies and
charges of our honorable Fraternity; and may the Supreme Architect of the
Universe prosper, direct and counsel you in all your doings. Grand Marshal,
you will proclaim this Lodge duly Constituted.
Grand Marshal - In the name of and by the authority of the Grand Council
of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, and by the
direction of the Most (or Right) Venerable Sovereign Grand Master, I now
proclaim ____________________ Lodge No. ____ duly constituted.
Sovereign Grand Master - Grand Marshal, present the officers for

installation and investiture.
Grand Marshal - Most (or Right) Venerable Sir, I now present to you
Brother ___________________ who the members of this Lodge have
chosen as their Commander Noah, and also the officers of this Lodge who
have been chosen as follows: (reads list of officers).
Sovereign Grand Master- The Grand Chaplain will now offer the
invocation.
Grand Chaplain - Grant, O Lord, that the Craftsmen who are about to be
invested with the government of this Lodge, may be endowed with wisdom
to instruct their brethren in the duties allotted to them. May brotherly love,
truth and moderation prevail among the members, and may this Lodge be an
honor to this jurisdiction, and a credit to the Brethren at large. We commend
to Thy care all members of the Fraternity; may we be filled with knowledge
and the true spirit of fellowship, and fitted for that Heavenly Temple not
made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. Amen.
Sovereign Grand Master- Brother ________________, you have been

selected by your brethren as Commander Noah of this Lodge of Royal Ark
Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees. Do you solemnly promise and vow
that you will perform all the duties of that office to the best of your skill and
ability, and in conformity to the Constitution, by-laws, rules and regulations
of the Grand Council, so far as they may come to your knowledge?
194
Commander Noah - I do.

authority to direct and control the works of this Lodge until a successor has
been elected and installed. And I do declare the other officers of this Lodge
offices. Grand Marshal, you will seat the officers. (done)
Sovereign Grand Master - Worshipful Commander Noah, I now present to

your keeping the Charter of this Lodge. This document is the Grand
Council's endorsement that your Lodge is regularly Constituted and that its
work is sanctioned. It is the cornerstone of your Lodge and the foundation of
your authority to govern. Preserve it honorably and your Lodge will prosper
in all its doings.
Address of the Constituting Officer.
Sovereign Grand Master - - By the power vested in me as Sovereign (or

acting) Grand Master, I hereby declare the works of this Emergent
Communication of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States of America, duly closed.
RAM Lodge meeting resumes.
their places and the Commander Noah represent them at the altar. If non-
195
Installation of Officers
for a
Royal Ark Mariner Lodge
Marshal - (Officers in a line West of the altar)
Marshal- (Most or Right or) Venerable Sir, you see before you the Officers
who have been elected or appointed to conduct the affairs of
__________________ Lodge No. ____ Royal Ark Mariners for the ensuing
year.
Installing Officer - Brethren, I congratulate you on having been elected or

appointed to the positions you now occupy. Brother Marshal, present the
Commander Noah Elect before the altar.
Marshal- (Most or Right or) Venerable Sir, I present to you ____________,

a worthy Ark Mason duly elected by the brethren, to be installed as
Worshipful Commander Noah of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. We know
him to be of good morals, great skill, true and trustworthy.
Installing Officer - Brother Ark Masons, as it is your wish that Brother

________________ should be installed Commander of this Lodge, I will at
once proceed with the ceremony.
Installing Officer - Brother Marshal, has he been invested with the secrets
belonging to the Chair of a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners ?
Marshal - He will be by a Lodge of Installed Commander Noahs (or "he has

been" if a Past CN or if he has received ICN degree).
Installing Officer - Brother ________________, you will please attend to

the Scribe, who will read the Ancient Charges and Regulations, to which
you must assent.
Scribe - Do you agree to hold in veneration the Rulers of Ark Masonry, and
their regular successors, and submit to the awards and resolutions of the
America in every respect consistent with the Regulations of the Order ?
196
Installing Officer - Do you assent ? Reply - I do.
Scribe - Do you promise to respect true and genuine Royal Ark Masonry,
and to discountenance imposters ?
Installing Officer - Do you assent ? Reply - I do
Scribe - Do you agree to promote the general good of the Order, and to
prorogate the knowledge of Ark Masonry, as far as your influence and
ability extend ?
Scribe - Do you promise to pay homage to, and strictly conform to the edicts
of, the Sovereign Grand Master and his Officers ?
Scribe - Do you admit that no new Royal Ark Mariner Lodge can be
properly formed without the permission of the Sovereign Grand Master, and
that no countenance shall be given to any irregular Ark Lodge, or to any
person elevated therein ?
Scribe - Do you submit to, and promise to uphold these regulations, as your
predecessors have done in all ages ?
Installing Officer - You will now place your right hand over your heart and
repeat after me:
I, _______________, in the presence of the Great Master of All, do hereby

agree to accept the office of Commander Noah of ______________ Lodge
No. ____, and do engage myself to a faithful performance of all that may be
required of me, to the best of my skill and ability.
197
I further promise never to divulge the secrets restricted to the Commander
Noah's Chair to any one who is not duly qualified to receive them by being
an Installed Commander Noah or a duly elected Commander Noah of a
Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners of the Allied Masonic Degrees. To all of these
I pledge my honor as a man and a Mason.
(Salutes the V.S.L. once).
Installing Officer - By virtue of the authority vested in me I now declare

you duly installed and fully qualified to preside over this Lodge as
Worshipful Commander Noah. Brethren, I now proclaim Brother
_________________, Worshipful Commander Noah of ________________
Lodge No. ____ on the roll of the Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of
Royal Ark Mariners under the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees
of the United States of America. Brother Marshal, conduct the Sovereign
Master to his station.
(done)
Installing Officer - Worshipful Commander, I hand to you the Volume of

the Sacred Law, which contains the rules by which all Ark Masons should
regulate their actions. I give you the Constitutions of the Grand Council of
the Allied Masonic Degrees, the Regulations of Ark Masonry and also the
By-Laws of the Lodge, by which you will govern those under your rule.
And, lastly, I present you with the Charter or Warrant of this Lodge, it being
the authority under which its meetings are held.
Installing Officer- I therefore invest you with the jewel of your Office,
which is a Scottish Past Commander Noah Jewel. A gold jewel, it is
comprised of a Laurel of Thistles surrounding a Triangle, with the letter "N"
within its center. The “N” is made up of two pillars with a rainbow linking
them. I will now install the remaining officers of this Lodge.
Installing Officer - Brother Officers of this Lodge, do you solemnly

promise on your word of honor as men and Masons to perform the duties of
the offices to which you have been elected or appointed, to the best of your
ability?
Reply - I do.
198
Brother Marshal, you will present the Officers, commencing with the Senior
Warden.
Marshal - Installing Officer, it is my pleasure to present Brother

________________, who has been elected Senior Warden for the ensuing
term.
Installing Officer - Brother _______________, you have been elected to

serve as Senior Warden, or Japhet, of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. It is
important that you should have a thorough knowledge of the duties of your
office and also that of your superior, in order to assist the Worshipful
Commander Noah in the proper administration of this Lodge. I therefore
invest you with the jewel of your Office, [which is a Triangle, with the letter
"J" within its center]. Your
place is in the North-West. Brother Marshal, conduct the Senior Warden to
his station.

________________, who has been elected Junior Warden for the ensuing
term.
Installing Officer - Brother _______________, you have been elected to

serve as Junior Warden, or Shem, of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. The
Office confided to you, though subordinate, is equally important in its duties
with any in the Lodge: I trust you will execute them with that promptness
and propriety of demeanor which will give them their proper effect. I
therefore invest you with the jewel of your Office, [which is a Triangle, with
the letter "S" within its center]. Your place is in the South-West. Brother
Marshal, conduct the Junior Warden to his station.

_________________, who has been elected Treasurer for the ensuing term.
Installing Officer - Brother _______________, you have been elected

Treasurer. The qualities which recommend a Treasurer are accuracy and
fidelity. It is your duty to receive and disburse all moneys of this Lodge,
according to ancient custom, with the approval of the members. I am certain
that you will do so faithfully. I therefore have much pleasure in investing
you with the jewel of your office, [which is a Triangle, with a key within its
center]. Brother Marshal, conduct the Treasurer to his station.
199
________________, who has been elected Scribe for the ensuing term.
Installing Officer - Brother _______________, you have been elected

Scribe of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. The qualities which recommend a
Scribe are promptness in issuing the notifications of the Worshipful
Commander Noah, punctuality in attending meetings of the Lodge,
discrimination in judging what is proper to be reduced to writing, fidelity
and integrity; and I have no doubt that you will discharge your duties in a
manner which will be honorable to yourself and satisfactory to the Lodge. I
therefore have much
pleasure in investing you with the jewel of your office, [which is a Triangle,
with two crossed pens within its center]. Brother Marshal, conduct the
Scribe to his station.

__________________, who has been appointed Assistant Scribe for the
ensuing term.
Installing Officer - Brother ___________________, you are appointed

Assistant Scribe of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. Your duty is to assist the
Scribe in the performance of his duties, and your place is beside him on his
left hand. I therefore invest you accordingly. Brother Marshal, conduct the
Assistant Scribe to his station.]

_________________, who has been appointed Conductor for the ensuing
term.
Installing Officer - Brother _________________, you have been appointed

Conductor of this Lodge. You will be careful that the utmost order and
decorum is observed on all occasions, and I have no doubt that you will give
to your duties that study and attention which their importance demands. I
therefore invest you with the jewel of your office, [which is a Triangle, with
two crossed wands within its center]. Brother Marshal, conduct the
Conductor to his station.
200
{Marshal} - Installing Officer, it is my pleasure to present Brother
_________________, who has been appointed Inner Guard for the ensuing
term.
Installing Officer - Brother _________________, you have been appointed

Inner Guard of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. Your duty is to guard the
Lodge door and see that none enter without the proper Passwords and Signs,
unless well vouched for. Your regular and early attendance will afford the
best proof of your attachment to the Order. I therefore invest you with the
jewel of your office, [which is a Triangle, with two crossed axes within its
center].
Brother Marshal, conduct the Inner Guard to his station.

__________________,and Brother ____________________, who have been
appointed Stewards for the ensuing term.
Installing Officer - Brethren, you have been appointed as Stewards of this

Royal Ark Mariner Lodge. The duties of your office are, to see that the
tables are properly furnished at refreshment, and that every Brother is
suitably provided for; and generally to assist the other Officers in the
discharge of their respective duties. I therefore invest you with your jewels
of Office, [which are a Triangle, with a cornucopia within its center].
Installing Officer -Brother Marshal, conduct the Stewards to their stations.

_________________, who has been appointed Outer Guard for the ensuing
term.
Installing Officer - Brother __________________, You have been

appointed Outer Guard of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, to ward off the
approach of eavesdroppers or improper persons and to see that all Brethren
are duly qualified and properly clothed. As the first application of visitors is
generally made to the Outer Guard, your station will often present you to the
observation of strangers; it is therefore essentially necessary that he who
holds the Office with which you are entrusted should be of good morals,
steady habits, strict discipline, temperate, affable, and discreet. I trust that
you will perform with fidelity the trust reposed in you, with a just regard for
the honor and reputation of our Ancient Order. I therefore invest you with
201
the jewel of your Office, [which is a Triangle, with crossed swords within its
center]. Brother Marshal, conduct the Outer Guard to his station.
Installing Officer - Brother Marshal, you will make the required

proclamation.
Marshal - (At the altar) In the name of and under the authority of the Grand
Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America, I
proclaim the officers of _________________Lodge No. ____ of Royal Ark
Mariners, moored to Council No. ____, AMD, duly installed.
Installing Officer - Worshipful Commander Noah, I now tender you the

emblem (gavel) of authority in this Council. Use it wisely and well,
remembering that all authority to govern comes from the consent of the
governed.
(If desired and properly tiled, the following lecture may be given):
Now God commanded Noah to make an Ark of gopher wood, instructing

him how to fashion it, denoting the length, breadth, and height thereof, with
first, second and third story’s, door and window. Noah took 100 years to
complete it; he was 500 years old when he commenced it, and consequently
was 600 when it was finished. He entered into it with his wife, three sons,
their wives, and two and two of all flesh wherein was the breadth of life. His
father Lamech, having died a short time before at the age of 777, there were
no ancient patriarchs at the time of the flood, with the exception of
Methuselah, who attained the age of 969; and as no mention is made in the
Holy Writ of his death, he is supposed to have perished in the great Deluge,
which destroyed most of the monuments of antiquity. Enoch, son of Jared,
sixth son in descent from Adam, who had been instructed in the History of
Man since the creation, also in the liberal Arts and Sciences, with which we
may be certain the first inhabitants of this world were well acquainted,
perceiving that this knowledge was likely to be lost in the general
destruction, and being desirous of preserving the principles of the sciences
for the posterity of those whom God should be pleased to spare, made two
pillars, one of brass and the other of marble, with hieroglyphics on each. The
brass pillar, having been placed securely in a cavern, was not discovered till
a very long period afterwards, as we learn from tradition, when the
hieroglyphics upon it, signifying that it was the depository of the liberal
Arts, and of the history of the world to this period, were written for the first
202
time and handed down. Thus was this pillar allowed to withstand the fury of
the overwhelming waters, and its contents providentially preserved for the
benefit of future generations.
Your attention is directed to the story of Noah and the Ark as depicted in the
Holy Writ in Genesis Chapters 6 to 10 for your complete instruction.
203
Memorial Service
(This service is optional. Responses may be given by designated brethren or
read responsively by the group.)
Sovereign Master - Brethren of the Allied Masonic Degrees, we are

saddened by the passing of one of our number, Brother
____________________.
The sun of his life has set in the West.
Response - His spirit has returned unto God who gave it !
Sovereign Master - The veil of his earthly tabernacle has been rent in twain.
Response - He is now received into that Holy Tabernacle, eternal

in the heavens !
Sovereign Master - The working tools of life have fallen from his nerveless
grasp.
Response - He now stands before the Great White Throne of his Creator !
Sovereign Master - We have placed the lambskin upon his lifeless remains
and have laid them beneath the silent clods of the valley.
Response - May the Lord find the record of his life and actions to be as pure
and spotless as that fair emblem !
(The Sovereign Master will now have the departed Brother's record read)
Senior Warden - (Reads Psalm 90:1-6,12 and Ecclesiastes 12:7) Lord, thou
hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were
brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, from
everlasting to everlasting thou art God. Thou turnest man back to the dust
and sayest, "Turn back, O children of men !" For a thousand years in thy
sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. Thou
dost sweep men away; they are like a dream, like grass which is renewed in
the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it
204
fades and withers. So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart
of wisdom. And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns
to God who gave it.
Sovereign Master - We are admonished that memorial services are useless

forms unless they serve to remind us of our own mortality. As sons of man,
we too must shed this shell of mortal clay and it must return to the dust from
whence it came; but as sons of God we have an immortal soul which, being
released from its prison of flesh and bone, may rise upward and inward
where in awe it may approach the Great White Throne of its Creator. We are
not immune to suffering and death, but as children of the living God we are
taught not to
fear death but to recognize it as that Ark which carries us from this earthly
life to that spiritual life, eternal in the heavens. Though we may fall like a
leaf blown from the tree by the winds of misfortune or age, we do not die !
(***) Let us give reverent attention to our Chaplain.
Chaplain - Our Father and our God, we thank you for the life of this Brother
who has shared with us the labors and fellowship of membership in the
Allied Masonic Degrees. May he receive the ineffable joys, which are to be
found before Thy throne. Grant, we beseech Thee, unto those who are
saddened sorely by the loss of this loved one a sense of comfort and
consolation which will lighten the burden of their grief. May they find in
Thee a source of strength and guidance, which will enable them to overcome
their personal despair and adjust to the changes, which must inevitably
follow such a loss. We further beseech Thee, great Comforter and loving
God, that each of us may be filled with such a sense of compassion and
caring that those who remain may never suffer the pangs of loneliness or the
want of human necessities. Help us not to withhold from each other the
fruits of love which you have given each of us. Bless us and consecrate us to
Thy service. Amen.
205
Ritual No.1
Regalia Annex Addition
June 2001
1. Superintendent
2. Architect
3. Grand Architect
4. Grand Tiler of Solomon
5. Master of Tyre
6. St. Lawrence the Martyr
7. Knight of Constantinople
8. Order Secret Monitor 10 (Secret Monitor)
9. Order Secret Monitor 20 (Prince)
10. Excellent Master
11. Royal Ark Mariner (Member)
12. Member Regalia:
- Members Apron
- Member Neck Jewel
- Breast Jewels of Orders / Degrees
13. Order Secret Monitor (American Edition)
14. Sash: Ye Ancient Order of Corks
15. Sash Enlargement Ye Ancient Order of Corks
- Explanation: “GIOLC” (Grand Imperial Order Loyal Corks)
16. Breast Jewel Superintendent
17. Breast Jewel Architect
18. Breast Jewel Grand Architect
19. Breast Jewel Master of Tyre (Variation)
206
207
208
209
210
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Grand Council

Allied Masonic Degrees

SM - * Officers, take your stations. Brethren, be seated.

SM - Brother Senior Warden, are all present brethren of the Allied

SW - Sovereign Master, all present are brethren of the Allied Masonic

SM - I now declare ____________________ Council No. ____, Allied

SM - Brother Junior Deacon, inform the Tyler.

SM - Brother Senior Deacon, attend at the altar. (done)

JD - Sovereign Master, the duty is performed.

SM - Brethren, is there anything further to come before this Council?

SM - Brother Secretary, read the minutes. (Read and approved)

Chaplin - (gives a benediction)

SM - Brethren, I now declare this Council duly closed. Brother Junior

JD - Sovereign Master, the duty is performed.

(If it is necessary to go from "labor to refreshment" for any reason, the

SD - Sovereign Master, I have the pleasure of presenting Brother

SM - My brother, it is necessary that you assume a solemn obligation before

All this I solemnly swear on my honor as a Freemason. So help me God and

SM - Brother Senior Deacon, you will seat our new member. *

TO THE M.V.SOVEREIGN GRAND MASTER

Proposed by the Master- Brethren, I propose a toast to the Most Venerable

Proposed as a response, by the ranking officer or PSM- Brethren, as a

TO THE BRETHREN ABSENT

Proposed by the Senior Warden- Brethren, I propose a toast to the Brethren

TO THE BRETHREN ABSENT FOREVER

Proposed as a response, by the Secretary- Brethren, as a response to the toast

Proposed by the Junior Deacon, at command of Master, after the sign is

For further background information, consult the Collectanea of the Grand

Royal Ark Mariner

N - (*) Sons! Be upright. It is my will and pleasure that a Royal

J - Thy will, father, be ours; so shall it be.

S - To see the Lodge secured.

N - Direct that to be done.

S - Brother Inner Guard, you will see the Lodge secured.

(Inner Guard having ascertained that the Outer Guard is at his

IG - The Lodge is secured.

IG - By the one response.

N - Son Japhet, what is our next care ?

J - To see that none but Royal Ark Mariners are present.

N - Are you satisfied of that ?

N - Wherein, then, do Royal Ark Mariners hold a Lodge ?

J - On the highest hills or in the lowest valleys.

N - What is the form of the Lodge ?

J - As an emblem of Deity, for God commanded the building of the

N - How long is your cabletow ?

J - Length unknown, for it includes the distance the Ark floated

N - Do you use the square and compasses ?

J - Yes, with the triangle. They are laid on a passage of

J - Because in that Scripture the Lord God makes another and

S - From the mountains of Armenia.

N - Whither did they direct their course ?

N - Then to order as Royal Ark Mariners.

(The Conductor opens the Volume of Sacred Law at Isaiah 54:9-10 on

N - Glory be to God on high, and peace on earth to men of goodwill. I

N - Son ! According as the Lord hath in the Ark, By mercy and by

IG - (opens door) Who comes there ?

CO - A Master Mason tried and proved.

IG - What is his name ?

SM - I now declare ________________ Council No. , Allied