[paragraph continues] Lodges, until future generations should find out the right one. 115:1 Their real names (if there be any thing real in the whole transaction, which is more than doubtful), as preserved in a subsidiary degree. A. J. W. (makes the same sign as the Senior Warden.) 18.) Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. "A few years afterward, on his return to his brethren in Vermont, he stated to them, as I have been credibly informed and believe, that he found in the Western and Southwestern States different systems of lecturing prevailing, and that, upon presenting Gleason's Lectures to them, they were objected to by the different Grand Masters, who would not sanction his lecturing in their respective jurisdictions, unless he would adopt the lectures then in use among them; that, desiring to pursue his occupation there, he learned the different systems of lecturing existing among them, and made use of his newly acquired knowledge under the sanction of the respective Grand Masters." The MASTER MASON represents a man under the doctrine of love, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation. You have a pass from King Solomon, I presume? One of the brothers now takes off the jewel from the candidate's neck, and all repair to the Master's seat in the east, and report: Answer--A westerly course, where our weary brother sat down to rest and refresh himself. In the Adonhiramite Masonry, which was used there about 1787, the doors are not mentioned at all.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 307. 11), "And Hiram finished the work that he was to make for King Solomon for the house of God,"--Historical Landmarks, vol. But is this. How many were there employed in the building of King Solomon's Temple? The Worshipful Master here gives the candidate a blow on his head with a buckskin bag, or setting-maul;1 at the same. A late 18th century Freemasonry mnemonic aid. Let us pray.". Some portions of the lectures are conducted in the form of questions and answers, as part of the proficiencies, or memory work. Aprons, Grand Lodge of British Columbia Petition and
J. D.--At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the east. Our three ancient Grand Masters formed a resolution to reward all worthy Master Masons who should prove themselves worthy, by fidelity, industry, and skill, by communicating the omnific 5 word to them. below--above-- Fill our hearts with truth and love; When dissolves our earthly tie, Take us to thy Lodge on High. What are the working tools of a Master Mason? On receiving this order, the Junior Warden takes from his desk a small wooden column, about eighteen inches in length, and sets it in an upright position at his right hand, and at the same time he gives three raps () with the gavel, and says: J. W.--Brethren, you are accordingly at refreshment. "This is an . with the right-hand corner tucked up, and he wears a yoke with a Senior Warden's jewel attached to it. These degrees are given based on merit and ability, although Master Masons cannot progress through these degrees without time and examination. (See page 247.). Second Ruffian, Jubelo, generally the S. W. in the west. The last of the Lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree, makes a candidate a full member of the Fraternity, enjoying both the rights and responsibilities of membership. 1. . Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Mason to spread the cement which unites a building into one common mass; but we as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work, or best agree. Answer--Most Worshipful King Solomon, we are but Fellow Crafts; we therefore know nothing about the Master's word or the Master's Degree. 155.). Masonic symbolism is that which is used to illustrate the principles which Freemasonry espouses. Q. He is murdered inside this Temple by three ruffians, after they failed to obtain from him the Master Masons' secrets. The Senior Warden approaches the candidate and ties the apron upon him, with the flap and corners turned down, and says: The conductor now conducts the candidate back to the Worshipful Master in the east. tokened the place of his interment, so may virtue's ever-blooming loveliness designate us as free and accepted Masons. Some substitute for the latter, but with less propriety, the crown of thorns. It is King Solomon's orders that the several rolls be called, and report made as soon as possible. These answers are monitorial. Where is our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff? --Brother this is an unusual way of asking for them. If this was of my own free will and accord, if I was duly and truly prepared, worthy and well qualified; if I has made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees; all of which being answered in the affirmative. With the flap and corners turned down, which is to distinguish him as a Master Mason, or an overseer of the work. The body was then carried to the Temple for a more decent burial, and was interred in due form. A. First Ruffian--If such are the regulations, we shall not get a pass at any port, and what will become of us? Some Lodges have a small box with a house-plant or dry twig in it, which is set down on the floor near the candidate's head. J. D.--To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass, except such as are duly qualified and have the Worshipful Master's permission. The spade, which dug the grave of our Grand Master, may soon dig ours; the setting-maul, which terminated his earthly existence, may be among the casualties which will, sooner or later, terminate ours; the coffin, which received his remains, may soon receive ours; the grave, that abode for the dead, may soon be our grave; the acacia (that evergreen which once marked the temporary resting-place of the illustrious dead), that bloomed and flourished at the head of our Grand Master's grave, and was the cause of its timely discovery, is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul, which never! 19 watching. Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets; or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden bowl be broken at the fountain, or the wheel at the cistern. Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons State of Texas [1922] This is the 'Monitor' of the Texas Masons. A. The Senior Warden approaches the candidate, faces him toward the east (i.e. J. W.--Brethren, you are now called from refreshment to labor again. W. M.-- Why in the west, and your duty there, Brother Senior? The main thing we do in normal Lodge meetings is perform our rituals or ceremonies. The first paragraph of the Obligation is similar in all three degrees and this portion of the Master Mason Obligation was fairly easy for . ), A. At high twelve. A. I was ordered to be returned to the place from whence I came, and reinvested of what I had been divested of, and wait the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure. Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you. The avenues to the Lodge are carefully inspected by the meridian officer, whose knowledge and fidelity have entitled him to the confidence of the brethren, and, after he had publicly proclaimed the security of the Lodge, the business of closing proceeds. On both points of the compasses, extending from my naked left to my right breast, which was to teach me that, as the most vital parts of man are contained within the breast, so the most excellent tenets of our institution are contained between the points of the compasses, which are, friendship, morality, and brotherly love. The three (blows) were given with the three (tools, i.e., gauge, square, and gavel). Ritual Master Mason Degree - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Junior Warden, one. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). and have not obtained that which we have sought: this is no time for vain reflection--the question is, what shall we do with the body? Amid its concerns and temptations, forget not the duties you have heard so frequently inculcated and so forcibly recommended in this Lodge. --To see that the Lodge is duly tyled. And at the same time he steps to the Master's desk, and re-ports as follows: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one of those who pursued a westerly course, coming down near the port of Joppa, met a seafaring man, of whom I inquired if he had seen any strangers pass that way; he informed me that he had--three--who from their appearance were workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage to Ethiopia, but not having King Solomon's pass, were not able to obtain one, and returned back into the country. You are now bound by duty, honor, and gratitude, to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order. Accordingly our traditions furnish in stances, both among the Apprentices and Craftsmen, of treachery--violation of sacred pledges--and the commission of actual crime. ), A. --I have none, Worshipful. no pass. Answer--We have murdered our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Jubelo!! 112.) 18.) A. On entering the second time, you were received on the angle of the square, which was also explained to you. (Shakes candidate. On being brought to light, what did you discover more than you had heretofore discovered? The Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world. S. D--In search of further light in Masonry. shall be to a worthy Brother Master Mason, or. Some Lodges sing the following, to the air of "Bonny Doon"; BRETHREN:--You are now about to quit this sacred retreat of friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Suspicious characters! J. W.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degrees? The brethren assembled around the grave of (Hiram Abiff) is a representation of the disciples lamenting the death of Christ. Ritual and Monitor, by Malcolm C. Duncan [1866] in
Foot to foot--that you will never hesitate to go on foot, and out of your way, to assist and serve a worthy brother. pdf, Grand Lodge of Nevada Fellowcraft Ritual in
It is very true, we have been associated with these three ruffians, but we have not committed any actual crime". 7, p. 18--some Masters make this sign twice), accompanied by the following exclamation, viz. When the candidate is prepared, the Deacon takes him by the left arm, leads him up to the door of the Lodge, and gives three loud, distinct knocks. Just the catechisms to move up to a higher degree, or memorizing parts to confer the degrees on others? 67.). The Entered Apprentice Obligation was about 350 words and the Fellow Craft Obligation was only about 250. We have several, and they are divided into two classes. (See Fig. As Masons, we understand the moral lessons derived from the square. Here are seven things you may not know about Freemasons. The York Masons name the seaside; the Americans say, Mount Moriah; the French, Monet Lebanon. Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994]
They repaired to the grave, when King Solomon ordered one of the Fellow Crafts to take the body by the Entered Apprentice grip, and see if it could be raised; but, on account of its high state of decomposition, it could not be raised--the flesh cleaved from the bone. 1971 Masons Authorized Or KJV Holy Bible Red Letter Master Reference Edition . 2. As soon as a lodge accepts you, you are an apprentice. Why are they not at work as usual? It is, in fact, not a word, but merely a jumble of letters, forming a sound without meaning." At the same time the Senior Warden steps to his stand, and turns up the column on his desk at his right. (See Note P, page 272. His business is to teach the subordinate Lodges the Ritual of Freemasonry, and he is paid generally by salary, or so much from each Lodge before whom he may lecture. "Lord of all! 1 "What means this acacia coming up so easily? There are three of them, and only three of us. 107:1 Professor Stuart, of Andover, one of the most skilful linguists and earned men in the United States, has endeavored to show that the legend of the Third Degree is an imposture, "since the names of the criminals are formed from the Latin language, and not from the Hebrew, to which they have no affinity whatever." ), Conductor--Cain. were GRAVELOT, QUIBO, and AKIROP. 5, 6, pp. The following is the representation of the Master giving candidate the grand Masonic word, or at least this is a substitute, for, ac-cording to Masonic tradition, the right one was lost at the death of Hiram Abiff. the portrayal of the removal of everything that keeps us from rising to that state where. They present the jewel to the Master, who, on examination of it, says: "This is the jewel of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff; there can be no longer any doubt as to the identity of the body.". And Dalcho observes that the interpolated word is not to be found in any language that ever was used. A. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, do you know any further business before this Lodge of Master Masons before we proceed to close? A. blessed be God, we pause not our feet at the first or second step; but, true to our principles, look forward for greater light. It is my orders that strict search be made for him through the apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made. But few Masons take sufficient interest in Masonry to be advanced further, and consequently do not get the password which was lost by the tragical death of Hiram Abiff. --Nothing, Worshipful. (They now pass to the pass grip of a Master Mason. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. Captain--What! K. S.--I fear that some accident has befallen him. A. The pass-grip is given by pressing the thumb between the joints of the second and third fingers where they join the hand; the word or name is Tubal Cain. W. M.--Is it of his own free-will and accord? The three Fellow Crafts who persisted in their murderous designs, knowing this to be his usual practice, placed themselves at the south, west, and east gates of the inner courts of the Temple, and there awaited his return. Freemasonry is not a religion per se, but agnostics or atheists cannot belong, said Brent Morris, a Masonic historian, editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, and a 33rd degree Freemason. 127-130. The "work" known among Masons as the "Webb Work,". This canvas is usually held behind the candidate, in an inclined position, by some of the brethren, and is for the purpose of catching him when he is tripped up by the assumed ruffian, Jubelum. They then pass on to this officer's station, where the same questions and answers are repeated as at the Junior Warden's station, and he (the Senior Warden) suffers them to pass on to the Worshipful Master's station in the east. G. Ruffian--Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! J. W. (offering his hand to candidate.) Degree, Holy Royal
The three, as they were passing a westerly course, coming down near the port of Joppa, met a seafaring man, of whom they inquired if he had seen any strangers pass that way. W. M.--Has any brother present any thing to offer for the benefit of Masonry? (The author would here remark, with regard to the matter of closing the Lodge, and asking the Wardens if they know any thing further before the Lodge, previous to closing, that it is a ruse to deceive the candidate, as the Master has no intention of closing until the ceremony of initiation has been concluded.). The Third Degree: Master Mason. The Master now gives and explains to the candidate the several signs and tokens of this Degree, commencing with the first (see Figs. Ruffian--What horrid deed is this we have done? 305-6. W. M.--Have you any thing on your desk, Brother Secretary? They would fail to become proficient in the required memory work. Not since high twelve yesterday, &c., &c. J. G. W.--Most Worshipful King Solomon, diligent search has been made. Five; two Masters and three Fellow Crafts. A. sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. Then he would retire at the south gate of the outer courts of the Temple; and, in conformity with the custom of our Grand Master, whose memory we all so reverently adore, we will now retire at the south gate of the Temple. Not!to!be!consulted!in!any!Lodge!or! One can become a 32nd Degree Mason in a relatively short period of time depending on one's obedience. After the candidate has said Amen, and the Lodge-room has been darkened by turning down the gaslights or lamps, the conductor takes the candidate by the right arm, assists him to arise, and they proceed to travel three times around the room, travelling with the sun. 1. Thus, when dissolution draws nigh, and the cold winds of death come sighing around us, and his chilly dews already glisten on our foreheads, with joy shall we obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven, and go from our labors on earth to everlasting refreshments in the Paradise of God. "Mortals, now indulge a tear, For Mortality is here: See how wide her trophies wave Oer the slumbers of the grave! I was directed to wait with patience until the Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. The next ceremony was to p. 114 tear the breast open and pluck out the heart, and if there were the least imperfection, the body would be considered unclean. This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother, the great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa, and, Is an emblem of human life. MASTER MASON, OR THIRD DEGREE. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. Thus, in the thirty-second, or Degree of Prince of the Royal Secret, according to the Continental nomenclature, the following analogies are p. 147 explained: "The symbolical mystery of the death of (Hiram Abiff) represents that of the Messiah; for the three (blows) which were given to him at the three gates of (the Temple) allude to the three points of condemnation against Christ at three separate places, viz.