Masonic ritual is the scripted words and actions that are spoken or performed during the degree work in a Masonic lodge. A. In addition, the triangle is an ancient symbol, and its many forms have various meanings. (See Fig. The unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. or Best Offer. Upon which we rushed in, seized and bound the ruffians, and now have them before your majesty.". At high twelve. J. W.--By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission? Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge', The Degree Rituals of the Northern They shuffle about a few moments, when they are called to order by the sound of the gavel from the Master's seat in the east, who inquires in a loud voice as follows: W. M. (now styled King Solomon.) Morgan [1827] (Murdered by [paragraph continues] Deacon, and he (Junior Deacon) takes his seat near the door, at the right hand of the Senior Warden in the west, while the Senior Deacon proceeds to conduct the candidate, followed by the two Stewards, three times around the Lodge, during which time the Worshipful Master reads the following passage of Scripture: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them: while the sun, or the moon, or the stars be not darkened, nor the clouds return after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease, because they are few; and those that look out of the windows be darkened, and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low. Describe the qualities of a professional looking rsum. (See Fig. 149:1 See Robert Morris's Freemason's Monitor, 1860. The Junior Deacon advances, followed by the Stewards, with rods, when the Senior Deacon stops them, by placing his hand against the candidate, at the same time saying: S. D.--Brother Gabe, on entering this Lodge the first time, you were received on the point of the compasses, pressing your naked left breast, the moral of which was explained to you. The Deacon then closes the door, repairs to the centre of the Lodge-room before the altar, and sounds his rod on the floor three times (), which is responded to by the Master with three raps of the gavel, when the Senior Deacon makes the sign of a Master Mason (see Fig. Foot to foot--that you will never hesitate to go on foot, and out of your way, to assist and serve a worthy brother. As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not up till the heavens shall be no more. that my throat had been cut across," &c., &c.; the second was the voice of Jubelo, exclaiming, "Oh! 47. The main thing we do in normal Lodge meetings is perform our rituals or ceremonies. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not violate the chastity of, nor have Illicit carnal intercourse with a Master Mason . Three ruffian nations from the south, the west, and the east--the Syrians, the Chaldeans, and the Romans--gave in succession this temporary dispensation its death-blow; those who sought religion through the wisdom of the ancients were not able to raise her; she eluded their grasp, and the polluted hands were also stretched forth in vain for her restoration. SPONSORED. I suppose you are brothers, workmen from the Temple, and journeying, are you not? Universal benevolence you are always to cultivate; and, by the regularity of your own behavior, afford the best example for the conduct of others less informed. Codes, Documents, Grand Lodge of Nevada Entered Apprentice Ritual in The third degree or Master Mason's Degree of the freemason order is the culmination of the Blue Lodge system. the Temple is now about to be completed, and we have not obtained that which we have so long sought. One of the brothers, representing one of the three ruffians, in a corner near by, is now heard to exclaim, in a loud, but deep tone of voice: "Oh! Skip to main content. A blue silk scarf, trimmed with silver, having a blue rosette at the shoulder and hip, is worn from left to right. The Worshipful Master, who ordered me to the Senior Warden in the west, who taught me how to wear my apron as a Master Mason. Why are they not at work as usual? W. M.--You will repeat your name, and say after me: "I, Peter Gabe (Master gives three raps with his gavel, when all present assemble round the altar), of my own free-will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this worshipful Lodge, erected to him and dedicated to the holy Sts. Complete Master Mason Study Guide - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. J. W.--Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? Q. W. M.--You will attend to that part of your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to close this Lodge, and direct him to tyle accordingly. It was his usual practice at that hour, while the craft were called from labor to refreshment, to enter into the unfinished "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of the Temple, and there offer up his adorations to the Deity, and draw his designs on the trestle-board. I was then asked by what other right or benefit I expected to gain admission. 96:1 Here the conductor or some brother draws his hand across candidate's naked belly: the sword is often used, especially if the initiation takes place in winter, the sword is left in a cold place--and when it is drawn across candidate's belly, it has a very shocking effect, causing the candidate to jump or tremble. Q. On the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple. S. D--In search of further light in Masonry. . SW: All present are Master Masons. (See sign of a Master Mason, Fig. The third was the voice of Jubelum, exclaiming, louder than the rest: 'It was I that gave the fatal blow, it was I that killed him. Freemasonry, the teachings and practices of the fraternal (men-only) order of Free and Accepted Masons, the largest worldwide secret societyan oath-bound society, often devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance, that conceals at least some of its rituals, customs, or activities from the public (secret societies do not necessarily conceal their membership or existence). We have several, and they are divided into two classes. 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. It is the pass-word to the Master's degree. --The Freemason's Treasury, p. 213. King Solomon then ordered the twelve Fellow Crafts to go in search of the body, and, if found, to observe whether the Master's word, or a key to it, or any thing appertaining to the Master's Degree, was on or about it. On being brought to more light, what did you first discover more than you had heretofore done? W. M.--And part on the Square; and so let us ever meet, act, and part. Candidate. K. S.--Divide yourselves and travel, as before, with positive instructions to find the ruffians, and with as positive assurance that, if you do not, the twelve shall be deemed the murderers, and suffer severally, for the crime committed. Reader, I have given you the whole of the first three Degrees in Masonry. 1. Wm. This is the due-guard, and alludes to the position of your hands while taking the Obligation; this is the sign, and alludes to the penalty of the Obligation. They returned and bore this intelligence to King Solomon, who ordered them to divide themselves, and travel as before, with positive instructions to find the ruffians, and with as positive assurance, that if they did not the twelve should be deemed the murderers, and suffer severely for the crime committed. Be diligent, prudent, temperate, discreet. To attain the 32nd degree, for example, a Freemason must have been a Master Mason for at least 14 years, have been elected Master of the Lodge, and have satisfactorily served the Supreme Council. of an acacia, which easily giving way, excited his curiosity: upon examination they found it to be a grave. The three that pursued a westerly course, coming down near the port of Joppa, met with a seafaring man, of whom they made inquiry, if he had seen any strangers pass that way; he informed them that he had, three, who, from their appearance, were work-men from the Temple, seeking a passage into Ethiopia, but not having King Solomon's pass, were not allowed to obtain one, and had returned back into the country. One can become a 32nd Degree Mason in a relatively short period of time depending on one's obedience. Seven years; during which it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor. Scribd is the world's largest social reading and publishing site. and sits down near the candidate. W. M.--Any thing in the south, Brother Junior Warden? The ground has been newly broken; this has the appearance of a grave," pointing to the candidate on the floor. Memory Work. J. W.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degrees? [1994] (Wikileaks), Masonic A. W. M.--Brother Junior Warden, have you any to make? K. S.--Vile, impious wretches! Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee; thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; turn from him that he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day. The Third Degree is said to be the height of Ancient Free-masonry, and the most sublime of all the Degrees in Masonry (Royal Arch not even excepted); and when it is conferred, the Lodge is generally well filled with the members of the Lodge and visiting brethren. In the third section, our emblems are explained, and the construction of Solomon's Temple described.--Lexicon. The candidate generally gets this from some of the brethren who are well posted in the work. W. M. (looking conductor in the eye.) The missing word was found, after four hundred and seventy years, and was then, and still is, used in the Royal Arch Degree, as will be seen in the ceremonies of that Degree. [paragraph continues] Lodge, that they having due and timely notice, may govern themselves accordingly. The brethren are now allowed a few minutes for recreation, styled by Masons refreshment; during which time the candidate is being prepared in the ante-room, and the Lodge made ready for the remaining portion of the ceremony of initiation. By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clothed, barefoot nor shod, hoodwinked, with a cable-tow three times around my body, in which condition I was conducted to the door of the Lodge by a brother. A Brother, who has been regularly initiated as an Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry by being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. J. W.--The password is right. 18.) Conductor--From the real grip of a Fellow Craft to the pass grip of a Master Mason. Wait until the Temple is completed, and then, if you are found worthy and well qualified, you will unquestionably receive the secrets of a Master Mason; but, until then, you cannot. finishing with a few other names; when he leaves the brethren in the ante-room, closes the door, and reports as follows to King Solomon: G. The three craftsmen, having stood by the candidate all this time, listening to the ruffians, whose voices they recognize, say one to another: "What shall we do? p. 178. the soul communes with the Supernal Light. "Further, that I will always aid and assist all poor, distressed, worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans, knowing them to be such, as far as their necessities may require, and my ability permit, without material injury to myself and family. --Advance the token. 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. The candidate enters the Lodge of the Master Mason in darkness, for he has not. Let me admonish you, in the most serious manner, in reference to the close of life, that, when the cold winter of death shall have passed, and the bright summer morn of the resurrection appears, the Sun of Righteousness shall descend and send forth His angels to collect our ransomed dead; then, if we are found worthy, by the benefit of his "pass" we shall gain a ready admission into that celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides, where we shall see the King In the beauty of holiness, and with him enter into an endless eternity. 9, p. 36), and then lets his hand slip off in a careless manner, and reports: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, owing to the high state of putrefaction, it having been dead already fifteen days, the skin slips, and the body cannot be raised.". Now, as in p. 138 the former case, this arrangement would be impossible before the pillars were erected or the Middle Chamber built: and if it he pretended that any such plan was adopted after they were finished, the tragic drama could not be true because it professes to have been enacted before the Temple was completed. It is very singular, that, a man so celebrated as Hiram Abiff was, universally acknowledged as the third most distinguished man then living, and, in many respects, the greatest man in the world, should pass from off the stage of action, in the presence of King Solomon, three thousand three hundred grand overseers, and one hundred and fifty thousand workmen, with whom he had spent a number of years, and with King Solomon, his bosom friend, without any of his numerous confrres even recording his death, or any thing, A Master Masons' Lodge is styled by the Craft the "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple," and when the Lodge is opened on this Degree, both points of the compasses are elevated above the square. information, I shall have found him or them justly. Ritual Master Mason Degree - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. Members of the Lodge, in the act of holding the canvas to catch the candidate. W. M.--I presumed that you did from the jewel that you wear, it being the Senior Warden's jewel. As the candidate falls into the canvas the brethren lower it to the floor, when the following dialogue ensues between those who held the canvas and the Master, or the brother acting as the Third Ruffian. "All this I most solemnly, sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steady resolution to perform the same, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind what-ever, binding myself, under no less penalty than that of having my body severed in two,1 my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered before the four winds of heaven, that no more remembrance might be had of so vile and wicked a wretch as I would be, should I ever, knowingly, violate this my Master Mason's obligation. I'm the International Master Council of DeMolay and an EA out of Myrtle lodge in Oklahoma City. Brother Junior Deacon (turning to that officer), you will inform the Tyler. Both points of the compasses are elevated above the square, which is to teach you never to lose sight of those truly Masonic virtues, which are friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear--that you will ever caution and whisper good counsel in the ear of an erring brother, and, in the most friendly manner, remind him of his errors, and aid his reformation, giving him due and timely notice, that he may ward off approaching danger.". the end of man, and of the aspiring hopes of all faithful Masons? A. Brother Grand Secretary (turning to the Secretary of the Lodge), you will go out and see to calling the several rolls of the craft, and report to me as soon as possible. I was directed to wait with patience until the Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. WM: *. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). At the usual report, preceded by an inquiry involving the best interests of Masonry, the brethren are again reminded what is the chief care of a Mason. Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. blessed be God, we pause not our feet at the first or second step; but, true to our principles, look forward for greater light. They all pass out of the Lodge with a rush, into the ante-room, where they form into a circle. The Ruffian gives the candidate a brush across the throat with his right hand, and at the same time relinquishes his hold with his left, steps quietly to one side, and permits the conductor and candidate td pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, which is done by the conductor advancing very rapidly, pulling the candidate along with him. At this time, the twelve Fellow Crafts, who had recanted from their murderous designs, appeared before King Solomon, clothed in white gloves and aprons, in token of their innocence, acknowledging their premeditated guilt, and humbly imploring his pardon. Ward PREFACE THE third degree in Freemasonry is termed the Sublime Degree and the title is truly justified. A. I'd say memorizing the (entire) 1st degree was the most difficult for me. B., who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes. Q. When the Lodge is opened, the Junior Warden's column is turned down, and the Senior Warden's turned up, at his right hand. His friends now approach him, and congratulate him upon his Masonic appearance, asking him how he likes the degree, and if he is not glad he is through, &c., &c. The object of this is to mislead the candidate, and to impress upon his mind the idea that there is no more of the ceremony, and that his initiation is completed. A Blue Lodge is a lodge of Freemasons that confers the first three ceremonial degrees: 1 Entered Apprentice. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. 126.). W. M.--Has any brother present any thing to offer for the benefit of Masonry? 97. But is this. See real grip of a Fellow Craft, Fig. grand Masonic word on the five points of fellowship. Brother Senior Warden. A. Prop. ii. J. D.--At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the east. ", "Yes, here is the body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, in a mangled and putrid state. W. M.--Brethren, the minutes will stand approved, if there are no objections. Conductor--The pass grip of a Master Mason. After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! W. M.--From whence came you, and whither are you travelling? Each Grand Lodge has a "work" of its own, which is taught the subordinate Lodges annually by its Grand Lecturer. A. A. Q. The first was the voice of Jubela exclaiming:2 'Oh! (The Deacons return to their places) WM: *. 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. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. --Further light in Masonry. The three (blows) were given with the three (tools, i.e., gauge, square, and gavel). (See Fig. 1, It is generally known among Masons, that in the Northwestern States the lectures and "work" are those as taught by Barney. You say they turned back into the country? Besides, when a work is nearly completed, the necessity of Plans and designs ceases altogether. Proficient in the Uniform Work of the Master Mason Degree, in all chairs, including Lectures and Charge. 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. What induced you to become a Master Mason? What induced you to become a Master Mason? This ends the third, or Master Masons' Degree. Memory in the lodge. With the trowel, spread liberally the cement of brotherly love and affection; and, circumscribed by the compass, let us ponder well our words and actions, and let all the energies of our minds and the affections of our souls be employed in the attainment of our Supreme Grand Warden's approbation. 138:1 Our traditions further say, that the time when this celebrated use went into the H. of H. (Holy of Holies) to offer up his orisons to God, at the hour of H (high) twelve, the Ark of the Covenant had not been removed thither, for that took place at the dedication, after which no one was permitted to enter but the H. P. (High Priest), and he only ours a year, on the great day of expiation, at which time he had a string or belt around his waist, which extended into the court of the tabernacle, that he might be drawn forth from the S. S. (Sanctum Santorum) in case sudden death should occur while he officiated there.--Historical Land-marks, vol. Also learned a lot about some Masonic symbology. Where the same questions were asked and like answers given as at the door. You have a pass from King Solomon, I presume? W. M. (two raps, all the officers rise to their feet.) W. M. (looking candidate seriously in the face.) Masonic lectures cover various aspects of the moral and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry and explanations of the symbols. The brethren form around the Secretary like a class at school. 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. Begone! The Master approaching me from the East, under the due guard and sign of a Master Mason, who in token of the further continuance of his brotherly love and friendship, presented me his right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason; and bade me to arise and salute the Wardens as such. You must pray for yourself. He directed me to the Senior Warden in the west, and he to the Worshipful Master in the east, where the same questions were asked, and like answers returned as before. 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. Which way shall we go?". Five; two Masters and three Fellow Crafts. A late 18th century Freemasonry mnemonic aid. Remember that you have promised to befriend and relieve every brother, who shall need your assistance; you have promised to remind him, in the most friendly manner, of his errors, and, if possible, to aid him in a reformation. W. M.--Have you any thing to offer, Brother Junior Warden? Let him be found, if possible. Accepted masons, we make use of it for more noble purposes. Approaching the candidate, another replies: "Yes, this is the place; let us remove the rubbish and dig down here. S. D.--Brother Junior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified? Hiram Abiff (also Hiram Abif or the Widow's son) is the central character of an allegory presented to all candidates during the third degree in Freemasonry . 12, p. 67), and letting his hand slip off quickly, he reports as follows: "Owing to the reason before given, the flesh cleaves from the bone, and the body cannot be so raised.". J. W.--High twelve, Worshipful. . 112.) Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages in our Masonic Lodges. and satisfy them that I was in possession of the. 126:1 Among such a vast concourse of people as were assembled together at the construction of this edifice, it is natural to expect every variety of propensities, both good and evil. Masonry has but little changed, and a knowledge of the alterations which have been made since Morgan's exposure was written is all that is requisite to make a "bright Mason." 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. He then turns to the Junior Warden, and says: "You will take the body by the Entered Apprentice grip, and see if it can be raised.". 7, p. 18--some Masters make this sign twice), accompanied by the following exclamation, viz. After taking the obligation, what were you then asked? 1. (Clinches candidate more fiercely.) It is neither a proper time nor place; but be true to your engagement, and I will be true to mine. that my breast had been torn open, my heart plucked out and placed upon the highest pinnacle of the Temple, there to be devoured by the vultures of the air, ere I had consented to the death of so good a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff.' .18); as if they would say--Thus let it be done to him, and thus let his body be cut in two, who shall break this covenant. Think of these as one-hour-long linked interactive morality plays, rather than magical or religious ceremonies. After the obligation, what were you asked? --Nothing, Worshipful. Behold! with hands, eternal in the heavens," where no discordant voice shall be heard, but all the soul shall experience shall be perfect bliss, and all it shall express shall be perfect praise, and love divine shall ennoble every heart, and hallelujahs exalted employ every tongue. You will pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, for his examination. 6, p. 18), and says: Worshipful Master, while engaged in the lawful pursuit of Masonry, there is an alarm at the inner door of our Lodge. As they start, the conductor commences to relate to the candidate the following: Conductor--Brother, it was the usual custom of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff (this is the first he hears about Hiram Abiff), to enter into the unfinished "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple, each day at high twelve, while the craft were called from labor to refreshment, for the purpose of drawing out his designs upon the trestle-board, whereby the craft might pursue their labors; after which, it was further his custom to offer up his devotions to the Deity. However, those who understand the whys, and how-tos of memory can develop their own memorycraft's and reap many benefits. J. D.--He has it not, but I have it for him. A. Second Ruffian--We shall be taken and put to death. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, how should Masons meet?