In the mean time, it is hoped and expected that every brother will demean himself as becomes a man and a Mason. never--no, never dies. A. the portrayal of the removal of everything that keeps us from rising to that state where. All the business of a "Blue Lodge" (a Lodge of three Degrees) is done in the Lodge while opened on this Degree, except that of entering an Apprentice or passing a Fellow Craft, when the Lodge is lowered from the Masters' Degree for that purpose. The Jewish law had degenerated into a mass of rottenness and corruption:--piety, which planned the Temple at Jerusalem, was expunged; the reverence and adoration due to the Divinity was buried in the filth and rubbish of the world; and religion and morality were scattered to the four winds of heaven. The beautiful virgin weeping over the broken column denotes the unfinished state of the Temple, likewise the untimely death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff; the book open before her, that his virtues lay on perpetual record; the sprig of acacia in her right hand, the divinity of the body; the urn in her left, that his ashes were therein safely deposited, under the "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple. From Josephus we learn, that although seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole time, it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor, and from sacred history it appears that there was neither the sound of hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. 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. And now, my brethren, let us see to it, and so regulate our lives by the plumb-line of justice, ever squaring our actions by the square of virtue, that when the Grand Warden of Heaven may call for us, we may be found ready; let us cultivate assiduously the noble tenets of our profession--brotherly love, relief, and truth--and, from the square, learn morality; from the level, equality; from the plumb, rectitude of life. By demonstrating your commitment at meetings and studying Masonic symbolism, you can earn the 2nd degree of Masonry, called Fellowcraft, and finally the 3rd degree. Complete Master Mason Study Guide | PDF | Freemasonry - Scribd Talk not to me of time or place, but give me the secrets of a Master Mason, or I will take your life! It is a dangerous coast, and we shall be taken; for before this time our escape is discovered, and the sea-coast will be lined with our pursuers. W. M.--Brother Senior Deacon, you will now reconduct this candidate to the place from whence he came, and reinvest him with what he has been divested of, and await my further will and pleasure. 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. As the Master makes this sign, he says: "O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost!". 1. --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! Flashcards - Masonic Mastor Mason Degree Work - FreezingBlue There was nothing found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was discovered. Masonic ritual has appeared in a number of contexts within literature including in "The Man Who Would Be King", by Rudyard Kipling, and War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy. Here are three of the poor fellows with us; we must not go and give them up, to be put to death; rather let us take a northwesterly or a southwesterly course. J. W.--By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission? 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. 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. As the embers of mortality are faintly glimmering in the sockets of existence, the Bible removes the dark cloud, draws aside the sable curtains of the tomb, bids hope and joy rouse us, and sustains and cheers the departing spirit; it points beyond the silent grave, and bids us turn our eyes with faith and confidence upon the opening scenes of our eternity. Duncan's Masoic Ritual and Monitor, by Malcom C. Duncan, [1866], at sacred-texts.com. I therefore now demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason! 87:1 Our present Third Degree is not architectural, but traditionary, historical, and legendary; its traditions being unfortunately hyperbolical; its history apocryphal, and its legends fabulous.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 222. Uploaded by Rob Bonner. How many constitute a Fellow Crafts' Lodge? They have now passed around the Lodge three times, and as. (i.e. Some portions of the lectures are conducted in the form of questions and answers, as part of the proficiencies, or memory work. How did the Worshipful Master dispose of you? 112.) The Senior Deacon steps to the Master, and whispers in his ear, "Tubal Cain.". Hiram is presented as the chief architect of King Solomon's Temple. Let us imitate, in all his various perfections, him who, when assailed by the murderous band of rebellious craftsmen, maintained his integrity, even in death, and sealed his pledge with his own blood. A. I was conducted to the Worshipful Master in the east, who presented me with the working-tools of a Master Mason, which are all the implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel. --Your duty there, Brother Junior Deacon? 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? "Lord of all! 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 Lodge is closed in nearly the same manner that it is opened, and, in fact, all three of the Degrees are closed alike. (See grand hailing sign of distress, Fig. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, I now declare this Lodge duly closed. In a regularly constituted Lodge of Masons. Some Lodges use the following questions and answers, both at opening and closing: W. M.--Why did you leave the west and travel to the east? "Further, that I will keep a worthy brother Master Mason's secrets inviolable, when communicated to and received by me as such, murder and treason excepted. The MASTER MASON represents a man under the doctrine of love, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation. A. 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. He was fifty five years young, which is far too young for this sort of thing. Each Grand Lodge has a "work" of its own, which is taught the subordinate Lodges annually by its Grand Lecturer. JD: To see that they are duly tyled. The Degree of Royal Master - GGC Education Comm. - Cryptic Masons towards the Master), and says: Brother, you will step off with your left foot one full step, and bring the heel of your right in the hollow of your left foot; now step off with your right foot, and bring the heel of your left in the hollow of your right foot; now step off with your left foot, and bring both heels together. MASTER MASON QUIZ - The 3rd Degree. The Junior Deacon now passes the candidate over to the Senior. Members of the Lodge, in the act of holding the canvas to catch the candidate. --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. All eyes are upon the Master. but which, he adds, "I can find only twice particularly described. Wm. Q. 'The five points of fellowship are--foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear. 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. 130.). 11), "And Hiram finished the work that he was to make for King Solomon for the house of God,"--Historical Landmarks, vol. It is, in fact, not a word, but merely a jumble of letters, forming a sound without meaning." The masons learn that hard work and perseverance are keys to success and that violence is never an acceptable form of conduct 18 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF . On being brought to more light, what did you first discover more than you had heretofore done? Investigation Committee, Grand Lodge of Wisconsin Rituals, Handbooks, (Secretary reads the minutes, &c., &c.). ii. First, the Entered Apprentice Degree, second, the Fellow Craft Degree and finally, the Master Mason Degree. WM: Attend to that duty and inform the Tyler that I am about to open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices, and direct him to tyle . Capt.--They were three brothers, 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. Three Grand Masters, three thousand three hundred Masters or overseers of the work, eighty thousand Fellow Crafts, and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, &c., &c. (See p. (They take hold of each other's hands by the real grip of a Fellow Craft. From the foregoing remarks, it will be seen that the essential points of Masonry are identical the world over, and that the differences, which are of minor importance, may be gathered by comparing the present work with Richardson's Monitor or Allyn's Ritual. 97:1 What does it denote? This Master Mason Quiz may be used by any member of the Lodge who seeks more light. of Royal and Select Masters, Select Master Degree, Order --Brother this is an unusual way of asking for them. that my body had been severed in two, my bowels taken from thence," &c., &c. (See p. Q. The Senior Deacon then answers with one rap (), and opens the door. We three should like to take a passage with you. Freemasons For Dummies Cheat Sheet - dummies 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! In the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. The Master kneels at the head of the candidate, and, taking off his hat, repeats the following prayer, which may be found in all the Masonic Monitors: Thou, O God! 1971 Masons Authorized Or KJV Holy Bible Red Letter Master Reference Edition . The Worshipful Master gives three raps with his gavel, which brings the whole Lodge to their feet. A. He cannot be found. Quoting from "When is a Man a Mason?" by James S. Peterson, Master-elect, in the June 1991 Occasional Bulletin of the Texas Lodge of Research, which has a bit more on the holding of Stated Meetings or doing business in the E.A. I was conducted three times about the alter, to the Junior Warden in the South, the Senior Warden in the West, and the Master in the East. [paragraph continues] Wardens at the head, when the Master makes the sign of "distress" of a Master Mason, which is done by raising both hands and arms above the head. King Solomon then ordered them to divide themselves into parties, and travel three east, three west, three north, and three south; and that they should, with others whom he should appoint, go in search of the ruffians. King Solomon, being informed of this, supposed him to be indisposed, and ordered strict search to be made for him through the several apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made; search and inquiry were accordingly made, but he could not be found. Phil., p. 232. 127-130. Brother, be ever mindful of that great change, when we shall be called from labors on earth to that everlasting refreshment in the paradise of God. 155.). despicable villains! Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] After being taught how to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? A. (They now pass to the pass grip of a Master Mason. The York Rite is a system of Masonic degrees that is spread out between four organizations: the Symbolic Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, do you know any further business before this Lodge of Master Masons before we proceed to close? While it is the duty of the Master of the Lodge to provide a good and wholesome education to the brethren; individual members who seek more light and Masonic lodge Education Officers may also use this Masonic quiz to teach others.. Masonic quiz taking can be both fun and enlightening, wherein each brother goes . All the brethren take their seats but the Master and candidate, when the Master continues: "Brother Gabe, you will now repair to the east, and receive an historical account of this degree.". --Advance the token. You say they turned back into the country? He will meet men who would otherwise have remained strangers. 19 watching. degree live in Texas. S. W. (rising to his feet and making the sign.) 1 This word cannot be given in any other way, and by Masons is considered a test of all book Masons. What followed? S. W.--I did not, but found a substitute. According to the Jewish law, no interments were permitted within the walls of the city, and as it was unlawful for the cohens or priests to pass over a grave, it became necessary to place marks wherever a dead body had been interred, to enable them to avoid it. Arch Knight Templar Priest Degree, Order of Demolay Ritual - Masonic Youth Organization At the command of the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden performs his duty, after seeing that the brethren have received their due proportion of Masonic instruction and improvement; and the whole concludes with an impressive address to the brethren on their respective duties as men and Masons, when pursuing their accustomed avocations in the world; and with a fervent petition to the Deity, supplicating his blessing on the fraternity wheresoever dispersed under the wide canopy of heaven."--Theo. It is the culmination of all he has learned through the first degrees, including how to prepare for spiritual enlightenment through the craft's teachings. (Scottish Rite 1st - 32nd 'Degree' Explanations), 'Masonic Ritual for use by The Most All in attendance, including exemplars, will be clad in business dress with appropriate regalia. Conductor--Brother Gabe, an obligated Master Mason. The brethren form around the Secretary like a class at school. To place the fact of Hiram's being alive at the finishing the Temple beyond all doubt, it is said (2 Chron.