A. I arose, and on my passage around the Lodge was accosted by three Fellow Crafts, who thrice demanded of me the secrets of a Master Mason; and, on being refused, the first gave me a blow with the twenty-four-inch gauge, across my throat; the second with a square, across my breast; the third with a setting-maul, on my forehead, which felled me on the spot. Arch Knight Templar Priest Degree, Order of Demolay Ritual - Masonic Youth Organization 1, King Solomon then ordered them to go and assist in raising the body; and it was agreed between him and Hiram, king of Tyre, that as the Master's word was then lost, the first sigh given at the grave, and the first word spoken after the body should be raised, should be used for the regulation of all Masters'. All these were, classed and arranged in such a manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, nor confusion was suffered to interrupt that universal peace and tranquillity which pervaded the world at that important period." that my body had been cut in two," &c., &c. The third was the voice of Jubelum, exclaiming: Upon which they rushed in, seized, bound, and brought them before King Solomon; who, after a due conviction of their guilt, ordered them to be taken without the gates of the courts of the Temple, and executed according to the several imprecations upon their own heads. What induced you to become a Master Mason? One of the ruffians exclaims: Now let us make our escape out of the country. --The Freemason's Treasury, p. 301. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same.". Candidate. Some Lodges use a large drum, others roll a large cannon-ball across the ante-room floor, letting it strike on a cushion placed against the wall. A. Scroll all the way to the end for answers to the quiz. Even in its exoteric aspect its simple, yet dramatic, power must leave a lasting impression on the mind of every Cand.. B. divided the operatives the three classes, viz., Apprentices, Fellow Crafts, and Masters; paying the wages of the former at the pillar of J (Jachin), and the Masters in the Middle Chamber. Second Ruffian--We shall be taken and put to death. At this command the Secretary passes out of the Lodge, accompanied by ten or fifteen of the brethren, into the ante-room, leaving the door open, so that the candidate can hear the rolls called. SW: We are all Masons, Worshipful Master. W. M. (two raps, all the officers rise to their feet.) 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. Answer (1 of 12): Loads of stuff! 1 (See Note P, page 271.). They advance before the Master in the east, and form across the Lodge, when all make the duegard and sign of a Fellow Craft (Figs. within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge. --Nothing, Worshipful. What is the meaning of this? W. M.--Since that is the object of your search, you will reconduct this candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, with my orders that he be taught to approach the east, the place of further light in Masonry, by three upright, regular steps, his body erect at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east. At the point is a blue rosette, in the centre of which is a silver five-pointed star. Why are they not at work as usual? They will be learned in the lodge in which you will be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you are not yet a Master Mason, neither do I know that you ever will be, until I know how well you will withstand the amazing trials and dangers that await you. "Further, that I will acknowledge and obey all due signs and summonses sent to me from a Master Masons' Lodge, or given me by a brother of that Degree, if within the length of my cable-tow. For them, learning the Masonic work happens fast like the below scene from the Matrix. When the Lodge is opened, the Junior Warden's column is turned down, and the Senior Warden's turned up, at his right hand. 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. . 12 days ago. One, acting as the principal mover, raises his right foot from the floor, at the same time his hands, in the manner of slapping them together, makes two false motions, but at the third all bring down their right feet and hands together, producing a very sharp noise. Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons State of Texas [1922] This is the 'Monitor' of the Texas Masons. degree live in Texas. We read in the Bible, that Hiram Abiff was one of the head workmen employed at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and other ancient writings inform us that he was an arbiter between King Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre; but his tragical death is nowhere recorded, except in the archives of Freemasonry. A. Conductor--I cannot; nor can they be given, except in the presence of Solomon, king of Israel, Hiram, king of Tyre, and myself. Conductor--Cain. The conductor then turns about to the Senior Warden in the west, and says: Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful. As Masons, we understand the moral lessons derived from the square. THE MM'S BOOK by J.S.M. Brother Junior Grand Warden, you will see my orders duly executed. J. W.--High twelve, Worshipful. Upon which they rushed in, seized, bound, and brought them before King Solomon; who, after due conviction of their guilt, ordered them to be executed according to their several imprecations upon their own heads, uttered from the clefts of the rocks. 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. They all pass out of the Lodge with a rush, into the ante-room, where they form into a circle. Complete Master Mason Study Guide. Turning in his seat toward the Treasurer's desk, he says to the Treasurer: "My worthy brother of Tyre, as the Master's word is now lost, the first sign given at the grave, and the first word spoken, after the body is raised, shall be adopted for the regulation of all Masters' Lodges, until future generations shall find out the right. J. W.--Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? And Dalcho observes that the interpolated word is not to be found in any language that ever was used. reflect with horror on the atrocity of your crime, and on the amiable character of your Worshipful Grand Master, whom you have so basely assassinated. The Ruffians now return near to the body, when the following conversation takes place: First Ruffian--What shall we do in this case? When was our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, found to be missing? (See engraving.). S. W.--The candidate is in order, Worshipful, and awaits your further will and pleasure. Degree, Order of Royal and Select Masters, Super-Excellent Master The Third Degree: Master Mason. 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. 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. 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. Amen. On entering the second time, you were received on the angle of the square, which was also explained to you. Q. You have this evening represented one of the greatest men, and perhaps the greatest Mason, the world ever knew, viz., our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon's Temple. : youth, man-hood, and age. Conductor (S. D.)--Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. 204--5. Q. Ruffian--Give me the secrets of a Master Mason, or I will take your life! My brother of Tyre, what shall we do? After saluting the Wardens, what did you then discover? Aprons, Grand Lodge of British Columbia Petition and The apron is white, lined and bordered with blue. This latter is accomplished as follows: a canvas, seven feet long and about six feet wide, with five or six strong loops on each side, is produced from a closet or chest in the room; and a buckskin bag, stuffed with hair, about the size of two boxing-gloves, is taken from the same receptacle. (Gives one rap (), when the Junior Deacon, at the inner door of the Lodge, rises to his feet.) (Gives candidate a sudden shake.). At the same time the Senior Warden steps to his stand, and turns up the column on his desk at his right. 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. The Master approaching me from the East, on the step, under the due guard and penal sign of an Entered Apprentice, who, in token of his Brotherly love and friendship presented me with his right hand, and with it the word and grip of an Entered Apprentice, and bade me arise and salute the Wardens as such. The body of our Grand Master was buried three times: first, in the rubbish of the Temple; secondly, on the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah; and, thirdly and lastly, as near the "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies," of King Solomon's Temple, as the Jewish law would permit; and Masonic tradition informs us that there was erected to his memory a Masonic monument, consisting of "a beautiful virgin, weeping over a broken column; before her was a book open; in her right hand a sprig of acacia, in her left an urn; behind her stands Time, unfolding and counting the, ringlets of her hair.". 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. My Brother, a Master Mason advances on his left foot, bringing the heel of his right to the heel of his left, thereby forming the angle of a square. --Further light in Masonry. 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. [1994] (Wikileaks), Masonic W. M.--Have you any thing on your desk, Brother Secretary? Jubelo!! W, M.--Is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". ), The working-tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry appertaining to the first, The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative masons 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. We therefore now appear before your Majesty, clothed with white gloves and aprons, in token of our innocence, and, acknowledging our premeditated guilt, we humbly implore your pardon." Captain--The sooner the better! Kneeling at the alter on my naked knees, my naked hands resting on the Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses; in which due form I took the obligation of a Master Mason. J. D.--By a brother of this Degree within the outer door. 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. Charles Franklin "Chuck" Wolfe, CDR USNR(Ret. (Gives one rap (), steps to his desk, and turns the small column down on its side, as already explained.). King Solomon is said to have substituted, in place of the lost one, the word now used in the Master Masons' Degree, viz. were GRAVELOT, QUIBO, and AKIROP. The Master either reads or repeats the following from a Monitor, which by many is committed to memory; but when he has the "work" (i.e., that part which is not monitorial), it is not necessary that he should commit to memory what is called the Master's carpet of emblems, but as it is a part of the initiation of the Third Degree, the author proposes to give it in its regular order of Lodge business. S. W.--I have; from west to east, and from east to west again. I would remark here, that in some Lodges the Master does not make the sign of distress first at the body, but only gives the sign of a Master Mason, which is done by drawing the right hand across the body, with the thumb inward. We have several, and they are divided into two classes. and signing your name to the constitution and by-laws--which will then make you a member of this Lodge. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). The Master (Third Ruffian) then exclaims: W. M. (as Third Ruffian.) The Barney "work" is that adopted by the Baltimore Convention. I therefore now demand of you the secrets 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. In the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. K. S.--Jubela, you stand charged as accessory to the death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Jewels, Chains, Collars & --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! They buried it in the rubbish of the Temple until low twelve, or twelve at night, when they met by agreement and carried it a westerly course from the Temple, to the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah, where they buried it in a grave dug due east and west, six feet perpendicular, at the head of which they planted an acacia, in order to conceal it, and that the place might be known, should occasion ever require; and then made their escape. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God, who gave it.". that my breast had been torn open." 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. The Worshipful Master approaching me from the east, under the duegard of a Master Mason, who, in token of further continuance of his brotherly love and favor, presented me with his right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason, and ordered me to arise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as such. [paragraph continues] Warden three raps, and the Worshipful Master three raps. Seraphs of celestial wing, To our funeral altar come: Waft this friend and brother home. J. D.--Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. These are symbols of the blow on the cheek of Christ, the flagellation, and the blow with the spear. They roll the canvas around and over the candidate where he fell, which is in the east or northeast corner of the Lodge, and, for a few moments, retire, when the Lodge becomes still as the hour of midnight; not a sound is permitted to be made; all go--if at all--from place to place on tiptoe. I was then asked by what other right or benefit I expected to gain admission. "Five constitute a Lodge of Fellow Crafts two Master Masons and three Fellow Crafts. 7, p. 18), which would be three times, then, turning to the Senior Warden, says: "My worthy brother of Tyre, what shall we do?". 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.". He was fifty five years young, which is far too young for this sort of thing. But is this. The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons 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, &c., &c. (See Monitor for the balance of this answer, or page 99 of this work.). W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will please approach the east. with the right-hand corner tucked up, and he wears a yoke with a Senior Warden's jewel attached to it. It was to show that my duties and obligations became more and more extended as I advanced in Masonry. Very well made and achieved. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. It is my orders that strict search be made for him through the apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made. p. 176. The Master, after giving the candidate the pass-grip and word, bids him rise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens, and convince them that he is . He cannot be found. it was I that struck him harder than you both; it was I that gave him the fatal blow; it was I that killed him.' THE ceremony of opening and conducting the business of a Lodge of Master Masons is nearly the same as in the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Crafts' Degrees, already explained. 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? A. Kneeling on both my naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses; in which due form I took the solemn oath of a Master Mason, which is as follows: (Here give the obligation; but it is never required--being only a matter of form.). Some say, that many days were expended in the search, and that the lost (body) was found near the seaside; others, that it was soon discovered near Jerusalem. p. 166. Thus, brother, we close our lecture on the emblems with the solemn thought of death. As they approach the Worshipful Master's station, he says: W. M.--Brother Senior Deacon, you will reconduct the candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, with my orders that he teach him how to wear his apron as a Master Mason. Q. Second Ruffian--Then let us flee into the interior parts of the country, and avoid being taken as long as possible. (makes the sign, see Fig. Brother Senior Warden. One system says fifteen Fellow Crafts went in search; another, twelve; and asserts that the three (murderers) left the sprig of acacia: others affirm that it was the recanters who placed it there as a mark. Answer--We will bury it in the rubbish of the Temple, until low twelve, and then we will meet and give it a decent burial. SW: I am. 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. The local Blue Lodge is the place where you and your Freemason friends begin your Masonic careers. These implements are both used as will be described hereafter. 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. Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge', The Degree Rituals of the Northern (Secretary reads the minutes, &c., &c.). I furthermore promise and swear that I will not cheat, wrong or defraud a Lodge of Fellow Craft, or a brother of this degree knowingly or wittingly. 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. 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? 112:1 The system of Freemasonry, as practised in different countries and at different periods, is not uniform on this subject; and I feel so little at liberty to bring forward evidence on such a delicate point, that I am afraid it will he impossible to place it clearly before the brethren. 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. Usually delineated upon the Master's carpet, are emblematical of the three principal stages of human life, viz. [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. 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. 30 WM: As further evidence that all present are Master Masons, receive the pass-word from the Senior SW: (S) Worshipful Master. Let him be found, if possible. See pp. 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 interpretation is borne out in the higher Degrees of sublime Masonry. 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 and best agree. that my body had been severed in two, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, that no more remembrance might be had of so vile and wicked a wretch as I. Ah! Foot to foot--that you will never hesitate to go on foot, and out of your way, to assist and serve a worthy brother. W. M.--Your duty there, Brother Secretary? 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. 140:1 The questions and answers in this lecture, relative to the disposition of the body and its discovery, &c., &c., are precisely like the historical part of this Degree, page 122, or that portion describing the conferring of the Degree, page 107. Ruffian--This (shaking candidate) does not satisfy me! 2 Fellow Craft. but which, he adds, "I can find only twice particularly described. K. S.--You twelve Fellow Crafts will now go and assist in raising the body. The candidate is divested of all wearing apparel, except his shirt and drawers, and if he has not the latter, he is furnished with a pair by the brethren preparing him. What followed? As the Senior Deacon and candidate pass the different stations of the officers, they (the officers) sound their gavels as follows; when they pass the Junior Warden in the south the first time, he gives one rap (), Senior Warden one rap, and Worshipful Master one rap; the second time, .Junior Warden two raps, Senior Warden two raps, and Worshipful Master two raps (); the third time round, Junior Warden three raps (), Senior. 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.". Jubelum!! W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, I now declare this Lodge duly closed. The Rough Ashlar is the stone taken from the quarry in its rude and natural state The Perfect Ashlar is the stone prepared by the workmen, to be adjusted by the working tools . . the Masons) in pdf, Duncan's Masonic 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? --No, we have no pass; we did not know it was necessary. The candidate is not intentionally injured in any Degree of Masonry, impressions of a lasting nature being all that are intended by the ceremonies. We are all born to die; we follow our friends to the brink of the grave, and, standing on the shore of a vast ocean, we gaze with exquisite anxiety until the last struggle is over, and we see them sink into the fathomless abyss. . and satisfy them that I was in possession of the. have compassion on the children of thy creation, administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. J. W.--By what further right or benefit does he expect to gain admission? 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. Complete Master Mason Study Guide - Free download as PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. 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. 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! --Advance the token. Accepted masons, we make use of it for more noble purposes. The Masonic rituals provided here are as practiced under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nevada .