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. (Gives candidate a sudden shake.). Answer (1 of 12): Loads of stuff! [paragraph continues] Master that you teach this candidate how to wear his apron as a Master Mason. times Master Mason's wore their aprons with the right corner turned up in the form of a triangle to distinguish them as Master Masons, and as overseers of the work, but in modern times we work in speculative Masonry only and a Master . '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. See real grip of a Fellow Craft, Fig. 120:1 Respecting the lost word and its substitute, some say that King Solomon advised the change, while others affirm that the three Fellow Crafts adopted the substituted word without consulting him. A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond. iv. About 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, kneeling, implored his pardon. "Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time; As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe!" The brethren now all kneel around the body on one knee. 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). S. W.--As the sun rises in the east, to open and govern the day, so rises the Worshipful Master in the east (here the Master gives three raps (), when all in the Lodge rise to their feet, the Master rising first), to open and govern his Lodge, set the Craft to work, and give them proper instructions. Candidate. I was conducted to the Master in the East, who then presented me with the working tools of a Master Mason, and taught me their uses. W. M.--Have you any thing to offer, Brother Junior Warden? the Temple is now about to be completed, and we have not obtained that which we have so long sought. S. W. (rising to his feet, and giving the sign of a Master Mason, if opened on that Degree.) You have a rough and rugged road to travel, beset with thieves, robbers, and murderers; and should you lose your life in the attempt, it will not be the first instance of the kind, my brother. One of the brethren then replies: "We will go a southwesterly course, and will come up with our brothers." That which was lost, which, by my endeavors and his assistance, I was in hope to find. 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. 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. Conductor--Brother Gabe, an obligated Master Mason. (The signs are just the same as at opening. Conductor here instructs candidate to pass his thumb from the second joint to space beyond, which is the second space. Hand to back--that you will ever be ready to stretch forth your hand to assist and save a fallen brother; and that you will vindicate his character behind his back, as well as before his face. Not even the Bible, the writings of Josephus, nor any other writings, however ancient, of which we have any knowledge, furnish any information respecting his death. The unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. 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. have you seen any strangers pass this way? The Wardens and brethren of this Lodge require a more satisfactory proof of your fidelity to your trust, before they are willing to intrust you with the more valuable secrets of this Degree. 1, The "work," or rather the lectures in the several degrees of Masonry, more especially in the first three degrees (masonically termed the Blue Degrees, or Blue Lodge), differ so much in each State that it would be a difficult thing to get exactly at the proper responses to some of the Masonic interrogatories. J. W.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degrees? After an animal had been selected, his throat was cut across with one single blow, so as to divide the windpipe, arteries, and veins, without touching any bone. He has not been seen in or about the Temple. ), Conductor--Cain. S. W. (now styled J. G. W.)--Most Worshipful King Solomon, there is no work laid out for us, and it is said we can have none. --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! Senior Deacon gives three loud knocks (), which are responded to by one () from the parties outside. King Solomon, fearing some accident had befallen him, ordered the several rolls of the workmen to be called; and, after roll-call, it was found that three Craftsmen were missing, namely, Jubela, Jubelo, and Jubelum, who, from the similarity of their names, were supposed to be brothers, and men from Tyre. This Degree is very lengthy, and to give the lecture at an initiation would take up too much of the night; but if there is time, the Master and Senior Warden usually go through with the first section before closing the Lodge, so that the candidate and brethren may become conversant with it. 204--5. "Further, that I will not knowingly strike a brother Master Mason, or otherwise do him personal violence in anger, except in the necessary defence of my family or property. This interpretation is borne out in the higher Degrees of sublime Masonry. I (state your name) in the presence of the most high and this worthy worshipful and warranted lodge of Master Mason's, regularly held, assembled and properly dedicated, Of my own free will and accord do hereby and Hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hele ever conceal and never reveal any . They usually meet on the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple. J. W.--Brethren, you are now called from refreshment to labor again. See pp. Ruffians (affecting surprise.) The last of the lodge ceremonies, the Master Mason degree completes the initiation ceremonies into the fraternity, and the new Master Mason may enjoy both the rights and responsibilities of membership. What I purpose, that I perform. 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. Are you a sea-captain? W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, I now declare this Lodge duly closed. $399.00. 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. K. S.--Was the Master's word, or a key to it, or any thing appertaining to the Master's Degree, on or about it? There was nothing found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was discovered. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). The three Symbolic Lodge degreesespecially for the Entered Apprentice and the Master Masonwere particularly considered to be individual and deeply personal experiences. Aprons, Royal Arch Jewels, Chains, Collars & that my throat had been cut across," &c., &c. The second was the voice of Jubelo, exclaiming: "Oh! The main thing we do in normal Lodge meetings is perform our rituals or ceremonies. 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.". Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. 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. ), "Kneeling on both my naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses.". That is strictly forbidden; so you may set your minds at rest. Here, too, one may easily discover the visual, in terms of a sequence; memorizing accordingly. Upon which the three Fellow Crafts rush forward over benches and chairs, and secure the ruffians in no very gentle manner, and lead them to the Worshipful Master's seat in the east, when one of them reports to the Master: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one who pursued a westerly course, and, on my return, after several days of fruit-less search, being more weary than my companions, sat down on the brow of a hill to rest and refresh myself; and, on rising, accidentally caught hold of a sprig of acacia,1 which, easily giving way, excited my suspicions. Masonic Jurisdiction in pdf, U.G.L.E. 1. They meet in the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies of King Solomon's Temple.". The Pot of Incense, the Beehive. 17.) Free & Accepted, Prince Hall, Le Droit Humaine). Let him enter, and be received in due form. 18.) The conductor then leads the candidate to the centre of the Lodge, at the altar, and makes duegard and sign of a Master Mason (see Figs. 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. that my throat had been cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the rough sands of the sea, at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, ere I had been accessory to the death of so good a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Master, pointing to these pillars, says: "These are called the three grand Masonic columns or pillars, and are designated Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. 3rd Degree: Master Mason. W. M.--Brother Gabe, the second section of this degree exemplifies an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity seldom equalled, if ever excelled, in the history of man. oftheStateofMaine!!!! Conductor--I did not so receive it, neither can I so impart it. The Obligation of a Master Mason that I need to memorize is huge! If lodge functions go smoothly, it is the Master who takes the credit. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel, when the Lodge is closed, and the brethren divest themselves of their regalia, preparatory to returning to their respective homes. He informed them that he had seen three, who, from their appearance, were workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage into Ethiopia; but, not having King Solomon's pass, were unable to obtain one, and had returned back into the country. Why are they not at work as usual? JD: Worshipful Master. Within the Blue Lodge are conferred the Craft Degrees. When was our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, found to be missing? 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. Both points of the Compasses bare; which was to teach me never to lose sight of the Masonic application of that useful and valuable instrument, which teaches friendship, morality, and Brotherly love. The Word, which was said to be lost, was pronounced upon the cross, which the Jews could not comprehend. Phil., p. 309. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. How should a Master Mason wear his apron? hereafter instructed in, to any person unless it. Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] W. M.--Your duty there, Brother Senior Deacon? The York Masons name the seaside; the Americans say, Mount Moriah; the French, Monet Lebanon. Let no motive, there-fore, make you swerve from your duty, violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful, and imitate the example of that celebrated artist whom you this evening represent. 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! The Senior Warden then takes the candidate's right hand, giving the real grip of a Fellow Craft (see Fig. 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. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. Ruffian--You have (here Master seizes the candidate more fiercely, and affects a great earnestness of purpose) escaped "Jubela" and "Jubelo"; me you cannot escape; my name is "Jubelum!" the Book of Constitutions guarded by the Tyler's Sword, the Sword pointing to a Naked Heart, the All-seeing Eye, the Anchor and Ark, the Forty-seventh. 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. 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." You will pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, for his examination. --Nothing, Worshipful. and give three raps on the floor with his rod, the Junior Warden responding by three raps with his gavel. On removal of the earth, they came to the body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, which they found in a high state of putrefaction, and in a mutilated and mangled condition, it having been buried already fifteen days: the effluvia which arose from it compelled them to place involuntarily their hands thus (Master here places his hands in form of a duegard of a Master Mason, which alludes to the manner in which his hands were placed when he took the oath of a Master Mason), to guard their nostrils--but nothing was found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was easily discovered. To the secrets of a Master Mason; after which he observed that my pursuit was truly laudable, and ordered me to be reconnected to the Senior Warden in the west, who taught me to approach the East, advancing by three upright regular steps, my feet forming the right angle of a perfect square, my body erect to the Master in the East. Junior Deacon here steps forward and whispers in the Senior Deacon's ear, "Tubal Cain.". Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, was slain at high twelve. Q. 1. 113:2 Brother Goodacre, of the Witham Lodge, Lincoln, suggests that the various penalties which have been introduced into Freemasonry appear to have reference to a particular kind of covenant which was common among the Hebrews. On the flap is delineated an eye, and on the area selections from the Master's carpet. The "work" known among Masons as the "Webb Work,". A. (They take hold of each other's hands by the real grip of a Fellow Craft. 16, 17, 18; also p. . 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. Jewels, Chains, Collars & Very well made and achieved. The Master having given the word, which is MAH-HAH-BONE, in low breath, requests the candidate to repeat it with him, which is in this wise: Master telling candidate never to give it in any other way than that in which he has received it. J. W. (offering his hand to candidate.) "The pillar of Wisdom represents Solomon, King of Israel, whose wisdom contrived the mighty fabric; the pillar of Strength, Hiram, king of Tyre, who strengthened Solomon in his grand undertaking; the pillar of Beauty, Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, whose cunning craft and curious workmanship beautified and adorned the Temple. 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. W. M.--Brother Secretary, have you any thing on your desk? [paragraph continues] Lodges, until future generations should find out the right one. A. The "work" in Minnesota and New York is strongly impregnated with what is called, among Masons, "Morganry"--very similar to the disclosures of Morgan and Richardson--so much so, that many Masters purchase these publications for their instruction in their duties and in the ritual. Rite of Freemasonry Exaltation Ritual, Order "There were employed in its building three Grand Masters; three thousand three hundred Masters, or overseers of the work; eighty thousand Fellow Crafts, or hewers on the mountains and in the quarries; and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, or bearers of burdens. p. 118. Free shipping. 130.). 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.". By being divested of all metals, neither naked nor clad, barefoot, hoodwinked, and a cable-tow three times about my naked body; in which situation I was conducted to the door of the lodge by a Brother. (See grand hailing sign of distress, Fig. 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. ii. As the final and highest honor in Freemasonry, the Master Mason degree symbolizes man's maturity through increased knowledge and wisdom.