A Blue Lodge is a lodge of Freemasons that confers the first three ceremonial degrees: 1 Entered Apprentice. "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. 2. 126.). 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. --Grand Master Hiram, I am glad to meet you thus alone. (left to right: Worshipful Master Altar, Candidate. ii. 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. Aprons, Grand Lodge of British Columbia Petition and 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. Why are they not at work as usual? 6, p. 18), and says: 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. A. Accordingly our traditions furnish in stances, both among the Apprentices and Craftsmen, of treachery--violation of sacred pledges--and the commission of actual crime. The Senior Deacon then conducts the candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, and reports: S. D.--Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful Master that you teach this candidate 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. W. M.--If you are satisfied it is high twelve, you will erect your column, and call the craft from labor to refreshment, for the space of thirty minutes (or fifteen minutes, as the case may be), calling them in at the sound of the gavel. SW: We are all Masons, Worshipful Master. Junior Warden, one. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) ii. How should a Master Mason wear his apron? 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. Hiram Abiff - Wikipedia (Hiram Abiff) to retire to the Most Holy Place, to draw his plans and designs, and offer up his orisons, &c. But flow could this be accomplished before the Sanctum Sanctorum was built. East upon the step, under the due-guard and. We cannot, Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and. It was his usual practice at high twelve, 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 to offer up his adorations to Deity, and there to draw his designs on the trestle-board. The traditional account of the death, several burials, and resurrections of one of the craft, Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, as developed in conferring this Degree, is very interesting. 1 This word cannot be given in any other way, and by Masons is considered a test of all book Masons. The other example of such a covenant is in Genesis xv.--Historical Landmarks, vol. 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." These are symbols of the blow on the cheek of Christ, the flagellation, and the blow with the spear. Master Mason Quiz | Freemasons Community The three (blows) were given with the three (tools, i.e., gauge, square, and gavel). 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. You will remember in whom you put your trust, with that divine assurance, that "he who endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved." 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. A. To place the fact of Hiram's being alive at the finishing the Temple beyond all doubt, it is said (2 Chron. (Sits down.). witnessed the Light at this Degree before. Again, some of the rituals taught that H. A. --The Freemason's Treasury, p. 213. On the points of the compasses, extended from my naked right to left breast, which was to show that as the vital parts of man are contained within the two points of the Compasses, which are friendship, morality, and Brotherly love. Degrees of Masonry in pdf, Grand Lodge of Missouri Petition --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! trial, strict examination, or lawful Masonic. 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. If this Certification is to be respected and sought after as a mark of accomplishment, we must insist that those who . ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". This reference to Jeremiah, where the prophet denounced the curse of the Lord upon the Princes and rulers who had broken the covenant which they had made with King Zedekiah, may explain the self-imposed penalty of J------ (Jubelum)." The Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). xxxiv. As the Master makes this sign, he says: "O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost!". The subject was there referred for examination to a committee, which reported that these lectures were according to the most approved method of 'work' in the United States, and proposed to give Brother Barney letters of recommendation to all Lodges and brethren in all parts as a brother well qualified to give Masonic information to any desirous of his services. In the primitive lectures--i.e., those which were used after the Revival in 1717, for the subject was never ventilated before that date--they were called "the three principal entrances to the Temple"; but subsequently it was thought expedient to particularize these entrances; and the passage was altered at first to "the east, west and south doors"; and, at the Union in 1813, the version became "north, south, and east entrances." Knee to knee--that you will ever remember a brother's welfare, as well as your own, in all your adorations to Deity. (See engraving.). (See Fig. (Pronounced by the conductor--Tubal Cain.) Master Mason Degree (PDF - 150KB) - Hawthorne-Fortitude 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. Here, too, one may easily discover the visual, in terms of a sequence; memorizing accordingly. 113:1 CASSIA--sometimes improperly and ignorantly used for acacia. (Master has a small trowel, which he shows the candidate as he commences to read concerning it. Q. 1. 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. On being brought to light, what did you discover more than you had heretofore discovered? It was, by fifteen Fellow Crafts, who, seeing the Temple about to be completed, and being desirous of obtaining the secrets of a Master Mason, whereby they might travel in foreign countries, work, and receive Master's wages, entered into a horrid conspiracy to extort them from our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, or take his life; but, reflecting with horror on the atrocity of the crime, twelve of them recanted; the other three persisted in their murderous designs. The Applicant must perform the ritual parts from memory. Q. Why, it is well known that the celebrated artist was living at Tyre many years after the Temple was completed.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 291. despicable villains! Brother, your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you have made in the mystery, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for our favor and esteem. 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. 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. (See Fig. First Ruffian--If such are the regulations, we shall not get a pass at any port, and what will become of us? 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! Duncan's Masoic Ritual and Monitor, by Malcom C. Duncan, [1866], at sacred-texts.com. Brother A. 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. Begone! The most well-known purposes are to pass degree proficiency or deliver ritual. In addition to the presiding Master, three Past Masters will work as acting Masters in obligating an exemplar candidate for each of the three degrees. G. After prayer, King Solomon took the body by the strong grip of a Master Mason, or lion's paw, and raised it on the five points of fellowship, which have been explained to you. Q. paragraph 6. A. degree live in Texas. B., who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes. A. K. S.--Jubela, you stand charged as accessory to the death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Behold! Time, unfolding the ringlets of her hair, denoted that time, patience, and perseverance accomplish all things. A. In a way, the Masonic ritual represents the rebirth of man. Jubela, Jubelo, 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.". 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. These generous principles are to extend further. ii. Conductor (for candidate.) W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will now take your seat in this Lodge as a Master Mason, after stepping to the Secretary's desk. The ruffians buried the body 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 made their escape. Masonic Jurisdiction in pdf, U.G.L.E. Masons use memory craft for a variety of purposes. 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. p. 148. W. M.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree? It is neither a proper time nor place; but be true to your engagement, and I will be true to mine. List the six basic rights guaranteed by law in the Consumer Bill of Rights. 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.". This you will communicate to the Junior Warden in the south, and he to the brethren about the. Let us pray.". Junior Deacon here steps forward and whispers in the Senior Deacon's ear, "Tubal Cain.". (Mirror Site), Illustrations of Masonry, by Capt. In your present condition, what do you most desire? 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. 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. "5th. 5, 6, pp. After taking the obligation, what were you then asked? Answer--We have murdered our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Q. Learning Masonic Ritual: The Simple, Systematic and Successful Way to By this time the candidate is dressed, his apron is tied on as a Master Mason. A. Fourteen hundred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six pilasters; all hewn from the finest Parian marble. S. D.--Brother Gabe, is it of your own free-will and accord? 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.) To signify that my duties and obligations become more and more binding as I advance in Masonry. A. After the candidate is conducted to the east, before the Master, the conductor takes his position behind the candidate, with a hoodwink either in his hand or secreted in his pocket. The unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. When the candidate is fully dressed, the door is unceremoniously thrown open, and he, in company with others, is permitted to enter the Lodge. 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. We will suppose the business of the Lodge finished, and that the Master proceeds to close. (1 Kings vii. 299-300. That which was lost, which, by my endeavors and his assistance, I was in hope to find. A. 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. Jubelum!!!" Subsequently to 1818, Brother Barney went to the Western and Southwestern States, and, being in delicate health, adopted the profession of Masonic lecturing as a means of subsistence. 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.". Masonic ritual and symbolism - Wikipedia W. M.--Have you any thing on your desk, Brother Secretary? 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 Senior Warden approaches the candidate, faces him toward the east (i.e. At the point is a blue rosette, in the centre of which is a silver five-pointed star. Take this Master Mason Quiz to test your knowledge of the Masonic third degree of Freemasonry to refresh your memory about this degree. When through, signify by saying Amen, and arise and pursue your journey. 17. --Further light in Masonry. The second degree is the Fellow Craft, which represents manhood, the middle period of life. 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. (G.M.'S decision #186, page 424, of the 1894 proceedings.) "1st. 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. 12 days ago. However, those who understand the whys, and how-tos of memory can develop their own memorycraft's and reap many benefits. He was surrounded by his family who made beautiful music just for him and prayed that he would be at peace after eight and a half months of . 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. Ritual Master Mason Degree | PDF | Freemasonry | Masonic Lodge - Scribd The Master now gives and explains to the candidate the several signs and tokens of this Degree, commencing with the first (see Figs. 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. Another says: "What course shall we pursue? The following appears to be the proper way:--After the candidate gets up from the altar, the conductor should lead him from the altar direct to the Junior Warden's station in the south. (Secretary reads the minutes, &c., &c.). 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. In the third section, our emblems are explained, and the construction of Solomon's Temple described.--Lexicon. They now separate about the Lodge, saying to each other: "This is very unjust of the King. ", Master (as K. S.) makes the "grand hailing sign of distress" (see Fig. JD: To see that they are duly tyled. A. It is my orders that you be taken without the gates of the court, and be executed, according to your several imprecations, in the clefts of the rocks. --No, we have no pass; we did not know it was necessary. . What induced you to become a Master Mason? This is not, however, practised in city Lodges. Candidate (prompted by conductor.) 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. 116:1 The occasion of the brethren searching so diligently for their Master was, to receive from him the secret word of Masonry, which should be delivered down as a test to the fraternity of after ages.--Historical Land marks, vol. Ruffian (i.e., S. W.) gives candidate a brush with his right hand across the left breast, and at the same time lets him pass, the conductor hurrying him on toward the east end of the Lodge, where the Master is stationed to perform the part of the Third Ruffian, Jubelum, who is generally provided with a buckskin bag stuffed with hair, to represent a setting-maul. Part of the fun of masonry is finding these patterns as you memorize the ritual words.The author touches on this as much as he is able to in the untyled forum of a book available to the public while still maintaining masonic secrets, and there are no spoilers that would make lower degree masons avoid this book. Brethren on the right and left, and communicate it in the East. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, who was slain just before the completion of King Solomon's Temple. (Scottish Rite 1st - 32nd 'Degree' Explanations), 'Masonic Ritual for use by The Most [paragraph continues] Master that you teach this candidate how to wear his apron as a Master Mason. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God, who gave it.". W. M. (looking conductor in the eye.) (See engraving.). These implements are both used as will be described hereafter. Treasurer--(See opening ceremony, p. W. M.--Why leave you the west, and travel toward the east! S. D.--The pass is right; you will wait with patience until the Worshipful Master is informed of your request and his answer returned. ENTERED APPRENTICE MASON - Learn About The First Masonic Degree --To see that the Lodge is duly tyled. However, it becomes "real work" when the verbiage must be actually committed to memory - and vocal chord output. sign of an Entered Apprentice, who presented his. Rapping three times each. you with my right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will. Let him be found, if possible. (Moving off, one says:). ), The Master steps to the feet of the candidate, bending over, takes him by the real grip of a Master Mason, places his right foot against the candidate's. (The Deacons return to their places) WM: *. THE MM'S BOOK by J.S.M. 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 . In Scotland the arrangement is east, south, and west. 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 Higher Degrees Handbook. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not violate the chastity of, nor have Illicit carnal intercourse with a Master Mason . 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. 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? the Masons) in pdf, Duncan's Masonic With these lectures he returned to Vermont, and submitted them to the Grand Lodge, at its annual session in October, 1817. The Lodge is closed in nearly the same manner that it is opened, and, in fact, all three of the Degrees are closed alike. It is the pass-word to the Master's degree. Brother Junior Deacon. Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. Having my curiosity aroused, I examined it, and found it to be a grave.". W. M.--Why in the south, and your duty there, Brother Junior? As they approach the west, the Senior Warden steps out as did the Junior Warden, facing the candidate, and, clinching him by the collar more roughly than the Junior Warden, exclaiming as follows: S. W. (Second Ruffian.) 40.) A. I was directed to wait with patience until the Worshipful Master should be informed of my request, and his answer returned.