master mason degree memory work

Whence I came, and wither I was traveling. Senior Deacon gives three loud knocks (), which are responded to by one () from the parties outside. further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. A rope, technically called, by Masons, a cable-tow, is wound around his body three times, and a bandage, or hoodwink, is tied very closely over his eyes. 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. They then commence to search about the candidate, lifting off the canvas, feeling about his neck, &c., &c.: finally, one of the brethren, taking hold of the jewel which is attached to the yoke about the candidate's neck, exclaims: "Let us go and report that we find nothing on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office.". O Lord my God!! I'm the International Master Council of DeMolay and an EA out of Myrtle lodge in Oklahoma City. Lessons in Masonry are taught in three separate stages in our Masonic Lodges. S. W.--The candidate is in order, Worshipful, and awaits your further will and pleasure. B. not only lived to finish all the work, in whatever capacity he might have been engaged, but also, according to the testimony of Josephus, who calls him ABDEMON, he returned to Tyre, and died there at a good old age.--The Freemason's Treasury, pp. I'll hear no more of your cavilling! Most!Worshipful!Grand!Lodge!of! W. M. (looking conductor in the eye.) If this is the case, you cannot get a passage with me, I assure you. Take this Master Mason Quiz to test your knowledge of the Masonic third degree of Freemasonry to refresh your memory about this degree. They usually meet in the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. A. 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. Also learned a lot about some Masonic symbology. S. W.--Brother Junior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful Master, &c., &c. J. W.--Brethren, you have heard the orders of the Worshipful Master, as communicated to me through the Senior Warden in the west--you will take notice, and govern yourselves accordingly. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! Some portions of the lectures are conducted in the form of questions and answers, as part of the proficiencies, or memory work. A. At this time Brother Barney wrote a portion of them in cipher. Ruffians--We will go back and get a pass, if that is the case. ), 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. Answer (1 of 19): The 33rd Degree is honorary and one receives it by invitation only. Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world . But we must look a little closer into the manner of making a covenant, in order to discover the connection of the different penalties as references to one entire ceremony. And finally, the veracity of the legend is completely ignored by a reference to the Holy Scriptures. 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? --Nothing, Worshipful. 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. Proficient in the Uniform Work of the Master Mason Degree, in all chairs, including Lectures and Charge. Q. information, I shall have found him or them justly. All eyes are upon the Master. We will suppose the business of the Lodge finished, and that the Master proceeds to close. 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. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will please approach the east. 7, p. 18--some Masters make this sign twice), accompanied by the following exclamation, viz. 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. (Scottish Rite 1st - 32nd 'Degree' Explanations), 'Masonic Ritual for use by The Most pdf, Grand Lodge of Nevada Master Mason Ritual in Knee to knee--that you will ever remember a brother's welfare, as well as your own, in all your adorations to Deity. Thus you will render yourself deserving of the honor which we have conferred, and merit the confidence we have reposed. After being taught how to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? 3 Master Mason. You must pray for yourself. 12, p. About this time a party arrived with the ruffians, and related that while sitting down to rest and refresh themselves, they heard the following horrid exclamations from the clefts of an adjacent rock. 27. r/freemasonry. By the order of the Master and the assistance of the Brethren. The candidate is not intentionally injured in any Degree of Masonry, impressions of a lasting nature being all that are intended by the ceremonies. and after a few more names, that of the Third Ruffian, "Jubelum! G. John, do hereby and hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, that I will always hail, ever conceal, and never reveal any of the secrets, arts, parts, point or points, of the Master Masons' Degree, to any person or persons whomsoever, except it be to a true and lawful brother of this Degree, or in a regularly constituted Lodge of Master Masons, nor unto him, or them, until by strict trial, due examination, or lawful information, I shall have found him, or them, as lawfully entitled to the same as I am myself. On both points of the compasses, extending from my naked left to my right breast, which was to teach me that, as the most vital parts of man are contained within the breast, so the most excellent tenets of our institution are contained between the points of the compasses, which are, friendship, morality, and brotherly love. J. D.--At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the east. But its esoteric meaning contains some of the most profound spiritual instruction which it is possible to obain to-day. (See Fig. 2 Fellow Craft. It is very true, we have been associated with these three ruffians, but we have not committed any actual crime". The real memory-taxing part of Lodge ritual is in the degree work, whether the Degree conferral, or the Lectures and Charges. Suspicious characters! A. SPONSORED. 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. W. M.--You will detach your hands and kiss the book. (makes the sign, see Fig. witnessed the Light at this Degree before. ii. 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? K. S.--Jubela, you stand charged as accessory to the death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple. Some substitute for the latter, but with less propriety, the crown of thorns. K. S. (to the S. W.)--My worthy brother of Tyre, I shall endeavor (with your assistance) to raise the body by the strong grip, or lion's paw, of the tribe of Judah. I will suffer you to pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, for his examination. Behold! Conductor--I cannot; nor can they be given, except in the presence of Solomon, king of Israel, Hiram, king of Tyre, and myself. FOR MASTER MASONS The ceremony is conducted in a tiled lodge opened on the third degree of Masonry. 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. ), "Kneeling on both my naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses.". There is a lecture to this Degree, as well as in the other Degrees, but it is not generally given by the Master to the candidate on the night of his "raising." Ruffian--What horrid deed is this we have done? 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. By innocence is meant clean thinking and clean living, a loyal obedience to the laws of the Craft and sincere good will one's Brethren. The Senior Deacon steps to the altar, takes the compasses, repairs to the door, opens it, and says: S. D.--Let him enter, and be received in due form. Jubela! After being taught to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? Third Ruffian--Let us secrete ourselves until night and steal a small boat and put to sea. "The construction of this grand edifice was attended with two remarkable circumstances. ", Master (as K. S.) makes the "grand hailing sign of distress" (see Fig. K. S.--I fear that some accident has befallen him. 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. "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. Masonic lectures cover various aspects of the moral and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry and explanations of the symbols. J. D. (makes sign.) (See page 247.). and sits down near the candidate. No! 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. The Degrees of Masonry represent a man's journey through life. Fellowcraft Handbook. O Lord my God!!! In the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. 17, 18), which is responded to by the Master, after which the conductor and candidate pass out of the Lodge. K. S.--You twelve Fellow Crafts will now go and assist in raising the body. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) the Masons) in pdf, Duncan's Masonic It also represents the execution and dying groans of Jubela, the first ruffian, and is repeated twice more to represent the death of the other two ruffians. Where is our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff? Takes the candidate by the "real grip" of a Fellow Craft, and says. Another says: "What course shall we pursue? 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. A. At first, I did not doubt your veracity; but now I do! W. M.--The password is right. 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. After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! It is, in fact, not a word, but merely a jumble of letters, forming a sound without meaning." ii. In your present condition, what do you most desire? that my breast had been torn open." In a way, the Masonic ritual represents the rebirth of man. In order that I might receive a Masters' wages, and be the better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of poor, distressed Master Mason, their widows and orphans. 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? MM Obligation #1. The only alterations which occur in the lectures of each degree are in the commencement. 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. A concise sketch of Brother Barney, the author of the three lectures introduced in. A. These are symbols of the blow on the cheek of Christ, the flagellation, and the blow with the spear. A. W. M.--Brother Secretary, have you any thing on your desk? It was to show that my duties and obligations became more and more extended as I advanced in Masonry. Conductor here takes off the hoodwink and removes the cable-tow, and all around the altar place their hands in the position of the duegard of a Master Mason. the portrayal of the removal of everything that keeps us from rising to that state where. 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. S. D.--From the west, travelling toward the east. 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 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. The Senior Deacon then answers with one rap (), and opens the door. --Nothing, Worshipful (some say), in the west. Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. It is now past mid-night, and if we do not act with decision, daylight will be upon us, and we will be discovered and taken. p. 176. W. M.--You will cause him to kneel on his naked knees, both hands resting on the Holy Bible, square, and compasses. 5, p. "Mortals, now indulge a tear, For Mortality is here: See how wide her trophies wave Oer the slumbers of the grave! W. M.--To what do you allude, my brother? What induced you to become a Master Mason? : "O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost!" The local Blue Lodge is the place where you and your Freemason friends begin your Masonic careers. shall be to a worthy Brother Master Mason, or. 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. Second Ruffian--Are you going to put to sea soon? Phil., p. 309. A. The Entered Apprentice Obligation was about 350 words and the Fellow Craft Obligation was only about 250. As the last sound of twelve dies away, the three ruffians cautiously approach the body, and converse among themselves nearly as follows: First Ruffian--Well, we have all met as agreed upon: the question is, what shall we do with the body? 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 . SYMBOLISM OF THE DEGREE. In the mean time, the canvas is slipped out of the Lodge, and as the Master commences to give or whisper the word in the candidate's ear, some one of the brethren slips off the hoodwink, and this is the first time he has seen light, probably, in an hour. We were sent in haste and on urgent business; there was nothing said about giving us a pass, and we presume it was forgotten, or not deemed necessary. You are now bound by duty, honor, and gratitude, to be faithful to your trust; to support the dignity of your character on every occasion; and to enforce, by precept and example, obedience to the tenets of the Order. How does a crew neckline differ from a bateau? We three should like to take a passage with you. p. 154. Upon which we rushed in, seized and bound the ruffians, and now have them before your majesty.". There was nothing found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was discovered. FELLOW CRAFT AND MASTER MASON DEGREE . The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). At high twelve. First Ruffian, Jubela, generally the J. W. in the south. As the candidate is hurried along toward Jubelum (Worshipful Master), the latter seizes him with both hands by the collar of his coat, and swings him round, so as to place his back toward the east, with his heels a few inches from the edge of the canvas before alluded to. 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.' 40.) We feel our own feet sliding from the precarious brink on which We stand, and a few more suns, and we will be whelmed neath death's awful wave, to rest in the stilly shades, and darkness Said silence will reign around our melancholy abode. There are many 32nd Degree Masons who never get invite. I furthermore promise and swear that I will not violate the chastity of, nor have Illicit carnal intercourse with a Master Mason . "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. --You will arise, and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as an obligated Master Mason. 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. --Brother Senior Warden, at the opening of this Lodge you informed me that you were a Master Mason. The Junior Deacon now passes the candidate over to the Senior. 16 and 17, pages 97 and 120; also see Note L, Appendix. me to rise, salute the Junior and Senior Wardens. 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. --Nothing, Worshipful. grand Masonic word on the five points of fellowship. 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. ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". 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.". W. M.--Brethren, together on the signs. (Moving off, one says:). You say they turned back into the country? 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. The brethren commence, in loud voices to inquire of one another: Have you seen any thing of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff? Captain--The sooner the better! 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. From the above causes. 1. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will now take your seat in this Lodge as a Master Mason, after stepping to the Secretary's desk. Conductor here instructs candidate to pass his thumb from the second joint to space beyond, which is the second space. 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. (left to right: Worshipful Master Altar, Candidate. W. M.--And part on the Square; and so let us ever meet, act, and part. Foot to foot--that you will never hesitate to go on foot, and out of your way, to assist and serve a worthy brother. 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. Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] (Wikileaks) Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] (Mirror Site) Illustrations of Masonry, by Capt. 30 WM: As further evidence that all present are Master Masons, receive the pass-word from the Senior SW: (S) Worshipful Master. 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. 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. The animal was then divided into two parts, and placed north and south, that the parties to the covenant may pass between them from east to west, and the carcase was then left as a prey to voracious animals. 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. A. That is strictly forbidden; so you may set your minds at rest. (pdf), Order of Demolay Ritual - Masonic Youth Organization A. W. M.--I presumed that you did from the jewel that you wear, it being the Senior Warden's jewel. [paragraph continues] Master that you teach this candidate how to wear his apron as a Master Mason.

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