1952

Each Pillar is provided with a stand, upon which is the Volume of Sacred Law, a lamp and a card of instructions. The stand of the First Pillar is white, having thereon the figure of a Lion; Second Pillar is black with an Anchor and a Fig; Third Pillar is crimson with the Sun and Apples; Fourth Pillar is red with a Star and Wine and Milk; Fifth Pillar is purple with a Heart and Water; Sixth Pillar is blue with a Stole and a Mitre, and the Seventh Pillar is green with a Crown and Wine and Bread.

The Knights Priests wear white robes of the Temple, and the Jewel of the Order, which is a triangular plate of metal, with the letters B.Q.N.T.L.O.I., W.L.B.T.T.P.D., A.O.T.I.O.G. around the inner edge, and in the center the letters G.M.G.F. In the case of the Preceptor it is surmounted by a mitre, and each of the Pillars by a pillar, with the number thereof enameled thereon.
 

Opening

VEP: Knights Priests, assist me to open the Tabernacle.
All rise.
Knights Priests and Pillars, I call upon you to discharge your duties in forming the Tabernacle. Knight Priest and Inner Guard, as Keeper of the Inner Porch, can you state if our Tabernacle is securely guarded from all intruders?
IG opens door and ascertains Outer Guard is on duty, closes door: Very Eminent Preceptor, we are indeed securely guarded.
VEP: Knight Priest and First Pillar, are we then prepared to open?
lst.P.: Very Eminent Preceptor, the Tabernacle is secure and we are prepared to open.
VEP: Knight Priest and Second Pillar, whence come you?
2nd.P.: From the Land of Darkness.
VEP: Knight Priest and Third Pillar, wither are you going?
3rd.P.: To the Land of Light.
VEP: Knight Priest and Fourth Pillar, for what purpose?
4th.P.: In search of that City and Tabernacle set on a high hill, whose Founder and Master is God.
VEP: Knight Priest and Fifth Pillar, your reason?
5th.P.: For the Lord God is my God.
VEP: Knight Priest and Sixth Pillar, your second reason?
6th.P.: For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
VEP: Knight Priest and Seventh Pillar. I will thank you to give the Sign, Word and Grip of a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest.
7th.P. gives them to 6th, 6th to 5th, 5th to 4th, 4th to 3rd, 3rd to 2nd, 2nd to 1st, who rises and approaches the Throne and gives them to Deputy Preceptor who in turn gives them to the VEP.
VEP: Let us pray.
 

Prayer

VEP: O Heavenly Father, grant that we may never be ashamed to own Thy name before the men of this world, or to acknowledge Thy Son Jesus Christ in all His offices, as our Prophet, Priest and King. Amen.
All: So mote it be, Amen.
1st. P.: Ye, also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, and holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore, also, it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you, therefore which believe, he is precious; but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner. And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, and holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light; and having all Power. Giving Due Guard of an Entered Apprentice.
2nd. P.: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And having all riches. Giving Due Guard of a Fellow Craft.
3rd. P.: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. And having all Wisdom. Giving Due Guard of a Master Mason.
4th. P.: And many people shall go and say, Come ye. and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And having all Strength.
Giving the Due Guard of a Past Master.
5th. P.: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with ,the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord. In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. And having all Honour. Giving the Due Guard of the Holy Royal Arch.
6th. P.: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverence and supplication for all saints. And having all Glory. Giving Due Guard of Knight Templar.
7th. P.: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven; and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter. And having all Blessings. Giving Due Guard of a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest.
VEP: Wherefore seeing ye also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
lst.P.: And having all Power.
2nd.P.: And having all Riches.
3rd.P.: And having all Wisdom.
4th.P.: And having all Strength.
5th.P.: And having all 1-lonour.
6th.P.: And having all Glory.
7th.P.: And having all Blessings.
VEP: I declare this to be an open Tabernacle, forbidding all argumentative topics of Religion, or Politics. All give Sign of the Order. Knight Priest and Inner Guard, inform the Knight Priest and Outer Guard.
This is done; all Pillars display their lights.
 

Reception

IG: Very Eminent Preceptor, there is a report.
VEP: See who seeks admission.
IG: Brother ..., a worthy Installed Commander of Knights Templar seeks admission.
VEP: Admit him.
IG receives Candidate and directs him to kneel.
VEP: Let us pray.
 

Prayer

VEP: Almighty and everlasting God, who maketh us both to will and to do those things that be good, and acceptable unto Thy Divine Majesty; we make our humble supplications unto Thee for this Thy servant who now kneels before Thee. Let Thy Fatherly Hand be over him, let Thy Holy Spirit ever be with him, and so lead him in the know edge and obedience of Thy Word, that in the end he may obtain everlasting life through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee, and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Candidate rises and is conducted to First Pillar where he gives one knock.
1st P.: Who comes here?
IG: An Entered Apprentice who has made himself proficient in that Degree and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
1st.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of that Degree. Gives it.
1st.P.: This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Trust ye in the Lord forever; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not; behold, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. And when he opened the first Seal Gong sounds then was opened to us the door of Faith.
Wilt thou strictly observe, and faithfully obey the just laws and regulations of this holy Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests, so far as they are consistent with the written word of God?
Candidate, gives Sign of Fidelity: I will.
1st.P.: With Prayer on the journey walk continually in all the steps of wisdom through the wilderness of this world to the Heavenly Canaan above.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.? Candidate approaches Second Pillar and gives two knocks.
2nd.P.: Who come here?
IG: A Fellow Craft who has made himself proficient in that Degree and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
2nd.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of that Degree. Gives it.
2nd.P.: The light of the righteous rejoiceth; but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Blessed is the man whom thou chooseth, and causes to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts; We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
And they came unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff; and they brought of the pomgranites, and of the figs. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it; for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. When the Lamb of God openeth the Second Seal Gong sounds, he openeth for us also the door of Hope.
Wilt thou, as a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest, be true to the souls and bodies of thy Brethren, true to thy trust, and their reputation and interest all the days of thy life?
Candidate, gives Sign of Fidelity: I will.
2nd.P.: With knowledge on thy journey, righteousness shall go before and direct thy weary steps on the way.
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
Candidate approaches Third Pillar and gives three knocks.
3rd.P.: Who comes here?
IG: A Master who has made himself proficient in that Degree and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
3rd.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of that Degree. Gives it.
3rd.P.: Wisdom hath builded her house, she bath hewn out her seven pillars; She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table. She bath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; and for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding. And when the Prince of Peace opened the Third Seal Gong sounds, he also for all sinners opened the doors of Mercy.
Wilt thou, as much as in thy power lieth, avoid all disputes among the members of this Holy Order, as it becometh the Disciples of the meek and blessed Jesus?
Candidate, with Sign of Fidelity: I will.
3rd.P.: With Holy Desires on thy journey, I have no greater joy than that my brothers walk in the truth as in Christ Jesus.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, a small piece is given Candidate, who eats it, and will give him a white stone white stone is slipped into his hand, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Candidate arrives at the Fourth Pillar where he gives four knocks.
4th.P.: Who comes here?
IG: A Past Master who has ruled a Lodge wisely and well, and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
4th.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of a Past Master. Gives it.
4th.P.: The way of the Lord is strength to the upright; but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations. When the King of Righteousness opened the Fourth Seal Gong sounds, he opened the door of Utterances to preach the Word.
Wilt thou faithfully keep, and forever conceal, such honest secrets as are, or shall be, communicated to thy care, by the Brethren of the Priesthood of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests?
Candidate, with Sign of Fidelity: I will.
4th.P.: With Purity on thy journey, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way.
Candidate approaches Fifth Pillar and gives five knocks.
5th.P.: Who comes here?
IG: A Royal Arch Mason, who has wrenched forth the Keystone and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
5th.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of the Holy Royal Arch. Gives it.
5th.P.: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
And many people shall go and say: Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from generations. When the Great Jehovah opened the Fifth Seal gong sounds, he opened for us the door of Salvation.
Wilt thou, as a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest faithfully embrace Christ’s pure religion of humble love, and as a sincere Christian govern thy life by the same blessed doctrine?
Candidate with Sign of Fidelity: I will.
5th.P.: With God’s word on thy journey, be faithful and diligent, and the Almighty will sustain thy steps.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in White raiment. A white robe is put on the Candidate.
VEP: And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, the Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee; is not this a hi and p lucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from thee. And unto him lie said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with a change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. Mitre is placed upon Candidate’s head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by.
Candidate approaches Sixth Pillar and gives six knocks.
6th.P.: Who comes here?
IG: A valiant Knight, who has fought the good fight under the banner of the Cross, and now seeks further Light in Freemasonry.
6th.P.: By what proof?
IG: By the Due Guard of a Knight Templar. Gives it.
6th.P.: The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory. When our Gracious Emmanuel opened the Sixth Seal gong sounds, he opened the door of Perserverence to the pure in heart. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Wilt thou always walk in the light with a single eye to God in every motion of thy heart, with a single intention of promoting the glory of God, and the good of the Brotherhood?
Candidate, with Sign of Fidelity: I will.
6th.P.: With Peace on thy journey, order thy steps in the Word of the Lord, and he will not let any iniquity have dominion over thee. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall no more go out, and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God which is New Jerusalem which cometh down out of heaven from my God.
Candidate approaches Seventh Pillar and gives seven knocks.
7th.P.: Who comes here?
IG: A worthy Brother, who has successfully passed the examination of the six pillars, and now humbly requests to be admitted to this Holy Order.
7th.P.: But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succored him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel. Death delivers true brethren and true believers from every sin and misery, and opens to them the gate of Paradise, that leads to endless glory and happiness in that heavenly Canaan. When Melchizedek opened the Seventh Seal gong sounds, he opened the door of Life for all them that endure to the end.
Wilt thou, as a faithful soldier under the banner of our Glorious Emmanuel, wear on thy heart the Cross, Star, or Sun in token that thou wilt not be ashamed to confess Jesus Christ as thy Prophet, Priest and King?
Candidate, with Sign of Fidelity: I will.
7th.P.: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on my throne, even as I overcome and am sat down with lily Father on his throne. Enter with joy into the Tabernacle.
IG conducts Candidate before the VEP.
VEP: For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Ahraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of Righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is King of Peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest.
And strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the alien shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But ye shall lie named the Priests of the Lord: men shall call you the Ministers of God, ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. Is it your earnest desire to unite your soul with ours in the Lord's oath, to live in brotherly love, in a spiritual bond of peace, and in holy friendship, joining your heart and hand in true Christian fellowship, neither to be dissolved by length of time, nor broken by slight offences?
Candidate, with Sign of Fidelity: It is.
VEP: Then you will kneel and repeat the Lord’s Prayer.
IG removes the mire from Candidate’s head.
You will now take the solemn obligation of the Order. Support the Volume of Sacred Law with your left hand and place your right hand upon it. Say I, repeat your Christian name and surname at length and the following after me:
 

Obligation

I, …, of my own free will and accord, most solemnly and sincerely swear that I will always keep, conceal, and never reveal any of the parts, points mysteries, or ceremonies of the Holy and Priestly Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests to anyone not lawfully entitled thereto, nor will I assist to admit into this Holy Order any who are of loose or immoral character. I also promise that I will never hear the name of Jesus Christ used in a profane manner without reproving those who do so, or silently praying for them; that I will relieve all true and faithful brethren of this Holy Order who are in either pecuniary or mental distress to the utmost of my ability; nor will I allow them to be unjustly accused, but will defend their character so far as I shall know the same to be just. All this I promise to observe under no less a penalty than that of having the earth open up and swallow me, as it did Korah, Dathan and Abiram. So help me the Most High to keep and perform this my OB of a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest.
VEP: By virtue of the high powers reposed in me as a Very Eminent Preceptor of the Holy and Priestly Order lays hands on head I ordain thee a Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest and in the name of Jesus our Master I anoint thee as such. The mitre is replaced upon Candidate’s head.
Rise, Knight Priest, and welcome into our Tabernacle.
The Grip of this Order is made by placing the hand on a Knight Priest’s head, saying, "My peace be with you." The Due Guard, or Sign, is made by stamping the right foot and stretching out the right arm. The test words are those upon the triangular plate, and should read as follows: "But quench not the light of Israel, which light burneth to the Perfect Day." "All our Trust is of God." "Gather Mana, Gospel Food." The corner letters in outer lines are "KNIGHT TEMPLAR PRIEST." The corresponding letters within the triangle are: "King of Kings" then in centre line: "Lord of Lords."
VEP: Go in peace and may the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you from henceforth for ever more.
Pillars, with lamps in right hands giving sign of order: Amen.
 

Closing

VEP: Knights Priests and Pillars, assist me to close the Tabernacle. All rise. Let us pray.
Almighty God, who through thine only Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the door of everlasting life, we humbly beseech thee to put into our minds good desires, so that by Thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
All: So mote it be, Amen.
7th.P.: For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ the Lord, so walk ye in Him; Rooted and built up on Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught abounding therein with thanksgiving.
6th.P.: And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
5th.P.: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto Him glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
4th.P.: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
3th.P.: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
2nd.P.: This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in 1-lim is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as He is in the hi g ht, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1st.P.: Do all things without murmurings and disputings; That ye may be blameless, and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labouring in vain.
VEP: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
7th.P.: And has all Blessings. Giving Due Guard of H.R.A.K.T.P.
6th.P.: And has all Glory. Giving Due Guard of K.T.
5th.P.: And has all Honour. Giving Due Guard of H.R.A.
4th.P.: And has all Strength. Giving Due Guard of P.M.
3rd.P.: And has all Wisdom. Giving Due Guard of M.M.
2nd.P.: And has all Riches. Giving Due Guard of F.C.
1st.P.: And has all Power. Giving Due Guard of E.A.
VEP: I now declare the Tabernacle closed.
All give sign of Order.

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