Ancient Order of Noble Corks
Ritual of the Cork Degree

1997

Before opening the Lodge, a list of Candidates is prepared and passed to the presiding officer, who is responsible for seeing that they are duly qualified and acceptable Brethren. The order of precedence may be decided by the presiding officer, otherwise it should be decided by the candidates drawing lots.
NOTE: during any part of the Ceremony any member may request another to join him in a Libation, but this should be done with discretion so as to avoid interrupting the ceremony or becoming a nuisance. If and when the Bosun blows his whistle all partake of a libation.
Candidates do not partake of any libation during the course of the ceremony.
 

Opening

A.: Noble Corks, assist me to open this Cork Lodge.
All shuffle about, strike matches, light pipes. etc., fill their glasses and seat themselves comfortably.
A.: Brother … (purser by name), what is the first object of care and attention in a Cork Lodge?
P.: To preserve the Lodge from the observation of others.
A.: Then kindly make the observation yourself.
P.: Brother ... (Screw by name), you will see that the door is kept shut and that there is no one loafing about outside on the chance of a free drink at a Brother’s expense.
S., goes to the door, looks out and closes door.
S.: There are no Barnacles hanging about outside, Rather Worshipful Admiral.
A.: Matey, what is the next point of care and solicitude?
M.: To see that there are no dry rotters inside.
A.: Has this been attended to'?
M., giving sign of doubt: It has.
A.: Then to order, Noble Corks.
All stand with their hands on their hips, a piece of cork in their right hand and, if they so desire, a pipe, cigar or cigarette may be held in the left hand.
A.: Brother … (by name), you being on the Look Out, what is your duty at the door of a Cork Lodge?
LO.: To guard that door and hold it fast and also to look out for and be aware of and to screw out all the fees and fines due by the Brethren, when so directed.
A.: Doctor, what have you to do?
D.: To look after all the "Fizz"ical gases, odours and emanations while at sea and to prescribe when the Brethren are half-seas over.
A.: Cook, what is your duty?
C.: To prevent sickness by keeping water on the bile and food in a stew, so that the Brethren may always be ready to go to the juice (deuce).
A.: Bosun, what is your duty?
B.: To repeatedly wet my whistle with a view to a better discharge of my masonic duty.
A.: Purser, what is your duty?
P.: To collect all fees and fines and to transmit them, without deduction, at my own expense, to whatever charity this Lodge may direct.
A.: Matey, what is your duty?
M.: To assist you, in boxing the compass with a sheet in the wind and to steer a straight course when homeward bound.
A.: What is my duty?
M.: To preserve the bond of fellowship, that being the principal duty levied on the spirits of a Cork Lodge.
A.: Then, Noble Corks, before I declare this Cork Lodge opened, I shall proceed to take a solemn libation. (Drinks).
A.: You can also do so if you choose. (All drink at will).
A.: Feeling better for that, I now declare this Cork Lodge opened.
The Officers repeat a few random knocks more or less at pleasure. The Carpenter keeps knocking until he is stopped by a jocular remark.
A.: Opening Ode Brethren: "What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor". (All sing one or two verses).
What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?
What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?
What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?
Early in the morning.
Hooray up she rises;
Hooray up she rises;
Hooray up she rises;
Early in the morning.
Put him in the Scupper with a hosepipe on him!
Put him in the Scupper with a hosepipe on him!
Put him in the Scupper with a hosepipe on him!
Early in the morning.
Hooray up she rises:
Hooray up she rises:
Hooray up she rises;
Early in the morning.
A.: Resume your seats my Noble Brethren.
NOTE: The foregoing opening may he elaborated or curtailed at will, other harmless jests may be used.
 

Admission

A.: Slightly Worshipful Doctor. I understand that a number of candidates are here this evening. Kindly examine them and report on them. You may take the Barely Worshipful Cook with you.
The Doctor and Cook retire and make a jocular examination of the candidates, pulses, tongues, etc. as occurs to them. The candidates, carrying their hats in their hands, are marshalled into order and led into the Lodge Room. They are then ranged in a row at the furthest end of the room. The Cook and Doctor resume their seats.
A.: Bosun, do your duty.
B. blows his whistle and all members of the Order solemnly rise and take a libation.
B.: I present to you, Sir, these Brethren who have been regularly admitted as Freemasons and are in good standing, and who now hope to have their bodies refreshed and their minds illuminated by the benefits of this noble and social degree.
A.: Your presentation shall be attended to; for which purpose I must first address a few words to those assembled here, and then call the attention of the candidates to the essential qualifications required from every candidate for the illumination of the Cork degree.
A.: Noble Brethren! The origin of this, one of the side degrees in Freemasonry, is so ancient that its origin has been entirely lost in obscurity; but it is well known that it nourished at the time of the Flood, and the Degree may be still more ancient, for tradition, which is not in itself to be despised, relates that the word Cork itself is derived from the first letters of each word of the sentence which Eve used to Adam when they retired through the intricate windings of the bushes (Quercus suber - the sober cork) which served to secure their privacy to perform their mystic rites in the Garden of Eden.
Its connection with Jewish custom is evident from the fact that it is the only degree in Freemasonry in which hats are worn, and it is supposed that some of our ancient Brethren, notably among the Jews, wore two or three hats at a time to mark the progress they had made in the craft. Most if not all the greatest ancient historical characters in Freemasonry have been members of this Degree. Gideon who was a sporting gentleman and accustomed to fleeing, and with a partiality for the contents of pitchers was a Past-Master, and received his name from the irregularity of his walk - which looked as if he were a giddy un.
King Solomon, again, is well known to have been in possession of a numerous fleet, which was engaged in bringing over spices, etc., from the East to Joppa, and which, no doubt, rendered the loving cup of the period more fragrant; the merchantmen of this fleet were protected by Barques, so that the illustrious monarch’s potations were protected by a cork. i.c., by a cork.
King David is equally well known to have used Cork soles to keep his feet out of hot water when going to the bath, and it was to the temporary loss of these that may he attributed the trouble that arose about Bathsheba.
While the good old Commander Noah, after having built the Ark, occupied himself for a long time in caulking its seams, a point which is romantically alluded to in the Historical Lecture or Tracing Board of this degree.
Candidates are you willing to take an obligation, and to consider it binding upon you in honour to keep the secrets of this Degree inviolate, and to abide by its rules?
Candidates: We are.
B. blows his whistle and all members of the Order rise and take a libation.
D. collects the Candidate’s hats from them and mixes them up in a pile near to the Purser.
A.: Then I must inform you that in this, as in all other Masonic Degrees, there are certain signs and words of a highly mysterious character by which Cork Masons can always recognise one another in the presence of the outer world without the latter's knowledge, and give or claim assistance; but before you can take the obligation and receive those secrets, certain fees must be paid, which not only permit you to gain advanced Masonic rank, but also enable you to exercise the distinguishing characteristic of freemasonry - viz: charity - as all these fees must be devoted to that purpose.
A.: Mainly Worshipful Bosun, take these candidates to the Highly Worshipful Purser, who will make an important application to them.
B. blows his whistle and all members of the Order rise and take a libation.
B.: I shall do it with pleasure.
B. takes the Candidates to the Purser.
B.: Candidates, attend to the Purser. He can neither sing nor speak; in fact he is speechless, but can take a collection.
P.: Brethren. I have to ask you to pay no attention to the senseless observations of the Mainly Worshipful Bosun, but to hand to me the dues of this Degree, in the sum of £10.00, which I shall have pleasure in handing (either) to the (name of Charity) (or) to a Charity to be afterwards decided upon; following which you will sign the Attendance Register as Candidates. The fees are collected and two corks are issued to each candidate.
P.: Brother on the Look-Out! You will satisfy yourself that all dues are paid and report.
LO.: Rather Worshipful Admiral, these Brethren have all paid to the Purser the dues required in this Sublime Degree.
D., returns hats to the candidates, by placing them on their heads, preferably ensuring that they are on the wrong heads.
A.: Brethren, having now paid your dues, you will now raise your right hand, each of you having been supplied with two corks. You will hold these corks, both resting on the thumb and the other ends held by the tips of the first and second fingers, the corks being thus arranged in the form of an open compass or triangle. with the apex away from you and pointing downwards. You will each repeat your several names at full length and then in unison say after me:
I, ..., in the presence of the High Admiral and of this sober and social Lodge of Ancient and Honourable Corks irregularly held, occasionally assembled, but very properly decorated, do hereby of my own free will and accord solemnly promise on my word of honour that I will never reveal any, or either of, the secrets or mysteries, or parts or points thereof belonging to the Order in Freemasonry known as the Cork Degree, directly or indirectly to anyone except a noble Cork Brother, or an approved Companion about to become such, and then only in a duly constituted Lodge of Brother Corks; and after due trial, strict examination and a full conviction that the Companion is worthy of my confidence.
I further promise that I will never consent to, or allow the admission of, anyone who is not qualified by the Rules of the Order by which I agree to strictly abide, and specially that I will always act up to and maintain the principles of the Cork, pure and unsullied, and never refuse or relinquish my claim to the penalty incurred by a neglectful Cork or any excuse whatever, and should I myself be the delinquent, I will cheerfully abide by the consequence of my forgetfulness.
To all these points I solemnly swear fidelity under no less a penalty than that of being stranded in a land with flowing milk and honey, and being unable to get a drop to drink; or the more tantalising - if less horrible - punishment of being shut up in a well stocked cellar, and not being able to draw a cork myself, or to get one drawn for me, and being branded as a mere worthless bottle-stopper instead of a noble Cork.
You will ratify this obligation by raising the corks in your hands and kissing them once. You will then raise your hats from your heads three times; each time bending forward and bowing to the Brethren here assembled; and then once more to myself.
All candidates should now retire from the Lodge into the adjoining room and be brought in individually for passing. Care being taken to tile the door after each has entered. If there are a large number of Candidates, however, it may be more convenient to test them together.
 

Test

A.: Brother … (name of candidate), as a newly obligated Cork. you now have the right to demand of me the great and individual secrets of the Order, but before I can communicate them. a trial must he made of your intelligence and dexterity. I shall also call upon all corks present to join in the ordeal so that they may not become mouldy for want of practice in the art.
You will place a cork on the table in front of you. Place your right hand upon the table six inches from the Cork, with the back flat downwards on the table and the thumb extended in the form of a square. At the word "three" you will turn the hand over and rapidly - with a sweeping motion - seize and raise the cork between the thumb and forefinger and hold it out to show that you have it firmly held. (Note: this method is rather difficult and the most usual is to grasp the cork with the right hand and bring it smartly up to the left shoulder).
You must note that the most unskilful is the one who is last to touch and raise his cork. and he will be fined half-a-crown; but as I am anxious that all should have an opportunity of refreshing their memories and none be taken unawares.
I direct that one trial be made for practice.
Now are you ready?
Here a few ridiculous questions may be asked or suggestions may be made.
B. blows his whistle and all partake of a libation.
A.: Now. One! Two! Three! The corks are lifted as directed.
A.: That was rather well done, though I noticed one or two rather behind the rest. This time we shall make it a test. You (to the Candidate) of course, are free - for you have paid already; but you may assist me to catch some of the others.
One! Two!! Three!!! Ah! Burn!! (A burnt cork is one who fails the test).
At this point a dispute arises as to which was the last, which is settled by the suggestion that it was understood to be a test only.
A.: Well we shall try again. The real thing.
One! Two!! Three!!! This time no one lifts but the Candidate, unless he is seen to have got an inkling and leaves his Cork upon the table too; in which case all the others at once lift, taking their cue from the Admiral.
A., to the Candidate: You were clearly the last to touch and raise your cork, but as we are inclined to put this down to nervousness rather than want of ability, we shall pass you on this occasion.
The rule is explained to the Candidate, who then takes his seat at the table and shares in the fun, whilst the same process is gone through with the remaining Candidates.
Other tests may he added if there is time and opportunity, e.g. when there are few candidates.
A.: You have passed your trials with satisfaction to yourselves and advantage to our charities. I take a libation. You can do so also if you wish.
B. blows whistle and all members of the Order rise and take a libation.
The Candidates are ranged in a row before the Admiral.
 

Secrets

A.: I shall now proceed to entrust you with the secrets of the Degree. These consist of a sign, a token, a word and a grip.
At the time of the Deluge there were so many spurious Degrees of Freemasonry - all having their own distinctive signs - that some difficulty was experienced in agreeing upon a sign which would enable Brother Corks to recognise each other, and yet not be noticable to the ordinary passer-by.
The SIGN is of a twofold nature:
the first part is called the sign of doubt and is given by passing two fingers of the right hand upwards from the left side of the chin and across the mouth, as if testing whether one requires shaving and wiping the mouth;
the second part, or sign of distress, is given by placing both hands on the back, a few inches below the waist in the region of the coat tails, and assuming an expression of pain, as if that part of the body had been recently burnt.
The TOKEN is given thus:
advance as an Entered Apprentice Freemason, now raise your hat from your head and bowing say: "Most Noble Cork";
replace your hat on your head;
advance another pace as a Fellowcraft Freemason, now raise the other’s hat from his head as he takes yours and again bowing repeat the words: "Most Noble Cork" (the bow and words may be repeated twice on this step);
place the hat you are holding on your own head;
advance once more as a Master Mason, now raise his hat from your head as he takes yours from his and again bowing repeat: "Most Noble Cork" (the bow and words may be repeated three times on this step;
place the hat you are holding on his head, as he replaces your hat on yours.
As you see, this Token is inconspicuous and will not he noticed by strangers.
The GRIP is then given by interlacing the little finger of the right hand and saying: "How are you?";
to which the reply is: "Corky.";
the challenge during which you should be careful to roll your "r"s is then given thus: "Show me your Cork."
when the Badge must be produced under pain of a fine of half-a-crown or thirty pence. In place of the challenge, a word is variously used and is lettered (not spoken) from right to left. In Britain the word is: "Bung", which when reversed is spelled "GNUB", abroad the word "Tobacco" is used.
A.: I would now counsel you to treasure up in your minds these most solemn lessons which I have endeavoured to group together, and bring you out of history, tradition and fiction of the past. I am sure that your hearts will be full of gratitude that such circumstances should have occurred as to lead to the institution of the Degree, a Degree which, in later years, and in your own case this evening, has been not only the means of affording an opportunity of maintaining in the fullest splendours the truly masonic qualities of benevolence and charity, but also of bringing you into a direct relationship with the greatest Financier ever known. For I need not remind you that Noah was successful in floating a limited company when the whole world was in liquidation.
Let us finally and in a word deduce from the whole, the moral that knowledge grounded on accuracy, aided by labour and prompted by perseverance, will finally overcome all difficulties, and raise ignorance from its native darkness into light.
A.: Barely Worshipful Cook, will you now present the working tools of this Degree?
B. blows whistle and all members take a libation.
C.: Brethren, by order of the Rather Worshipful Admiral, I present to you the Working Tools of this Degree. They are: the Spurtle; the Hammer; the Gas Bracket; and the Saucepan Lids. They have no connection with the Degree whatsoever and hence their importance.
Oats were frequently used for food on the Ark and as all culinary enthusiasts are aware the Spurtle is the implement used to mix Oatmeal into Porridge, which can be safely stored in a drawer until required, when a handful can be extracted and consumed. A Sporran can be filled in advance to sustain you on your travels. Thus with a Spurtle you need never be hungry and can be sure of getting your "Oats" whenever you feel so inclined.
If you are in difficulties you can always get a "pound" from the Hammer; "bronze or copper" out of the Gas Bracket and "tin" from the Saucepan Lid.
Additional working tools and/or nonsensical explanations may be introduced or omitted as required.
If, however. you can deduce any moral from these things, I advise you to do it for yourself.
A.: I now have much pleasure in welcoming you as a Brother Cork and in handing to you this, the Badge of the Degree. (Cork Jewels are presented to the Candidates). I trust that you may live long to wear it with pleasure to yourself, usefulness to the Order and honour to the Lodge in which you have this day been admitted. Finally let me assure you that if you never disgrace that Badge, it will never disgrace you.
 

Lecture on the Cork Degree

A.: I have now to ask you to solemnize your minds and hearts while I address you in an attempt to blend history, tradition and fiction into one harmonious whole. I have already told you that the Cork Degree is of the greatest antiquity. The legendary lore of it dates from the time when the Patriarch Noah, with his wife and their three sons and families, dwell for a time in the Ark, as a means of preservation from the great deluge. You will no doubt remember that Noah was directed to look very carefully to the Ark being well preserved before he set sail. Still he resolved to trust to providence for many things. Thus, he argued that they would find plenty of "Chops" in the channel and a large quantity of ocean "Currents" when they got to sea.
He arranged for the children to amuse themselves by fishing with artificial fly because he could not spare either of the two worms on board. He felt sure that they would have good "Spirits" on board, with which they could "Beer" the Journey well and finish it "Ale and earty". He counted on having "Leeks" on board, whether he wanted them or not.
As for cleanliness, he knew that not withstanding the surrounding desolation, where there’s life there’s "Soap". He laid down a large quantity of wine for medicinal use on board, for the voyage, and stored it away on the left side of the ship, which since then has been known as the "Port" side. There were no clocks on board, though most of the crew kept watches. "Hens" in order to calculate the time to a nicety, an extra cock was provided, which acted as a "Crow"nometer.
Now permit me a few words relative to our ancestors in this Degree. The three sons of Noah who accompanied him into the Ark were: Ham, Shem and Japhet. The former, who from his great fondness for tobacco earned the sobriquet of "Smoked Ham", is, well known to history as the first instance of salted provisions being admitted into the Navy.
The tobacco was grown on the slopes of Mount Ararat, down which Noah and his sons were wont to descend to the brink of the lake on which the Ark was built, by means of a small machine still used in Canada and Switzerland, hence named a "tobogan".
Ham was somewhat careless of his personal appearance, whereas Shem and Japhet were more particular about their clothing. Shem was even more particular at sea than on land and was known among the passengers as the "Swell of the Ocean". He always appeared at breakfast in a garment which was adopted by his daughter and afterwards by the fair sex generally, viz: the "chemise".
Japhet, on the other hand, who was more particular when on shore was known as the "Ground Swell". The "Jay fit" has now become proverbial. In later years we learn from fiction that he made a name for himself by going in search of his father, whom he found on the "beer" (pier) at Jaffa or Joppa; the old man being a very good customer for the product of his own vineyard.
Beyond the gross measurement of the Ark, very little is known as to the dimensions of the several parts. We know, however, that it possessed, as the largest man-of-war does to this day, seven ropes only; viz:- 1. The Man Rope; 2. The Buoy Rope; 3. The Head Rope; 4. The Foot Rope; 5. The Tiller Rope; 6. The Bucket Rope; 7. The Rope’s End; but those of you who wish to know more about this ship, I must refer to any "Ark"aeological Dictionary of the period.
So much room was taken up in the ship by cargo and by animals that the passenger accommodation was incommodious. Noah and his two sons, however, had their separate cabins, two on the hurricane and two on the main deck. Some of the ladies were allowed on board, as the Ark was not exclusively a "Mail" steamer. "Owls" were sometimes heard on board, but no music as they had no "P. & O." in those days.
In this Degree, four form a Lodge, and six or more make it perfect. One rules a Lodge, because Noah was the sole Grand Master when the Order was founded. Four form a Lodge in allusion to Noah and his three sons, while six make it perfect, owing to the legend that when Noah was feeling very drowsy one day on the quarter-deck after dinner; his wife jestingly remarked that he was good as "half-a-dozin". Whilst more members may attend the Rather Worshipful Admiral never appoints more than nine Officers to ensure that they are always "one over the eight".
 

Traditional History

Now please allow me to say a few words as to what gave rise to the actual founding of this very beautiful Degree.
It had been noticed for some days that the water in the bilge increased so rapidly, that the sailor's were worn out working at the pumps. As the Ark went sailing round and the sun – the light of the glory of the universe – shone upon it, when the waters abated, the heat being powerful, had melted away a portion of the "Oakum" (Corticcim piece admorebit Horace), with which Noah had "caulked" the Ark. After many days of fruitless search the leak was discovered in the following strange but providential manner. Noah's grandchildren, during the 150 days that the water prevailed, occasionally beguiled the time by hunting the rats which infested the Ark, with the fox terriers they had on board. These rats were of a very hairy kind (sorex hirsuta), and it was from them that the mountain on which the Ark rested was called the "Hairy Rat", afterwards corrupted into Ararat.
On a certain day in one of these hunts, a rat was so hard pressed that it was found to have rushed through a hole in the bottom of the ship into the water, so closely followed by a terrier, that the dog’s nose stuck fast in the hole. This lcd to the discovery of the leak by Shem, whose dog it was. The terrier, in its eagerness to catch the rat, pushed its nose with great force into the hole and increased its size. When the dog’s nose was withdrawn, the leak increased. Some of the pitch stuck to the nose and side of the dog’s face. From this is derived the black patch so often found on the nose or over one eye or ear of terriers other than white.
Japhet, being young and innocent, came next to the front, and baring his right knee, knelt down on the same place. This also proved a failure in the emergency, and Japhet rising more hastily than he knelt down, look away still more of the caulking and made the leak worse.
Nothing now remained than for Ham to make a trial. He, seeing the failure of his brother's efforts, and being of a stronger and more determined character than the rest, politely, but forcibly, sat his wife down on the leak. The caulking having been partially cooled by the former attempts, under the increased pressure of Mrs Ham’s weight became, in spite of her struggles, sufficiently solid to stop the leak effectually. From that day to this the three coldest things in nature known to our ancient Brethren and to ourselves are accordingly: a dog’s nose; a man’s knee; and that part of a woman that so effectually stopped the leak, and these have been accepted as the symbols of the Degree.
His fears for the safety of the Chief "Ark"hitect, that is to say himself, being thus allayed, Noah directed his sons, Shem and Japhet, to raise their sister-in-law. They each in turn gallantly extended a hand to her to rise. In both cases it proved a slip, and on each occasion Mrs Ham exclaimed in her own dialect:
"Aikan Tmaib Umist Uktait".
The others, then, clapping their hands in sympathy to the region of their coat tails, sorrowfully responded:
"Shikan Therb Umist Uktait".
When Ham saw their efforts to be useless, he took a firm hold, with his left hand, of the back of her hair and raised her on the point of his right toe; an early instance of the use of the "leave her" (lever), which derived its name from this occurrence. He at the same time exclaimed:
"Raizu Poladi Yerb Umisnast Uktait".
These ancient and untranslatable words have ever since been designated as the Grand Mystic or Royal words of the Cork degree, but the further occasions on which these powerful and terrible syllables have been made use of by Cork Masons are not divulged to any but those at the head of the Order, being, in fact, entirely unknown even to them through the obscurity of countless ages.
Nevertheless, recent research has enabled skilled linguists to hazard a guess as to the hidden meaning of these words, which is now believed to be that when Shem and Japhet tried to raise her she implied: "Aikan Tmaib Umist Uktait"; to which they responded: "Shikan Therb Umist Uktait"; following which Ham raised her saying: "Raizu Poladi Yerb Umisnast Uktait".
A.: It gives me great pleasure to welcome you into this Ancient and Noble Order and to prent you with a copy of the Rules and Regulations of the Order, the Bye-Laws of this Lodge and the Ritual of the Ceremony through which you have just passed.
Finally, you are reminded that when Challenged with the words: "Show me your Cork." or the letters "GNUB", you must produce this Badge. If you fail to produce your badge you must never forgo the penalty. If you are the successful challenger you should obtain a receipt from the chosen Charity and send it to the defaulter.
 

Closing

A.: Brother Corks, assist me to close this Cork Lodge.
Everyone gathers up his matches, tobacco pouch, etc., finishes his drink, arranges glasses and bottles on the table, etc.
A.: Highly Worshipful Purser, what is the last and constant care in a Cork Lodge?
P.: To see that all refreshment has been duly paid for and that the funds are in a place of safety.
A.: Has this been done?
P.: Yes I have them myself.
A.: Uncommonly Worshipful Matey, what is the next care?
M.: To see that the Brethren give no more orders while the Lodge is being closed.
A.: Will you see that this is done?
M.: Barely Worshipful Cook, the galley is closed. Brethren, there is no more shot in the locker.
A.: I hereby declare this Cork Lodge closed. Uncork and untile.