1. Sovereign Grand Master
2. Grand Legate
3. Chancellors and Past Chancellors
4. Knight Prior
5. 1st Ealdorman
6. 2nd Ealdorrnan
7. 3rd Ealdorman
8. 4th Ealdorrnan
9. Knight Scribe of the Council (Grand Secretary)
10. Knight Collector of the Geld (Grand Treasurer)
11. Knight Marshal of Ceremonial
12. Knight Deputy Marshal of Ceremonial
13. Knight Orator
14. Knight Capta in of the Fyrd
15. Thane Banner Bearer (East)
16. Thane Banner Bearer (West)
17. Royal Scop
18. Knight Sentry
Opening of the King's Council of Knights of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great
Knights are assembled in the meeting room.
KtMar: To order, Sir Knights, to receive the Sovereign Grand Master.
All rise. The SGM enters in procession preceded by the banners, gold leading. Banner bearers move to the west of Ealdormen, on either side of kneeling stool, facing east. SGM passes between banners and moves to his place.
SGM: Welcome Sir Knights. I solicit your assistance to open the King 's Council.
Sir Knight Sentry, is our vestibule secured against the approach of the Great Heathen Army?
Sentry: It is, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Are all present free men and Knights of our Order?
Sentry: They are, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Then I will thank them to make proof of the same by the sign.
All give Sign of Kag (drop).
Sir Knight 1st Ealdorman, what does our Council commemorate?
1st Eald: The foresight and diligence of King Alfred in paving the way for the smooth succession of Athelstan, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Sir Knight 2nd Ealdorman, what does our Council represent?
2nd Eald: The witan of Alfred, his Ealdormen and Thanes, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Sir Knight 3rd Ealdorman, for what purpose was that ancient witan assembled?
3rd Eald: For the defence of the realm against the invader, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Sir Knight 4th Ealdorman, what do our banners represent?
4th Eald: Trophies of battle gained by the valour of the fyrd, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: What is the significance of the devices they bear?
4th Eald: They depict the legendary messengers of Odin, daily sent forth to gather knowledge, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Why do we place them East and West?
4th Eald: To represent the search for knowledge universal, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: It is my command that our banners now be so placed.
Banner bearers place banners E (gold) and W (silver), remain standing.
Sir Kt Prior, why do we place the Volume of the Sacred Law at the centre of our assembly?
Kt Prior: Because the Word of the Supreme Being is offered for the universal enlightenment of all in equal measure, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
SGM: Before our deliberations commence, I call upon you for prayer.
Kt Prior: Sir Knights, as we assemble to discharge our duties, we solicit the assistance of the Supreme Being, that our work be of benefit to all our brethren. May His divine influence ever inspire and support us.
ALL: So mote it be.
SGM: I now declare the King's Council of Knights of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great duly open.
Knocks: xx xx xx (repeated by all Ealdormen, l-4).
VSL is opened at Psalm 26 and S&C placed by 1st and 2nd Ealdormen.
Prompted by Marshal of Ceremonial, all make the sign of the Order and sit.
Ceremony of Admission as a Knight of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great
The Kt Marshal accompanied by banner bearers and banners retire.
Kt Mar ensures the Candidates are all able to demostrate the three signs of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. The Kt Mar and banner bearers (without banners) re-enter the Council chamber and stand in line in the west, Kt Mar in the centre.
Kt Mar, with sign: Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master, we are aware of candidates waiting without, who seek admission to this King's Council.
SGM: Sir Kt Marshal of Ceremonial, you will admit and assemble the candidates.
Nominated brethren are admitted and assemble in ranks to W of Ealdormen. Banner bearers discretely resume stations. Precise layout to be determined by the number of candidates but positioned so all have an optimum view of the SGM.
A pre-nominated representative candidate is placed closest to the kneeling stool and will have been supplied with a discrete card bearing the words he must read during the manumission ceremonial.
Brethren, allow me to congratulate you on your nomination for membership of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great, a happy consequence of diligent service in the Masonic Order of Athelstan. You will demonstrate and affirm your continuing membership of that Order and familiarity with its tutelage by giving the three signs of the degree. Done.
This appendant Order comprises a series of grades developing further the lessons of your Instruction as a Court Master Mason within the context of the reign of King Alfred, who by his wise actions laid the foundations for the smooth success ion of his grandson Athelstan as first King of all the English.
The lessons of the grade of Knight require you to participate in a series of symbolical narratives recalling the historical traditions upon which this Order is based. In these narratives the principal officer represents Alfred of Wessex, and the officers and Knights his thanes, in royal court assembled.
Sir Kt Captain of the Fyrd (steps forward and presents candidates who have been instructed to hold their heads bowed).
C of F: Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master, these bondsmen, having served faithfully in that menial capacity during the dark hours of struggle, and recognizing the peril into which the kingdom of Wessex has fallen, humbly beg to solicit service in the fyrd, that they might wield swords in defense of their homeland.
SGM: Sir Kt Capt of the Fyrd, this petition astonishes us, for it is well known and established that such service is only the prerogative of free men, those who by right may bear arms in support of their king. I will interrogate these impertinent bondsmen further.
SGM indicates representative Candidate. You. Approach.
CofF draws selected Can forward and places him on kneeling stool. Can keeps head bowed.
SGM: What know you of matters military, that you present yourself in this arrogant manner? Are not you, as were your forebears, bound to menial service at the king's pleasure and in such capacity as he and he alone doth determine? Speak!
Can, reads: My lord, we humbly solicit forgiveness for our presumption. Far be from our intention any offence or transgression. Lowly born we may be, but men of Wessex also, patriots witnessing the destruction and debasement of our kinfolk and our homesteads at the merciless hands of the Great Heat hen Army with the greatest sadness and dismay.
SGM: We acknowledge and share your passion, but passion alone is insufficient to repel the invader. What else do you offer to aid our endeavours?
Can, reads: Our arms be strong from labour and our hearts inspired by love of country. ft is our resolve to defend this land from all who would subjugate it. While we be not trained in the ways of battle, all men of Wessex must stand together in our hour of need.
SGM: Bondsman, you are wise beyond our expectation and your devotion to our cause humbles us. Bondsmen, does this serf speak for you all?
Candidates, prompted: Aye!
SGM perambulates briefly in contemplation: places hands together and bows head as if in prayer.
SGM: Then it is with a gladdened heart that I acknowledge your petition. As it is our tradition that all members of the fyrd be free men, we shall at once proceed to the ceremony of manumission.
Bondsmen all, avert your eyes no longer in the presence of the king.
Kt Prior, reads: Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 4:1).
SGM and Kt Prior descend to floor to E of kneeling stool, Prior on right of SGM.
SGM: We now proclaim you to be free men of Wessex, with duty owed to that land, to your ealdorman and to the king. Succour one and all humbly. Fear and worship the Supreme Being, and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.
Kt Prior, reads: Therefore, take up the full armour of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:13).
SGM: Rise. Can does so. We entrust you with the weapon of a free man SGM holds hilt of sword on R shoulder of Can, at the same time Kt Prior places his L hand on Can’s L sh; repeated for all Cans, which hereafter you may bear in witness of your status at all meetings of the wapentake, for I now proclaim your irrevocable manumission from the figurative bonds of serfdom. Being now qualified to serve in our fyrd, we require your assent our obligation.
Mar: Sir Knights, to Order. S of F.
Representative Can stands and supports VSL on LH, places RH on VSL. SGM supports sword across forearms of Candidate. If there are several Cans in ranks, LH on left shoulder of Bro in front and S of F The obligation is recited (not read) slowly and solemnly on behalf of all Candidates by a senior member of the Order, usually the Kt Prior, or alternatively a Chancellor. It is not repeated by the Candidates
Kt Prior: Support the VSL on your LH, place your right upon it. Hearken to this your obligation.
In this King's Council of Knights of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great and in the presence of the Knights here assembled, of your own free will and accord you do hereby and hereon most solemnly swear that you will pursue with renewed vigour all aspects of your personal responsibilities towards the Order of Athelstan and to this Appendant Order. You will ensure by thought, word and action to remain true to the high standards demanded of a Knight, not least by the utmost discretion in dealings with your fellow brethren in the Masonic Order of Athelstan, always preserving the confidentiality of all that is revealed to you henceforth as a member of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great.
You also promise to avoid petty cliques and faithfully, zealously and impartially abide by that antient masonic tenet that all are equal before our Maker such as to demand our honourable intentions and virtuous conduct towards them at all times.
You further solemnly promise to work for the good of society, the Order of Athelstan and this appendant Order without any thought for future reward, whether such be honorific or material.
To these several points you swear fidelity. So help you the Supreme Being and keep you steadfast in this obligation.
SGM: As a pledge of assent you will seal that obligation twice with your lips three times done
SGM takes half pace forward with right foot, raises sword by blade, hilt uppermost "Semper Optima Sequii": strive thou always for excellence in all things.
You may now take your place in our assembly as thanes and members of our fyrd. Sir Knights of the Assembly, be seated.
The further ceremonial of the grade of Knight of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great recalls in allegorical manner events of the year 878 when, after many defeats and setbacks at the hands of the Great Heathen Army, Alfred and his close entourage had taken refuge in the marshes of Athelney. Hope of victory was fading as the invaders encroached ever closer. Alfred's thanes dutifully guarded their sovereign in the face of overwhelming odds,
but always in the hope of eventual victory.
In allegorical allusion to the dutifulness of those thanes I now charge you to retire to our perimeter under the charge of the Captain of the Fyrd , there to take post. Thereafter you will return to make recount of your experiences. Be watchful for our enemies.
Capt of Fyrd leads out candidates assisted by Kt Mar. Banner bearers retire discretely with candidates. SGM, Kt Prior return to seats.
Outside, brief pause. Candidates told to raise right hands, closed, as if holding a sword. Clamour, loud enough to be heard inside the Council. The Anglo-Saxon war cry "ut, ut, ut" may be used.
After a short pause, candidates re-enter in singe file led by raven banners borne by banner bearers, followed by Capt of Fyrd and candidates, followed by Kt Mar.
Banner bearers and banners proceed to take post in the south, gold to the east (B), silver to the west (C) facing north with gap of about 6 feet between them. Capt of Fyrd halts at (A) and Kt Mar assembles cans in ranks in NW (D) (see diagram below).
Kt Mar resumes station.
SGM: Worthy thanes of the fyrd, what have you to report?
Capt of Fyrd: The thanes of the fyrd have a tale of great courage to relate. Having taken post at the perimeter, the night passed uneventfully, but as dawn was breaking they heard the distinctive sound of men assembling for battle.
They approached cautiously, and discovered an enemy encampment numbering many scores of men. At once they realized an attack was imminent and that they alone stood between the foe and their unsuspecting companions. They resolved to discharge their duty, and drew swords to attack the invaders. As the sun rose behind them they charged through the marsh reeds with swords aloft, prompted by actions of Capt of Fyrd, ALL CANS raise right arm, then drop with the cry of battle in their throats.
Their advance caused the utmost surprise and astonishment in the minds of their foes, who being confused by the swaying of the reeds, and being blinded by the sunrise, were unable to determine their numbers. Fearing an overwhelming force, the invaders fled their positions without resistance, leaving behind these banners, symbols of the heathen raven-god Odin, which were duly seized in victory and are now presented to gladden the hearts of all freedom-loving Britons.
SGM: Worthy thanes of the fyrd, the delivery of these banners and the manner you acquired them has rendered great and loyal service to your king and your fellow Britons. Such service demands a commensurate reward. In tribute to your courage I hail, recognize and reward you (all) with the noble rank of King 's Thane, thereby owing your future allegiance and service directly to the sovereign in all matters.
Brethren the brief allegory in which you have just participated illustrates how by the brave actions of Alfred 's thanes was his encampment saved, and the delivery of the raven banners instilled hope in the hearts of the men of Wessex.
This hope, and the perseverance of the fyrd in the face of overwhelming odds were an inspiration to all, leading ultimately to decisive victory at Edington which ensured the integrity of the kingdom and laid the foundation for the eventual primacy of the Anglo Saxon people.
The episode was deemed of such importance by Alfred that he caused it to be recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
Hearken now to that august record.
Kt Orator, rises and stands between banner bearers. Reads. Cans face S: "This year, during midwinter, after twelfth night, the Great Heathen Army stole away to Chippenham, and overran the land of the West-Saxons, and sat down there; and many of the people they drove beyond sea, and of the remainder the greater part they subdued and forced to obey them, except King Alfred: and he, with a small band, with difficulty retreated to the woods and to the fastnesses of the moors.
"And the same winter the brother of Hingwar and of Halfdene came with twenty-three ships to Devonshire in Wessex; and he was there slain, and with him eight hundred and forty men of his army: and there was taken the war-flag which they called the Raven.
"After this, at Easter King Alfred with a small band constructed a fortress at Athelney; and from this fortress, with that part of the men of Somerset which was nearest to it, from time to time they fought against the army. Then in the seventh week after Easter he rode to Brixton, on the east side of Selwood; and there came to meet him all the men of Somerset, and the men of Wiltshire, and that portion of the men of Hampshire which was on this side of the sea; and they were joyful at his presence.
"On the following day he went from that station to Iglea, and on the day after this to Heddington, and there fought against the whole army, put them to flight, and pursued them as far as their fortress: and there he sat down fourteen days. And then the army delivered to him hostages, with many oaths, that they would leave his kingdom, and also promised him that their king should receive baptism: and this they accordingly fulfilled."
Kt Orator sits. Cans face E.
SGM: Hope and Perseverance are therefore the fust watchwords of a Knight of the Order.
1st Ealdorman, seated: To the individual, hope is that belief and expectation that life can and will change for the better, that events can be influenced by mankind to improve the lot of ourselves and our fellows. In a state of hope we look beyond the challenges, problems and afflictions of daily life towards a new eden, to exceed the bounds of mundane ambition. With hope, there is nothing one cannot aspire to, no goal is too lofty, no desire out of reach.
2nd Ealdorman, seated: Perseverance is borne of hope. Going beyond mere persistence, this innate human characteristic is stimulated by the certain knowledge of the ethical appropriateness and purity of our intent as it drives us to action the mechanisms required to reach our intended goals, undeterred by temporary setback or unforeseen circumstance. Perseverance rewards not the journey but the successful resolution of our efforts. 'Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.' (Galatians 6:9)
SGM: Hope and Perseverance. We trust you will ever hold these first watchwords dear in your heart and recall them whenever dark clouds gather in your daily life.
3rd Ealdorman, seated: The ravens depicted on our banners represent those mythical avian creatures daily sent forth by Odin to gather knowledge of the ancient realms. Legend identifies them as Huginn and Muninn, or Thought and Mind. Thought and Mind are the second watchwords of a Knight of the Order. Having many esoteric connotations, they are also essential complimentary concepts in the acquisition and application of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
4th Ealdorman, seated: The importance of these concepts was well recognised by King Alfred, who was widely acknowledged as an author, scholar and an academic as well as an exemplary warrior and a wise ruler. They were also amply illustrated to you on your Instruction into the Masonic Order of Athelstan. It remains your continuing duty to attempt to follow in the scholarly example of Alfred.
SGM now descends to body of Council room to E of kneeling stool.
SGM: The lessons of hope and perseverance, and the importance of thought and mind in the never-ending search for knowledge have been revealed to your further contemplation. Approach, and in recognition of your service kneel to receive our accolade.
Sir Knights to Order.
Under direction o/Kt Mar Cans approach and kneel/or accolade. Representative Can first. Cans may stand if unable to kneel. After accolade they return to previous positions (D).
SGM: By virtue of the authority vested in me as Sovereign Grand Master, I make left sh, create right sh, and constitute you forehead, now and henceforth a King's Thane, or Knight, of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great. Remember always the first and second watchwords of a King's Thane or Knight and your continuing commitment to the faithful discharge of your obligation.
Arise.
To mark your new rank and status I invest you with the insignia of this Order, suspended from a ribbon of scarlet invests which you are to wear in all our assemblies and in Courts of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. Repeat accolade and investiture/or all Candidates.
SGM moves to position between banners. Cans face S.
The insignia of the Order comprises a cross surmounted by a laurel crown, a triangle and the emblem of the Masonic Order of Athelstan.
The scarlet cross has ever been regarded as a symbol of sacrifice and dedication, which forms a fitting basis for the practice of all moral and social virtues. The laurel crown represents that spiritual reward that all who practice those virtues may aspire to attain.
The equilateral triangle, a symbol of the deity, also represents the three grand principles of brotherly love, relief and truth which support and underpin the whole masonic edifice, including the Masonic Order of Athelstan, our patron Order, whose insignia we find in the centre.
The sign of a Knight of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great, which we entrust to your honour, is made by placing the closed right hand firmly upon the left hip, then raising the arm outwards and upwards as if drawing a sword in defiance of the invader. It also alludes to the extended arm of Odin to receive back his emissaries Huginn and Muninn. This sign is traditionally given in salute to the SGM when entering or leaving the King 's Council, or welcoming a new Knight at his proclamation.
Sir Knights of the Assembly, I present to you and proclaim Sir Knight … [name] (if many, "our worthy brethren " may be used to p resent all simultaneously) as King 's Thane(s) or Knight(s) of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great, and I charge you, from this day forward, ever to receive and honour him (them) as such.
All present make the sign. Fanfare. SGM resumes station.
SGM: Let the banners of the legendary ancient messengers now be placed in the east and the west, the realms of the rising and setting sun, in acknowledgement of our continuous search for knowledge universal.
Banner bearers place banners (gold in E, silver in W).
Sir Knights of the Assembly, be seated.
SGM resumes seat.
I call upon the Kt Orator to deliver the Historical Oration of this Ancient Order.
Oration
Delivered from a lectern in S, may be read.
Kt Orator: This Ancient Order commemorates the reign of Alfred, King of Wessex, called the Great, who by his wise actions laid the foundations for the smooth succession of his grandson Athelstan as first King of all the English.
Alfred reigned from 871 to 899 AD. The early years were dominated by engagements with the Great Host of the Vikings. Those campaigns were beset with difficulty. At the beginning of 878 Alfred narrowly escaped capture in a surprise attack at Chippenham, taking refuge in the Somerset marshes as alluded to in an earlier part of our ceremonial.
Subsequent victory at Edington marked the beginning of a process of expansion of Saxon influence and control across England. In 886 Alfred took London from the Vikings, and the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, likely commissioned by Alfred himself, reports that "all the English people that were not under subjection to the Danes submitted to him". He became known as "Alfred Rex Saxonum", or Alfred , King of the Anglo Saxons.
Alfred is recognised as a just and learned king, whose law code extended the effectiveness of royal control and lordship. He encouraged personal study. He was personally responsible for the translation into English of important Latin works, that they might be more accessible to the people. He lived by profound Christian principles.
A powerful and respected ruler, he provided the springboard for his successors to become kings of all England. On his death, the throne passed to his son Edward, who consolidated the gains of his father, and then to Athelstan, who succeeded to the throne in 924.
As it is written: Alfred found learning dead, and he restored it. Education neglected, and he revived it. The laws powerless, and he gave them force. The Church debased, and he raised it. The land ravaged by a fearful enemy, from which he delivered it. Alfred 's name shall live as long as mankind respects the past.
Kt Orator sits. Cans face E
SGM: In the east of this Assembly is placed a depiction of the so-called Fuller Brooch, which also features as a background on all certificates of this Ancient Order. The brooch itself, which dates from the time of Alfred, is a large disc of silver inlaid with black niello. It is decorated with personifications of the five senses. In the centre is represented Sight, surrounded by the other four senses, each in their own section. Taste, Smell, Touch, Hearing replicates the poses on the brooch. The outer border consists of 16 small engravings decorated with human, bird, animal and plant motifs, a generic expression and celebration of life.
We adopt the brooch within this Order as a contemplative symbol, illustrating the central importance indicates senses of the senses in our experience of creation indicate borders.
Through those senses, together with the second watchwords of this grade, thought and mind, do we fashion our personal intellectual understanding of the world around us, developing thereby a humble appreciation of our own place therein. Such an appreciation, once gained, serves not only to enhance our general usefulness to our fellow man, but also becomes the foundation stone for our wider spiritual development. I now call upon the Knight Prior to deliver the Ancient Charge of the Order.
Kt Prior, rises: Sir Knights, the ceremony of admission being nearly completed, I charge you ever to action our resolute expectation that you work tirelessly towards your personal betterment, to be of service to our brethren and all mankind, offering assistance in times of need and to ever fight for the just causes of the oppressed, thus living honourable lives pleasing to the Supreme Being: He who is everything, the divine keter, whose mystical name signifies the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
S of F. And as Alfred paved the way for the succession of Athelstan so may you, by action and example, lay a path for subsequent generations that will enable them to achieve perfect harmony and unity of purpose under the approving eye of the Supreme Being.
SGM: Sir Knights, I direct your attention to our Charter, the authority under which we meet, and present you with our Statutes.
In conclusion, I welcome you as Knights of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great and wish you many happy years among us.
Kt Mar conducts Cans to SGM to be welcomed; alternatively SGM descends to floor to do so.
Remaining business is transacted.
Closing of the King's Council.
SGM: Sir Kt Scribe of the Council, has all pertinent business of this King's Council been discharged?
Kt Scribe: It has, Esteemed Sovereign Grand Master.
Kt Mar: To order, Sir Knights (all rise)
SGM: I call upon the Kt Prior for final prayer.
KtPrior: Sir Knights, as we depart our Assembly, let us humbly beseech the support and guidance of the Supreme Being in all our undertakings. May He continue to pour down his blessings upon us.
ALL: So mote it be.
SGM: Ere we depart I call upon the Ealdormen of our Order to remind us of our duties as Knights.
1st Eald: Sir Knights, you are to ensure by thought, word and action to remain true to the high standards demanded of all Knights, as you have duly sworn.
2nd Eald: Sir Knights, you are to show discretion in dealings with your fellows, at all times preserving their confidentiality and that of the Order, as you have duly sworn.
3rd Eald: Sir Knights, you are faithfully, zealously and impartially to abide by our antient tenet that all are equal before our Maker, such as to demand our honourable intentions and virtuous conduct towards them at all times, as you have duly sworn.
4th Eald: Sir Knights, you are to work for the good of society and our Order without any thought for future reward, honorific or material, as you have duly sworn.
SGM: We enjoin you, as a matter of supreme importance, that every man shall abide carefully by his oath and pledge. Our business discharged and our duties clear, in the name of the Supreme Being I declare this King's Council of the Ancient Masonic Order of Alfred the Great to be closed, to reassemble after notice duly given.
Knocks: xx xx xx (repeated by all Ealdormen)
VSL closed by 1st and 2nd Ealdormen. Procession out, including banners.
The Fuller Brooch
The Fuller Brooch is an Anglo-Saxon silver and niello brooch dated to the late 9th century, which is now in the British Museum. The elegance of the engraved decoration depicting the Five Senses, highlighted by being filled with niello, makes it one of the most highly regarded pieces of Anglo-Saxon art.
The brooch is a large disc made of hammered sheet silver inlaid with black niello and with a diameter of 114 mm (4.5 in). Its centre roundel is decorated with personifications of the five senses. In the centre is Sight with large staring oval eyes, surrounded by the other four senses, each in his own compartment. Taste has a hand in his mouth. Smell's hands are behind his back, and he stands between two tall plants. Touch rubs his hands together. Hearing holds his hand to his ear. This is the earliest known representation of the five senses. The outer border consists of 16 small medallions decorated with human, bird, animal and plant motifs.
