Master Mason’s Daughter
1976
The hour for opening, the Most Ancient; Matron will see that all of the stations are filled. When any of the officers of the Court are absent, the M.A.M. will appoint one to serve pro tem.
M.A.M., *: Sisters and brothers I am about to open the Court on the Degree of Master Mason’s Daughter for work and instruction. Sister Inner Gate Keeper, you will inform the Outer Gate Keeper and direct her to guard well the Outer avenues.
I.G.K. goes out and stations the O.G.K. at her post, giving her the orders from the M.A.M., returns, closes the gate and gives raps * ** which are answered by raps * ** from the O.G.K.
I.G.K.: Most Ancient Matron, the Outer Gate Keeper has your commands and the Court is well guarded.
M.A.M., *: Worthy Vice Ancient, are all present Master Masons’ Daughters?
V.A.: Most Ancient Matron, I will ascertain and report. Senior and Junior Attendants, come to the West and give me the Password of a Master Mason’s Daughter.
They both go to the West and give the Password to the Vice Ancient.
V.A., * **: You will now receive the word from each person present and make report.
The two attendants collect; the Password from each person present; the S.A. collecting the word in the South and the J.A. collecting it in the North. The two will then meet at the Ark, West side; when the J.A. will report to the S.A. as to the Pass in the North. They both will go to their stations and the S.A. says: Worthy Vice Ancient, all present are Master Masons’ Daughters and in possession of the Pass.
V.A.: Most Ancient Matron, due examination has been made and all present are found worthy to participate in our solemn mysteries.
M.A.M., *: It is well. Sister Vice Ancient, are you a Master Mason’s Daughter?
V.A.: I have been received and adopted as such.
M.A.M.: Where were you prepared to be made a Master Mason’s Daughter?
V.A.: At the gates of Jerusalem.
M.A.M.: How were you prepared?
V.A.: By entering through the gates with Palm leaves in my hand strewing them in this manner. Swinging the hands to suit the language.
M.A.M.: From whence come you, and whither are you traveling?
V.A.: From Salem to Jerusalem.
M.A.M.: What there to learn?
V.A.: Obedience to the laws of our Fathers.
M.A.M.: Who first taught that obedience?
V.A.: Our sister.
M.A.M.: Has she a name?
V.A.: She has one that is blest.
M.A.M.: Will you give it to me?
V.A.: I will with your assistance.
M.A.M.: I will assist, commence you.
V.A.: H....
M.A.M.: Sister Junior Attendant, you will attend the Ark and display the Holy Volume.
J.A. goes to the Ark, opens the Bible on the 11th chapter of St. Mark, displays the Palm leaf and returns to her station.
M.A.M., ***: Sisters and Brethren, unite in singing our opening ode.
The following or some suitable Ode
1. Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
2. Before our Father’s throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,:
Our comforts and our cares.
3. We share our mutual woes:
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
4. When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain,
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
Chaplain: O Lord, our heavenly Father, the mighty Ruler of the Universe, Who dost, from Thy throne, be hold all that dwell upon the earth, we beseech Thee to bless Thy servants that are here assembled, and the members of all Courts of Master Masons’ Daughters wherever assembled, incline us to Thy will; endow us plentifully with heavenly gifts, and finally, after this life, receive us into Thy Heavenly Courts, where we will give Thee eternal praise, through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
All: Amen, O Lord.
M.A.M.: Attend and give the signs. The signs are given, M.A.M. leading.
M.A.M.: In memory of Mary, the mother of our Lord and Savior, and by the authority in me vested, I now declare ... Court No. ... opened on the degree of Master Mason’s Daughter, for work and instructions.
Sister Inner Gate Keeper, inform the Outer Gate Keeper.
I.G.K. reports the orders to the O.G.K.
I.G.K.: Most Ancient Matron, the Outer Gate Keeper has your command and the Court is well guarded.
M.A.M.: It is well *.
M.A.M., *: Sister Inner Gate Keeper, you will inquire of the Outer Gate Keeper if there are any candidates waiting for the rites and ceremonies of the Court; if so, their names and for what degree, and report to the Most Worthy Joshua.
M.A.M. at this point surrenders up the Court to the M.W.J. The I.G.K. reports the orders of the M.A.M. to the O.G.K. who reports the name of the candidate and the degree she is to receive; I.G.K. tiles the door.
I.G.K.: Most Worthy Joshua, there is without ..., waiting to be received and adopted as a Master Mason’s Daughter.
M.W.J.: Sister Secretary, has the petition of ... been regularly received and has she been balloted for and duly elected?
Sec.: She has, Most Worthy Joshua.
M.W.J.: Sisters and Brothers, I am informed that ... (giving name and Masonic relation of the candidate) is in waiting to be received and adopted as a Master Mason’s Daughter, she having been duly elected to receive the degree. If there is no objection, I shall proceed to confer the degree upon her. Hearing none, I shall proceed.
M.W.J.: Sister Junior Attendant, you will proceed to the outer gate, where I am informed you will find ... in waiting to be received and adopted as a Master Mason’s Daughter. You will propound to her the necessary questions and if satisfactorily answered, you will prepare her for our solemn mysteries, and when so prepared present her for adoption in due form.
Music
J.A. goes before the Ark and salutes and retires, music stops. On arriving at the Outer Gate, she conducts the candidate to the preparation room, where the following questions will be asked:
J.A.: Are you the lady whose name is appended to this petition? At the same time showing the petition.
Candidate: I am.
J.A.: Do you still entertain the desire expressed in your petition?
Candidate: I do.
J.A.: It is well.
J.A. prepares the candidate by divesting her of her hat and wraps, that she may appear plainly dressed, then places a thin white veil over her head, the veil hanging down the back, and a sprig of palm or evergreen in her right hand; after which she leads the candidate to the door of the preparation room and raps * **.
S.A.: Most Worthy Joshua, while our city is in Friendship and Harmony, there is an unusual alarm at the gate.
M.W.J.: Sister Senior Attendant, ascertain the cause of the alarm, and see who comes.
S.A. goes to the door of the preparation room, raps * **, opens the door a little: Who comes here?
J.A.: A stranger who wishes to be received and adopted by this Household of the Faithful.
S.A.: Stranger, have you proved by your works to be worthy?
Candidate: I have.
S.A.: Sister Junior Attendant, is she well recommended?
J.A.: She is, by two witnesses.
S.A.: How can she hope to pass our gates?
J.A.: By the benefit of the pass.
S.A.: Has she the pass?
J.A.: She has it not, but I have it for her.
S.A.: Advance and give it.
J.A. advances and whispers the password F... in the ear of the S.A.
S.A.: The pass is right, you will wait until the Most Worthy Joshua is informed of your request and his answer given.
S.A. closes the door and goes to the Ark, on the West side facing the throne, and raps with her rod * **.
S.A.: Most Worthy Joshua, a stranger stands at our gates; she wishes to be received and adopted by this Household of the Faithful.
M.W.J.: Sister Senior Attendant, is she worthy and well recommended?
S.A.: She is, and recommended by two witnesses.
M.W.J.: How does she hope to pass our gates?
S.A.: By the benefit of the password.
M.W.J.: Has she the password?
S.A.: She has it not, but I have it for her.
M.W.J.: You will give it for the benefit of the Court.
S.A.: F...
M.W.J.: The pass is right; let this stranger enter at the true gate, and be received according to our ancient usage: after which you will instruct her as a Master Mason’s Daughter.
S.A. goes to the door, opens it without knocking: Stranger, it is the order of our Most Worthy Joshua that you enter this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters at the true gate, and rest assured that; cordial welcome awaits you.
Music in the distance on the organ; the Court is called up. The S.A. on the right of the candidate and the J.A. on her left, they lead her in front of a basin of pure water.
S.A.: Stranger, in the ancient mysteries preparatory to initiation, the candidate was required to perform the ceremony of ablution, by washing of hands in pure water as a symbol of the purification of the heart and as a solemn pledge of future decorum and rectitude. If you are willing to give us the same pledge, do so by the same symbol.
Candidate is directed to wash and wipe her hands.
While she is doing so the S.A. says: I will wash my hands in innocence and in the purity of my intentions, and thus shall I accomplish thy Courts, O Lord.
S.A. will replace the branch of palm or evergreen in the right hand of the candidate; she will then take her by the left arm. The Court is seated; music stops. The S.A. will conduct the candidate slowly oncc around the Court; during their journey, she says: “And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, at the Mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him. And if any man say unto you: Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him thither.”
“And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loosed him. And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and Jesus sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strewed them in the way. And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying: Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” (St. Mark 11:1-10).
When the S.A. has finished relating the history of the degree, she and the candidate will have arrived at the station of the Vice Ancient, where the S.A. raps * **.
V.A.: Sister Senior Attendant, who have you there?
S.A.: A stranger who desires to be received and adopted by this Household of the Faithful.
V.A.: Stranger, have you proved by your works to be worthy?
Candidate: I have.
V.A.: Sister Senior Attendant, is she well recommended?
S.A.: She is, by two witnesses.
V.A.: How can she hope to pass our gates?
S.A.: By the benefit of the password.
V.A.: Has she the password?
S.A.: She has it not, but I have it for her.
V.A.: Advance and give it.
S.A. advances and whispers in the ear of the V.A.
the word F....
V.A.: The pass is right. You will cause this stranger to face the East.
S.A. faces the candidate to the East.
V.A.: Most Ancient Matron, there stands here in the West a stranger, who craves to be received and adopted in this Household of the Faithful.
M.A.M.: Sister Senior Attendant, you will conduct this stranger to our sacred and holy altar.
S.A. conducts the candidate to the Ark, and stands
facing the throne: the Court is called up and the following Ode is sung:
1. Just as I am without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that; Thou bidd’st; me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God! I come, I come!
2. Just as I am, and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God! I come, I come!
After the Ode the Court is seated, except the S.A. and
candidate.
M.A.M.: Most Worthy Joshua, a stranger stands at our sacred and holy altar. She craves to be received and adopted by this Household of the Faithful; she is worthy and well recommended, and having performed the required ablution as a symbol of the purification of the heart, and as a solemn pledge of future decorum and rectitude, I recommend that her request be granted.
M.W.J. rises and addresses the candidate.
M.W.J.: Stranger, before you can proceed further it will be necessary for you to take a solemn and binding obligation. Are you willing to take the obligation?
Prompted by the S.A., Candidate: I am willing to conform to the requirements of your Court.
M.W.J.: Sister Senior Attendant, you will now place this stranger, who comes so well recommended, in position to receive further instructions.
S.A., with the candidate in front of the Ark, causes her to kneel on both knees, the left hand holding the palm leaf on the left shoulder, and the right hand on the open Bible.
S.A.: Most Worthy Joshua, the stranger is now in position and awaits your pleasure.
The Court is called up; the members join hands and form a circle around the candidate. The M.W.J. goes to the Ark; other officers in the circle opposite their stations.
M.W.J.: ..., you are now kneeling at our sacred and holy altar to take a solemn and binding obligation that will adopt you into this Household; if you are willing to take the obligation, pronounce your name in full and repeat after me:
I, ..., of my own free will and consent, in the presence of Almighty God and this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters, do solemnly promise and affirm that I will not communicate or make known to any person in the world any of the secrets of this degree of Master Mason’s Daughter, except it be to one duly and lawfully qualified to receive the same, and I having the power to do so. I furthermore promise and affirm that I will not speak evil of a member of this degree, and that I will aid and assist all poor and worthy members, when I can do so without injury to myself or family. I further promise and affirm that I will obey all regular notices handed, sent or given to me by a member of this degree, or from a regular Court if in my power to do so; I furthermore promise and affirm that I will obey the regulations and Constitution of the Grand Court under which this Court is held, and the By-Laws of this Court or any other Court in whose jurisdiction I may be. To all of which I do most solemnly affirm and swear with a firm determination to keep and perform the same; binding myself under no less penalty than that of having my body struck with leprosy, should I willfully violate this my solemn oath and obligation of a Master Mason’s Daughter. So help me God, and make me steadfast to keep and perform the same. Amen.
All: Amen, so be it.
M.W.J. extends his right hand to the newly obligated sister and assists her to rise.
M.W.J.: My Sister, we now receive and welcome you as a member of this Household of the Faithful.
1. Come, Thou almighty King,
Help us Thy name to sing,
Help us to praise.
Father all-glorious,
O’er all victorious,
Come, and reign over us,
Ancient of Days!
2. Come, Thou incarnate Word,
Gird on Thy mighty sword;
Our prayer attend;
Come, and Thy people bless,
And give Thy word success.
Spirit of holiness!
On us descend.
After the Ode the M.W. seats the Court.
M.W.J.: My Sister, you have been obligated as a Master Mason’s Daughter and I shall now instruct you that you may be able to prove your right by signs, grip and words.
This degree has four signs, a key word, password, and grip and a true word. They are given in this manner:
Sign of Salutation. This sign is made by four motions. 1. Drop the two hands to the sides. 2. Place the left hand to the left shoulder, hand open, and palm resting on front of the shoulder. 3. Place the open left hand on the left breast. 4. Bow the head gracefully, at the same time letting the hand fall to the left side
This sign is always given to the presiding officer when the Court is open and at work on the Degree of Master Mason’s Daughter, on entering or retiring, or when rising to address the Court.
Sign of Recognition or Calling Signs.
This sign is made by three motions. 1. Take a handkerchief in the grasp of the right hand, at the same time carry the open left hand to the left shoulder, palm resting on the front of the shoulder. 2. Move the handkerchief in the grasp of the right hand by a swinging motion from the right side to the left elbow three regular times, touching the left elbow each time. 3. Let the hands fail to the sides.
This sign is given when you wish to ascertain if there is a Master Mason’s Daughter present If there be any, they will approach on and give the first letter of the key, and you give the second, and so on.
That you may fully understand the manner of giving the key, I will, with the assistance of our Senior Attendant, now rehearse it. You will carefully observe the manner of the rehearsal, and especially our Senior Attendant, for were you undergoing an examination her answers would be yours.
The M.W.J. gives the Sign:
S.A.: Fear
M.W.J.: Not
S.A.: Daughters
M.W.J.: Of
S.A.: Zion.
M.W.J.: Behold
S.A.: The
M.W.J.: King
S.A.: Cometh
M.W.J.: True
S.A.: Light.
Hailing Sign.
This sign is made by four motions. 1. Take a handkerchief by one corner with the right hand, the handkerchief hanging at full length to the right side. 2. Carry the open left hand to the left shoulder, palm of the hand resting on the front of the shoulder. 3. Throw the right hand with handkerchief straight out and to the front from the right side bringing the handkerchief by a swinging motion to the left elbow three regular times.
Drowning Sign (Or Sign of Distress.)
This sign is made by three motions. 1. Raise the open right hand above the head, palm to the front and in front of the face. 2. Lower the hand by three slow regular motions until the ends of the fingers are on a line with the chin. 3. Let the hand fall to the side.
This sign you are not to give unless you are in distress or for the benefit of the Court, or when at work or for the instructions of a worthy sister. Should you ever see this sign given, except on occasions herein named, you are instructed to go to the assistance of the persons giving it, and release them if in your power to do so.
The Pass Word is Hosanna.
This word is to be given to the Outer Gate Keeper on entering a Court. When opened on the degree of Master Mason’s Daughter, it is also the word collected by the attendant at the opening of the Court.
The True Grip: Two right hands joined, hands open, and palms together in the form of the letter A, the left hand supporting the right elbow.
The True Word: Mary.
With the assistance of sour Conductor, I will now instruct you in the manner of giving the True Grip and True Word.
1st Person: What is this?
2nd Person: the Grip of a Master Mason’s Daughter.
1st Person: Has it a name?
2nd Person: It has one that is blessed.
1st Person: Will you give it to me?
2nd Person: I will if you assist.
1st Person: I will; commence you.
2nd Person: Y.
1st Person: A.
2nd Person: R.
1st Person: M, put it together.
2nd Person: Mary.
1st Person: Hosanna.
2nd Person: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
M.W.J.: Sister Senior Attendant, conduct our sister to the Most Ancient Matron for further honors.
Soft Music.
S.A. conducts the candidates to the M.A.M.
S.A.: Most Ancient Matron, at the command of our Most Worthy Joshua, I now present our Sister ... for further honors.
M.A.M.: His commands shall be complied with. My sister, the sacred Scriptures inform us that “Much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna:
Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. . . . As it is written, fear not, daughter of Zion:
behold, thy King cometh.” (St. John 12:12-15)
M.M.M. takes the white cord in her hands, approaching the newly adopted sister and says: White is an emblem of purity, and the appropriate color of the degree of the Master Mason’s Daughter. Let this symbol be to you an ever constant reminder of that purity of life and rectitude of conduct so essential to obtain admission to the Supreme Grand Court above. With this emblem we now bind you to this Court:
Binding the cord around the candidate’s waist.
So may you, my sister, ever be bound, in love and friendship to Master Masons’ Daughters wherever dispersed around the world. Sister Senior Attendant, you will now reconduct this sister to our Most Worthy Joshua.
S.A. reconducts the candidate around the Court to the foot of the throne; candidate is seated; music stops.
M.W.J.: My Sister, there is a short lecture connected with the degree of Master Mason’s Daughter. When undergoing an examination you will be required to give answers to particular questions. That you may fully understand the system of examination, I will, with the assistance of the Most Ancient Matron, rehearse the manner of examination. You will observe my questions and her answers, as her answers would be yours were you undergoing an examination.
J.: Are you a Master Mason’s Daughter?
M.: I have been received and adopted as such.
J.: Where were you prepared to be made a Master Mason’s Daughter?
M.: At the gates of Jerusalem.
J.: How were you prepared?
M.: By entering through the gate with palm leaves in my hand, strewing them in this manner.
J.: From whence came you?
M.: From Salem.
J.: Whither are you traveling?
M.: To Jerusalem.
J.: What there to learn?
M.: To learn obedience to the laws of our fathers.
J.: Who first taught that obedience?
M.: Our sister.
J.: Has she a name?
M.: She has one that is blessed.
J.: Will you give it to me?
M.: I will, with your assistance.
J.: I will assist you. Commence you.
M.: Y
J.: R
M.: A
J.: M.
M.: Mary.
J. : I greet you.
M.: ”Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
S.A. directs the candidate to stand. The Most Worthy Joshua rises and calls up the Court.
M.W.J.: My Sister, you have passed through our solemn mysteries and are worthy of being adopted among the membership of this degree. The vows you have taken, and the keeping of which, will make you wiser, better and happier. Our circle is wreathed with flowers of purity, friendship and honor, and our duties to each other are sweetened by fraternal love. To all of which we most fraternally and heartily welcome you, and may you ever strive to know thyself, thy origin and destiny, the highest pinnacle of knowledge. For she who knows herself has gained all the knowledge worthy an immortal mind to
know. Now therefore, be it known that I, ..., Most Worthy Joshua of ... Court No. ..., and by the power and authority in me vested, do now make known and proclaim Sister ... a member of the Master Mason’s Daughters Degree, and lawfully and regularly received and adopted by this Household of the Faithful. Sister Court Secretary, you will make due record thereof.
C.Sec. makes record.
C.Sec.: Most Worthy Joshua, your orders have been duly executed.
Ode.
1. All hail the power of Jesus’ name!
Let angels prostrate fall;
Bring forth the royal diadem,
And crown Him Lord of all.
2. Let every kindred, every tribe,
On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe,
And crown Him Lord of all.
3. Oh, that with yonder sacred throng
We at His feet may fall;
We’ll join the everlasting song,
And crown Him Lord of all.
M.A.M.: Worthy Vice Ancient, it is my order that this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters be now called from labor to recreation, that we may extend the hand of friendship and welcome to our newly adopted sister, and to resume labor again at the sound of the gavel in the East.
V.A.: Sisters and brothers, by order of the Most Ancient Matron, you are now at recreation to resume labor again at the sound of our Most Ancient Matron’s gavel.
All go and extend the hand of welcome to the newly adopted sister, after which the M.A.M. ascends the throne and calls the Court to order.
M.A.M., *: The Court is now at labor. Sister Inner Gate Keeper, you will inform the Outer Gate Keeper.
M.A.M.: Most Worthy Joshua, have you anything to bring before this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters before we close?
M.W.J.: I have nothing, Most Ancient Matron.
M.A.M.: Worthy Vice, have you anything to offer before we close?
V.A.: I have nothing, Most Ancient Matron.
M.A.M.: Has any sister or brother around the Court anything to offer for the benefit of the Court be fore we close?
If no response: M.A.M.: Sister Court Secretary, I will thank you for the receipts of the evening.
C. Sec.: $ ..., Most Ancient Matron.
M.A.M.: Most Worthy Joshua, how shall we close this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters?
M.W.J.: Most Ancient Matron, as it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the ending.
M.A.M.: It is well. Sister Inner Gate Keeper, you will inform the Outer Gate Keeper that this Court of Master Masons’ Daughters is now about to close, and direct her to guard well the outer avenue.
I.G.K. communicates the order to the O.G.K. and tiles the door.
I.G.K.: Most Ancient Matron, the Outer Gate Keeper has your command and the Court is well guarded.
M.A.M.: It is well * **. Attend and give the signs.
The signs are given in reverse order, M.A.M. leading.
M.A.M.: Sisters and Brethren, assemble at the Ark and unite in singing our closing Ode.
All proceed to and form the mystic circle around the Ark, the officers opposite their stations, the following ode or any other suitable one may be sung:
Ode
1. I need Thee ev’ry hour,
Most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine
Can peace afford.
Chorus
I need Thee, O! I need Thee;
Ev’ry hour I need Thee:
O bless me now, my Savior!
I come to Thee.
All raise the mystic circle and lower the same by three motions, after which the M.W.J. raises his hands and says: May the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ. And, finally, may the blessings of God, the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always. Amen.
All: Amen, O Lord.
M.A.M.: Sister Junior Attendant, secure the sacred volume.
J.A. gives the saluting sign; closes the Bible, and returns to her place in the circle.
M.A.M.: The Court is now closed. Go in peace, and may Peace, Friendship and Harmony rest and abide with you until time shall be no more.
All:
Amen. So be it.
M.A.M.:
Sister Inner Gate Keeper, inform the Outer Gate Keeper that the Court is closed.
*.