Ritual for Degree of Most Excellent Master
Indiana
Opening
1952
Marshal (with drawn sword) in opening formation is just outside Tyler’s
door.
The Marshal will give the command:
Mar: Forward. March.
The procession moves into the Lodge room through Tyler’s door led by the
Marshal. Levite No. 1 south, followed by all south Levites will make left turn
as soon as he has passed the Altar, leaving room for north column-and right turn
so that the south Levites will move to position beside south nine chairs. Levite
No. 1 north, followed by all north Levites, will make left turn in same manner
and lead his column north and thence east so that north Levites will move to
position beside north nine chairs. After turning east Levites south will mark
time until Levite No. 1 north is even with Levite No 1 south and then proceed in
order to respective places beside chairs-all facing east. All officers except
RWM follow in line as indicated. When all Levites are standing beside their
chairs facing east Marshal gives command:
Mar: Halt. Inward face.
All face inward and thus form a double line as an honor guard for the RWM who
has halted just inside the Tyler’s door. Marshal proceeds to the vacant place
in the line opposite Chaplain south and becomes Marshal north. Each member of
north and south columns is facing inward. RWM immediately moves through the
lines to the East seats himself and gives * which seats the Levites only.
Officers remain standing in same position. RWN then says:
RWM: Brethren, be clothed. Officers, take your stations.
Immediately the six officers still standing on floor walk toward each other.
When they are about one foot apart the Marshal says
Mar: Halt. Right and left face. March.
Secretary, Chaplain, Marshal and Senior Warden right face and go to their
stations while SD and JD left face and go to their stations. All are standing in
front of their respective stations.
Marshal sheaths his sword which is the cue for the RWM to give * which seats
officers.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: Proceed to satisfy yourself that all
present are Most Excellent Masters.
SW either makes personal observation or directs the Deacons to ascertain if
all can be vouched for and to report.
SW: Right Worshipful Master: All present are Most Excellent
Masters.
RWM gives * which seats the SW.
RWM: Brother Junior Deacon: What is the first great care of Masons
when in Lodge assembled?
JD: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to open a
Lodge of Most Excellent Masters and direct him to tyle accordingly.
JD opens door without knocks and says so that all may hear
JD: Brother Tyler, the Right Worshipful Master is about to open a
Lodge of Most Excellent
Masters. You are directed to tyle accordingly.
JD closes door and gives *** ***. Tyler replies with *** ***. JD goes to his
station and reports
JD: The Lodge is duly tyled, Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: How are we tyled, Brother Junior Deacon?
JD: By a Brother Most Excellent Master without the door, armed
with the proper instrument of his office.
RWM: What are his duties there?
JD: To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers and see that none
pass or repass but such as are duly qualified and have permission from the Right
Worshipful Master.
RWM gives * which seats the JD.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden: Are you a Most Excellent Master?
SW: I am. Try me.
RWM: How will you be tried?
SW: By the Keystone.
RWM: Why by the Keystone?
SW: Because it completed the Temple and on the ceremony of the
completion and dedication of the Temple this degree is founded.
RWM: What makes you a Most Excellent Master?
SW: My obligation.
RWM: Where were you made a Most Excellent Master?
SW: In a just and lawfully constituted Lodge of Most Excellent
Masters.
RWM: How many compose a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters?
SW: Two or more.
RWM: When composed of only two, who are they?
SW: The Right Worshipful Master and Senior Warden.
RWM: Why is there no Junior Warden?
SW: Because, just before the completion of the Temple, our Grand
Master Hiram Abif was slain, as is represented in a preceding degree.
RWM: What is the Senior Warden’s station in the Lodge?
SW: In the West.
RWM gives ** which calls up all officers except RWM.
RWM: Why are you in the West-Brother Senior Warden? What are your
duties there?
SW: As the sun is in the West at the close of the day so is the
Senior Warden in the West, to assist the Right Worshipful Master in opening and
closing his Lodge. To pay the Craft their wages if aught be due: and see that
none go away dissatisfied, harmony being the strength and support of all
societies, more especially of ours.
RWM: What is the Right Worshipful Master’s station in the Lodge?
SW: In the East.
RWM: Why is he in the East-Brother Senior Warden? What are his
duties there?
SW: As the sun rises in the East to open and govern the day, so
rises the Right Worshipful Master in the East to open and govern his Lodge.
To set the Craft to work and give them good and wholesome instructions for
their labor. RWM gives which calls up entire Lodge including RWM.
RWM: Brother Chaplain, you will read the 24th Psalm.
The Chaplain or some well qualified Brother reads the 24th Psalm-reverently,
slowly and distinctly.
RWM: Brother Chaplain, Officers and Levites, you will lead us as
we repeat our Lord’s prayer: "Our Father which art in heaven
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from weevil;
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
At conclusion of prayer
RWM: Brother Senior Warden, it is my will and pleasure that …
Chapter No. … be now opened on the Most Excellent Master degree for the
dispatch of such business as may regularly come before it, under the usual
Masonic restrictions. Communicate this order to the Craft for their government.
SW: Brethren, it is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful
Master in the East that … Chapter No. …, be now opened on the Most Excellent
Master degree, for the dispatch of such business as may regularly come before
it, under the usual Masonic restrictions. Take notice and govern yourselves
accordingly. Look to the East.
The entire Lodge-under the direction of the RWM give the due guard and sign
of a Most Excellent Master. RWM gives *** *** SW gives *** ***.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon: Display the three Great Lights.
SD goes directly across to the Secretary’s desk, takes the three Great
Lights reverently and arranges them on the Altar. Bible is opened at Psalm 122.
SD returns to his station without giving due guard and sign.
RWM: In the name of God and King Solomon, I declare … Chapter
No. … open in form on the Most Excellent Master degree. Brother Junior Deacon,
inform the Tyler.
RWM seats himself and gives * which seats the Lodge. The JD goes to the door
and gives thereon *** ***. Tyler replies with *** ***. JD opens door and says so
that all may hear:
JD: Brother Tyler, this Lodge is now opened on the Most Excellent
Master degree.
JD returns to his station and says:
JD: Right Worshipful Master, that duty is performed.
RWM gives * which seats the JD and completes the ceremony of opening.
Work
The Director of Work will appoint an assistant in charge of candidates.
Previous to the beginning of the First Section he will prepare the exemplar and
all other candidates as follows: All candidates are clothed in white aprons as
Master Masons. In addition to the white apron the exemplar candidate has a cable
tow six times about his body. The assistant remains with the candidates and
leads them into the Lodge room when directed to do so.
RWM: Brethren, we have met for the purpose of conferring the Most Excellent
Master degree upon Brother …, a Past Master. If there be no objection we will
proceed with the ceremony.
RWM: Brother Marshal: You will repair to the preparation room
where you will find Brother … duly prepared to be received and acknowledged a
Most Excellent Master.
Marshal goes to preparation room door-opens it without raps and enters
preparation room and immediately gives *** *** on preparation room door.
SD: Right Worshipful Master, there is an alarm at the door of the
preparation room.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, you will attend to the alarm.
SD goes to the door of preparation room and gives thereon. He then opens the
door and says:
SD: Who comes here?
Mar: A Brother who has been regularly initiated-passed and raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason, advanced to the degree of Mark Master,
inducted into the Oriental Chair and now wishes to receive further light in
Masonry by being received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master.
SD: My Brother: Is this of your own free will and accord?
Can: It is.
SD: Brother Marshal: Is he worthy and well qualified?
Mar: He is.
SD: Is he duly and truly prepared?
Mar: He is.
SD: Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees?
Mar: He has.
SD: Let him wait with patience until the Right Worshipful Master
is informed of his request and his answer returned.
SD closes door, goes to the Altar and gives *** ***.
RWM: Who comes there?
SD: A Brother who has been regularly initiated, passed and raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason, advanced to the degree of Mark Master,
inducted into the Oriental Chair and now wishes to receive further light in
Masonry by being received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master. He has
answered all of the questions in the affirmative.
RWM: Since he comes endowed with all these essential
qualifications, it is my will and pleasure that he enter this Lodge of Most
Excellent Masters and that you receive him in due and ancient form.
SD returns to door-opens it without raps and says:
SD: It is the will and pleasure of the Right Worshipful Master
that the candidate enter this Lodge of Most Excellent Masters.
Mar conducts candidate into Lodge and goes to his station.
SD: My Brother: It is the will and pleasure of the Right
Worshipful Master that I receive you into this Lodge of Most Excellent Masters
in due and ancient form.
SD places Keystone base against right breast of candidate, and says:
SD: I receive you upon the Keystone, because it completed the
Temple.
SD hands Keystone to Marshal who has come up to receive it. He then conducts
the candidate to the East and faces him toward RWM. SD beside his on south, also
facing East.
RWM: Harken unto a lesson from the Holy Scriptures
Chaplain or some qualified Brother appointed by RWM now reverently reads
Psalm 122: verses I-2-6 and 9 with proper pause between each verse. At the
conclusion of the reading the SD conducts candidate to JW station and both face
the vacant chair. After a few seconds silence SD solemnly and feelingly says, so
that all may hear:
SD: Alas poor Hiram! In the midst of life, duty and usefulness, he
was overtaken by death. Suddenly his sun of life went down at noon and his
station is vacant. Let us remember his virtues and imitate his worthy example.
May we be reminded of the shortness of life and the uncertainty of its
continuance, remembering that soon when our Brethren shall assemble to labor,
our station will also be vacant forever. May we all at last fill our appropriate
stations in heaven.
As the SD conducts the candidate around the room he will pass back of the
Levites seated in the chairs if there is space, otherwise he will pass between
the two seated columns of Levites. SD conducts candidate west from JW station
and thence north and thence east to the RWM in East. As SD and candidate pass SW
station SW gives *** ***. Arriving in the East SD gives *** ***.
RWM arises and says
RWM: Who comes here?
SD: A Brother who has been regularly initiated, passed and raised
to the sublime degree of Master Mason, advanced to the degree of Mark Master,
inducted into the Oriental Chair and now wishes to receive further light in
Masonry by being received and acknowledged a Most Excellent Master.
RWM: My Brother, is this of your own free will and accord?
Can: It is.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified?
SD: He is.
RWM: Is he duly and truly prepared?
SD: He is.
RWM: Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees?
SD: He has.
RWM: It is well. You will be conducted to the Senior Warden in the
West, who will teach you to approach the East in due form.
RWM seats himself. SD conducts the candidate to the SW station- leaving Altar
on right.
SD: Brother Senior Warden, it is the will and pleasure of the
Right Worshipful Master in the East, that the candidate be taught to approach
the East in due form.
SW: Brother Senior Deacon, you will cause the candidate to face
the East.
SD wheels with candidate so that he is on the south of candidate, when facing
East.
SW: My Brother, you will take one step with your right foot. Bring
the heel of the left to the heel of the right and thereby form a right angle.
Stand erect.
SW seats himself.
SD: Right Worshipful Master, your order has been obeyed.
RWM arises to address candidate
RWM: My Brother, you are again before the Altar of Masonry. Before
proceeding further it will be necessary for you to take upon yourself a solemn
obligation, pertaining to this degree. Yet I am free to inform you that this
obligation contains nothing which can conflict with your duty to God, your
country, your neighbor or yourself. With this pledge on my part, as the Right
Worshipful Master of this Lodge, I ask you, are you willing to take such an
obligation as all Most Excellent Masters have taken before you?
Candidate must reply in the affirmative.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon, you will place the candidate at the
Altar in due form to be made a Most Excellent Master.
SD and candidate advance to the Altar. SD says:
SD: My Brother, you will kneel on both knees-your body erect, both
hands resting on the Holy Bible, Square and Compasses.
SD: Right Worshipful Master, the candidate is in due form.
RWM gives *** and all arise. The Senior Warden and JD remain standing in
their stations. The Levites form two parallel lines facing inward from their
positions in front of their respective chairs. The RWM should be robed and
wearing crown or other suitable head covering. He does not uncover but goes
between the lines of the Levites, who maintain their positions to the Altar in
the West. RWM does not lay hands on candidate in giving obligation. Arriving at
the Altar RWM says
RWM: Each candidate except the exemplar at the Altar will place
his hand over his heart, say I, pronounce his name in full and with the
candidate at the Altar repeat after me the obligation
RWM: I, …, o m o f w a ac I the prsnc o A G a ths R W L o M E M
e t hm a dedctd t K S d h-by a h-on in s a s p a s tt I w n com th s o ths deg t
a per o pers whmsvr xcpt it b t a tr a lwfl Bro M E M o w th bdy o a j a lwfly
con L o M E M nor u hm o thm u b s t d ex o lwfl I I s hve fnd hin o thm a lwfly
e t thm a I a myself.
I frthmr p a s tt wherever G in cast in lotthr w I b fnd dspnsng true Mas
lght a knwldg t m less infrmd brn to th best o in ability.
I frthmr p a s tt I w not derogate frm th character o a br M E M.
A ths I inst s a sinc p a s wth a f a s r t k a prfrm th s wth-t th l equiv
men res o slf evsn whtsvr b rn u n 1 pen thn tt o hvng m brst t opn in vtis tkn
fin thence-a thrwn u-on a dgnhill t r shd I i th 1 k o wtngly v o t ths m M E M
ob S h m G a k in stdfst.
RWM: My Brother, in token of your sincerity of purpose in these
solemn engagements, you will disengage your hands and kiss the Holy Bible.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon. Our Brother being bound to us by a six
fold covenant which cannot be broken; you will release him from his cable-tow.
RWM does not wait for order to be executed but returns to the East and seats
the Brethren by giving *. RWM will remember that if there is more than on
candidate, they are seated in West and should so place himself in giving work
immediately following that all candidates may see clearly.
RWM: You now discover me as Right Worshipful Master of this Lodge,
approaching you from the East upon the step and under the due guard and sign of
a Most Excellent Master.
RWM: This is the step of a Most Excellent Master. Take one step
with the right foot. Bring the heel of the left to the heel of the right-and
thereby form the right angle of a perfect square. This is the due guard. This is
the sign.
RWM illustrates clearly and continues:
RWM: It refers to the penalty of your obligation.
Upon entering or leaving a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters, you will advance
to the Altar and give the due guard and sign.
RWM: My Brother, you will arise and step backward two paces.
RWM passes on north side of Altar to candidate and places him in such
position before the seated candidates that they may be able to see and hear all
that goes on. RWM takes the candidate by the grip of a P M and says:
RWM: Bro SD, w y b off o frm?
SD: Frm.
RWM: Frm wht u-to wht?
SD: Fm th grp o a P M t th grp o a M E M.
RWM: P. Wht i tt?
SD: Th grp o a MEM.
RWM: Hs i a nme?
SD: I hs.
RWM: Gve i m.
SD: Id nt s rec I nthr c is imp i.
RWM: H w y d o i?
SD: I w syl i wth y.
RWM: Syl a bgn.
SD gives second syl. RWM gives first syl. SD gives last syl and then gives
entire word.
RWM: This is the grip of a Most Excellent Master.
Its name is …. It is also called the covering grip because it covers the
grips of the preceding degrees.
The RWM returns to his station and seats himself. The SD seats the exemplar
with the other candidates in the West and returns to his station.
RWM: Brother Senior Warden, is not this the day set apart for the
completion and dedication of the Temple?
SW: It is.
RWM gives * which seats the SW and says:
RWM: Brother Marshal, you will assemble the Craft to aid in the
completion and dedication of the Temple.
Mar goes east to a point just west of center of dais-draws sword and says:
Mar: All Brethren in robes will arise except Right Worshipful
Master. Officers resume marching position in line.
Levites stand before their chairs facing inward. SD and Secretary march
toward each other, meet in East-march west two abreast through lines and take
positions facing inward at west end of lines of Levites. Chaplain follows
Secretary taking position facing inward west of Secretary. JD moves east to
position west of Chaplain and SW goes north and thence east to position opposite
JD, both facing inward. When all are in original marching position Marshal
commands
Mar: Close ranks, march.
Columns march toward each other meeting in center-at which time the Marshal
commands:
Mar: Halt. Right and left face.
All face East
Mar: Column left-march.
Marshal leads column without further command to north thence west; thence
south and out through Tyler’s door. RWM takes position at end of column and
follows out through Tyler’s door.
NOTE: The Companions for the completion ceremony will be in or getting into
their robes so that they are ready in ample time for organization into
procession as hereinafter more specifically set forth.
Assistant Marshal is in Tyler’s room waiting for the Levites. He places
himself at their head and leads them by the most convenient route back into the
Lodge room. This should be done quickly and without commotion. All articles
removed are taken to the same place-previously arranged to receive them Each
Levite has but one article to remove and if he does it promptly room will be
cleared under two minutes Levites take out articles as follows:
Lev. 1 n. RWM chair.
Lev. 2 n.RWM ped and gavel
Lev. 3 n. SD chair.
Lev. 4 n. 9th Lev. chair from w
Lev. 5 n. 7th & 8th chair frm w.
Lev. 6 n 5th & 6th chair frm w.
Lev. 7 n. 3rd & 4th chair frm w.
Lev. 8 n. 1st & 2nd chairs frm w.
Lev. 9 n. move Altar to front JW station
Lev. 1 s. Chaplain’s chair.
Lev. 2 s. Chap. ped. & Bible.
Lev. 3 s. Uncover and inspect Sacrif. Altar
Lev. 4 s. 9th Lev. chair from w.
Lev. 5 s. 7th & 8th chair frm w.
Lev. 6 s. 5th & 6th chair frm w.
Lev. 7 s. 3rd & 4th chair frm w.
Lev. 8 s. 1st & 2nd chairs frm w.
Lev. 9 s. move kneeling pad with Altar to front JW station
Assistant Marshal leaves room after last Levite.
Even as the Levites are clearing the room the Director of Work in person, or
with the Marshal will be organizing the first procession, the procession for the
completion of the Temple.
Immediately after the Assistant Marshal has followed the Levites out of the
room he closes the door and the Companion having first section of Prologue
arises and addresses the candidates so that all in the room may hear.
Pro: My Brothers, the second section of this degree-about to be
enacted—represents the ceremonies of the completion and dedication of King
Solomon’s Temple.
It was the design of David—father of King Solomon—to build a house
wherein the Lord God of Israel might be worshipped. For this purpose he had
collected together a vast treasure of gold-silver-precious stones-jewels— and
white fine twined linen.
But inasmuch as David had been a man of war and had shed blood—God had
forbidden him to build the house.—that great work having been reserved for his
son—the wise King.
Accordingly—soon after Solomon ascended the throne of Israel—the
foundations of the Temple were laid on Mount Moriah. It was begun in the year
2992 and finished by the zealous labor of the Jewish people—in the year 3000.
A little more than seven years was occupied in its erection.
The first procession is intended to represent that group of Craftsmen which
wended its way over the Judean hills—bearing in stately grandeur—the
Keystone—which was to complete the final arch—and symbolically—the Temple.
So important was this event—that even the King himself did deign to level
himself with the Craft and honor the procession with his presence.
What follows is best told in the three processions which are to be enacted
before you. Bear in mind throughout these ceremonies— which have an
allegorical meaning—that each of us is a Craftsman—symbolically laboring on
a Spiritual Temple-which shall eventually contain the divine Ark of God himself—and
which shall never crumble into dust. This— my Brother(s) —is one of the
great secrets of Freemasonry. May it truly serve as the Cape-Stone of your
Spiritual Temple—now being erected.
The Prologue retires and the First Procession— duly organized and ready to
come in—is enacted immediately as per ritual designation of small or large
procession.
Order of March: Marshal with drawn sword enters first-through Tyler’s door
and leads procession on south side of Lodge room east thence north: thence west
and thence south to center of room. Marshal commands in low voice-"open
ranks’ and procession marches to the East. When it has arrived in East.
Marshal commands:
Mar: Procession halt. Inward face.
Master Overseer takes charge:
MO: Brother Senior and Junior Overseers,:let us conduct the
Brethren bearing the Keystone
to its proper position and direct them in seating it in the arch.
After Keystone is seated MO gives command:
MO: Craftsmen, return to position in ranks.
MO likewise returns to position and Marshal takes charge; S.K. of I. and H.K.
of T. advance and meet in center of room, walk forward to front of arch and
inspect it for a few seconds then S.K. of I. and H.K. of T. face west and S.K of
I. says:
KS: It is finished.
Pauses a few seconds and continues:
KS: The Temple is completed. We will now dedicate it to the one
living and true God.
Kings return to their respective places in ranks.
Mar: Close ranks, march.
Columns march toward each other meeting in renter at which time the Marshal
commands:
Mar: Halt. Right and left face.
All face east.
Mar: Column left, march.
Marshal leads procession out by marching without further command to north,
thence west, thence south and out of door into Tyler’s room.
Director of Work and Assistant Marshal have organized and formed additional
cast for the Second Procession as the various articles are to be carried in and
the Assistant Marshal is at the head of this second part of the Second
Procession, which is formed outside, and far enough west, of Tyler’s
door so that procession for the completion may maneuver to be in position to
lead in the Second Procession.
Pro: In the year 3001—six months after its completion—in the
month of Ethanin—the seventh month of the Jewish sacred year—the Temple was
dedicated with solemn ceremonies—to the service of the one Living and True
God. And in order that these ceremonies might be performed with the greatest
possible solemnity—King Solomon postponed the dedication until one of the
principal Jewish feasts—the Feast of the Tabernacles—a day he well knew
would bring every devout Jew up to Jerusalem.
Accordingly at that time they might have been seen coming from all parts of
Judea— from the coast of Phoenicia—to the plains of the Jordan—and there
were assembled at Jerusalem—a vast concourse of Jews.
After the people had entered the outer courts of the Temple to view its
magnificence—a second procession might have .been seen passing slowly within.
It was the procession of priests—bearing the sacred furniture of the Temple—necessary
according to sacerdotal law—to fit the sanctuary as an abiding place for God.
Here might have been seen the candlestick with its seven branches-the table
of shewbread —the Holy vessels used in the ceremonies of the Temple—and the
Altar with its fragrant incense—all carried in solemn procession—by the
priests of the Most High God.
Second Prologue retires and the Second Processsion is enacted immediately.
Second Procession
Marshal, with drawn sword, leads in from Tyler's door leading First Section
of Second Procession east; thence north; thence west and halts his section of
procession. When all of First Section is on north side of room.
Assistant Marshal, with drawn sword, closely following the First Section,
leads Cohens and Levites to east on south side of room and halts Second Section
of Second Procession. Marshal commands:
Mar: Left face.
All are now facing inward. Cohens all in line and two or three feet in front
of their Levites.
East and west sides of room are kept clear that candidates may have
unimpaired view of SS.
Marshal salutes Assistant Marshal with sword. Assistant Marshal advances to
first Cohen in charge of Altar of Incense and salutes with sword.
1st DEPOSIT. First Cohen directs Levites in low voice to follow him. He moves
out to center of floor and thence east to first step of Sanctuary—kneels
reverently on both knees for a few seconds—then arises—leads his Levites
into Sanctuary and directs placing of A of Incense on north front of Sanctuary,
Then he leads Levites back into line—standing aside for them to assume
position—after which he assumes his former position. Levites should bear
staves or carrier rods back into line and deposit them outside room as
procession retires.
2nd DEPOSIT. Assistant Marshal advances to second Cohen in charge of Table of
Shew Bread and salutes with sword. Second Cohen follows same procedure as first
Cohen, placing Table of Shew Bread at north rear of Sanctuary. Second Cohen and
his Levites return in same manner.
3rd DEPOSIT. Done in all respects in same manner—placing Table of Holy
Vessels on south front of Sanctuary.
4th DEPOSIT. Done in all respects in same manner—placing Seven-branched
Candlestick on south rear of Sanctuary—and return in same manner to line.
When all of the articles have been placed—after the same manner—the
Assistant Marshal returns to his position at the head of the south line of
Levites-and salutes the Marshal who immediately commands—
Mar: First and Second Sections of Procession, Right Face.
All resume original position in marching column Assistant Marshal then
commands:
A. Mar: Second Section, Column left. March.
When Second Section has closed gap in East Assistant Marshal Commands:
A. Mar: Halt.
Marshal then commands:
Mar: Procession, Forward. March.
Marshal leads entire procession out at Tyler’s door.
Note: While the Second Procession is in the Lodge room the High Priest will
station himself and his four Levites—number 8 and 9 north and 8 and 9 south—who
will bear the Ark—just outside or near the Tyler’s door, taking care to
leave room for the four Cohens when they arrive in Second Procession from the
Lodge room.
Since the next or Third Procession will really be a procession of the priests
the High Priest will lead the First Section of the Third Procession—followed
immediately by the four Cohens who were in charge of the Articles carried in the
Second Procession, and after the four Cohens by the four Levites carrying the
Ark on their shoulders.
Detailed Movement of Second Procession after it leaves Lodge room and reforms
into Third Procession.
Marshal leads Second Procession from Lodge room to a convenient room near
Tyler’s room and brings his First Section to a halt. The Assistant Marshal
leads his Second Section around the First Section and back toward the Tyler’s
door—coming to a halt immediately behind the Levites carrying the Ark. The
Marshal immediately leads his First Section around and comes to a halt closely
behind the Levites, just led into position by the Assistant Marshal
Cohens. When the Cohens pass the High Priest as they leave the Lodge room in
the Second Procession—the Cohen who was in charge of the Altar of Incense
steps out of line and takes his position in front of Levite 8 south—ark-bearer.
Cohen who was in charge of Table of Shew Bread steps out and takes position in
front of Levite 8 north—Ark-bearer. Cohen who was in charge of Table of Holy
Vessels steps out and takes position in south line behind Cohen No. 1 and Cohen
w no was in charge of 7 Branched Candlestick steps out and takes his position in
north line behind Cohen No. 2. All face Tyler’s door. This is the only time
that any of the Cohens or Levites change their original marching order.
When all are in position the Marshal and Assistant Marshal change places with
each other in the line.
Meanwhile in Lodge room. As soon is Second Procession has passed out through
Tyler’s door and before Third Procession enters, the Companion selected to
deliver the third part of the Prologue arises and appears at once before the
candidates—and gives this portion of the Prologue slowly—distinctly and if
possible—with a little more of awe and reverence in his voice.
Pro: Finally there came a third procession—larger and more
magnificent than all which had preceded it—the splendor of which had never
been seen in all Israel before. King and pauper—prince and priest—joined the
mighty throng—which accompanied the Ark of the Covenant—the Glory of all
Israel—to what promised to be its permanent resting place-within the Sanctum
Sanctorum of the Temple.
First came the High Priest clad in his sacerdotal robes. Next followed the
Cohens—or lesser priests. Finally—the procession was filled up with a vast
multitude of people.
With shouting and praise they brought up the Ark of the Covenant-and placed
it within the Sanctum Sanctorum. King Solomon then ascended a brazen scaffold—five
cubits long-five cubits wide and three cubits high—and offered up that sublime
invocation—a portion of which will be rehearsed in your hearing.
And when Solomon had made an end of praying—the fire came down from heaven—and
consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices—and the glory of the Lord
filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord—because
the glory of the Lord—had filled the Lord’s house. "And when all the
children of Israel saw how the fire came down—and the glory of the Lord upon
the house—they bowed themselves-with their faces to the ground upon the
pavement-and worshipped and praised the Lord-saying—‘For he is good-for his
mercy endureth forever’." (2 Chron. 7:3).
And when the people rose from their suppliant position—and beheld the
Temple shining with intense brightness—they were struck with bewildering
amazement and raised their hands—in astonishment and admiration at its
wonderous magnificence—as well as to protect their eyes from the effect of its
exceeding brilliancy.
Nothing ever equalled the splendor of the consecration of the Temple. Israel
had sent forth her thousands—and the assembled people beheld-in awful
adoration—the vast sacrifice of Solomon accepted.
The shadow and glory of the Eternal proclaimed his presence between the
cherubim and the voice of his thunders proclaimed to the faithful of the
Graft-that the perfectness of their labor was approved.
Third Procession
Immediately after the third part of the Prologue has been given—Third
Procession enters—led by the High Priest in appropriate costume.
The High Priest leads east on south side of room; thence north; thence west.
When the High Priest reaches west end of north side of room the Marshal
commands:
Mar: First Section, halt.
First Section halts as directed by Marshal but the High Priest continues on
with his Cohens and Levites bearing the Ark, toward the south and on reaching
center of room High Priest turns toward the East and halts.
When the Assistant Marshal reaches the east end of the south side of room he
commands—
A. Mar: Second Section-halt.
Thus east end of room is left open. High Priest now addresses entire
assemblage in loud voice—
HP: You will remain here while we continue to bear the Ark to its
appointed place in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.
The High Priest, followed by the Cohens and Levites bearing the ark on their
shoulders continue slowly eastward. The Cohens begin to open ranks as they
proceed until a space of about eight feet separates their ranks. Upon arriving
at the first step of the Sanctuary the High Priest kneels reverently on both
knees for a few seconds; the Cohens inward face and kneel on right knees while
the Levites come to a halt and remain standing quietly. The High Priest arises.
The Cohens arise and stand facing inward. The Levites move toward the East
between the lines of the Cohens, and the High Priest leads them into the
Sanctuary and directs the Levites to place the Ark on the pedestal behind the
white curtain in the Sanctum Sanctorum. As soon as the Ark is seated the Levites
leave the Sanctum Sanctorum, led by the High Priest, who returns to the outside
of the Sanctuary and addressing the Cohens and Levites, says-
HP: You will return to your position in the Procession while I
attend to the solemn duties of my sacred office.
Cohens close ranks, face West and lead Levites back into place at the west
end of First Section and all face toward south. Meanwhile the High Priest enters
the Sanctum Sanctorum, removes the staves or rods from the Ark and disposes of
them. He lights candles of Seven Branch Candlestick, inspects Sanctum Sanctorum
to see that everything is in its proper place. High Priest then descends from
Sanctuary and places himself near the Sacrificial Altar
After the Ark has been seated and while High Priest is engaged in SS-SK. of
I. and H.K. of T. detach themselves from procession on south side of room-go to
the West and after High Priest has moved over to the Sacrificial Altar they walk
slowly toward the East through the center of room—engaged in inaudible—solemn
conversation accompanied by movements of heads and hands. They are followed by
two guards. The kings gaze upon the splendor of the Sanctuary briefly—side by
side. Then K S. goes to the brazen scaffold—or to north east corner if no
brazen scaffold is available—followed by the two guards who pause near him.
H.K. of T. moves over toward the position of the Assistant Marshal. The lights
are dimmed. At this point all members of cast space themselves so that at the
proper time they can fully prostrate themselves without too much interference.
The Marshals are charged with the duty of seeing that this is done quietly and
without attracting attention of candidates.
King Solomon ascends brazen scaffold and offers prayer:
Prayer
KS: O Lord God of Israel—there is no God like thee in the heaven—nor
in the earth—which keepest covenant and shewest mercy unto thy servants—that
walk before thee with all their hearts;
Thou which hast kept with thy servant David-my father-that which thou hast
promised him—and spakest with thy mouth-and hast fulfilled it with thine hand—as
it is this day.
Now therefore—O Lord God of Israel—keep with thy servant David—my
father—that which thou hast promised him—saying—There shall not fail thee
a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of Israel—yet so that thy children
take heed to their way to walk in my law—as thou hast walked before me.
Now then—O Lord God of Israel—let thy word be verified which thou hast
spoken unto thy servant David.
But will Cod in very deed dwell with men on the earth? Behold—heaven and
the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee—how much less this house which I
have built!
Have respect therefore to the prayer of thy servant—and to his supplication—O
Lord my God—to harken unto the cry and the prayer—which thy servant prayeth
before thee;
That thine eyes may be open upon this house day and night—upon the place
whereof thou hast said that thou wouldest put thy name there—to harken unto
the prayer which thy servant prayeth toward this place.
Harken therefore unto the supplications of thy servant—and of thy people
Israel—which they shall make toward this place—hear thou from thy dwelling
place—even from heaven—and when thou hearest—forgive.
Now—my God—let I beseech thee—thine eyes be open-and let thine ears be
attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
Now therefore arise—O Lord God—into thy resting place—thou-and the ark
of thy strength: Let thy priests—O Lord God—be clothed with salvation and
let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
O Lord God—turn not away the face of thine annointed: Remember the mercies
of David-thy servant." (2 Chron. 6.).
Just at the conclusion of the prayer the fire descends upon the sacrificial
Altar and the lights come on over the Ark. The ceiling lights may come on
bright.
All of the cast instantly prostrate themselves flat on the floor, exclaiming—three
times in succession: For He is good-for his mercy endureth forever!
For He is good—for his mercy endureth forever!
For He is good—for his mercy endureth forever!
As the members of the cast arise they give the sign of Adoration by raising
both hands directly in front of body to nearly full height-hands about one foot
apart—palms of hands to the front and eyes and chin slightly raised.
A few seconds after sign of Adoration is given the Marshal will give command
in loud voice:
Mar: Procession, reform in marching order.
Kings return to place. Followed by Guards. High Priest returns to head of the
four Cohens. Marshal sees that Levites are in order. Assistant Marshal sees that
those In procession on south side of room are in order. Assistant Marshal then
gives order-
A. Mar: Second Section, column left. March. Halt.
When the gap between the Second Section and First Section is closed, Marshal
gives order:
Mar: Procession. Column left. March.
All go out Tyler’s door.
As soon as the Third Procession is out of the Lodge room-Assistant Marshal
sees that:
Levite No. 1 north returns RWM chair to position Levite No. 2 north returns
RWM pedestal and gavel.
Levite No. 3 north returns SD chair.
Levite No. 9 north moves Altar to regular position.
Levite No. 9 south places kneeling pad at or around Altar.
Levites then retire from Lodge room quickly-quietly and without ceremony.
Remaining portion of cast will disrobe—sort and place in a convenient place
all paraphernalia brought in by any other Chapter so it may be easily removed at
the close of the work.
The essential portions of lecture have been incorporated in the Prologue and
hence the candidate(s) is ready for the charge.
As soon as the Lodge room is again in order and the officers have resumed
their stations the RWM gives *** which calls up the entire Lodge and says:
RWM: Brother you will deliver the Charge of this degree.
The Chaplain or Brother previously designated to deliver the Charge advances
to front of Altar, faces toward the candidate (s) in the West and delivers the
Charge and at its conclusion takes his seat RWM gives * which seats the Lodge.
Charge
My Brother, your admission to this degree of Freemasonry is proof of the good
opinion the Brethren of this Lodge entertain—of your character and Masonic
abilities.
It is one of your great duties as a Most Excellent Master to dispense light
and truth to the uninformed Mason.
As we receive and acknowledge you a member of this Lodge—may we also
express the hope that you will seriously endeavor to acquire such a degree of
Masonic knowledge—as will enable you to discharge with propriety its various
duties—and to preserve unsullied the distinguished title now conferred upon
you—of Most Excellent Master.
Let is endeavor to avoid anti-climax. Do not call upon the candidate(s) at
this time-of all times-for remarks. If you have done your work well the emotions
created by the inspiring spectacle he has just witnessed occupy his thoughts.
Give him time for reflection. The candidate will manifest his appreciation in
his own way and at the proper time. Now it is time to close-without remarks.
Closing
RWM: Brother Junior Deacon: What is the last as well as the first
great care of Masons, when in Lodge assembled?
JD: To see that the Lodge is duly tyled, Right Worshipful Master.
RWM: Perform that duty. Inform the Tyler that I am about to close
this Lodge of Most Excellent Masters and direct him to tyle accordingly.
JD goes to door and gives *** ***. Tyler repeats *** ***. JD opens door and
says, so that all may hear
JD: Brother Tyler, the Right Worshipful Master is about to close
this Lodge of Most Excellent Masters. You will take due notice thereof and tyle
accordingly.
JD closes door and returns to his station.
JD: Right Worshipful Master, the Lodge is duly tyled.
The RWM gives *** and all arise.
RWM: Brother Senior Deacon: Close the three Great Lights.
SD goes to the Altar—reverently closes the Great Lights and takes them to
the Secretary. SD may remain standing at Secretary’s desk.
RWM: In the name of God and King Solomon, I declare … Chapter
No. … closed in form on the Most Excellent Master degree.
Brother Junior Deacon, inform the tyler.
RWM gives * which dissolves Lodge.