Ancient Illustrious Order Knights of Malta
Sixth Degree – Blueman Master Builder


  
This ritual dates from 1909

Ceremony of Initiation
 
The previous Order of Business having been disposed of, should there be one or more candidates to receive the Blueman Master Builder Degree, the Sir Knight Commander will say: Sir Knight Warder, what is the particular cause of our assembling here?
Warder: Sir Knight Commander, knightly association, the propagation of our Order, and the advancement of such worthy Companions as are desirous thereof.
Sir Knight Commander: Sir Knight Warder, ascertain if there be any such in the preparation room, by raising the wicket and inquiring of the Sentinel.
Warder, having done so: Sir Knight Commander, there are.
Sir Knight Commander: Sir Knights Captain General, Senior and Junior Wardens, retire to the preparation room, prepare and introduce the candidate.
These officers then retire to the preparation room, and the candidate is prepared as follows: He is divested of his outer clothing, and invested with a pair of blue drawers or overalls. A belt is placed around his body, and he is presented with a trowel, which is put in his waist-belt. He is then blindfolded. The Captain General then leaves the candidate in charge of the Senior and Junior Wardens, re-enters the Council Chamber, and announces as follows: Sir Knight Commander, the candidate is duly prepared and ready to be received.
The Warder will then rap the number of the degree on the door of the preparation room, to signify that all is in readiness. The Senior Warden then gives ****   ****   *** loud raps upon the door of the Council Chamber, and the Warder says: Sir Knight Commander, there is an alarm from the Sentinel.
Sir Knight Commander: Ascertain the cause.
The Warder then gives ****   ****    *** loud raps, opens the door of the preparation room, and says: Who comes here to disturb the peace and harmony of this duly convoked Blueman Master Builder Commandery?
Senior Warden: A true and worthy Sir Knight who, having received the first five degrees of our Order, now desires to be advanced to the sublime degree of Blueman Master Builder.
Warder: How does he expect to gain admission?
Senior Warden: By the benefit of a password.
Warder: Has he that password?
Senior Warden: No, but I have it for him.
Warder: Advance and give it.
The Senior Warden gives the entrance password to the Warder.
Warder: The pass is right. I will acquaint the Sir Knight Commander with his request.
Warder will then close the door.
Warder: Sir Knight Commander, there is without a true and worthy Sir Knight who, having received the first five degrees of our Order, now desires to be advanced to the sublime degree of Blueman Master Builder.
Sir Knight Commander: What recommendation has he?
Warder: The entrance password of this sublime degree, which has been presented for him by the Senior Warden of this Commandery.
Sir Knight Commander: Being vouched for by our Senior Warden, his claim is just. You have therefore my command to permit the candidate to enter.
The candidate is then admitted and conducted slowly around the Council Chamber eleven times, the Prelate at the same time reading: And Hiram, King of Tyre, sent his servants unto Solomon, saying: I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for: and I will do all thy desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir. My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon unto the sea: and I will convey them by sea in floats unto the place that thou shall appoint me.
So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire.
And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil; thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him: and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon and the two made a league together.
And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.
He was a widow’s son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass; and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to King Solomon and wrought all his work.
And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month Zif, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord. And the house which King Solomon built for the Lord, the length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits.
And in the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So he was seven years in building it.
At the conclusion of the Prelate’s reading the candidate will be conducted to the station of the Generalissimo, who will ask the following questions.
Generalissimo: Where are you from ?
Candidate, prompted: The west.
Generalissimo: Where are you going?
Candidate, prompted: Traveling to the east to learn the mysteries of a Blueman Master Builder.
The candidate will then be conducted slowly twice around the room in a stooping posture, and taken before the three Grand Master Builders, who sit in the west. Previous to this the three Grand Master Builders, Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abif, represented by the Sir Knight Commander, Captain General, and Prelate, respectively, should take up positions on the west side of the room, with a triangular table or altar covered with blue cloth in front of them, on which are placed a Bible, compasses and a blue ribbon, square and mallet.
The Sir Knight Commander, as King Solomon, is clad in a blue robe and a gold crown. The Captain General, as Hiram of Tyre, and the Prelate, as Hiram Abif, are each clad in a blue rube, the former wearing a crown, and the latter a turban. The three Grand Master Builders should take their positions promptly. As the Senior Warden presents the candidate to the three Grand Master Builders, he will say: Companion, you are now standing before our three Grand Master Builders, representing King Solomon, Hiram King of Tyre, and Hiram Abif, the widow’s son, to whom you will now make obeisance.
The candidate makes a very low bow to the three Grand Master Builders, and the Senior Warden continues: Most Worshipful Master Builders, I present unto you a workman who is desirous of participating in the labors necessary for the erection of the holy Temple, and finally, if his work be approved, of being received into the fraternity of Blueman Master Builders.
King Solomon will step forward and examine the candidate, after which he will say: Companion, having examined you and finding you to be without the necessary working implements to carry on your labors, I present you with this mallet, which you will use the better to shape the rough stones cut in the quarries as becometh a Blueman Master Builder.
King Solomon places the mallet in the candidate’s right hand, after which Hiram, King of Tyre, will also step forward and examine the candidate, and say: Companion, I also have examined you and find you to be without the necessary working implements to carry on your labors. I therefore present you with this square, which you will use in measuring and laying out right angles, as becometh a Blueman Master Builder.
Hiram, King of Tyre, places the square in the candidate’s left hand, after which Hiram Ahif will also step forward and examine the candidate, and say: Companion, having also examined you and finding you to be without the necessary working implements to carry on your labors, I present you with these compasses, with which to mark measurements, subdivide distances and describe circles or curves, as becometh a Blueman Master Builder.
The compasses are suspended from the candidate’s neck with a blue ribbon, by Hiram Abif, after which he will continue as follows: Moreover, I present you with a password which will enable you to associate with the workmen in their labors. Gives the Sublime Keyword. It is the sublime keyword of a Blueman Master Builder, and should direct your attention to the Great Temple above, where the Supreme Architect of the Universe presides. Go and prove yourself worthy to be admitted to our labors by good work, true and trusty.
The candidate is then conducted to a position near the center of the room, and King Solomon addresses the Companions as follows: Companions, as you are henceforth to recognize this candidate as a fellow worker pass around and receive from him our sublime keyword.
All the companions will then step up to the candidate in single file, and as they pass by he will communicate to each, in a whisper, the sublime keyword. The candidate will then be conducted to the preparation room, when the Senior Warden will instruct him in the number of this degree, and the proper raps. The candidate then communicates the number to the Sentinel, and, assisted by the Senior warden, advances to the inner door and gives * * raps with his mallet. The Warden answers the alarm by giving the same number of raps, opens the door, and the Sensor Warden and candidate enter, and after passing twice around the room, they stop before the three Grand Master Builders seated at the table, to whom the candidate makes obeisance. King Solomon then addresses the candidate as follows: Companion, before proceeding further with the ceremony of initiation, you will be presented to Hiram, King of Tyre, who will examine you in order to see if you are properly prepared to take the solemn obligation of a Blueman Master Builder.
The candidate is then conducted to Hiram, King of Tyre, to whom he makes obeisance Hiram, King of Tyre, examines the candidate and reports as follows: King Solomon, I have examined the candidate and find him in possession of the working implements necessary to take the solemn obligation of this degree.
The candidate is then presented to Hiram Abif, to whom he makes obeisance. Hiram Abif will then read as follows: Praise ye the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
His work is honorable and glorious; and his righteousness endureth forever.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath given meat unto them that fear him, he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprighteousness.
He sent redemption unto his people; he hath commanded his covenant forever; holy and reverend is his name.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments; his praise endureth forever.
Teach me O Lord the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end.
Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea I shall observe it with my whole heart.
The candidate is then conducted to the center of the room, where there should belying on the floor a piece of oilcloth or canvas, about 1˝ yards square, on which are painted the four cardinal points of the compass, upon which he deposits his working implements as follows. The compasses he places in the north, the trowel on the south, the mallet on the west, and he himself stands in the east, facing inward or toward the three Grand Master Builders in the west. The square he takes in his left hand, and the Senior warden hands him a small Bible, which he holds in his right hand.
King Solomon: * * *.
At the sound of the gavel all Companions rise and advance the hailing sign of the degree, when King Solomon will administer the following obligation to the candidate
 
 
Obligation
 
I, ... Knight, standing in the east, the source of light and glory, and in the presence of the representatives of the Three Grand Master Builders who, under the guidance of the Great Architect of the Universe, erected the Temple to the Most High God, with the Bible in my right hand, the square in my left, do solemnly and sincerely vow and swear that I will always conceal, and never reveal, the signs, secrets or mysteries of the degree of Blueman Master Builder to any one who is not entitled to receive the same. That I will ever endeavor to regulate my actions by the precepts of the sacred volume, and spread over all my thoughts, words and actions the genuine cement of brotherly love and affection, so that our whole Order, being fitly joined, may grow up a holy temple unto the Lord. So help me God.
You will now kiss the holy Bible.
Hiram Abif: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundations of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, in whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
King Solomon: In your present position, what are you most in need of?
Candidate, prompted: Light.
King Solomon: And God said let there be light, and there was light. And God divided the light from the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.
The blindfold is then instantly removed from the candidate’s eyes amidst flames and thunder, and he beholds eleven lights in proper position before him, which have been previously arranged by the Senior or Junior Warden King Solomon will then approach the candidate, and, giving the grip of the degree, will say: I greet you as a Blueman Master Builder. How many lights do you see?
Candidate, counting them: Eleven.
King Solomon: Those lights represent the number of this degree. It was in the eleventh year of King Solomon’s reign that the temple was dedicated and consecrated. The two raps by which you were admitted the second time represent the second month, Zif, in which King Solomon began to build the house of the Lord.
The Three Grand Master Builders, King Solomon; Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abif, the widow’s son, under whose supervision the temple was erected, represent the Holy Trinity, under whose constant guidance the greater temple of the Christian Church is being built, having for its foundation the apostles and prophets, Jesus Chrst himself being the chief cornerstone.
Thus being in possession of the sublime keyword of the Christian Master Builder, and using well the spiritual implements of your profession, you will finally be welcomed into that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and be enabled to discern the holy of holies with undimmed eyes, and to bask forever in the bright light of the Son of Righteousness. Be not weary in well doing, for in due time ye shall reap if ye faint not.
The use of the working implements of a Blueman Master Builder will then be explained by the three Grand Master Builders, as follows; Hiram Abif, stepping forward and taking up the compasses, says: The compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station of life, thus rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted.
Hiram Abif then returns to his station, and Hiram, King of Tyre, will step forward, take up the square, and say: The square teaches us to regulate our actions by the precepts of the sacred volume, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of the Christian faith.
Hiram, King of Tyre, then returns to his station, and King Solomon steps forward, and, taking up the mallet, says: The mallet teaches us to correct irregularities, and reduce our aspirations to a proper level. It is also an emblem of power, and in every Commandery of our Order is more potent in its decisions than the arbitrament of the sword: symbolizing that due power and just authority which reside in the office bearers of this Ancient and Illustrious Institution, for the proper Control and government thereof.
King Solomon then lays down the mallet, and, taking up the trowel, says: The trowel incites us to spread over all our thoughts and actions the genuine cement of Christian love and friendship, so that our whole Order, being fitly joined together, may grow up a holy temple unto the Lord.
I will now instruct you in the grip, signs and password of this sublime degree.
The grip is ...; the entrance password of a Blue-man Master Builder is ...; the hailing sign is ..., which denotes the C... and S.... We use this to commemorate the circumstance that King Solomon.
The Senior and Junior Wardens will repeat the lecture, after which King Solomon will deliver the charge.
 
 
Lecture
 
S.W.: Brother, what are you?
J.W.: A Blueman.
S.W.: A Blueman what?
J.W.: A Blueman Master Builder.
S.W.: Where did Blueman Master Builders first assemble?
J.W.: They assembled in the east and journeyed to the west.
S.W.: Did they bring anything with them?
J.W.: They did.
S.W.: What?
J.W.: Signs, symbols and ceremonies.
S.W.: Where did they obtain them?
J.W.: At the building of King Solomon’s temple.
S.W.: How do you know that you are a Blueman Master Builder?
J.W.: I am always taken and accepted as such by all Companions of that degree.
S.W.: How were you prepared for that honorable distinction
J.W.: I was divested of my outer garments, invested with a pair of blue overalls, held in position by a belt around my waist, and presented with a trowel, which was carried in my waist-belt.
S.W.: Were you then admitted?
J.W.: After being vouched for by the Senior Warden, who acted as my sponsor, I was.
S.W.: How were you then dealt with?
J.W.: I was led eleven times around the room, and then conducted to the Generalissimo, who inquired whence I came, whither I was going, and for what.
S.W.: What was your reply?
J.W.: From the west to the east, to learn the mysteries of a Blueman Master Builder.
S.W.: How were you next dealt with?
J.W.: I was conducted twice around the room in a stooping posture, and presented before the three Grand Masters, who sat in the west: Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre, and Hiram Abif (the widow’s son); to whom I made obeisance.
S.W.: What was your next experience?
J.W.: The Senior Warden having presented me, I was examined by the three Grand Masters as to my qualifications for participating in the labors necessary for the erecting of the temple.
S.W.: What followed?
J.W.: King Solomon placed a mallet in my right hand; Hiram, King of Tyre, a square in my left, and Hiram Abif suspended a pair of compasses from my neck, after which he gave me the sublime keyword (or central password) of a Blueman Master Builder, and then ordered me to prove myself worthy by work true and trusty.
S.W.: What did you do with the sublime keyword?
J.W.: I gave it to all my fellow workmen severally.
S.W.: How were you next dealt with?
J.W.: I was conducted to the preparation room, where the Senior Warden instructed me in the number of this degree and the proper knocks, after which I sought admission to the council chamber.
S.W.: How did you gain admission?
J.W.: By two knocks and a number.
S.W.: How were they imparted?
J.W.: By mallet and mouth.
S.W.: How were you further dealt with?
J.W.: I was led twice around the room and again taken before the three Grand Master Builders, to whom I made obeisance. King Solomon then sent me to Hiram, King of Tyre, for examination, and he found me qualified to assume the obligation of a Blueman Master Builder.
S.W.: How did you dispose of your working tools?
J.W.: I placed the compasses on the north, the trowel on the south, the mallet on the west, while I stood in the east facing the three Grand Master Builders in the west, and, with the Bible in my right hand and the square in my left, took the solemn obligation of a Blueman Master Builder.
S.W.: What is the number of this degree?
J.W.: Eleven.
S.W.: Why do you take eleven for your number?
J.W.: Because it was in the eleventh year of the reign of King Solomon that the temple was dedicated and
consecrated.
S.W.: Give me the entrance password of a Blueman Master Builder.
S.W.: K...
J. W.: S...
S. W.: Advance the hailing sign.
J.W. advances hailing sign.
S. W.: What does it denote?
J.W.: The C... and S...
S.W.: Why do we use this symbol?
J.W.: Because King Solomon used the impression thereof on all official documents.
S.W.: Have you the grip of a Blueman Master Builder?
J.W.: Hold your T...
S.W.: Hold your T... How did you stand when brought to light?
J.W.: Mid flames and thunder.
S.W.: Have you the great and mighty grand password of a Blueman Master Builder?
J.W.: I have.
S.W.: Will you give it to me?
J.W.: I will if you begin.
S.W.: U... and T...
J.W.: T... and U...
S.W.: T... P...
J.W.: O... G...
S.W.: B... G...
J.W.: E...
S.W. and J.W.: Amen.
 
 
Charge to the Candidate
 
Companion, you have now been advanced to the sixth degree of our Order, that of Blueman Master Builder.
As you have been deemed worthy of advancement to this sublime degree, you must be sensible that your obligations are increased in proportion to your privileges. It should be your earnest desire and constant aim to prove yourself worthy of the confidence that the members of this Commandery have reposed in you, in admitting you to this degree.
Let uprightness and integrity attend your steps; let justice and mercy mark your conduct; let fervency and zeal stimulate you in the discharge of the various duties incumbent upon you; be ever watchful and zealous for the prosperity and welfare of the Order. Be true and just to your Companions in all your actions, and let your conduct toward them on all occasions be such as will entitle you to their respect and esteem. Should misfortune overcome you in the faithful discharge of the obligations which you have voluntarily taken, you may have confidence that among the members of this Order you will find friends who will minister to your distress and comfort you in your hour of affliction.
The Commandery will now be at ease for congratulations.

Home