Rectified Scottish Rite
- Grand Priory of England and Wales
Ritual of Scottish Master of St. Andrew
Reception of Candidates
2008
After the MC and candidates have withdrawn, Wardens, Secretary and Orator
move simultaneously to illuminate candles of 4 4-branch candelabra, using
tapers, and taking light from candles around TB. Second TB is placed in front of
SW's pedestal, bowl, etc, are removed by AMC revealing Third TB.
MC knocks ** * * from outside Lodge Room.
JW stands to order and salutes WDM with Grade Sign.
JW: Worshipful Deputy Master, there is an alarm.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, see who seeks admission and report to
me.
JW goes to doors of Lodge Room, and knocks (with sword pommel) ** * *.
JW: Who comes and what do you seek? (Loudly,
through door.)
MC: Scottish Masters seek to be re-united with their Brethren and
promise to aid them in the completion of their labours. (Loudly,
through door.)
JW turns to face East, stands to order and salutes WDM with Grade Sign.
JW: Worshipful Deputy Master, Scottish Masters seek to be
re-united with their Brethren and promise to aid them in the completion of their
labours.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, enquire their names, their ages and on
what labours they have been engaged.
JW opens the door partly.
JW: What are the names of the Brethren, what ages have they
reached and what labours have occupied them?
MC: Their name is N...A. They are nine years and over. They have
worked in the Porch and the Sanctuary upon the plans for the reconstruction of
the Temple.
JW closes door of Lodge room, turns to face East, stands to order and salutes
WDM with Grade Sign.
JW: Worshipful Deputy Master, the name of these Brethren is N...A. They have passed the age of
nine years. They have worked in the Porch
and the Sanctuary upon the plans for the reconstruction of the Temple.
WDM: Enquire whether they will continue the Great Work with the
Brethren and will perform it with zeal and perseverance.
JW turns, to partly re-open the door of Lodge room.
JW: Will these Scottish Masters covenant to undertake the Great
Work with the Brethren and to pursue it with zeal and perseverance?
MC: They ardently desire to assist the Brethren in all of their
labours.
JW closes door of Lodge room, turns to face East, stands to order and salutes
WDM with Grade Sign.
JW: Worshipful Deputy Master, the earnest desire of these Brethren
is to aid us in all of our labours.
WDM: In that case permit these Scottish Masters to enter, in order
to prove whether they are worthy to partake in the perfection of the work of
reconstruction in which they have already laboured.
JW turns to door of Lodge room, knocks ** * * on door (with sword pommel) and
JW opens doors fully.
JW: Brother Master of Ceremonies, the Worshipful Deputy Master
authorises you to introduce the Scottish Masters.
Music is played loudly. MC conducts candidates into Lodge Room and halts
them, in file, between the Wardens. The candidates carrying their swords
correctly, JW returns to his pedestal. MC instructs each candidate, in turn, to
advance towards TB with steps of a Scottish Master of St Andrew so that they end
in a line across Lodge room facing East. As the last candidate takes the steps,
PB closes doors. Music ceases. MC stands on South side of TB.
MC: Brethren, the diagram before you calls for your solemn
attention.
MC remains by the Tracing Board.
Third Discourse
WDM: Brethren, on the occasion of your entrance into Freemasonry,
emblems and allegories were offered to you for the exercise of your intelligence
in their interpretation. For you, all instruction by way of symbols has now
ceased. Therefore, give your whole attention to the final images, which will now
be presented to you here. This Tracing Board before you may be studied from two
points of view: symbolical and historical, or real and religious. The destiny of
the human race, its history and the practical lessons that may be drawn from it,
both for our personal use and the moral perfection of Man, are and remain the
essential object of Masonic symbols and allegories. At the same time, the
symbols with which we are concerned are not mere myths representing exalted
knowledge; they have also a close application to the fortunes and the progress
of Freemasonry.
SW: The Temple of Solomon and its vicissitudes are, for us, the
great image of the very life of the Masonic Order.
The splendour of that sacred building represents the normal state of our
great Initiation when resting on the solid foundation of its sublime principles.
But the destruction of the Temple is also, for us, an emblem of that state of
desolation into which Freemasonry falls when, abandoning its principles of
charity, tolerance and disinterest, it permits itself to be borne away by the
promptings of egoism and ambition. It languishes and sinks until the day comes
when workers, once again animated by a firm and upright spirit, come to seek in
the tomb of
Hiram for the Lost Word, which is preserved secretly therein. Thus the
mysteries of our fraternity exhibit three epochs: that of the construction of
the Temple of Solomon; that of its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar; and, finally,
that of its restoration by Zerubbabel.
WDM: Our Order has had to suffer cruel persecution. Its
destruction at times has appeared inevitable. Pursued in France, Spain, Germany
and England, it found refuge in Scotland. There, IN SILENTIO ET IN SPE, it
laboured at the restoration of its destroyed Temple. As in the previous Grades,
the Book of the Law was preserved by Esdras, so there have always been true
Freemasons to perpetuate and transcribe the sacred writings of our Order.
In following, MC indicates with his sword as necessary.
JW: This Diagram may also be studied from the real and religious
point of view. The symbol of Hiram, which is here before you, represents the
passage from the Third Grade to the Fourth Grade, from Craft or ‘Blue' Masonry
to the Scottish Masonry of St Andrew. The Grade of Master Mason ends with the
disinterment of the dead body of Hiram and its burial in a magnificent monument
raised to it by human gratitude. The ancient and most secret Word of the Master
was concealed in this place of rest. Like the grain sown in the earth, it
germinated in due time.
Here you behold Hiram rising from the dead, freeing himself from his
cerements and issuing gloriously reborn to a new life. He reappears surrounded
by the four Masonic virtues which he had practised formerly and which we should
practise also if we would be true benefactors of humanity. His eyes are turned
towards the true East, discovering new virtues therein - even those virtues
Faith, Hope and Charity, which are called henceforth to vivify the world and
lead it to supreme felicity.
MC comes forward to indicate symbol.
WDM: This new star, with all that it encloses, will be the torch
that will guide you on your appointed way henceforth and the jewel, with which I
am about to decorate you, will represent the same object.
WDM: Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the new Scottish
Masters to the East where I shall administer the Obligation.
Solemn music is played. MC quietly conducts the candidates to the Altar;
removes their swords, instructs him/them to stand before the Altar and to place
their right hands on the Holy Gospels and the sword, and gives them a card with
the text to hold in their left hands.
WDM gavels *.
WDM: Brethren, to order.
Obligation of the Candidates
Music ceases. All Brethren stand, and give sign of the Grade with right
hands, those with swords in their left. The 3rd TB is removed by AMC to its
place in front of the Secretary's desk.
MC: Brethren, say your own names individually and read your
Obligations from these cards aloud in unison.
CANS: I, …, Scottish Master, placing my hand on the sword and on
the Holy Gospels, do hereby renew before God and my Brethren the engagements
which I have undertaken since my entrance into Freemasonry and especially those
that I have pronounced in the Grade of Scottish Master. I further promise and
pledge myself never to reveal or communicate anything which concerns the Grade
of Scottish Master of St Andrew lawfully received. May God help me to keep my
engagements and never to swerve there from.
WDM: Amen!
All Brethren dismiss Sign. MC takes cards and disposes of them, the WDM
places one point of compasses gently on left breast of each candidate and taps
gently ** * * on hinge of Compasses while addressing each candidate, as follows.
WDM: In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe, by the
authority of the Grand Priory of England & Wales and by the power vested in
me, I create you a Scottish Master of St Andrew.
WDM repeats for each candidate and in turn, taking them by both hands, moves
them back from the Gospels about two paces. WDM then addresses candidates as
follows.
WDM: Brethren, you are now bound even more closely to the Order
and to your Brethren. In this new capacity you are about to pursue those labours
necessary for the construction of that Holy Temple which we are seeking to erect
to the glory of the Great Architect of the World and for the reunion therein of
all men in one common sentiment of love and fraternity. Before beginning,
receive from my hands the Jewel and the particular Signs of the Grade, which you
have just acquired.
WDM: Brethren be seated, (All sit with
the exception of Candidate/s MC and SB if required).
MC collects cushion bearing collars and Jewels for candidates. WDM invests
candidates with collar and jewel of Grade.
Investiture and Entrusting of Candidates
WDM: Receive from my hands, Brethren, the Jewel of your Grade,
suspended from a green Collar, which is bordered with red. This Jewel will
remind you of that which is due from you to the Creator, to yourselves, to the
Order, to the Brethren and to all men. The green colour of the Collar symbolises
the hope that you may expect everything as a result of your efforts if you
remain faithful to the Laws of the Order and to your solemn pledges. The red
colour with which it is bordered is the token of Charity and Beneficence, which
are the bases of the Rectified Scottish Rite.
MC disposes of cushion after investitures. MC collects candidates' swords and
hands one to each. MC, SB and PB stand close to a candidate each.
WDM: The Grip of a Scottish Master of St Andrew is given in four
stages.
WDM, MC and SB each demonstrate Grip of Grade with one of the new Scottish
Masters of St Andrew.
WDM: Firstly, the left hand is placed on the handle of your sword
to show that the work is accomplished. Secondly, you clasp a Brother's right
hand using the Master Mason's grip. Thirdly, you slide your right hand up to the
Brother's right elbow, which you press three times. Fourthly, you again grip his
right hand with yours using the Master Mason's grip. The Word of the Grade is H...M. You will receive an explanation of it soon. The knocks of the Grade are
** * *.
WDM resumes his seat.
WDM: You will now observe the symbol, which is before you in the
East, and the picture, which accompanies it.
MC comes forward to reveal "Lion" tableau, and to point at each
item as WDM speaks.
WDM: The first is the particular symbol the Grade of Scottish
Master of St Andrew, which you have just received. The picture represents a lion
under a stormy sky, lying beneath a rock and guarding three mathematical
instruments. The two words are MELIORA PRAESUMO, that is to say, "I Look
For Better Things To Come". Reflect on this device that, by your fidelity
to your pledges, you may merit to behold a day when the proof that you have not
looked in vain for those things, which are most truly better, will shine forth
brightly before you.
MC resumes his place.
WDM: Brother Master of Ceremonies, conduct the new Scottish
Masters of St Andrew to the West where they will receive the rest of their
instruction.
MC conducts candidates to stand in line across Lodge room at West end of the
4th TB facing East, and points with his sword at TB as required during following
Addresses.
Fourth Discourse
WDM: Brethren, this last Diagram before you represents new
objects. Symbols have practically disappeared. Truth is offered to your view,
though veiled slightly under allegorical forms; but the instruction, the
precepts and the counsel, which you have received already, are more than
sufficient to explain it. St Andrew of Scotland, whom you now behold, is our
Patron. Indeed, he is regarded as the symbol of Ecossais Freemasonry. A disciple
of John the Baptist, he only left that Master to follow Jesus Christ. He went
into Scotland to carry there the doctrine of his new Master. There he sealed the
faith which he held and the love, which he bore to his kind with his blood. Our
great exemplar, Hiram, pictured rising from the tomb is, for us as much the
symbol of moral philosophy passing into the higher sphere of religion as he is a
symbol of humanity, liberated from oppression and with eyes turned towards the
ideal and perfection. So also is St Andrew a symbol of the transition from the
Old Law, proclaimed by Moses, to the Universal Law of Love and Brotherhood,
proclaimed by Christ.
In following, MC indicates with his sword as necessary.
SW: In the Chamber of Reflection before your Reception into the
Grade of Scottish Master, the Bible was open at the fortieth and forty-first
chapters of the Book of Ezekiel giving a description of a prophetic Temple. In
this Tracing Board you now discern the final symbol: the apocalyptic Temple, the
heavenly Jerusalem, the Church Invisible, for which we have been shaping the
stones. In the midst of this Temple you behold the victorious Lamb of God
raising the standard of His Victory. It is the symbol of the triumph of the True
Light in the heart of humanity, regenerated by that fraternal love which should
unite all men. To cultivate, with care, that which is spiritual within us; to
strive towards the attainment of an absolute perfection; to cherish a hope in
new things, a faith in a better future and a will to do all in order to reach
that point; to manifest, before the eyes of humanity, the bright forecast of a
better future; to increase men's faith in the eternal principles of Truth,
Progress and Fraternity; finally, to fortify our will to persevere, even at the
price of the greatest sacrifices, as workers for the Light - such is our aim in
Freemasonry and no other is possible! This last truth, this capital Truth, is
contained in the word H...M, which is equivalent to H...O J...S R...X A...S M...I.
WDM: When the prophets sought to modify the sense of the Grade
Word J...H.
He Who subsists by Himself, Who was, Who is and Who is to be, the Immutable -
so as to give it a meaning in closer correspondence to Mankind, they added to it
the Hebrew letter SHIN, equivalent to the English letter S. Thus they obtained
the word JEHOSHUA and, by abbreviation, JESHUA or JESUS which signifies ‘Liberator’,
‘Saviour’, ‘Redeemer’. From
this you can see that the word JEHOSHUA is synonymous with our word in the
Fourth Grade and it agrees equally, but in a more universal sense, with the
Sacred Word INRI – JESUS NAZARAENUS REX JUDAEORAM, which is used in several
corresponding Masonic Grades. As you may see also, Freemasonry teaches only that
which is taught by virtue and the moral law.
It does not convey its instruction in the manner of the wise of this world.
Its nature is such that it can unite men of the most diverse opinion and beliefs
in one sentiment of fraternity and of common effort towards the end, which is to
be obtained.
In following, MC indicates with his sword as necessary.
JW: The three Craft Grades presented, under the guise of symbols,
emblems and allegories, a certain summary of the past, the present and the
future. In the First Grade you were regarded as seekers. You advanced in
darkness and you had to strive against the material elements, which represent
those bonds and limitations wherein the spirit of Man, at one time free, is now,
as it were, imprisoned. You were told that self-knowledge is the first step,
which leads to true wisdom. You were invited to study your imperfections and
your faults. Taking rough ashlars as emblems of your hearts, you were impressed
with the necessity of working unceasingly thereon, of concentrating your forces
to refine and polish them.
The Second Grade, that of Perseverance, represented that period of this rough
working. It showed the difficulties which we experience in the correction of our
imperfections amid the temptations and obstacles of our lives, so full of
struggle and contradictions. While inviting you to go down into the depths of
your hearts to discover their faults and vices, you were recommended moderation
in all things. The knowledge of yourselves was again pointed out to you as alone
assuring you of your efforts in doing good. The Third Grade was that of
suffering and also of the moral ordeal through which you passed while correcting
your imperfections, which a more exact knowledge of yourselves had successively
discovered for you.
The Third Grade places Man at the threshold of pain and suffering. It brought
you to the entrance of a tomb. All light seemed extinguished and the Sacred Word
profaned. At the same time, the finished ashlar gave light. In the symbolical
death through which you were caused to pass, you still retained the principle of
Life and the powerful aid of the Master was enlisted to accomplish your
restoration.
WDM: This Fourth Grade completes your initiation in the symbolic
Degrees. It presents the same truths but with new developments tending to the
same end. It is still the history of Mankind, which is the sole object of
primitive Freemasonry. The destroyed Temple and all of its other symbols
indicate, in a broad line, the progress of the human race in general and of
Freemasonry in particular. These are allegories of a state of degeneration, of a
lapse into the abyss of the material and profane world. They are symbols of
doubt, of human fragility, of the difficulties to which Man is exposed when, by
his own strength, he would reconquer his primitive dignity. The Fourth Grade
does not merely confirm the moral instructions contained in those Grades, which
have preceded. It tends to replace a belief, which is wanting in confirmation,
by a true Faith. It causes us to discern a gradual and uninterrupted ascension
of humanity towards a state of perfection symbolised in the apocalyptic Temple
of St. John. This progress is further marked by the change in the number of
lights illuminating the Temple. The four candles around the Tracing Board during
that period of sadness and mourning has now been supplemented by four times
four, that is the square of the original number, symbolizing the change towards
a state of resurrection and hope. The number of lights is further referred to in
the Catechism at the end of the ceremony. But its primary lesson is in the
comparison, which it institutes with the legend of the Third Degree. The Temple
of the Old Law has given way to the New Jerusalem and, on the summit of the
Mystic Zion, is shown the Lamb of God bearing the Standard of Omnipotence
acquired by His atoning Immolation.
(Pause.) The time has come to announce to you, Brethren, that our
Order is Christian - in the largest and highest sense of that word. As such, it
calls and seeks to unite in its labours all those who, whatever their creed and
belief and without mental reservation, aspire to the fulfilment of the chief
Christian maxim: "Glory to God in the highest and on Earth Peace, Goodwill
toward men!" (Pause.) Brethren, the
completion of our mystery is in the exercise of the goodwill, which it
inculcates. With this object in view, the Master of Ceremonies will lead you now
to the Almoner so that you may deposit with him such offerings as you may feel
disposed to make.
Music is played quietly. MC conducts candidates to Almoner to make their
donations to Charity. MC then conducts them back to WDM who presents each of
them with copies of The Statutes, By-Laws of the Lodge and a Ritual. Music
ceases.
WDM: Brethren, in the full working of the original ceremonies of
the Fourth Grade, there were four lengthy Discourses. The Ritual, which I have
presented to you today, is the approved abbreviated version, which is in use by
Lodges within this Prefecture. Brother Master of Ceremonies, you will now
present our new Scottish Masters of St Andrew to the Wardens who will welcome
them with the Word, Sign and Grip of the Fourth Grade and the fraternal embrace
Afterwards, you will conduct them to places in the Lodge.
MC conducts candidates first to SW, then to JW to exchange with each, the
Word, Sign and Grip of Scottish Masters of St Andrew and customary fraternal
embrace, (gripping right hands, left hands on opposing shoulder, kiss on each
cheek only)
MC: Brother S.W. (J.W.) by command of the W.D.M. I present to you
these (this) newly admitted Scottish Master(s) of St. Andrew.
Music is played quietly throughout the exchanges. Then MC leads them to take
their places in either of columns. MC retakes his seat. Music ceases. At this
point the Orator may address the Brethren.
Catechism
Presentation of the catechism is at the option of the WDM and only the
section identified must be given, should time not allow the full text to be read
WDM gavels * (Repeated by both Wardens, in turn.)
WDM: Brother Wardens, are you Scottish Masters of St Andrew?
SW & JW: We are, Worshipful Deputy Master. We have seen the
glory of the restored Temple. (Together.)
WDM: Brother Senior Warden, how will you prove that you have
attained this dignity?
SW: By our zeal and perseverance for the good of the Order and of
our Brethren.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, where were you received?
JW: On the ruins of the First Temple and afterwards before the
Portal of the Sanctuary.
WDM: How did you enter?
SW: Plunged in mourning and bearing the marks of our servitude.
WDM: Did you remain like that for long?
JW: No, because we were aware that the rebuilding of the Temple
had been started. We had the honour of being admitted among the workmen and the
happiness of helping them in the completion of the task.
WDM: What was the result of your labour?
SW: It furnished us with the signs of the ancient splendour of the
Temple.
WDM: What are those signs?
JW: The recovered Sacred Word of the Masters, the Sacred Fire of
the Temple which was concealed at the time of its destruction and a six-pointed
blazing Star.
WDM: What does the Star represent?
SW: A double triangle enclosed within a circle and, in its centre,
the initial letter of the Word of a Scottish Master of St Andrew encompassed by
four Masonic instruments.
WDM: What is the Word of that Grade?
JW: H...M, the father and model of Freemasons, especially of
Ecossais Freemasons.
WDM: Why is H...M the Word of a Scottish Master of St Andrew?
SW: It reminds us unceasingly of the firmness, the discretion and
all the virtues of which he was the example.
WDM: What is the distinguishing name of a Scottish Master?
JW: N...A.
WDM: What does this name signify?
SW: It symbolizes, under the veil of an anagram, the name of one
of the principal preservers of the Rites in Scotland.
WDM: When you requested admission into membership of your Lodge of
Scottish Masters of St Andrew, why did you say that you came from the Isles of
Scotland?
JW: Because it was in. that country that Freemasons, when they
were persecuted in other places, found an asylum where they meditated peaceably
for a long time on the fundamental principles and rites of Freemasonry before
proceeding to France and Germany.
WDM: What did you behold in the Lodge?
SW: At first we beheld the ruins of the Temple, which was
destroyed by the Assyrians and afterwards we saw the Temple, which was re-built
by Zerubbabel.
WDM: How did you co-operate in its reconstruction?
JW: We were armed with a sword in one hand for our defence and
with a trowel in the other for the re-building.
WDM: How did you reach the Sanctuary?
SW: By four steps at the four doors of the Temple.
WDM: What do those four steps signify?
JW: The universality of Freemasonry, spread though all the world,
which is designated by the four parts of our Temple and by the four torches
which illuminate its extremities.
WDM: How was the eastern pedestal illuminated?
SW: By the three invariable lights, which are exhibited in all
Grades.
WDM: Why is this number invariable?
JW: Because the Worshipful Deputy Master is in relation to the
Lodge as the great Architect is in relation to the universe, which He governs by
His thought, Will and Activity. These are signified in our Lodges by the
Worshipful Deputy Master and the Wardens.
WDM: What did you see on entering your Lodge?
SW: We saw a great light.
WDM: From where did this great light originate?
JW: From a triangular plate of gold, which we discovered, which
was engraved with the Holy Name and which radiated great splendour, and from a
luminous double triangle, which formed a blazing Star with six points in the
East.
WDM: What does this blazing double triangle represent?
SW: It expresses the double nature of He who is the True Light of
the world and of man who is in His image. The circle, which surrounds it, is an
emblem of His eternity.
WDM: Why do you wear this symbol on your breast suspended by a
ribbon?
JW: We are decorated with this sign to recall the conditions of
our Reception into the Rectified Scottish Rite, and to remind us that he who
does not make his conduct and his conversation conform to that which he has
declared to be his desire is the most inconsequent of beings and deserves no
further confidence being placed in him.
WDM: How many Tracing Boards did you see upon the floor of the
Lodge during your Reception?
SW: We saw four.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, reveal the significance of the First
Tracing Board.
JW: Representing the ruins of the destroyed First Temple, it shows
the decadence of Freemasonry, which has been enfeebled too often by assaults,
which false Brethren have directed against it. Yet its foundations, which are
still preserved, prove that they cannot destroy it because it rests upon a firm
and invariable basis.
WDM: Brother Senior Warden, explain the significance of the Second
Tracing Board.
SW: It depicts the restored Temple and Sanctuary, thereby
signifying the rebirth of Freemasonry restored to its original laws and
unencumbered by those false doctrines which had crept into it and which had
dishonoured it.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, give an explanation of the Third
Tracing Board.
JW: It represents our venerable Master Hiram rising gloriously
from the tomb and surrounded by those virtues, which procured for him a crown of
immortality. It recalls to our memory the Just One triumphing over all
persecutions and that state to which all who imitate his courage and virtue may
also aspire.
WDM: Brother Senior Warden, give an explanation of the Fourth
Tracing Board.
SW: It represents the precincts of the new heavenly Jerusalem, as
described by Saint John the Evangelist, the second Patron of Freemasonry. It
shows also the immolated and victorious Lamb of God raising His standard of
Omnipotence and Victory over the new Zion.
WDM: What is the purpose of this last Tracing Board?
JW: To bring before the Brethren in this Grade the analogies which
unite the Old Law, figured in the Temple of King Solomon, with the New Law of
Love and Charity which we are pledged herein ever to put into practice and to
transmit from one to another.
WDM: Did you see anything else in this Tracing Board?
SW: In the lower part we saw St Andrew stretched upon the
instrument of his martyrdom and surrounded by those signs, which are emblematic
of the three virtues that are necessary for every man who would perfect himself
and who would work for the good of his fellow men.
WDM: What are those three virtues?
JW: They are Faith, Hope and Charity.
WDM: Why are Freemasons of the Fourth Grade called Scottish
Masters?
SW: They are so called because Freemasonry was preserved in a
remote part of the Isles of Scotland and it spread elsewhere from there.
WDM: What is the particular virtue ascribed to the Fourth Grade?
JW: It is F...E, that strength of will, without which the
Freemason is often deficient in the courage that is necessary for the constant
practice of the three other virtues.
WDM: What is the symbol and device of a Scottish Master of St
Andrew?
SW: It is a picture showing a lion under a tempestuous sky,
sheltering beneath a rock and guarding three mathematical instruments. The
picture bears two words: MELIORA PRAESUMO.
WDM: What is signified by this picture?
JW: We have been invited to meditate upon it but it has not yet
been explained to us.
WDM: What are your ages as Scottish Masters of St Andrew?
SW: Our age is sixteen years, or four times four, represented by
the sixteen lights, which illuminate the four quarters of our Lodge.
WDM: In each Grade, why is there always a fixed and determined
number of lights for the illumination of our Lodges?
JW: Because the numbers employed in these Grades have an
intellectual value, alluding to things which remain still veiled.
WDM: What is signified by the twenty-five lights which we use for
the illumination of an Ecossais Lodge?
SW: The number twenty-five characterises the spiritual action
which presides invisibly over Masonic labours when they are directed regularly
and properly - as was requested in our prayer at the opening of our Lodge.
Closing
WDM gavels * (Repeated by Wardens, in turn.)
WDM: Brother Wardens, ask the Brethren of your columns if they
have anything to propose for the good of Ecossais Freemasonry in general, or
this Lodge, in particular.
Wardens stand to order and salute WDM with Grade Sign, simultaneously.
SW: Brethren in the South Column, have you anything to propose for
the good of Ecossais Freemasonry in general, or this Lodge in particular?
(Pause.)
JW: Brethren in the North Column, have you anything to propose for
the good of Ecossais Freemasonry in general, or this Lodge in particular?
(Pause.)
Wardens each make suitable reply, in turn, to WDM then sit. MC invites any
visiting Brethren who wish to give their greetings to stand and do so.
WDM: Brother Senior Warden, what hour is it?
SW stands to order and salutes WDM with Grade Sign.
SW: The close of day, Worshipful Deputy Master.
WDM: Brother Junior Warden, is it time to conclude our labours?
JW stands to order and salutes WDM with Grade Sign.
JW: It is, Worshipful Deputy Master. The Temple is rebuilt and the
workmen need repose.
WDM gavels ** * *.
WDM: To order, Brethren.
All Brethren rise, stand to order and salute WDM with Grade Sign and then
discharge.
WDM: Brethren, let us form the Chain of Fraternal Union, by which
alone we are made strong.
Music is played quietly. MC instructs all Brethren to drop sign and remove
their gloves, leave their swords and form Chain of Union - holding hands with
their arms outstretched with their neighbour but one forming a circle. WDM
leaves pedestal and joins circle. Music ceases.
WDM: Let us give thanks to God for the signal favours which He has
granted us. Let us also strive daily to deserve his protection more and more. (Pause.)
Orator: O Great Architect of the Universe, sole Source of Goodness
and Perfection: we give Thee thanks for all benefits conferred by Thy divine
Fatherhood. Humbly we adjure Thee to vouchsafe them still. May Thy heavenly
Light be poured upon us and upon all our Brethren. Strengthen in our hearts the
love of Truth and all our duties so that we may observe them faithfully. May our
assemblies be strengthened in their union by our desire to please Thee and make
ourselves useful to our fellow men. May our Lodges ever be the abode of peace
and virtue. May the Chain of Perfect Friendship be so strong between us,
henceforth, that nothing shall ever weaken it!
All: Amen! (All move joined hands up and
down four times to the beat of the Knocks of the grade).
MC instructs all Brethren to resume their places but to remain standing to
order.
While this is done, music is played quietly.
WDM: Brother Wardens, advise the Brethren that I am about to close
the Lodge of Saint Andrew.
SW: Brethren, by command of the Worshipful Deputy Master, I bid
you prepare for the closing of our labours and of the Lodge of Saint Andrew.
JW: Brethren, by command of the Worshipful Deputy Master, I bid
you prepare for the closing of our labours and of the Lodge of Saint Andrew.
WDM: To the Glory of the Great Architect of the Universe, in the
name of the Order and under the authority of the Grand Priory of England and
Wales, I close this Lodge of Scottish Masters of St Andrew.
WDM knocks ** * * (followed by the Wardens in turn).
WDM: Let not the light, which has enlightened us during our
labours, be exposed to the glances of the profane.
Music is played quietly. WDM leaves dais and using candle snuffer,
extinguishes candles around TB proceeding clockwise. The candles of each of the
4-branch candelabras are extinguished in turn, when the WDM turns from each
corner of the TB as he passes round, and signals by a court bow, for the
4-branch candelabra in that adjacent corner to be extinguished at the same time.
Carried out by the following officers or Brother as available.
While WDM in South East, Orator extinguishes 4-branch candelabrum in South
East;
While WDM in South West, Senior Warden extinguishes 4-branch candelabrum in
South West:
While WDM in North West, Junior Warden extinguishes 4-branch candelabrum in
North West;
While WDM in North East, Secretary extinguishes 4-branch candelabrum in North
East;
WDM returns to his seat and remains standing.
MC closes VSL on alternate Altar.
SW extinguishes candle on his pedestal.
JW extinguishes candle on his pedestal.
WDM extinguishes 3 candles of candelabra on altar.
WDM gavels *.
WDM: Brethren, before we part, let us lay aside our swords and
express our joy by joining together in the Masonic applause of a Scottish Master
of St Andrew.
All Brethren, led by WDM, clap hands ** * * (4 times).
WDM: To order for the National Anthem (All
Brethren stand to attention for the National Anthem).
MC: Brethren you will remain standing in your places while the
Worshipful Deputy Master, distinguished Grand Officers of the Grand Priory,
visiting Worshipful Deputy Master's of our
sister Lodges and Wardens retire from the Lodge room.
Music is played during formation of procession by MC.
When procession is formed, MC opens doors to Lodge Room fully.
MC: Forward, Brethren. (Procession moves
out of Lodge room. Remaining Brethren leave. Music ceases.)