West End Ritual of Craft Freemasonry
Master Mason
Opening
Prayer
1991
WM (Gavel): I must now request all below the rank of MM to retire
from the Lodge.
WM gavels.
WM: Brethren, assist me to open the Lodge in the Third Degree (All
rise) Are all present MMs?
WM: Bro JW, (JW s and s of Fc.)
what is the first care of every MM?
JW: To see that the Lodge is properly t.
WM: Direct that duty to be done.
JW (Drops s): Bro. IG, (IG s. and s. of
Fc.) see that the Lodge is properly t.
IG (takes appropriate action and upon being answered by the T goes to NW
corner of Lodge and with s. and s. of Fc): Bro JW, the Lodge is
properly t.
JW (Gavel and with s. and s. of Fc.): WM, the Lodge is properly t.
WM: Bro SW, (SW s. and s. of Fc.) the
next care?
SW: To see that the Brethren appear to order as Craftsmen.
WM: To order Brethren as Masons in the Second Degree.
The Brethren stand to order as Fcs.
WM: Bro JW, are you a Master Mason?
JW: I am, WM, try me and prove me.
WM: By what instruments used in Architecture will you be proved?
JW: The S and Cs.
WM: You being acquainted with the proper method, will prove the
Craftsmen MMs by ss., and demonstrate that proof to me by copying their example.
JW: Brethren, it is the WM’s command that you prove yourselves
MMs, by ss.
When the JW has seen that the Brethren all stand to order as MMs, he makes
the following report.
JW: WM, the Craftsmen have proved themselves MMs. by ss., and in
obedience to your command I copy their example.
(Done).
WM: Bro JW, I acknowledge the correctness of the signs (Gives
them).
WM: Bro JW, as a MM whence come you?
JW: From the east WM.
WM: Bro SW, whither directing your course?
SW: Towards the west WM.
WM (to JW): What inducement have you to leave the east and go to
the west?
JW: To seek for that which was lost, which, by your instruction
and our own industry, we hope to find.
WM (to SW): What is that which was lost?
SW: The genuine secrets of a MM.
WM (to JW): How came they lost?
JW: By the untimely death of our Master HA.
WM (to SW): Where do we hope to find them?
SW: With the c.
WM (to JW): What is a c?
JW: A point within a circle, from which every part of the
circumference is equi-distant.
WM (to SW): And why with a c?
SW: That being a point from which a Master Mason cannot err.
WM: Then Brethren, I will assist you to repair that loss, and may
Heaven aid our united endeavours.
OMNES: So mote it be
WM: Brethren, in the name of the M.H., I declare the Lodge duly
opened, (all cut sign) on the c., (all
recover and cut) for the purposes of Freemasonry in the Third Degree
WM 3° Knocks
SW 3° Knocks.
JW 3° Knocks
IG 3° Knocks
Tyler 3° Knocks
During these TB changed; IPM arranges B, S & C.
WM: To order Brethren, (All with G or R
s) All Glory to the M H.
All resume seats.
Raising to Third Degree
The Deacons must have laid down the s at the appropriate position folded in
the form of a c.
The Candidate must have answered the questions leading to this Degree.
The Tyler, having prepared the Candidate, reports by giving the Fc knocks on
door.
IG (advancing to NW corner of Lodge with s and s.): Bro. JW, there
is a report. (holds s).
JW (rising, with s and s, no knocks): WM, there is a report.
WM: Bro JW., enquire who wants admission.
JW (completes s and resumes seat): Bro IG, see who seeks
admission.
IG completes s, opens door, leaving it ajar for the following examination,
which should be audible to the Brethren.
IG: Whom have you there?
Tyler: Bro. (name), who has
been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the degree of a
Fellowcraft, and has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to
be raised to the Third Degree, for which ceremony he is properly prepared.
IG: How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?
Tyler: By the help of God, the united aid of the s. and cs., and
the benefit of a p.g. and p.w.
IG: Is he in possession of the p.g. and p.w?
Tyler: Try him.
CAN gives p.g. to IG , instructed by Tyler if necessary.
IG: What is this?
CAN (prompted by Tyler if necessary): The p.g. leading from the
Second to the Third Degree.
IG: What does this p.g. demand?
CAN (prompted by Tyler if necessary): A p.w.
IG: Give me that p.w.
(Given, if necessary prompted by Tyler).
IG: Wait while I report to the WM. It is
the duty of the IG to see that the Candidate is properly prepared and wearing a
Fc apron, having done so he closes door and advances to NW corner of Lodge, and
with s and s.
IG: WM, Bro. (name), who has
been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to the degree of a
Fellowcraft, has made such further progress as he hopes will entitle him to be
raised to the Third Degree, for which ceremony he is properly prepared
WM: How does he hope to obtain the privileges of the Third Degree?
IG: By the help of God, the united aid of the s. and cs, and the
benefit of a p.g. and p.w.
WM: We acknowledge the powerful aid by which he seeks admission;
do you, Brother IG, vouch that he is in possession of the p.g. and p.w?
IG: I do WM
WM.: Then let him be admitted in due form, (IG
completes s. WM gavels) Bro. Deacons.
All the lights are extinguished with the exception of the candle at the WM‘s
pedestal. IG awaits arrival of Deacons. Kneeling stool is placed in position on
squared pavement at NW corner.
Candidate taken in charge by SD and admitted by IG on the c.s. SD leads
Candidate to Kneeling stool and stands him facing WM, SD on his right, JD on his
left, IG behind momentarily holding cs over Can’s head.
SD (to Can): Salute the WM as a Fc, first as an EA. (done).
WM: Let the Can. kneel and receive the benefit of Masonic prayer.
WM gavels. Can kneels. All rise and stand to order with s. of r. Deacons hold
wands crossed above Can’s: head, SD’s in front.
SD instructs Can to assume s. of r.
WM or Chaplain: Almighty and Eternal God, Architect and Ruler of
the Universe, at whose creative fiat all things were made, we, the frail
creatures of Thy providence, humbly implore Thee to pour down on this
convocation assembled in Thy Holy Name the continual dew of Thy Blessing.
Especially we beseech Thee to impart Thy grace to this Thy servant who now
seeks to partake with us the mysterious secrets of a MM. Endue him with such
fortitude, that in the hour of trial he fail not, but passing safely under Thy
protection through the valley of the shadow of death, he may finally rise from
the tomb of transgression to shine as the stars for ever and ever.
OMNES: So mote it be.
All drop s. of r. Deacons lower wands.
WM: Let the Candidate rise. (Done, all,
except SD and Candidate, sit).
SD: Step off with your l.f.
(JD resumes seat, SD s Lodge with Can on approaching WM says): Salute
the WM as an Entered Apprentice in passing. (Note they
do not halt for salutes ‘in passing’).
On arriving at JW pedestal they halt and stand in line.
SD (To Can): Advance lo the JW as such, showing the s. (done)
and communicating the t. and w.
JW: Have you anything to communicate?
CAN: I have. (SD will prompt Can
throughout this exchange)
JW rises and SD instructs Can how to communicate the t.
JW: What is this?
CAN: The g. or t. of an EAFm.
JW: What does this g. demand?
CAN: A w.
JW: Give me that w., in this instance freely and at length.
CAN: ….
JW: Pass ….
JW resumes his seat, SD then instructs Can how to step off and, on
approaching the west, instructs Can as follows.
SD: Salute the SW as an Entered Apprentice in passing.
SD conducts Candidate to NW corner of Lodge and starts as before.
SD: Step off with your l.f.
SD, again s. Lodge with Can., on approaching WM says: Salute the
WM as a Fellowcraft in
passing.
On approaching the JW, says: Salute the JW as such in passing.
On arriving at SW pedestal they halt and stand in line.
SD (to Can.): Advance to the SW as such, showing the s. (done)
and communicating the t. and w. of that degree.
SW: Have you anything to communicate?
CAN.: I have. (SD will prompt Can
throughout this exchange).
SW rises and SD instructs Can. how to communicate the t.
SW: What is this?
CAN.: The g. or t. of a FcFm.
SW: What does this g. demand?
CAN.: A w.
SW: Give me that w., in this instance freely and at length.
CAN.: ….
SW: Pass ….
SW resumes his seat and SD conducts Can to NW corner of Lodge and both stand
facing W.
WM gavels.
WM: Brethren, take notice that Bro (full
name), who has been regularly initiated into Freemasonry, passed to
the degree of a FC, is about to pass before you to show that he is a candidate
properly prepared to be raised to the Third Degree.
SD: Step off with your l. f.
SD s. Lodge with Can , on approaching WM says): Salute the WM
again as a Fc. in passing
(on approaching JW, SD says:) Salute the JW as such in passing.
(On arriving at SW pedestal they halt and stand in line)
SD: Advance to the SW as such, s., showing the s. (Done),
and communicating the p.g. and p.w. you received from the WM previous to leaving
the Lodge.
SW: Have you anything to communicate?
CAN.: I have (SD will prompt Can
throughout this exchange).
SW rises and SD Instructs Can how to communicate the p.g.
SW: What is this?
CAN.: The p.g. leading from the Second to the Third Degree.
SW: What does this p.g. demand?
CAN.: A p.w.
SW: Give me that p.w.
CAN.: T.C.
SW.: What was T.C?
CAN.: The first a. in m.
SW: The import of the word?
CAN.: W.p.
SW: Pass T.C.
SW remains standing, SD conducts Can. to left of SW and places Can’s r.h.
in SW’s l, ensuring Can faces WM.
SW (with s. and s. of f): WM,I present to you Bro (name),
a Candidate properly prepared to be raised to the Third Degree.
WM: Bro. SW direct the SD to instruct the Candidate to advance to
the east by the proper steps. (SW completes s. and
resumes his seat SD rakes charge of Candidate and both stand in NW corner of
Lodge facing WM.)
SW: Bro SD., (SD gives s and s. of a Fc)
it is the WM’s command that you instruct the Candidate to advance to the east
by the proper steps.
SD (completes sign and instructs the Candidate thus): Step off
with your left foot. The method of advancing from w. to e. in this degree is by
s.s., t. as if s.o. an o.g., and f.b. or m.s; for your instruction I will go
through them after which you will copy me.
SD and Can stand in north of Lodge. JD takes charge of Can when SD goes to
centre of Lodge.
The SD goes through the proper method, and returns to collect Candidate.
Places Candidate at the head of the g. and says: Place your feet
together, turn out your r.f. so as to form a s., step off with your l.f. (Steps
to pedestal done) JD joins SD and Can at pedestal.
WM: Bro. (name), it is but
fair to inform you that a more serious trial of your fortitude and fidelity, as
well as a most solemn obligation now awaits you. Are you prepared to meet them
as you ought?
CAN.: I am. (If necessary SD tells Can.to
answer).
WM: Then you will kneel on b.k., place both h. on the VSL. (done).
WM gavel: all stand with s. of f; Deacons hold wands over Can’s head, SD’s
in front.
WM: State your several names at length and repeat after me; I
(full name), in the presence of the MH., and of this worthy and worshipful L of
MMs., duly constituted, regularly assembled and properly dedicated, of my own
free will and accord, do hereby and hereon, (at these
four words WM touches Can’s hand and then VSL) most solemnly
promise and swear that I will always hele, conceal and never reveal, any or
either of the secrets and mysteries of, or belonging to, the Degree of MM., to
anyone in the world, unless it be to him or them to whom the same may justly and
lawfully belong, and not even unto him or them until after due trial, strict
examination and full conviction that he or they are worthy of that confidence,
or in the body of a MM’s Lodge, duly opened on the c. I likewise solemnly
engage to adhere to the principles of the s. and cs., to answer and obey all
lawful signs and summonses I may receive from a MM’s Lodge if within the
length of my c.t , pleading no excuse thereto save sickness or the more pressing
emergencies of my public or private avocations. I further solemnly pledge myself
to maintain and uphold the f.p.of F., in act as well as in word; that my h.
given to a MM shall be a sure pledge of brotherhood; my f. shall traverse
difficulties and dangers to unite with his in forming a column of mutual defence
and support, the p. of my daily supplication shall remind me of his wants and
dispose my heart to succour his weakness and relieve his necessities, as far as
may fairly be done, without detriment to myself or connections; my b. shall be
the safe repository of his secrets, when entrusted to my care; Murder, Treason,
Felony and all other offences contrary to the laws of God and the ordinances of
the realm, being at all times most especially excepted.
Finally, I will maintain a MM’s honour and carefully preserve it as mine
own. I will not injure him, or knowingly suffer it to be done by others, if in
my power to prevent it, but on the contrary, will boldly repel the slanderer of
his good name, and most strictly respect the chastity of those nearest and
dearest to him, in the persons of his wife, his sister and his child.
These several points I solemnly swear to observe without evasion,
equivocation or mental reservation of any kind.
So help me the MH., and keep me steadfast in this the solemn obligation of a
MM.
WM: As a pledge of fidelity and to render what you have repeated a
solemn obligation, binding so long as you shall live, you will seal it with your
ls.,t. on the VSI. (Done).
All complete s., Deacons lower wands.
WM: Twill once more call your attention to the position of the s.
and cs.; when you were made an EA b.p. of the cs. were h; in the Second Degree
o. was disclosed. In this the w. is exhibited implying that you are now at
liberty to work with b. ps., (WM demonstrates with c.)
in order to render the circle of your Masonic duties complete.
WM takes Candidate by both hands. (Note. The Can’s hands have remained on
VSL until now). Rise, duly obligated MM.
The Brethren resume their seats, the Deacons remain standing with Candidate
all retiring a few paces.
WM: Bro. (name), having taken
the solemn o. of a MM you are now entitled to demand that last and greatest
trial, by which means alone you can be admitted to a participation of the ss. of
the Third Degree
But it is first my duty to call your attention to a retrospect of those
degrees in Freemasonry through which you have already passed, that you may the
better be enabled to distinguish and appreciate the connection of our whole
system, and the relative dependency of its several parts. Your admission into
Freemasonry in a state of helpless indigence, was an emblematic representation
of the entrance of all men on this their mortal existence. It inculcated the
useful lesson of natural equality and mutual dependence, it instructed you in
the active principles of universal beneficence and charity, to seek the solace
of your own distress by affording relief and consolation to your fellow
creatures in the hour of their affliction, but above all it taught you to bend
with humility and resignation to the will of the GAOTU., to dedicate your heart
thus purified from every baneful and malignant passion, fitted only for the
reception of truth and wisdom, to His Glory and the welfare of your fellow
creatures.
Proceeding onwards, still guiding your progress by the principles of moral
truth, you were led in the Second Degree to contemplate the intellectual
faculties and trace them in their development through the paths of heavenly
science, even to the throne of God Himself. The secrets of nature and the
principles of intellectual truth were then unveiled to your view. To a mind thus
modelled by virtue and science, nature however presents one great and useful
lesson more. She prepares you by contemplation, for the closing hour of your
existence, and when by means of that contemplation, she has conducted you
through the intricate windings of this mortal life, finally instructs you how to
die.
Such, my Brother is the peculiar object of research in this the Third Degree
in Freemasonry. It invites you to reflect upon this awful subject, and teaches
you to feel that, to the just and virtuous man, Death hath no terrors equal to
the stain of falsehood and dishonour.
Of this great truth the annals of Freemasonry afford us a glorious example in
the unshaken fidelity and noble death of our Master H. A., who was slain just
before the completion of K.S.T., at the construction of which he was, as no
doubt you are well aware, the principal Architect. The manner of his death was
as follows.
WM gavels
WM.: Bro. Wardens.
Wardens take charge of Candidate and the JW instructs him how to stand, r.f
over l.
Deacons arrange sheet and then retire.
WM: Fifteen Fellowcrafts of that superior class of workmen
appointed to preside over the rest, finding that the work of the Temple was
nearly completed, and they were not in possession of the secrets of the Third
Degree, conspired to obtain them by any means, even to having recourse to
violence. On the eve, however, of carrying their conspiracy into execution,
twelve of the fifteen recanted, but three, of a more determined and atrocious
character than the rest, persisted in their impious design, in the prosecution
of which they placed themselves respectively at the east, north and south
entrances of the Temple, whither our Master had retired to pay his adoration to
the Most High, as was his wonted custom at the hour of high twelve. His
devotions being ended, he attempted to return by the south entrance where he was
opposed by the first of those ruffians, who, for want of other weapons, had
armed himself with a p.r. (JW displays p.r.)
and, in a threatening manner, demanded of our Master the secrets of his exalted
degree, warning him that death would be the consequence of a refusal. Our
Master, true to his o., replied that those secrets were known but to three in
the world, and that without the consent and cooperation of the other two he
neither could nor would divulge them, but intimated that he had no doubt
patience and industry would in due time entitle a worthy mason to a
participation in them, but that for his own part, he would at her suffer death
than betray the sacred trust reposed in him. This answer not proving
satisfactory, the ruffian aimed a blow at the head of our Master, but being
startled by the firmness of his demeanour, it missed his forehead but glanced
with sufficient force upon his right temple (JW
demonstrates action) as to cause him to reel and sink on his left
knee. (Wardens assist Candidate to suit actions to
words after which Can. stands with l.f over r.)
Recovering from the shock he made for the north entrance where he was
accosted by the second ruffian to whom he gave a similar answer with
undiminished firmness, when the ruffian, who was armed with a l. (SW
raises l.) struck him a blow on the left temple (SW
demonstrates action) which brought him to the ground on his right
knee (Wardens assist Candidate to suit actions to words
after which Can again stands with r.f. over l.)
Finding all chances of escape cut off at both these points, our Master
staggered faint and bleeding to the east entrance where the third ruffian was
posted, who received a similar answer to his insolent demand, for even at this
trying moment our Master remained firm and unshaken, when the villain, who was
armed with a heavy maul, struck him a violent blow on the forehead (WM
demonstrates action) which laid him lifeless at his feet.
Here Ws place Candidate in proper position including his hs. and f, retire a
few paces and stand facing WM. Organist plays a few bars from the Dead March in
Saul. Brethren stand with s of r.
WM: Brethren, take notice that throughout the recent ceremony, as
well as in his present position, our Bro. (name) has
been made to represent one of the brightest characters recorded in the annals of
Freemasonry, namely our Master H.A. who lost his life in consequence of his
unshaken fidelity to the sacred trust reposed in him. And I hope this will make
a lasting impression on his and your minds should you ever be placed in a
similar state of trial.
Brethren drop s. and sit.
WM: Bro JW, (JW gives s. and s.)
endeavour to raise the representative of our Master by the EAs g.
JW holding s goes behind SW advances and squares s., to r. side of Can., then
on l.k ,takes Can’s r.h. in EA’S g.—holding wrist with l.h.—slips,
replaces hand and retires, backwards, to original position with s. and says:
JW: WM, it proves a s. (completes s.).
WM: Bro SW., (SW gives s and s):
try that of a Fc.
SW, holding s. advances and squares s., to r. side of Can , then on r.k.,
takes Can.’s r.h. in Fc’s g.—holding wrist with l.h.—slips, replaces
hand and retires, backwards, in front of JW to original position with s and
says:
SW: WM, it proves a s likewise (completes
s.).
WM: Bro Wardens, (Ws give s. and s.)
both having failed in your endeavours, there yet remains a third method which is
by taking a more f.g. of the ss. of a Brother’s r.h., and r. him on the f.p.of
f., of which, with your assistance, I will now make trial
Ws’ drop s.
WM leaves his chair and, with the assistance of the Wardens raises the
Candidate in ancient form. The SW attends to the Candidate’s l.h.
WM: It is thus, my Brother, that all MMs are raised from a
figurative d. to a reunion with the companions of their former toil.
Brother Wardens, resume your seats.
Done.
WM turns Candidate to face south.
WM: Let me beg you to observe that the light of a MM is but d.
visible, serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of
futurity. It is that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot
penetrate unless assisted by that Light, (indicates
VSL) which is from above. Yet even by this g.r. (points
to light on pedestal) you may perceive that you stand on the very b.
of the g., into which you have just figuratively descended, and which, when this
transitory life shall have passed away, will receive you into its cold bosom.
Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you, (WM
points) lead you to contemplate your inevitable destiny, and guide
your reflections to that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of
yourself.
Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is yet day. Continue to
listen to the voice of Nature which bears witness that even in this perishable
frame (WM touches Can. with both hands)
resides a vital and immortal principle which inspires a holy confidence that the
Lord of Life will enable us to trample the King of Terrors beneath our feet and
lift our eyes to that bright morning star whose rising brings peace and
salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.
WM wheels Candidate to face N., and SD resumes charge of him.
WM: I cannot better reward the attention you have paid to this
exhortation and charge than by entrusting you with the secrets of this Degree.
You will therefore advance to me as a Fc., first as an EA., showing the signs. (Done)
Now take another s.s. towards me with your l.f., bringing the r.h into its h as
before, (Done) that, my Bro (pointing) is
the t.r.s in Fmy., and is the position in which the ss. of the Degree are
communicated. They consist of Ss., a T. and Ws.: of the Ss. the first and second
are casual and the third penal.
Throughout the entrusting which follows, the WM demonstrates and the
Candidate copies, prompted by SD.
The first casual S. is called the s. of h., and may be taken from a Fc.H.S.
Stand to order as a Fc. (Done) and copy me;
it is given by dropping the l.h. to the front of the b., p.d., t.e. so as to
form a s. thus; inclining the h. over the r.s., and raising the r.h., p.f., fs.
and t. again e. so as to form a s. over the l.t., as if struck with h at some
dreadful and afflicting sight. (SD instructs Can to
drop s. of h.).
The second casual S. is called the s. of s. and is given by inclining the h.
forward and g s. the f. with the p of the r.h.
The P.S is given by placing the r.h. to the l.c. of the b., p.d., t. again e.
so as to f. a s., drawing it smartly a. the b. dropping it to the side and
recovering on the c. thus. This alludes to the symbolic penalty of this degree,
at one time included in the obligation, which implied that, as a man of honour
and a M.M., (WM suits actions to words) You
would rather have been s. in t. than have improperly disclosed the secrets of
the degree The full penalty was that of being s. in t., the b.b. to as., and
those as. scattered over the face of e. and w. by the f.c.ws. of H., so that no
trace or remembrance of so vile a wretch would longer be found among men,
particularly MMs
The g. or t. is the first of the f.p.of f., which are h. to h., f. to f., k.
to k., b. to b. and h. over b., and may be thus briefly explained (WM
goes through actions of f.p. of f. with Can.).
H. to h., I greet you as a brother, and this is the grip of a MM.; f. to f.,
I will support you in all your laudable undertakings; k. to k., the posture of
my daily supplications shall remind me of your wants; b. to b. your lawful
secrets, when entrusted to my care, I will preserve as my own; and h. over b.. I
will support your character in your absence as in your presence. It is in this
position, and then only in a w., except in open Lodge, that the words of a MM.
are given; they are M(e). or M(h)., both words having a similar import, the one
signifying the d. of the B., the other the B is s. WM
resumes his seat.
WM: You are now at liberty to retire in order to restore your
personal comfort, and, on your return to the Lodge, those casual ss., that t.
and those ws. will be further explained and the ceremony resumed.
SD, squaring the Lodge, conducts Candidate to NW corner.
SD: Salute the WM in the three degrees, first as an EA. (Done).
Can then retires, IG resumes seat, the lights are restored, the Deacons
remove the s. then return to their seats.
When Candidate ready Tyler gives one knock.
IG (s. & s.): Bro JW, there is a report.
JW, after receiving discreet acknowledgement from WM gives one knock. IG
drops sign and opens door.
IG (to Tyler): Whom have you there?
Tyler: Bro (name) on his
return.
IG: Wait while I report to the WM. (Closes
door, goes to NW corner and with s. & s. says): WM, Bro (name)
on his return.
WM: Admit him Bro IG ,—Bro SD.
IG drops sign and when joined by SD admits Candidate, secures door and
resumes his seat SD places Candidate in NW corner
SD: Salute the WM in the three degrees, first as an EA. (Done).
SD then takes Candidate to left of SW and places Candidate’s r.h. in SW’s
l.h.: SD standing at Candidates l. SW stands, all three in line facing WM
SW (s & s): WM., I present to you Bro (name)
on his being raised to the Third Degree for some further mark of your favour.
WM: Bro. SW, I delegate you to invest our Brother with the
distinguishing badge of a Master Mason
SW completes s.
SW: Bro. (name) by the
Worshipful Master’s command, I invest you with the distinguishing badge of a
MM to mark the further progress you have made in the science. Pay attention to
the WM.
SW hands Candidate to SD and resumes his seat SD and Can go to NW corner
facing WM.
WM: I will state that the badge with which you have now been
invested not only points out your rank as a MM, but is meant to remind you of
those great duties you have just so solemnly engaged to observe, and while it
marks your superiority in the craft, it calls upon you to afford assistance and
instruction to the Brethren in the inferior degrees
WM: Bro. SD, (SD gives s. & s.)
conduct the Candidate this way.
SD completes s., conducts Can along the N and places him in the centre of the
floor about four paces from and facing WM‘s pedestal then himself takes one
pace back.
WM: We left off at that part of our traditional history which
mentions the death of our Master H.A. A loss so important as that of the
principal architect could not fail to be generally and severely felt. The want
of those plans and designs, which had hitherto been regularly supplied to the
different classes of workmen, was the first indication that some heavy calamity
had befallen our Master. The Menatschin or Prefects, or more familiarly
speaking, the Overseers, deputed some of the most eminent of their number to
acquaint King Solomon with the utter confusion into which the absence of H. had
plunged them, and to express their apprehension that to some fatal catastrophe
must be attributed his sudden and mysterious disappearance. King Solomon
immediately ordered a general muster of the workmen throughout the different
departments, when three of the same class of overseers were not to be found. On
the same day the twelve Craftsmen who had originally joined in the conspiracy,
came before the King and made a voluntary confession of all they knew down to
the time of withdrawing themselves from the number of the conspirators. This
naturally increased the fears of King Solomon for the safety of his chief
artist; he therefore selected fifteen trusty Fcs. and ordered them to make a
diligent search after the person of our Master to ascertain if he were yet
alive, or had suffered death in the attempt to extort from him the ss. of his
exalted Degree.
Accordingly, a stated day having been appointed for their return to
Jerusalem, they formed themselves into three Fc. Ls. and departed from the three
entrances of the Temple.
Many days were spent in fruitless search, indeed, one class returned without
having made any discovery of importance, a second, however, were more fortunate,
for on the evening of a certain day, after having suffered many privations and
personal fatigues, one of the Brethren, who had rested himself in a reclining
posture, to assist his rising caught hold of a shrub which was near, which to
his surprise came easily out of the ground. On a closer examination he found
that the earth had been recently disturbed; he therefore hailed his companions
and with their united endeavours reopened the ground and there found the body of
our Master very indecently interred. They covered it again with all respect and
reverence and, to distinguish the spot, stuck a sprig of Acacia at the head of
the grave. They then hastened to Jerusalem to impart the afflicting intelligence
to King Solomon, who, when the first emotions of his grief had subsided, ordered
them to return and raise our Master to such a sepulchre as became his exalted
rank and superior talents, at the same time informing them that, by his untimely
death the ss. of a MM were lost; he therefore charged them to be particularly
careful in observing any casual Ss., T, or ws which might occur whilst paying
this last sad tribute of respect to departed merit.
They performed their task with the utmost fidelity and, on the re-opening of
the ground, one of the Brethren, looking around, observed some of his companions
in this position (WM rises and gives first c.s.,
Candidate does not copy any of the signs at this stage of the WM’s peroration)
struck with horror at the dreadful and afflicting sight, while
others, viewing the g.w. still visible on his f., s. their own sympathy with his
sufferings. (WM gives second c.s. and resumes his
seat).
Two of the Brethren then descended the grave, one of whom endeavoured to
raise our Master by the EA g., which proved a s. The other tried that of a Fc.,
which proved a s. likewise. Both having failed in their attempts, a more zealous
and expert Brother then descended the grave and, by taking a more firm g. of the
ss. of the r.h. with their assistance raised him on the f.p. of f., while
others, more animated, exclaimed M(e) or M(h) , both words having a similar
import, one signifying the d. of the B., the other, the B. is s. King Solomon
therefore ordered those casual ss. that t. and those ws. should designate all
MMs throughout the universe until time or circumstance should restore the
genuine
It only remains to account for the third class, who had pursued their
researches in the direction of Joppa, and were meditating their return to
Jerusalem, when, accidentally passing the mouth of a cavern, they heard sounds
of deep lamentation and regret. On entering the cave to ascertain the cause they
found three men answering the description of those missing, who, on being
charged with the murder, and finding all chance of escape cut off, made a full
confession of their guilt. They were then bound and led to Jerusalem, when King
Solomon sentenced them to that death that the heinousness of their crime so
amply merited.
Our Master was ordered to be re-interred as near the Sanctum Sanctorum as the
Israelitish law would permit, there, in a grave from the centre three feet east
and three feet west, three feet between north and south and five feet or more
perpendicular. He was not buried in the Sanctum Sanctorum, because nothing
common or unclean was allowed to enter there, not even the High Priest, but once
a year, nor then until after many washings and purifications against the great
day of expiation for sins, for, by Israelitish law, all flesh was deemed
unclean. The same fifteen trusty Fcs were ordered to attend the funeral, clothed
in white aprons and gloves, emblems of their innocence.
SD takes Candidate to pedestal, WM stands, SD (or DC) passes TB. to WM who
proceeds, pointing— You have already been informed that the working
ts with which our Master was slain were the p.r., l and h.m., the ornaments of a
MM’s L are the porch, the dormer and square pavement. The porch was the
entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum, the dormer the window that gave light to the
same, and the square pavement for the High Priest to walk on. The High Priest’s
office was to burn incense to the honour and glory of the Most High, and to pray
fervently to the Almighty, that of His unbounded wisdom and goodness He would be
pleased to bestow peace and tranquility on the Israelititsh nation during the
ensuing year.
The coffin, skull and cross-bones, emblems of mortality, allude to the
untimely death of our Master H.A, He was slain three thousand years after the
creation of the world. The three fives allude to the fifteen trusty Fcs.,
likewise the f.p. of f. and the sprig of acacia marked the head of the grave.
SD (or DC) returns TB to its place after which SD and Candidate retire a few
steps to their previous position.
WM: You have already been informed of three ss. in this Degree;
the whole are five corresponding in number with the f.p. of f.
They are the s. of h., the s. of s., the p.s., the s. of g. and d., and the
s. of j. and e., likewise called the g. or r.s. For your instruction I will go
through them and you will copy me.
WM rises and demonstrates each sign, as follows. Candidate, instructed by SD
if necessary, copies.
This is the s. of h., this of s., this the p.s.
The s. of g. and d. is given by placing the back of the r. h., t. and fs.
extended to form a s., over the r.t., drawing it slowly across the f.h. and
dropping it to the side; this took its rise from the time when our Master
staggered, faint and bleeding, from the north to the east entrance of the
Temple, when his agony was so great that the perspiration stood in large drops
on his f.h., he made use of this s. (gives s. again)
as a temporary relief to his sufferings. This (raises
as above h. fs. touching and recovers) is the s. of j. and e.,
likewise called the g. or r.s. This took its rise at the completion of the
Temple of Jerusalem when King Solomon, with the princes of his household, went
forth to view it: they were so struck with its magnificence and splendour that,
with one simultaneous motion (gives and holds s)
they exclaimed "O wonderful Masons!" (Drops
s., Candidate repeats s. and ws. prompted, if necessary by SD)
On the continent the s. of g. and d. is given in a different manner, by
interlacing the fs. of both hs., thus, (demonstrates) placing
them bs. to the f.h. and drawing them slowly apart exclaiming "O come to my
aid ye children of the widow" (Drops s., Candidate
repeats s. and ws.) on the supposition that all MMs are brothers to
H.A who was a widow’s son.
In Scotland, Ireland and some parts of America it is given in a still
different manner; by raising the hs. thus, (demonstrates)
ps. upwards towards the Hs. and d. them in three distinct movements exclaiming
at each "O L. my G.,O L. my G., O L. my G., is there no h. for the w’s.
s." (Candidate repeats s. and ws. in time with WM)
SD again brings Candidate forward to the WM s pedestal.
WM: I now present to your notice the working tools of a MM, they
are the Skirret, the Pencil and the Compasses. The skirret is an implement which
acts on a centre pin whence a line is drawn to mark out the ground for the
foundation of the intended structure; with the pencil the skilful artist
delineates the building in a draft or plan for the guidance and instruction of
the workmen; the compasses enable him with accuracy and precision to ascertain
and determine the limits and proportions of its several parts. But, as we are
not all operative, but rather free, accepted or speculative Masons, we apply
these tools to morals In this sense, the skirret points out that straight and
undeviating line of conduct laid down for our pursuit in the V.S.L.: the pencil
teaches us that our words and actions are observed and recorded by the Almighty
Architect, to whom we must give an account of our conduct through life; the
compasses remind us of His unerring and impartial justice, who, having defined
for our instruction the limits of good and evil, will reward or punish, as we
have obeyed or disregarded His divine commands. Thus, the working tools of a MM.
teach us to bear in mind and act according to the laws of our Divine Creator,
so, that when we shall be summoned from this sublunary abode, we may ascend to
the Grand Lodge above, where the world’s Great Architect lives and reigns for
ever.
You are now entitled to take your seat in a MM’s Lodge and I congratulate
you.
SD conducts Candidate to a seat and resumes his own.
Closing
WM gavels followed by Ws.
WM: Brethren, assist me to close the Lodge in the Third Degree.
(All rise).
WM: Bro JW, (JW s & s.)
what is the constant care of every Master Mason?
JW: To prove the Lodge close T.
WM: Direct that duty to be done.
JW (Cuts s): Bro. IG, (IG s & s)
prove the Lodge close T.
(Done).
IG (s & s): Bro JW , the Lodge is close T (cuts
s).
JW (3° Knocks, s & s): WM, the Lodge is close T. (cuts
s).
WM: Bro. SW, (SW s & s)
the next care?
SW: To see that the Brethren appear to order as Master Masons (cuts
s).
WM: To order Brethren as Masons in the Third Degree (Done).
WM: Bro. JW , as a Master Mason, whence come you?
JW: From the W, WM whither we have been in search of the genuine
ss of a MM.
WM: Bro SW, have you found them?
SW: We have not WM, but we bring with us certain substituted ss.,
which we are anxious to impart for your approbation.
WM: Bro Wardens, let those substituted ss. be regularly
communicated to me.
SW, leaving his pedestal and holding MM sign, proceeds along north side of
Lodge to a point opposite JW, turns to face JW who, holding MM sign, leaves his
pedestal and both move to centre of Lodge to lace each other across the Lodge
about a yard apart. JW drops MM s and then with s & s of Fc in whisper and
under raised hands, give p.g. and p.w. leading to Third Degree.
SW reverts to MM s. and JW to Fc s and then goes through full Third Degree ss
and the ws of a MM, again in a whisper SW & JW both revert to MM s and JW
returns to his pedestal.
SW faces east with s and says: WM, condescend to receive from me
the substituted ss. of a MM.
WM: Bro. SW, I will receive them with pleasure, and for the
information of the Brethren you will speak the words aloud.
WM leaves pedestal and stands facing west a convenient distance along the
Lodge. SW advances to one pace from and facing WM, and repeats actions and words
of JW, but not in a whisper, and then both, holding s return to their pedestals.
WM (after resuming chair): Brethren, the substituted ss of a MM,
having been regularly communicated to me, I, as Master of this Lodge, and
thereby the humble representative of K.S., do sanction and confirm with my
approbation, and declare they shall designate you, and all Master Masons
throughout the universe, until time or circumstance shall restore the genuine
OMNES (bending slightly forward): With gratitude to our Master we
bend.
WM: To order Brethren, (with g. or r.s.
given by all) All glory to the Most High.
(All resume MM.’s s.)
WM: Bro. SW, the labours of this degree being ended, you have my
command to close the Ledge (3° knocks with l.h.)
SW: Brethren, in the name of the M.H., and by command of the WM, I
close this MM’s Lodge. (All cut, recover and complete
MM’s s. in time with last five words. SW gives 3° knocks).
JW: And it is closed accordingly (gives 2° knocks).
SD changes TB. IPM adjusts s. & c.
IG gives 2° knocks. Tyler repeats.
The Brethren resume their seats.