K. S.--Arise, you twelve Fellow Crafts, divide yourselves into parties and travel--three east, three north, three south, and three west--with others whom I shall appoint, in search of the ruffians. A. Within the Blue Lodge are conferred the Craft Degrees. The subject was there referred for examination to a committee, which reported that these lectures were according to the most approved method of 'work' in the United States, and proposed to give Brother Barney letters of recommendation to all Lodges and brethren in all parts as a brother well qualified to give Masonic information to any desirous of his services. Ruffian--You have (here Master seizes the candidate more fiercely, and affects a great earnestness of purpose) escaped "Jubela" and "Jubelo"; me you cannot escape; my name is "Jubelum!" But we must look a little closer into the manner of making a covenant, in order to discover the connection of the different penalties as references to one entire ceremony. 126:1 Among such a vast concourse of people as were assembled together at the construction of this edifice, it is natural to expect every variety of propensities, both good and evil. generally the W. M. in the east. I hold in my hand an instrument of death; therefore, give me the Master's word, or I will take your life in a moment! Conductor (S. D.) leads the candidate up in front of the Master's seat in the east. Senior Deacon gives three loud knocks (), which are responded to by one () from the parties outside. All the business of a "Blue Lodge" (a Lodge of three Degrees) is done in the Lodge while opened on this Degree, except that of entering an Apprentice or passing a Fellow Craft, when the Lodge is lowered from the Masters' Degree for that purpose. --Nothing, Worshipful. Both points of the compasses are elevated above the square, which is to teach you never to lose sight of those truly Masonic virtues, which are friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Sec.--Assemble, Craftsmen! The drawers are rolled up just above the candidate's knees, and both arms are taken out of his shirt-sleeves, leaving his legs and breast bare. "Further, that I will always aid and assist all poor, distressed, worthy Master Masons, their widows and orphans, knowing them to be such, as far as their necessities may require, and my ability permit, without material injury to myself and family. "Further, that I will not have illegal carnal intercourse with a Master Mason's wife, his mother, sister, or daughter, nor suffer the same to be done by others, if in my power to prevent. W. M.--Why in the south, and your duty there, Brother Junior? "Five constitute a Lodge of Fellow Crafts two Master Masons and three Fellow Crafts. In France, it was originally south, north, and east, but now west, south, and east. Q. 18.) It is the general belief (and it would be readily inferred from most exposures of Masonry) that a candidate is knocked down with a large setting-maul kept for that purpose, but no reasonably sane person would for one moment entertain any such idea of the ceremony of making a Master Mason. Answer (1 of 12): Loads of stuff! The masons learn that hard work and perseverance are keys to success and that violence is never an acceptable form of conduct 18 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF . The Setting-Maul, Spade, Coffin, Grave, and Sprig of Acacia; and are thus explained. Finally, brethren, be ye all of one mind, live in peace, and may the God of love and peace delight to dwell with and bless you. Do good unto all. If this is the case, you cannot get a passage with me, I assure you. I (state your name) in the presence of the most high and this worthy worshipful and warranted lodge of Master Mason's, regularly held, assembled and properly dedicated, Of my own free will and accord do hereby and Hereon most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear that I will always hele ever conceal and never reveal any . times Master Mason's wore their aprons with the right corner turned up in the form of a triangle to distinguish them as Master Masons, and as overseers of the work, but in modern times we work in speculative Masonry only and a Master . Prop. W. M.--Brethren, the minutes will stand approved, if there are no objections. Hold up your heads, and hear your sentence. of!the!! At first, I did not doubt your veracity; but now I do! no pass. 12 days ago. All the brethren take their seats but the Master and candidate, when the Master continues: "Brother Gabe, you will now repair to the east, and receive an historical account of this degree.". NEW IMPROVED VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPmhe9j08R4An in depth 8 part series on the Freemasons called, "The Hiram Abiff Series (Freemasons ritu. Craftsmen, we are having good times; I wonder if it will last. 5 The Jewels of a Lodge "The Jewels of a Lodge are six: The Square, Level, Plumb, Rough Ashlar, Perfect Ashlar, and Trestle Board. Ancient!Free!&!Accepted!Masons! Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. ), The working-tools of a Master Mason are all the implements of Masonry appertaining to the first, The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative masons to spread the cement which unites a building into one common mass; but we, as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection; that. Fellowcraft Handbook. p. 176. p. 118. Freemasons belong to the oldest fraternal organization in the world . Why had you a cable-tow three times around your body? no pass. S. D.--Brother Junior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified? In the centre, where I was caused to kneel, and implore the blessings of Deity. Brother Gabe, permit me to call your attention to the last emblem on the carpet--the spade, setting-maul, coffin, grave, and sprig of acacia. 67.). Phil., p. 232. Phil., p. 297. Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] (Wikileaks) Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia [1994] (Mirror Site) Illustrations of Masonry, by Capt. Complete Master Mason Study Guide. W. M.--From whence came you, and whither are you travelling? Brother, your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the progress you have made in the mystery, and your conformity to our regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object for our favor and esteem. The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Masons to spread the cement, which unites a building into one common mass; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are taught to make use of it for the more noble and glorious purpose of spreading the cement of brotherly love and affection, &c., &c. (See Monitor for the balance of this answer, or page 99 of this work.). They travelled as before, and after fifteen days of weary travel and hardships, one of the brethren, being more weary than the rest, sat down on the brow of a hill, west of Mount Moriah, to rest and refresh himself, and, on attempting to rise, caught hold. [paragraph continues] Lodges, until future generations should find out the right one. In the mean time, it is hoped and expected that every brother will demean himself as becomes a man and a Mason. The York Rite is a system of Masonic degrees that is spread out between four organizations: the Symbolic Lodge, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, and the Commandery of Knights Templar. Senior Warden, one. or Best Offer. I was directed to wait with patience until the Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. Morgan [1827] (Murdered by . Q. Scroll all the way to the end for answers to the quiz. knowest our down-sitting and our uprising, and understandest our thoughts afar off. They advance before the Master in the east, and form across the Lodge, when all make the duegard and sign of a Fellow Craft (Figs. The conductor then turns about to the Senior Warden in the west, and says: Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful. left to right: S. D., or Conductor. The body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, was found in a westerly course from the Temple, where our weary brothers sat down to rest and refresh themselves. Some Lodges use the following questions and answers, both at opening and closing: W. M.--Why did you leave the west and travel to the east? (See Fig. The Monitor has model speeches and prayers for various occasions, and defines the order of Masonic processions. (Gives candidate a sudden shake.). This could not be done until the construction was . It is now past mid-night, and if we do not act with decision, daylight will be upon us, and we will be discovered and taken. The brethren representing the twelve repentant conspirators now walk out near the spot where the candidate is lying, and, when close to him, one of the party says: "Well, brothers, can we find where the acacia was pulled up?". These degrees are given based on merit and ability, although Master Masons cannot progress through these degrees without time and examination. --Grand Master Hiram, I am glad to meet you thus alone. When the candidate is prepared, the Deacon takes him by the left arm, leads him up to the door of the Lodge, and gives three loud, distinct knocks. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, was slain at high twelve. He can study the . He was surrounded by his family who made beautiful music just for him and prayed that he would be at peace after eight and a half months of . If it was of my own free-will and accord, if I was worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared, had made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degree, and was properly vouched for; all which being answered in the affirmative, I was asked by what further right or benefit I expected to gain admission. Treasurer--(See opening ceremony, p. What say you, guilty or not guilty? Reader, I have given you the whole of the first three Degrees in Masonry. (Shakes candidate. W. M.--Is it of his own free-will and accord? Shield and defend us from the evil intentions of our enemies, and support us under the trials and afflictions we are destined to endure, while travelling through this vale of tears. : Mah-Hah-Bone, which is given on the five points of fellowship, and in low breath. 115:1 Their real names (if there be any thing real in the whole transaction, which is more than doubtful), as preserved in a subsidiary degree. ", "Yes, here is the body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, in a mangled and putrid state. These answers are monitorial. . There are three of them, and only three of us. They roll the canvas around and over the candidate where he fell, which is in the east or northeast corner of the Lodge, and, for a few moments, retire, when the Lodge becomes still as the hour of midnight; not a sound is permitted to be made; all go--if at all--from place to place on tiptoe. Godwyn says: 'Making a covenant was a solemn binding of each other to the performance of a mutual promise, by outward ceremonies of cutting a beast in twain, and passing between the parts thereof' (Jer. The Junior Deacon advances, followed by the Stewards, with rods, when the Senior Deacon stops them, by placing his hand against the candidate, at the same time saying: S. D.--Brother Gabe, on entering this Lodge the first time, you were received on the point of the compasses, pressing your naked left breast, the moral of which was explained to you. As the embers of mortality are faintly glimmering in the sockets of existence, the Bible removes the dark cloud, draws aside the sable curtains of the tomb, bids hope and joy rouse us, and sustains and cheers the departing spirit; it points beyond the silent grave, and bids us turn our eyes with faith and confidence upon the opening scenes of our eternity. Thus, when dissolution draws nigh, and the cold winds of death come sighing around us, and his chilly dews already glisten on our foreheads, with joy shall we obey the summons of the Grand Warden of Heaven, and go from our labors on earth to everlasting refreshments in the Paradise of God. Brother Senior Warden. "Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time; As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe!" Q. He has not been seen in or about the Temple. Part 1. In order that I might travel in foreign countries, work and receive Master's wages, being better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of worthy distressed Master Masons, their widows and orphans. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will. They will be learned in the lodge in which you will be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. The Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world. During this degree, the importance of education and work, and the awesome power of God, are taught to the Mason. Conductor--I cannot; nor can they be given, except in the presence of Solomon, king of Israel, Hiram, king of Tyre, and myself. 146:1 "In the performance of a ceremony so solemn and momentous as the closing of a Mason's Lodge, every member has a lively interest. Where the same questions were asked and like answers given as at the door. Then, by the benefit of the pass--a pure and blameless life--with a firm reliance on Divine Providence, shall we gain ready admission into that Celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Grand Warden forever presides--forever reigns. Quoting from "When is a Man a Mason?" by James S. Peterson, Master-elect, in the June 1991 Occasional Bulletin of the Texas Lodge of Research, which has a bit more on the holding of Stated Meetings or doing business in the E.A. 1971 Masons Authorized Or KJV Holy Bible Red Letter Master Reference Edition . 6, p. Three Grand Masters, three thousand three hundred Masters or overseers of the work, eighty thousand Fellow Crafts, and seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, &c., &c. (See p. The Worshipful Master here gives the candidate a blow on his head with a buckskin bag, or setting-maul;1 at the same. He informed them that he had seen three, who, from their appearance, were workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage into Ethiopia; but, not having King Solomon's pass, were unable to obtain one, and had returned back into the country. This reference to Jeremiah, where the prophet denounced the curse of the Lord upon the Princes and rulers who had broken the covenant which they had made with King Zedekiah, may explain the self-imposed penalty of J------ (Jubelum)." Where is our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff? Upon which the three Fellow Crafts rush forward over benches and chairs, and secure the ruffians in no very gentle manner, and lead them to the Worshipful Master's seat in the east, when one of them reports to the Master: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one who pursued a westerly course, and, on my return, after several days of fruit-less search, being more weary than my companions, sat down on the brow of a hill to rest and refresh myself; and, on rising, accidentally caught hold of a sprig of acacia,1 which, easily giving way, excited my suspicions. never--no, never dies. The candidate enters the Lodge of the Master Mason in darkness, for he has not. "O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost! He has the right of instruction by competent brethren to obtain "suitable proficiency in the work of the first degree" which may make him suitable to receive his 2nd degree. and have not obtained that which we have sought: this is no time for vain reflection--the question is, what shall we do with the body? J. D.--Brother Gabe, who has been regularly initiated Entered Apprentice, passed to the Degree of Fellow Craft, and now wishes to receive further light in Masonry, by being raised to the sublime Degree of a Master Mason. A. I was conducted to the Worshipful Master in the east, who presented me with the working-tools of a Master Mason, which are all the implements of Masonry indiscriminately, but more especially the trowel. How many were there employed in the building of King Solomon's Temple? Oh! A. The Master now steps back about three paces from the altar, and says. After the signs are gone through with by the whole Lodge, the Master gives one rap with his gavel, which is responded to by the Senior Warden, and then by the Junior Warden, and then again by the Master, one rap. His death was premeditated by fifteen Fellow Crafts, who, seeing the Temple about to be completed, and being desirous of obtaining the secrets of a Master Mason, whereby they might travel in foreign countries and receive Master's wages, entered into a horrid conspiracy to extort them from our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, or take his life; but, reflecting with horror on the atrocity of the crime, twelve of them recanted; the other three persisted in their murderous designs. Three ruffian nations from the south, the west, and the east--the Syrians, the Chaldeans, and the Romans--gave in succession this temporary dispensation its death-blow; those who sought religion through the wisdom of the ancients were not able to raise her; she eluded their grasp, and the polluted hands were also stretched forth in vain for her restoration. We were sent in haste and on urgent business; there was nothing said about giving us a pass, and we presume it was forgotten, or not deemed necessary. A. I was conducted three times around the Lodge, to the Junior Warden in the south, where the same questions were asked, and like answers returned as at the door. What followed? Upon arriving there they commence to lower it into the grave, as they style it, but in reality only from their shoulders to the floor. They shuffle about a few moments, when they are called to order by the sound of the gavel from the Master's seat in the east, who inquires in a loud voice as follows: W. M. (now styled King Solomon.) These implements are both used as will be described hereafter. However, it becomes "real work" when the verbiage must be actually committed to memory - and vocal chord output. 142:1 LECTURE.--In the Masters' Degree, the first section illustrates the ancient and proper mode of raising a candidate to this sublime Degree. The "work" in Minnesota and New York is strongly impregnated with what is called, among Masons, "Morganry"--very similar to the disclosures of Morgan and Richardson--so much so, that many Masters purchase these publications for their instruction in their duties and in the ritual. Jubelo!! 1, It is generally known among Masons, that in the Northwestern States the lectures and "work" are those as taught by Barney. However, those who understand the whys, and how-tos of memory can develop their own memorycraft's and reap many benefits. Herod, and Pilate. They usually meet in the Middle Chamber of King Solomon's Temple. And finally, the veracity of the legend is completely ignored by a reference to the Holy Scriptures. "All this I most solemnly, sincerely promise and swear, with a firm and steady resolution to perform the same, without any hesitation, mental reservation, or secret evasion of mind what-ever, binding myself, under no less penalty than that of having my body severed in two,1 my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered before the four winds of heaven, that no more remembrance might be had of so vile and wicked a wretch as I would be, should I ever, knowingly, violate this my Master Mason's obligation. To preserve the reputation of the fraternity unsullied must be your constant care; and, for this purpose, it is your province to recommend to your inferiors obedience and submission; to your equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and condescension. This Master Mason Quiz may be used by any member of the Lodge who seeks more light. ), A. 17, 18), which is responded to by the Master, after which the conductor and candidate pass out of the Lodge. (Moving off, one says:). He is murdered inside this Temple by three ruffians, after they failed to obtain from him the Master Masons' secrets. S. D.--The pass is right; you will wait with patience until the Worshipful Master is informed of your request and his answer returned. Jubela!! Some portions of the lectures are conducted in the form of questions and answers, as part of the proficiencies, or memory work. In youth, in Entered Apprentices. Degree, Holy Royal
", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". The Junior Warden then takes hold of the candidate's right hand, giving him the Entered Apprentice's grip (see Fig. Behold! (Secretary reads the minutes, &c., &c.). degree: "Today more than ten thousand men who never progressed beyond the E.A. In addition to the presiding Master, three Past Masters will work as acting Masters in obligating an exemplar candidate for each of the three degrees. A Master Mason has the right to visit lodges throughout the world, sharing in fraternal fellowship with like-minded men who now share a common bond. It is my orders that strict search be made for him through the apartments of the Temple, and due inquiry made. It is used interchangeably with the title Masonic third degree because they mean the same thing. SYMBOLISM OF THE DEGREE. --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! 6, p. They travelled as before, and, after many days of hardships and toil, on their return one of the brethren, more weary than the rest, sat down on the brow of a hill to rest and refresh himself, and on attempting to rise, accidentally caught hold of an acacia, which easily giving way, aroused his curiosity; upon which he hailed his companions, and on examination found it to be a grave. Worldly possession.--Dr. But is this. Uploaded by Rob Bonner. ", Master (as K. S.) makes the "grand hailing sign of distress" (see Fig. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will now take your seat in this Lodge as a Master Mason, after stepping to the Secretary's desk. "Further, that I will not give the Grand Hailing Sign of Distress, except in case of the most imminent danger, in a just and lawful Lodge, or for the benefit of instruction; and if ever I should see it given, or hear the words accompanying it, by a worthy brother in distress, I will fly to his relief, if there is a greater probability of saving his life than losing my own. S. W.--I did not, but found a substitute. "I furthermore promise and swear, that I will stand to and abide by all laws, rules, and regulations of the Master Masons' Degree, and of the Lodge of which I may hereafter become a member, as far as the same shall come to my knowledge; and that I will ever maintain and support the constitution, laws, and edicts of the Grand Lodge under which the same shall be holden. ii. [1994] (Wikileaks), Masonic
The Master, after giving the candidate the pass-grip and word, bids him rise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens, and convince them that he is . The third was the voice of Jubelum, exclaiming, louder than the rest: 'It was I that gave the fatal blow, it was I that killed him. The spade, which dug the grave of our Grand Master, may soon dig ours; the setting-maul, which terminated his earthly existence, may be among the casualties which will, sooner or later, terminate ours; the coffin, which received his remains, may soon receive ours; the grave, that abode for the dead, may soon be our grave; the acacia (that evergreen which once marked the temporary resting-place of the illustrious dead), that bloomed and flourished at the head of our Grand Master's grave, and was the cause of its timely discovery, is an emblem of our faith in the immortality of the soul, which never! "This report of the committee was accepted and adopted by the Grand Lodge, and Brother Barney, provided with the recommendation thus obtained, visited many of the Lodges of the State, and imparted to them a knowledge of these lectures. The pass-grip is given by pressing the thumb between the joints of the second and third fingers where they join the hand; the word or name is Tubal Cain. Jubela!!!" that my throat had been cut across, my tongue torn out by its roots, and buried in the rough sands of the sea, at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, ere I had been accessory to the death of so good a man as our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff.' Behold! This famous fabric was supported by fourteen hundred and fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six pilasters--all hewn from the finest Parian marble. Captain--I should be glad of your company. K. S.--Was the Master's word, or a key to it, or any thing appertaining to the Master's Degree, on or about it? W. M.--You will attend to that part of your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to close this Lodge, and direct him to tyle accordingly. The three that pursued a westerly course, coming down near the port of Joppa, met with a seafaring man, of whom they made inquiry, if he had seen any strangers pass that way; he informed them that he had, three, who, from their appearance, were work-men from the Temple, seeking a passage into Ethiopia, but not having King Solomon's pass, were not allowed to obtain one, and had returned back into the country. : "O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost!" Candidate (prompted by conductor.) A. When the Lodge is opened, the Junior Warden's column is turned down, and the Senior Warden's turned up, at his right hand. The Master having given the word, which is MAH-HAH-BONE, in low breath, requests the candidate to repeat it with him, which is in this wise: Master telling candidate never to give it in any other way than that in which he has received it. Junior Deacon here steps forward and whispers in the Senior Deacon's ear, "Tubal Cain.". The body was then carried to the Temple for a more decent burial, and was interred in due form. 18.) Candidate. The Secretary commences to call off a lot of Bible names, to which each brother responds "Here!" At the usual report, preceded by an inquiry involving the best interests of Masonry, the brethren are again reminded what is the chief care of a Mason. (They all kneel.). --Brother this is an unusual way of asking for them. The York Masons name the seaside; the Americans say, Mount Moriah; the French, Monet Lebanon. As Masons, we understand the moral lessons derived from the square. A. The Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel, when all the brethren retire to their seats, leaving at the altar the Master, conductor, and candidate. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, do you know of any thing further before this Lodge of Masons previous to closing? They repaired to the grave, when King Solomon ordered one of the Fellow Crafts to take the body by the Entered Apprentice grip, and see if it could be raised; but, on account of its high state of decomposition, it could not be raised--the flesh cleaved from the bone. "The pillar of Wisdom represents Solomon, King of Israel, whose wisdom contrived the mighty fabric; the pillar of Strength, Hiram, king of Tyre, who strengthened Solomon in his grand undertaking; the pillar of Beauty, Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, whose cunning craft and curious workmanship beautified and adorned the Temple. It was, by fifteen Fellow Crafts, who, seeing the Temple about to be completed, and being desirous of obtaining the secrets of a Master Mason, whereby they might travel in foreign countries, work, and receive Master's wages, entered into a horrid conspiracy to extort them from our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, or take his life; but, reflecting with horror on the atrocity of the crime, twelve of them recanted; the other three persisted in their murderous designs. J. D.--By a brother of this Degree within the outer door. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in the due performance of the same.". MASTER MASON, OR THIRD DEGREE. A. To attain the 32nd degree, for example, a Freemason must have been a Master Mason for at least 14 years, have been elected Master of the Lodge, and have satisfactorily served the Supreme Council. --You will arise, and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as an obligated Master Mason. and give three raps on the floor with his rod, the Junior Warden responding by three raps with his gavel. 112.) (See Fig. The candidate is not intentionally injured in any Degree of Masonry, impressions of a lasting nature being all that are intended by the ceremonies. The Masonic rituals provided here are as practiced under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Nevada . They would fail to become proficient in the required memory work. --No, we have no pass; we did not know it was necessary. The Ruffian gives the candidate a brush across the throat with his right hand, and at the same time relinquishes his hold with his left, steps quietly to one side, and permits the conductor and candidate td pass on to the Senior Warden's station in the west, which is done by the conductor advancing very rapidly, pulling the candidate along with him.