Ward PREFACE THE third degree in Freemasonry is termed the Sublime Degree and the title is truly justified. time, pushing him backward, brings the candidate's heels against the edge of the canvas, trips him up, and the candidate falls upon his back, caught in the canvas clear of the floor, unharmed, but, in many instances, badly frightened. We are all born to die; we follow our friends to the brink of the grave, and, standing on the shore of a vast ocean, we gaze with exquisite anxiety until the last struggle is over, and we see them sink into the fathomless abyss. FIG 18. The Master, stepping back one pace, now says: "Brother Gabe, you have now received that grand Masonic word, which you have solemnly sworn never to give in any other way or form than that in which you have received it, which is on the five points of fellowship, and then in low breath. 7, p. But few Masons take sufficient interest in Masonry to be advanced further, and consequently do not get the password which was lost by the tragical death of Hiram Abiff. Aprons, Royal Arch Jewels, Chains, Collars & This could not be done until the construction was . The pillar of Wisdom represented 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. J. W.--The password is right. Let us pray.". no pass. 30 WM: As further evidence that all present are Master Masons, receive the pass-word from the Senior SW: (S) Worshipful Master. Climbing the ranks to Master Mason takes months or years. You may wish to print them on a separate piece of paper, should you wish to use the quiz in your Masonic education training classes. The Master silently steps to the east, near the candidate's head, and strikes the hour of low twelve (which is twelve o'clock at night) on a triangle or bell. The Worshipful Master here gives the candidate a blow on his head with a buckskin bag, or setting-maul;1 at the same. "Lord of all! Every human being has a claim upon your kind offices. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, do you know of any thing further before this Lodge of Masons previous to closing? Just the catechisms to move up to a higher degree, or memorizing parts to confer the degrees on others? We have several, and they are divided into two classes. Brother A. 14.). the Masons) in pdf, Duncan's Masonic We will carry the body a westerly course from the Temple to the brow of the hill west of Mount Moriah, where I have dug a grave due east and west, six feet perpendicular. The Worshipful Master approaching me from the east, under the duegard of a Master Mason, who, in token of further continuance of his brotherly love and favor, presented me with his right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason, and ordered me to arise and salute the Junior and Senior Wardens as such. In Scotland the arrangement is east, south, and west. "2nd. Brother Junior Deacon. no pass. "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. As the final and highest honor in Freemasonry, the Master Mason degree symbolizes man's maturity through increased knowledge and wisdom. J. W.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding Degrees? towards the Master), and says: Brother, you will step off with your left foot one full step, and bring the heel of your right in the hollow of your left foot; now step off with your right foot, and bring the heel of your left in the hollow of your right foot; now step off with your left foot, and bring both heels together. Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, having finished his usual exercises, attempted to retire at the south gate, where he was accosted by Jubela, who thrice demanded of him the secrets of a Master Mason, or the Master's word; and, on being refused, gave him a blow with the twenty-four-inch gauge across the throat, upon which he fled, and attempted to pass out at the west gate, where he was accosted by Jubelo, who, in like manner, thrice demanded of him the secrets of a Master Mason, or the Master's word; and, on his being refused, gave him a blow with a square across his breast, upon which he fled, and attempted to make his escape out at the east gate, where he was accosted by Jubelum, who, in like manner, thrice demanded of him the secrets of a Master .Mason, or the Master's word: and, on his being refused, gave him a violent blow with a setting-maul, on his forehead, which felled him dead on the spot. 5, 6, pp. 99:1 The jewels of a Masters' Lodge are suspended from blue velvet collars, bordered and embroidered with silver. --Brother Senior Warden, at the opening of this Lodge you informed me that you were a Master Mason. 12, p. 1, The "work," or rather the lectures in the several degrees of Masonry, more especially in the first three degrees (masonically termed the Blue Degrees, or Blue Lodge), differ so much in each State that it would be a difficult thing to get exactly at the proper responses to some of the Masonic interrogatories. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. Part 1. Captain--Very well, you can have a passage. A. A. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). have you seen any strangers pass this way? 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. "4th. SW: I am. The second was that of Jubelo, exclaiming: 'Oh! All in attendance, including exemplars, will be clad in business dress with appropriate regalia. J. W. (Jubela, First Ruffian.) Brother Junior Grand Warden, you will see my orders duly executed. Junior Deacon here steps forward and whispers in the Senior Deacon's ear, "Tubal Cain.". In a way, the Masonic ritual represents the rebirth of man. 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. [paragraph continues] Lodges, until future generations should find out the right one. me to rise, salute the Junior and Senior Wardens. Conductor (S. D.) leads the candidate up in front of the Master's seat in the east. K. S.--.Jubelo, you also stand accessory to the death of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. ", "Oh! Are you willing to take the oath? Your virtue, honor, and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear. SYMBOLISM OF THE DEGREE. The apron is white, lined and bordered with blue. (left to right: Worshipful Master Altar, Candidate. 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. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). King Solomon, believing him to be indisposed, ordered strict search and due inquiry to be made for him through the several apartments of the Temple, that he might be found, if possible. A. The trowel is an instrument made use of by operative Mason 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 cement which unites us into one sacred band, or society of friends and Brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work, or best agree. Second Ruffian--Then let us flee into the interior parts of the country, and avoid being taken as long as possible. They now separate about the Lodge, saying to each other: "This is very unjust of the King. Thus we find that "Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made King Solomon for the house of the Lord." "This is an . How came he to be assassinated at that hour? What induced you to become a Master Mason? You will therefore suffer yourself to be again hoodwinked, and kneel where you are, and pray orally or mentally, as you please. 126.). that my body had been severed in two, my bowels taken from thence," &c., &c. (See p. My brother of Tyre, what shall we do? The second degree is the Fellow Craft, which represents manhood, the middle period of life. It is my orders that you be taken without the gates of the court, and be executed, according to your several imprecations, in the clefts of the rocks. Jubela!!!" Get the best deals on Masonic & Freemason Books & Publications when you shop the largest online . "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. W. M.--Brother Senior Deacon, you will now reconduct this candidate to the place from whence he came, and reinvest him with what he has been divested of, and await my further will and pleasure. degree: "Today more than ten thousand men who never progressed beyond the E.A. I furthermore promise and swear that I will help, aid and assist all poor, distress brother Fellow Craft, they applying to me as such and I deem them worthy. In the course of the degree, the new Master Mason is taught the importance of living a life true to the principles of morality and virtue. "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. The traditional account of the death, several burials, and resurrections of one of the craft, Hiram Abiff, the widow's son, as developed in conferring this Degree, is very interesting. 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. Let him enter, and be received in due form. The Wardens and brethren of this Lodge require a more satisfactory proof of your fidelity to your trust, before they are willing to intrust you with the more valuable secrets of this Degree. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, how should Masons meet? S. W. (rising to his feet and making the sign of a Master Mason.) The significance of this Degree is. 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. JD: To see that they are duly tyled. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) 15. iv. A blue silk scarf, trimmed with silver, having a blue rosette at the shoulder and hip, is worn from left to right. The other example of such a covenant is in Genesis xv.--Historical Landmarks, vol. ), passed peacefully at home on the morning of February 24, 2023. The Secretary commences to call off a lot of Bible names, to which each brother responds "Here!" Brother Junior Deacon (turning to that officer), you will inform the Tyler. Besides, when a work is nearly completed, the necessity of Plans and designs ceases altogether. The Master (Third Ruffian) then exclaims: W. M. (as Third Ruffian.) A. The candidate is not intentionally injured in any Degree of Masonry, impressions of a lasting nature being all that are intended by the ceremonies. Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. W. M.--And part on the Square; and so let us ever meet, act, and part. J. W. (making sign.) have compassion on the children of thy creation, administer them comfort in time of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. (See Fig. He cometh forth as a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. with the right-hand corner tucked up, and he wears a yoke with a Senior Warden's jewel attached to it. To signify that my duties and obligations become more and more binding as I advance in Masonry. (Sits down.). "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. Masonic lectures cover various aspects of the moral and spiritual teachings of Freemasonry and explanations of the symbols. 140:1 The questions and answers in this lecture, relative to the disposition of the body and its discovery, &c., &c., are precisely like the historical part of this Degree, page 122, or that portion describing the conferring of the Degree, page 107. BRETHREN KNEELING AT PRAYER AROUND THE GRAVE OF HIRAM ABIFF, THE WIDOW'S SON. Each organization's degrees focus on a different theme, and together, they create a larger story that teaches Freemasons valuable lessons through . Master Mason Handbook. FELLOWCRAFT MASON- 2ND DEGREE - STAIRCASE TRACING BOARD / LECTURE PROP. Suspicious characters! (See Note Q, Appendix.). This you will communicate to the Junior Warden in the south, and he to the brethren about the. A momentary silence then ensues, during which one of the party groans, as if nearly dying. No designs are drawn on the trestle-board, and for this reason many of us are idle. But we are assured, that not only were the plans drawn and the specifications approved, but every other preparation was made for completing the work before the foundations were laid; even the stone and timber were carved, marked, and numbered before they were removed from the quarry and the forest; and, hence nothing was required, when the materials were conveyed to Jerusalem, but skilled labor to make it perfect and complete from foundation to cope-stone. 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. None but he who has visited the Holy of Holies, and travelled the road of peril, can have any conception of the mysteries unfolded in this degree. This Master Mason Quiz may be used by any member of the Lodge who seeks more light. Uploaded by Rob Bonner. 18.) Behold! One of his companions exclaims: "I am tired, too!" Foot to foot--that you will never hesitate to go on foot, and out of your way, to assist and serve a worthy brother. Conductor--Cain. W. M.--You will detach your hands and kiss the book. I was ordered to be re-conducted to the place whence I came, there be reinvested with which I was divested, and await the Master's will and pleasure. You must pray for yourself. 127-130. On your return to the Lodge, where were you placed? On removal of the earth, they came to the body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, which they found in a high state of putrefaction, and in a mutilated and mangled condition, it having been buried already fifteen days: the effluvia which arose from it compelled them to place involuntarily their hands thus (Master here places his hands in form of a duegard of a Master Mason, which alludes to the manner in which his hands were placed when he took the oath of a Master Mason), to guard their nostrils--but nothing was found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was easily discovered. They will be learned in the lodge in which you will be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. "Further, I will not cheat, wrong, nor defraud a Master Mason's Lodge, nor a brother of this Degree, knowingly, nor supplant him in any of his laudable undertakings, but will give him due and timely notice, that he may ward off all danger. Is there no hope for the widow's son? --O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost! In some Lodges, the brethren on this occasion attire the candidate with a very rich apron and yoke. It is, in fact, not a word, but merely a jumble of letters, forming a sound without meaning." (makes the sign, see Fig. 35 The brethren form around the Secretary like a class at school. The Obligation of a Master Mason that I need to memorize is huge! Q. ", "Oh! (Mirror Site), Illustrations of Masonry, by Capt. --No, we have no pass; we did not know it was necessary. 40.)
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