master mason degree memory work

In order that I might receive a Masters' wages, and be the better enabled to support myself and family, and contribute to the relief of poor, distressed Master Mason, their widows and orphans. p. 176. 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. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, I now declare this Lodge duly closed. W. M.--Brother Secretary, have you any thing on your desk? 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. At the revival in 1717, they were called setting-tool, setting maul, and setting-beetle; later in the century, it was the twenty-four-inch gauge, square, and gavel; then the setting-tool, square, and rule; and now the plumb-rule, square, and strong or heavy maul.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 306. . Masonic Jurisdiction in pdf, U.G.L.E. Seven; one Master and six Entered Apprentices. 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.) A. reflect with horror on the atrocity of your crime, and on the amiable character of your Worshipful Grand Master, whom you have so basely assassinated. 305-6. These are ideally delivered from memory, and we work very hard to. By there being no designs drawn on the trestle-board. Freemasonry is not a religion per se, but agnostics or atheists cannot belong, said Brent Morris, a Masonic historian, editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, and a 33rd degree Freemason. 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. By innocence is meant clean thinking and clean living, a loyal obedience to the laws of the Craft and sincere good will one's Brethren. 105:1 In the progress of Masonry during the last century the fatal weapons underwent several changes. 149:1 See Robert Morris's Freemason's Monitor, 1860. From Josephus we learn, that although seven years were occupied in building it, yet, during the whole time, it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor, and from sacred history it appears that there was neither the sound of hammer, nor axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house while it was building. 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. The Master either reads or repeats the following from a Monitor, which by many is committed to memory; but when he has the "work" (i.e., that part which is not monitorial), it is not necessary that he should commit to memory what is called the Master's carpet of emblems, but as it is a part of the initiation of the Third Degree, the author proposes to give it in its regular order of Lodge business. 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? In youth, in Entered Apprentices. WM: *. When was our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, found to be missing? As they approach the west, the Senior Warden steps out as did the Junior Warden, facing the candidate, and, clinching him by the collar more roughly than the Junior Warden, exclaiming as follows: S. W. (Second Ruffian.) Capt.--They were three brothers, workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage to Ethiopia, but, not having King Solomon's pass, were not able to obtain one, and returned back into the country. J. W.--Brother Senior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified, duly and truly prepared? 1 This word cannot be given in any other way, and by Masons is considered a test of all book Masons. Fellowcraft Handbook. 15. 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. On entering the second time, you were received on the angle of the square, which was also explained to you. ), passed peacefully at home on the morning of February 24, 2023. A. . ), 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. . 1. Each organization's degrees focus on a different theme, and together, they create a larger story that teaches Freemasons valuable lessons through . --Nothing, Worshipful. trial, strict examination, or lawful Masonic. The degrees, in order are Entered Apprentice (first degree), Fellowcraft (second degree), and Master Mason (third degree). It describes ceremonies, including the those used for the three major initiations and the burial rite. ", Master (as K. S.) makes the "grand hailing sign of distress" (see Fig. W. M.--You will attend to the alarm, and ascertain the cause. how swiftly the sands run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close. These Masonic rituals represent three degrees which are taken in sequence. S. D.--From the west, travelling toward the east. We therefore now appear before your Majesty, clothed with white gloves and aprons, in token of our innocence, and, acknowledging our premeditated guilt, we humbly implore your pardon." 47. paragraph 6. "Brother Gabe, seven constitute a Lodge of Entered Apprentices--one Master Mason, and six Entered Apprentices. In the mean time, the canvas is slipped out of the Lodge, and as the Master commences to give or whisper the word in the candidate's ear, some one of the brethren slips off the hoodwink, and this is the first time he has seen light, probably, in an hour. Jubela! After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! I furthermore promise and swear that I will not cheat, wrong or defraud a Lodge of Fellow Craft, or a brother of this degree knowingly or wittingly. S. D.--Brother Junior Deacon, is he worthy and well qualified? --Historical Landmarks, vol. A. "Solemn strikes the funeral chime, Notes of our departing time; As we journey here below, Through a pilgrimage of woe!" I was then asked by what other right or benefit I expected to gain admission. 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. How does a crew neckline differ from a bateau? (See ACACIA.) Ruffian--This (shaking candidate) does not satisfy me! No! The brethren commence, in loud voices to inquire of one another: Have you seen any thing of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff? 1971 Masons Authorized Or KJV Holy Bible Red Letter Master Reference Edition . 3 and p. 17) which is responded to by the Master. Third Ruffian, Jubelum, Candidate. A. Third Ruffian--Let us secrete ourselves until night and steal a small boat and put to sea. The Senior Warden approaches the candidate, faces him toward the east (i.e. The brethren are now allowed a few minutes for recreation, styled by Masons refreshment; during which time the candidate is being prepared in the ante-room, and the Lodge made ready for the remaining portion of the ceremony of initiation. W. M.--You will repeat your name, and say after me: "I, Peter Gabe (Master gives three raps with his gavel, when all present assemble round the altar), of my own free-will and accord, in the presence of Almighty God, and this worshipful Lodge, erected to him and dedicated to the holy Sts. Conductor. Craftsmen, we are having good times; I wonder if it will last. (They take hold of each other's hands by the real grip of a Fellow Craft. W. M.--If you are satisfied it is high twelve, you will erect your column, and call the craft from labor to refreshment, for the space of thirty minutes (or fifteen minutes, as the case may be), calling them in at the sound of the gavel. JD: Worshipful Master. "3d. What did the Worshipful Master do with you? They usually meet on the Ground Floor of King Solomon's Temple. Conductor--From the "real grip" of a Fellow Craft to the pass grip of a Master Mason. within the body of a just and duly constituted Lodge. J. D.--To keep off all cowans and eavesdroppers, and suffer none to pass or repass, except such as are duly qualified and have the Worshipful Master's permission. 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. In this state of darkness and despair she lay until the Saviour came, instituted the five points of Christian fellowship, and raised her from the dust, in which she had been indecently interred, to a more glorious inheritance."--Theo. They all pass out of the Lodge with a rush, into the ante-room, where they form into a circle. Behold! 1 (See p. They then commence to search about the candidate, lifting off the canvas, feeling about his neck, &c., &c.: finally, one of the brethren, taking hold of the jewel which is attached to the yoke about the candidate's neck, exclaims: "Let us go and report that we find nothing on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office.". The Entered Apprentice Obligation was about 350 words and the Fellow Craft Obligation was only about 250. The three Fellow Crafts who persisted in their murderous designs, knowing this to be his usual practice, placed themselves at the south, west, and east gates of the inner courts of the Temple, and there awaited his return. A. 18.) We cannot, Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and. 6, p. The Worshipful Master here gives the candidate a blow on his head with a buckskin bag, or setting-maul;1 at the same. For them, learning the Masonic work happens fast like the below scene from the Matrix. THE MM'S BOOK by J.S.M. At this time a party arrived with the ruffians, and related that, while sitting down to rest and refresh themselves, they heard the following horrid exclamations from the clefts of an adjacent rock: the first was the voice of Jubela, exclaiming, "Oh! 6, p. 18), and says: Worshipful Master, while engaged in the lawful pursuit of Masonry, there is an alarm at the inner door of our Lodge. W. M.--Brother Gabe, the second section of this degree exemplifies an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity seldom equalled, if ever excelled, in the history of man. All eyes are upon the Master. After an animal had been selected, his throat was cut across with one single blow, so as to divide the windpipe, arteries, and veins, without touching any bone. Why are they not at work as usual? (See Fig. 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 and best agree. The particular duties of the leaders of the respective bands of craftsmen are rehearsed. 14.). The brother who has acted the part of sea-captain now takes his station at the door again, when these Fellow Crafts approach him in the west. W. M. (lifting the candidate up.) One of the brothers now takes off the jewel from the candidate's neck, and all repair to the Master's seat in the east, and report: Answer--A westerly course, where our weary brother sat down to rest and refresh himself. If this Certification is to be respected and sought after as a mark of accomplishment, we must insist that those who . ii. blessed be God, we pause not our feet at the first or second step; but, true to our principles, look forward for greater light. A. A. The real memory-taxing part of Lodge ritual is in the degree work, whether the Degree conferral, or the Lectures and Charges. (nothing being said, Worshipful Master continues): We will then proceed to close; but, before doing so, I would say to Brother Gabe (the candidate)--Is he present? "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. A. (makes the sign, see Fig. --No, we have no pass; we did not know it was necessary. Here are seven things you may not know about Freemasons. O Lord my God!!! J. W.--High twelve, Worshipful. Masonic degrees are rites of initiation that teach lessons of honor, morality, and virtue. W. M.--Brethren, the minutes will stand approved, if there are no objections. (The Deacons return to their places) WM: *. From the above causes. Remember it more "especially to the household of the faithful.". --Give me the secrets of a Master Mason! In addition, the triangle is an ancient symbol, and its many forms have various meanings. [paragraph continues] Warden three raps, and the Worshipful Master three raps. --O Lord my God, I fear the Master's word is forever lost! It also represents the execution and dying groans of Jubela, the first ruffian, and is repeated twice more to represent the death of the other two ruffians. S. W.--As the sun rises in the east, to open and govern the day, so rises the Worshipful Master in the east (here the Master gives three raps (), when all in the Lodge rise to their feet, the Master rising first), to open and govern his Lodge, set the Craft to work, and give them proper instructions. Q. 17, 18), which is responded to by the Master, after which the conductor and candidate pass out of the Lodge. Suspicious characters! 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.). There was nothing found on or about the body excepting the jewel of his office, by which his body was discovered. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God, who gave it.". 9, p. 36), and then lets his hand slip off in a careless manner, and reports: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, owing to the high state of putrefaction, it having been dead already fifteen days, the skin slips, and the body cannot be raised.". The Word, which was said to be lost, was pronounced upon the cross, which the Jews could not comprehend. The first paragraph of the Obligation is similar in all three degrees and this portion of the Master Mason Obligation was fairly easy for . And at the same time he steps to the Master's desk, and re-ports as follows: "Most Worshipful King Solomon, I, being one of those who pursued a westerly course, coming down near the port of Joppa, met a seafaring man, of whom I inquired if he had seen any strangers pass that way; he informed me that he had--three--who from their appearance were workmen from the Temple, seeking a passage to Ethiopia, but not having King Solomon's pass, were not able to obtain one, and returned back into the country. It is the pass-word to the Master's degree. 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. "4th. 18.) The Third Degree: Master Mason. I'd say memorizing the (entire) 1st degree was the most difficult for me. have you seen any strangers pass this way? Captain--I should be glad of your company. ), The Master steps to the feet of the candidate, bending over, takes him by the real grip of a Master Mason, places his right foot against the candidate's. the portrayal of the removal of everything that keeps us from rising to that state where. --Brother Gabe, I presume you now consider yourself a Master Mason, and, as such, entitled to all the privileges of a Master Mason, do you not? I fear he is indisposed. Second Craftsman--The very fellows of whom we are in pursuit. J. W.--Brother Gabe, is it of your own free-will and accord? What followed? That Tubal Cain gave first occasion to the name and worship of Vulcan been very probably conceived, both from the very great affinity of the names, and that Tubal Cain is expressly mentioned to be an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron; and as near relation as Apollo had to Vulcan, Jubal had to Tubal Cain, who was the inventor of music, or the father of all such as handle the harp and organ, which the Greeks attribute to Apollo.--Historical Landmarks, vol. 1 (See Note P, page 271.). A. 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 "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. Brother A. The Third Degree is said to be the height of Ancient Free-masonry, and the most sublime of all the Degrees in Masonry (Royal Arch not even excepted); and when it is conferred, the Lodge is generally well filled with the members of the Lodge and visiting brethren. Another says: "What course shall we pursue? Q. After being taught how to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? W. M.--Is it of his own free-will and accord? A. I was directed to wait with patience until the Worshipful Master should be informed of my request, and his answer returned. Conductor--From the real grip of a Fellow Craft to the pass grip of a Master Mason. Q. of an acacia, which easily giving way, excited his curiosity: upon examination they found it to be a grave. Get the best deals on Masonic & Freemason Books & Publications when you shop the largest online . W. M.--From whence came you, and whither are you travelling? (Moving off, one says:). . In Scotland the arrangement is east, south, and west. In France, it was originally south, north, and east, but now west, south, and east. FIG. Masonic Cipher Book Grand Lodge F.A.A.M District of Columbia The significance of this Degree is. What have we done? UNIFORM FLOOR WORK GENERAL RULES APRON: The apron shall be worn over the outer garment. (Pronounced by the conductor--Tubal Cain.) (See Note Q, Appendix.). King Solomon is said to have substituted, in place of the lost one, the word now used in the Master Masons' Degree, viz. 27. r/freemasonry. Are you willing to take the oath? The Senior Deacon then answers with one rap (), and opens the door. step, due-guard, sign, grip and word of an Entered. 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. Due to a planned power outage on Friday, 1/14, between 8am-1pm PST, some services may be impacted. (See engraving.). A. I did, by order of the Worshipful Master and the assistance of the brethren. Ruffian--That does not satisfy me. 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. 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. I'll hear no more of your cavilling! 5 The Jewels of a Lodge "The Jewels of a Lodge are six: The Square, Level, Plumb, Rough Ashlar, Perfect Ashlar, and Trestle Board. On receiving this order, the Junior Warden takes from his desk a small wooden column, about eighteen inches in length, and sets it in an upright position at his right hand, and at the same time he gives three raps () with the gavel, and says: J. W.--Brethren, you are accordingly at refreshment. W. M.--Brother Gabe, you will now take your seat in this Lodge as a Master Mason, after stepping to the Secretary's desk. One of the ruffians exclaims: Now let us make our escape out of the country. Herod, and Pilate. I was conducted to the Master in the East, who then presented me with the working tools of a Master Mason, and taught me their uses. No three States in the Union "work" alike. 138:1 Our traditions further say, that the time when this celebrated use went into the H. of H. (Holy of Holies) to offer up his orisons to God, at the hour of H (high) twelve, the Ark of the Covenant had not been removed thither, for that took place at the dedication, after which no one was permitted to enter but the H. P. (High Priest), and he only ours a year, on the great day of expiation, at which time he had a string or belt around his waist, which extended into the court of the tabernacle, that he might be drawn forth from the S. S. (Sanctum Santorum) in case sudden death should occur while he officiated there.--Historical Land-marks, vol. 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. How should a Master Mason wear his apron? Answer (1 of 19): The 33rd Degree is honorary and one receives it by invitation only. Answer--We have murdered our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff. Heretofore you have had some one to pray for you, but now you have none. This Master Mason Quiz may be used by any member of the Lodge who seeks more light. In the United States they say that the first attack was made at the south door, the second at the west door, and finally at the east. Let us emulate his amiable and virtuous conduct, his unfeigned piety to his God, his inflexible integrity to his trust; and as the evergreen that bloomed at the head of the grave be. The Barney "work" is that adopted by the Baltimore Convention. 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. Scroll all the way to the end for answers to the quiz. A. King Solomon then ordered the twelve Fellow Crafts to go in search of the body, and, if found, to observe whether the Master's word, or a key to it, or any thing appertaining to the Master's Degree, was on or about it. A. S. W. (now styled J. G. W.)--Most Worshipful King Solomon, there is no work laid out for us, and it is said we can have none. But its esoteric meaning contains some of the most profound spiritual instruction which it is possible to obain to-day. Breast to breast--that you will ever keep in your breast a brother's secrets, when communicated to and received by you as such, murder and treason excepted. He is ultimately responsible for every other lodge officer and their duties, every lodge committee, ritual and degree work, Masonic education, social functions, fundraisers, District and Grand Lodge liaison, Trestle Board communication, etc. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will. J. G. W.--Most Worshipful King Solomon, there are at the gate twelve Fellow Crafts, who wish to be admitted: they say they come with important tidings. List the six basic rights guaranteed by law in the Consumer Bill of Rights. These generous principles are to extend further. 1. However, it becomes "real work" when the verbiage must be actually committed to memory - and vocal chord output. Hiram Abiff (also Hiram Abif or the Widow's son) is the central character of an allegory presented to all candidates during the third degree in Freemasonry . (See page 247.). 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. Upon which we rushed in, seized and bound the ruffians, and now have them before your majesty.". W. M.--Have you any thing to offer, Brother Junior Warden? Five; two Masters and three Fellow Crafts. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel, when the Lodge is closed, and the brethren divest themselves of their regalia, preparatory to returning to their respective homes. What! pp. (See Fig. 7, p. Q. K. S.--I fear that some accident has befallen him. 113:1 CASSIA--sometimes improperly and ignorantly used for acacia. We will suppose the business of the Lodge finished, and that the Master proceeds to close. 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. The York Masons name the seaside; the Americans say, Mount Moriah; the French, Monet Lebanon. (pdf), Order of Demolay Ritual - Masonic Youth Organization 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. What induced you to become a Master Mason? On being brought to light, what did you discover more than you had heretofore discovered? or Best Offer. Within the Blue Lodge are conferred the Craft Degrees. (Pronounced by conductor--Tubal Cain.). W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, have you any alterations or additions to make to the minutes? 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. ", "Yes, here is the body of our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, in a mangled and putrid state. It is the culmination of all he has learned through the first degrees, including how to prepare for spiritual enlightenment through the craft's teachings. JD: To see that they are duly tyled. The second was that of Jubelo, exclaiming: 'Oh! Senior Deacon passes on to the west, where the same questions are asked and answered as before, and the Senior Warden suffers them to pass on to the Worshipful Master in the east, where the same questions and answers are repeated. 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. We read in the Bible, that Hiram Abiff was one of the head workmen employed at the building of King Solomon's Temple, and other ancient writings inform us that he was an arbiter between King Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre; but his tragical death is nowhere recorded, except in the archives of Freemasonry. W. M.--Brother Junior Warden, have you any to make? 16 and 17, pages 97 and 120; also see Note L, Appendix. ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". The Setting-Maul, Spade, Coffin, Grave, and Sprig of Acacia; and are thus explained. On his last day on earth, it was bright, sunny and warm. Brother, be ever mindful of that great change, when we shall be called from labors on earth to that everlasting refreshment in the paradise of God. Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge', The Degree Rituals of the Northern Senior Deacon steps forward, and whispers in the Warden's ear, "Tubal Cain.". 124:1 Can any living Mason be simple enough to believe that Dr. Anderson, in his "Defence of Masonry," intended to prove a real historical fact when he explained the exhumation of the body of H. A. Brother Junior Deacon, the last as well as the first care of Masons, when convened? The ruffians buried the body in the rubbish of the Temple until low-twelve, or twelve at night, when they met by agreement and carried it a westerly course from the Temple, to the brow of a hill west of Mount Moriah, where they buried it in a grave dug due east and west, six feet, perpendicular, at the head of which they planted an acacia, in order to conceal it, and that the place might be known, should occasion ever require, and made their escape.