Our Grand Master, Hiram Abiff, having finished his usual exercises, attempted to retire by the south gate, when he was accosted by Jubela, who 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 the twenty-four-inch gauge across his throat, upon which he fled and attempted to pass out at the west gate, where he was accosted by Jubelo, who, in like manner, demanded of him the secrets of a blaster Mason, or the Master's word, and, on his being refused, gave him a blow with the 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 the secrets of a Master Mason, or the Master's word, and, on his like refusal, gave him a violent blow with the setting-maul on his forehead, which felled him dead on the spot. 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. p. 166. 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? 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. 137:1 We are told that when the Temple was nearly finished, it was customary at the hour of H. (high) XII., when the men were called from labor to refreshment, for H. A. I therefore now demand of you the secrets of a Master Mason! $399.00. 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. A. This you will communicate to the Junior Warden in the south, and he to the brethren about the. It is, in fact, not a word, but merely a jumble of letters, forming a sound without meaning." With these lectures he returned to Vermont, and submitted them to the Grand Lodge, at its annual session in October, 1817. Q. Why, it is well known that the celebrated artist was living at Tyre many years after the Temple was completed.--The Freemason's Treasury, p. 291. 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. ii. W. M.--Has he made suitable proficiency in the preceding degree? Besides, when a work is nearly completed, the necessity of Plans and designs ceases altogether. It is very singular, that, a man so celebrated as Hiram Abiff was, universally acknowledged as the third most distinguished man then living, and, in many respects, the greatest man in the world, should pass from off the stage of action, in the presence of King Solomon, three thousand three hundred grand overseers, and one hundred and fifty thousand workmen, with whom he had spent a number of years, and with King Solomon, his bosom friend, without any of his numerous confrres even recording his death, or any thing, A Master Masons' Lodge is styled by the Craft the "Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy of Holies, of King Solomon's Temple," and when the Lodge is opened on this Degree, both points of the compasses are elevated above the square. MASTER MASON, OR THIRD DEGREE. J. W.--Brother Gabe, is it of your own free-will and accord? Q. A. Each blends Masonic moral philosophy in a unique lesson which is intended to have a serious impact and influence on the man who receives the degree. A. 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.". ", Our cause is just; let us rush in and seize them.". "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. A. He was fifty five years young, which is far too young for this sort of thing. How came he to be assassinated at that hour? John H Elliott - Empires Of The Atlantic World.pdf A. Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge', The Degree Rituals of the Northern A. How many were there employed in the building of King Solomon's Temple? He then turns to the Junior Warden, and says: "You will take the body by the Entered Apprentice grip, and see if it can be raised.". 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. The first paragraph of the Obligation is similar in all three degrees and this portion of the Master Mason Obligation was fairly easy for . (Gives one rap (), when the Junior Deacon, at the inner door of the Lodge, rises to his feet.) From the foregoing remarks, it will be seen that the essential points of Masonry are identical the world over, and that the differences, which are of minor importance, may be gathered by comparing the present work with Richardson's Monitor or Allyn's Ritual. The first was the voice of Jubela, exclaiming: "Oh! You will therefore suffer yourself to be again hoodwinked, and kneel where you are, and pray orally or mentally, as you please. One of the brethren then replies: "We will go a southwesterly course, and will come up with our brothers." Part 1. How many years does it take reach a 33 degree in Freemasonry? Are you willing to take the oath? Brother Gabe, you discover me approaching you from the east, under the duegard (some say--step, duegard, and sign) of a Master Mason; and, in token of the further continuance of my brotherly love and favor, I present. Are you a sea-captain? When through, signify by saying Amen, and arise and pursue your journey. "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. Jubela!!!" SPONSORED. By demonstrating your commitment at meetings and studying Masonic symbolism, you can earn the 2nd degree of Masonry, called Fellowcraft, and finally the 3rd degree. J. G. W.--We do not know, Most Worshipful King Solomon. 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. JD: Worshipful Master. It should be remarked here, that there is a similar column on the Senior Warden's desk, which is always placed in a horizontal position (i.e., turned down on its side) when the Junior Warden's column is up, and vice vers. 18.) We cannot, Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and. The Master (Third Ruffian) then exclaims: W. M. (as Third Ruffian.) The motives of emigrants were various - to work (or alternatively not to work), to escape an old society or build a new one, to acquire riches, or, as early colonists in New England expressed it, to secure a 'competencie'5 - but they all faced the same challenge of moving from the known to the unknown, and of coming to terms with an . Craftsmen, we are having good times; I wonder if it will last. 116:1 The occasion of the brethren searching so diligently for their Master was, to receive from him the secret word of Masonry, which should be delivered down as a test to the fraternity of after ages.--Historical Land marks, vol. The second degree is the Fellow Craft, which represents manhood, the middle period of life. Why had you a cable-tow three times around your body? A. The MASTER MASON represents a man under the doctrine of love, saved from the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation. Cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear--that you will ever caution and whisper good counsel in the ear of an erring brother, and, in the most friendly manner, remind him of his errors, and aid his reformation, giving him due and timely notice, that he may ward off approaching danger.". &c., &c.; the third was the voice of Jubelum, exclaiming, "Oh! That is strictly forbidden; so you may set your minds at rest. A. The Master approaching me from the East, under the due guard and sign of a Master Mason, who in token of the further continuance of his brotherly love and friendship, presented me his right hand, and with it the pass and token of the pass of a Master Mason; and bade me to arise and salute the Wardens as such. W. M.--Any thing in the south, Brother Junior Warden? As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up, so man lieth down, and riseth not up till the heavens shall be no more. 16 and 17, pages 97 and 120; also see Note L, Appendix. Third Ruffian--Let us secrete ourselves until night and steal a small boat and put to sea. B. not only lived to finish all the work, in whatever capacity he might have been engaged, but also, according to the testimony of Josephus, who calls him ABDEMON, he returned to Tyre, and died there at a good old age.--The Freemason's Treasury, pp. Upon which we rushed in, seized and bound the ruffians, and now have them before your majesty.". (See grand hailing sign of distress, Fig. The "work" known among Masons as the "Webb Work,". 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. --What is that? (Sits down.). You will remember in whom you put your trust, with that divine assurance, that "he who endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved." These implements are both used as will be described hereafter. Masonic ritual has appeared in a number of contexts within literature including in "The Man Who Would Be King", by Rudyard Kipling, and War and Peace, by Leo Tolstoy. The ground has been newly broken; this has the appearance of a grave," pointing to the candidate on the floor. In the character of a Master Mason, you are authorized to correct the errors and irregularities of your uninformed brethren, and to guard them against a breach of fidelity. The Master now steps back about three paces from the altar, and says. He made me a Master Mason in due form. I recently visited an amazing King Solomon's Temple replica in Sao Paulo, Brasil. (makes the sign, see Fig. Even in its exoteric aspect its simple, yet dramatic, power must leave a lasting impression on the mind of every Cand.. tokened the place of his interment, so may virtue's ever-blooming loveliness designate us as free and accepted Masons. 3rd Degree: Master Mason. 99:1 The jewels of a Masters' Lodge are suspended from blue velvet collars, bordered and embroidered with silver. Masonic ritual and symbolism - Wikipedia The body was then carried to the Temple for a more decent burial, and was interred in due form. By the order of the Master and the assistance of the Brethren. The Ruffians now return near to the body, when the following conversation takes place: First Ruffian--What shall we do in this case? Junior Warden, one. And, if finished, he would not have been permitted to enter it; for one living person alone possessed that privilege, viz., the High Priest, and he only once a year. K. S.--Divide yourselves and travel, as before, with positive instructions to find the ruffians, and with as positive assurance that, if you do not, the twelve shall be deemed the murderers, and suffer severally, for the crime committed. The Senior Deacon then answers with one rap (), and opens the door. I was directed to wait with patience until the Master was informed of my request and his answer returned. They are the grips, penal signs, passwords and ritual work. pdf, Morals and Dogma, by Albert Pike [1872] The Senior Deacon steps to the altar, takes the compasses, repairs to the door, opens it, and says: S. D.--Let him enter, and be received in due form. The Apron is at once an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. K. S.--Vile, impious wretches! S. W. (rising to his feet and making the sign of a Master Mason.) The Senior Deacon then conducts the candidate to the Senior Warden in the west, and reports: S. D.--Brother Senior Warden, it is the orders of the Worshipful Master that you teach this candidate to approach the east, the place of further light in Masonry, by three upright, regular steps, his body erect at the altar before the Worshipful Master in the east. The Master approaching me from the East, on the step, under the due guard and penal sign of an Entered Apprentice, who, in token of his Brotherly love and friendship presented me with his right hand, and with it the word and grip of an Entered Apprentice, and bade me arise and salute the Wardens as such. The only alterations which occur in the lectures of each degree are in the commencement. 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. 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 . To the three jewels of a Master Mason, which are friend-ship, morality, and brotherly love. But man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? Some say, that many days were expended in the search, and that the lost (body) was found near the seaside; others, that it was soon discovered near Jerusalem. The Worshipful Master here gives the candidate a blow on his head with a buckskin bag, or setting-maul;1 at the same. 16, p. B.? 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. Second Ruffian--We will go to some other port. By there being no designs drawn on the trestle-board. It is right around 490 words long. Hiram Abiff - Wikipedia The real memory-taxing part of Lodge ritual is in the degree work, whether the Degree conferral, or the Lectures and Charges. As the last sound of twelve dies away, the three ruffians cautiously approach the body, and converse among themselves nearly as follows: First Ruffian--Well, we have all met as agreed upon: the question is, what shall we do with the body? But is this. (Pronounced by conductor--Tubal Cain.). After calling a few more names, which are responded to by the brethren, he says: "Jubelo! The This latter is accomplished as follows: a canvas, seven feet long and about six feet wide, with five or six strong loops on each side, is produced from a closet or chest in the room; and a buckskin bag, stuffed with hair, about the size of two boxing-gloves, is taken from the same receptacle. These are taught in the ritual and lectures of the Entered Apprentice Degree. Seven years; during which it rained not in the daytime, that the workmen might not be obstructed in their labor. Again, some of the rituals taught that H. A. 138:2 A similar divergence from uniformity will be found in describing the p. 139 places where the above-mentioned instruments were supposed to have been used with such terrible effect. 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. 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. 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, who ordered me to the Senior Warden in the west, who taught me how to wear my apron as a Master Mason. Each organization's degrees focus on a different theme, and together, they create a larger story that teaches Freemasons valuable lessons through . Do good unto all. A. Worshipful Master gives one rap with his gavel (). Let him be found, if possible. 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. When we take a survey of nature, we view man, in his infancy, more helpless and indigent than the brute creation; he lies languishing for days, months, and years, totally incapable of providing sustenance for himself, of guarding against the attack of the wild beasts of the forest, or sheltering himself from the in-clemencies of the weather. 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. 1. We are told, if we do not find the ruffians we must be punished--put to death, probably. One system says fifteen Fellow Crafts went in search; another, twelve; and asserts that the three (murderers) left the sprig of acacia: others affirm that it was the recanters who placed it there as a mark. W. M.--Why leave you the west, and travel toward the east! never--no, never dies. Masonic ritual is the scripted words and actions that are spoken or performed during the degree work in a Masonic lodge. The other example of such a covenant is in Genesis xv.--Historical Landmarks, vol. Your virtue, honor, and reputation are concerned in supporting with dignity the character you now bear. Where the same questions were asked and like answers given as at the door. Rapping three times each. hereafter instructed in, to any person unless it. The candidate enters the Lodge of the Master Mason in darkness, for he has not. Some substitute for the latter, but with less propriety, the crown of thorns. Ancient!Free!&!Accepted!Masons! the end of man, and of the aspiring hopes of all faithful Masons? 126.). 'The five points of fellowship are--foot to foot, knee to knee, breast to breast, hand to back, and cheek to cheek, or mouth to ear. 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. Ruffians (affecting surprise.) 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. (1 Kings vii. 14.). 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. PDF THE OFFICIAL MONITOR - MasterMason.com W. M.--Brethren, the minutes will stand approved, if there are no objections. 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. that my body had been cut in two," &c., &c. The third was the voice of Jubelum, exclaiming: Upon which they rushed in, seized, bound, and brought them before King Solomon; who, after a due conviction of their guilt, ordered them to be taken without the gates of the courts of the Temple, and executed according to the several imprecations upon their own heads. 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. W. M.--Brother Senior Warden, have you any alterations or additions to make to the minutes? grand Masonic word on the five points of fellowship. Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons State of Texas [1922] This is the 'Monitor' of the Texas Masons. (See Fig. . Captain--The sooner the better! (Hiram Abiff) to retire to the Most Holy Place, to draw his plans and designs, and offer up his orisons, &c. But flow could this be accomplished before the Sanctum Sanctorum was built. 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. . Ritual and Monitor, by Malcolm C. Duncan [1866] in Thus, in the thirty-second, or Degree of Prince of the Royal Secret, according to the Continental nomenclature, the following analogies are p. 147 explained: "The symbolical mystery of the death of (Hiram Abiff) represents that of the Messiah; for the three (blows) which were given to him at the three gates of (the Temple) allude to the three points of condemnation against Christ at three separate places, viz. that my body had been severed in two, my bowels taken from thence and burned to ashes, the ashes scattered to the four winds of heaven, that no more remembrance might be had of so vile and wicked a wretch as I. Ah! A. Master Mason Handbook. After being taught to wear your apron as a Master Mason, how were you then disposed of? W. M.--Has any brother around the Lodge any thing to offer for the benefit of Masonry before we proceed to close? All these were, classed and arranged in such a manner, by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, discord, nor confusion was suffered to interrupt that universal peace and tranquillity which pervaded the world at that important period." While they are going out, the Master gives three sounds with his gavel (), and says, in a loud tone of voice: W. M.--Brother Junior Warden, what is the hour? Again, the Master, one. 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. --Brother this is an unusual way of asking for them. One of the brothers, representing one of the three ruffians, in a corner near by, is now heard to exclaim, in a loud, but deep tone of voice: "Oh! Phil., p. 297. 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!"