EMORY UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
AHIMAN KEZON:
PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION
%\t dranfo S^p af (fargia:
BY
WILLIAM S. ROCKWELL,
grand master of masons in georgia.
OX^ioi, os raff OTtcoTtev e.Tti%d'6vi<x>v avd'Quntcav,
Homer.—Hymn in Cer., v. 485
COMPILED FROM STANDARD AUTHORITIES.
Sabattnai), fiJeo,:
PRINTED FOR THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA.
sewtobk: kobt. macot.
1859.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by
WILLIAM S. ROCKWELL,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of Georgia.
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SYMBOLS OF FREEMASONRY.
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I.
egyptian character.
Probable form of the Two Pillars of the
Porch.—23. The "Wreaths. — 24. The Pome¬
granates.— 25. The Net Work.—26. The
Lily.—27. The Pomels.
Two Water Pots and two Horns ; emblems of
Light and Purity; signifying Baptism, or
Initiation.
Hieroglyphic, denoting Heaven.
do.
do. The Sun.
do.
do. The Moon.
do.
do. General Assemblies.
do.
do. The Earth.
do.
do. A pair of Sandals.
do.
A Manger, denoting Light.
do.
A Hatchet, do. God.
do.
A Cubit, do. Justice.
Hieroglyphic emblem of Dew, denoting Educa¬
tion.
Five Pointed Star, emblem of Fate.
A Cord, hieroglyphic symbol of Breath.
A Cross, do. do. Eternal Life.
A Mat, or Floor Cloth.
Plan of a House.
Hieroglyphic, representing a Ladder, or the
Nilometer, emblem of Stability.
A Roll of Papyrus, sealed with clay, denoting
the Origin of Things.
Sacred Fan of plaited rushes.
The emblem of Osiris.
Hieroglyphic group, composed of a scimetar,
or sickle, and a chisel, or seal, expressing the
word Mai-son, Plriladdphus, Brother of a
Society.
Hieroglyphic group, the letters Hh.M.S., the
Egyptian name of the Crocodile ; his eyes
denoted Sunrise, his tail Sunset, and his body
declined, Darlmess.
Symbolic character, expressing the idea of the
World.
modern equivalent.
the ancient lift JAU the
triliteral (?) name of JEHOVAH.
Its Phenician (Assyrian?) equivalent waa
L\7 3 Baal. flN^a-re the well-
ilu I known hiero¬
glyphics of Ammon-Ra.
- - - - The Square and Compasses
" The starry-decked Heaven."
.... The Three Pillars.
--- - Hills and Vales.
. The Slipper.
The Master's Square.
- - - - The Gavel.
- - - - The Twenty-four Inch Gauge.
- - - - The Plumb.
The Five Pointed Star.
- - - - The Cable-Tow.
- - - - The Level.
- - - - The Mosaic Pavement.
- - - - The Oblong Square.
... - Jacob's Ladder.
The Sealed Book.
.... The All-Seeing Eye.
.... The Hour Glass and Scythe. Name
of the Brethren, Mason.
- - - - Ark, Anchor, and Cable.
.... Parallel Lines.
SYNOPTICAL TABLE.
PART FIRST.
TITLE I.—RITUAL OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Symbolic Degrees,
2. Capitular Degrees,
3. Cryptic Degrees,
4. Order of High Priesthood,
TITLE II.—CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Constitution of a Lodge, - -
2. Consecration of a Lodge,
3. Installation of the Officers of a Lodge, 135
4. Laying Foundation Stones of Public Structures, - 146
5. Dedication of Freemasons' Halls, 152
6. Visitation Ceremonies, 156
7. Constitution and Consecration of a Royal Arch Chapter, - - - 158
8. Installation of Officers of a Royal Arch Chapter, ... - 162
9. Installation of Officers of Royal and Select Councils, - - - - 179
10. Festivals of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, - 188
11. Funeral Services, 197
12. Installation of Grand Officers, 203
PART SECOND.
TITLE I.—LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Ancient Charges, 227
2. Ancient Constitutions, 232
3. General Regulations, 245
TITLE II.—CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, ----- 259
2. Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Georgia, 280
3. Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Georgia, 286
4. Constitution of the General Grand Chapter, U. S. A., ... 295
PART THIRD.
TITLE I.—HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Ancient Writings, ___
2. Ancient Records,
3. Sketch of Freemasonry in Georgia,
TITLE II.—FORMULARY OF FREEMASONRY.
1. Clothing and Jewels of the Order, ^
2. Forms and Precedents of Masonic Documents, - 2^2
3. Masonic Hymns and Odes,
312
321
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PART FIRST.
TITLE I,
RITUAL OF FREEMASONRY.
I. SYMBOLIC DEGREES.
PAGE.
Chapter I General Introduction, .... 9
II. Sect. 1.—Opening of the Lodge, - 11
" " 2.—Prayer and Charges, - - - - 13
" " 3.—Closing the Lodge, ... - 17
HI Degree of Entered Apprentice.. .Preliminary remarks, 20
" Sect. 1.—Lecture of the Degree. First Section, - 22
" " 2.— " " " Second " - 25
" " 3.— " " " Third " - 26
IY Degree of Fellow Craft Preliminary remarks, 3T
" Sect. 1.—Lecture of the Degree. First Section, - 38
" " 2.— " " " Second - 39
Y Degree of Master. .... 55
" Sect. 1.—Lecture of the Degree First Section, - 55
" " 2.— " " " Second " - 58
« « 3.— « « " Third " - CO
II. CAPITULAR DEGREES.
Chapter YI Degree of Mark Master, 69
" " Sect. 1.— 70
it tt it 2 it it tt .... 71
" YII Degree of Past Master, - 77
" YIII Degree of Most Excellent Master, 80
" IX Royal Arch Degree Historical Memoranda, 88
" " Sect. 1.— " " " .... 98
tt a tt 2. tt a a _ . _ 99
" " " 3.—Charges, - 99
Vlii CONTENTS.
III. CRYPTIC DEGREES.
Chapter X. Sect. 1.—Degree of Royal Master,
" " " 2.—Degree of Select Master,
IV. ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
Chapter XI. Sect. 1.—Organization, -
" " 2.—Reception, -
" « " 3.—Description of the Breast-Plate,
TITLE II.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY
Chapter I. Sect. 1.—Constitution of a Lodge, -
" " " 2.—Ceremony of Consecration, -
a a u 3—Installation of the Officers of a Lodge,
II Laying Foundation stones of Public Structures,
III Dedication of Freemasons' Halls,
IY Ceremony at Grand Visitations, -
V. Sect. 1.—Constitution and Consecration of Royal Arch Chapters,
" " 2.—Installations of Officers of Royal Arch Chapters,
VI Installation of Officers of Royal and Select Councils,
VII Celebration of the Festivals of St. John the Evangelist,
and St. John the Baptist, ...
VIII Funeral Service, -
IX Installation of Officers of a Grand Lodge,
X u " " Chapters,
XI " " Couucils,
PART SECOND.
TITLE I,
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
Chapter I Ancient Charges, -
" " Sect. 1.—From Old Manuscripts, ...
" " " 2.—From Old Records, -
" " " 3.—From Manuscripts in possession of Lodge of Antiquity
" II Ancient Charges, collected by Anderson, - '
" III Original Masonic Constitutions, -
" IV General Regulations, -
TAGT5
112
114
119
120
123
129
133
135
146
152
156
158
162
179
188
197
203
212
220
227
227
228
229
232
238
245
CONTENTS.
ix
TITLE II.
CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY.
l'agk.
Chapter I Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, - 259
" II Constitution of the Grand Chapter of Georgia, 280
" III Constitution of the Grand Council of Royal and Select
Masters, of Georgia, - - - - 2SG
" IV Constitution of the General Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons, U.S.A., ... 295
PART THIRD.
TITLE I.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
Chapter I Ancient English Evidences of Freemasonry,
" " Sect. I.—In the Illrd Century, .... 307
" " 11 2.—In the Xth Century, .... 307
" " " 3.—In the XVth Century, 308
" " " 4.—In the XVIIth Century. Extract from the Diary of
Elias Ashmole, .... 309
" " " 5.—Letter of Mr. John Locke to the Earl of Pembroke,
with a copy of an old manuscript, - - 315
" II —Sketch of Freemasonry in Georgia, - - 321
" III —Celebration of Masonic Festivals in Georgia, by the
Grand Lodge, .... 328
" IY —Officers of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, from its
establishment to the present day, - - 332
X
CONTENTS.
TITLE II.
FORMULARY OF FREEMASONRY.
Chapter I Clothing and Jewels of the Order, - - 319
" " Sect. 1.—Of Subordinate Lodges, and the Grand Lodge, - 349
" " " 2.—Clothing and Jewels appertaining to Capitular Free¬
masonry, - 351
" II Forms and Precedents of Masonic Documents, - 353
1.—Application for Initiation, - 353
2.— " " Affiliation, - 353
3.— " to avoid delay, - 354
4.—Dispensation to " " - - - - 354
5.—Application for Dispensation to form a New Lodge, 354
6.—Form of Dispensation, - 355
7.—Form of Warrant, - - - - 35 G
8.—Power to Constitute a Lodge, - - - 358
9.—Dispensation to Suspend By-Laws, - 359
10.— " " Enter more than Fire Persons, - 359
11.— " * " Confer more than Two Degrees, - 3G0
12.— " " Transfer Jurisdiction, - - 3110
13.— " " Elect a Master, - 300
14.—Form of Proxy, by a Master of a Lodge, - - 361
15.— " Credentials of Representatives, on failure of Master
to appoint a Proxy, - 301
16.—Letter of "Virtue to Dedicate a Lodge Hall, - 362
17.—Letter of Credence to Widow and Orphan, - - 362
18.—Commission of Grand Lecturer, - 3C3
19.—Grand Lodge Certificate, 363
20.—Demit, - 304
PKEFACE.
This work owes its origin to the following' action of the Grand
Lodge of Georgia. At the Annual Communication, in October, 1854,
R. W. L. C. Simpson, Junior Grand Warden, laid upon the table a
resolution for the appointment of a committee of five, " to prepare
and report to the next Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge,
such amendments as may be necessary to the Grand Constitution."
This measure was deemed absolutely necessary, because the vari¬
ous suggestions, from time to time, presented to the subordinate
Lodges, failed to be incorporated in the instrument on account of the
difficulty of ascertaining the decision of the Lodges thereon.
On the next day the resolution was called up, amended and adopted
as follows :
11 Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to prepare and report such
amendments as may be necessary to the Constitution, at the next Communication of
the Grand Lodge ; to which shall be annexed an Ahiman Rezon, for the instruction
and direction of the Lodges within this jurisdiction."
The M. W. Grand Master appointed on the Committee, Bros. Simp¬
son, Rockwell, Butler, Rice, and Russell.
Pursuant to this resolution, the Committee reported through its
Chairman, Bro. Simpson, at the next Annual Communication such
amendments as it was thought the Constitution required ; which,
after a thorough discussion, with some alterations, were adopted ;
and at the Annual Communication in 1856, were declared to be the
Constitution and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
At the Annual Convocation of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of
Georgia, in April, 1855, a Committee, consisting of Companions W
xii PREFACE.
S. Rockwell, C. W. Key, Geo. L. Barry, J. E. Wells, and H. E. Greek,
reported the following resolution, which was agreed to, viz. .
" Resolved, That this Body will cooperate (if desired) with the Grand Lodge of
Georgia, in preparing an Ahiman Rezon and Text-Book for the use of the Fiaternity
in this State ; and to that end a committee of five be appointed to report at the next
convocation of this Grand Chapter."
Companions B. B. Russell, W. W. Boyd, P. T. Schley, A. A.
Gaulpixg, and W. P. IIaynes, were appointed that Committee.
At the Annual Convocation, 30th April, 1856, the above Committee
reported to the Grand Chapter the proposed arrangement of the
Capitular Degrees, and the different sections of each lecture ; which,
on being read, were adopted ; and at the Annual Convocation, 29th
April, 1857, the following Companions were appointed a Committee
of Publication on the Ahiman Rezon :
Companions Geo. L. Barry, J. E. Wells, and L. J. Glenn.
At the Annual Convocation of the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters of the State of Georgia, a Report on the Cryptic
Degrees, to be included in the Ahitnan Rezon, "was submitted for
information on motion, it was adopted, and " ordered to be taken
as the Text-Book of the Grand Council, when published."
At the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge, in October,
1856, no further action was had upon the subject ; other matters
engaging the attention of the members ; but at the Annual Communi¬
cation in 1851, a Committee of Publication was appointed ; to which
the present Grand Master was assigned as Chairman ; the other
members of the Committee were Bros. W. W. Boyd and D. S. Printup.
The increasing complaint of a want of uniformity in the work of
the Symbolic Degrees, has been quite as painfully felt in our juris¬
diction as elsewhere, among the Grand Lodges of the Union. It was
considered that the discrepancies, though in some points perhaps
unessential, yet always to a certain degree embarrassing, were due to
the fact that of the many Text-Books in use, no one was recognized
as a standard among our Lodges.
Instead of choosing, however, among the very excellent manuals
already on the pedestals, and in the libraries of the Lodges of our
PREFACE.
xiii
State, differing* slightly from each other perhaps, it was deemed a
better plan to combine the excellencies of all, so far as practicable,
and in this way to accomplish a uniformity of work without too great
a shock to the preconceived opinions of those who direct, to a great
extent, the labors of the Craft, and worthily adorn the East of their
respective Lodges.
With this end in view, the Compiler has sought to restore the
ancient language of the Monitorial Instruction of the Order, and
wherever access could be obtained to the earlier authors, their
phraseology has been carefully used. The kindness of the Brethren
in various quarters of the State, and elsewhere, has supplied rhany
interesting authorities which the shelves of his own library failed to
furnish.
To P. G. M. Philip T. Schley he is indebted for the use of the 4th
Dublin Edition of Dermott's Ahiman Bezon; to R. W. Joseph E.
Wells for Phillips' Pocket Preceptor; to Bros. S. Rose and Rob.
Morris for the 2d Edition of Webb's Monitor ; to Bro. Wm. A. Love for
the 1st Edition of Preston's Illustrations of Masonry; to Bro. Geo.
A. Smith for Fellows' Exposition of the Mysteries of Freemasonry ;
and to Bro. B. B. Russell for the 1st Edition of Webb's Monitor, the
2d Edition of Dermott's Ahiman Bezon, and Cole's Ahiman Bezon.
No particular originality is claimed for the work ; indeed, it would
hardly be possible, at this late day, to originate anything on so trite
a theme, without in some degree displacing the ancient landmarks
of the Order. The arrangement alone is peculiar, and was adopted
with a view to facilitate the execution of the work of the Craft, by
familiar mnemonic contrivances, and the performance of our ceremo¬
nies by a convenient collocation. The Compiler, however, is sensible
that much yet remains to be done, which he trusts may be hereafter
achieved by some more successful collaborator.
The contribution to a General History of the Craft, conveyed in
the " Sketch of Freemasonry in Georgia," is such material only as
could be collected in the brief intervals of leisure from professional
engagements, and is barely sufficient to point the inquirer in the
path to essay a completer detail of our early annals.
AHIMAN REZON
OF THE
GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA.
AHIMAN REZON.
These two words have acquired a wide Masonic celebrity. They
constituted the title of the Book of Constitutions, used by the divi¬
sion of Freemasons, which separated from the Grand Lodge of
England in 1136, and have since become the usual designation of
such works in this country. Dermott, in 1112, styled his book the
True Ahiman Rezon, and he claimed for his portion of the Order
the practice of Ancient Masonry. The inference is obvious that there
Was a spurious work under this title then extant. An inquiry into
their meaning is, therefore, not irrelevant.
I have met with no exposition of the signification of this phrase,
except in the edition first published in South Carolina by Dr. Dalcho,
in 1801, and reprinted with additions in 1822 ; and afterward re¬
arranged and edited by Dr. Mackey in 1852 ; and, also, in the
Lexicon of Freemasonry by the last mentioned distinguished author.
The following is Dr. Dalcho's definition in the edition of 1822 :—
" The Book of Constitutions is usually denominated Ahiman Rezon.
The literal translation of ahiman is a prepared brother, from manah,
to prepare: and that of rezon, secret. So that Ahiman Rezon liter¬
ally means the secrets of a prepared brother. It is likewise supposed
to be a corruption of achi man ratzon, the thoughts or opinions of a
true and faithful brother."
There are several difficulties which seem to render this definition
inadmissible. The derivations do not appear to be in accordance
with the structure of the Hebrew language (if the words be
Hebrew) ; and the phrase, with this view of its derivation, has no
grammatical construction. The Hebrews were accustomed to a
species of inversion, which in our language has no parallel ; for ex¬
ample, the great work of Jehovah would be in Hebrew blisn fiii-p
literally, work of Jehovah the, great. Now, if the phrase under considera¬
tion, was intended to import " the secrets of a prepared brother," the
construction would have been, according to the example just quoted,
4 AHIMAN REZON.
ahi rezon man. But there are further objections to this rendering of
the phrase into English. True, nw MNE, to divide, to number, m its
piel form, signifies to appoint, to constitute, and, in that sense, to pre¬
pare ; yet, in accordance with the genius of the Hebrew tongue, it
undergoes a change in its vocalization. Its stem-letter is doubled,
and the vowel sound softened ; it is pronounced minnah, and its
derivative should be ahiminnah. In Chaldee, t"i RZ signifies a
secret, and might be imported into the Hebrew, but its plural is
razin • besides, it is something of a misnomer to call a published
book 11 Secrets of a prepared brother."
The last suggestion of Dr. Dalcho would seem more plausible, if
it were not open to the same grammatical objection. MAN can not
signify true or faithful, unless derived from AMN, and then the
compound word would be achiamon ; and if the it A of AMN suffered
elision, it would indicate a different radical, and if no elision took
place, the two letters, 111 and k A would not coalesce, but the i 1
resumes its consonant sound as in BNIMIN (which we sound
Benjamin), the vocalization would then be Ackjamon.
Dr. Mackey thus renders it:—" This title is derived from three He¬
brew words, ahim, brothers, manah, to select or appoint, and ratzon,
the will or law: and, it consequently signifies, ' the law of appointed
or selected brothers/"
It is true, that this definition more nearly accords with what the
book contains, than that proposed by Dalcho ; yet, there would seem
to be no less formidable objections to this view of its signification.
The verb nsa MNE, above referred to by Dalcho, in Kal, (i. e., its
active form) means to appoint, but its radical meaning is to number ; it
was one of the prophetic words written by the spectral hand on the
wall of Belshazzar's banqueting room. It is itself a derivative,
and will not rid us of the final n E, and if it be any part of the root
of the word, we must read ahimanah. It is just to notice, that the
radical of this verb, signifying something divided p MN, from the
obsolete root "pa MNN, when in composition, conveys the idea of a law,
rule, or precept, in conformity with which something is done ; as, for
example, mm i6a MPhI IHOH by command of Jehovah (2 Chron.
xxxvi. : 12.), but then the grammatical construction would require
some other signification of rezon, and it should be construed as an
adjective, in conformity with the example above quoted, and it might
read ahi, being the genitive singular (ifia AHI.\ the "Supreme Law
of a brother
SIGNIFICATION OF THE TERM.
5
The word Ahiman occurs four times in the Sacred Scriptures ;
Numbers xiii. 22 ; Joshua xv. 14 ; Judges i. 10 ; and 1 Chron. ix.
11; three times designating a Canaanite, and the fourth time appear¬
ing to be the name of a Hebrew servant of the temple. Gesenius
translates it " Brother of a Gift" as if derived from Hat AcH brother, in
its construct state AcHI, and p MN part, portion. But this word
does not strictly mean a gift. The radical idea is separation. It
might, according to our idiom, signify a separated brother or brother
of a separation, association, but the rendering is rather strained.
If, however, this term be of ancient usage (which I very much
doubt), it would be reasonable to expect, that it would bear some
symbolic reference to the Order, with whose organization it was con¬
nected. With great diffidence, therefore, I venture to suggest
another etymology.
The Hebrew verb AMN signifies to prop, to stay, to support,
hence, to be firm, durable, permanent, also to be faithful, trustworthy,
true, and finally to build upon. Its derivative "pax AMUN signifies an
architect, a builder. In Chaldaic, it occurs written "jaia AUMN with
the same signification, and it is also found in the Arabic, written
s ?
with the same consonants ^wof AVMN and vocalized as nearly as
our letters will furnish the sound, a-we-man, signifying fidelity. An
oral delivery would soon settle the pronunciation into a-he-man,
which is the European sound of the letter I, and when written with
that letter our mode of pronunciation would make it a-hi-man. We
have instances of grosser corruption than this in our ritual. I assign,
therefore to the term, the meaning of architect, builder.
Rezon is the Hebrew word "jin RZUN, as a noun, signifying
Prince, from the root ^"i RZN, to be mighty, hence to be honored,
august. In 1 Kings xi. 23, it occurs as the name or title of the
Syrian conqueror of Damascus ; as an adjective, it signifies royal,
august, sublime. The whole phrase then is literally, the sublime architect,
the royal builder, symbolically, the Free Mason.
Etymological affinities, I know, are exceedingly delusive ; yet, there
is one still remaining, so peculiarly apt, that it may at least excite
inquiry.
The early writers on Freemasonry, were prone to refer the inscru¬
table mysteries of our Order, to an Egyptian origin, but no instance
presents itself, where such a reference is supported by more than
mere conjecture. If I could oersuade myself that this phrase, which
6
AHIMAN REZON.
■would seem to shadow forth the unwritten law of the Craft, was
cotemporary with its organization, I could find its derivation, even
among the hieroglyphics of Egypt. The following hieroglyphic
group, * separated into its elements, will read, ahi-mn-rsn,
and is comPosed, beginning at the right, of a symbolic
figure, " /wwa. Jj denoting a sacerdotal assistant, and is pro¬
nounced ahi; the next is the fore-arm, a phonetic sign m • beneath it
another n ; next, a figurative sign denoting the syllable re ; and then
a phonetic sign s ; and lastly n ; this signifies " a powerful help toward
them ; " but if the two last signs were replaced thus y /wvvv\ woui(j
read, instead of " toward them " to a brother. It is a little
curious that Dermott's English title to his Book of Constitutions, was
" A help to a "brother? If he had preserved an ancient phrase with
this signification, and it should be its true meaning, it would indicate
his access to more of the Antiquities of the Order than his cotempo-
raries were willing to allow.
PART F.IESiT,
TITLE I.
EITUAL OF FREEMASONRY.
SYMBOLIC DEGREES.
Chapter I GENERAL INTRODUCTION'.
" n.—Sec. 1. OPENING THE LODGE."
" 2. PRAYERS AND CHARGES.
" 3. CLOSING THE LODGE.
Chapter in ENTERED APPRENTICE.
Sec. 1. " "
« 2. " "
u g, (c «
Chapter IV FELLOW CRAET.
Sec. 1. « "
« 2. " "
Chapter V MASTER MASON.
Sec. 1. " "
« 2 " u
« 3, « «
SYMBOLIC DEGREES OF FREEMASONRY.
CHAPTER I.
GENERAL INTRODUCTION.
(From, Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
Masonry is an art, useful and extensive. In every art there
is a mystery, which requires a progress of study and application
to arrive at any degree of perfection. Without much instruction,
and more exercise, no man can be skillful in any art; in like man¬
ner, without an assiduous application to the various subjects
treated in the different lectures of Masonry, no person can be
sufficiently acquainted with the true value of the institution.
From this remark, it must not be inferred that persons who
labor under the disadvantage of a confined education, or whose
sphere of life requires assiduous attention to business or useful
employments, are to be discouraged in their endeavors to gain a
knowledge of Masonry. To qualify an individual to enjoy the
benefits of the society at large, or to partake of its privileges, it
is not absolutely necessary that he should be acquainted with all
the intricate parts of the science. These are only intended for
persons who may have leisure and opportunity to indulge the
pursuit.
Some men may be more able than others, some more eminent,
some more useful, but all in their different spheres may prove ad¬
vantageous to the community ; and our necessities, as well as our
consciences, bind us to love one another. To those, however,
whose early years have been dedicated to literary pursuits, or
whose circumstances and situation in life render them independ¬
ent, the offices of the Lodge ought to be principally restricted.
10
AHIMAN KEZON.
The industrious tradesman proves himself a valuable member of
society, and worthy of every honor we can confer, but the nature
of every man's profession will not admit of that leisure which is
necessary to qualify him to become an expert Mason, so as to dis¬
charge the official duties of a Lodge with propriety. And it must
be admitted, that those who accept of offices and exercise author¬
ity in a Lodge ought to be men of superior prudence and genteel
address, with all the advantages of a tranquil, well cultivated
mind and retentive memory. All men are not blessed with the
same powers, nor have they the same talents ; all men, therefore,
are not equally qualified to govern. But he who wishes to teach
must submit to learn, and no one is qualified to support the higher
offices of the Lodge until he has previously discharged the duties
of those which are subordinate. Experience is the best pre¬
ceptor. All men may rise by gradation, and merit and industry
are the first step to preferment. Masonry is wisely calculated to
suit different ranks and degrees, as every one, according to his
station and ability, may be employed, and class with his equals.
Founded upon the most generous principles, no disquietude ap¬
pears among the professors of the art; each class is happy in its
particular association, and when the whole meet in general con¬
vention, arrogance and presumption appear not on the one hand,
or diffidence and inability on the other, but all unite in the same
plan to promote that endearing happiness which constitutes the
essence of civil society.
CHAPTER II.
SECTION I.
OPENING THE LODGE.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
In all regular assemblies of men convened for -wise and useful
purposes, the commencement and conclusion of business is accom¬
panied with some form. In every country of the world the practice
prevails, and is deemed essential. From the most remote periods of
antiquity it is traced, and the refined improvements of modern times
have not abolished it.
Ceremonies, simply considered, are little more than visionary
delusions ; but their effects are sometimes important. When they
impress awe and reverence on the mind, and engage attention, by
external attraction, to solemn rites, they are interesting objects.
These purposes are effected by judicious ceremonies, which are
regularly conducted and properly arranged. On this ground they
have received the sanction of the wisest men in all ages, and, con¬
sequently, could not escape the notice of Masons. To begin well is
the most likely means to end well; and it is justly remarked that
when order and method are neglected at the beginning, they will be
seldom found to take place at the end.
The ceremony of opening and closing a Lodge with solemnity and
decorum, is, therefore, universally adopted among Masons ; and
though the mode in some meetings may vary, and in every Degree
must vary, still an uniformity in the general practice prevails in
every Lodge, and the variation, if any, is solely occasioned by a
want of method, which a little application might easily remove.
To conduct this ceremony with propriety, ought to be the peculiar
study of every Mason, especially of those who have the honor to
rule in our assemblies. To persons thus dignified, every eye is
directed for regularity of conduct and behavior ; and by their ex¬
ample, other brethren, less informed, may naturally expect to derive
instruction.
12
AHIMAN REZON.
From a share in this ceremony, no Mason is exempt. It is a
general concei'n, in which all must assist. This is the first request
of the Master, and the prelude to business. No sooner has it been
signified than every officer repairs to his station, and the brethren
rank according to their degrees. The intent of the meeting becomes
the object of attention, and the mind is insensibly drawn from those
indiscriminate subjects of conversation which are apt to intrude on
our less serious moments.
Our care is first directed to the external avenues of the Lodge,
and the proper officers whose province it is to discharge that duty,
execute the trust with fidelity. By certain mystic forms, of no recent
date, they intimate that we may safely proceed. To detect im¬
postors among ourselves, an adherence to order in every part of the
Masonic business is always preserved, and the Lodge is opened and
closed in solemn form.
At opening the Lodge, two purposes are effected:—the Master is
reminded of the dignity of his character, and the brethren of the
homage and veneration due from them in their sundry stations.
These are not the only advantages resulting from a due observance
of the ceremony ; a reverential awe for the Deity is inculcated, and
every eye is fixed on that object from whose radiant beams light
can only be derived. Hence, in this ceremony, we are taught to
adore the God of Heaven, and to 'supplicate his protection on our
well-meant endeavors. Thus, the Master assumes his government in
due form, and under him his Wardens, who accept their trust after the
customary salutations. After which, the brethren, with one accord,
unite in duty and respect, and the ceremony concludes.
At the closing a Lodge, a similar form takes place. Here the
less important duties of Masonry are not passed over unobserved.
The necessary degree of subordination, which takes place in the
government of a Lodge is peculiarly marked, while the proper tribute
of gratitude is offered up to the beneficent Author of life, and his
blessing invoked in behalf of the whole fraternity. Each brother
faithfully locks up the treasure which he has received in his own
repository, and, pleased with his reward, retires to enjoy and dis¬
seminate among the private circle of his friends the fruits of his
labor and industry in the Lodge.
These are faint outlines of a ceremony which universally prevails
among Masons in every country, and distinguishes all their meet¬
ings. Hence, it is arranged as a general section in every Degree,
and takes the lead in all our illustrations."
OPENING A LODGE.
13
{From, Maclceifs Ahiman Rezon.)
A Lodge must always be opened in the Third Degree for the trans¬
action of any business, except that of initiation in either of the above
degrees. The first business after opening, if it be a regular commu¬
nication, is the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the pre¬
ceding communication. The minutes of the proceedings of the even¬
ing should, also, always be read before the Lodge is closed, that the
brethren may suggest any alterations to be made, or omissions to be
supplied.
The Lodge should always be opened and closed with prayer.
SECTION II.
PRAYERS AND CHARGES.
THE ANCIENT PRAYER AT MAKING, OR OPENING.
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great Architect of the
universe, the giver of all good gifts and graces; thou hast
promised, that where two or three are gathered together in thy
name, thou wilt be in the midst of them. In thy name we as¬
semble, most humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our under¬
takings, that we may know and serve thee aright, and that all
our actions may tend to thy glory, and to our advancement in
knowledge and virtue. And we beseech thee, 0 Lord God, to
bless this our present assembling ; and grant that (this our new
brother may prove true and faithful. Endue him with a competency
of thy divine wisdom, that he may with the secrets of Freemasonry
be able to unfold the mysteries of godliness, and that he and*) we may
walk in the light of thy countenance, and when the trials of our
probationary state are over, be admitted into the Temple not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen.
* The portion italicized and included within parenthesis, may be omitted when
there is no candidate for initiation.
14
ahiman eezon.
A PRAYER AT THE OPENING OP THE LODGE,
USED BY JEWISH FREEMASONS.
(From the Ahiman Rezon. Dublin Ed. 1780.)
0 Lord, excellent art thou in truth, and there is nothing great
in comparison to thee ; for thine is the praise from all the works
of thy hands, for evermore.
Enlighten us, we beseech thee, in the true knowledge of Free¬
masonry. By the sorrows of Adam, thy first made man ; by the
blood of Abel, thy holy one ; by the righteousness of Seth, in
whom thou art well pleased ; and by thy covenant with Noah, in
whose architecture thou wast pleased to save the seed of thy
beloved ; number us not among those that know not thy statutes,
nor the divine mysteries of the secret cabala; but grant, we
beseech thee, that the ruler of this Lodge may be endued with
knowledge and wisdom to instruct us, and explain his secret
mysteries, as our holy brother Moses did, in his Lodge, to Aaron,
to Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron, and the seventy
Elders of Israel: and grant that we may understand, learn, and
keep all the statutes and commandments of the Lord, and this
holy mystery, pure and undefiled unto our lives' end. So mote it
be. Amen.
A PRAYER
USED AMONG THE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIAN MASONS.
(From the Ahiman Rezon. 1780.)
The might of the Father of Heaven, and the wisdom of his
glorious Son, through the grace and goodness of the Holy Ghost,
being three persons in one Godhead, be with us at our beginning,
and give us grace so to govern us here at our living, that we
may come to his bliss that never shall have end. Amen.
AN INYO CATION
USED AT THE OPENING OF THE LODGE.
May the favor of Heaven be upon this meeting; and as it is
happily begun, may it be conducted with order, and closed with
harmony. Amen.
OPENING A LODGE.
15
A PRAYER AT OPENING.
(From Moore's Trestle-Soard.)
Great Architect of the Universe! in thy name we have as¬
sembled, and in thy name we desire to proceed in all our doings.
Grant that the sublime principles of Freemasonry may so subdue
every discordant passion within us—so harmonize and enrich our
hearts with thine own love and goodness—that the Lodge at this
time may humbly reflect that order and beauty which reign for
ever before thy throne. Amen.
A CHARGE AT THE OPENING OF A LODGE.
(.Altered from, PresUm, and published in Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
The ways of Science are beautiful. Knowledge is attained by
degrees. Wisdom dwells with contemplation; there are we to
seek her. Though the passage be difficult, the further we proceed
the easier it will become. If we are united, our society must
flourish. Let all things give place to peace and good fellowship.
Uniting in the grand design, let us be happy in ourselves, and
endeavor to contribute to the happiness of others. Let us pro¬
mote the useful arts ; and by them mark our superiority and
distinction. Let us cultivate the moral virtues, and improve in
all that is good and amiable. Let the genius of Masonry preside
over our conduct; and, under its sovereign-sway, let us act with
becoming dignity. Let our recreations be innocent, and pursued
with moderation. Never let us expose our character to derision.
Thus shall we act in conformity to our precepts, and support the
name we have always borne, of being a respectable, a regular,
and an uniform society.
CHARGES AT OPENING A LODGE.
The ancient charges which were usually rehearsed at the open-
ng of the Lodge are given below, as set forth in Preston's Illus¬
trations of Masonry. They seem to have fallen into disuse, chiefly
i'or the reason that they were not always accessible ; although in
some particulars they are not now applicable to chartered Lodges.
They are inserted here to complete the ceremony of opening a
Lodge.
16
AHIMAN REZON.
CHARGES AND REGULATIONS
FOR THE CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR OP MASONS.
(On the Management of the Craft in Worlring.)
Masons employ themselves diligently in their sundry locations,
live creditably, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of
the country in which they reside.
The most expert craftsman is chosen or appointed Master of the
work, and is duly honored in that character by those over whom he
presides.
The Master knowing himself duly qualified, undertakes the gov¬
ernment of the Lodge, and truly dispenses his rewards according to
merit.
A craftsman, who is appointed Warden of the work, under the
Master, is true to Master and Fellows, carefully oversees the work,
and the brethren obey him.
The Master, Wardens, and Brethren, are just and faithful, and
carefully finish the work they begin, whether it be in the first or
second degree, but never put that work to the first, which has been
appropriated to the second degree.
Neither envy nor censure is discovered among Masons. No
brother is supplanted, or put out of his work, if he be capable to
finish it. For he who is not perfectly skilled in the original design
can never, with equal advantage to the Master, finish the work which
has been begun by another.
All employed in Masonry weekly receive their rewards, and use no
disobliging name. " Brother " is the appellation they bestow on each
other. They behave courteously, within and without the Lodge, and
never desert the Master till the work be finished.
LAWS FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE LODGE.
You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, agreeably
to the forms established among Masons ; you are freely to give such
mutual instructions as shall be thought necessary or expedient, not
being overseen or overheard, without encroaching upon each other,
or derogating from that respect which is due to a gentleman, were
he not a Mason ; for though, as Masons, we meet as brethren on a
level, yet Masonry deprives no man of the honor due to his rank or
character, but rather adds to his honor ; especially if he have de¬
served well of the fraternity, who always render honor to whom it is
due, and avoid ill manners.
CLOSING THE LODGE.
17
No private committees are to be allowed, or separate conversa¬
tions encouraged ; the Master, or Wardens, are not to be interrupted,
or any brother, who is speaking to the Master ; but due decorum is
to be observed, and a proper respect paid to the Master and presid¬
ing officers.
These laws are to be strictly enforced, that harmony may be pre¬
served, and the business of the Lodge be carried on with order and
regularity. So mote it be.
SECTION III.
CLOSING THE LODGE.
PRATER AT CLOSING.
(From Mackey's Aliiman Sezon.)
Supreme Architect of the Universe, accept our humble praises
for the many mercies and blessings which thy bounty has con¬
ferred on us, and especially for this friendly and social inter¬
course. Pardon, we beseech thee, whatever thou hast seen amiss
in us since we have been together, and continue to us thy pres¬
ence, protection, and blessing. Make us sensible of the renewed
obligations we are under to love thee supremely, and to be
friendly to each other. May all our irregular passions be sub¬
dued, and may we daily increase in faith, hope, and charity, but
more especially in that charity which is the bond of peace and
the perfection of every virtue. May we so practice thy precepts,
that we may finally obtain thy promises, and find an entrance
through the gates into the temple and city of our God. So mote
it be. Amen.
BENEDICTION AT CLOSING.
****** ]\jay the blessing of Heaven rest upon us
and all regular Masons ! May brotherly love prevail, and every
moral and social virtue cement us. So mote it be. Amen.
The following is sometimes used in addition to the prayer ; it
should precede the benediction.
2
18
ahiman rezon.
CHARGE AT CLOSING.
(As published in the Freemason's Companion ; or, Pocket Preceptor.*)
Brethren :—You are now about to quit this sacred retreat of
friendship and virtue, to mix again with the world. Amidst its
concerns, forget not that around this altar you have repeatedly
promised to relieve, so far as shall be in your power, every brother
who shall need your assistance; to vindicate his character when
wrongfully traduced, and to give him timely notice of approach¬
ing danger. That the world may see how Masons love one
another. He therefore diligent, prudent, temperate, and discreet
in your respective callings, by liberal benevolence and diffusive
charity, discover the beneficial and happy effects of this ancient
and honorable institution.
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.
CHARGE
PROPER TO BE DELIVERED BY THE JUNIOR WARDEN AT MERIDIAN.
(From Cole's Ahiman jRezon.f)
Brethren:—The Lodge is about to suspend its labors for a
brief period, and you are at liberty to amuse yourselves with
rational gayety, being peculiarly watchful not to run into excess.
Masonry commands us to force no brother to do any thing con¬
trary to his inclination, to offend him neither by action nor by
words ; you will, therefore, permit him to act as is agreeable to
himself, and make each other as happy as possible.
At home and abroad, show that you have improved by the les¬
sons you have here been taught; show yourselves fonder lovers of
wisdom, and more strict observers of morality. It is needless to
warn you to be so cautious in your words and actions, as not to
give the most acute and prying stranger, the least opportunity of
* The Freemason's Ompanion; or, Pocket Preceptor, compiled for the use of the craft.
By John Phillips, Past Master of Lodge No. 2, and Chief J. of the H. R. A. C. No. 52.
Philadelphia: printed by Bartholomew Graves, No. 40 N. Fourth street, 1805.
t The Freemason's Library and General Ahiman Rezon, containing a delinea¬
tion of the principles of Freemasonry, speculative and operative, religious and
moral $ compiled from the writings of the most approved authors, with notes and
occasional remarks. By Samcel Cole, P.M., of Concordia and Cassia Lodges.
P. G. S. of the G. L. of Md. K. T. K. M., etc. Baltimore : printed and published by
Benjamin Edes: 1817. I am indebted for the use of this work to Bro. Benjamin B.
Russell, M. of Webb's Lodge, Augusta.
CLOSING THE LODGE.
19
discovering what is not proper to be communicated ; or, against
disclosing the private transactions of our different assemblies.
You are all Masons, and honor and the reputation of the Society
at large will guide your actions.
Irregularity and intemperance must be for ever avoided ; they
will disgrace society, destroy the peace of your families, impair
your constitutions, and render you incapable of pursuing your
necessary business.
Constantly observe and enforce these rules, and always practice
those duties which, in the Lodge, have been so forcibly and pleas¬
ingly recommended to you. Industriously cultivate brotherly
love, the foundation and cap-stone, the glory and firm cement of our
fraternity. Avoid disputes and quarrels; speak as well of a
brother in his absence as in his presence, and let slander be un¬
known to you. Suffer no one, unreproved, to calumniate your hon¬
est brethren, but zealously defend their characters, and do them
every friendly office. Hence, the beneficial influence of your
order will be diffused, and the admiring world will be witnesses
of the happy effects it produces.
DEGREE OF ENTERED APPRENTICE.
CHAPTER III.
This is the First Degree of Freemasonry ; and before it can be
conferred upon the applicant, he must be formally proposed in the
Lodge to which he seeks admission. To entitle him to admission, it
is indispensably necessary that he should be free-born, having no
maim or defect in his body, that may render him incapable of learn¬
ing the art. He should have sufficient natural endowments to
render him respectable ; should be temperate, industrious, of good
moral character, and in reputable circumstances ; not affected with
any ill qualities or vices which might bring discredit on the fra¬
ternity.
In some Lodges, the applicant presents a petition in writing, and,
if accepted, before his reception, is required to make or assent to
the following declarations, in the presence of the Stewards of the
Lodge :—
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that, unbiassed
by friends and uninfluenced by mercenary motives, you freely
and voluntarily offer yourself a candidate for the mysteries of
Freemasonry ?
I do.
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you are
prompted to solicit the privileges of Freemasonry by a favorable
opinion conceived of the Institution, a desire of knowledge, and
a sincere wish of being serviceable to your fellow-creatures ?
I do.
Do you seriously declare, upon your honor, that you will con¬
form to all the ancient established usages, and customs of the
fraternity ?
I do.
In others, the written application embodies the substance of the
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
21
above declarations, and is subscribed by the candidate, with his
name at full length, and is in the following form :—
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and members of Lodge,
JTo. —.
I, (A. B.) being free by birth, and of the full age of twenty-one
years, do declare that, unbiassed by the improper solicitation
of friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy
motives, I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate for the
mysteries of Freemasonry ; that I am prompted by a favorable
opinion conceived of the Institution, and a desire of knowledge ;
and tliat I will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages, and
established customs of the Order.
Witness my hand, this day of
(Signed,) A. B.
The above form is taken from Preston's Illustrations of Masonry,
and is prescribed by the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
The By-Laws of the Lodges usually require the above application to
be signed by two or more persons who vouch the sincerity of the
declarations.
If the candidate be accepted, and no objection remain, he is intro¬
duced into the Lodge in proper form. Before he takes this step,
however, he should assure himself that he is entering a regularly
constituted Lodge of the Order ; which he can do by inspecting its
warrant, and which he has a right to demand for that purpose. He
ought, further, to acquaint himself with the By-Laws of the Lodge,
and the members which belong to it, to be satisfied of his ability to
conform thereto, and that its harmony will not be disturbed by his
entrance.
On the other hand there are duties incumbent on the Lodge, pre¬
vious to the initiation of a candidate, which it may be well enough
to notice here. The members of the Lodge with whom the candidate
desires a fraternal association, should also have an opportunity to
investigate his claims to the distinction. This should be done fairly,
without prejudice or ill-feeling, remembering that the interests of
the whole Order are involved in the decision.
The intellectual as well as the moral character of the candidate,
ought to be made, much more than it actually is, a subject of inquiry.
No man devoid of mental strength and ability to understand the
instruction conveyed, or lacking the discretion to cover and conceal
the mysteries unfolded to his view, should be permitted to take upon
himself the duties of a Freemason.
22
AHIMAN REZON.
futm of % Jfirst
SECTION I.
Anciently, the Lecture in the First Degree was divided into stx
sections ; the same instruction is now conveyed in three divisions of
the ceremony, which bear the name of Lectures. " In this Lecture,"
says Preston, " virtue is painted in the most beautiful colors, and
the duties of morality are strictly enforced. Here we are taught
such wise and useful lessons as prepare the mind for a regular
advancement in the principles of knowledge and philosophy j and
these are imprinted on the memory by lively and sensible images,
well calculated to influence our conduct in the proper discharge of
the duties of social life." Its triple division at the present day,
explains :—1. The Ceremony ; 2. Its Moral ; 3. Its Necessity and
Consistency. It is essential that the candidate should thoroughly
understand what is taught in this degree, and that he should
acquire a perfect knowledge of the instruction conveyed in the
several sections ; here we are taught those characteristic marks
which distinguish us from the profane, and enable us not only to try
and examine the rights of others, but to prove ourselves.
PRAYER
used at the initiation op a candidate.
Vouchsafe thine aid, Almighty Father of the Universe, to
this our present convention; and grant that this candidate for
Freemasonry may dedicate and devote his life to thy service,
and become a true and faithful brother among us. Endue him
■with a competency of thy divine wisdom, that by the secrets of
our art he may be the better enabled to display the beauties of
godliness,* to the honor of thy holy name. So mote it be. Amen.
/
* Dr. Mackey observes " that this is a very old prayer. It is to be found in
Preston, under whose authority we have restored the word ' godliness,' instead
of 'virtuonsness.'f used by "Webb, and 'holiness,' used by Cross." The most
f In the edition of the Freemason's Monitor, published at Salem, by Cashing &
Appleton; Ezra Lincoln, Printer, Boston, 1816; the phrase is "brotherly love
relief, and truth." '
In Phillip's Freemason's Companion and Pocket Preceptor, the phrase is " mysteries of
godliness and Christianity:" and so it appears in the Ahiman Rezon published by
Lawrence Dermott, at Dublin, 1780; fourth edition. 3
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
2a
The following passage of Scripture is used during the cere¬
mony :—
Psalm cxxxiii.
" 1. Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity ;
" 2. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran
down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard ; that went down to
the skirts of his garments.
" 3. As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended on
the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the bless¬
ing, even life for evermore."
(From Moore's Trestle Board.)
It is the duty of the Master of the Lodge, as one of the pre¬
cautionary measures of initiation, to explain to the candidate the
extraordinary correction of all, prevails in the West. " Brotherly love, relief, and
truth," is the substitute there. These unnecessary improvements arise from a
mistaken perception of the character of Freemasonry.
The word which is translated godliness, used by Peter and Paul, is Evoefiela,
and is rendered in the Vulgate by pietatis. It is derived from the radicals
Uefico, to worship, and that from Zevco, to shake, to agitate, move to and fro. The
Hebrew phrase, probably in the mind of the Apostle, equivalent to godliness, is
IRETh ELHIM, conveying the idea of reverence for God. The
Hebrew furnishes a homonym also of the Greek radical in FniU ShVE, which
signifies to fear, primarily; and tropically, to meditate, to go to and fro as in
thought, and also, to resemble; and rem ShBE, to praise. The Hebrew word
niOi IRATh, reverence, fear, comes from fill IRE, to tremble, signifying also, to
sprinkle, to teach, to instruct. Whoever compiled the prayer certainly knew the
peculiar appropriateness of the phrase; and as the candidate advances in the
mysteries of the Order, its striking and exclusive fitness is clearly seen. On the
other hand, the inanity of the substitutes is at once apparent. It is remarkable
that this term is connected with a sharp critical controversy. The biblical
student is aware of the dispute arising on the text in which the " mystery of
godliness" seems to be defined (1 Tim. iii. 16), variously maintained by learned
men to read, in the original Greek manuscript, OS, which, or ©S, a contraction
for &EOS, God. Now the intelligent Freemason is able, in the words of the
prayer, " by the secrets of our art,"* to comprehend the meaning of the Apostle,
and to perceive how little room for controversy there is, no matter which may be
the genuine reading.
* The language of the prayer seems to have been, " That he may, with the secrets
of Freemasonry, be able to unfold the mysteries of godliness," which seems to corre¬
spond with the view above presented.
24
ahiman rezon.
nature and design of the Institution. And while he informs him
that it is founded on the purest principles of piety and virtue, that it
possesses great and invaluable privileges, and that, in order to
secure these privileges to worthy men, and worthy men alone,
voluntary pledges of fidelity are required,—he will at the same time
assure him, that nothing will he expected incompatible with his
civil, moral, or religious duties.
The candidate receives the investiture of the Lamb-skin, or
White Leathern Apron ; the emblem of innocence and the badge
of a Freemason, more ancient than the Golden Fleece, or Roman
Eagle; more honorable than the Star, or Garter, or any other
decoration that can be conferred upon the candidate, at that, or
at any future period, by king, prince, potentate, or any other
person, except he be a Freemason and in the body of the Lodge;
and which every one ought to wear with pleasure to himself, and
honor to the fraternity.
Here is also taught the symbolism of the working tools of an
Entered Apprentice, which are the Twenty-four Inch Guage, and
Common Gavel.*
THE TWENTY-FOUR DsTCH GAUGE
(From, the Freemason's Companion; or, Pocket Preceptor.j)
" Is an instrument used by operative masons, to measure and
lay out their work; but Free and Accepted Masons make use of
it, for the more noble and glorious purpose of dividing their time.
It being divided into twenty-four equal parts, is emblematical of
the twenty-four hours of the day, which we are taught to divide
into three equal parts • whereby are found eight hours for the
service of God, and a worthy distressed brother ; eight for their
usual vocations ; and eight for refreshment and sleep."
* In England, it seems, tliey add the Setting Maul and the Chisel. Oliv. Land.
1 vol., 180.
f This is the earliest American compilation intended for the use of the craft
which has fallen under my notice. The Freemason's Companion ; or, Pocket Pre¬
ceptor, compiled for the use of the Craft, by John Phillips, Past Master of Lodo-e
No. 2, and Chief J. of the H. R. A. C., No. 52. Philadelphia, printed by Bar¬
tholomew Graves, No. 40 N. Fourth Street; 1805. I am indebted for the use
of this work, to Br. Joseph E. "Wells, Gr. Treasurer of the Grand Lod<^e of
Georgia. °
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
25
THE COMMON GAVEL
" Is made use of by operative masons to break off the corners
of rough stones, the better to fit them for the builder's use; but
Free and Accepted Masons are taught to make use of it for the
more noble and glorious purpose of divesting their hearts and
consciences of the vices and superfluities of life ; thereby fitting
their bodies, as living stones, for that spiritual building, that
house ' not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.' "
An impressive illustration of one of the fundamental tenets of the
Order, closes the section.
(From, TFete's Monitor. Ed. 1797.)
This section by the reciprocal communication of our marks of
distinction, proves us to be regular members of the Order ; and
inculcates those necessary and instructive duties which at once
dignify our characters in the double capacity of men and Masons.
SECTION II.
(From Mackey's Ahiman Rez<m.~)
The second section of the First Lecture rationally accounts for
the origin of our symbolic institution, and amply proves the truth of
the definition, that " Freemasonry is a system of morality, veiled in
allegory, and illustrated by symbols.
The following passages of Scripture are referred to in this sec¬
tion :—
" And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt
need, and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa, and
thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem."—(2 Chronicles ii. 16.)
" Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning
redeeming, and concerning changing, for to confirm all things;
a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbor ; and
this was a testimony in Israel."—(Ruth iv. 7.)
" Ask, and it shall be given you ; seek, and ye shall find ; knock,
and it shall be opened unto you."—(Matthew vii. 7.)
The candidate is also instructed in the reasons why the Lambskin,
or White Leathern Apron, is the distinctive mark of a Freemason ; and
should be taught the symbolism of this important portion of the
clothing of the Craft.
26
AHIMAN REZON.
BADGE OF A FREEMASON.
(From Webb's Monitor.*)
" The lamb has in all ages been deemed an emblem of inno¬
cence ; he, therefore, who wears the Lambskin, as a badge of
Masonry, is continually reminded of that purity of life and con¬
duct, which is so essentially necessary to his gaining admission
into the celestial Lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of
the Universe presides."
The candidate's fidelity and capacity to receive and impart in¬
struction is thoroughly tested, and the section concludes with an
impressive admonition to him, to remember the new position he has
taken, and to bear himself accordingly.
SECTION III.
This section of the Lecture unfolds the entire symbolism of the
Degree ; and although, at first sight, many of its illustrations, as set
down in the various text-books, may appear somewhat anomalous
and discordant, yet a closer investigation will disclose their consist¬
ent harmony. To the candidate it is here explained ; what a Lodge
of Freemasons is, and of whom composed ; its place of meeting ; its
form, supports, covering, furniture, lights, and jewels ; how situated;
and to whom dedicated.
THE LODGE.
(From Mackey's Ahiman Rezon.)
" A Lodge is an assemblage of Freemasons duly congregated ;
having the sacred writings, square, and compasses, and a charter
or warrant of constitution, authorizing them to work."
DIMENSIONS, SUPPORT, AND COVERING.
(From, Webb's Freemason's Monitor.)
" From east to west Freemasonry extends, and between the
north and southern every clime and nation, are Masons to be
found.
* This does not appear in the earliest and anonymous edition of the work Thf»
Drst edition bears the following title : " The Freemason's Monitor; or, lllmtrnti™* mL
sonry; in two parts." By a Royal Arch Mason, K. T., K. of m!, etc., etc Printpf^
Albany, for Spencer and Webb, Market street, 1797." nteaat
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
27
" Our institution is said to be supported by Wisdom, Strength,
and Beauty, because it is necessary that there should be wisdom
to contrive, strength to support, and beauty to adorn all great
and important undertakings. Its dimensions are unlimited, and
its covering no less than the canopy of heaven. To this object,
the Mason's mind is continually directed, and thither he hopes at
last to arrive, by the aid of the theological ladder, which Jacob
in his vision, saw ascending from earth to heaven ; the three prin¬
cipal rounds of which are denominated faith, hope, and charity,
and which admonish us to have faith in God, hope in immor¬
tality, and charity to all mankind."
{From. Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.)
" The greatest of these is charity ; for our faith may be lost in
sight; hope ends in fruition; but charity extends beyond the
grave, through the boundless realms of eternity."
ITS FURNITURE.
(From Webb's Monitor.)
" Every Lodge is furnished with the Holy Bible, the Square and
Compasses*
" The Bible points out the path that leads to happiness, and is
dedicated to God. The Square teaches to regulate our conduct
by the principles of morality and virtue, and is dedicated to the
Master; and the Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every
station, and are dedicated to the Craft.
" The Bible is dedicated to the service of God, because it is the
inestimable gift of God to man; the Square to the Master,
because it is the proper Masonic emblem of his office, it is con¬
stantly to remind him of the duty he owes to the Lodge over
which he is appointed to preside; and the Compasses to the Craft,
because, by a due attention to their use, they are taught to regulate
their desires and keep their passions within due bounds."
ORNAMENTS.
"The Ornaments of a Lodge are, the Mosaic Pavement, the
Indented Tessel, and the Blazing Star." The Mosaic Pavement is a
representation of the ground floor of King Solomon's temple;
* Compasses, or Pair of Cbmpasses, an instrument for describing circles, measuring
and dividing lines, figures, etc."—Barlow's Mathematical Dictionary.
28
AHIMAN KEZON.
the Indented Tessel, that beautiful tesselated border, or skirting,
which surrounded it; and the Blazing Star in the centre is an
emblem of Divine Providence, and commemorative of the star
"which appeared to guide the wise men of the East to the place of
our Savior's nativity.
The Mosaic Pavement is emblematical of human life, checkered
with good and evil; the beautiful border which surrounds it, those
manifold blessings and comforts which surround us, and which
we hope to enjoy by a faithful reliance on Divine Providence,
which is liieroglyphically represented by the Blazing Star in the
centre.*
JEWELS.
The Jewels are of two kinds, movable and immovable. The
immovable Jewels + are the Square, Level, and Plumb. The Square
* I find the following curious illustration of the Mosaic Pavement, Blazing
Star, and Indented Tesselated Border in Brown's Master Key, published in Lon¬
don, 1798.
"The Mosaic Pavement being variegated and checkered, it alludes to that
diversity of objects which decorate and adorn the creation, likewise to that won¬
derful variety of benefits, which the great Creator has so bountifully bestowed
for the use and sustenance, even to the minutest of his creatures.
" The Blazing Star, the Glory in the centre, reminds us of that awful period
when the Almighty delivered the two tables of stone, containing the ten com¬
mandments, to his faithful servant Moses on Mount Sinai, when the rays of his
divine glory shone so bright, that none could behold it without fear and trembling.
It also reminds us of the omnipresence of the Almighty, overshadowing us with his
divine love, and dispensing his blessings among us, and, by its being placed in
the centre, it ought, also, further to remind us that, whenever or however assem¬
bled, God is in the midst of us, seeing our actions, and observing the secret in¬
tents and movements of our hearts; while the Indented Tesselated Border, or
Skirt Work, alludes to that kind care of Providence, which so carefully sur¬
rounds and keeps us within its protection, while we justly and uprightly govern
our lives and actions by the four cardinal virtues in divinity, namely, temperance,
fortitude, prudence, and justice, which are situated as four tassels.
f" The immovable jewels were formerly called the Trestle Board, the
Bough Ashlar, and the Broached Thurnel." Oliver, vol. i., p. 144, n. The
Tracing Board was anciently surrounded with an indented or Tesselated Border,
which was termed The Indented Trasel: it is still preserved among the English
Lodges in the border that surrounds the apron of the Royal Arch Decree as
described in the language of heraldry, a border indented, purple and crimson. On
this side of the Atlantic, nothing of the kind appears upon our aprons, and we
have surrounded the Mosaic Pavement in our charts with a border, which we call
a Tesselated Border, but which has no resemblance to its prototype.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
29
inculcates morality ; the Level, equality ; and the Plumb, rectitude
of conduct.
The movable Jewels are the Rough Ashlar, the Perfect Ashlar
and the Trestle Board.
(From, Webb's Monitor.)
" The Rough Ashlar is a stone as taken from the quarry in its
rude and natural state ; the Perfect Ashlar is a stone made ready
by the hands of the workmen, to be adjusted by the working
tools of the fellow craft; the Trestle Board is for the master work¬
man to draw his designs upon.
" By the Rough Ashlar, we are reminded of our rude and imper¬
fect state by nature ; by the Perfect Ashlar, that state of perfection
at which we hope to arrive by a virtuous education, our own
endeavors, and the blessing of God ; and by the Trestle Board, we
are reminded that, as the operative workman erects his temporal
building agreeably to the rules and designs laid down by the
master on his trestle board, so shall we, both operative and specu¬
lative, endeavor to erect our spiritual building agreeably to the
rules and designs laid down by the Supreme Architect of the
Universe, in the Book of Life, which is our spiritual trestle
board."
SITUATION".
The situation of the Lodge is here explained. The commemo¬
ration of a great miracle being assigned, among others, for a
custom, whose wide-spread observance attests the connection of
our Order with the most important institutions of mankind.
DEDICATION".
(From Wdjb's Freemason's Monitor.)
" By a recurrence to the chapter upon Dedication of Lodges, it
will be perceived that although our ancient brethren dedicated
their Lodges to King Solomon, yet Masons professing Christianity
dedicate theirs to St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evan¬
gelist, who were eminent patrons of Masonry: and since their
time, there is represented in every regular and well-governed
Lodge, a certain point within a circle ; * the point representing an
* This symbol, it seems, has sorely tried the faith of many Brethren eminent
for their learning, and zeal in behalf of the Order. Indeed, no such explanation
as given in the text is known in the English Lodges. Dr. Oliver thus explains
30
AHIMAN REZON.
individual brother ; the circle representing the boundary line of
his duty to God and man, beyond which he is never to suffer his
passions, prejudices, or interest, to betray him on any occasion.
it:—" In all regular and well formed Lodges, there is a certain point within a
circle, round which, it is said, the genuine professors of our science can not err.
This circle is bounded, North and South, by two perpendicular parallel lines.
On the upper or Eastern periphery rests the Holy Bible, supporting Jacob's
ladder extending to the Heavens. The point is emblematic of the Omniscient
and Omnipresent Deity : the circle represents his Eternity; and the two perpen¬
dicular parallel lines, his equal Justice and Mercy. It necessarily follows, there¬
fore, that in traversing a Masonic Lodge, we must touch upon these two great
parallels, as well as upon the volume of the Sacred Law; and whilst a Mason
keeps himself thus circumscribed, remembers his Creator, does justice, and loves
mercy, he may hope finally to arrive at that Immortal Centre whence all good¬
ness emanates."—(Oliver's Landmarks, vol. i. p. 166, n.)
It is singular that the lines are said to bound the circle North and South; if it
was not so stated by the author of the exposition to bring the Holy "Writings in
the East, it is a singular circumstance, and in some degree countenances the view
taken of it in Fellow's Exposition of the Mysteries of Freemasonry. He says :—
" That expositors should differ in their interpretation of this figure is not surpris¬
ing. It is an astronomical enigma, the sense of which was probably lost sight of
during the centuries in which the affairs of the Lodge, with very few exceptions,
were in the hands of ignorant craftsmen. The solution of the symbol I take to
be as follows:—The point in the centre represents the Supreme Being ; the circle
indicates the annual circuit of the sun, and the parallel lines mark out the solstices
within which that circuit is limited. The Mason, by subjecting himself to due
bounds, in imitation of that glorious luminary, will not wander from the path of
duty. The device is ingenious, and its meaning ought to be restored in the Lodge
to its original intention."—(Expos, of Myst., 290.)
Neither of the explanations possesses a harmony within itself, and, as a matter
of course, becomes a subject of perplexity to the thoughtful inquirer. It is highly
probable that its meaning is to be sought for only, where the emblems of Free¬
masonry receive an intelligible and consistent interpretation—among the symbols
of the Egyptian priesthood. A circle, with a point in the centre, was a symbolic
character among the Egyptians, denoting the sun Ra, in combination with the
obelisk, a symbolic character expressing the god Amon; it denoted Amon-ka,
the Egyptian god of light, and frequently characterized as the giver of life.
Amon-Ra was the second person of the Egyptian Trinity, the Word, and equiva¬
lent to the idea, we recognize of the place and attributes of the Messiah. This
was the symbol of the god of light, and occupies a place in our Lodges to remind
us of Him in whom was life, "and the life was the light of men." The reference
to the two Saints John is easy and natural, one the initiator into, the other the
revealer of, the sacred mysteries connected with " the true Light which lighteth
every man that cometh into the world."
ENTERED APPKENTICE.
31
This circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines,
representing St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist,
who were perfect parallels in Christianity, as well as Masonry;
and upon the vertex rests the book of Holy Scriptures, which
points the whole duty of man. In going round this circle, we
necessarily touch upon these two lines, as well as upon the Holy
Scriptures; and while a man keeps thus circumscribed, it is im¬
possible that he should materially err."
The three great tenets of a Mason's profession, are brotherly love,
rdief, and truth ; which are here introduced, and impressed upon the
candidate in a mode peculiar to our ritual.
BROTHERLY LOVE.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
" By the exercise of brotherly love, we are taught to regard
the whole human species as one family ; the high and low, the
rich and poor ; who, as created by one Almighty Parent, °ud
inhabitants of the same planet, are to aid, support, and protect
each other. On this principle, Masonry unites men of every
country, sect, and opinion; and conciliates true friendship among
those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual dis¬
tance."
RELIEF.
" To relieve the distressed, is a duty incumbent on all men;
but particularly on Masons, who are linked together by an indis¬
soluble chain of sincere affection. To soothe calamity, alleviate
misfortune, compassionate misery, and restore peace to the
troubled mind, is the grand aim of the true Mason. On this
basis he establishes his friendships, and forms his connections."
TRUTH.
" Truth is a divine attribute, and the foundation of every virtue.
To be good and true, is the first lesson we are taught in Masonry.
On this theme we contemplate, and by its dictates endeavor to
regulate our conduct. Influenced by this principle, hypocrisy
and deceit are unknown in the Lodge ; sincerity and plain deal¬
ing distinguish us ; while the heart and tongue join in promoting
each other's welfare, and rejoicing in each other's prosperity."
32 AHIMAN REZON.
An explanation of the four Cardinal Virttjes, which are Temper
ance, Fortitude, Prudence, and Justice, is here given, accompanied
by the symbolic teaching appropriate to the degree.
TEMPERANCE.
{From Brown's Master Key.)
" Temperance is that due restraint of our passions and affec¬
tions, which renders the body tame and governable, and frees the
mind from the allurements of vice. This virtue ought to be the
practice of every Mason ; as he is thereby taught to avoid excess,
or contracting any vicious or licentious habit, that might lead
him to betray his trust, which " * * * *
FORTITUDE.
" Fortitude is that noble and steady purpose of the soul, equally
distant from rashness and cowardice, which enables us to undergo
any labor or difficulty, when found necessary or expedient; and
ought to be deeply impressed on the breast of every Mason,
as a fence or security against any attack that might be made
upon him by force or otherwise, to extort from him any of those
royal secrets which "*****
PRUDENCE.
" Prudence teaches us to regulate our lives and actions accord¬
ing to the dictates of right reason, being that habit by which men
wisely judge, and prudentially determine on all things relative to
their present as well as to their future happiness ; and ought to
be nicely attended to, in all strange and mixed companies, never
to let drop or slip the least hint whereby the secrets of our royal
art might be illegally obtained, which''' *****
JUSTICE.
"Justice is that boundary of right, and constitutes the cement of
civil society. Without the exercise of this virtue, universal con¬
fusion would ensue, lawless force would overcome the principles
of equity, and social intercourse no longer exist; and, as justice
in a great measure constitutes the real good of man, so it ought
to be the perpetual study of the accomplished Mason, never to
deviate from the minutest principle thereof, which " * * * #
entered apprentice.
33
CHARGE
AT INITIATION INTO TUE FIRST DEGREE.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
Brother :—As you are now introduced to the first principles of
our order, I congratulate you. on being accepted a member of an
ancient and honorable society : ancient, as having subsisted from
time immemorial, and honorable, as tending, in every particular,
so to render all men who will be conformable to its precepts. No
institution was ever raised on a better principle, or more solid
foundation ; nor were ever more excellent rules and useful
maxims laid down, than are inculcated on every person when he
is initiated into our mysteries.
Monarchs, in all ages, have been encouragers and promoters of
the art, and have never deemed it derogatory to their dignity to
level themselves with the fraternity, extend their privileges, and
patronize their assemblies. As a Mason, you are to study the
Sacred Law ; to consider it as the unerring standard of truth and
justice, and to regulate your life and actions by its divine precepts.
The three great moral duties, to God, your neighbor, and your¬
self, you are strictly to observe. To God, by holding his name
in awe and veneration; viewing him as the chief good ; implor¬
ing his aid in laudable pursuits, and supplicating his protection
on well-meant endeavors ; to your neighbor, by always acting
upon the square ; and, considering him equally entitled with
yourself to share the blessings of Providence, rendering unto him
those favors and friendly offices, which, in a similar situation, you
would expect to receive from him. And to yourself, by not
abusing the bounties of Providence, impairing your faculties by
irregularity, or debasing our profession by intemperance.
In the State, you are to be a quiet and peaceful subject, true to
your government, and just to your country; you are not to coun¬
tenance disloyalty or rebellion, but patiently submit to legal
authority, and conform with cheerfulness to the government of the
country in which you live.
In your outward demeanor, you are to avoid censure or
reproach ; and beware of all who may artfully endeavor to in¬
sinuate themselves into your esteem, with a view to betray your
virtuous resolutions, or make you swerve from the principles of our
institution. Let not interest, favor, or prejudice bias your integ-
3
84
AHIMAN REZON.
ril;y, 01* influence yon to be guilty of a dishonorable action ; but
let your conduct be uniform, and your deportment suitable to the
dignity of the profession.
Above all, practice benevolence and charity, for these virtues
have distinguished Masons in every age and country. The incon¬
ceivable pleasure of contributing toward the relief of our fellow-
creatures, is truly experienced by persons of a humane disposi¬
tion ; who are naturally excited by sympathy, to extend their aid
in alleviation of the miseries of others. This encourages the gen¬
erous Mason to distribute his bounty with cheerfulness. Sup¬
posing himself in the situation of an unhappy sufferer, he listens
to the tale of woe with attention, bewails misfortune, and speedily
relieves distress.
The constitutions of the Order are next to engage your atten¬
tion. These consist of two parts, oral and written communica¬
tions ; the former comprehending the mysteries of the art, are only
to be acquired by practice and experience in the Lodge; the
latter includes the history of genuine Masonry, the lives and cha¬
racters of its patrons, and the ancient charges and regulations of
the Craft.
A punctual attendance on the duties of the Order we earnestly
enjoin ; more especially in that assembly in which your name is
enrolled as a member. There, and in all regular meetings of the
fraternity, you are to behave with order and decorum, that har¬
mony may be preserved, and the business of Masonry be properly
conducted. The rules of good breeding you are never to violate,
by using unbecoming language, in derogation of the name of God,
or toward the corruption of good manners ; neither are you to
enter into any dispute about religion or politics, or behave irrev¬
erently while the Lodge is engaged in what is serious and im¬
portant. On every occasion, you are to pay a proper deference
and respect to the Master and presiding officers, and diligently
apply to the work of Masonry, that you may the sooner become a
proficient therein, as well for your own credit as for the honor of
the company with whom you associate.
Although your frequent appearance at our regular meetings be
earnestly solicited, your necessary employments in life are not to be
neglected on that account; neither are you to suffer your zeal for
Masonry to exceed the bounds of discretion, or lead you into argu-
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
35
ment with persons who may ridicule our institution, but extend
your pity toward those who may be apt. through ignorance, to
contemn what they never had an opportunity to comprehend.
All that is required for your general observance is, that you study
the liberal arts at leisure ; trace science in the works of eminent
masters, and improve in the disquisitions of the system, by the
conversation of well informed brethren, who will always be as
ready to give, as you can be to receive instruction.
Finally ; adhere to the constitutions ; and support the privi¬
leges which are to distinguish you as a Mason above the rest of
the community, and mark your consequence among the fraternity.
If, in the circle of your acquaintance, you find a person desirous
of being initiated into Masonry, be particularly attentive not to
recommend him, unless you are convinced he will conform to our
rules, that the value of Masonry may be enhanced by the difficulty
of the purchase, the honor and reputation of the institution be
established on the firmest basis, and the world at large be con¬
vinced of its benign influence.
From the attention you have paid to the recital of the duties of
the Order, we are led to hope that you will form a proper esti¬
mate of the value of Freemasonry, and imprint on your mind the
dictates of truth, honor, and justice.
Note.—The Tracing Board of an Entered Apprentice on Plate II. is a copy of a
reproduction by Dr. Oliver, in his Historical Landmarks of Freemasonry, 1 vol. p.
133, probably copied from one of the plates in Clavel's Histoire Pittoresque.
This, he says, was used in the early part of the last century. He remarks,
" it varies considerably from our improved system, although we observe with
pleasure, that it contains the ancient Landmarks of the Order." He thus de¬
scribes it: " It is an oblong square between the cardinal points; the Master is
placed in the east, with an altar before him, and the Wardens both in the west,
as was the custom in many of our Lodges up to the time of the union in 1813.
The three lights are placed in the N.E., S. E., and S. W. The two pillars, J.
and B., are in the west, inscribed ' Strength and "Wisdom,' and are both of the
Corinthian Order; while the centre of the Tracing Board is occupied by a Blaz¬
ing Star of five points, inclosing the letter G, and inscribed Beauty. Between
the two pillars ascending from the west, are seven steps upon a Mosaic Pave¬
ment ; but the Tesselated Border, or indented Trasel, as it was called, is
omitted. In the east, west, and south, are portrayed three windows. The W.
M.'s Tracing Board is near the blazing star, while the corresponding immovable
jewels are considerably higher up toward the east, the one called the Brute stone,
the other the pointed cubical stone.* In the apex of the latter, an axe is
* The Broached Thurnel..
36
AHIMAN REZON.
inserted. The east is distinguished by a square, the south by a level, and the
north by a plumb rule, or perpendicular. The whole is surmounted by a cable,
tow, or tow-line, as then called, with a tassel at each end."—1 Oliv. Hist. Lands.
133
There is one remarkable symbol on the Tracing Board just described which is
suggestive of curious reflections. The cubic stone, pointed, with an axe driven
into it, is strikingly similar to a peculiar hieroglyphic of the Egyptians. The name
of one of their gods is written with a determinative sign affixed to it, consisting
of a smooth rectangular stone, with a knife over it, thus • but the most
singular portion of the circumstance is, that this hieroglyphic, which is read by
Egyptologists, Seth, is the symbol of falsehood and error, in contradistinction
to the rough stone, which is the symbol of faith and truth. The symbol of error
was the soft stone which could be cut; the symbol of truth the hard stone, on
which no tool could be used.
Seth is the true Egyptian name of the god known afterward by the name of
Typhon, supposed to be the personification of the principle of evil. It is not a
little remarkable, that this god was at one time most devoutly worshipped, and
profoundly venerated in the culminating epoch of the Pharaonic empire. The
monuments of Karnac and Medinet-Abou, abundantly testify to this fact. But by
some unrecorded convulsion in Egyptian history, his worship was overthrown, his i
shrines desecrated, his name and titles chiseled from the monumental granite, and
he himself, from being venerated as the giver of life and blessings to the rulers of
Egypt, degraded from his position, hated, and treated as the destroying demon
of a barbarous people, and shunned as the personification of evil. Egyptologers
assert that this revolution which overthrew Seth and his worshippers, and stamped
him to all future time as the enemy of Osiris, and all the gods of Egypt, occurred
with the fall of the twenty-first dynasty of Egyptian Pharaohs, perhaps, between 970
and 1300 B. 0. How near it coincided with the exode of the children of Israel, is a
problem yet to be solved. Seth is the father of Judaeus and Palestinus, is the god
of the Semitic tribes who rested on the seventh day, and bears the swarthy com¬
plexion, rxi xgoa nvdoos, of the hated race. Seth is also known by other names in
the hieroglyphic legends, among the most striking of which is Bar, i.e. Bat,,
known to us in sacred history, as the fatal stumbling-block of idolatry to the
Jewish people.
It may not be amiss to recall the mythic coincidences suggested here. Chris¬
tian legends relate the conflict between Michael, the leader of the heavenly host,
and Lucifer, the fallen angel. Classic fables tell of the contest between Jupiter
and the Titans, and Egyptian monuments and papyri faintly shadow forth the
struggle between Horusand Seth, while the myth of Osiris and Typhon is indelibly
preserved among the classic literature of this remarkable people.
DEGREE OF FELLOW-CRAFT.
CHAPTER IT.
PRELIMINARY REMARKS.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
" Masonry is a progressive science, and is divided into different
classes or degrees, for the more regular advancement in the know¬
ledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we
limit or extend our inquiries, and in proportion to our talents we
attain to a less or greater degree of perfection.
" Masonry includes almost every branch of polite learning under
the veil of its mysteries, which comprehend a regular system of
virtue and science. Many of its illustrations may appear unimpor¬
tant to the confined genius ; but the man of more enlarged faculties
will consider them in the highest degree useful and interesting. To
please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, the institution
is well suited ; and in the investigation of its latent doctrines, the
philosopher and mathematician may experience equal satisfaction
and delight."
To exhaust the various subjects of which Masonry treats, would
transcend the powers of the brightest genius ; still, however, nearer
approaches to perfection may be made, and the man of wisdom will
not check the progress of his abilities, though the task he attempts
may at first seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application
will remove each difficulty as it occurs ; every step he advances,
new pleasures will open to his view, and instruction of the noblest
kind attend his researches. In the diligent pursuit of knowledge,
great discoveries are made ; and the intellectual faculties are
wisely employed in promoting the glory of God, and the good of
mankind.
Such is the tendency of all the illustrations in Masonry. Rever¬
ence for the Deity, and gratitude for the blessings of Heaven, are
38
ahiman rezon.
inculcated in every degree. This is the plan of our system, and the
result of our inquiries :—
The first degree being intended to enforce the duties of morality,
and imprint on the memory the noblest principles which can adorn
the human mind ; the second degree extends the plan, and com¬
prehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Practice and
theory are united to qualify the industrious Mason to share the
pleasures which an advancement in the art necessarily affords.
Listening with attention to the opinions of experienced men on im¬
portant subjects, the mind of the craftsman is gradually familiarized
to useful instruction, and he is soon enabled to investigate truths
of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life.
From this system proceeds a rational amusement. "While the
mental powers are fully employed, the judgment is properly exer¬
cised ; a spirit of emulation prevails ; and every Brother vies who
shall most excel in promoting the designs of the institution.
Jutan «f tln Suonir Jjtgm.
SECTION I.
This Lecture is divided into sections, anciently four; but the
whole instruction of the degree is now embraced in two sections.
The first section includes the ceremony of advancement to this
degree, with such symbolic explanation as is necessary to render it
intelligible to the candidate. The second section inculcates a more
extensive application to the investigation of scientific truths.
The following passage of scripture is used during the ceremony
Amos vii.
" 7. Thus he showed me; and behold tlie Lord stood upon a wall
made by a plumb-line, with a plumb-line in his hand.
•' 8. And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And
I said, a plumb-line. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a
plumb-line in the midst of my people Israel; I will not again
pass by them any more." °
FELLOW-CRAFT.
39
The candidate is instructed in the symbolic meaning' of the work¬
ing tools appropriate to this degree ; which are the plumb, square,
and level.
THE PLUMB, SQUARE, AND LEYEL.
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
" The plumb is an instrument made use of by operative Masons,
to raise perpendiculars ; the square, to square the work ; and the
level, to lay horizontals ; but we, as free and accepted Masons, are
taught to make use of them for more noble and glorious purposes :
The -plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several stations
before God and man, squaring our actions by the square of virtue,
and remembering that we are traveling upon the level of time,
to ' that undiscovered country, from whose bourne no traveler
returns.'"
Judges xii. 4, 5, 6, is cited, and illustrated in this degree.
SECTION II.
(From. Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
" The second section of this degree has reference to the origin of
the institution, and views Masonry under two denominations, Opera¬
tive and Speculative. These are separately considered, and the prin¬
ciples on which both are founded particularly explained. Their
affinity is pointed out by allegorical figures and typical representa¬
tions. The period stipulated for rewarding merit is fixed, and the
inimitable moral to which that circumstance alludes is explained ;
the creation of the world is described, and many particulars recited,
Note.—The inadvertence of compilers, perpetuated by the cuts which have
been thought to improve our text-books, has engrafted on the American work a
curious blunder, which is utterly unknown in the ritual of the English Lodges
previous to 1813. The extract below, taken from the Star in the East, by Dr.
Oliver, doubtless gives the ancient York work correctly: *—
" The Fellow Craft, like the Entered Apprentice, is admitted in the name of
God, and is received and consecrated by prayer. He enters between two great
pillars, which are the emblems of the strength of mind and stability of disposition
which he must display in his new character as a Mason ; not only to promote his
own ultimate benefit, but that the Order in which he has enrolled himself may not
* 01. Land., 1 v., 453, n. 35.
40
AHIMAN KEZON.
all of which have been carefully preserved among Masons, and
transmitted from one age to another by that tradition."
" Circumstances of great importance to the fraternity are here
particularized, and many traditional tenets and customs confirmed
by sacred and profane record. The celestial and terrestrial globes
are considered ; and here the accomplished gentleman may display
his talents to advantage in the elucidation of the orders of architec-■
be exposed to public censure from the licentiousness of his propensities, or the
irregularity of his conduct. Before he can participate in the privileges of this
Degree, the candidate must ascend a winding staircase, after having safely passed
the pillars of strength and stability.
" This staircase consists of eleven steps, and five divisions. As he ascends the
first step, he is taught the unity of the Godhead, who created the world by his
power, and governs it by his wisdom and justice. At the third step, he ia
reminded that this one Sacred Being comprehends three distinct persons, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. He is instructed, also, in the nature of
the three dispensations—the Patriarchal, the Jewish, and the Christian. At the
fifth step his progress is again arrested, to explain the goodness of Providence in
man's behalf, by the distribution of the five external senses—hearing, seeing, feel¬
ing, tasting, and smelling; all of which he has also bestowed on the brutes; but,
to stamp a decided ascendancy on the lord of the creation, he endowed him with
the attribute of reason, that he might be enabled to convert the gifts of Heaven
to his own eternal welfare. Hence the necessity of a diligent application of this
inestimable present, to the service equally of such human sciences as are placed
by the Almighty within the reach of his capacity, and of the study of religion,
and the worship of God. To keep the reasoning faculties in exercise, the five
noble orders of architecture are proposed as subjects of contemplation and
research; and this being a progressive study, if carried to perfection, will fill the
mind with lofty and comprehensive ideas of God, and his works.
" Here, too, the candidate is reminded of the five remarkable points in the ever
blessed career of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. A regular series of conse¬
quences affecting our temporal and eternal welfare, are deduced from his birth,
his life, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension. Bending in reverence
before the awful subject, the candidate proceeds to the seventh step, where his
instructor points out the seven liberal sciences as objects of his rational ambition;
and acquaints him that a perfect knowledge of grammar, rhetoric, logic, arith¬
metic, geometry, music, and astronomy, will lead him 'through nature up to
nature's God,' and elevate his mind to the contemplation of heavenly things;
preparing him, by gradual approaches to perfection here, for a full display of
light and knowledge in a future state. When the candidate has arrived at the
summit of the winding staircase by ascending the eleventh step, he is reminded of
the miraculous preservation of Joseph, who preceded his eleven brethren into
Egypt, under the direction of God, that he might be the means of preserving his
whole race from the effects of the seven years famine, which rajred wifh ,L«.
FELLOW-CRAFT.
41
ture, the senses of human nature, and the liberal arts and sciences,
which are severally classed in a regular arrangement. In short,
this section contains a store of valuable knowledge, founded on
reason and sacred record, both entertaining and instructive."
(From, Cole's Ahiman Rczrn.)
Masonry is considered under two denominations: operative
and speculative.
OPERATIVE MASONRY.
"By Operative Masonry, we allude to a proper application of
the useful rules of architecture, whence a structure will derive
figure, strength, and beauty, and whence will result a due propor¬
tion and a just correspondence in all its parts. It furnishes us
with dwellings, and convenient shelters from the vicissitudes and
inclemencies of seasons; and while it displays the effects of human
wisdom, as well in the choice as in the arrangement of the sundry
materials of which an edifice is composed, it demonstrates that a
fund of science and industry is implanted in man, for the best,
most salutary, and beneficent purposes."
SPECULATIVE MASONRY.
" By Speculative Masonry, we learn to subdue the passions, act
upon the square, keep a tongue of good report, maintain secrecy,
and practice charity. It is so far interwoven with religion, as to
lay us under obligation to pay that rational homage to the Deity,
customed violence throughout all the East. He is further put in mind of the
treachery of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed his master, and being seized with an
agonizing remorse of conscience, which rendered life insupportable, he violently
terminated his own existence, and reduced the number of apostles to eleven. The
closely tyled door of the middle chamber gives way at his word, and he enters to
behold the superb illumination of that blazing central star which refers to the
God of his creation; and the mystical application of the successive numbers 3, 5,
7, 11, is explained to signify the Great Jehovah, who is so brilliantly represented
in the chamber to which that staircase leads; for, in the Hebrew notation,
I represents 10, the sum of 7—3 ; A, 5 ; and H, 11."—Oliver.
The corruption is here evident, and singularly enough proves the truth of the
above symbolism. J AH is one of the names of Jehovah, which is spelt, in
Hebrew, with four letters, f-ni-i* IHOH. The Hebrew i in English I, in nu¬
merical value is 10; the n he, corrupted into the English A, is 5 ; and i vau, is
in numerical value 6, which added to the second n he, 5, makes the last syllable,
and equals 11; the whole sum, it will be perceived, is 26, which is the numerical
value of the Tetragrammaton, IHOH.
42
ahiman kezon.
which at once constitutes our duty and our happiness. It leads
the contemplative to view with reverence and admiration the
glorious works of creation, and inspires him with the most exalted
ideas of the perfections of his divine Creator.
"In six days God created the heavens and the earth, and
rested upon the seventh day. The seventh, therefore, our ancient
brethren consecrated as a day of rest from their labors; thereby
enjoying frequent opportunities to contemplate the glorious works
of creation, and to adore their great Creator."*
(From Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.)
Peace, Unity, and Plenty are here introduced and explained.
The doctrine of the Spheres is included in the science of
Astronomy, and is introduced and considered.
of the globes.
(From Cole's Ahiman Sezon.)
" The Globes are two artificial and spherical bodies, on the
convex surface of which are represented the countries, seas, and
various parts of the earth, the face of the heavens, the planetary
revolutions, and other particulars."
the use op the globes.
" Their principal use, beside serving as maps to distinguish the
outward parts of the earth, and the situation of the fixed stars, if
to illustrate and explain the phenomena arising from the annua'
revolution, and the diurnal rotation, of the earth round its owr
axis. They are the noblest instruments for improving the mind
and giving it the most distinct idea of any problem or proposition
as well as enabling it to solve the same. Contemplating thes<
bodies, we are inspired with a due reverence for the Deity ane
his works, and are induced to encourage the studies of astronomy
geography, and navigation, and the arts dependent on them, b]
which society has been so much benefited.".
* The six days of creation are technically known among Freemasons as th
" Grand Architect's Six Periods." While the term seems to have been overlooked i
our Lodges, it nevertheless maintains its place in such European Lodges a<* nflhpr
to the ancient Ritual of the Order. 1 ° 3 aaner
FELLOW-CRAFT.
43
As the five Orders of Architecture are considered in this section,
a brief description of them may not be improper.
OF ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE.
(From Preston's Illustrations of 3lasonry.)
" By order in architecture is meant a system of all the mem¬
bers, proportions, and ornaments of columns and pilasters ; or, it
is a regular arrangement of tlie projecting parts of a building,
which, united with those of a column, form a beautiful, perfect,
and complete whole."
OF ITS ANTIQUITY.
" From the first formation of society, order in architecture may
be traced. When the rigor of seasons obliged men to contrive
shelter from the inclemency of the weather, we learn that they
first planted trees on end, and then laid others across, to support
a covering. The bands which connected those trees at top and
bottom, are said to have given rise to the idea of the base and
capital of pillars ; and from this simple hint originally proceeded
the more improved art of architecture."
" The five orders are thus classed:—the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic,
Corinthian, and Composite."
THE TUSCAN
" Is the most simple and solid of the five orders. It was in¬
vented in Tuscany, whence it derives its name. Its column is
seven diameters high, and its capital, base, and entablature, have
but few moldings. The simplicity of the construction of this
column renders it eligible where ornament would be superfluous."
THE DORIC,
"Which is plain and natural, is the most ancient, and was
invented by the Greeks. Its column, is eight diameters high, and
has seldom any ornaments 011 base or capital, except moldings ;
though the frieze is distinguished by triglyphs and metopes ; and
triglyphs compose the ornaments of the frieze."
(From, Cole's Ahiman Re ton.)
" The Doric is the best proportioned of all the orders. The
several parts of which it is composed, are founded on the natural
position of solid bodies. In its first invention, it was more
simple than in its present state. In after times, when it began
44 ahiman rez0n.
to be adorned, it gained the name of Doric ; for when it wa<
constructed in its primitive and simple form, the name of ^ uscar
was conferred on it. Hence the Tuscan precedes the Doric in ra11^
on account of its resemblance to that pillar in its original state.
the ionic
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
" Bears a kind of mean proportion between the more solid anc
delicate orders. Its column is nine diameters high ; its capital is
adorned with volutes, and its cornice has dentals. There is botl
delicacy and ingenuity displayed in this pillar ; the invention of
which is attributed to the Ionians, as the famous temple of Diana
at Ephesus, was of this order. It is said to have been formed
after the model of an agreeable young woman, of an eleganl
shape, dressed in her hair ; as a contrast to the Doric order
which was formed after that of a strong, robust man."
the corinthian,
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
" The richest of the five orders, is deemed a masterpiece of art
Its column is ten diameters high, and its capital is adorned witt
two rows of leaves, and eight volutes, which sustain the abacus
The frieze is ornamented with curious devices, the cornice witl
dentals and modillions. This order is used in stately and superl
structures.
of the invention of this order.
" It was invented at Corinth, by Callimachus, who is said t<
have taken the hint of the capital of this pillar, from the follow
ing remarkable circumstance :—Accidentally passing by the toml
of a young lady, he perceived a basket of toys covered with tile
placed over an acanthus root, having been left there by her nurse
As the branches grew up, they encompassed the basket, til]
arriving at the tile, they met with an obstruction, and bent dowr
ward. Callimachus, struck with the object, set about imitatin;
the figure: the vase of the capital, he made to represent th
basket; the abacus, the tile 5 and the volutes, the bending leaves.
the composite
(From Preston's Illustrations.)
" Is compounded of the other orders, and was contrived by tl
Romans. Its capital has the two rows of leaves of the Corinthia]
FELLOW-CRAFT.
45
and the volutes of the Ionic. Its column has quarter-rounds, as
the Tuscan and Doric orders ; it is ten diameters high ; and its
cornice has dentals, or simple modillions. This pillar is gener¬
ally found in buildings where strength, elegance, and beauty are
displayed."
OF THE INVENTION OF ORDER IN ARCHITECTURE.
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
"The ancient and original orders of architecture revered by
Masons, are no more than three—the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian,
which were invented by the Greeks. To these the Romans have
added two—the Tuscan, which they made plainer than the Doric ;
and the Composite, which was more ornamental, if not more beau¬
tiful, than the Corinthian. The first three orders alone, however,
show invention and particular character, and essentially differ
from each other : the two others have nothing but what is
borrowed, and differ only accidentally; the Tuscan is the Doric in
its earliest state ; and the Composite is the Corinthian enriched
with the Ionic. To the Greeks, therefore, and not to the Romans,
are we indebted for what is great, judicious, and distinct in
architecture."
THE FIYE SENSES:
THE EYE, THE EAR, THE TOUCH, THE NOSE, AND THE PALATE.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
THE EYE
" Is the organ of seeing; the sense by which we distinguish
objects, and in an instant of time, without change of place or
situation, view armies in battle array, figures of the most stately
structures, and all the agreeable variety displayed in the landscape
of nature. By this sense, we find our way on the pathless ocean,
traverse the globe of the earth, determine its figure and dimensions,
and delineate any region or quarter of it. By it we measure the
planetary orbs, and make new discoveries in the sphere of the fixed
stars. Nay, more : by it we perceive the tempers and dispositions,
the passions and affections, of our fellow creatures, when they wish
most to conceal them ; so that though the tongue may be taught to
lie and dissemble, the countenance would display the hypocrisy to
46
AHIMAN REZON.
the discerning eye. In fine, the rays of light, which administer to
this sense, are the most astonishing part of the animated creation,
and render the eye a peculiar object of admiration.
Of all the faculties, sight is the noblest. The structure of the
eye, and its appurtenances, evince the admirable contrivance
of nature for performing all its various external and internal
motions ; while the variety displayed in the eyes of different
animals, suited to their several ways of life, clearly demonstrates
this organ to be the masterpiece of Nature's work.
THE EAR
Is the organ of hearing ; the sense by which we distinguish
sounds, and are capable of enjoying all the agreeable charms of
music. By it we are enabled to enjoy the pleasures of society,
and reciprocally to communicate to each other our thoughts and
intentions, our purposes and desires ; while thus our reason is
capable of exerting its utmost power and energy.
The wise and beneficent Author of Nature intended, by the
formation of this sense, that we should be social creatures, and
receive the greatest and most important part of our knowledge by
the information of others. For these purposes, we are endowed
with hearing, that, by a proper exertion of our rational powers,
our happiness may be complete."
THE TOUCH
" Is that sense by which we distinguish the different qualities of
bodies: such as heat and cold, hardness and softness, roughness
and smoothness, figure, solidity, motion, and extension.'7
These three senses, Hearing, Seeing, and Feeling, are mosl
revered among Masons.
THE NOSE
" Is the organ of smelling ; the sense by which we distinguisl
odors, the various kinds of which convey different impressions tc
the mind. Animal and vegetable bodies, and indeed most othe]
bodies, while exposed to the air, continually send forth effluvia oi
vast subtilty, as well in the state of life and growth, as in thi
state of fermentation and putrefaction. These effluvia, beim
drawn into the nostrils along with the air, are the means
which all bodies are smelled. Hence, it is evident that there is"
manifest appearance of design in the great Creator's havini
FELLOW-CRAFT.
47
planted the organ of smell in the inside of that canal through
which the air continually passes in respiration.
THE PALATE,
" Is the organ of taste; and enables us to make a proper dis¬
tinction in the choice of our food. The organ of this sense guards
the entrance of the alimentary canal, as that of smelling guards
the entrance of the canal for respiration. From the situation of
both these organs, it is plain that they were intended by nature to
distinguish wholesome food from that which is nauseous. Every
thing that enters into the stomach must undergo the scrutiny of
tasting, and by it we are capable of discerning the changes which
the same body undergoes in the different compositions of art,
cookery, chemistry, pharmacy, etc.
Smelling and tasting are inseparably connected; and it is by
the unnatural kind of life men commonly lead in society, that
these senses are rendered less fit to perform their natural offices.
THE SEVEN LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES :
GRAMMAR, RHETORIC, LOGIC, ARITHMETIC, GEOMETRY, MUSIC, AND
ASTRONOMY.
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
GRAMMAR,
" Teaches the proper arrangement of words, according to the
idiom or dialect of any particular people ; and that excellency of
pronunciation, which enables us to speak or write a language with
accuracy, agreeably to reason and correct usage."
RHETORIC,
" Teaches us to speak copiously and fluently on any subject, not
merely with propriety alone, but with all the advantages of force
and elegance, wisely contriving to captivate the hearer by strength
of argument and beauty of expression, whether it be to entreat or
exhort, to admonish or applaud."
LOGIC,
" Teaches us to guide our reason discretionally in the general
knowledge of things, and directs our inquiries after truth. It
consists of a regular train of argument, whence we infer, deduce,
48 AHIMAN REZ0N.
and conclude, according to certain premises laid down, admitted,
or granted ; and in it are employed the faculties of conceiving,
judging, reasoning, and disposing ; all of which are naturally led
on from one gradation to another, till the point in question is
finally determined."
ARITHMETIC
"Teaches the powers and properties of numbers, which is
variously effected, by letters, tables, figures, and instruments. By
this art, reasons and demonstrations are given, for finding out any
certain number, whose relation or affinity to another is already
known or discovered."
GEOMETRY.
" Geometry treats of the powers and properties of magnitudes
in general, where length, breadth, and thickness are considered,
from a point to a line, from a line to a superficies, and from a
superficies to a solid."
" A point is a dimensionless figure ; or an indivisible part of a
space."
" A line is a point continued, and a figure of one capacity,
namely, length."
"A superficies is a figure of two dimensions, namely, length
and breadth."
" A solid is a figure of three dimensions, namely, length, breadth,
and thickness."
OP THE ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.
" By this science, the architect is enabled to construct his plans,
and execute his designs ; the general, to arrange his soldiers;
the geographer, to give us the dimensions of the world and all
things therein contained, to delineate the extent of seas, and
specify the divisions of empires, kingdoms, and provinces. By it,
also, the astronomer is enabled to make his observations, and to
fix the duration of time and seasons, years and cycles."
"In fine, geometry is the foundation of architecture, and the
root of the mathematics."
MUSIC
" Teaches the art of forming concords, so as to compose delight¬
ful harmony, by a mathematical and proportional arrangement of
FELLOW-CRAFT.
49
acute, grave, and mixed sounds. This art, by a scries of experi¬
ments, is reduced to a demonstrative science, with respect to
tones and the intervals of sound. It inquires into the nature of
concords and discords, and enables us to find out the proportion
between them by numbers."
ASTRONOMY
" Is that divine art by which we are taught to read the wisdom,
strength, and beauty, of the Almighty Creator, in those sacred
pages, the celestial hemisphere."
" Assisted by astronomy, we can observe the magnitudes, and
calculate the periods and eclipses of the heavenly bodies. By it,
we learn the use of the globes, the system of the world, and the
preliminary law of nature. While we are employed in the study
of this science, we must perceive unparalleled instances of wisdom
and goodness ; and, through the whole creation, trace the glorious
Author by his works."
Here an emblem of Plenty is introduced and explained."
Note.—Subjoined is a list of the bodies composing the solar system, as at present
known to astronomers. The revelations of the telescope, and the deductions of
scientific skill, have added greatly to astronomic knowledge since the time when
the sun, moon, and five planets seemed to be all that was certainly known of the
illimitable heavens.
the solar system.
1. The Sun.—His diameter is computed at 887,076 miles, exceeding the equar
torial radius of the earth 223.83 times. This enormous globe has, therefore,
1,401,910 times the volume of the earth, and the mass is found to be upward of
355,000 times greater. His mean distance from the earth is 95,298,260 English
miles.
2. Mekcury.—Is the nearest planet to the Sun, and revolving around him at a
mean distance of 36,890,000 miles in 87 days, 23 hours, and 15 minutes, 43*9 seconds.
Its diameter is about 2,950 miles. Its density (the earth being 1) is 1-12. The
most ancient recorded observation of this planet, is dated in the year of Nabon-
assar 494, on the morning of the 19th of the Egyptian month Thoth, answering
to 15th November, 265 B. C.
3. Yenus.—Has a diameter of about 7,900 miles, and revolves around the sun at
a mean distance of 68,770,000 miles, in 224 days, 16 hours, and 49 minutes, 8 seconds.
Yenus is the morning star from its inferior to its superior conjunction ; and the
evening star from its superior to its inferior conjunction. Once in about eight years,
its brilliancy is so great, that it is visible at noonday to the naked eye. This planet
4
50
AHIMAN REZON.
The Jewels of a Fellow-Craft, and the wages of a Worthy One,
are here explained.
OF THE MORAL ADVANTAGES OF GEOMETRY.
(Abridged from Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
" Geometry, the first and noblest of sciences, is the basis on
which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected.
"By geometry, we may curiously trace nature, through her
various windings, to her most concealed recesses. By it, we may
discover the power, the wisdom, and the goodness, of the Grand
Artificer of the universe, and view with delight the proportions
which connect this vast machine.
" By it, we may discover how the planets move in their different
orbits, and demonstrate their various revolutions. By it, we
account for the return of seasons, and the variety of scenes which
each season displays to the discerning eye. Numberless worlds
are around us, all framed by the same Divine Artist, which roll
through the vast expanse, and are all controlled by the same
unerring law of nature.
was observed by Timocharis on the night of the 17th Egyptian month Mesore,
in the 476th year of the era of Nabonassar, to eclipse a star at the extremity of
the wing of Yirgo. This date answers to 12th October, 271 B. C.
4. The Earth.—Its diameter is (equatorial) 7,925*6, (polar) 7,899-2 miles, the
period of its revolution around the Sun 365 days, 5 hours, and 48 minutes, 47*8 seconds,
one tropical year, at a mean distance of 95,298,260 miles. The perigee coincided
with the vernal equinox 4,089, B. 0. About A. D. 6,485, it will coincide with
the autumnal equinox. The obliquity of the ecliptic was ascertained by Tcheou-
kong, a Chinese astronomer, 1100 B. C., to be 23° 54' 2". Its present obliquity
is for 1st January, 1858, 23° 27' 27*27", and the mean annual diminution 0-457".
The Moon is a satellite, revolving around the Earth in a period of 27 days, 7
hours, and 43 minutes, 4-614 seconds, calculated sidereally, but its phases occur
in a synodical period of 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes, 2*87 seconds. The dis¬
tance of the moon from the earth is 238,650 miles. Its diameter is 2,160 miles.
5. Mars.—Has a diameter of 4,500 miles, and is distant from the Sun about
145,205,000 miles, revolving around him in 779 days and 23 hours. An observa¬
tion of Mars in Scorpio, is recorded on the morning of the 21st of the Egyptian
month Athyr, in the 476th year of the era of Nabonassar, answering to 17th
January, 272 B. O., at 18 hours on the meridian of Alexandria. This is the most
ancient recorded observation of this planet.
Between Mars and Jupiter occurs an interval of upward of 350,000,000 of
miles, in which, previous to the commencement of the present century, no planet
was known to exist. The following have been since discovered :
FELLOW-CRAFT.
51
" A survey of nature, and the observations of her beautiful pro¬
portions, first determined man to imitate the Divine plan, and
MINOR OR ULTRA ZODIACAL PLANETS.
Name.
1. Ceres,
2. Pallas,
3. Juno,
4. Yesta,
5. Astrea,
6. Hebe,
7. Iris,
8. Flora,
9. Metis,
10. Hygeia,
11. Parthenope,
12. Clio, or Victoria,
13. Egeria,
14. Irene,
15. Eunomia,
16. Psyche,
17. Thetis,
18. Melpomene,
19. Fortuua,
20. Massalia,
21. Lutetia,
22. Calliope,
23. Thalia,
24. Themis,
25. Phocea,
26. Proserpine,
27. Euterpe,
28. Bellona,
29. Amphitrite,
30. Urania,
31. Euphrosyne,
32. Pomona,
33. Polymnia,
34. Circe,
35. Leucothea,
36. Atalanta,
37. Fides,
38. Leda,
39. Letitia,
40. Harmonia,
41. Daphne,
42. Isis,
43. Ariadne,
44. Nysa,
45. Eugenia,
46. Pales,
47. JEestia,
48 )
>• Not named,
50. Virginia,
Date of Discovery.
January 1, 1801..
March 28,1802..
September 1,1804
March 29,1807..
December 8,1845
July 1,1847
August 13, 1847.
October 18,1847.
April 25, 1848...
April 12, 1849...
May 11,1850... .
September 13,1850
November 2,1850
May 19,1851...
July 29,1851...
March 17, 1852..
April 17,1852..
June 24,1852...
August 22,1852.
September 19,1852
November 15,1852
November 16,1852
December 15,1852
April 5,1853...
April 6, 1853...
May 5,1853...
November 8,1853
March 1,1854...
March 2,1854...
July 22,1854-..
September 1,1854
October 17, 1854
October 29, 1854
April 5, 1855..
April 19, 1855..
October 5,1855..
October 5,1855..
January 12,1856
February 8,1856
March 31,1856.
May 22,1856..
May 23,1856..
April 15,1857..
May 27,1857..
June 28,1857..
August 16,1857
Sept. 15,1857..
Sept. 19,1857.'
October 4,1857*
I'erind ot
Uevolu'n
in day
1652
1687
1591
1325
1511
1378
1346
1193
1347
2044
1401
1302
1505
1514
1574
Distance from the
Sun in miles.
263,713,000
264,258,000
254,312,000
225,000,000
245,622,000
231,089,000
227,334,000
209,826,000
227,387,000
300,322,000
233,611,000
222,373,000
244,940,000
246,070,000
252,500,000
52
AHIMAN EEZON.
study symmetry and order. This gave rise to societies, and biith
to every useful art. The architect began to design; and the
plans which he laid down, being improved by experience and
time, have produced works which are the admiration of every
age."
{From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
"The lapse of time, the ruthless hand of ignorance, and the
devastations of war, have laid waste and destroyed many valuable
monuments of antiquity, on which the utmost exertions of human
genius have been employed. Even the temple of Solomon, so
spacious and magnificent, and constructed by so many celebrated
artists, escaped not the unsparing ravages of barbarous force.
6. Jupiter.—Has a mean diameter of 88,780 miles: revolves around the sun
in a period of 4,332 days (a little less than 12 years) at a distance of 495,81 *7,000
miles. Jupiter is attended by four satellites. The most ancient observation of
this planet, is a record of the eclipse of one of the stars (8) of the constellation
Cancer, by this planet, in the morning of the 18th of the Egyptian month Epiphi,
in the 83rd year after the death of Alexander the Great, answering to 3rd Sep¬
tember, 240 B. O.
7. Saturn.—The revolution of this planet around the sun occupies about 29%
years, at a mean distance of 909,028,000 miles. Its diameter is about 77,230
miles. Saturn is surrounded by a ring, and attended by eight satellites, named as
follows :—Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Bhea, Titan, Hyperion, Japetus.
The most ancient observation of this planet which has reached us, is one made at
Babylon, on the 14th of the month Tybi, in the 519th year of the era of Nabon-
assar, corresponding to 1st March, 228 B. O. This was the outermost of the
planets known previous to the year 1781.
8. Uranus.—This planet was discovered by Sir AYm. Herschel on the 13th
March, 1781. The period of its revolution is about 84 years, and its distance
from the Sun about 1,828,071,000 miles ; its diameter is about 35,000 miles; it is
accompanied by six satellites.
9. Neptune.—The position of this planet was discovered by calculation, and
predicted by M. Le Yerrier, on the 31st August, 1846 ; and on the 25th Septem¬
ber, it was verified by the actual discovery of the planet, with the telescope,
within 2% seconds of space of the point assigned to it by the prediction. It is
supposed to be accompanied by two satellites. Its diameter is about 31,000 miles;
its time of revolution something over 164)^ years, and its distance from the sun
2,862,457,000 miles.
Independently of comets, some of whose orbits are confined to the limits of our
solar system, we find that it comprises eighty-three planetary bodies, with their
satellites, nearly twelve times as many as, in the infancy of the scieaice, thfi
astronomer reckoned on the plains of Shinar.
fellow-craft.
53
Freemasonry, notwithstanding, has still survived.. The attentive
Ear receives the sound from the instructive Tongue; and the
mysteries of Freemasonry are safely lodged in the repository of
faithful Breasts. Tools and instruments of architecture, and
symbolic emblems, most expressive, are selected by the fraternity,
to imprint on the mind wise and serious truths ; and thus, through
a succession of ages, are transmitted, unimpaired, the most excel¬
lent tenets of our institution."
CHARGE
AT PASSING TO THE DEGREE OF FELLOW CKAFT.
(From Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
Brother :—Being passed to the second degree of Masonry, we
congratulate you on your preferment. The internal, and not the
external, qualifications of a man, are what Masonry regards.
As you increase in knowledge, you will improve in social inter¬
course.
It is unnecessary to recapitulate the duties which, as a Mason,
you are bound to discharge, or to enlarge on the necessity of a
strict adherence to them, as your own experience must have
established their value. It may be sufficient to observe that
your past behavior, and regular deportment, have merited the
honor which we have conferred ; and, in your new character, it
is expected that you will not only conform to the principles of
the Order, but steadily persevere in the practice of every virtue.
The study of the liberal arts, that valuable branch of education
which tends so effectually to polish and adorn the mind, is
earnestly recommended to your consideration, especially the
science of geometry, which is established as the basis of our art.
Geometry, or Masonry, originally synonymous terms, is of a
divine and moral nature, and enriched with the most useful
knowledge. While it proves the wonderful properties of nature,
it demonstrates the more important truths of morality.
As the solemnity of our ceremonies requires a serious deport¬
ment, you are to be particularly attentive to your behavior in our
regular assemblies; you are to preserve our ancient usages and
customs sacred and inviolable, and induce others, by your example,
to hold them in due veneration. The laws and regulations you
are strenuously to support, and be always ready to assist in seeing
54
AHIMAN KEZON.
them duly executed. You are not to palliate, or aggravate, the
offenses of your brethren ; but, in the decision of every trespass
against our rules, you are to judge with candor, admonish with
friendship, and reprehend with mercy.
As a craftsman, in our private assemblies you may offer your
sentiments and opinions in such subjects as are regularly intro¬
duced in the lecture, under the superintendence of an experienced
Master, who will guard the landmarks against encroachment.
By this privilege you may improve your intellectual powers,
qualify yourself to become a useful member of society, and, like
a skillful Brother, strive to excel in what is good and great.
******
Such is the nature of your engagement as a craftsman ; and these
duties you are now bound by the most sacred ties to observe.
DEGREE OF MASTER.
CHAPTER V.
(From MacJcey's Ahiman Rezon.)
" This has very properly been called the sublime degree of a
Master Mason, as well for the solemnity of the ceremonies which
accompany it, as for the profound lessons of wisdom which it incul¬
cates. The important design of the degree, is to symbolize the
great doctrines of the resurrection of the body, and the immortality
of the soul: and hence it has been remarked by a learned writer
of our Order, that the Master Mason represents a man saved from
the grave of iniquity, and raised to the faith of salvation. The
lecture is divided into three sections."
Itdim of tjit %\xx)s Dfgm.
SECTION I.
The ceremony of raising a candidate to the sublime degree of a
Master Mason is particularly described in the first section, which,
though brief will be found essentially useful.
The following passage of Scripture is read during the ceremony:—
Ecclesustes xii. 1-7.
" Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while
the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt
say, I have no pleasure in them; while the sun, or the light, or
the moon, or the stars, be not darkened, nor the clouds return
after the rain; in the day when the keepers of the house shall
tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the
grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of
56
AHIMAN REZON.
the windows be darkened; and the doors shall be shut in the
streets, when the sound of the grinding is low ; and he shall rise
up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall
be brought low. Also, when they shall' be afraid of that which
is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall
flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall
fail; because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go
about the streets : or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the golden
bowl be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the
cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and
the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."
In Lodges where instrumental music is introduced, the following
versification of the foregoing Scripture is used :—
Music—Bonny Doon.
Let us remember in our youth,
Before the evil days draw nigh,
Our great Creator, and his truth,
Ere memory fail and pleasures fly,
Or sun, or moon, or planet's light
Grow dark, or clouds return in gloom,
Ere vital spark no more incite,
When strength shall bow, and years consume.
Let us in youth remember Him
Who formed our frame, and spirit gave,
Ere windows of the mind grow dim,
Or door of speech obstructed wave ;
When voice of bird fresh terrors wake,
And music's daughters charm no more,
Or fears arise, with trembling shape.
Along the path we travel o'er.
In youth to God let memory cling,
Ere fails desire, or memory wane,
Or ere be loosed life's silver string,
Or bowl at fountain rent in twain ;
For man to his long home doth go,
And mourners group around his urn ;
Our dust its kindred dust shall know,
And spirit unto God return.
degree op master.
57
The Working Tools of a Master Mason (says Preston) are all the
implements of masonry indiscriminately, but more especially
the trowel.*
(From tfe&6's Monitor.)
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 cement which
unites us into one sacred band or society of friends and brothers,
among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble con¬
tention, or rather emulation, of who can best work, or best agree.
* I find the following note on this emblem, in Cole's Ahiman Rezon:—
" I have no objection to have the trowel used as often as it can be applied to a
purpose so beneficial to the craft; but must at the same time be allowed to
remark, that this important instrument is especially adapted to the Select Master,
a degree highly important, although not generally known. The trowel has not,
until of late, been considered as appertaining to the degree of Master Mason."
In the work above quoted, the working tools of a Master Mason are said to
be, " in a particular manner the Holy Bible, Square, and the Compasses. The
sacred writings being the spiritual trestle board on which the Master draws, and
from whence he deduces his proper designs, it is appropriately circumscribed by
the compass of reason, and laid down agreeably to the square of conscience.
Thus the experienced Master, in his degree—in imitation of the glorious Creator
of all things, both in heaven and earth, the wise Founder of the Universe, who,
with his far-extended compasses, measures worlds unnumbered, prescribes their
revolutions and keeps them within their orbits—should regulate his passions,
curb his desires, and, by an ^deviating course of faith, hope, and charity,
endeavor to qualify himself for ' a house not made with hands, a habitation eternal
in the heavens.'"
" In Egypt, the Third Degree (of the Mysteries) was denominated ' The Gate
of Death.' The coffin of Osiris, which, on account of his supposed recent assas¬
sination, yet bearing traces of his blood, was elevated in the Hall of the Dead, where
a portion of the ceremony of reception was performed. The aspirant was asked
if he had taken any part in the murder of Osiris; after other proof, and in spite
of his denial, he was stricken on the head, or they feigned to strike him a blow
on the head, with a hatchet. He was prostrated, covered with bandages like a
mummy; they bewailed around him, lightnings flashed, the supposed dead was
surrounded with fire, and afterward restored to life."—(Orthodoxie Magonnique,
par M. Ragon, p. 101.)
58
AHIMAN REZON.
The three precious jewels of a Master Mason are also delivered to
the candidate.
SECTION II.
(From, Mackey's Ahiman Rezon.)
" The second section of this lecture, is of preeminent importance.
It recites the legend, or historical tradition, on which the degree is
founded ; a legend whose symbolic interpretation testifies our faith
in the resurrection of the'body, and the immortality of the soul,
while it exemplifies an instance of virtue, fortitude, and integrity,
never surpassed in the history of man."
The following psalm is sometimes sung :—
Psalm C.
1. Before Jehovah's awful throne,
Ye nations bow with sacred joy ;
Know that the Lord is God alone,
He can create, and he destroy.
2. His sovereign power, without our aid,
Made us of clay and formed us men ;
And when like wandering sheep we strayed,
He brought us to his fold again.
8. We are his people, we his care,
Our souls, and all our mortal frame ;
What lasting honors shall we rear,
Almighty Maker, to thy name ?
4. We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs,
High as the heaven our voices raise,
And earth, with her ten thousand tongues,
Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise.
5. Wide as the world is thy command,
Vast as eternity thy love ;
Firm as a rock thy truth must stand,
When rolling years shall cease to move.
PRAYER
AT INITIATION INTO THE THIRD DEGREE.
(From Webb's Monitor.)
0 Lord, direct us to know and servo thee aright j prosper
our laudable undertakings; and grant that as we increase in
DEGKEE OP MASTEK.
59
knowledge, we may improve in virtue, and still further promote
tliy honor and glory. So mote it be. Amen.
The following dirge is performed during the ceremony :—
Dirge.—Pleyd-s Hymn.
Solemn strikes the funeral chime,
Notes of our departing time,
As we journey here below,
Through a pilgrimage of woe.
Mortals, now indulge a tear,
For mortality is here ;
See how wide her trophies wave
O'er the slumbers of the grave !
Calm the good man meets his fate,
Guards celestial round him wait;
See, he bursts these mortal chains,
And o'er death the victory gains !
PRAYER
at raising a brother to the sublime degree op a master mason.
Thou, 0 God! knowest our down sittings and our up risings,
and understandest our thoughts afar off. 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 traveling
through this vale of tears. Man that is born of a woman, is of
few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth as a flower, and
is cut down; he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are
with thee ; thou hast appointed his bounds that he can not pass:
turn from him that he may rest, till he shall accomplish his day.
For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout
again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. But
man dieth and wasteth away; yea, man giveth up the ghost, and
where is he ? 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. Yet, 0 Lord! have compassion
on the children of thy creation ; administer them comfort in time
60 AHIMAN REZON.
of trouble, and save them with an everlasting salvation. So
mote it be. Amen.
SECTION III.
This section furnishes many details connected with the building
of Solomon's temple, to which most of the symbolism of the Order is
referred ; it at the same time, however, inculcates important lessons,
and concludes with an explanation of the hieroglyphical emblems of
the degree.
THE TEMPLE OF KING SOLOMON.
Yerv erroneous notions prevail as to the form of this structure.
To correct, in some measure, the extravagant ideas sometimes enter¬
tained as to its vast proportions, the dimensions of the edifice are
cited below, from 1 Kings, vi. 2, 3.
" 2. And the house which King Solomon built for the Lord, the
length thereof was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty
cubits, and the height thereof thirty cubits."
" 3. And the porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits
was the length thereof, according to the breadth of the house, and
ten cubits was the breadth thereof before the house."
This constituted what was properly the temple, or house, the house
of God. But besides this, there were courts and colonnades, with
rooms and chambers for the accommodation of the priests engaged
in the service of the temple. The account given below of this
famous structure, must be considered as applying to the whole
extent of the buildings. Its construction was attended by remark¬
able and preternatural circumstances, according to the account of
Josephus, who asserts that, during the period occupied in the
building (a space of seven years), it rained not in the day time, that
the workmen might not be impeded in their labor ; and, in the
seventh verse of the sixth chapter of 1 Kings, we are informed that
the house, "when it was in building, was built of stone made ready
before it was brought thither, so that there was neither hammer, nor
axe, nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was building."
This, it is probable, refers to the temple itself, because a building to
be dedicated to the worship of Jehovah, could hardly, consistently
with Jewish law, be constructed of stone, upon which any tool of
iron had been used.
DEGREE OF MASTER.
61
(From Cole's Ahiman Hezvn.)
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. There were
employed in its building, three Grand Masters ; three thousand
three hundred Overseers of the work ; eighty thousand Fellow
Crafts, or hewers on the mountains and in the quarries ; and
seventy thousand Entered Apprentices, or bearers of burdens.
THE THREE STEPS,
Usually delineated upon the Master's carpet, are emblematical
of the three principal stages of human life, viz., youth, manhood,
and age. In youth, as Entered Apprentices, we ought industriously
to occupy our minds in the attainment of useful knowledge; in
manhood, as Fellow Crafts, we should apply our knowledge to the
discharge of our respective duties to God, our neighbors, and our¬
selves ; that so, in age, as Master Masons, we may enjoy the
happy reflections consequent on a well-spent life, and die in the
hope of a glorious immortality.
THE POT OF INCENSE
Is an emblem of a pure heart, which is always an acceptable
sacrifice to the Deity; and, as this glows with fervent heat, so
should our hearts continually glow with gratitude to the great
beneficent Author of our existence, for the manifold blessings and
comforts we enjoy.
THE BEE HIVE
Is an emblem of industry, and recommends the practice of that
virtue to all created beings, from the highest seraph in heaven to
the lowest reptile of the dust. It teaches us that we came into
the world rational and intelligent beings, so we should ever be
industrious ones : never sitting down contented whiie our fellow-
creatures around us are in want, when it is in our power to
relieve them without inconvenience to ourselves.
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 field, or sheltering himself from the inclem¬
encies of the weather. It might have pleased the great Creator
62 ahiman rez0n.
of heaven and earth to have made man independent of all other
"beings ; but, as dependence is one of the strongest bonds of
society, mankind were made dependent on each other for protec¬
tion and security, as they thereby enjoy better opportunities of
fulfilling the duties of reciprocal love and friendship. Thus was
man formed for social and active life, the noblest part of the work
of God ; and he that will so demean himself, as not to be endeav¬
oring to add to the common stock of knowledge and understand¬
ing, may be deemed a drone in the hive of nature, a useless member
of society, and unworthy of our protection as Masons.
the book of constitutions, guarded by the tyler's sword,
Reminds us, that we should be ever watchful and guarded in
our words and actions, particularly when before the enemies of
Masonry ; ever bearing in remembrance those truly Masonic
virtues, silence and circumspection.
the sword, pointing to a naked heart
Demonstrates that justice will sooner or later overtake us;
and although our thoughts, words, and actions may be hidden
from the eyes of men, yet that
all-seeing eye,
Whom the Sun, Moon, and Stars obey, and under whose
watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revolutions,
pervades the inmost recesses of the human Heart, and will
reward us according to our merits.
the anchor and ark
Are emblems of a well-grounded hope, and a well-spent life.
They are emblematical of that divine Ark, which safely wafts us
over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that Anchor which shall
safely moor us in a peaceful harbor, where the wicked cease from
troubling, and the weary shall find rest.
the forty-seventh problem of euclid.
This was an invention of our ancient friend and brother, the
great Pythagoras, who, in his travels through Asia, Africa, and
Europe, was initiated into several orders of priesthood, and raised
to the sublime Degree of Master Mason. This wise philosopher
enriched his mind abundantly in a general knowledge of things,
degree of master.
63
and more especially in geometry, or Masonry. On this subject,
lie drew out many problems and theorems; and among the most
distinguished, he erected this, which, in the joy of his heart, he
called Eu^rjy.a {Eureka), in the Grecian language, signifying, /
have found it; and upon the discovery of which, he is said to
have sacrificed a hecatomb. It teaches Masons to be general
lovers of the arts and sciences.
the hour-glass
Is an emblem of human life. Behold ! how swiftly the sands
run, and how rapidly our lives are drawing to a close! We
can not without astonishment behold the little particles which
are contained in this machine ; how they pass away almost imper¬
ceptibly ! and yet, to our surprise, in the short space of an hour,
they are all exhausted.
" This is the state of man; to-day he puts forth
The tender leaves of hope, to-morrow blossoms
And bears his blushing honors thick upon him ;
The third day comes a frost, a killing frost,
And when he thinks, good easy man, full surely,
His greatness is a ripening,—nips his root,
And then he falls."—
the scythe v
Is an emblem of time, which cuts the brittle thread of life, and
launches us into eternity. Behold! what havoc the scythe of
time makes among the human race! If by chance we should
escape the numerous evils incident to childhood and youth, and
with health and vigor arrive to the years of manhood; yet,
withal, we must soon be cut down by the all-devouring scythe of
time, and be gathered into the land where our fathers have gone
before us.
The last class of emblems comprise The Setting Maul, the
Spade, the Coffin, and Sprig of Cassia.
Thus, we close the explanation of the emblems upon the solemn
thought of death, which, without revelation, is dark and gloomy ;
but the Sons of Light are suddenly revived by the evergreen and
everliving sprig of faith in the merits of the Lion of the tribe
of Judali, inviting us, with confidence and composure, to look
64
ahiman rezon.
forward to a blessed immortality ; nothing doubting but in the
glorious morn of the resurrection, this body will arise, and
become as incorruptible as the soul.
Then let us imitate the regenerated man in his virtuous and
amiable conduct; in his unfeigned piety to God ; in his inflexible
fidelity to his trust; that we may welcome the grim tyrant
Death, and receive him as a kind messenger sent from our
Supreme Grand Master, to translate us from this imperfect to
that all-perfect, glorious, and celestial Lodge above, where the
Supreme Architect of the universe presides.
CHARGE.
AT RAISING TO THE SUBLIME DEGREE OF MASTER MASON.
(From, Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.)
Brother. :—Your zeal for the institution of Masonry, the
progress you have made in the art, and your conformity to the
general regulations, have pointed you out as a proper object of
our favor and esteem.
In the character of a Master Mason, you are henceforth author¬
ized to correct the errors and irregularities of your brethren and
fellows, and, guard them against a breach of fidelity. To improve
the morals, and correct the manners of men in society, must be
your constant care. With this view, therefore, you are always to
recommend to your inferiors, obedience and submission; to your
equals, courtesy and affability; to your superiors, kindness and
condescension. Universal benevolence you are always to incul¬
cate ; and, by the regularity of your own behavior, afford the best
example for the conduct of others. The ancient landmarks
of the Order, which are here intrusted to your care, you are to
preserve sacred and inviolable, and never suffer an infringement
of our rights, or a deviation from established usage and custom.
Duty, honor, and gratitude, now bind you to be faithful to every
trust, to support with becoming dignity your new character, and
to enforce by example and precept, the tenets of the system.
Let no motive, therefore, make you swerve from your duty,
violate your vows, or betray your trust; but be true and faithful,
and imitate the example of that celebrated artist, whom you have
once represented. By this exemplary conduct, you will convince
DEGREE OF MASTER.
65
the world that merit has been your title to our privileges, and
that on you our favors have not been undeservedly bestowed.
THE FIVE POINTS OF FELLOWSHIP ILLUSTRATED.
{From, the Master Key.*)
First.—When the necessities of a brother call for my aid and
support, I will be ever ready to lend him such assistance to save
him from sinking as may not be detrimental to myself or connections.
If I find him worthy thereof.
Second.—Indolence shall not cause my footsteps to halt, nor
wrath turn them aside ; but forgetting- every selfish consideration, I
will be ever swift of foot to serve, help, and execute benevolence to
a fellow creature in distress, and more particularly to a brother
Mason.
Third.—When I offer up my ejaculations to Almighty God, a
brother's welfare I will remember as my own ; for, as the voices of
babes and sucklings ascend to the throne of grace, so most assuredly
will the breathings of a fervent heart arise to the mansions of bliss,
as our prayers are certainly required of each other.
Fourth.—A brother's secrets, delivered to me as such, I will keep
as I would my own ; a betraying that trust, might be doing him the
greatest injury he could sustain in this mortal life ; nay, it would
be like the villainy of an assassin, who lurks in darkness to stab his
adversary, when unarmed, and least prepared to meet an enemy.
Fifth.—A brother's character I will support, in his absence as I
would in his presence ; I will not wrongfully revile him myself, nor
will I suffer it to be done by others, if in my power to prevent.it.
Thus, by the five points of fellowship, are we linked together in
one indivisible chain of sincere affection, brotherly love, relief, and
truth.
* The Master Key, through all the degrees of a Freemason's Lodge, to which
are added eulogiums and illustrations upon Freemasonry, Theology, Astronomy,
Geometry, Architecture, Art, Science, etc., with a correct and complete list of all
the modern regular Lodges, showing when constituted, and when and where held ;
also, Lodges of instruction and times of meeting. By J. Browne, P. M. and H. Z. I.
London. Printed ; A.L. YMDCCXCIY., A.D. MDCCXCVIII.
5
CAPITULAR AND CRYPTIC DEGREES,
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD
©ajpftular JHegrees.
Chapter VI MARK MASTER.
Sec. 1. " "
a 2. " "
Chapter vn PAST MASTER.
Chapter VIII M. E. MASTER.
Chapter IX ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
Sec. 1. " " <•
Sec. 2. « " '•
Sec. 3. " " "
Chapter X.
Critic Sejjrees.
.ROYAL MASTER. I Sec. 2. SELECT MASTER.
©rttcr of
Chapter SI.—Sec. 1....ORGANIZATION.
Sec. 2....RECEPTION.
3Prtesti)ootT.
Sec. 3. DESCRIPTION OF BREAST-PLATE.
CAPITULAR DEGREES.
CHAPTER VI.
DEGREE OP MARK MASTER *
This degree, together with that of Past Master, Select Master,
Most Excellent Master, Royal Master, and Ark Master, or Noachite,
in CoUs Ahiman Rezon, is treated as an Order, and considered
merely elucidatory of the second, third, and fourth degrees ; that
is, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, and Royal Arch Mason. It is
undeniable that, in England, the Royal Arch Degree is worked under
the authority of the Blue Lodges, and ancient treatises on the mys¬
teries of the Craft recognize the Royal Arch as the fourth degree in
Masonry.
In. this country, the Royal Arch, with such parts of the Ritual as
were necessarily connected with its work, have been arranged under
a separate jurisdiction since 1197. Previous to that period, a com¬
petent number of Royal Arch Masons, " under the sanction of a
Master's warrant, exercised the rights and privileges of Royal Arch
Chapters, although in most cases, the sanction of a neighboring Chap¬
ter was deemed useful, if not essential." In 179t, a convention of
representatives formed the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania ; an
example which was followed by other states, and resulted in the
final separation of Chapter Masonry from the jurisdiction of the Blue
Lodge. It should not, however, be hastily concluded, that Capitular
Freemasonry is of modern date. The Ritual and Instruction, though
much dislocated, is part and parcel of the ancient fabric of Free¬
masonry, the organization only being of modern arrangement, and
that simply for convenience.
The following charge is read at the opening a Mark Lodge.
1 Peter ii.
"1. Wherefore, brethren, lay aside all malice, and guile, and
hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings.
* In Webb's Monitor (edition, 1797), this degree is called the fourth, or, Master Mark
Mason's Degree, and he has this curious remark :—" By the influence of this degree,
the operative Mason, at the erection of the stately temple of Solomon, was known
and distinguished by the Senior Grand Warden."
70 AHIMAN REZON.
•' 3. If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious ;
" 4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed
of men, but chosen of God, and precious ;
"5. Ye also, as living stones, be ye built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God,
by Jesus Christ.
" 6. Wherefore also it is contained in the Scriptures, Behold, I
lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious; and he that
believeth on him shall not be confounded.
" 7. Unto you, therefore, which believe, he is precious ; but unto •
them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders dis¬
allowed, the same is made the head of the corner.
" 15. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing, ye put to
silence the ignorance of foolish men.
" 16. As free, and not as using your liberty for a cloak of
maliciousness ; but as the servants of God.
" 17. Honor all men ; love the brotherhood ; fear God."
It trim of t|t Jfourilj Dtjrtt.
At the arrangement of these degrees, as separate divisions of the
Ritual of Freemasonry, the instruction conveyed was apportioned to
different parts of the ceremony, to conform to usage in the symbolic
degrees of the Order. This lecture is accordingly divided into two
sections.
SECTION I.
(From Webb's Freemason's Monitor. Ed. 1797.)
The first section explains the manner of convocating and opening
a Mark Master's* Lodge. It teaches the duties of the respective
officers, and recapitulates the mystic ceremony of introducing a
candidate.
In this section is exemplified the regularity and good order that
was observed by the craftsmen on Mount Libanus, and in the plains
* Brother Webb says a "Master Mark Lodge," but I have used the term most
familiar at this day.
MARK MASTER.
71
and quarries of Zeredathah, and it ends with a beautiful display of
the manner in which one of the principal events took place.
The working tools of a Mark Master are delivered to the candi.
date, and their symbolism explained.
THE CHISEL
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezon.)
Morally demonstrates the advantages of discipline and educa¬
tion. The mind, like the diamond in its original state, is rude
and unpolished ; but as the effect of the chisel on the external
coat soon presents to view the latent beauties of the diamond ; so
education discovers the latent virtues of the mind, and draws
them forth to range the large field of matter and space, to display
the summit of human knowledge, our duty to God and to man.
THE MALLET
Morally teaches to correct irregularities, and to reduce man to
a proper level ; so that, by quiet deportment, he may, in the
school of discipline, learn to be content. "What the mallet is to
the workman, enlightened reason is to the passions : it curbs
ambition, it depresses envy, it moderates anger, and it encourages
good dispositions ; whence arises among good Masons that comely
order,
" Which nothing earthly gives, or can destroy,
The soul's calm sunshine and the heart-felt joy."
SECTION II,
(From Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.)
In the second section is recited the mode of advancing a candidate
to this degree ; by which the Mark Master is instructed in the origin
and history of the degree, and in the indispensable obligations he is
under to stretch forth his assisting hand for the relief of an indigent
and worthy brother, to a certain specified extent. We are here
taught to ascribe praise to the meritorious, and to dispense rewards
to the diligent and industrious.*
* Brother "Webb, in his edition of the Monitor of 1797, says: " In the second
section, the Master Mark Mason is particularly instructed in the history of this degree,
and the increased obligation he is under to stretch forth his assisting hand to the
relief of an indigent and worthy brother."
72
AHIMAN REZON.
The following texts of Scripture are introduced and explained :
Psalm cxviii. 22.
" The stone which the builders refused, is become the head
of the corner."
Matthew xxi. 42.
" Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the
builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner ?"
Mark xii. 10.
" And have ye not read this Scripture, The stone which the
builders rejected, is become the head of the corner ?"
Luke xx. 17.
" What is this, then, that is written, The stone which the
builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner?"
Acts iv. 11.
" This is the stone which was set at nought of you, builders,
which is become the head of the corner."
Revelation of St. John' ii. 17.
"To him that overcometh, will I give to eat of the hidden
manna ; and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new
name written, which no man knoweth, saving him that receiveth it."
Revelation iii. 13.
" He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.7'
2 Chronicles ii. 16.
" And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt
need ; and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa, and
thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem."
Ezekiel xliv. 1 and 5.
" Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward
sanctuary, which looketh toward the east, and it was shut. And
the Lord said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with
thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, all that I say unto thee, con¬
cerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord, and all the
laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with
every going forth of the sanctuary."
MARK MASTER. 73
The following song is sung previous to closing :—
MARK MASTER'S SONG.
Mark Mas - ters all ap - pear, Be - fore the
{0. h 3 ® a
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P ®
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o is « 4» • S> 9
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work in - spect,
p • ® a
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For the Chief Ar - - chi - tect,
4 1 T
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—i*_J?—r f—#—p—H-
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If there be no de - feet He will ap - prove.
74
AHIMAN REZON.
You who liave passed the square,
For your rewards prepare,
Join heart and hand ;
Each with his mark in view,
March with the just and true ;
Wages to you are due,
At your command.
Hiram, the widow's son,
Sent unto Solomon
Our great key-stone ;
On it appears the name
Which raises high the fame
Of all to whom the same
Is truly known.
Now to the westward move,
Where, full of strength and love,
Hiram doth stand
But if impostors are
' Mix'd with the worthy there,
Caution them to beware
Of the right hand.
Now to the praise of those
Who triumph'd o'er the foes
Of Mason's art ;
To the praiseworthy three,
Who founded this degree ;
May all their virtues be
Deep in our hearts.
Possessing but few claims to antiquity, this Degree seems in a
particular manner, to have attracted the labor of zealous lecturers
in its embellishment; and the inquirer need not, therefore, be sur¬
prised to find some considerable discrepancy throughout this country,
in the mode by which it is imparted. In England, it is comparatively
unknown, and but little practiced, while in the United States it has
been elevated to a high rank in the ritual. Indeed, though in some
of the states it has been made the vehicle for the presentation of
some ceremonies, rather at variance with its assumed antiquity ; in
mark master.
75
others the inconsistencies, too apparent even in its most abbreviated
form, have been too painfully felt.
The ancient substratum of the degree is to be found in the
allusions to the " stone which the builders rejected," and the " white
stone, with a new name in it," which has been overlaid from time to
time with various well-meaning, though rather crude illustrations,
until the whole has become so intimately fused together, that the
incrustation can hardly be separated from the nucleus.
The following passages of Holy Writ serve in an eminent man¬
ner to elucidate this degree :—
Exodus xxii. 26.
" If thou at all take thy neighbor's raiment to pledge, thou shalt
deliver it unto him by that the sun goeth down."
Deuteronomy xxiv. 6.
"No man shall take the nether or the upper millstone to pledge,
for he taketh a man's life to pledge."
CHARGE
TO BE DELIVERED WHEN A CANDIDATE IS ADVANCED TO THE DEGREE OF MARK MASTER.
(From. Colt's Ahiman Rezon; altered from WdbJs Monitor.)
Brother :—I congratulate you on having been thought worthy
of being advanced to this honorable degree of Freemasonry.
Permit me to impress it on your mind that your assiduity should
ever be commensurate with your duties, which become more and
more extensive as you advance in Masonry.
The situation to which you are now promoted, will draw upon
you. not only the scrutinizing eyes of the world at large, but those
also of your brethren on whom this degree has not been con¬
ferred ; all will be justified in expecting your conduct and
behavior to be such as may with safety be imitated.
In the honorable character of Mark Master Mason, it is more
particularly your duty to endeavor to let your conduct in the
Lodge, and among your brethren, be such as may stand the test
of the Grand Overseer's square ; that you may not, like the
unfinished and imperfect work of the negligent and unfaithful of
former times, be rejected and thrown aside, as unfit for that spiritual
building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
While such is your conduct, should misfortunes assail you,
76
AHIMAN REZON.
should friends forsake you, should envy traduce your good name,
and malice persecute you, yet may you have confidence that
among Mark Master Masons you will find friends who will admin¬
ister relief to your distresses, and comfort your afflictions ; ever
bearing; in mind, as a consolation under all the frowns of fortune,
and as an encouragement to hope for better prospects, that the
stone which the builders rejected [possessing merits to them un¬
known] became the chief stone of the corner.
During the ceremony the following parable is recited :—
Matthew xx. 1-16.
"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an
householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers
into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for
a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out
about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market¬
place, and said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and what¬
soever is right, I will give you. And they went their way. And
again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.
And about the eleventh hour, he went out and found others standing
idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle ?
They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto
them, Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, that
shall ye receive. So, when evening was come, the lord of the vine¬
yard saith unto his steward, Call the laborers, and give them their
hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came,
that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man
a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should
have received more, and they likewise received every man a penny.
And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man
of the house, saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and
thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden
and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said»
Friend, I do thee no wrong ; didst thou not agree with me for a
penny ? Take that thine is, and go thy way ; I will give unto
this last even as unto thee. Is it not lawful for me to do what I
will with my own ? Is thine eye evil, because I am good ? So
the last shall be first, and the first last ; for many be called, but
few chosen."
CHAPTER VII.
DEGREE OP PAST MASTER
The intelligent Freemason will carefully discriminate between the
degree of Past Master and the office of Past Master. With the office
of Past Master the Chapter has no connection. One of the pre¬
requisites to admission to the Order of the Holy Royal Arch, was
the election of the candidate to the degree of Master. The great
body of the Order were Fellow Crafts, and those elected to the
degree of Master were qualified to preside over a Lodge, which was
an occasional meeting of competent brethren. This degree of
Master seems to have been conferred only in the Grand Lodge as it
was then known to the Craft; and when Lodges were prohibited
from assembling without a warrant, or charter, the practice of con¬
ferring the degree of Master, and, perhaps, of Fellow Craft, only in
Grand Lodge prevailed for a considerable time. Such brethren,
then, as had received the degree of Master, were qualified to enter
the Order of the Royal Arch. When Royal Arch Masonry was
introduced into this country, either from a mistaken idea of the
requisite qualification, or for the reason that too few were found
who possessed it, this degree was conferred as preparatory to the
Royal Arch Degree. Royal Arch Masonry being practiced under
the auspices of the Blue Lodge, and the transition from the degree
of Past Master, to the next succeeding one, being of no greater import¬
ance than the passing from that of Entered Apprentice to Fellow Craft
is, under the present arrangement. The striking incongruity of the
degree was not then apparent, as it was actually conferred in open
Lodge. But when Royal Arch Masonry was severed from the Sym¬
bolic Lodge, and arranged under a separate organization, although
the anomaly of continuing the old practice did not at once arrest the
attention, yet the lapse of time and the progress of investigation has
made it painfully apparent.
It is usually said, that "this degree treats of the government of
our Society ; the disposition of our rulers ; and illustrates their
requisite qualifications. It includes the ceremony of opening and
78
ahiman rezon.
closing Lodges in the several preceding degrees ; it comprehends
the ceremonies and forms of installations, consecrations, laying the
foundation stones of public buildings, and, also, at dedications, and at
funerals, by a variety of particulars explanatory of those ceremonies."
But this is not so. On the contrary, a Past Master, who has only
received the degree in the Chapter, is utterly disqualified from
conducting or performing any of the ceremonies above enumerated.
In some of the Masonic Text Books, the degree is divided into
several sections, each one of the ceremonies before enumerated con¬
stituting a section ; but such is not the construction of the degree,
as practiced in the Chapter. The ceremony is brief; but, like all the
ceremonies of Freemasonry, fraught with instruction, when properly
conducted.
At the installation of the candidate as Master of this degree, the
following charges are rehearsed :—
Brother :—Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that
you should signify your assent to those ancient charges and regu¬
lations which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.
I.—You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey
the moral law.
II.—You agree to be a peaceful subject, and cheerfully to
conform to the laws of the country in which you reside.
III.—You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies
against government; but patiently to submit to the decisions of
the supreme legislature.
IV.—You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates,
to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men.
V.—You agree to hold in veneration, the original rulers and
patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors,
supreme and subordinate, according to their stations ; and to sub¬
mit to the awards and resolutions of your brethren, when convened,
in every case consistent with the Constitutions of the Order.
"VI.—You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to
guard against intemperance and excess.
VII.—You agree to be cautious in carriage and behavior, cour¬
teous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge.
DEGREE OF PAST MASTER.
79
VIII.—Yon promise to respect genuine brethren, and to dis¬
countenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan
of Masonry.
IX.—You agree to promote the general good of society, to
cultivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of
the art.
X.—You admit, that it is not in the power of any man, or body
of men, to make innovations in the body of Masonry.
The presiding officer then addresses the Master as follows :—
Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these
regulations, as Masters have done in all ages before you ?
The candidate having assented thereto, is invested with the
insignia of the degree.
The various implements of the profession are emblematical of our
conduct in life, and upon this occasion are carefully enumerated :—
The Holy Writings, that great light in Masonry, will guide you
to all truth: it will direct your path to the temple of happiness,
and point out to you the whole duty of man.
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line,
and harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and
virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station ;
that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die
regretted.
The Rule directs that we should punctually observe our duty ;
press forward in the path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the
right nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid
dissimulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps
to the path which leads to a glorious immortality.
CHAPTER YIII.
DEGEEE OF MOST EXCELLENT MASTER,
([From Cole's Ahiman Rezom.)
" None but the meritorious and praiseworthy ; none but those who
through diligence and industry, have progressed far toward perfec¬
tion ; none but those who have been seated in the Oriental Chair, by the
unanimous suffrages of their brethren, can be admitted to this degree
of Masonry.
" In its original establishment, when the temple of Jerusalem was
finished, and the fraternity celebrated the cape-stone with great joy,
it is demonstrable that none but those who had proved themselves to
be complete Masters of their profession were admitted to this honor ;
and, indeed, the duties incumbent on every Mason, who is accepted
and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master, are such as to render
it indispensable that he should have a perfect knowledge of all the
preceding degrees."
One of the following portions of Scripture is rehearsed at the
opening, accompanied with solemn ceremonies :—
Psalm xxiv.
" The earth, is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof; the world,
and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the
seas, and established it upon the floods. Who shall ascend into
the hill of the Lord ? or who shall stand in his holy place ? He
that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up
his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the
blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his
salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that
seek thy face, 0 Jacob : Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates;
and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of Glory
shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ? The Lord, strong
and mighty ; the Lord, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, 0
ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King
DEGREE OF MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 81
of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory ? The Lord
of Hosts ; he is the King of Glory. Selali."
Psalm cxxii.
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house
of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together : whither
the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of
Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. For there are
set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
" Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love
thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy
palaces. For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say,
Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek thy good."
6
82 AHIMAN EEZON.
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER'S SONG.
BY M. E. THOMAS SMITH WEBB, D. G. H. P. OF GEN. G. C. OF U. S. A.
1—r^rhptif
j *5 s- |f
r—r—
All hail to tlie morning, that bids us re - joice;
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cape- stone
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DEGREE OP MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
83
pow - er A1 - migli - ty, who ev - er lias gui - ded the
i 1—
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To him who hath governed our hearts un - di - vi - ded
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AHIMAN REZON.
Companions assemble
On this joyful day ;
(The occasion is glorious,)
The key-stone to lay :
Fulfill'd is the promise,
By the Ancient or Days,
To bring forth the cape-stone
With shouting and praise.
[Ceremonies.']
There is no more occasion for^level or plumb-line,
For trowel or gavel, for compass or square ;
Our works are completed, the ark safely seated,
And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.
Now those that are worthy,
Our toils who have shar'd,
And prov'd themselves faithful,
Shall meet their reward.
Their virtue and knowledge,
Industry and skill,
Have our approbation,
Have gained our good will.
We accept and receive them, Most Excellent Masters,
Invested with honors, and power to preside ;
Among worthy craftsmen, wherever assembled,
The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide.
Almighty Jehovah !
Descend now and fill
This Lodge with thy glory—
Our hearts with good will I
Preside at our meetings,
Assist us to find
True pleasure in teaching
Good will to mankind.
Thy wisdom, inspired the great institution,
Thy strength shall support it till nature expire ;
And when the creation shall fall into ruin,
Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire !
degree of most excellent master.
85
The sixth chapter of the Second Book of Chronicles is sometimes
read during the ceremony.
The ceremony closes with the following passage :—
2 Chromcles vii. 1-3.
" Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came
down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and sacri¬
fices ; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priest
could not enter into the house of the Lord, because the glory of
the Lord had filled the Lord's house.
" And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came
down, and the glory of the Lord upon the house, they bowed
themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement,
and worshiped, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good j
for his mercy endureth for ever."
The following Psalm is read at closing :—
Psalm xxiii.
" The Lord is my shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh
me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the still
waters. He restoreth my soul ; he leadeth me in the paths of
righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou
art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou pre-
parest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ; thou
anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely good¬
ness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ; and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
CHARGE
TO A BROTHER WHO IS RECEIVED AND ACKNOWLEDGED AS A MOST EXCELLENT
MASTER.
(From Cole's Ahiman Rezom,')
"Brother :—Your admittance to this degree of Masonry, is a
proof of the good opinion the brethren of this Lodge entertain of
your Masonic abilities. Let this consideration induce you to be
careful of forfeiting, by misconduct and inattention to our rules,
that esteem which has raised you to the rank you now possess.
86
ahiman eezon.
" It is one of your great duties as a Most Excellent Master, to
dispense light and truth to the uninformed Mason ; and I need
not remind you of the impossibility of complying with this obliga¬
tion, without possessing an accurate acquaintance with the lec¬
tures of each degree.
" If you are not already completely conversant ,in all the
degrees heretofore conferred on you, remember, that an indul¬
gence, prompted by a belief that you will apply yourself with
double diligence to make yourself so, has induced the brethren to
accept you.
" Let it, therefore, be your unremitting study, to acquire such a
degree of knowledge and information as shall enable you to
discharge with propriety the various duties incumbent on you,
and to preserve unsullied, the title now conferred upon you, of a
Most Excellent Master."
A DESCRIPTION OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE,
This structure, for beauty, magnificence, and expense, exceeded
any building which was ever erected. It was built of large stones
of white marble, curiously hewn, and so artfully joined together, that
they appeared like one entire stone. Its inner walls, beams, posts, doors,
floors, and ceilings, were made of cedar and olive wood and planks
of fir ; which were entirely, covered with plates of gold, with various
beautiful engravings, and adorned with precious jewels of many
splendid colors. The nails, which fastened those plates, were also of
gold, with heads of curious workmanship. The roof was of olive
wood, covered with gold ; and when the sun shone thereon, the
reflection from it was of such a refulgent splendor, that it dazzled the.
eyes of all who beheld it. The court in which the temple stood, and
the courts without, were adorned on all sides with stately buildings
and cloisters ; and the gates entering therein were exquisitely
beautiful and elegant. The vessels consecrated to the perpetual use
of the temple were suited to the magnificence of the edifice in which
they were deposited and used.
Josephus states, that there were one hundred and forty thousand
of those vessels which were made of gold, and one million three
hundred and forty thousand of silver ; ten thousand vestments for
the priests, made of silk, with purple girdles; and two millions of
DEGREE OF MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
87
purple vestments for the singers. There were, also, two hundred
thousand trumpets, and forty thousand other musical instruments,
made use of in the temple, and in worshiping God.
According to the most accurate computation of the number of
talents of gold, silvei*, and brass, laid out upon the temple, the sum
amounts to six thousand nine hundred and four millions eight hun¬
dred and twenty-two thousand and five hundred pounds sterling ;
and the jewels are reckoned to exceed this sum. The gold vessels
are estimated at five hundred and forty-five millions two hundred
and ninety-six thousand two hundred and three pounds and four
shillings sterling; and the silver ones, at four hundred and thirty-
nine millions three hundred and forty-four thousand pounds sterling ;
amounting in all, to nine hundred and eighty-four millions six hun¬
dred and thirty thousand two hundred and thirty pounds and four
shillings. In addition to this, there were expenses for workmen, and
for materials brought from Mount Libanus and the quarries of
Zeredathah. There were ten thousand men per month in Lebanon,
employed in felling and preparing the timbers for the craftsmen to
hew them ; seventy thousand to carry burdens ; eighty thousand to
hew the stones and timber ; and three thousand three hundred over¬
seers of the work ; who. were all employed for seven years ; to
whom, besides their wages and diet, King Solomon gave, as a free
gift, six millions seven hundred and thirty-three thousand nine
hundred and seventy-seven pounds.
The treasure left by David, toward carrying on this noble and
glorious work, is reckoned to be nine hundred and eleven millions
four hundred and sixteen thousand two hundred and seven pounds ;
to which, if we add King Solomon's annual revenue, his trading to
Ophir for gold, and the presents made him by all the earth, as men¬
tioned 1 Kings x. 24, 25, we shall not wonder at his being able to
carry on so expensive a work ; nor can we, without impiety, ques¬
tion its surpassing all other structures, since we are assured that it
was built by the immediate direction of Heaven
THE ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
HISTORICAL MEMORANDA.
" The earliest mention of the Royal Arch Degree in England
which I can find," says Dr. Oliver, " is in the year 1140 :" and from
an examination of a Master Mason's Tracing Board, or Floor Cloth,
published in France about 1725, exhibiting the true Master's word
in a prominent position, he infers that at that period no severance or
transfer of the two degrees had as yet taken place. He concludes
from the anachronisms with which it abounded, and the loose
manner in which its parts were fitted together, that it was of recent
origin among the seceding brethren in England; and, finally,
persuades himself that the ' ancients ' are chargeable with originat¬
ing the alteration and division of the third degree, and the
fabrication of the Royal Arch. He seems to be clearly of opinion
that Dermott, with the aid of Ramsay, or with his materials, finally
established the degree on its present footing, as an effectual bar to
a reconciliation of the conflicting pretensions of the two Grand
Lodges in England.
Ramsay, in his Spurious Rite, enumerates a Royal Arch Degree ; it
is, however, widely different from the degree which now bears that
name, as is incontestably proved by the Jewel which bore the
initials I.V.J.O.L., which he explained as meaning 'Inveni verbumin
ore, Leonis ; ' his scholarship or his knowledge of the true degree not
permitting him to see the initials really were I.V.I.L., and they
constituted but the cipher of The same letters are still in
use in the first degree of the Lodge of Perfection, with a somewhat
variant translation from that given by Ramsay.
Dr. Oliver evidently confounds Ramsay's Royal Arch Degree with
the true Continental Degree, and he endeavors to prove that degree
* The following cipher exhibits the fact:—
abode f g hijklmnopq r stuvwxyz
Ta j n □ u r c l<v>a<v> a a
ROYAL AECH DEGREE.
89
as practiced by Dermott's Grand Lodge was altogether a recent
English fabrication. As a proof that the constitutional Grand Lodge
of England was altogether ignorant of it, he cites the reply of the
Grand Secretary of that Lodge to an application for charity, about
the year 1158 :—" Being an Ancient Mason, you are not entitled to
any of our charity ; the Ancient Masons have a Lodge at the ' Five
Bells,' in the Strand, and their Secretary's name is Dermott. Our
Society is neither Arch, Royal Arch, nor Ancient, so that you have no
right to partake of our charity."
The translation of the Royal Arch Degree from the continent to
England detracts nothing from its value : the manifest corruption
it has undergone, renders it obnoxious to suspicion. Freemasonry,
itself, entered England from the continent; and if a small portion
of its ritual was at first delivered to English Freemasons, it is not
at all astonishing, or depreciatory, that they sought to obtain the
remainder. The earliest authentic record of the establishment of
the Craft in Great Britain states as follows :—
" That though the Ancient Records of the Brotherhood in England
were, many of them, destroyed or lost in the wars of the Saxons and
Danes, yet King Athelstan (the grandson of Alfred the 'Great, a
mighty architect^, the first Anointed King of England ; and who
translated the ( Holy Bible into the Saxon tongue when he had
brought the land into rest and peace, built many great works, and
encouraged many Masons from France, who were appointed Over¬
seers thereof, and brought with them the Charges and Regulations of
the Lodges, preserved since the Roman times, who also prevailed
with the king to improve the Constitution of the English Lodges
according to the foreign model, and to increase the wages of Work¬
ing Masons.
" That the said king's brother, Prince Edwin, being taught Masonry,
and taking upon him the charges of a Master Mason, for the love he
had to the said Craft and the honorable principles whereon it is
founded, purchased a free charter of King Athelstan, his father, for
the Masons, having a correction among themselves (as it was
anciently expressed), or a Freedom and Power to regulate them¬
selves, to amend what might happen amiss within the Craft, and to
hold a yearly communication and " General Assembly."
" That, accordingly, Prince Edwin summoned all the Masons in
the realm to meet him in a congregation at York,* who came and
composed a General Lodge of which he was Grand Master, and
* In June, A.D. 926.
90
ahiman kezon.
haying1 brought with them all the writings and records extant,
some in Greek, some in Latin, some in French, and other languages,
from the contents thereof, that Assembly did frame the Constitution and
Charges of an English Lodge, made a law to preserve and observe
the same in all time coming, andordained good pay for Working
Masons," etc.
Now, in considering the bearing of this piece of history upon the
question of the origin of the Royal Arch Degree, it is material to
remember that the Grand Lodge of England from which the brethren
seceded, who formed the Grand Lodge of which Dermott was after¬
ward Secretary, was not the successor of the General Lodge or
Old Lodge at York. Nor do we know if that Grand Lodge worked
the entire York Ritual. We are unable, therefore, to say at this day
how the " Constitutions of the English Lodges" were improved accord¬
ing to the "foreign model? We do know, however, that a Royal
Arch Degree, bearing esoteric marks of great antiquity, is now
practiced on the continent, and its ritual exhibits too many points
of contact with thfe Royal Arch Degree of our day, to forbid the idea
that it preceded, if not originated, our own.
The Continental Royal Arch Degree is the thirteenth, and is classed
in the second order of Capitular Freemasonry—not the thirteenth,
however, of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, as now practiced. Who¬
ever transplanted it into England was not sufficiently well acquainted
with its ritual to teach the whole, or it has undergone serious and
important mutilation and corruption. Yet, as in the symbolic degrees,
sufficient remains to indicate, if not identify, its restoration. The
original and entire Royal Arch Degree corresponds with three, if not
four, of the high degrees of Freemasonry, as practiced and recognized
in this country. It is by no means clear that the Subterranean Vault
in which the assembly was held, is not at this day typified in the
first step of the reception ; but it is altogether certain that the
exoteric averment that the Royal Arch is the summit and perfection
of Ancient Masomjy (as declared by Bro. John Phillips, in his Free¬
mason's Monitor) is an extract from the charge delivered to the
candidate at the close of the ceremony of reception in the fourteenth
or last degree of the Lodge of Perfection. In this degre'e, we find
the hod and trowel of the Continental Royal Arch, the tables of shew-
bread, the cup of red wine, and the extended compass, symbols no
longer recognized in our ritual of the Royal Arch. The extended
compass inclosing the double triangle, however, is still the distin¬
guishing jewels of the presiding officers of this degree in England.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
91
The pass-words of the Continental Royal Arch ancl the twenty-fifth
degree* of the Ancient and Accepted Rite are the same in their original
tongue. Parts of the ceremonies used in conferring the Order of High
Priesthood exhibit undoubted evidence of their origin in the Conti¬
nental Royal Arch. These considerations, with many others that can
not be conveyed intelligently here, indicate, with unerring certainty,
the foreign origin of our Royal Arch ; and, of course, unsettle the
conclusion that it was the fabrication of Ramsay, Dermott, or his
seceding brethren.
There were, originally, nine, points of the Royal Arch Degree as prac¬
ticed on the continent of Europe ; and by an attentive examination
and cautious comparison, it will be seen how many of these points
were delivered to the seceders from the Grand Lodge of England ;
and in what portion of their Ritual of Ancient Masonry they were
placed and preserved.
THE NINE POINTS OF THE EOYAL ARCH.
THIRTEENTH DEGREE.
1. Beginning of the Offering of Abraham.
2. Ablution.
3. Purification by Fire.
4. Captivity.
5. Search for, and Discovery of, the, Precious Triangle.
6. Restoration to Liberty.
1. Communion with the Companions.
8. New Purifications by the Hod and Trowel.
9. Consecration of the Priest of Jehovah.
M. Ragon, a French writer of celebrity, remarks on these points as
follows :—
" The first probation of this degree is an exact repetition of the
offering of Abraham, a type-of God himself sacrificing his Son for the
salvation of man ; for Ab-raham signifies exalted father (pater altissi-
mus), the Most High. Isaac, docile as Jesus to the will of his father,
bore the wood for his own sacrifice, and a goat or lamb replaced him
upon the sacrificial altar."
* Knight of the Brazen Serpent.
92 AHIMAN REZON.
" The head under the hatchet shows you, that you can no longer
shrink back, but that you should perish, if it becomes necessary to
sustain the cause of truth."
" The second probation is that of ablution, or the washing of the
feet, practiced among the Jews at that time, and repeated by our
priests every year. This mysterious and sacred purification was
also practiced among the Egyptians."*
In the Continental Degree, a ring was placed on the finger of the
candidates bearing a peculiar legend ; this legend reappears in a
portion of the ceremonies practiced in some jurisdictions on this side
of the Atlantic in conferring the Order of High Priesthood ; while
the ring itself remains an emphatic symbol in the ritual of the last
degree of the Lodge of Perfection. There can be but little doubt
that the Continental Degree was the Royal Arch Degree, and though
the date of its introduction into England may be somewhat un¬
certain, it is yet clearly manifest that it has undergone serious
mutilation. Perhaps 1140 may be sufficiently near the true date
to be accepted.
Upon the antiquity of this degree, M. Eagon remarks as follows :—
" This degree includes the origin of more than one sacred rite,
which the profane world, and even many Masons, are far from sus¬
pecting. Its symbols, which belong to the remotest antiquity, and
which religion has engrossed, have been unvailed to you, and doubt¬
less, my brother, you have understood and appreciated their inter¬
pretation. Meditate upon it, preserve it in your mind as a precious
deposit which the mildew of prejudice should never stain. Never
lose sight, for a moment, of the radiant triangle, the object of your
search, which superstition and fanaticism have often dimmed and
sprinkled with human blood. The word was lost ; you have found
it. It was lost when the first falsehood served to disguise the first
crime ; to you it is given to enlighten man ; let it ever be in your
mouth the medium of truth, and you will find it mighty, and with it
you will attain that proficiency in light and knowledge, on which
human happiness depends."f
This view taken by a continental writer familiar with the ritual
of the Continental Degree, sufficiently disposes of the idea that our
Royal Arch, having so many points of contact with it, can by any
possibility be a modern fabrication.
* Cours Philosophique et Intrepretatif des Initiations Anciennes et Modernes.
par J. M. Ragon. (1853.) p. 259.
t Ibid 263.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
93
Bro. Thomas Smith Webb, in the edition of his Monitor, pub¬
lished at Albany, N. Y., by Spencer and Webb, in 1797, states that
" the oldest Chapter of Royal Arch Masons we have been able to
get information of, is that holden at Boston, in St. Andrew's Lodge.
This Chapter was formed about the year 1164." This Lodge was
probably chartered by Lord Aberdour, who was Grand Master of
Scotland in 1755. Bro. Hyneman, however, in the Gth vol. of the
Mirror and Keystone, p. 430, claims that Pennsjdvania presents the
oldest Chapter in Chapter No. 3, now existing in Philadelphia, which
was formed in Lodge No. 3, in the year 1*162.
In his edition of the same work, published in 1816, he remarks
that, until the year 1791, no Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
was organized in America. But this seems to be a mistake. Brother
John Phillips, who published the Freemason's Companion in 1805,
relates the initial movement to establish a Grand Royal Arch Chap¬
ter, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, on
November 23, 1795, and the reception by that body of copies of
rules and regulations respecting the government of the Royal Arch
Chapter, from the Grand Lodge of England, May 30, 1790, and their
final adoption on March 5, 1798. That Grand Chapter has preserved
an independent existence to the present day.
All Royal Arch Chapters at that period were held under the
sanction of a warrant from the Master of a regular Lodge, and on
that account the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, established under
its auspices a Grand Chapter.
" On the 24th October, 1797, a convention of Committees from the
several Chapters in the Northern States met at Mason's Hall, in Bos¬
ton (being appointed as expressed in their credentials), to meet with
any or every Chapter of Royal Arch Masons within the States of
New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ver¬
mont, and New York, or with any Committee or Committees duly
appointed and authorized by any or all of said Chapters, and to
deliberate upon the propriety and expediency of forming and estab¬
lishing a Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons for the government
and regulation of the several Chapters within the said States."
This convention agreed upon a circular letter to their respective
constituencies, and the result was the appointment of delegates who
met at Hartford on the fourth Wednesday (24thJ in January, 1798,
and adopted a Constitution for the government of the Royal Arch
Chapters and Lodges of Mark Masters, Past Masters, and Most
Excellent Masters throughout the said States, and organized the
94
A HIM AN REZON.
Grand Chapter. On the 1st December, 1804, a letter of dispensation
was granted for forming and holding a Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons in the city of Savannah, in the State of Georgia, by the title
of Georgia Chapter ; and the warrant for the same was issued at the
meeting of the Grand Chapter subsequently held at Middletown,
Connecticut, on the 9th of January, 1806. To prevent misconcep¬
tion, it must be remembered that, although the Constitution above-
mentioned was styled a General Grand Constitution, and the officers
elected under it were called General Grand Officers, the body never¬
theless bore the title of the Grand Chapter of the Northern States;
and it was not until that meeting that it assumed the name of
General Grand Chapter, which was done in consequence of the
adoption, at that time, of an amended Constitution, recognizing such
a body.
Previous to this date, however, Chapters were already at work in
the cities of Augusta and Savannah. On the 29th of February,
1196-1, a Chapter was organized in the city of Augusta, under the
warrant of Forsyth Lodge, No. 14, on the Registry of the Grand
Lodge of Georgia, of which Thomas Bray was High Priest; Thomas
Davis, Chief Scribe ; and David B. Butler, King.
At their regular meeting, April 9, 1196, Comp. C. S. Davis
informed the Chapter, that a new Chapter had been lately opened in
Savannah, Georgia, under the warrant of Union Lodge, No. 10, of
that city, and that most of the officers of the Grand Lodge had
received the degree of R. A. in that Chapter. Ulric Tobler, at that
time Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, was
High Priest.
On the 1st of April, 1816, M. E. Thomas Smith Webb, General
Grand King of the General Grand Chapter, U. S. A., issued his dis¬
pensation to Wm. N. Harmon, H. P., David Clark, K., and Ambrose
Wright, S., to open a Chapter at Louisville, Ga., by the name of
Union Chapter ; which was afterward established by warrant from
the Grand Chapter of Georgia, as No. 1, in the year 1822.
On the 27th of November, 1811, Chapter Masonry having in the
mean time severed itself from the jurisdiction of the Symbolic
Lodges, and established a separate organization, DeWitt Clinton,
Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United
States of America, issued his dispensation to Comp. W. C. Lyman,
H. P., David Clark, K., and Charles Beach, S., to open a Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons in Augusta, to be called Augusta Chapter
No. 2. '
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
95
Between this period and 1821, several Chapters had been estab¬
lished in various parts of the State, and the want of a Grand
Chapter began to be seriously felt; measures were, accordingly,
taken for its establishment.
On the 14th of November, 1820, M. E. De Witt Clinton, General
Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter of the United
States, issued his dispensation to William Bivins, II. P., Samuel
Rockwell, K., and Henry Darnell, S., to open and hold a Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons in Milledgeville, Ga., by the name of Temple
Chapter, and on the 4th of May, 1821, the same officers issued a
dispensation to Hope H. Slatter, H. P., Moses Fort, K., and Samuel
Gainer, S., to open a Chapter at Marion, Twiggs County, Ga.
On the 23rd of August, 1821, at Louisville, delegates assembled
from Union Chapter, Louisville, and Augusta Chapter, Augusta, and
agreed upon a plan to form the Grand Chapter. They adopted the
following resolutions :—
"The concurrence of three Chapters being necessary to form a
Grand Chapter, and elect Grand Officers, and no delegate having
appeared from any other than the two Chapters above named, it is
thought expedient and proper by the delegates now assembled, to do
all in their power toward the accomplishment of an object so
desirable as the formation of a State Grand Chapter ; and to this
end, we have thought proper to enter into the following resolutions,
with the hope that the several Chapters in the State will sanction
them, and thereby supersede the necessity and expense of a future
convention. "
1. Resolved, That it is expedient for the several Chapters through¬
out the State, to form a Grand Royal Arch Chapter for the State of
Georgia.
2. Resolved, That the High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for the time
being (or their legal proxies), do immediately proceed to give their
votes for, or against, the establishment of said Grand Chapter, and,
also, for the Grand Officers, seal them up, and transmit them to the High
Priest, King, and Scribe of Union Royal Arch Chapter at Louisville,
on or before the first day of December next, and that the said High
Priest, King, and Scribe, do meet at their Chapter Room in Louis¬
ville, on the Friday thereafter, when they shall open and count the
said votes, and declare the result ; which result they shall immedi¬
ately make known to the several Chapters in the State.
3. Resolved, That if the result of said votes should be the for¬
mation of a Grand Chapter, and the election of the Grand Officers,
90 AHIMAN REZON.
the Grand High Priest elect shall immediately thereafter call a
meeting of said Grand Chapter, at such time and place as a majority
of the members may think proper to designate in their several com¬
munications, and which they are hereby requested to do ; but if a
majority should not appear in favor of any particular place, then
the Grand High Priest shall determine.
4. Resolved, That Most Excellent David Clarke, John Cresswell, and
Green B. Marshall, be a Committee to draw up and submit for the
consideration of the Grand Chapter, at their first meeting, a Constitu¬
tion for said Grand Chapter.
5. Resolved, That the High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for the time
being (or their legal proxies), of the several Chapters do vote in
favor of, or against, these resolutions and the proceedings of the
above named delegates, and transmit said votes, with the rest, to the
said High Priest, King, and Scribe at Louisville.
6. Resolved, That the Chairman do immediately transmit a copy of
these proceedings and resolutions to each of the Chapters in the
State.
The following Chapters approved the proceedings and voted for
Grand Officers :—
Union Chapter at Louisville, Ga.
Augusta " " Augusta, "
Georgia " " Savannah, "
Mechanics' " " Lexington, "
Franklin " " Eatonton, "
Temple " " Milledgeville, "
and, in consequence, delegates from Union Chapter, Franklin Chap¬
ter, and Temple Chapter met at Louisville, and inaugurated the
Grand Chapter of Georgia on February 4,1822. The Grand High
Priest being installed by Most Excellent B. D. Thompson, High
Priest of Union Chapter, the oldest officer present, who afterward
installed the remaining officers. They were as follows :—
M. E. William Schley, Grand High Priest.
" William Bivins, Grand King.
" George M. Wolcott, Grand Scribe.
" B. D. Thompson, Grand Treasurer.
" Daniel Hook, Grand Secretary
" Rev. Thomas Darley, Grand Chaplain.
" Asa Holt, Grand Marshal.
" Caleb Crooksey, Grand Tyler.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
97
From May 11, 1829, the Grand Chapter did not meet until May 2,
1881, when the officers assembled at Augusta, and there not being
a quorum of Chapters represented, the body was adjourned to the
second Monday in June, and from thence to June 1, 1832. Delegates
from Georgia Chapter No. 3, Temple Chapter No 6, and Webb Chap¬
ter No 8, again opened the Grand Chapter, which, without conclud¬
ing its business, was called off, and so continued until May 1, 1841,
when the delegates from Georgia Chapter, No. 3, Temple Chapter,
No. 6, and Augusta Chapter, No. 2, again called on the Grand Chap¬
ter. From that time, no interruption of its annual convocations
have occurred.
GRAND HIGH PRIESTS
of the grand royal arch chapter of georgia, from its foundation,
february 4, 1822, to the present time, 1858.
M. E. William Schley, from 1822 to 1841.
" William T. Gould, " 1841 " 1854.
" Philip T. Schley, " 1854 "
7
CHAPTER IX.
DEGREE OP THE ROYAL ARCH.
(From, Webb's Freemason's Monitor. Ed. 1797.)
" This degree is indescribably more august, sublime, and important
than all which precede it, and is the summit and perfection of
Ancient Masonry. It impresses on our minds the belief of the being
and existence of a Supreme Deity, without beginning of days or end
of years, and reminds of the reverence due to his holy name.
" This degree brings to light many essentials of the Craft, which
were for the space of four hundred and seventy years buried in
darkness, and without a knowledge of which the Masonic charac¬
ter can not be complete."
SECTION I.
" This section explains the mode of government in this degree ; it
designates the appellation, number, and situation of the several
officers, and points out the purpose and duty of their respective
stations. The various colors of their banners are designated, and
the morals to which they allude are introduced and explained."
The following passage of Scripture is read at opening :*
2 Thessalonians iii. 6-18.
" 6. Now we command you, brethren, that ye withdraw your¬
selves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after
the tradition which ye received of us.
" 7. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us ; for we
beliaved not ourselves disorderly among you.
" 8. Neither did we eat any man's bread for naught; but
wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not
'be chargeable to any of you.
* I insert this extract of Paul's Epistle to the Thessalonians, as it is printed in
Webb's Freemason's Monitor, conforming it to the original. Ed. 1797.
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
99
" 9. Not because we liave not power, but to make ourselves an
ensample unto you to follow us.
" 10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you,
that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
" 11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you
cftsorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies.
" 12. Now them that are such we command and exhort, that
with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
" IB. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
" 14. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note
that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
" 15. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother.
" 16. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by
all means. The Lord be with you all."
SECTION II,
" This section contains much valuable historical information, and
exhibits to our view, in striking1 colors, that prosperity and happiness
are ever the ultimate consequences of virtue and justice ; while
disgrace and ruin invariably follow the practices of vice and
immorality."
SECTION III.
The following charges and passages of Scripture are introduced
during the ceremony of Exaltation.
CHARGE I.
Isaiah xlii. 16.
" I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will
lead them in paths that they have not known ; I will make dark¬
ness light before them, and crooked things straight. These
things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."
100
ahiman rezon.
PRAYER
USED AT THE EXALTATION OF A KOYAL ARCH MASON.
(From Cross' Hieroglyphic Chart.)
"0 thou eternal and omnipotent Jehovah, the glorious and
everlasting I AM, permit us, thy frail, dependent, and needy
creatures, in the name of our Most Excellent and Supreme High
Priest, to approach thy divine majesty. And do thou, who sittest
between the Cherubim, incline thine ear to the voice of our praises,
and of our supplication ; and vouchsafe to commune with us from
off the mercy-seat. We humbly adore and worship thy unspeak¬
able perfections, and thy unbounded goodness and benevolence.
We bless thee, that when man had sinned, and fallen from his
innocence and happiness, thou didst still leave unto him the
powers of reasoning, and the capacity of improvement and of
pleasure. We adore thee, that amidst the pains and calamities
of our present state, so many means of refreshment and satisfac¬
tion are afforded us, while traveling the rugged path of life. And
0 thou, who didst aforetime appear unto thy servant Moses in a
fame of fire, out of the midst of a bush, enkindle, we beseech thee,
in each of our hearts, a flame of devotion to thee, of love to each
other, and of benevolence and charity to all mankind. May the
vails of ignorance and blindness be removed from the eyes of our
understandings, that we may behold and adore thy mighty and
wondrous works. May the rod and staff of thy grace and power
continually support us, and defend us from the rage of all our
enemies, and especially from the subtilty and malice of that old
serpent, who, with cruel vigilance, seeketh our ruin. May the
leprosy of sin be eradicated from our bosoms ; and may Holiness to
the Lord be engraven upon all our thoughts, words, and actions.
May the incense of piety ascend continually unto thee, from off the
altar of our hearts, and burn day and night, as a sweet-smelling
savor unto thee. May we daily search the records of truth, that
we may be more and more instructed in our duty ; and may we
share the blessedness of those who hear the sacred word and keep
it. And, finally, 0 merciful Father, when we shall have passed
through the outward vails of these earthly courts, when the earthly
house of this tabernacle shall be dissolved, may we be admitted
into the Holy of Holies above, into the presence of the Grand
royal arch degree.
101
Council of Heaven, where tlie Supreme High Priest for ever
presides, for ever reigns. Amen. So mote it be."
The Freemason's Monitor, Ed. 1797, give the following
PRAYER
TO BE MADE USE OF AT THE EXALTATION OF A BROTHER.
" Thou hast loved us, 0 Lord our God, with eternal love; thou
hast spared us with great and exceeding patience, our Father and
our King, for thy great name's sake, and for our fathers' sake,
who trusted in thee, to whom thou didst teach the statutes of life,
that they might do after thy good pleasure with a perfect heart;
so be thou merciful to us, 0 our Father ! Merciful Father, that
showeth mercy, have mercy upon us, we beseech thee, and put
understanding into our hearts, that we may understand, be wise,
hear, learn, teach, keep, do, and perform all the words of the
doctrine of thy law in love, and enlighten our eyes in thy com¬
mandments, and cause our hearts to cleave to thy law, and unite
them in the love and fear of thy name, we will not be ashamed,
nor confounded, nor stumble, for ever and ever. Because we have
trusted in thy holy, great, mighty, and terrible name, we will
rejoice and be glad in thy salvation, and in thy mercies, 0 Lord
our God ; and the multitude of thy mercies shall not forsake us
for ever : Selah. And now make haste, and bring upon us a
blessing and peace from the four corners of the earth : for thou
art a God that workest salvation, and has chosen us out of every
people and language ; and thou, our King, has caused us to cleave
to thy great name, we love to praise thee, and to be united to
thee, and to love thy name. Blessed art thou, 0 Lord God, who
hast chosen thy people Israel in love.''
CHAEGE II.
Exodus iii. 1-6.
" Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the
priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back side of the
desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And
the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire, out of
the midst of a bush ; and he looked, and behold the bush burned
with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
102
AHIMAN REZON.
" And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God
called to him out of the bash, and said, Moses, Moses! And he
said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither : put off thy
shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is
holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And
Moses hid his face ; for he was afraid to look upon God.''
CHARGE III.
2 CimoNiCLES xxxvi. 11-20.
"Zedekiah was one and twenty years old, when he began to
reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And he did
that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and
humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet, speaking from
the mouth of the Lord. And he also rebelled against king Neb¬
uchadnezzar, and stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart, from
turning unto the Lord God of Israel. Moreover, all the chief of
the priests and the people transgressed very much, after all the
abominations of the heathen, and polluted the house of the Lord,
which he had hallowed in Jerusalem, And the Lord God of their
fathers sent to them by his messengers, because he had compassion
on his people, and on his dwelling place. But they mocked the
messengers of God, and despised his word, and misused his
prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till
there was no remedy.
Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who
slew their young men with the sword, in the house of their
sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young men or maidens,
old men, or him that stooped for age ; he gave them all into his
hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small,
and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of
the king, and his princes: all these he brought to Babylon.
" And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of
Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and
destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof. And them that had
escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon, where
they were servants to him and his sons, until the reign of the
kingdom of Persia."
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
103
CHARGE IY.
Ezra i. 1-3.
"Now, in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord
stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, that lie made a
proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in
writing, saying, Thus saitli Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord God
of Heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he
hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in
Judah. Who is there among you of all his people ? His God be
with liim, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and
build the house of the Lord God of Israel, which is in Jerusalem.
CHARGE V.
Exodus iii. 13, 14.
" And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the
children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your
fathers hath sent me unto you ; and they shall say to me, "What
is his name ? what shall I say unto them ?
" And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM : And thus
thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me
unto you."
CHARGE "YI.
Psalm cxli.
"Lord, I cry unto thee : make haste unto me ; give ear unto my
voice. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense, and the
lifting up of hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a watch, 0 Lord,
before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Incline not my
heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked work with men that
work iniquity. Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness ;
let him reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil. Mine eyes are
unto thee, 0 God the Lord ; in thee is my trust; leave not my
soul destitute. Keep me from the snares which they have laid
for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked
fall into their own nets, while that I withal escape."
CHARGE Y11.
Psalm cxlii.
" I cried unto the Lord with my voice ; with my voice unto the
Lord did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint
104
AHIMAN REZON".
before him : I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit
was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path : in the
way wherein I walked, have they privily laid a snare for me. I
looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that
would know me: refuge failed me : no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, 0 Lord : I said, Thou art my refuge, and my
portion in the land of the living. Attend unto my cry ; for I am
brought very low : deliver me from my persecutors ; for they are
stronger than I. Bring my soul out of darkness, that I may
praise thy name."
CHARGE Y111.
Psalm cxliii.
" Hear my prayer, 0 Lord ; give ear to my supplication. In thy
faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness. And enter not
into judgment with thy servant ; for in thy sight shall no man
living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he
hath made me to dwell in darkness Therefore is my spirit over¬
whelmed within me ; my heart within me is desolate. Hear me
speedily, 0 Lord ; my spirit faileth ; hide not thy face from me,
lest I be like them that go down into the pit. Cause me to hear
thy loving-kindness in the morning ; for in thee do I trust: cause
me to know the way wherein I should walk ; for I lift up my soul
unto thee. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God : bring
my soul out of trouble, and of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, for
I am thy servaiit."
CHARGE IX.
Exodus iv. 1-5.
"And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not
believe me, nor hearken unto my voice; for they will say, The
Lord hath not appeared unto thee. And the Lord said unto him,
What is that in thine hand ? And he said, A rod. And he said,
Cast it on the ground; and he cast it on the ground, and it
became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it. And the Lord
said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail.
And he put forth his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in
his hand. That they may believe that the Lord God of your
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
105
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob hath appeared unto thee."
CHARGE X.
Exodus iv. 6, 8.
" And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand
into thy bosom ; and he put his hand into his bosom ; and when
lie took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he
said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again ; and he put his hand
into his bosom again ; and he plucked it out of his bosom, and,
behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. And it shall come
to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice
of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign."
CHARGE XI.
Exodus iv. 9.
" And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these
two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of
the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the
water which thou takest out of the river, shall become blood upon
the dry land."
CHARGE XII.
Haggai ii. 2-4, 23.
" Speak now to Zerubbabel, the son of.Shealtiel, governor of
Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Josedec, the high priest, and to
the residue of the people, saying, Who is left among you, that saw
this house in her first glory ? and how do you see it now ? is it
not, in your eyes, in comparison of it, as nothing ? Yet now be
strong, 0 Zerubbabel; and be strong, 0 Joshua, son of Josedec,
the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the
Lord, and work : for I am with you, saith the Lord of Hosts.
" In that day, will I take thee, 0 Zerubbabel, my servant, the
son of Shealtiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet:
for I have chosen thee."
CHARGE XIII.
Zechariah iv. 9,10.
"The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this
house ; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the
106
ahiman rezon.
Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For who hath despised the
day of small things ? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plum¬
met in the hand of Zerubbabel, with those seven.7'
To preserve an accordance of the ritual of this degree with that
of the preceding degrees, as well as to extend the symbolic instruc¬
tion characteristic of the Order to the implements of Royal Arch
Masonry, in some jurisdictions the Working Tools of the degree are
explained, as given below, from Moore's Trestle Board and Mackey's
Masonic Miscellany.
ADDRESS TO THE CANDIDATE.
(From Moore's Trestle Board.)
The following address, though not in general use, is frequently
given :—
" Companion :—You will permit me to express the hope that it
is not an idle or vain curiosity, that merely grasps at novelty,
which has induced you to receive this sublime degree of Masonry,
infinitely more important than all which have preceded it. It is
calculated to impress on our minds a firm belief in the being and
existence of a God, and it teaches a due reverence for his great
and holy Name.
" It also brings to light some of the most important secrets of
the Craft, which had lain buried in darkness from the death of
King Solomon, to the erection of the Second Temple, a period of
four hundred and seventy years, and without a knowledge of
which the Masonic character is not complete.
(From Madcey's Masonic Miscellany.)
" I now present you with the Working Tools and principal
emblems of a Royal Arch Mason.
" The Working Tools are the Square and Compass, which have
been presented to your view in every degree of Masonry through
which you have passed. The Square teaches us, as Royal Arch
Masons that God has made all square, upright, and perfect. The
Compass is an instrument used by operative masons to describe
circles, every part of which is equally near and equally distant
from the centre. The circle is, therefore, a striking emblem of the
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
107
relation in "which the creature stands to his Creator. As every
part of the circumference of a circle is equally near and equally
distant from its centre, so is every creature, whom God has made,
to him equally near and equally distant. The equilateral or per¬
fect Triangle is an emblem of the three essential attributes of
Deity, namely, Omnipresence, Omniscience, and Omnipotence, and
as the three equal legs or angles form but one triangle, so these
three equal attributes constitute but one God."
(From, Mackey's Masonic Miscellany.)
The Working Tools of a Royal Arch Mason are the Crow, Pick¬
ax, and Spade. The Crow is used by operative masons to raise
things of great weight and bulk; the Pick-ax to loosen the soil
and prepare it for digging ; and the Spade to remove rubbish.
But the Royal Arch Mason is emblematically taught to use them
for more noble purposes. By these he is reminded that it is a
sacred duty to lift from his mind the heavy weight of passions
and prejudices which encumber his progress toward virtue, loosen¬
ing the hold which long habits of sin and folly have had upon his
disposition, and removing the rubbish of vice and ignorance, which
prevents him from beholding that eternal foundation of truth and
wisdom, upon which he is to erect the Temple of his future
Masonic life.
AilOS ix. 11.
" In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is
fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I will raise up his
ruins, and I will build it as in days of old."
The High Priest usually reads the following passages of Scripture
during the ceremonies :—
Genesis i. 1-3.
" In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And
the earth was without form, and void ; and darkness was upon
the face of the deep ; and the Spirit of God moved upon the
face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light, and there
was light."
Deuteroxomy xxxi. 24-26.
" And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing
the words .of this law in a book, until they were finished, that
Moses commanded the Levites which bare the ark of the covenant
of the Lord, saying; Take this book of the law,, and put it in the
108
ahiman rezon.
side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may
be there for a witness against thee."
Exodus xxv. 21.
u And thou slialt put the mercy-seat above, upon the ark ; and
in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
Exodus xvi. 32-34.
" And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord com-
mandeth, Fill an omer of the manna to be kept for your genera
tions ; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in
the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.
And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of
manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your
generations. As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up
before the testimony to be kept."
Numbers xvii. 10.
" And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again
before the testimony, to be kept for a token."
Hebrews ix. 2-5.
" For there was a tabernacle made ; the first, wherein was the
candlestick, and the table, and the shew-bread, which is called
the sanctuary. And after the vails, the tabernacle, which is called
the Holiest of all ; which had the golden censer, and the ark of
the covenant, overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the
golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and
the tables of the covenant ; and over it, the cherubims of glory,
shadowing the mercy-seat ; of which we can not now speak
particularly."
Exodus vi. 2, 3.
" And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the
Lord : and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob,
by the name of God Almighty ; but by my name Jehovah was I
not known to them."
Ihe High Priest will then recite the following passage, previous
to investing the candidate with an important secret of the degree.
John i. 1-5.
"In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with
God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning
with God All things were made by him : and without him was
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
109
not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the
life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and
the darkness comprehendeth it not."
{From. Webb's Monitor as altered in Cross' Hieroglyphic Chart.)
The Temple of King Solomon was situated on Mount Moriah, near
the place where Abraham was about to offer up his son Isaac, and
where David met and appeased the destroying- angel, who was
visible over the threshing floor of Oman the Jebusite. It was begun in
the fourth year of the reign of Solomon ; the third after the death of
David ; four hundred and eighty years after the passage of the Red
Sea, and on the second day of the month Zif, being the second month
of the sacred year, which answers to the 21st of April, in the year
of the world two thousand nine hundred and ninety-two ; and was
carried on with such prodigious speed, that it was finished, in all its
parts, in little more than seven years.
By the Masonic art, and the wise regulations of Solomon, this
famous edifice was erected without the sound of the ax, hammer, or
any tool of iron ; for the stones were all hewed, squared, and num¬
bered, in the quarries of Zeredathah, where they were raised ; the
timbers were fitted and prepared in the forest of Lebanon, and
conveyed by sea in floats to Joppa, and from thence by land to
Jerusalem ; where the fabric was erected by the assistance of
wooden instruments prepared for that purpose. And when the
building was finished, its several parts fitted with that exact nicety,
that it had more the appearance of being the handy-work of the
Supreme Architect of the Universe, than of human hands.
In the year of the world, 3029,* King Solomon died, and was
succeeded by his son Rehoboam. Soon after this, instigated and led
on by Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, ten of the tribes revolted from
Rehoboam, and set up a separate kingdom, with Jeroboam at their
head. In this manner were the tribes of Israel divided, and under
two distinct governments, for two hundred and fifty-four years. The
ten revolted tribes became weak and degenerated ; their country
was laid waste, and their government overthrown and extirpated by
Salmanezer, King of Assyria. After a series of changes and events,
Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, having besieged Jerusalem, and
raised towers all round the city, so that, after defending it for the
space of a year and a half, it was, in the eleventh year of the reign
* According to the computation of Archbishop Usher.
110
ahiman rezon.
of Zedekiah, king of Judah, surrendered and delivered at midnight
to the officers of Nebuchadnezzar, who sacked and destroyed the
temple, and took away all the holy vessels, together with those two
famous brazen pillars ; and the remnant of the people that escaped
the sword, carried he away captives to Babylon, where they remained
servants to him and his successors, until the reign of Cyrus, king of
Persia. Cyrus, in the first year of his reign, being directed by that
divine power which invisibly led him to the throne of Persia, issued
his famous edict for the liberation of the Hebrew captives, with per¬
mission that they should return to their native country, and rebuild
the city and house, of the Lord. Accordingly, the principal people of
the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the Priests and Levites,
immediately departed for Jerusalem, and commenced the great and
glorious work.
CHARGE
TO A NEWLY EXALTED COMPANION.
(Alteredfrom Cole's Ahiman Rexm.)
Worthy Companion:—By the consent and assistance of the
members of this Chapter, you are now exalted to the sublime and
honorable degree of Royal Arch Mason. The rites and mysteries
developed in this degree, have been handed down through a
chosen few, unchanged by time, and uncontrolled by prejudice;
and we expect and trust, they will be regarded by you with the
same veneration, and transmitted with the same scrupulous purity
to your successors.
No one can reflect on the ceremonies of gaining admission into
this place, without being forcibly struck with the important
lessons which they teach. Here we are necessarily led to con¬
template with gratitude and admiration, the sacred Source from
whence all earthly comforts flow. Here we find additional
inducements to continue steadfast and immovable in the dis¬
charge of our respective duties ; and here we are bound by the
most solemn ties, to promote each other's welfare, and correct
each other's failings, by advice, admonition, and reproof. As it
is our earnest desire, and a duty we owe to our companions of
this Order, that the admission of every candidate into this Chap¬
ter should be attended by the approbation of the most scrutinizing
eye, we hope always to possess the satisfaction of finding none
ROYAL ARCH DEGREE.
Ill
among us, but such as will promote, to the utmost of their power,
the great end of our Institution. By paying due attention to this
determination, we expect you will never recommend any candi¬
date to this Chapter, whose abilities, and knowledge of the
preceding degrees, you can not freely vouch for, and whom you
do not firmly and confidently believe will fully conform to the
principles of our Order, and fulfill the obligations of a Royal Arch
Mason. While such are our members, we may expect to be
united in one object, without lukewarmness. inattention, or
negleGt; but zeal, fidelity, and affection will be the distinguish¬
ing characteristics of our Society, and that satisfaction, harmony
and peace may be enjoyed at our meetings, which no other Society
can afford.
CLOSING PRAYER.
By the wisdom of the Supreme High Priest, may we be directed;
by his strength, may we be enabled ; and by the beauty of virtue,
may we be incited to perform the obligations here enjoined on us^;
to keep inviolably the mysteries here unfolded to us ; and invari¬
ably to practice all those duties out of the Chapter, which are
inculcated in it.
[Response.] So mote it be. Amen.
CRYPTIC DEGREES.
CHAPTER X.
(From, Moore's Trestle Board.)
" The degrees of Royal and Select Master are intimately connected
with the Royal Arch Degree, of which they are, in some mefasure,
explanatory. They are generally conferred in Councils, which exist
under separate and independent organizations. In some of the
States, however, they are conferred in and under the authority of
Chapters of Royal Arch Masons."
SECTION I.
DEGREE OP ROYAL MASTER.
" This degree, though chronologically subsequent in its history, is
conferred as preparatory to that of Select Master ; and, although
short, contains much valuable information, and possesses a high
degree of interest."
The following are the officers and their stations in the Council:—
1. Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, as S. K. of I., in the East, having
2. Illustrious Grand Master, as H. K., of T., on his right, and
3. Illustrious Grand Master, as H. A., on his left.
4. Captain of the Guard.
5. Treasurer, on the left.
6. Recorder (Adoniram).
1. Steward.
8. Sentinel, at the door.
i
Juiun of $tgm.
The following passages of Scripture are referred to in this degree:
1 Kings vii. 48-50.
" 48. And Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the
house of the Lord, the altar of gold, and the table of gold, where¬
upon the shew bread was ;
ROYAL MASTER.
113
" 49. And the candlesticks of pure gold ; five on the right side,
and five on the left, before the oracle, with the flowers, and the
lamps, and the tongs of gold ;
" 50. And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the
spoons, and the censers of pure gold ; and the hinges of gold, both
for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the
doors of the house, to wit, of the temple."
« 4o. * * * * * g0 Hiram made an end of doing all the
work that he made King Solomon for the house of the Lord."
Revelations xxii. 12-14.
" 12. And, behold, I come quickly ; and my reward is with me,
to give every man according as his work shall be.
" 18. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the
first and the last.
" 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the
gates into the city."
1 Kings vi. 27.
" 27. And he set the cherubims within the inner house; and they
stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the
one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other touched the
other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of
the house."
THE ARK OF THE COVENANT.
(From Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.)
"The Ark, called the glory of Israel, whrch was seated in the mid¬
dle of the holy place, under the wings of the cherubim, was a small
chest, or coffer, three feet nine inches long, two feet three inches
wide, and three feet three inches high.* It was made of wood, except-
* These dimensions do not correspond with those given in Exodus xxxvii—1. The
hight and breadth are there stated at a cubit and a half each, and the length, two
and a half cubits. Assuming the cubit at one foot nine inches, which is nearly its actual
value, the dimensions would be
In Oubits. In feet and inches.
Length, 2J 4
Breadth, 2 .... 7J
Hight, 1} 2 .... 7£
An Egyptian cubit, now in the Museum at Paris, gives 1.707 foot for the length
of this measure. An accurate analysis of the original measure of the Pyramids by
Mr. Perring, has induced him to adopt 1.713 as the length of the Royal cubit 5 dif¬
fering but !o37 from the value above assumed.
114
AHIMAN EEZON.
ing only the mercy-seat, but overlaid with gold, both inside and out
It had a ledge of gold surrounding it at the top, into which the cover,
called the mercy-seat, was let in. The mercy-seat was of solid gold,
the thickness of a hand's breadth; at the two ends of it were two
cherubims, looking inward toward each other, with their wings
expanded 5 which embracing the whole circumference of the mercy-
seat, they met on each side, in the middle ; all of which, the Rabbins
say, was made out of the same mass, without any soldering of parts.
" Here the Shekinah, or Divine Presence, rested, and was visible in
the appearance of a cloud over it. From hence the Bathkoll issued,
and gave answers, when God was consulted. And hence it is that
God is said, in the Scripture, to dwell between the cherubim ; that is,
between the cherubim on the mercy-seat, because there was the seat
or throne of the visible appearance of his glory among them."
SECTION II.
DEGREE OF SELECT MASTER.
In the arrangement of the Chapter Degrees which prevailed in
Pennsylvania in 1817, this occupied the place of the degree of Past
Master, between that of Mark Master and Most Excellent Master;
and is accordingly numbered in Cole's Ahiman Rczon, as the fifth
degree of Freemasonry ; and he acknowledges his indebtedness to
the pen of the M. E. H. P. of Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2, Baltimore,
for its elucidation. In that work, the following observations occur
in relation to this degree :—
"We know of no degree in Masonry that has a more needful, or
more important connection with another, than the Select with the
Royal Arch. It fills up a chasm, which every intelligent Royal Arch
Mason has observed ; and, without it, it seems difficult, if not impos¬
sible, to comprehend clearly some of the mysteries that belong to the
august degree of the Royal Arch.
"It is strange, and it is also unfortunate, that very few have
received the useful knowledge made known in the Select; and,
indeed, such is the nature of the degree, that we can not feel freedom
to allude remotely to the nature of its Secrets. We may, however,
pronounce it the key to the Arch."
Two years later, when the Hieroglyphic Monitor, was published by
Cross, it was arranged as the ninth degree of Freemasonry, and is
introduced with the following observations :—
SELECT MASTER.
115
" This degree is the summit and perfection of Ancient Masonry ;
and without which the history of the Royal Arch Degree can not be
complete. It rationally accounts for the concealment and preserva¬
tion of those essentials of the Craft, which were brought to light at
the erection of the second temple, and which lay concealed from the
Masonic eye four hundred and seventy years."
" Many particulars relative to those few, who, for their superior
skill, were selected to complete an important part of King Solomon's
Temple, are explained."
" And here, too, is exemplified an instance of justice and mercy, by
our ancient patron, toward one of the Craft, who was led to disobey
his commands by an over zealous attachment for the Institution. It
ends with a description of a particular circumstance, which charac¬
terizes the degree."
This arrangement now very generally prevails, and it is now
recognized as the concluding one of the Cryptic Degrees.
OFFICERS OF A COUNCIL OF SELECT MASTERS.
1. Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, as K. S., in the East,
having on his right and left respectively,
2. Illustrious Grand Master, as H. K. of T.
3. Illustrious Grand Master, as H. A.
4. Captain of the Guards.
5. Treasurer,
6. Recorder.
7. Steward.
8. Sentinel.
The following Psalm is read at opening :
Psalm Ixxxvii.
" 1. His foundation is in the holy mountains.
a 2. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwell¬
ings of Jacob.
" 3. Glorious things are spoken of thee, 0 city of God. Selah.
" 4. I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon, to them that
know me. Behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia ; this man
was born there.
" 5. And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born
in her ; and the Highest himself shall establish her.
116 AHIMAN REZOtf.
" 6. The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that
this man was born there. Selah.
"7. As well the singers, as the players on instruments, shall be
there : all my springs are in tliee."
of ijn ftintjj Dtgru.
The following1 passages of Scripture are introduced and explained:
1 Kings iv. 1, 5 and 6.
" So King Solomon was king over all Israel. Azariah, the son
of Nathan, was over the officers ; and Zabud, the son of Nathan,
was principal officer, and the king's friend ; and Ahishar was over
the household ; and Adoniram, the son of Abda, was over the
tribute."
1 Kings v. 17,18
" And the king commanded, and they brought great stones,
costly stones, and hewed stones, to lay the foundation of the house.
And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew them, and
the stone-squarers : so they prepared timber and stones to build
the house."
1 Kings viii. 13, 14.
" And King Solomon sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre. He
was a widow's son, of the tribe of Naphtali; and his father was a
man of Tyre, a worker of brass; and he was filled with wisdom
and understanding, and cunning, to work all works in brass."
Ezekiel xxvii. 9.
" The ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof, were in thee
thy calkers : all the ships of the sea, with their mariners, were in
thee, to occupy thy merchandise."
Deuteronomy xxxi. 24-26.
" And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing
the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, that
Moses commanded the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant
of the Lord, saying, Take this book of the law, and put it in the
side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may
be there for a witness against you."
select master.
117
Exodus xvi. 33, 34.
" And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer
Ml of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to "be kept
for your generations. As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron
laid it up before the testimony to be kept."
Numbers xvii. 10.
" And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring- Aaron's rod again before
the testimony, to be kept for a token."
Numbers vii. 89.
" And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congre¬
gation, to speak with him, then he heard the voice of one speaking
unto him from off the mercy-seat, that was upon the ark of the
testimony, from between the two cherubims ; and he spake unto
him."
Exodus xxv. 40.
" And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was
shewed unto thee in the mount."
The Working Tool peculiarly appropriate to this degree is The
Trowel.
CHARGE TO A SELECT MASTER.
(From, Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.')
Companion :—Having attained to this degree, you have passed
the circle of perfection in Ancient Masonry. In the capacity of
Select Master, you must be sensible that your obligations are
increased in proportion to your privileges. Let it be your
constant care to prove yourself worthy of the confidence reposed
in you, and of the high honor conferred on you, in admitting you
to this select degree. Let uprightness and integrity attend your
steps ; let justice and mercy mark your conduct; let fervency and
zeal stimulate you in the discharge of the various duties incumbent
on you ; but suffer not an idle or impertinent curiosity to lead you
astray, or betray you into danger. Be deaf to every insinuation
which would have a tendency to weaken your resolution, or tempt
you to an act of disobedience. Be voluntarily dumb and blind, when
118
AHIMAN REZON.
the exercise of those faculties would endanger the peace of your
mind, or the probity of your conduct; and let silence and secrecy,
those cardinal virtues of a Select Master, on all necessary occa¬
sions, be scrupulously observed. By a steady adherence to the
important instructions contained in this degree, you will merit the
approbation of the select number with whom you are associated,
and will enjoy the high satisfaction of having acted well your part
in the important enterprise in which you are engaged ; and after
having wrought your regular hours, may you be admitted to par¬
ticipate in all the privileges of a Select Master.
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
CHAPTER XI.
SECTION I,-ORGANIZATION.
(From, Cross' Hieroglyphic Monitor.)
" This Order appertains to the office of High Priest of a Royal Arch
Chapter ; and no one can be leg-ally entitled to receive it, until he
has been duly elected to preside as High Priest in a regular Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons. This Order should not be conferred, when a
less number than three duly qualified High Priests are present.
Whenever the ceremony is performed in due and ample form, the
assistance of, at least, nine High Priests, who have received it, is
requisite.
" Though the High Priest of every regular Royal Arch Chapter,
having himself been duly qualified, can confer the Order, under the
preceding limitation as to number, yet it is desirable, when circum¬
stances will permit, that it should be conferred by the Grand High
Priest of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter, or such Present or Past
High Priest as he may designate for that purpose. A Convention,
notified to meet at the time of any Convocation of the Grand Chap¬
ter, will afford the best opportunity of conferring this important and
exalted degree of Masonry with appropriate solemnity. Whenever
it is conferred, the following directions are to be observed :—
" A candidate, desirous of receiving the Order of High Priesthood,
makes a written request to his predecessor in office, or, when it can
be done, to the Grand High Priest, respectfully requesting that a
Convention of High Priests may be called, for the purpose of con¬
ferring on him the Order. When the Convention meets, and is duly
organized, a certificate of the due election of the candidate to the
office of High Priest must be produced. This certificate is signed
120
ahiman rezon.
by his predecessor in office, attested by the Secretary of the Chapter.
On examination of this certificate, the qualifications of the candidate
are ascertained. The solemn ceremonies of conferring the Order
upon him then ensue. When ended, the presiding1 officer directs
the Secretary of the Convention to make a record of the proceedings,
and return it to the Secretary of the Grand Chapter, to be by him
laid before the Grand High Priest, for the information of all whom it
may concern. The Convention of High Priests is then dissolved in
due form.
" It is the duty of every Companion, as soon after his election to
the office of High Priest as is consistent with his personal con¬
venience, to apply for admission to the Order of High Priesthood,
that he may be fully qualified properly to govern his Chapter."
There seems to be a considerable difference in the mode of admis¬
sion to the Order of High Priesthood, the difference consisting, chiefly,
in the ceremonies through which the substantial and essential requi¬
sites are brought to the notice of the candidate. When the High
Priests of a jurisdiction unite in a permanently organized assembly,
as in Massachusetts, Ohio, and, perhaps, other States, they select
certain permanent officers, who discharge the necessary duties, to
elucidate the mysteries of the Order. They are usually as follows :—
OFFICERS OF A CONVENTION, OR COUNCIL, OF HIGH PRIESTS.
1. President, 5. Chaplain,
2. Vice-President, 6. Master of Ceremonies,
3. Treasurer, 7. Conductor,
4. Secretary, 8. Herald.
RECEPTION.
The officers and members sit covered, and wear swords. At the
opening of the Convention, the following prayer is used :—
PRAYER
AT THE OPENING A CONVENTION OF HIGH PRIESTS.
" Almighty and supreme High Priest of heaven and earth! Who
is there in heaven but thee ; and who upon earth can stand in
competition with thee ! Thy omniscient mind brings all things
in review, past, present, and to come ; thine omnipotent arm
directs the movements of the vast creation ; thine omnipresent
eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart; thy boundless
beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoyment; and
ORDER OP HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
121
thine unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the understanding
of the children of men! Our Father, who art in heaven, we
invoke thy benediction upon the purposes of our present assembly.
Let the Chapter over which this candidate is elected to preside,
be established to thine honor ; let its officers be endowed with
wisdom to discern, and fidelity to pursue, its true interests ; let its
members be ever mindful of the duty they owe to their God, the
obedience they owe to their superiors, the love they owe to their
equals, and the good will they owe to all mankind. Let it be
consecrated to thy glory, and its members ever exemplify their
love to God, by their beneficence to man.
" Invocation.—Glory be to God on high.
" Response.—So mote it be. Amen."
The following passage of Scripture is used during the ceremony :—
Gexesis xiv. 12-24.
"And they took Lot, Abram's brother's son, who dwelt in
Sodom, and his goods, and departed. And there came one that
had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew ; for h'e dwelt in the
plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eschol, and brother of
Aner ; and these were confederate with Abram. And when
Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his
trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and
eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself
against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and
pursued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.
And he brought back all the goods, and, also, brought again his
brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.
And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return
from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were
with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And
Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine ; and
he was the priest of the Most High God. And he blessed him,
and said, Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, who hath
delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes
of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, Give me the per¬
sons, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram said to the king
of Sodom, I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most High
122
AHIMAN REZON.
God, the possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take from
a thread even to a shoe-latchet; and that I will not take any¬
thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram
rich ; save only that which the young men have eatenj and the
portion of the men which went with me, Aner, Eschol, and Mamre,
let them take their portion."
The following prayer is, also, used at the anointing a High Priest
PRAYER
AT ANOINTING A HIGH PRIEST.
" Most glorious and eternal High Priest of the heavens and the
earth ; in thy mercy, strengthen the works of our hands, and grant
that we may appear before thine everlasting throne as pure and
undefiled, as he whose memory we, this day, call to mind. Grant
us, most merciful Father, an abundance of thy divine aid, that we
may be folded in his bosom in thy heavenly realms. Youchsafe
thy divine blessing on this, thy servant, now before thee; endue
him with strength and wisdom, that he may vanquish all his
enemies; make him a true and faithful guardian of thy people ;
and to thy name be ascribed all power and glory for ever and ever.
Amen."
The following admonition is used as appropriate :—
" Behold! how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell
together in unity."
CEREMONIES.
" It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down
upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts
of his garment."
CEREMONIES.
" As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon
the mountains of Zion ; for there the Lord commanded the
blessing, even life for evermore."
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
123
The following benediction is pronounced :—
Numbers vi. 22-2G.
" And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto Aaron
and unto his sons, saying, On this wise, ye shall bless the children
of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee ;
the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto
thee ; the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee
peace."
SECTION II.
During the ceremony, the Breastplate is, or ought to be, explained
to the candidate.
THE BREASTPLATE OF THE HIGH PRIEST.
According to the narrative in the twenty-eighth chapter of
Exodus, Moses was commanded to make holy garments for Aaron,
and the Breastplate is among the first enumerated. Minute direc¬
tions are prescribed, as to its form and character; and yet the
learned are not agreed, either as to the stones of which it was
composed, or as to their arrangement.
The different arrangements are shown below :—
fourth row.
Beryl.
Onyx.
Jasper.
IN THE ENGLISH VERSION.
third row.
Ligure.
Agate.
Amethyst.
second row.
Emerald.
Sapphire.
Diamond.
Sardius.
Topaz.
Carbuncle.
ACCORDING TO JOSEPHUS.
Chrysolite (Beryl.)
Onyx.
Beryl.
Onyx (Carbuncle)
npia
Sardonyx, rrtOS
Carnelian,
Ligure.
Amethyst.
Agate.
Carbuncle.
Jasper.
Sapphire.
IN THIS DEGREE.
Topaz, t&tti
Sapphire, "PSD
Ruby,
Opal, rraVna
Amethyst, 15115
Violet Ruby,
Sardonyx.
Topaz.
Emerald.
Heliotrope,
Emerald, biitiJ
Green Spar,iui
The candidate will perceive, that it is by no means a matter
of indifference how they were arranged, and can not fail to be
124
ahiman rezon.
satisfied of their mode, as well as the reason of that mode of ar¬
rangement. The scholarship, which the hieroglyphic lore of
Egypt could not baffle, was found equal to the discovery of the
unconjectured mystery of this peculiar ornament.
The priest, as well as the magistrate of Egypt, was accustomed
to wear an official badge (Masonically speaking, a jewel) bearing
upon its face the figures, and often fashioned into the forms, of two
of the Egyptian attributes of Godhead, Truth and Light.
When these figures were engraved on a plate, an obelisk, indic¬
ative of creative power, and denoting Ammon, was placed between
them. When sculptured as images, they were double ; hence, the
dual form in Hebrew ' Urim ; (n-nix) Lights, and ' Thummim 7 (owi),
Truths. Moses being brought up as the adopted son of' Pharaoh's
daughter' (.Ament-si), the reigning queen of Egypt, was educated
in all the learning of that cultivated people ; was himself a priest
of On, the highest class of the Egyptian priesthood, and was
familiar with this priestly emblem. It might have been this sym¬
bol, or its equivalent, which Moses was commanded to put in the
Breastplate of judgment. It may be remarked here, that the
emphasis of the name bestowed upon this jewel, is lost in the
translation ; it is literally the Breastplate, the decider, the one
that judges and decides.
The following portion of the New Testament is referred to during
• the ceremony :—
Hebrews vii. 1-5—17, 20, 21.
" For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High
God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings,
and blessed him ; to whom, also, Abraham gave a tenth part of
all; first being, by interpretation, King of righteousness, and
after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace ; without
father, without mother, without descent; having neither begin¬
ning of days, nor end of life ; but made like unto the Son of God,
abideth a priest continually. Now, consider how great this man
was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the
spoils. And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive
the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes
of the people, according to the law, that is, of their brethren,
though they come out of the loins of Abraham.
ORDER OF HIGH PRIESTHOOD.
125
" For lie testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of
Melchizedek.
" And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest;
" For those priests, under the Levitical law, were made without
an oath ; but this with an oath, by him that said unto him, The
Lord sware, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever, after
the order of Melchizedek."
PRAYER
AT CLOSING A CONVENTION OF HIGH PRIESTS.
" Grant, Almighty Parent of the universe, that our Chapters
may become beautiful as the temple, peaceful ,as the ark, and
sacred as its most holy place. May our oblations of piety and
praise be grateful as the incense, our love warm as its flame, and
our charity diffusive as its fragrance. May our hearts be pure as
the altar, and our conduct acceptable as its offering. May the
exercise of our charity be as constant as the returning wants of
the widow and orphan. May the approbation of Heaven- be our
encouragement, and the testimony of a good conscience our sup¬
port ; may we be endowed with every good and perfect gift,
while traveling the rugged path of life, and finally be admitted
within the vail of heaven, to the full enjoyment of life eternal.
" Response.—So mote it be. Amen."
PART FIRST.
TITLE II.
CEREMONIES OF FEEEMASONEY.
chapter i.—sec. 1. constitution of a lodge.
" "2. consecration of a lodge,
" " 3. installation of officers.
chapter ii laying foundation
stones.
" hi dedication of halls.
« iv grand visitation.
chapter v.—sec. 1. constitution and con¬
secration of royal
arch chapters.
" " 2. installation of officers
of royal arch chap¬
ters.
chapter vi.—installation of officers of
royal and select councils.
" vh.—celebration of the festivals
of st. john the evangelist,
and st. john the baptist.
" vhi.—funeral service.
" ix.—installation of officers of
the grand lodge.
" x—installation of officers of g.
r. a. chapter.
" xi—installation of officers of
grand councils royal and
select masters.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
CHAPTER I.
SECTION I.
CONSTITUTION OF A LODGE.
Freemasons are frequently authorized to assemble together, to
make, pass, and raise Masons ; this authority is called a dispensation,
and the assemblies are called Lodges. They are distinguished from
regularly constituted Lodges, by being styled Lodges U. D.; that is,
under dispensation. The powers they exercise are limited by the dis¬
pensation. They can not affiliate, try, or exclude members, nor are
their officers installed into office. The dispensation usually expires
on the first day of the annual communication of the Grand Lodge.
A warrant, or charter of constitution, is then issued, and the
brethren should then be constituted into a Lodge. This ceremony
should be performed by the Grand Master, or the Deputy Grand
Master ; but either of them may send a Letter of Virtue to some
capable Past Master of a Lodge, authorizing him to perform the
ceremony. When the Grand Master is present, the Lodge is said to
be constituted in ample form ; if the Deputy Grand Master only, it is in
due form ; but if the power is delegated to any other, it is said to be
in form. These phrases are applied to all ceremonies performed by
the Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, or any subordinate
officer.
On the day and hour appointed, the Grand Master and his officers
meet in a convenient room, near to the Lodge to be constituted, and
open in the third degree. After the officers in the new Lodge are
examined, they send a messenger to the Grand Master, with the fol¬
lowing message, viz.:—
"Most "Worshipful:—The officers and brethren of
Lodge, who are now assembled at , have instructed me to
inform you that the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge has been pleased
to grant them a charter, authorizing them to form and open a Lodge
9
130
AHIMAN KEZON.
of Free and Accepted Masons in the town of : They are
now desirous that their Lodge should be constituted, and their
officers installed in due and ancient form ; for which purpose they
are now met, and await the pleasure of the Most Worshipful
Grand Master."
When notice is given, the Grand Lodge walk in procession to the
hall of the new Lodge. As the Grand Master enters, the grand honors
are given by the new Lodge ; the officers of which resign their seats
to the Grand Officers, and take their several stations on the left.
The procession is formed in the following order, viz.:—
Tyler, with a drawn Sword ;
Two Stewards, with white Rods;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;
Stewards;
'jf Junior Deacons;
"g Senior Deacons;
g Secretaries;
Treasurers;
Past Wardens;
Junior Wardens;
Senior Wardens;
Past Masters;
Mark Masters;
Royal Arch Masons ;
Royal and Select Masters;
Knights Templar ;
Masters of Lodges.
THE NEW LODGE.
Tyler, with a drawn Sword;
Stewards, with white Rods ;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons;
Junior and Senior Deacons;
Secretary and Treasurer ;
Two Brethren, carrying the flooring * or Lodge;
Junior and Senior Wardens;
The Holy Writings, carried by the oldest, or some
suitable member, not in office;
The W. Master;
Music.
• Carpet.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
131
THE GRAND LODGE.
Grand Tyler, with drawn Sword ;
Grand Stewards, with white Rods;
A Brother, carrying a Golden Vessel of Corn ;*
Two Brethren, carrying the Silver Vessels, one of
Wine, the other of Oil;
Grand Secretaries;
Grand Treasurers;
A burning taper, borne by a Past Master ;
A Past Master, bearing the Holy Writings, Square,
and Compasses, supported by two Stewards
with white Rods;
Two burning Tapers, borne by two Past Masters;
The Tuscan and Composite Orders;
The Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian Orders;
Past Grand Wardens;
^ Past Deputy Grand Masters;
"g Past Grand Masters;
g The Globes;
Clergy and Orator;
R. W. Junior and Senior Grand Wardens ;
R. W. Deputy Grand Master ;
The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the
Book of Constitutions;
The M. W. Grand Master;
The Grand Deacons, on a line seven feet apart, on
the right and left of the Grand Master,
with black Rods;
Grand Sword Bearer, with a drawn Sword;
Two Stewards, with white Rods.
The Marshals conduct the procession to the church, or house,
where the services are to be performed. When the front of the pro¬
cession arrives at the door, they halt, open to the right and left, and
face inward ; while the Grand Master and others, in succession, pass
through and enter the house.
A platform is erected in front of the pulpit, and provided with
seats for the accommodation of the Grand Officers.
The Holy Bible, Square and Compasses, and Book of Constitutions
are placed upon a table in front of the Grand Master ; the flooring
is then spread in the centre, upon the platform, covered with white
satin, or linen, and encompassed by the three tapers, in their proper
Masonic position, and the vessels of corn, wine, and oil.
* Wheat.
132
ahiman rezon.
The services are then conducted in the following' order :
An Introductory Anthem;
Prayer by the Grand Chaplain;
Masonic Ode;
An Address by some competent Brother;
Masonic Hymn.
The Grand Marshal forms the officers and members of the new-
Lodge in front of the Grand Master. The Deputy Grand Master
addresses the Grand Master as follows :—
" Most Worshipful :—A number of brethren, duly instructed in
the mysteries of Freemasonry, having assembled together at stated
periods, by virtue of a dispensation granted them for that pur¬
pose, do now desire to be constituted into a regular Lodge, agreeably
to the ancient usages and customs of the Fraternity.77
The dispensation and records are presented to the Grand Master,
who examines the records, and, if found correct, approves the same,
and says :—
" The records appear to be correct, and are approved. Upon
due deliberation, the Grand Lodge have granted the brethren of
this new Lodge a charter, establishing and confirming them in
the rights and privileges of a regular constituted Lodge; let it be
read.77
After the charter is read, the Grand Master then says :—
;'We now proceed, according to ancient usage, to constitute
these brethren into a regular Lodge.77
Whereupon, the several officers of the new Lodge deliver up their
jewels and badges to their Master, who presents them, with his own,
to the Deputy Grand Master ; and he to the Grand Master.
The Deputy Grand Master presents the Master elect to the Grand
Master, saying :—
" Most Worshipful :—I present you Brother , whom the
members of the Lodge, now to be constituted, have chosen for
their Master."
The Grand Master asks them if they remain satisfied with their
choice. [ They bow in token of assent.']
The Master elect then presents, severally, his Wardens, and other
officers, naming them and their respective offices. The Grand Master
asks the brethren if they remain satisfied with each and all of them.
[They low as before.~\
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
133
The officers and members of the new Lodge form in front of the
Grand Master ; and the business of Consecration commences with
solemn music.
SECTION II.
CEREMONY OF CONSECRATION.
The Grand Master, attended by the Grand Officers and the Grand
Chaplain, form themselves in order round the Lodge—all devoutly
kneeling.
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is un¬
covered.
After which, the first clause of the Consecration Prayer is re¬
hearsed by the Grand Chaplain.
" Great Architect of the universe ! Maker and Ruler of all
worlds ! deign, from thy celestial temple, from realms of light
and glory, to bless us in all the purposes of our present assembly.
We humbly invoke thee to give us at this, and at all times, wisdom
in all our doings, strength of mind in all our difficulties, and the
beauty of harmony in all our communications. Permit us, 0 tliou
Author of light and life, great Source of love and happiness, to
erect this Lodge, and now solemnly to consecrate it to the honor
of thy glory.
" Glory be to God on high."
Response.—" As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be ; world without end. Amen."
The Deputy Grand Master takes the golden vessel of corn, and
the Senior and Junior Wardens take the silver vessels of wine and
oil, and each, in turn, presents his vessel to the Grand Master, who
sprinkles the elements of consecration upon the Lodge.
The Grand Chaplain then continues :—
" Grant, 0 Lord our God, that those who are now about to be
invested with the government of this Lodge, may be imbued with
wisdom to instruct their brethren in all their duties. May
brotherly love, relief, and truth always prevail among the members
of this Lodge ; and may this bond of union continue to strengthen
the Lodges throughout the world.
" Bless all our brethren, wherever dispersed : and grant speedy
relief to all who are either oppressed or distressed.
134
amman rezon.
"We affectionately commend to thee, all the members of thy
whole family. May they increase in grace, in the knowledge of
thee, and in the love of each other.
"Finally, may we finish all our work here below, with thy
approbation ; and, then, have onr transition from this earthly
abode to thy heavenly temple above, there to enjoy light, glory,
and bliss, ineffable and eternal!
Invocation.—" Glory be to God on high."
Response.—"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be. So mote it be. Amen."
A piece of solemn music is performed while the Lodge is uncovered.
The Grand Master then dedicates the Lodge in the following
terms:—
" To the memory of the Holy Saints John, we dedicate this
Lodge. May every brother revere their character, and imitate
their virtues.
Invocation.—" Glory be to God on high."
Response.—"As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be ; world without end. So mote it be. Amen."
A piece of music is performed, while the brethren of the new Lodge
advance in procession to salute the Grand Lodge, with their hands
crossed upon their breasts, and bowing as they pass. They then
take their places as they were.
CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTION.
The Grand Master then rises, advances to the pedestal, and con¬
stitutes the new Lodge in the form following :—
(From Webb's Monitor. Ed. 1797.)
"In the elevated character of Grand Master, to which the
suffrages of my brethren have raised me, I invoke the name of the
Most High, to whom be glory and honor! May he be with you
at your beginning, strengthen you in the principles of our Royal
Art, prosper you with all success, and direct your zealous efforts to
the good of the Craft. By the divine aid, I constitute and form
you, my good brethren, Masters, and Fellows, into a regular Lodge
of Free and Accepted Masons ; and, henceforth, empower you to
act in conformity to the Warrant you have received, the Rites of
our venerable Order, and the Charges of our Ancient Fraternity;
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY. 135
and may the Grand Architect of the universe be with you in all
your doings.
Response.—" So mote it be. Amen."
SECTION III.
CEREMONY OF INSTALLATION.
At every annual election of the officers of a subordinate Lodge, it
is necessary that they should be duly reestablished in their respec¬
tive offices.
This ceremony may be performed by any Past Master of a Lodge.
The officers having been constitutionally elected, and having sig¬
nified their acceptance of the offices to which they have been
respectively chosen, the Worshipful Master of the past year, or some
other Past Master, takes the chair, and the Master elect, conducted
by some Past Master (if one is present, and, if not, by some old
Mason), is presented in front of the pedestal in the Bast, advancing
with the usual distinctive forms ; when arrived at the Master's step,
the conductor says :—
"Worshipful Sir :—I here present before you Brother A. B.,
who has been duly elected to serve this Lodge as Worshipful Master
for the ensuing Masonic year ; and, in the name of the brethren,
I request you to install him into office in due and ancient form.7'
The new Master then turns and faces the brethren, and the pre¬
siding officer says :—
" Brethren :—You have before you Brother A. B., who has been
duly elected to serve this Lodge as Worshipful Master for the
ensuing Masonic year, and who now declares himself ready for
installation ; if, therefore, you, or any of you, have any Masonic
cause to show why he should not be installed, present it now, or
for ever hereafter hold your peace."
No objection being shown, the presiding officer causes the new
Master to face the East, and thus addresses him :—
Brother :—Previous to your investiture, it is necessary that
you should signify your assent to those Ancient Charges and Regu¬
lations, which point out the duty of a Master of a Lodge.*
* In Webb's Monitor, Ed. 1797, the Ancient Charges, as contained in a MS. in the
possession of the Lodge of Antiquity, in London, written in the reign of James II.,.
are here read.
136
ahiman kezon.
I.—You agree to be a good man and true, and strictly to obey
the moral law.
II.—You agree to be a peaceable subject, and cheerfully to
conform to the laws of the country in which you reside.
III.—You promise not to be concerned in plots and conspiracies
against government; but patiently to submit to the decisions of
the supreme legislature.
IY.—You agree to pay a proper respect to the civil magistrates,
to work diligently, live creditably, and act honorably by all men.
Y.—You agree to hold in veneration, the original rulers and
patrons of the Order of Masonry, and their regular successors,
supreme and subordinate, according to their stations ; aud to
submit to the awards and resolutions ot your brethren, when
convened, in every case consistent with the Constitutions of
the Order.
YI.—You agree to avoid private piques and quarrels, and to
guard against intemperance and excess.
YII.—You agree to be cautious in carriage and behavior, cour¬
teous to your brethren, and faithful to your Lodge.
YIII.—You promise to respect genuine brethren, and to dis¬
countenance impostors, and all dissenters from the original plan
of Freemasonry.
IX.—You agree to promote the general good of society, to cul¬
tivate the social virtues, and to propagate the knowledge of the
art.
X.—You promise to pay homage to the Grand Master for the
time being, and to his officers when duly installed ; and strictly
to conform to every edict of the Grand Lodge, or general
assembly of Masons, that is not subversive ©f the principle and
groundwork of Freemasonry.
XI.—ou admit, that it is not in the power of any man, or
body of men, to make innovations in the body of Freemasonry.
XII.—You promise a regular attendance on the committees
and communications of the Grand Lodge, on receiving proper
notice, and to pay attention to all the duties of Freemasonry, on
convenient occasions.
XIII—You admit, that no new Lodge shall be formed .without
ceremonies of freemasonry.
137
permission of the Grand Lodge ; and that no countenance be
given to an irregular Lodge, or to any person clandestinely
initiated therein, being contrary to the Ancient Charges of the
Order.
XIV.—You admit that no person can be regularly made a
Mason in, or admitted a member of, any regular Lodge without
previous notice, and due inquiry into his character.
XV.—You agree that 110 visitors shall be received into your
Lodge, without due examination, and producing proper vouchers
of their having been initiated into a regular Lodge.
These are the regulations of Free and Accepted Masons.
The presiding officer then addresses the Master as follows :—
Do you submit to these charges, and promise to support these
regulations, as Masters have done in all ages before you ?
The Master is to answer, I do.
The presiding officer then addresses him :—
" Brother A. B.:—In consequence of your cheerful conformity
to the Charges and Regulations of the. Order, you are now to be
installed Master of this Lodge, in full confidence of your care,
skill, and capacity to govern the same.
" Previous to your assumption of the duties of your office, it is
necessary that you should be solemnly inducted into the Oriental
Chair of King Solomon, in due and ancient form. At the per¬
formance of this ceremony, no person can be present, who has
not himself presided as Master of a Symbolic Lodge, and been
duly installed into office.*
The presiding officer will cause all persons not entitled to witness
the ceremony to withdraw ; and the new Master is solemnly invested
with the mysteries of his office ; which being concluded, the doors
are opened, and the brethren permitted to return. They arrange
themselves standing on each side of the hall, and the prgsijjing
officer says :—
" Brethren, behold your Master!
" Master, behold your brethren!"
* Yid. 9th Sect. Art. II., of the Constitution of the Grand Lodge of Georgia.
138 AHIMAN KEZON.
A procession is then formed, and the brethren pass round the Lodge,
signifying their homage and obedience, by the usual distinctive
marks in the three symbolic degrees ; during which time the Install¬
ation Ode is sung.
INSTALLATION ODE.
Hail, Masonry divine I
Glory of ages, shine ;
Long be thy reign ;
Where'er thy Lodges stand,
Upraised by thy command,
To grace and bless the land,
With Art divine.
{Honor s.)
Vast fabrics still arise
Beneath the arching skies,
Reared by thy schemes ;
Thy noble Orders are
Matchless, beyond compare ;
No art with thee can square,
Thou Art divine.
( Honors.)
Hiram, the architect,
Our Craftsmen did direct
Their Lodge to build ;
While Israel's wisest king,
With praise and offering,
Instructed us to sing,
Hail, royal Art!
(Honors.)
After the singing of the ode, the presiding officer proceeds :*—
The Holy Writings, that great light in Freemasonry, will guide
you to all truth ; it will direct your path to the temple of happiness,
and point out to you the whole duty of man.
S|
I- -3
* Bro. Webb, in the edition of his Monitor, published in 1797. after the delivery of
the Warrant of Constitution to the new Master, says, " The Holy Writ ings, the Rule and
Line, the Constitutions, the Minute Book, the Mallet, the Trowel, and Chisel, the Movable
Jewels (by which terra he designates the Square, Level, and Plumb), and all the
insignia of his different officers, are separately presented to him, and charges suitable
to each delivered."—p. 116. °
ceremonies of freemasonry.
139
The Square teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line,
and harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and
virtue.
The Compasses teach us to limit our desires in every station ;
that, rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected, and die
regretted.
The Rule directs that "we should punctually observe our duty ;
press forward in the path of virtue, and, neither inclining to the
right nor to the left, in all our actions have eternity in view.
The Line teaches the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dis¬
simulation in conversation and action, and to direct our steps to
the path which leads to a glorious immortality.
The Book of Constitutions you are to search at all times.
Cause it to be read in your Lodge, that none may pretend igno¬
rance of the excellent precepts it enjoins.
You will, also, receive in charge the By-Laws of your Lodge,
which you are to see carefully and punctually executed.
Worshipful Master :—Being appointed Master of this Lodge,
you can not be insensible of the obligations which devolve on you?
as their head ; nor of your responsibility for the faithful discharge
of the important duties annexed to your appointment.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of your Lodge, will
materially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you
manage its concerns : while the happiness of its members will be
generally promoted, in proportion to the zeal and ability
which you propagate the genuine principles of our Institution. *
For a pattern of imitation, consider the great luminary ofi
nature, which, rising in the East, regularly diffuses light and
lustre to all within its circle. In like manner, it is your province
to spread and communicate light and instruction to the brethren
of your Lodge. Forcibly impress upon them the dignity and high
importance of Freemasonry, and, seriously admonish them never
to disgrace it. Charge them to practice out of the Lodge, those
CHARGE
UPON THE INSTALLATION OF THE MASTER OF A LODGE.
140
ahiman rezon.
duties which are taught in it; and, by amiable, discreet, and vii
tuous conduct, to convince mankind of the goodness of the Insti
tution ; so that, when any one is said to be a member of it, th
world may know that he is one to whom the burthened heart ma;
pour out its sorrows ; to whom distress may prefer its suit
whose hand is guided by justice, and his heart expanded b;
benevolence. In short, by a diligent observance of the By-Law
of your Lodge, the Constitutions of Freemasonry, and, above all
the Holy Scriptures, which are given as a rule and guide to you:
faith, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor and repu
tation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall continue whei
time shall be no more. And now,
First.—I deliver to you this Gavel* which shows you:
authority to the brethren, signifying to them to whom the nami
of Master belongs ; it teaches to lop off excrescences, and smootl
surfaces ; or, in other words, to correct irregularities, and reduc*
man to his proper polish, that, by quiet deportment, he may, ii
the school of discipline, learn to be content.
Secondly.—I invest you with this jewel, as the proper embleD
of your office, and an ornamental badge of Freemasonry, that has
with pride, been worn at all times by Masters of Lodges. Ofc
serve, it is a Square, denoting, in its moral sense, that you ar
always so to square your life and actions, as to convince you
brethren that you are worthy of the preeminence they have cob
ferred upon you ; and in its emblematic sense, that as, whei
applied to work, it shows whether it be straight, even, and coi
rect, so are you to observe that your conduct and actions, a
well as those of your brethren (when in the Lodge) are straight
even, and correct.
Thirdly.—I render unto you the Holy Bible, which contain
the rules and precepts whereby all men, but particularly Free
masons, ought to govern and regulate their conduct and actions.
Fourthly.—I give unto you this Book of the Constitutions o
Freemasonry, by which you are to govern and direct your ow
actions, and the actions of those under your authority ; and, alsc
the By-Laws of the Lodge, which you will cause to be frequentl
* Hiram, or Maul.
ceremonies of freemasonry.
141
read, in order that every member may have an opportunity of
being thoroughly acquainted therewith. And,
Lastly.—I present you with the Warrant of this Lodge, being
the authority under which its meetings are held.
The installing officer then divesting* himself of the distinctive
sign of the Master, and delivering it to him, proceeds thus :—
I most heartily wish you all happiness, and pray God, of his
infinite mercy and goodness, to guide and direct you in all your
actions, and keep you from being ever guilty of any breach of the
duties of your sublime office. Amen.—Laws of G. L. of Ireland,
p. 34.
Note.—When a new Lodge is constituted and consecrated, and the officers to be
installed, if an address is to be delivered, the ceremonies may close with the install¬
ation of the Junior Warden ; to avoid the weariness which may be caused by the
length of time occupied by the whole service.
The subordinate officers are then severally invested by the pre¬
siding officer,* who delivers to each of them a short Charge, as
follows, viz :—
the senior warden.
Brother C. D. :—You are appointed Senior Warden of this
Lodge, and are now invested with the emblem of your office.
The Level demonstrates that we are descended from the same
stock, partake of the same nature, and share the same hope ; and
though distinctions among men are necessary to preserve subordi¬
nation, yet no eminence of station should make us forget that we
are brethren ; for he who is placed on the lowest spoke of for¬
tune's wheel, may be entitled to our regard ; because a time will
come, and the wisest knows not how soon, when all distinction,
but that of goodness, shall cease ; and death, the grand leveler
of human greatness, reduce us to the same state.
Your regular attendance on our stated meetings, is essentially
necessary. In the absence of the Master, you are to govern this
Lodge ; in his presence, you are to assist him in the government
thereof. I firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry, and attach¬
ment to the Lodge, for the faithful discharge of the duties of this
important trust.—Look well to the West !
* The newly installed Master may install the remaining officers of his Lodge, if he
thinks proper so to do.
142 ahiman rezon.
the junior warden.
Brother E. F.:—You are appointed Junior Warden of this
Lodge, and are now invested with the emblem of your office.
The Plumb admonishes us to walk uprightly in our several
stations ; to hold the scales of justice in equal poise ; to observe
the just medium between intemperance and pleasure ; and to
make our passions and prejudices coincide with the line of our
duty. To you is committed the superintendence of the Craft,
during the hours of refreshment; it is, therefore, indispensably
necessary, that you should, not only be temperate and discreet in
the indulgence of your own inclinations, but carefully observe that
none of the Craft be suffered to convert the purposes of refresh¬
ment into intemperance and excess.
Your regular and punctual attendance is particularly requested;
and I have no doubt that you will faithfully execute the duty which
you owe to your present appointment.—Look well to the South !
the treasurer.
Brother G-. H.:—You are appointed Treasurer of this Lodge.
It is your duty to receive all moneys from the hands of the Secre¬
tary, make due entries of the same, and pay them out by order of
the Worshipful Master and the consent of the Lodge.
I trust your regard for the Fraternity will prompt you to the
faithful discharge of the duties of your office.
the secretary.
Brother J. K.:—You are appointed Secretary of this Lodge.
It is your duty to observe all the proceedings of the Lodge;
make a fair record of all things proper to be written ; to receive
all moneys due the Lodge, and pay them over to the Treasurer,
and take his receipt for the same.
Your good inclination to Masonry and this Lodge, I hope, will
induce you to discharge your office with fidelity ; and by so doing,
you will merit the esteem and applause of your brethren.
senior and junior deacons.
Brothers L. M. and N. 0.You are appointed Deacons of this
Lodge. To you, with such assistance as may be necessary, is intrust¬
ed the examination of visitors. It is, also, your province to attend
on the Master and Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the
ceremonies of freemasonry.
143
active duties of the Lodge ; such as in the reception of candidates
into the different degrees of Masonry, and in the immediate practice
of our rites. The Square and Compasses, as badges of your office,
I trust to your care, not doubting your vigilance and attention.
the stewards.
Brothers P. Q. and R. S.:—You are appointed Stewards of
this Lodge. The duties of your office are, to assist in the collec¬
tion of dues and subscriptions ; to keep an account of the Lodge
expenses ; to see that the tables are properly furnished at refresh¬
ment, and that every brotheV is suitably provided for ; and
generally to assist the deacons and other officers in performing
their duties.
Your regular and early attendance will afford the best proof of
your zeal and attachment to the Lodge.
the tyler.
Brother:—You are appointed Tyler of this Lodge; and I
invest you with the implement of your office. As the Sword is
placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable him effectually to guard
against the approach of cowans and evesdroppers, and suffer none
to pass or repass, but such as are duly qualified, so it should
morally serve as a constant admonition to us to set a guard at the
entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the door of our lips,
to post a sentinel at the avenue of our actions ; thereby excluding
every unqualified and unworthy thought, word, and deed ; and pre¬
serving consciences void of offense toward God and toward man.
Your early and punctual attendance will afford the best proof
of your zeal for the Institution.
The Grand Master then addresses the officers and members of the
{new) Lodge, as follows:—
CHARGE
UPON THE INSTALLATION OP THE OFFICERS OF A LODGE.
Worshipful Master :—The Grand Lodge having committed
to your care the superintendence and government of the brethren,
who are to compose this (new) Lodge, you can not be insensible of
the obligations devolving on you, as their head ; nor of your
responsibility for the faithful discharge of the important duties
annexed to your appointment.
144
ahiman eezon.
The honor, reputation, and usefulness of the Lodge, will mate¬
rially depend on the skill and assiduity with which you manage
its concerns ; while the happiness of its members will be gen¬
erally promoted in proportion to the zealous ability you may
bring to the propagation of the genuine principles of the Order.
Look to the Great Light ordained to rule the day ; rising with
unfailing regularity from the East, it diffuses light and lustre
abroad throughout the world. In like manner, it is your prov¬
ince to spread abroad and communicate light and instruction to
the brethren of your Lodge. Forcibly, by example and precept,
impress upon them the dignity and high importance of Free¬
masonry ; and seriously admonish them never to abase it. Charge
them to practice out of the Lodge, those duties which they have
been taught in it; and by amiable, discreet, and virtuous conduct,
to convince mankind of the goodness of the Institution • so that,
when any one is known to be a member, the world may under¬
stand, that to him the burthened heart may pour out its sorrows,
to whom distress may prefer its suit ; sure, that his hand is guided
by justice, and his heart expanded by benevolence. In short, by
a diligent observance of the By-Laws of your Lodge, the Consti¬
tutions of Freemasonry, and, above all, by a heedful study of the
Holy Scriptures, you will be enabled to acquit yourself with honor
and reputation, and lay up a crown of rejoicing, which shall con¬
tinue when time shall be no more.
Brother Senior and Junior Wardens :—You are too well
acquainted with the principles of Freemasonry, to warrant any
distrust that you will be found wanting in the discharge of your
respective duties. Suffice it to mention, that what you have seen
praiseworthy in others, you should carefully imitate ; and what in
them may have appeared defective, you should in yourselves
amend. You should be examples of good order and regularity,
for it is only by a due regard to the laws of your own conduct,
that you can expect obedience to them from others. You are
assiduously to assist the Master in the discharge of duties, diffusing
light, and imparting knowledge to all whom he shall place under
your care. In the absence of the Master, a higher trust will
devolve upon you; your acquirements must, therefore, be such, that
the Craft may not suffer for want of proper instruction. From
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
145
the spirit which you have hitherto evinced, I entertain no doubt
that your future conduct will be such as to merit the applause of
your brethren, and win testimony of an approving conscience.
CHARGE
TO THE BRETHREN OF THE LODGE.
Such is the nature of our Constitution, that as some must, of
necessity, rule and teach, so others must, of course, learn to submit
and obey. Humility in both is an essential duty. The officers,
who are appointed to govern your Lodge, are sufficiently con¬
versant with the rules of propriety and the laws of the Institution
to avoid exceeding the powers with which they are intrusted;
and you are of too generous dispositions, to envy their preferment.
I, therefore, trust that you will have but one aim—to please each
other, and unite in the grand design of being happy, and commu¬
nicating happiness.
Finally, my brethren, as this Association has been formed and
perfected with so much unanimity and concord, in which we
greatly rejoice, so may it long continue. May you long enjoy
every satisfaction and delight which disinterested friendship can
afford. May kindness and brotherly affection distinguish your
conduct, as men, and as Masons. Within your peaceful walls,
may your children's children celebrate with joy and gratitude, the
repetitions of this auspicious solemnity. And may the tenets of
our profession be transmitted through your Lodge, pure and unim¬
paired, from generation to generation.
The Grand Marshal then proclaims the New Lodge in the fol¬
lowing manner:—
Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye!
By command of the M. W. Grand Master, in the name of the
Grand Lodge of I proclaim this new Lodge by the name
of Lodge, No. —, to be legally constituted and consecrated,
and the officers thereof to be duly installed in their respective
offices.
A piece of Music is then performed.
Benediction.
The procession is then re-formed, and returns in due order, to the
lall whence it set out, where, after paying Masonic homage to the
faster by the brethren, the Lodge is duly closed
10
CHAPTER II.
LAYING FOUNDATION-STONES OF PUBLIC STRUCTURES.
This section contains the ceremony observed on laying the foun¬
dation-stones of public structures.
This ceremony is conducted by the M. W. Grand Master and his
officers, assisted by such officers and members of subordinate Lodges
as can conveniently attend. The chief magistrate, and other civil
officers of the place where the building is to be erected, also; gen¬
erally attend on the occasion.
At the time appointed, the Grand Lodge is convened in some
suitable place. A band of martiM music is provided, and the
brethren appear in the insignia of the Order.
The Lodge is then opened by the Grand Master, and the rules for
regulating the procession are read by the Grand Secretary ; after
which, the procession sets out in due form, in the following order:—
PROCESSION AT LAYING FOUNDATION-STONES.
Two Tylers with drawn Swords ;
Tyler of the older Lodge with Sword;
Two Stewards of the older Lodge ;
Entered Apprentices;
Fellow Crafts;
Master Masons ;
Past Secretaries;
"3 Past Treasurers;
Is Past Junior Wardens ;
g Past Senior Wardens ;
Mark Masters;
Past Masters;
Royal Arch Masons;
Select Masters;
Knights Templar;
Music;
Grand Tyler with a drawn Sword ;
Grand Stewards, with white Rods ;
A Past Master, with a Golden Vessel containing Corn ;
Principal Architect, with Square, Level, and Plumb;
Two Past Masters, with Silver Vessels, one containing Wine, and the othei <)il;
CEREMONIES OF FREEMSONRY.
147
Grand Secretary and Treasurer ;
The Five Orders ;
One large Light, borne by a Past Master ;
The Holy Bible, Square, and Compasses, borne by a Master of a Lodge,
supported by two Stewards on the right and left;
Two large Lights, borne by two Past Masters ;
Grand Chaplain;
Clergy and Orator;
Grand Wardens;
Deputy Grand Master ;
The Master of the oldest Lodge, carrying the Book of Constitutions on a velvet
cushion;
Grand Deacons with black Rods, on a line seven feet apart ;
Grand Master;
Two Stewards with white Eods ;
Grand Sword-Bearer with drawn Sword.
A triumphal arch is usually erected at the place where the cere¬
mony is to be performed. The procession passes through the arch ;
and, the brethren repairing to their stands, the Grand Master and
his officers take their places on a temporary platform, covered with
carpet. The Grand Master commands silence in the usual form.
PRAYER BY THE GRAND CHAPLAIN.
The following ode is then sung :—
ODE.
When earth's foundation first was laid
By the Almighty Artist's hand,
'Twas then our perfect laws were made,
Established by his strict command.
Chorus.—Hail mysterious, hail glorious Masonry,
That makes us ever great and free !
In vain our race for shelter sought—
In vain from place to place did roam,
Until from Heaven the art was taught
To plan, to build, to found a home.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
Illustrious, hence we date our art,
And now the loftiest piles uprear,
Which shall to endless time impart,
How worthy, and how great we are.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
148
ahiman eezon.
Nor we less fam'd for every tie,
By which the human thought is bound ;
Love, truth, and friendship, socially,
Join all our hearts and hands around.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
Our actions still by Virtue blest,
And to our precepts ever true,
The world, admiring, shall request
To learn, and our bright paths pursue.
Chorus.—Hail, etc.
The necessary preparations are made for laying the stone on
which is engraved the year of Masonry, the name of the Grand
Master, and such other particulars as may be deemed necessary.
The stone is raised up, by means of an engine erected for that
purpose, and the Grand Chaplain, or Orator, repeats a short prayer.
music.
The Grand Treasurer, then, by the Grand Master's command,
places under the stone various sorts of coin and medals of the
present age. Solemn music is introduced, and the stone is let
down into its place.
The principal architect accurately places the stone in its bed, and
reports to the Grand Master that it awaits his examination, inspec¬
tion, and approval; who, after approaching the stone, calls upon the
Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, and Junior Grand
Warden, respectively, to present the proper emblems of these several
offices, with the Masonic lessons peculiar to each, and singly receiv¬
ing them, applies them in their proper positions, to the several sur¬
faces of the stone ; which, being done, the Grand Master standing
in front, says, with a loud voice :—
" I have tried and proved this stone, by Plumb, Square, and
Level, and pronounce it to be well formed, true, and trusty."
Then, addressing the Eev. Grand Chaplain, the Grand Master
demands of him :—
" Have we here the First Great Light in Masonry ?"
Grand Chaplain.—" It is in my hands, Most Worshipful."
Grand Master.—" What promise and instruction doth it afford
us on the present occasion ?"
ceremonies of freemasonry.
149
Grand Chaplain reads :—
Isaiah xxviii. 16,17.
" Thus saith the Lord God, behold I lay in Zion, for a founda¬
tion, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a sure foun¬
dation.
" Judgment, also, will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the
plummet."
Zkcharlui iii. 9.
" For behold the stone which I have laid before Joshua;
upon one stone shall be seven eyes: Behold, I will engrave the
engraving thereof, saith the Lord of Hosts."
Psalm cxxxiv.
" Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye, the servants of the Lord,
which by night stand in the house of the Lord.
" Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord.
" The Lord that made heaven and earth, bless thee out of Zion."
The golden and silver vessels are next brought to the table, and
delivered—the former to the Deputy Grand Master, and the latter to
the Grand Wardens, who successively present them to the Grand
Master ; and he, according to ancient ceremony, pours the corn, the
wine, and the oil, which they contain, on the stone, saying : —
invocation.
May the all-bounteous Author of nature bless the inhabitants
of this place with all the necessaries, conveniences, and comforts
of life ; assist in the erection and completion of this building;
protect the workmen against every accident, and long preserve
this structure from decay; and grant to us all, a supply of the
corn of nourishment, the wine of refreshment, and the oil of joy !
Response.—So mote it be. Amen.
He then strikes the stone thrice with the Mallet; and the public
grand honors of Masonry are given.
Addressing the architect, lie says :—
"Worthy Sir (or Brother) - Having thus, as Grand Master of
Masons, laid the foundation-stone of this structure, I now deliver
these implements of your profession into your hands, intrusting
you with the superintendence and direction of the work, having
full confidence in your skill and capacity to conduct the same.
150
ahiman rezon.
The Grand Master then delivers over to the architect the various
implements of architecture, intrusting him with the superintendence
and direction of the work ; he then reascends the platform, and an
oration, suitable to the occasion, is delivered, after which the fol¬
lowing anthem is sung :—
ANTHEM.
" Let there be light," th' Almighty spoke ;
Refulgent streams from chaos broke,
To illume the rising earth !
Well pleas'd the Great Jehovah stood ;
The Power Supreme pronounc'd it good,
And gave the planets birth !
Chorus.—In choral numbers, Masons join,
To bless and praise this light divine.
Parent of light! accept our praise ;
Who shedd'st on us thy brightest rays—
The light that fills the mind :
By choice selected, lo ! we stand,
By friendship join'd, a social band !
That love, that aid mankind !
Chorus.—In choral numbers, etc.
The widow's tear, the orphan's cry,
All wants our ready hands supply,
As far as power is given ;
The naked clothe, the prisoner free,
These are thy works, sweet Charity!
Reveal'd to us from Heaven.
Chorus.—In choral numbers, etc.,
The Grand Master then addresses the assembly as follows :—
Men and Brethren here assembled :—Be it known unto you,
that we be lawful Masons, true and faithful to the laws of our
country, and engaged by solemn obligations, to erect magnificent
buildings, to be serviceable to the brethren, and to fear God, the
Great Architect of the universe. We have among us, concealed
from the eyes of all, secrets which can not be divulged, and which
have never been found out; but these secrets are lawful and
honorable, and not repugnant to the laws of God or man. They
were intrusted in peace and honor to the Masons of ancient
times ; and, having been faithfully transmitted to us, it is our duty
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
151
to convey them unimpaired to tlie latest posterity. Unless our
Craft were good, and our calling honorable, we should not have
lasted for so many centuries, nor should we have been honored
with the patronage of so many illustrious men in all ages, who
have ever shown themselves ready to promote our interests, and
to defend us from all adversaries. We are assembled here to¬
day, in the face of you all, to build a house, which we pray God
may deserve to prosper, by becoming a place of concourse for
good men, and promoting harmony and brotherly love throughout
the world, till time shall be no more.
Response.—So mote it be. Amen.
A voluntary collection is then made by the Grand Stewards among
the brethren, for the needy workmen, and the sum collected is placed
upon the stone by the Grand Treasurer, during which time the fol¬
lowing song is sung in honor of Masonry :—
Hail Masonry divine !
Glory of ages shine ;
Long be thy reign ;
Where'er thy Lodges stand,
Upraised by thy command,
To grace and bless the land,
With art divine.
Vast fabrics still arise,
Beneath the arching skies,
Reared by thy schemes ;
Thy noble orders are
Matchless, beyond compare ;
No art with thee can square,
Thou art divine.
Hiram, the architect,
Our Craftsmen did direct
Their Lodge to build :
While Israel's wisest king,
With praise and offering,
Instructed us to sing,
Hail, royal art !
A benediction is then pronounced by the Grand Chaplain ; after
which, the procession returns in the same order in which it set out,
and the Grand Lodge is closed with the usual formalities.
i
CHAPTER III.
DEDICATION OF FREEMASONS' HALLS.
The fourth section contains the ceremony observed at the dedica¬
tion of the Freemasons' Halls.
On the day appointed, the Grand Master and his officers, accom¬
panied by the members of the Grand Lodge, meet in a convenient
room near the place where the ceremony is to be performed, and
open in due and ample form, in the third degree of Masonry.
The Master of the Lodge to which the hall to be dedicated
belongs, being present, addresses the Grand Master, as follows :—
Most Worshipful :—The brethren of Lodge, being
animated with a desire of promoting the honor and interest of
the Craft, have, at great pains and expense, erected a Masonic
Hall, for their convenience and accommodation. They are
desirous that the same should be examined by the M. W. Grand
Lodge ; and, if it should meet their approbation, that it should be
solemnly dedicated to Masonic purposes, agreeably to ancient
form.
The Grand Master then directs the Grand Marshal to form the
procession, when they move forward to the hall to be dedicated.
On entering, the music will continue while the procession marches
three times round the hall.
The Lodge, or flooring, is then placed in the centre ; and the
Grand Master having taken the chair, under a canopy of state, the
Grand Officers and the Masters and Wardens of the Lodges
repair to the places previously prepared for their reception. The
three lights and the gold and silver pitchers, with the corn, wine,
and oil, are placed round the Lodge, at the end of which stands the
altar, with the Holy Bible open, and the Square and Compasses laid
thereon, with the Charter, Book of Constitutions, and By-Laws.
An anthem is sung, and an exordium on Masonry given ; after
which, the architect addresses the Grand Master, as follows :
Most Worshipful :—Having been intrusted with the super¬
intendence and management of the workmen employed in the
ceremonies op freemasonry.
153
construction of this edifice, and having, according to the best of
my ability, accomplished the task assigned me, I now return my
thanks for the honor of this appointment, and beg leave to sur¬
render up the implements which were committed to my care when
the foundation of this fabric was laid ; humbly hoping that the
exertions which have been made on this occasion, will be crowned
with your approbation, and that of the Most WorshipM Grand
Lodge.
To which the Grand Master makes the following reply :—
Brother Architect :—The skill and fidelity displayed in the
execution of the trust reposed in you, at the commencement of
this undertaking, have secured the entire approbation of the
Grand Lodge ; and they sincerely pray that this edifice may con¬
tinue a lasting monument of the taste, spirit, and liberality of its
founders.
An ode in honor of Masonry is sung, accompanied with instru¬
mental music.
The Deputy Grand Master then rises, and says :—
Most Worshipful :—The hall in which we are now assembled,
and the plan upon which it has been constructed, having met with
your approbation, it is the desire of the Fraternity that it should
now be dedicated, according to ancient form and usage.
Whereupon, the Grand Master requests all to retire, but such as
are Master Masons. A procession is then formed in the following
order, viz:—
Grand Sword-Bearer ;
A Past Master, with a Light;
A Past Master, with a Bible, Square, and Compasses, on a
velvet cushion ;
Two Past Masters, each with a Light;
Grand Secretary and Treasurer, with emblems ;
Grand Junior Warden, with pitcher of corn ;
Grand Senior Warden, with pitcher of wine ;
Deputy Grand Master, with pitcher of oil ;
Grand Master ;
Two Stewards, with rods.
All the other brethren keep their places, and assist in performing
an ode, which continues during the procession, excepting only at the
intervals of dedication. The Lodge being uncovered, the first time
154
ahiman rez0n.
passing round it, the Junior Grand Warden presents the pitcher of
corn to the Grand Master, who pours it out upon the Lodge, at the
same time pronouncing :—
In the name of the Great Jehovah, to whom be all honor and
glory, I do solemnly dedicate this hall to Freemasonry.
The Grand Honors are given.
The second time passing round the Lodge, the Grand Senior
Warden presents the pitcher of wine to the Grand Master, who
sprinkles it upon the Lodge, at the same time saying :—
In the name of the Holy Saints John, I do solemnly dedicate
this hall to Virtue.
The Grand Honors are twice given.
The third time passing round the Lodge, the Deputy Grand Master
presents the Grand Master with the pitcher of oil, who sprinkles it
upon the Lodge, saying :—
In the name of the whole Fraternity, I do solemnly dedicate
this hall to Universal Benevolence.
The Grand Honors are thrice given.
A solemn invocation is made to the Throne of Grace, by the Grand
Chaplain.*
Response.—The Lord is gracious, and His mercy endureth for
ever.
The Grand Chaplain then pronounces the following
benediction.
Blessed be the Lord that hath given rest to His people. The
Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers. Let Him
not leave us or forsake us ; that He may incline our hearts unto
Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments,
and His statutes, and His judgments which He has commanded.
Response.—Glory be to God on high, on earth peace, good will
toward men. The Lodge is then covered, and the Grand Honors
given, when the Grand Master retires to his chair.
* The concluding portion of this ceremony is taken from Dalcho'a Ahiman Ream,
Edition of 1822.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
155
The following anthem is then sung :—
ANTHEM.
SUNG AT THE CONSECRATION OF THE "JACOB'S LODGE," RAMSGATE, ENGLAND,
SEPTEMBER 3, 1798.
COMPOSED BY BRO. MATTHEW GARLAND, PRO. OR. ORATOR.
When David's son, with wondrous skill,
A temple did prepare,
Israel, with zeal, his courts did fill,
And God was honored there.
Celestial rays of glorious light
The sacred walls contained ;
The*pure refulgence, day and night,
With awful force remained.
0 may Thy presence, gracious Lord,
In our assembly be ;
Enlighten us to know Thy Word,
That we may honor Thee.
And when the final trump shall sound,
To judge this world of sin ;
Within Thy courts may we be found
Eternally tyled in.
An address is then delivered, after which a suitable ode is sung ;
the procession is then resumed, and, after marching three times
round the hall, with the Lodge, during which a piece of music is per¬
formed, the procession returns to the place whence it set out, and
the Grand Lodge is closed.
CHAPTER IV.
CEREMONY AT GRAND VISITATIONS.
The Grand Master, accompanied by his Grand Officers, should, at
least, once a year, or as often as he may deem expedient, visit the
Lodges under his jurisdiction, to make the customary examinations.
When this laudable duty becomes impracticable, from the extent of
jurisdiction and the large number of Lodges, the Grand Master may,
as often as is necessary, appoint visitors of different districts from
among the Grand Officers, with such assistants as he may deem
proper, who shall make a faithful report of thei* proceedings to the
Grand Lodge, according to the instructions given them.
When both the Grand and Deputy Grand Masters are absent, the
Senior or Junior Grand Warden may preside as Deputy, in visiting
the Lodges, which can not be done without one, at least, of the above-
named Grand Officers. Where none of them are able to attend, the
Grand Master delivers a deputation, under the seal of the Grand
Lodge, to some capable brother, who has presided as Master, to visit
such Lodges as the Grand Master may think proper to designate.
The Lodge being notified of the intended visit,
The Master opens his Lodge in the third degree, and places his
Deacons at the sides of the door, with their staves crossed. The
brethren arrange themselves in a line from the door, on each side, to
the chair. The Orders, borne by some of the most respectable
private brethren, wait near the door, to precede the Grand Officers
when they enter. This arrangement being made, the Master directs
a Past Master to escort the Grand Officers, who enter in the follow¬
ing order :—
Grand Marshal;
Grand Stewards ;
Grand Pursuivant, with Sword of State ;
Two Grand Deacons;
Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary ;
Grand Chaplain ;
Senior and Junior Grand Wardens ;
Grand and Deputy Grand Masters ;
Two Grand Deacons.
The Grand Tyler remains at the door.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
157
The procession advances to the East; when, opening to the right
and left, the Grand Master passes through to the chair ; they then
close, and seat themselves on the right of the Master.
The Master receives the Grand Master, according to ancient usage,
with the private Grand Honors of Masonry, resigns to him the chair
and Gavel, and the officers of the Lodge resign their stations to the
corresponding Grand Officers. The Master then delivers to the
Grand Master the Warrant of Constitution, the Treasurer and
Secretary's books, and a statement of the funds of his Lodge for his
inspection. Having examined them, he expresses his approbation,
or makes such observations as the circumstances and situation of
the Lodge may require.
The Grand Master then resigns the chair to the Worshipful Master,
and the Grand Officers leave their stations, and repair to the East.
Should the Grand Officers retire before the Lodge is closed, the
same ceremony must be observed as at their entrance.
REGULATIONS FOE PROCESSION.
(From Mackey's Ahiman Rezon.)
When the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, or either of the
Grand Wardens join the procession of a private Lodge, proper
respect is to be paid to the rank of the officer. His position will be
immediately after the Master of the Lodge, and two Deacons will be
appointed to attend him.
When the Grand or Deputy Grand Master is present, the Book of
Constitutions will be borne before him. The honor of carrying this
book belongs, of right, to the Master of the oldest Lodge in the juris¬
diction, whenever he is present, in allusion to the fact that the Con¬
stitutions of the Order were originally vested in that officer, and that
on him the business of the Grand Lodge devolves, in case of the
absence of all the Present and Past Grand Officers ; and, also,
because it was a custom, adopted soon after the reorganization of
the Grand Lodge of England, for the Master of the oldest Lodge to
attend every Grand Installation, and, taking precedence of all others,
the Grand Master only excepted, to deliver the Book of Constitutions
to the newly installed Grand Master, thereby to remind him of his
obligation to preserve the ancient landmarks and Constitutions invio¬
late. The Book, of Constitutions must never be borne in a pro¬
cession, unless the Grand or Deputy Grand Master be present.
In entering public buildings, the Bible, Square, and Compasses,
158
AHIMAN REZON.
and the Book of Constitutions, are to be placed in front of the Grand
Master, and the Grand Marshal and Grand Deacons must keep near
him.
When a procession faces inward, the Deacons and Stewards will
cross their rods, so as to form an arch for the brethren to pass
beneath.
Marshals are to ride or walk on the left flank of the procession.
The appropriate costume of a Marshal is a cocked hat, sword, and
scarf, with a baton in his hand.
The color of the scarf must be blue in the procession of a subordi¬
nate Lodge, and crimson in that of the Grand Lodge.
All processions will return in the same order in which they set out.
The post of honor in a Masonic procession is always in the rear.
CHAPTER V.
SECTION I.
CONSTITUTION AND CONSECRATION OF ROYAL ARCH CHAPTERS.
The Grand Chapter will be opened at some convenient place, and
the new Chapter will meet in the outer rooms of their hall, and form
an avenue for the reception of the Grand Chapter.
When formed, they will dispatch a Committee to the place where
the Grand Chapter is assembled, to inform the Grand Marshal that
the Chapter is prepared to receive them ; the Grand Marshal will
announce the Committee, and introduce them to the Grand Officers.
The Grand Chapter will move in procession, conducted by the
Committee, to the hall of the Chapter, in the following order :—
Grand Tyler;
Two Grand Stewards ;
Representatives of subordinate Chapters, according
to seniority, by threes, trianguljfrly ;
Three Great Lights ;
Orator, Chaplain, and other Clergy •
Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Royal Arch Captain;
Grand P. Sojourner, Grand Captain of the Host, and Deputy Grand
High Priest;
ceremonies of freemasonry.
159
Grand Scribe, Grand King-, and Grand High Priest;
(Grand Marshal, on the left of the Procession.)
N.B. The Grand P. Sojourner, Grand Captain of the Host, and
Grand Royal Arch Captain, are appointed fro tempore.
When the Grand High PrieSt enters, the grand honors are given.
The Grand Secretary will then call over the names of the officers
elect; and the Grand High Priest will ask whether they accept their
respective offices. If they answer in the affirmative, he then asks
the members whether they remain satisfied with their choice. If
they answer in the affirmative, the Grand Marshal will then form the
whole in procession, and they will march through the vails into the
inner apartment, where they will surround the altar, which is pre¬
viously prepared in ample form for the occasion.
All present will kneel, and the following prayer will be recited :—
PRAYER.
Almighty and Supreme High Priest of heaven and earth!
Who is there in heaven but Thee I and who upon earth can stand
in competition with Thee ! Thy omniscient mind brings all
things in review, past, present, and to come; Thine omnipotent
arm directs the movements of the vast creation ; Thine omnipres¬
ent eye pervades the secret recesses of every heart; Thy bound¬
less beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoyment;
and Thine unspeakable perfections and glory surpass the under¬
standing of the children of men 1 Our Father, who art in heaven,
we invoke Thy benediction upon the purposes of our present
assembly. Let this Chapter be established to Thine honor; let
its officers be endowed with wisdom to discern, and fidelity to
pursue, its true interests ; let its members be ever mindful of the
duty they owe to their God, the obedience they owe to their
superiors, the love they owe to their equals, and the good will
they owe to all mankind. Let this Chapter be consecrated to
Thy glory, and its members ever exemplify their love to God, by
their beneficence to man.
Response.—Amen. So mote it be.
They are then qualified in due form.
All the Companions, except High Priests and Past High Priests,
are then desired to withdraw, while the new High Priest is solemnly
bound to the performance of his duties ; and after the performance
160
AHIMA.N REZON.
of other necessary ceremonies, not proper to be written, they are
permitted to return.
The whole then return to their appropriate stations, when the
Grand Marshal will form a general procession, in the following
order :—
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
Three Royal Arch Stewards, with rods ;
Tyler of a Blue Lodge ;
Entered Apprentices ;
Fellow Crafts ;
Master Masons ;
Stewards of Lodges, with their Jewels ;
Deacons, with their Jewels ;
Secretaries, with their Jewels ;
Treasurers, with their Jewels ;
Wardens, with their Jewels ;
Mark Master Masons ;
Most Excellent Masters ;
Royal Arch Masons, by threes ;
Royal Masters, by threes ;
Select Masters, by threes ;
Orders of Knighthood ;
Tyler of the new Chapter ;
Members of the new Chapter, by threes ;
Three Masters of Yails ;
Secretary, Treasurer, R. A. Captain, and.P. Sojourner,
carrying the Ark;
A Companion carrying the Pot of Incense;
Two Companions, carrying Lights ;
Scribe, High Priest, and King ;
Grand Chapter, as before prescribed.
On arriving at the church, or house, where the services are to be
performed, they halt, open to the right and left, and face inward,
while the Grand Officers and others, in succession, pass through, and
enter the house.
The officers and members of the new Chapter, and also of the
Grand Chapter, being seated, the Grand Marshal proclaims silence,
and the ceremonies commence.
An anthem or ode is to be performed.
An oration, or address, is to be delivered.
An ode, or piece of music.
ceremonies of freemasonry.
161
*[The Deputy Grand High Priest then rises and informs the
Grand High Priest, that " a number of Companions, duly instructed
in the sublime mysteries, being desirous of promoting the honor, and
propagating the principles of the art, have applied to the Grand
Chapter for a warrant to constitute a new Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, which having been obtained, they are now assembled for
the purpose of being constituted, and having their officers installed
in due and ancient form.]
[The Grand Marshal will then form the officers and members of
the new Chapter in front of the Grand Officers ; after which, the
Grand High Priest directs the Grand Secretary to read the warrant.]
[The Grand High Priest then rises and says : "By virtue of the
high powers in me vested, I do form you, my respected Companions,
into a regular Chapter of Eoyal Arch Masons. From henceforth you
are authorized and empowered to open and hold a Lodge of Mark
Masters, Past Masters, and Most Excellent Masters, and a Chapter
of Royal Arch Masons ; and to do and perform all such things as
thereunto may appertain ; conforming, in all your doings, to the
General Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and the General Regulations
of the State Grand Chapter. And may the God of your fathers be
with you, guide and direct you in all your doings."]
The furniture, clothing, jewels, implements, utensils, etc., belong¬
ing to the Chapter (having been previously placed in the centre, in
front of the Grand Officers, covered), are now uncovered, and the
new Chapter is dedicated in due and ancient form.
The dedication 'then follows ; the Grand High Priest, bearing the
Flaming Censer, saying :—
To our Most Excellent Patron, Zerubbabel, we solemnly
dedicate this Chapter. May the blessing of our Heavenly High
Priest descend and rest upon its members, and may their felicity
be immortal.
Glory be to God on high.
Response.—As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall
be, world without end. Amen. So mote it be.
The Grand Marshal then says :—
I am directed to proclaim, and I do hereby proclaim this Chap¬
ter, by the name of Chapter, duly consecrated, constituted,
and dedicated.
* Those paragraphs which are inclosed within brackets, apply exclusively to
cases when new Chapters are constituted, and their officers installed for the first
time. The rest apply equally to such cases, as well as to annual installations.
11
162
ahiman rezon.
SECTION II.
INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF THE CHAPTER.
The Deputy Grand High Priest presents the first officer of the new
Chapter to the Grand High Priest, saying
Most Excellent Grand High Priest :—I present you my
worthy Companion , nominated in the warrant, to be
installed High Priest of this [new] Chapter. I find him to be
skillful in the royal art, and attentive to the moral precepts of our
forefathers, and have, therefore, no doubt but he will discharge the
duties of his office with fidelity.
The Grand High Priest then addresses him as follows :—
Most Excellent :—I feel much satisfaction in performing my
duty on the present occasion, by installing you into the office
of High Priest of this [new] Chapter. It is an office highly
honorable to all those who diligently perform the important
duties annexed to it. Your reputed Masonic knowledge, how¬
ever, precludes the necessity of a particular enumeration of those
duties. I shall, therefore, only observe, that by a frequent recur¬
rence to the Constitution and General Regulations, and constant
practice of the several sublime Lectures and Charges, you will be
best able to fulfill them ; and I am confident that the Companions,
who are chosen to preside with you, will give strength to your
endeavors, and support your exertions. I shall now propose
certain questions to you, relative to the duties of your office, and
to which I must request your unequivocal answers :—
1. Do you solemnly promise that you will redouble your
endeavors to correct the vices, purify the morals, and promote
the happiness of those of your Companions who have attained
this sublime degree?
2. That you will never suffer your Chapter to be opened,
unless there be present nine regular Royal Arch Masons ?
3. That you will never suffer either more or less than three
brethren to be exalted in your Chapter at one and the same time?
4. That you will not exalt any one to this degree, who has not
shown a charitable and humane disposition ; or, who has not made
a considerable proficiency in the foregoing degrees ?
5. That you will promote the general good of our Order, and,
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
163
oil all proper occasions, be ready to give and receive instructions,
and particularly from the General and State Grand Officers?
6. That, to the utmost of your power, you will preserve the
solemnities of our ceremonies, and behave, in open Chapter, with
the most profound respect and reverence, as an example to your
Companions ?
7. That you will not acknowledge, or have intercourse with,
any Chapter that does not work under a constitutional warrant
or dispensation?
8. That you will not admit any visitor into your Chapter, who
has not been exalted in a Chapter legally constituted, without his
being first formally healed ?
9. That you will observe and support such By-Laws as may be
made by your Chapter, in conformity to the General Grand Royal
Arch Constitution, and the General Regulations of the Grand
Chapter ? -
10. That you will pay respect and due obedience to the instruc¬
tions of the General and State Grand Officers, particularly relat¬
ing to the several Lectures and Charges, and will resign the Chair
to them, severally, when they may visit your Chapter ?
11. That you will support and observe the General Grand
Royal Arch Constitution, and the General Regulations of the
Grand Royal Arch Chapter, under whose authority you act ?
Do you submit to all these things? and do you promise to
observe and practice them faithfully ?
These questions being answered in the affirmative, the Companions
all kneel in due form, and the Grand High Priest, or Grand Chaplain,
repeats the following, or some other suitable prayer:—
Most holy and glorious Lord God, the Great High Priest
of heaven and earth, we approach Thee with reverence, and
implore Thy blessing on the Companion appointed to preside over
this new assembly, and now prostrate before Thee ; fill his heart
with Thy fear, that his tongue and actions may pronounce Thy
glory. Make him steadfast in Thy service; grant him firmness
of mind; animate his heart, and strengthen his endeavors ; may
he teach Thy judgments and Thy laws ; and may the incense he
shall put before Thee, upon Thine altar, prove an acceptable sacri¬
fice unto Thee. Bless him, 0 Lord, and bless the work of his
164
a him an rezon.
hands. Accept us, in mercy ; hear Thou from heaven, Thy dwell¬
ing-place, and forgive our transgressions.
Glory be to God the Father ; as it was in the beginning, etc.
Response.—So mote it be.
The Grand High Priest will then cause the High Priest-elect to be
invested with his clothing, badges, etc.; after which, he will address
him as follows, viz.:—
Most Excellent : — In consequence of your cheerful acqui¬
escence with the Charges, which you have heard recited, you are
qualified for installation as the High Priest of this Royal Arch
Chapter ; and it is incumbent upon me, on this occasion, to point
out some of the particulars appertaining to your office, duty, and
dignity.*
The High Priest of every Chapter has it in special charge, to
see that the By-Laws of his Chapter, as well as the General
Grand Royal Arch Constitution, and all the Regulations of the
Grand Chapter, are duly observed; that all the officers of his
Chapter perform the duties of their respective offices faithfully,
and are examples of diligence and industry to their Companions;
that true and accurate records of all the proceedings of the
Chapter are kept by the Secretary; that the Treasurer keeps
and renders exact and just accounts of all the moneys and other
property belonging to the Chapter ; that the regular returns be
made annually to the Grand Chapter ; and that the annual dues
to the Grand Chapter be regularly and punctually paid. He
* All legally constituted bodies of Royal Arch Masons are called Chapters, as
regular bodies of Freemasons of the preceding degrees are called Lodges. Every
Chapter ought to assemble for work at least once in three months, and must con¬
sist of a High Priest, King, Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner,
Eoyal Arch Captain, three Grand Masters of the Vails, Treasurer, Secretary,
and as many members as may be found convenient for working to advantage.
The officers of the Chapter officiate in the Lodges, holden for conferring the
preparatory degrees, according to rank, as follows, viz.:—
The High Priest, as Master.
The King, as Senior Warden.
The Scribe, as Junior Warden.
The Captain of the Host, as Marshal or Master of Ceremonies.
The Principal Sojourner, as Senior Deacon.
The Eoyal Arch Captain, as Junior Deacon.
The Master of the First Vail, as Junior Overseer.
The Master of the Second Vail, as Senior Overseer.
The Master of the Third Vail, as Master Overseer.
The Treasurer, Secretary, Chaplain, Stewards, and Tyler, as officers of cor¬
responding rank.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
165
has the right and authority of calling his Chapter together at
pleasure, upon any emergency or occurrence which, in his judg¬
ment, may require their meeting. It is his privilege and duty,
together with the King and Scribe, to attend the meetings of the
Grand Chapter, either in person or by proxy; and the well-being
of the Institution requires that his duty should on no occasion be
omitted.
The office of High Priest is a station highly honorable to all
those who diligently perform the important duties annexed to it.
By a frequent recurrence to the Constitution and General Regu¬
lations, and a constant practice of the several sublime Lectures
and Charges, you will be best enabled to fulfill those duties; and
I am confident that the Companions, who are chosen to preside
with you, will give strength to your endeavors, and support to
your exertions.
Let the Mitre, with which you are invested, remind you of the
dignity of the office you sustain ; and its inscription impress upon
your mind a sense of your dependence upon God, that perfection
is not given unto man upon earth, and that perfect holiness
belongeth alone unto the Lord.
The Breastplate, with which you are decorated, in imitation of
that upon which were engraven the names of the twelve tribes, and
worn by the High Priest of Israel, is to teach you that you are
always to bear in mind your responsibility to the laws and ordi¬
nances of the Institution, and that the honor and interests of your
Chapter and its members, should be always near your heart.
The various colors of the robes you wear, are emblematical of
every grace and virtue which can adorn and beautify the human
mind ; each of which will be briefly illustrated in the course of
the charges to be delivered to your subordinate officers.
To your hands is intrusted the Charter under which you will
work ; receive it as a sacred trust, and never let it be used, save
for the purposes expressed therein.
In presenting to you this Great Light in Freemasonry, The
Book of the Law, I will remind you, that the doctrines taught
upon its sacred pages, create a belief in the dispensations of a
Divine Providence; strengthen the faith which enables us to
ascend the first round of our Masonic ladder; awaken the hope
to become partakers in the promises contained herein ; excite to
166
ahiman rezon.
exercise that charity which comprehends the first two rounds, and
will exert its benign influence, when faith is lost in sight, and
hope ends in fruition.
The Constitutions of the General Grand Royal Arch Chapter,
and the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of this State, its Rules and
Regulations, as, also, the By-Laws of your Chapter, you will cause
to be frequently read, and promptly obeyed.
Most Excellent :—Permit me now, in behalf of the Com¬
panions here assembled, to tender you their sincere gratulations
on your accession to the high station you now fill. I doubt not,
you will preside with such dignity and ability, as to satisfy your
Companions that no blame should attach to their partiality.
Companions of Chapter, behold your High Priest!
They rise, and, crossing their arms upon their breasts, bow to the
newly installed officers ; but, if the installation be private, salute
with the Grand Honors of Royal Arch Masonry. The officer con¬
tinues :—
The prosperity of your Chapter will depend as much upon your
support, obedience, and assistance, as upon his assiduity, intelli¬
gence, and wisdom.
The High Priest of the Chapter will then present his second officer
to the Deputy Grand High Priest, who will present him to the Grand
High Priest in the words of the Constitution. The Grand High Priest
will then ask him whether he has attended to the Ancient Charges
and Regulations before recited to his superior officer ; if he answers
in the affirmative, he is asked whether he fully and freely assents to
the same ; if he answers in the affirmative, the Grand High Priest
directs his Deputy to invest him with his clothing, etc., and then
addresses him as follows, viz.:—
charge to the king.
Excellent Companion The important station to which you
are elected in this Chapter, requires from you exemplary conduct;
its duties demand your most assiduous attention ; you are to
second and support your chief in all the requirements of his office ;
and should casualties at any time prevent his attendance, you are
to succeed him in the performance of his duties.
Your badge (the Level surmounted by a Crown) should remind
you, that although you are the representative of a King, and
ceremonies of freemasonry.
167
exalted by office above your Companions, yet that you remain upon
a level with them, as respects your duty to God, to your neighbor,
and to yourself; that you are equally bound with them, to be obe¬
dient to the laws and ordinances of the Institution ; to be charit¬
able, humane, and just, and to seek every occasion of doing good.
Your office teaches a striking lesson of humility. The institu¬
tions of political society teach us to consider the king as the chief
of created beings, and that the first duty of his subjects, is to obey
his mandates ; but the institutions of our sublime degrees, by
placing the King in a situation subordinate to the High Priest,
teaches us that our duty to God is paramount to all other duties,
and should ever claim the priority of our obedience to man ; and
that, however strongly we may be bound to obey the laws of civil
society, yet that those laws, to be just, should never intermeddle
with matters of conscience, nor dictate articles of faith.
The Scarlet Robe, an emblem of imperial dignity, should remind
you of the paternal concern you should ever feel for the welfare
of your Chapter, and the fervency and zeal with which you should
endeavor to promote its prosperity.
In presenting to you the Crown, which is an emblem of royalty,
I would remind you, that to reign sovereign in the hearts and
affections of men, must be far more grateful to a generous and
benevolent mind, than to rule over their lives and fortunes ; and
that, to enable you to enjoy this preeminence with honor and satis¬
faction, you must subject your own passions and prejudices to the
dominion of reason and charity.
You are entitled to the second seat in the council of your Com¬
panions. Let the bright example of your illustrious predecessor,
in the Grand Council at Jerusalem, stimulate you to the faithful
discharge of your duties ; and when the King of kings shall sum¬
mon you into His immediate presence, from His hand may you
receive a crown of glory, which shall never fade away.
The King will then retire to the line of officers, and the Scribe will
be presented in the manner before mentioned. After his investiture,
the Grand High Priest will address him as follows, viz.:—
charge to the scribe.
Excellent Companion :—The office of Scribe, to which you
are elected, is very important and respectable. In the absence of
1G8
ah1man ilezon.
your superior officers, you are bound to succeed them, and to per¬
form tlieir duties. The purposes of the Institution ought never to
suffer for want of intelligence in its proper officers ; you will,
therefore, perceive the necessity there is of your possessing such
qualifications as will enable you to accomplish those duties which
are incumbent upon you, in your appropriate station, as well as
those which may occasionally devolve on you, by the absence of
your superiors.
The Purple Robe, with which you are invested, is an emblem of
union; and is calculated to remind you, that the harmony and
unanimity of the Chapter should be your constant aim ; and to this
end, you are studiously to avoid all occasions of giving offense, or
countenancing anything that may create divisions or dissensions.
You are, by all means in your power, to endeavor to establish a
permanent union and good understanding among all orders and
degrees of Freemasonry : and, as the glorious sun, at its meridian
hight, dispels the mist and clouds which obscure the horizon, so
may your exertions tend to dissipate the gloom of jealousy and
discord, whenever they may appear.
Your badge {a Plumb-rule, surmounted by the Turban,) is an emblem
of rectitude and vigilance ; and while you stand as a watchman
upon the tower, to guard your Companions against the approach
of those enemies of human felicity, intemperance and excess, let this
faithful monitor ever remind you to walk uprightly in your station;
admonishing and animating your Companions to fidelity and indus¬
try while at labor, and to temperance and moderation while at
refreshment. And, when the Great W atchman of Israel, whose
eye never slumbers nor sleeps, shall receive you from your post on
earth, may He permit you in heaven to participate in that food
and refreshment which is
" Such as the saints in glory love,
And such as angels eat."
The Scribe will then retire to the line of officers, and the next
officer be presented as before.
charge to the captain op the host.
Companion :—The office with which you are intrusted is of high
importance, and demands your most zealous consideration. The
preservation of the most essential traits of our ancient customs,
ceremonies of freemasonry.
169
usages, and landmarks, arc within your province ; and it is indis¬
pensably necessary that the part assigned to you, in the immedi¬
ate practice of our rites and ceremonies, should be perfectly
understood and correctly administered.
Your office corresponds with that of Marshal, or Master of
Ceremonies. You are to superintend all processions of your
Chapter, when moving as a distinct body, either in public or
private ; and as the world can only judge of our private discipline
by our public deportment, you will be careful that the utmost
order and decorum be observed on all such occasions. You will
ever be attentive to the commands of your chief, and always near
at band to see them duly executed. I invest you with the badge
of your office, and presume that you will give to your duties all
that study and attention which their importance demands.
He will then retire to the line of officers, and the next officer will be
presented.
charge to the principal sojourner.
Companion :—The office confided to you, though subordinate
in degree, is equal in importance to any in the Chapter, that of
your chief alone excepted. Your office corresponds with that
of Senior Beacon, in the preparatory degrees. Among the duties
required of you, the preparation and introduction of candidates
are not the least. As, in our intercourse with the world, expe¬
rience teaches that first impressions are often the most durable,
and the most difficult to eradicate, so it is of great importance,
in all cases, that those impressions should be correct and just,
hence, it is essential that the officer, who brings the blind by a
way that they knew not, and leads them in paths that they have
not known, should always be well qualified to make darkness
light before them, and crooked things straight.
Your Robe of Office is an emblem of humility, and teaches that,
in the prosecution of a laudable undertaking, we should never
decline taking any part that may be assigned us, although it may
be the most difficult or dangerous.
The Rose-colored Tesselated Border, adorning the robe, is an emblem
of ardor and perseverance, and signifies, that when we have en¬
gaged in a virtuous course, notwithstanding all the impediments,
hardships, and trials we may be destined to encounter, we should
170
ahiman rezon.
endure them all with fortitude, and ardently persevere unto the
end; resting assured of receiving, at the termination of our labors,
a noble and glorious reward. Your past exertions will be con¬
sidered as a pledge of your future assiduity in the faithful dis¬
charge of your duties.
He will then retire to the line of officers, and the next officer is
presented.
charge to the royal arch captain.
Companion:—The well-known duties of your station require
but little elucidation. Your office in the preparatory degrees
corresponds with that of Junior Deacon. It is your province,
conjointly with the Captain of the Host, to attend the examina¬
tion of all visitors, and to take care that none are permitted to
enter the Chapter, but such as have traveled the rugged path of
trial, and evinced their title to our favor and friendship. You
will be attentive to obey the commands of the Captain of the
Host, during the introduction of strangers among the workmen;
and should they be permitted to pass your post, may they by him
be introduced into the presence of the Grand Council.
The White Banner, intrusted to your care, is emblematical of
that purity of heart and rectitude of conduct, which ought to
actuate all those who pass the white vail of the sanctuary.
I give it to you strongly in charge, never to suffer any one to
pass your post, without the signet of truth.
I present you the badge of your office, in expectation of your
performing your duties with intelligence, assiduity, and propriety.
He then retires, and the Three Grand Masters of the Yails are
presented together.
charge to the master op the third tail.
Companion :—I present you with the Scarlet Banner, which is
the ensign of your office, and with a sword, to protect and defend
the same. The rich and beautiful color of your banner is em¬
blematical of fervency and zeal; it is the appropriate color of the
Royal Arch Degree ; it admonishes us, that we should be fervent
in the exercise of our devotions to God, and zealous in our
endeavors to promote the happiness of man.
ceremonies of freemasonry.
171
charge to the master of the second vail.
Companion :—I invest you with the Purple Banner, which is
the ensign of your office, and arm you with a sword, to enable
you to maintain its honor.
The color of your banner is produced by a due mixture of blue
and scarlet; the former of which is the characteristic color of the
symbolic, or first three degrees of Freemasonry, and the latter, that
of the Royal Arch degree. It is an emblem of union, and is the
characteristic color of the intermediate degrees. It admonishes
us to cultivate and improve that spirit of union and harmony
between the Brethren of the symbolic degrees and the Com¬
panions of the sublime degrees, which should ever distinguish the
members of a Society founded upon the principles of everlasting
truth and universal philanthropy.
charge to the master of the first vail.
Companion :—I invest you with the Blue Banner, which is the
ensign of your office, and a sword for its defense and protection.
The color of your banner is one of the most durable and beautiful
in nature. It is the appropriate color adopted and worn by our
ancient brethren of the three symbolic degrees, and is the peculiar
characteristic of an Institution which has stood the test of ages,
and which is as much, distinguished by the durability of its mate¬
rials or principles, as by the beauty of its superstructure. It is
an emblem of universal friendship and benevolence ; and instructs
us, that, in the mind of a Freemason, those virtues should be as
expansive as the blue arch of heaven itself.
charge to the three masters of the vails, as overseers.
Companions :—Those who are placed gfe Overseers of any
work, should be well qualified to judge of its beauties and de¬
formities, its excellencies and defects ; they should be capable of
estimating the former, and amending the latter. This consider¬
ation should induce you to cultivate and improve all those quali¬
fications with which you are already endowed, as well as to
persevere in your endeavors to acquire those in which you are
deficient. Let the various colors of the banners committed to
your charge, admonish you to the exercise of the several virtues
of which they are emblematic ; and you are to enjoin the practice
172
ahiman rezon.
of those virtues upon all who shall present themselves, or the
work of their hands, for your inspection. Let no work receive
your approbation, but such as is calculated to adorn and
strengthen the Masonic edifice. Be industrious and faithful in
practicing and disseminating a knowledge of the true and perfect
work, which alone can stand the test of the Grand Overseer's
Square, in the great day of trial and retribution. Then, although
every rod should become a serpent, and every serpent an enemy to
this Institution, yet shall their utmost exertions to destroy its
reputation, or sap its foundation, become as impotent as the
leprous hand, or as water spilled upon the ground, which can not be
gathered up again.
They then retire, and the Treasurer is presented.
charge to the treasurer.
Companion :—You are elected Treasurer of this Chapter, and
I have the pleasure of investing you with the badge of your office.
The qualities which should recommend a Treasurer, are accuracy
and fidelity—accuracy in keeping a fair and minute account of
all receipts and disbursements ; fidelity, in carefully preserving
all the property and funds of the Chapter, that may be placed in
his hands, and rendering a just account of the same whenever he
is called upon for that purpose. I presume that your respect for
the Institution, your attachment to the interests of your Chapter,
and your regard for a good name, which is better than precious
ointment, will prompt you to the faithful discharge of the duties
of your office.
He then retires, and the Secretary is presented.
charge to the secretary.
Companion :—I, with pleasure, invest you with your badge as
Secretary of this Chapter. The qualities which should recom¬
mend a Secretary, are, promptitude, in issuing the notifications'
and orders of his superior officers ; punctuality, in attending the
convocations of the Chapter • correctness, in recording their pro¬
ceedings ; judgment, in discriminating between what is proper
and what is improper to be committed to writing ; regularity, in
making his annual returns to the Grand Chapter ; integrity, in
accounting for all moneys that may pass through his hands ; and
ceremonies of freemasonry.
173
fidelity, in paying the same over into the hands of the Treasurer.
The possession of these good qualities, I presume, has designated
you a suitable candidate for this important office ; and I can not
entertain a doubt that you will discharge its duties beneficially
to the Chapter, and honorably to yourself. And when you shall
have completed the record of your transactions here below, and
finished the term of your probation, may you be admitted into
the celestial Grand Chapter of saints and angels, and find your
name recorded in the book of life eternal.
He then retires, and the Chaplain is presented.
charge to the chaplain.
E. and Rev. Companion :—You are appointed Chaplain of
this Chapter, and I now invest you with this circular jewel, the
badge of your office. It is emblematical of eternity, and reminds
us that here is not our abiding place. Your inclination will,
undoubtedly, conspire with your duty, when you perform in the
Chapter those solemn services which created beings should con¬
stantly render to their infinite Creator, and which, when offered
by one whose holy profession is "to point to heaven and lead
the way," may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues,
and purifying our minds, prepare us for admission into the society
of those above, whose happiness will be as endless as it is perfect.
He then retires, and the Stewards are presented.
charge to the stewards.
Companions :—You being elected Stewards of this Chapter,
I with pleasure invest you with the badges of your office. It is
your province to see that every necessary preparation is made
for the convenience and accommodation of the Chapter, previous
to the time appointed for meeting. You are to see that the
clothing, implements, and furniture of each degree, respectively,
, are properly disposed, and in suitable array for use, whenever
they may be required, and that they are secured, and proper care
taken of them, when the business of the Chapter is over. You
are to see that necessary refreshments are provided, and that all
your Companions, and particularly visitors, are suitably accom¬
modated and supplied. You are to be frugal and prudent in
your disbursements, and to be careful that no extravagance or
174
ahiman rezon.
waste is committed in your department; and when you have
faithfully fulfilled your stewardship here below, may you receive
from Heaven the happy greeting of "Well done, good and faith¬
ful servants."
They then retire, and the Tyler is presented.
charge to the tyler.
Companion :—You are appointed Tyler of this Chapter, and
I invest you with the badge, and this implement of your office.
As the sword is placed in the hands of the Tyler, to enable him
effectually to guard against the approach of all cowans and eaves¬
droppers, and suffer none to pass or repass but such as are duly
qualified, so it should morally serve as a constant admonition to
us to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a
watch at the door of our lips, to post a sentinel at the avenue
of our actions, thereby, excluding every unqualified and un¬
worthy thought, word, and deed; and preserving consciences
void of offense toward God and toward man.
As the first application from visitors for admission into the
Chapter is generally made to the Tyler at the door, your station
will often present you to the observation of strangers; it is,
therefore, essentially necessary that he, who sustains the office
with which you are intrusted, should be a man of good morals,
steady habits, strict discipline, temperate, affable, and discreet.
I trust, that a just regard for the honor and reputation of the
Institution will ever induce you to perform with fidelity the trust
reposed in you; and when the door of this earthly tabernacle
shall be closed, may you find an abundant entrance through the
gates into the temple and city of our God.
He will then retire, and then follows an
address to the high priest.
M. E. Companion :—Having been honored with the free suf¬
frages of the members of this Chapter, you are elected to the
most important office which is within their power to bestow.
This expression of their esteem and respect should draw from
you corresponding sensations; and your demeanor should be
such as to repay the honor they have so conspicuously conferred
upon you, by an honorable and faithful discharge of the duties of
ceremonies of freemasonry.
175
your office. The station you are called to fill, is important, not
only as it respects the correct practice of our rites and cere¬
monies, and the internal economy of the Chapter over which you
preside ; but the public reputation of the Institution will be gen¬
erally found to rise or fall, according to the skill, fidelity, and
discretion, with which its concerns are managed, and in propor¬
tion as the characters and conduct of its principal officers are
estimable or censurable.
You have accepted a trust, to which is attached a weight of
responsibility, that will require all your efforts to discharge
honorably to yourself, and satisfactorily to the Chapter. You
are to see that your officers are capable and faithful in the exer¬
cise of their offices. Should they lack ability, you are expected
to supply their defects ; you are to watch carefully the progress
of their performances, and to see that the long established customs
of the Institution suffer no derangement in their hands. You are
to have a careful eye over the general conduct of the Chapter;
see that due order and subordination are observed on all occa¬
sions ; that the members are properly instructed; that due so¬
lemnity be observed in the practice of our rites ; that no improper
levity be permitted at any time, but more especially at the
introduction of strangers among the workmen.
In fine, you are to be an example to your officers and members,
which they need not hesitate to follow ; thus securing to yourself
the favor of heaven, and the applause of your brethren and Com¬
panions.
address to the officers generally.
Companions in office :—Precept and example should ever
advance with equal pace. Those moral duties which you are
required to teach unto others, you should never neglect to practice
yourselves.
Do you desire that the demeanor of your equals and inferiors
toward you, should be marked with deference and respect ? Be
sure that you omit no opportunity of furnishing them with
examples in your own conduct toward your superiors. Do you
desire to obtain instruction from those who are more wise, or
better informed than yourselves ? Be sure that you are always
ready to impart of your knowledge to those within your sphere,
176
ahiman rezon.
who stand in need of, and are entitled to receive it. Do you
desire distinction among your Companions ? Be sure that your
claims to preferment are founded upon superior attainments ; let
no ambitious passion be suffered to induce you to envy or supplant
a Companion, who may be considered as better qualified for pro¬
motion than yourselves ; but, rather, let a laudable emulation
induce you to strive to excel each other in improvement and dis¬
cipline ; ever remembering, that he who faithfully performs his
duty, even in a subordinate or private station, is as justly entitled
to esteem and respect, as he who is invested with supreme
authority.
address to the chapter at large.
Companions :—The exercise and management of the sublime
degrees of Masonry in your Chapter hitherto, are so highly appre¬
ciated, and the good reputation of the Chapter so well estab¬
lished, that I must presume these considerations alone, were there
no others of greater magnitude, would be sufficient to induce you
to preserve and to perpetuate this valuable and honorable charac¬
ter. But when to this is added the pleasure which every philan¬
thropic heart must feel in doing good, in promoting good order,
in diffusing light and knowledge, in cultivating Masonic and
Christian charity, which are the great objects of this sublime
Institution, I can not doubt that your future conduct, and that of
your successors, will be calculated still to increase the lustre of
your justly esteemed reputation.
May your Chapter become beautiful as the temple, peaceful as the
ark, and sacred as its most holy place. May your oblations of
piety and praise be grateful as the incense ; your love warm as its
flame, and your charity diffusive as its fragrance. May your
hearts be pure as the altar, and your conduct acceptable as the offer¬
ing. May the exercises of your charity be as constant as the
returning wants of the distressed widow and helpless orphan.
May the approbation of Heaven be your encouragement, and the
testimony of a good conscience your support, May you be endowed
with every good and perfect gift, while traveling the rugged path
of life, and, finally, be admitted within the vail of heaven, to the full
enjoyment of life eternal. So mote it be.
The officers and members of the Chapter will then pass in review
ceremonies of freemasonry.
177
in front of the Grand Officers, with their hands crossed on their
breasts, bowing as they pass.
The Grand Marshal will then proclaim the Chapter, by the name
of 1 to be regularly constituted, and its officers duly installed.
The ceremonies conclude with an ode, or appropriate piece of
music.
The procession is then formed, when they return to the place whence
they set out.
When the Grand Officers retire, the Chapter will form an avenue
for them to pass through, and salute them with the grand honors.
The two bodies then separately close their respective Chapters.
CONSTITUTIONAL RULES,
FOUNDED ON THE
ANCIENT LANDMARKS AND USAGES OF ROYAL ARCH MASONRY,
, AND OF FORCE IN THE JURISDICTION OF GEORGIA.
1. When the Grand High Priest is absent from the Grand
Chapter, the Chair shall be taken by the Deputy. If both are
absent, the Grand King, or if he be likewise absent, the Grand
Scribe must take the Chair. If all these officers are absent, the
Senior Past Grand Officer present must preside. If no such
Grand Officer be present, the duty will devolve on the High
Priest of the oldest Chapter present.
2. When the High Priest of a Chapter is absent, his duties
must be performed by the King and Scribe in succession. If
neither be present, the Chapter can not be opened. The War¬
rant of Constitution is granted to the High Priest, King, and
Scribe, and their successors in office, and to none else, and none
else can lawfully act.
3. No officer of the Grand or a subordinate Chapter, can be
recognized as such until he has been installed.
4. Every officer shall hold his office until his successor has been
installed.
5. No officer can resign his office after he has been installed;
nor can any election be held, except at the constitutional convo¬
cation for that purpose.
178
AHIMAN BEZON.
6. No Chapter can, at an extra convocation, alter or expunge
the proceedings of a regular one.
7. No Chapter can interfere in the business of another Chapter,
or give degrees to candidates who have been accepted by other
Chapters, without their consent.
8. No resident of any other State in which there is a Chapter,
can receive the degrees in any Chapter in this State, unless with
the approbation of the Chapter nearest his place of residence.
9. The degrees of Mark, Past, and Most Excellent Master, and
Royal Arch, are the only degrees conferred in any Chapter under
this jurisdiction.
10. No candidate can be admitted into any Chapter of this
jurisdiction, who is deformed, maimed, or imperfect in his limbs,
or whose physical defects are such as to prevent him from con¬
forming literally to all the requirements of the several degrees.
11. No candidate shall be elected to receive the degrees, nor
any Royal Arch Mason admitted a member of any Chapter, except
by a unanimous vote in his favor.
12. All trials of Companions, must take place in the Royal
Arch degree. But a brother, who is not a Royal Arch Mason,
may be tried in the degree to which he has attained. Ballotings
are held in each degree, none but Royal Arch Masons voting.
13. None but Royal Arch Masons can be permitted to make
any motion, vote, or join in any debate.
14. Every subordinate Chapter, as well as every member of the
same, has the right of appeal to the Grand Chapter, whose
decision shall be final.
15. There can be no appeal to the General Grand Chapter
from the decisions of this Grand Chapter.
16. No Chapter can be opened unless there be nine Royal Arch
Masons present.
17. No Chapter can be opened, or held, except by the authority
of a Warrant from the Grand Chapter, or a dispensation from the
Grand or Deputy Grand High Priest.
18. Neither more nor less than three candidates can be exalted
at one and the same time.
19. It is not necessary for the due and legal discharge of his
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
179
functions, that a High Priest should receive the degree of High
Priesthood. But it is recommended that every High Priest
should, as soon as convenient after his election, apply to a Con¬
vention of High Priests for admission into that Order.
20. No Chapter in Georgia can work under a Warrant granted
"by any other Grand Chapter.
21. No ex post facto law can be made in the Grand Chapter, or
any subordinate Chapter.
22. No Chapter can suspend its By-Laws.
23. There can be no appeal from the decision of the Presiding
Officer of a Chapter, to the Chapter. The Grand Chapter, alone,
can reverse such decision.
24. Every Chapter must consist of the following officers : High
Priest, King, Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner,
Royal Arch Captain, Masters of the Third, Second, and First
Vails, Treasurer, Secretary, and Sentinel.
CHAPTER VI.
CONSTITUTION AND DEDICATION OF COUNCILS OP ROYAL AND
SELECT MASTERS, AND INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS.
SECTION I.
CEREMONY OF CONSTITUTION AND DEDICATION
This new Council will assemble in their hall, and open in the Royal
Degree. The Grand Council will meet in an adjoining room, and
after duly opening in the Eoyal Degree, will be informed by the
Grand Marshal (who is appointed for the occasion) that the new
Council is ready to receive them. A procession will be formed in
the following order :—
Grand Steward ;
Two Royal Masters, one pace apart;
One Royal Master ;
Two Royal Masters, one pace apart.
180
AHIMAN REZON.
In this order, by threes, until all the Royal Masters have
entered the procession ; then Select Masters, in the same order,
closing with the Grand Officers, thus :—
Captain of the Guard ;
Grand Treasurer ; Grand Recorder ;
Grand H. A. B.; Grand Master ; Grand H. K., of T.
On arriving in the new hall, the Grand Council will be received
with the usual honors ; and the officers of the new Council will
resign their seats to the Grand Council. The ceremonies will then
commence with the following hymn :—
HYMN FOR DEDICATION.
Great Architect; Supreme Divine,
Whose wisdom planned the grand design,
And gave to nature birth ;
Whose word with light adorned the skies,
Gave matter form, bade order rise,
And blessed the new-born earth.
To Thee a Mason's praise shall rise
Till love shall cease, and order dies.
0 bless this love-cemented band,
Obeying here Thy great command,
In Charity's employ;
The wretched shielding from despair;
Dispelling scenes of grief and care,
Reviving hours of joy;
For this, a Mason's praise ascends
To Thee, till love and order ends.
The liberal arts, by Thee designed
To bless, improve, and aid mankind,
Descending from above.
Hath taught our lips the loud acclaim,
Of worship to Jehovah's name,
And swelled our souls with love :
To Thee, a Mason's praise shall rise,
Till love shall cease, and order dies.
The Grand Chaplain will then offer the following prayer :
Almighty and Supreme Architect of the. universe; Maker
ceremonies of freemasonry.
181
and Ruler of all things ; who is there in heaven but Thee ; who
upon earth can stand in competition with Thee. Thy omnipotent
arm directs the movements of the vast creation ; Thy omniscient
mind comprehends all things, past, present, and to come ; Thy
omnipresent eye pervades the secret recesses 'of every heart; Thy
"boundless beneficence supplies us with every comfort and enjoy¬
mentand Thy unspeakable perfections and glory, surpass the
understanding of the children of men. We do most humbly
invoke Thy blessing upon the purposes of our present assembly.
Let this Council be established to Thy honor and glory ; endow
its officers with wisdom to discern, and fidelity to pursue its true
interests ; may its members be ever mindful of the duty they owe
to Thee, the obedience they owe to their superiors, the love they
owe to their equals, and the good will they owe to all mankind.
May this Council be erected to Thy glory, and may its members
exemplify their love to Thee, by their beneficence to their fellow-
man, and eventually enjoy the rewards of a well spent life in the
sacred sanctuary on high.
Glory be to God ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be, world without end.
Response.—So mote it be. Amen.
Should time permit, an oration, or some suitable address may now
be delivered.
The Grand Marshal will then arise, and say:—
Grand T. III. G. M.:—A constitutional number of Compan¬
ions, duly instructed in the sublime mysteries, having received
from the Grand Council a charter, authorizing them to open and
hold a regular Council of Royal and Select Masters in this place,
are now assembled for the purpose of having the same legally con¬
stituted and solemnly dedicated in due and ancient form.
The Grand T. 111. G. M. will then direct the Grand Recorder to
read the charter, after which he will say :—
Companions :—Do you accept the charter which has just been
read by the Grand Recorder, and do you promise to perform all
the requirements therein contained, conforming, in all respects, to
the Constitution, By-Laws, and General Regulations of the Grand
Council, under whose authority you act?
182
ahiman rezon.
The answer being in- the affirmative, the Grand T. 111. G. M. will
make the following
declaration of constitution.
Companions :—By virtue of the high power in me vested, I do
now form and now constitute you, my worthy Companions, into a
regular Council of Royal and Select Masters / and you are hence¬
forth authorized and empowered to open and hold such a Council,
and to do and perform all such things as may appertain there¬
unto, conforming, in all things, to the Constitution, By-Laws, and
General Regulations of the Grand Council, under whose authority
you act. And may the God of your Fathers be with you, to guide
and direct you in all your doings.
Response.—So mote it be.
The Grand Marshal will then proceed to uncover the jewels, while
an ode or hymn is being sung.
The Grand Chaplain will next rise, and pronounce the following
dedicatory declaration.
To our Ancient and Most Illustrious Grand Master Solomon,
King of Israel, we solemnly dedicate this Council. May the
blessing of Him who presides in the Grand Council above, rest
upon all the members thereof, and may He so direct all their
labors, that His name may be magnified now and for ever. Amen.
Response.—So mote it be.
The Grand Marshal will then make the following proclamation :—
I am directed by the proper authority to proclaim, and I do
hereby proclaim this Council, by the name of Council, No.
—, duly constituted and dedicated this day of :—, Y. D.
Should time permit, another suitable piece of music may be per¬
formed, when the ceremonies will close, with an appropriate prayer
or benediction.
SECTION II.
INSTALLATION CEREMONIES.
for councils of royal and select masters.
Officers of subordinate Councils may be installed by any Past or
acting Grand T. 111. Grand Master ; Grand T. 111. K. T., Grand
ceremonies of freemasonry.
183
T. 111. H. A. B., or by any Past or acting: Thrice Illustrious Grand
Master, of some subordinate Council under the jurisdiction of the
Grand Council.
The Council being duly assembled, and in order, the Installing
Officer shall direct the Recorder to read so much of the records as
refers to the election of the officers. After which he "will say :—
Companions of Council, No. —, do you remain satisfied
with the choice you have made in the selection of your officers for
the ensuing year ?
The answer being in the affirmative, the officers-elect will be
arranged in due form, in front of the Installing Officer, when they
will be required to make the following declaration :—
I, , do solemnly promise that I will faithfully, and to
the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office to which I
have been elected in this Council, and that I will strictly conform
to the requirements of the By-Laws of this Council, and the Regu¬
lations of the Grand Council, under which the same is holden, so
far as they may come to my knowledge.
The Marshal will then present the officers-elect severally, accord¬
ing to rank, for* installation. (Addressing the Installing Officer by
his title, he will say) :—
, I present you, my Illustrious Companion, , to be
installed Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of this Council. I find
him to be well skilled in the Royal Mysteries, zealous in diffusing
the sacred principles of our fathers, and in whose integrity and
fidelity his Companions repose the highest confidence.
The Installing Officer will then address him as follows :—
Illustrious Companion :—I feel great satisfaction in receiving
you as the Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of this Council. It is
a station highly honorable to him who diligently and faithfully
performs the duties it imposes upon him. But, previous to invest¬
ing you with the appropriate insignia of your office, I must require
your unequivocal assent to the following interrogatories :—
1. Do you solemnly promise, that you will use your utmost
endeavors to correct the vices and purify the morals of your Com¬
panions, and to promote the peace and prosperity of your Council ?
2. That you will not suffer your Council to be opened or closed,
184
AHIMAN REZON.
or perform any labor, when there are less than nine regular Select
Masters present ?
3. That you will not suffer any one to pass the circle of perfec¬
tion in your Council, in whose integrity, fervency, and zeal, you
have not entire confidence ?
4. That you will not acknowledge, or hold intercourse with any
Council, that does not work under some regular and Constitu¬
tional authority ?
5. That you will not admit a visitor into your Council, who has
not been regularly and lawfully invested with the degrees confer¬
red therein, without his having previously been formally healed ?
6. That you will faithfully observe and support such By-Laws
as may be made by your Council, in conformity with the Consti¬
tution and General Regulations of the Order?
7. That you will pay due respect and obedience to the Grand
Officers, when duly installed, and sustain them in the discharge of
their lawful duties ?
8. Do you submit to these requirements, and promise to observe
and practice them faithfully ?
Response.—I do.
The officers-elect all kneeling, the Chaplain will use the following,
or some other suitable form of
PRAYER.
Most holy and glorious Lord God, the great and mighty
Maker of heaven and earth : we approach Thee with reverence,
and implore Thy blessings upon the Companions selected to pre¬
side over and conduct the affairs of this Council, and now pros¬
trate before Thee. Fill their hearts with Thy fear, that their
tongues and actions may promote Thy glory. Make them stead¬
fast in Thy service. Grant them firmness of mind. Animate their
hearts, and strengthen their endeavors. May they be enabled to
teach Thy judgments and Thy laws. Bless them, 0 Lord, and
bless the works of their hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear Thou,
from heaven, Thy dwelling place, and forgive our transgressions.
Glory be to God ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be, world without end. Amen.
Response.—So mote it be.
ceremonies of freemasonry.
185
The Installing Officer will then complete the ceremonies by deliv¬
ering the following Charges, severally, to the officers-elect, as they
are presented by the Marshal.
charge to the thrice illustrious grand master.
Thrice Illustrious :—With entire confidence in tlie rectitude
of your intentions, and in the integrity of your character as a
Select Master, I now invest you with the appropriate insignia of
your office.
Having been honored with the free suffrages of your Com¬
panions, and elevated to the highest office within their gift, it
becomes your duty to set them an example of diligence, industry,
and fidelity ; to see that the officers associated with you, faithfully
perform their respective duties, and that the interest and reputa¬
tion of your Council are not endangered by imprudence and
neglect. The important trusts committed to your charge, will
"call forth your best exertions, and the exercise of your best
faculties.
As the representative of the wise King of Israel, it will be your
duty to recite the secret traditions, and illustrate the moral prin¬
ciples of the Order, to cherish the worthy, and hold in due vener¬
ation the ancient landmarks.
By a frequent recurrence to the By-Laws of your Council, and
the General Regulations of the Order, and a constant observance
of the great principles inculcated in the Lectures and Charges,
you will be enabled to fill the important obligations resting upon
you, with honor to yourself, and with credit to the Craft.
And may He, without whose approving smiles our labors are
all in vain, give strength to your endeavors, and support, your
exertions.
charge to the thrice illustrious h. k. of t.
Illustrious Companion :—Having been elected to the second
office in this Council, it is with pleasure that I now invest you
with this jewel, the insignia of your office.
The duties of the important office to which your Companions
have elevated you, will require your constant and earnest atten¬
tion. You are to occupy the second seat in the Council, and it
will be your duty to aid and support your Chief in all the require¬
ments of his office. In his absence you will he called upon to
186
ahiman rezon.
preside in the Council, and to discharge all the important duties
annexed to his station.
Although the representative of a King, and elevated in rank
above your Companions, yet may you never forget, that in all the
duties you owe to God, your neighbor, and yourself, you and they
stand upon the same level of equality. Let the bright example of
your predecessor in the Grand Council at Jerusalem, stimulate
you to the faithful performance of every duty, and when the King
of kings shall summon you to His immediate presence, from His
hand may you receive a crown of glory that shall never fade
away.
charge to the thrice illustrious h. a. b.
Companion :—As the third officer of this Council, I now invest
you with the insignia of your office. It is your duty to sound the
silver trumpet at early dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first
and last beams gild the mountain tops, to announce high noon,
and proclaim the time of rest and labor.
In the absence of either of your superior officers, you will be
required to perform the duties annexed to his station respectively,
and as the interest of your Council ought never to suffer from the
want of intelligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon
you the necessity of being always qualified, and fully prepared to
meet the emergency, should it ever arise.
Having been admitted to the fellowship of Kings, you will be
frequently reminded that the office of Mediator is both honorable
and praiseworthy. . Let it, therefore, be your constant care to
preserve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members
of your Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to create
divisions and dissensions among the companions, in any of the de¬
partments of Masonry. And as the glorious sun, at its meridian,
dispels the mist and clouds that obscure the horizon, so may your
exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and discords,
should any such ever unfortunately arise in your Council.
charge to the treasurer.
Companion :—You have been elected to a very important and
responsible office in this Council, and I now, with pleasure, invest
you with this jewel. It is your duty to number and weigh out
the shekels of the sanctuary, and to provide for the helpless
ceremonies of freemasonry.
187
orphan. The qualities which should distinguish you, are accuracy
and fidelity—accuracy in keeping a fair and true account of the
receipts and disbursements ; fidelity in carefully preserving the
property and funds of the Council, and in rendering a just account
of the same when required.
Your interest in this Council, your attachment to the Craft, and
your known integrity of character, are a sure guarantee, that
your duties will be faithfully performed.
charge to the recorder.
Companion :—I now invest you with this badge of your office.
The qualities which should distinguish you in discharging the
various duties annexed to your station, are correctness in record¬
ing the proceedings of your Council; judgment in discriminating
between what is proper and what is improper to be written •
regularity in making the returns to the Grand Council; integrity
in accounting for all moneys that may pass through your hands,
and fidelity in paying the same over to the Treasurer. The pos¬
session of these qualities has designated you as a suitable Com¬
panion for the important office to which you have been elected,
and I entertain no doubt but that you will discharge all the duties
incumbent on you with fidelity and honor. And when you shall
have completed the records of your transactions here below, and
finished the term of your probation, may you be admitted to the
Grand Council above, and find your name recorded in the book of
life.
charge to the captain of the guards.
Companion:—Having been elected Captain of the Guards in
this Council, I present you with this implement of your office.
Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass it but the select, the
faithful, and the worthy. Be ever attentive to the commands of
your Chief, and always near at hand to see them duly executed.
charge to the steward and sentinel.
Companion:—You are elected to the office of Steward and
Sentinel in this Council, and I now invest you with this badge,
and present you with this implement of your office. As the Sword
is placed in the hands of the Sentinel, to enable him to guard the
sanctuary and entrance to the secret passage, with sleepless vigi-
188
ahiman rezon.
lance, against intruders, so should it morally serve as a constant
admonition to us to set a guard at the entrance of our thoughts,
to place a watch at the door of our lips, to post a Sentinel at the
avenues of our affections, thereby excluding every unworthy
thought, word, and deed, and enabling us to preserve our con-
science void of offense toward God and man.
charge to the council.
Companions:—From the nature of the Constitution of every
society, some must rule, and others obey. And while justice and
moderation are required of the officers in the discharge of their
official duties, subordination and respect for their rulers are
equally demanded of the members. The relation is reciprocal.
The interests of both are inseparable, and without mutual co¬
operation the labors of neither can succeed. Let the avenues to
your passions lae strictly guarded. Let no curious intruder find
his way into the secret recesses of your retirement, to disturb the
harmony which should ever prevail among the select and chosen.
In so doing, you will best secure the prosperity of your Council,
the respect of your brethren, and the commendation of your own
consciences.
And may He whose watchful care is over all those who put
their trust in Him, ever keep and preserve this Council, to His
own glory. Amen. So mote it be.
CHAPTER VII.
FESTIVALS OP ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST AND ST. JOHN
THE BAPTIST, 27th DECEMBER AND 24th JUNE.
Wherever Freemasonry is encouraged, its anniversary festival is
celebrated with great ceremony. At present, this occurs at the
period devoted by the Christian Church to the commemoration of
the birth of St. John the Evangelist. Freemasonry, however, recog
nizes two festivals ; the other occurring on the 24th June, the
nativity of St. John the Baptist. It might seem to need but little
argument to show the eminent propriety of commemorating the
CEREMONIES OP FREEMASONRY.
189
nativity of the patron saints of the Order. Yet, when high Masonic
authority doubts the connection of either of the Sts. John with Free¬
masonry, it is incumbent on the Fraternity, if possible, to set the
question at rest.
These two festivals occur so near to the summer and winter
solstice, that we can not hesitate to admit, that these two astro¬
nomical epochs had something to do with their selection. It is
somewhat remarkable, as a coincidence, that the rising of the Nile
commenced about the summer solstice, reached its hight about the
autumnal equinox, and subsided to its channel about the winter
solstice. So important an occurrence could not fail to arrest the
grave attention of the Egyptian people ; and, when we remember its
close connection with their agricultural interests, it occasions no
surprise, to find it interwoven in their religious celebrations. Two
festivals, accordingly, appear to have arisen from this circumstance.
One, the Feast of Isis ; the other, the Feast of Osiris. The Egyptians
reckoned three hundred and sixty-five days to their civil year, and
this computation being short of the truth, in the lapse of time, the
seasons of the natural year did not correspond with the divisions
assigned to them in the civil year. The confusion, of course, ren¬
dered a correction necessary. A train of reasoning, too extended for
introduction here, establishes beyond doubt, not only the period of
this reformation of the Egyptian calendar, but the person by whom
it was made. The motive was the equation of the Egyptian year
with the Hebrew, and the person who effected it, was the Hebrew
patriarch Joseph, when, by the command of Pharaoh, he had been
" set over all the land of Egypt." The period of the reformation is
computed by Nolan to have occurred between 1642 and 1122 B. C.,
during the reign of Apophis, and while Joseph was his prime min¬
ister ; and the initial epoch of the new era is proved to have been
the year of promise assumed at 1904 B. C. The expectation of a great
restitution of the world was not only common to the Egyptians and
the Hebrews, but was looked for by both, as destined to occur after
a revolution of ages ; to be accomplished, according to the notions
of one people, in a purification of the earth, either by a conflagra¬
tion, or a deluge ; and of the other, by the advent of a Messiah. It
was supposed that this great restitution would occur at the close of
the Sothic period of fourteen hundred and sixty years. Dr. Nolan
closes his argument on this subject as follows :—" And, however, it
must be allowed the computer was deceived in his anticipations at
the end of it, in his adjustment of its commencement, as fixed in the
190
AHIMAN REZON.
year B. C. 1904, he exhibits that judgment or address, for which it
seems impossible to account, if the notion of Joseph's influence be
rejected, at a time when we are assured it was at the highest."
Now, it is a remarkable confirmation of the above argument, that
later explorations of the Egyptian monuments, since the publication
of Dr. Nolan's work, have reduced the epoch of Abraham to 1500 B. C.,
and, consequently, the birth of the Messiah occurred precisely about
the end of the period indicated.
In pursuing this investigation to its results, it satisfactorily
accounts for the establishment of the Feast of Isis at the summer
solstice. The connection of this epoch with the forerunner of the
Messiah can be easily ascertained.
The*Sacred Record informs us, that within a period of fifty days of
the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, they reached the vicinity
of Mount Sinai,* and Moses being called up into the mount, they
* It may be remarked, as a curious coincidence, and bearing, perhaps, upon
this subject, that the Israelites reached Mount Sinai on the 1st day of the Jewish
month Sivan; f which, assuming 1492 B. C. to be the year of the exode, coin-
f Dr. Shuckford, in a note on Exodus xix. 1,2, says:—" The words of Moses seem
to me to intimate, that the Israelites came to Sinai on the 15th day of this month.
They came here, Moses says, in the third month of their exit from Egypt iitn DTO
beyom hazzeh, on the very day, i. e., of their exit, or on the 15th ; for, on that day of
the first month, they came out of Egypt. The most learned Archbishop Usher took
the words otherwise. He supposes that beyom hazzeh refers to the month, and inti¬
mates that the Israelites came to Sinai on the day of the month, the same in number
with the month, or on the third day of the third month. (See his Annals.) Other
writers imagine, that the words beyom hazzeh. signify no more, than that they came to
Sinai on the very day they left Rephidim, and that the intimation here intended is,
that from Rephidim to Sinai was the journey of but one day. (Yid. Pool's Synop., in
loc.) There are some who would render the verse to this purpose : " On the third new
moon after the exit, on the very day," i. e., of the moon, etc., so as to fix the coming to
Sinai to be on the first day of this third month. But to this it is obvious to answer,
the word TUln must be here translated month, and not new moon ; for, 1. The
Israelites coming out of Egypt in the middle of the first month, the first day of the
third month could be only the second, and not the third new moon after their exit
2. The sacred writers never use such an expression as is before us; for, on the first day
of the month, (beachad laehdesh.) is on the first day of the month. See Genesis viii. 5,13;
Exodus xl. 2; Leviticus xxiii. 24; Numbers i. 1—xxix. 1—xxxiii. 31; Deuteronomy
i. 3; Ezra iii. 6 ; Nehemiah viii. 2 ; Ezekiel xxvi. 1—xxxi. 1—xlv. 18, etc.; and
thus Moses would, most probably, have here written, if the first day of the month
had been here intended by him. (Shuckford's Connection. 2 vol. 48. Note 61.)
Dr. Adam Clarke says:—" There are three opinions concerning the meaning of
this place, which are supported by respectable arguments. 1. The same day means
the same day of the third month with that, viz., the 15th, on which the Israelites had
left Egypt. 2. The same day, signifies here a day of the same number with the month
to which it is applied, viz., the third day of the third month. 3. By the same day, the
first day of the month is intended. The Jews celebrate the feast of Pentecost'fifty
days after the Passover; from the departure out of Egypt to the coming to Sinai
were forty-five days ; for they came out the fifteenth day of the first month, from which
day to the first of'the third month, forty-five days are numbered. On the second day
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
191
relapsed from the worship of Jehovah, into the idolatry which they
had seen practiced in Egypt. The golden calf they set up, was the
emblem of Osiris ; and the Egyptians held a great festival in his
honor at the winter solstice ; of this festival, the Feast of Isis, at the
summer solstice, seems to have been the commencement, the con¬
clusion of the festival taking place after an interval of one hundred
and seventy-nine days. Sir J. G. Wilkinson asserts, that this fes¬
tival was held on the 17 th Athyr, and the three succeeding days ;
but this is generally understood to have been the period of the Isiac
festival. Be that as it may, the two had an undeniable connection,
one being, so to speak, preliminary to the other. The feast which
was celebrated on the 11th Athyr, was, of course, movable, and
retrograded through the entire civil year, by reason of the discrep¬
ancy between the civil year of three hundred and sixty-five days, and
the period of the annual revolution of the earth about the sun. The
cided with the 24th day of June. The later investigations of M. Lepsius, how¬
ever, reduce the year of the exode to 1328 B. 0. The Sabbatical intercalation
of a week not being sufficiently exact, this difference of one hundred and sixty-four
years would anticipate our computation about four days; consequently, the
arrival of the Israelites before Mount Sinai, occurred on the 20th June, 1328
B. C. Three days were ordered for a purification of the people (Exodus xix.
10, et seq.), which brings us to the 23rd of June, and in the morning of the next
day, which was the 24th, and last day of the solstice, the Divine Presence was
manifested on the mount.
This event was commemorated as a festival by the Jews, under the title of the
Feast of Pentecost, and is to this day celebrated by the Christian Church as a
feast, known as "Whitsuntide, second only in importance to that which commem¬
orates the redemption of mankind. Whitsunday, in the ancient Church, was one
of the stated times for Baptism, the other being Easter.
of this third month, Moses went up into the mountain, when three days were given
to the people to purify themselves ; this gives the fourth day of the third month, or
the forty-ninth day from their departure out of Egypt. On the next day, which was
the fiftieth from the celebration, of the Passover, the glory of God appeared on the
mount, in commemoration of which the Jews celebrate the feast of Pentecost. This
is the opinion of St. Augustine, and of several moderns, and is defended at large by
Houbigant. As the word Dirt chodesh, month, is put for new moon, this may be
considered an additional confirmation of the above opinion.—Clarke's Commentaries.
Exodus xix. 1.
On the third new moon (iffiiittJrt after the departure (tiSS^3) °f the
Israelites from Egypt, they arrived just on that first day of the month (DTO ntn)
in the desert of Sinai. Wirt must, therefore, be taken in its original signification of
novilunium, new moon (from UHrt to renew itself;, as 1 Samuel xx. 24—xxii. 5 ; 2
Kings iv. 23, etc. Thus, it is already understood by Jonathan ; XrtT^> rtSI on the
first day of the month. Others arbitrarily; on the third or fifth day. The third
month was later called Sivan. Esther viii. 9. Kalisch. Exodus 327 ; Note 1.
192
AHtMAN REZON.
most important day of this festival was the third, which commem¬
orated the " Recovery of Osiris." It has been already shown, that
the " Feast of Isis," in the year of the departure of the Israelites
from Egypt, corresponded with the manifestation of the Divine
Presence on Mount Sinai ; and it is not a little singular, that by
another and independent process of calculation, we arrive at the
fact, that the festival of the " Recovery of Osiris " fell in the same
year at the winter solstice. The tomb of Thothmes IV. is not to be
found among the royal sepulchres of the Pharaohs of Egypt. In the
last year of the reign of this monarch, the Great Sphinx* (to this
* "Under these emblematical figures (sphinxes), in which the bust of a man
is combined with the body of a lion, it admits of little doubt, two great cycles
were shadowed, according to the known significance of hieroglyphic language; by
one of which the past tirrle was signified, and by the other the future. "What
appears to establish this exposition, while it tends to confirm the present chron¬
ology, is the extraordinary fact, that at the distance of the Great Cycle of fourteen
hundred and sixty years, computed from the date of this monument, B. C. 1493,
the remarkable epoch of the accession of Osiris occurred, B. 0. 2953. And the
coincidence is proved, by the day selected for the celebration of the rite not to
have been accidental, as Athyr 19, which was chosen for the ceremony, was the
festival kept as the anniversary of the ' Recovery of Osiris.'
" It would lead me far from my present object, which is properly limited to the
consideration of dates, to pursue this investigation to an extent which would be
necessary for the perfect development of the subject. As.I shall have occasion to
return to it again, I shall for the present dismiss it with a few observations. In
the application of the preceding remarks, it may be, therefore, added, that under
the emblem of the sphinx, the Deity was imaged in his attributes of wisdom and
power ; the one quality being expressed by the human part of the compound, and
the other by the animal. In the exercise of these attributes, by which it was
admitted, the Divine Artificer plans and executes his designs, those great revo¬
lutions in nature, which I have frequently had occasion to mention, were supposed
to be effected. As conceived to happen at the conversion of the Great Cycle,
that catastrophe in which Osiris was assigned a part, was held to be a deluge.
According to the prevailing system of Pantheism, in which these dogmas were
inculcated, the Divinity was believed to reproduce the world, by a species of pro¬
cession out of himself, or evolution of his substance, of which the different objects
of nature were supposed to be formed. By these fundamentals of the mystic
theology, the legend of Osiris was modeled by the mycologists ; the leading in¬
cidents of which had been derived from primitive tradition. In commemoration
of the part which it had assigned to Osiris, the anniversary of the loss and recovery
of the god was celebrated for four days in the month Athyr, extending from the
17th to the 20th of the month, of which the 19th, as the day of recovery, was the
principal festival. As it can not be supposed that all consideration of the nature
CEREMONIES OP FREEMASONRY.
193
day an undeciphered mystery among the monuments of Egypt), was
formally consecrated ; this is shown, by the date of an inscription
upon a tablet, in the chapel, erected between his fore feet. On this
tablet, the king is depicted in the act of performing some religious
rite, reasonably supposed to bear some allusion to the expedition he
was about to undertake ; the expulsion of the shepherds (i. e., Israel¬
ites) from Egypt. This date is Athyr 19, in the ninth year of the
reign of Thothmes IV., which coincided with the 18th November,
1493 B. C., which was supposed to be the date of the exode. But if
that event be taken as occurring, as above stated, in 1328 B.C.,
it is found that this date precisely corresponds with the 21th day of
December, of that year.
These considerations sufficiently establish the epoch, at which
these movable festivals became fixed, and incontestably connect
the existence of our Order, not only with the Egyptian religious
ceremonies, but with the rites and ceremonies established among
the Israelites, at the time of their departure from the land of bondage.
It is not to be supposed that the children of Israel, while in Egypt,
and previous to their migration thither, had no religious festivals.
On the contrary, Pharaoh consents that they may sacrifice to their
God " in the land." The nature of these rites is unknown ; but
when we remember their Phoenician affinities, if not origin, we may
safely assume, that they were of a Phoenician type. Now the feast
of T^a-M—UZ (Adonis, Dionysius, or Bacchus ?) occurred at the
winter solstice.
It was a capital article of these ancient religions, that the regen¬
eration of man was essential to his happiness ; and this dogma of
their faith was presented constantly under appropriate symbols.
This was supposed to be achieved in some way by water ; accord-
of the monument and the character of the day should have been overlooked, more
especially, as notice is expressly taken of both, in the inscription on the tablet,
erected in the adjoining chapel, it seems unnecessary to seek beyond these con¬
siderations, for the cause of the choice of the festival by the monarch, who is
represented on it, as presiding at the ceremony.
" It will be sufficient, therefore, to observe, in direct application of these remarks,
that by the cycle of fourteen hundred and sixty years, commencing B. 0. 2953,
and ending B. C. 1493, the dates of two most remarkable epochs in the Egyptian
chronology are determined, and the times of the reigns consequently decided, in
which it was supposed they had occurred, one of which belongs to the mythic,
and the other to the historical era."—Egyptian Chronology Analyzed, etc. By
Frederic Nolan, L.L.D., F.R.S.
13
194
AHIMAN REZON.
ingly, in their hieroglyphic paintings, all the divinities at all con¬
nected with the good and true, in the actions of life, are adorned with
the colors appropriated to this great fact. The three symbolic colors
of regeneration, as found in the antique initiations, are red, Hue, and
green, the last of which is especially symbolic of regeneration.
Water was represented of & green color. "Baptismal ablution,' says
M. Portal, " was both a symbol of cosmogony and of initiation ; of the
creation of the universe, and of spiritual regeneration." In India,
Rome, Greece, and, in the early ages of Christianity, the same sym¬
bolism was preserved. A few instances will suffice. Vischnou, in
his incarnation, has a green complexion ; the Yenus of the Greeks
and Latins was sometimes robed in green ; on a miniature of the
eleventh century, representing the Pentecost, the Holy Ghost is in
the centre of a triple sphere, blue, red, and green, whence red rays
dart upon the Apostles. Regeneration was evidently typified by the
re-birth of nature in the spring, the vegetation of plants, of trees,
and the verdure of the fields. Christian painters, of the middle ages,
colored the cross on which the Messiah suffered, green; the friend of
the Saviour, the Christian initiator, the sacred scribe of the sealed
mysteries of the Apocalypse, the Evangelist St. John, is almost
always robed in green. Tradition consecrates this color to the
virgin mother and the infant Jesus ; symbolizing the first degrees of
regeneration. Nor is this symbolism confined in its descent to our
own religion. " The character of Islamism," says M. Portal,
"amongst oriental religions, is that of initiator of the knowledge
of the One, God ; Ali, the initiator by conquest, wears a green
robe, like St. John, the initiator by spiritual weapons. The day con¬
secrated to the God of Mahomet is Friday, the day of the green
Venus. Green was also the symbol of good Christian doctrine, of
good Mahometan, Indian, Grecian, and Egyptian doctrine, and the
last ring of this historic chain attaches itself to the first." The
symbolic connection of the two Sts. John with these two great
festivals of antiquity is certainly apparent; St. John the Baptist is
commemorated, as the illustrator of the ceremony by which regener¬
ation is begun, initiation; St. John the Evangelist, as the initiator, by
whom the mysteries consequent upon initiation are revealed. It
was in the third century, however, about A. D. 240, that these fes¬
tivals were instituted in honor of the Sts. John, as a substitute for
the solemnities practiced by the heathens, at the summer and winter
solstices. This was done by Gregory Theodosius, Bishop of New
Cesarea, who was himself a scholar of Origen, the first Christian
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
195
who recognized the doctrine which seems to lie at the foundation of
the establishment of these festivals, the " restitution of all things."
The celebration of these festival days is no modern practice with
the Fraternity. "In ancient times," says Dr. Anderson (Constitio-
tions of 1138, p. 110.), "the Master, Wardens, and Fellows on St.
John's Day, met either in a monastery, or on the top of the highest
hill near them, by peep of day. And, having there chosen their new
Grand Officers, they descended, walking, in due form, to the place
of the feast, either a monastery, or the house of an eminent Mason,
or some large house of entertainment, as they thought best tyled."
In ltll, the preliminary festival was held on St. John the Baptist's
Day, by the Grand Lodge of England, and, subsequently, that Grand
Lodge celebrated the one or the other indifferently.
(From Mackeifs Ah.im.an Rezon.)
ORDER OF PROCESSION OF THE GRAND LODGE.
Tyler, with his Sword ;
Two Deacons, with their Staves ;
Two Standards (Faith and Hope) ;
Twelve Fellow Crafts, two and two ;
Tyler, with his Sword ;
Entered Apprentices, by twos ;
Fellow Crafts, by twos ;
Master Masons, by twos ;
Tyler, with his Sword ;
Two Deacons, with their Staves ;
Two Standards (Charity and Wisdom) ;
Secretaries of Lodges, with Eolls, by twos ;
Treasurers of Lodges, with Green Bags, by twos ;
Junior Wardens of Lodges, with Columns, by twos ;
Senior Wardens of Lodges, with Columns, by twos ;
Masters of Lodges, with Gavels, by twos ;
Past Masters of Lodges, by twos ;
Freemasons of such higher degrees as are recognized by the
Grand Lodge, in the form of their respective Orders ;
Tyler, with his Sword ;
Two Deacons, with Staves ;
Two Standards (Strength and Beauty) ;
Music ;
Grand Tyler, with Flaming Sword ;
Grand Stewards, with white Rods ;
A Past Master carrying one of the Orders ;
196
AHIMAN REZON.
Four Brethren carrying the other four Orders, by twos ;
Grand Pursuivant, with Sword of State ;
Grand Secretary, with his Bag ;
Grand Treasurer, with his Staff;
The Bible, Square, and Compass, on a Purple Velvet Cushion,
carried by an aged Master Mason, supported by
two Deacons, with their Staves ;
Grand Chaplain and Orator ;
Past Grand Wardens ;
Past Deputy Grand Masters ;
Past Grand Wardens ;
Junior Grand Deacons, with their Staves ;
Grand Wardens, with their Columns ;
Deputy Grand Masters;
The Book of Constitutions, on a purple velvet cushion, carried by the
Master of the oldest Lodge ;
Grand Master ;
Senior Grand Deacons, with Staves ;
Two Tylers, with Swords, close the procession.
Every officer must wear the Jewel of his office. The proper dres8
of a Freemason is black clothes, with white gloves and stockings.
ORDER OF PROCESSION FOR A SINGLE LODGE.
Tyler, with his Sword ;
Two Stewards, with white Staves ;
Two Standards (Faith and Hope) ;
Entered Apprentices ;
Fellow Crafts ;
Master Masons ;
Two Standards (Charity and Wisdom) ;
Freemasons of the higher degrees ;
A Brother carrying one of the Orders ;
Four Brothers carrying the other Four, by twos ;
Two Standards (Strength and Beauty) ;
Secretary and Treasurer ;
The oldest member of the Lodge, bearing the Holy Bible ;
Square and Compasses ;
Chaplain and Orator;
Past Wardens ;
Past Masters ;
The two Wardens, with their Columns ;
Junior Deacon; Worshipful Master ; Senior Deacon.
CHAPTER YIII.
FUNERAL SERVICE.
No Freemason can be interred with the ceremonies peculiar to the
Order, unless it be at his own request (or by that of some of his
family), communicated to the Master of the Lodge, of which he was
a member (foreigners and transient brethren excepted), nor unless
he has received the Master's degree ; from this restriction there can
be no exception. Fellow Crafts and Entered Apprentices are not
entitled to funeral obsequies, nor to attend the Masonic processions
on such occasions.
AU the brethren, who walk in procession, should observe, as much
as possible, an uniformity in their dress. Decent mourning around
the left arm, with white stockings, gloves, and aprons, are most
suitable. No person should be distinguished with a jewel, unless he
is an officer of the Lodge, under whose direction the ceremony is
conducted, or of one that is invited to attend. The officers of the
Lodge, of which the deceased was a member, should wear sashes
and hatbands.
CEREMONY IN THE LODGE ROOM.
The brethren being assembled at the Lodge room, or some other
convenient place, the presiding officer opens the Lodge in the third
degree, with the usual forms ; and having stated the purpose of the
meeting, the service begins :—
Master.—What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death ?
Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave ?
Response.—Man walketh in a vain shadow; he heapeth up
riches, and can not tell who shall gather them.
Master.—When he dieth, he shall carry nothing away; his
glory shall not descend after him.
Response.—Naked he came into the world, and naked he must
return.
Master.—The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away;
blessed be the name of the Lord!
198
ahiman rezon.
The Master then taking the roll in his hand, says : Let ua
live and die like the righteous, that our last end may be like his!
The brethren answer : God is our God for ever and ever; he
will be our guide even unto death!
The Master then records the name and age of the deceased upon
the roll, and says :—
Almighty Father! in Thy hands we leave, with humble sub¬
mission, the soul of our deceased brother.
The brethren answer three times, giving the Grand Honors each
time :—
The will of God is accomplished! So mote it be. Amen.
The Master then deposits the roll in the archives, and repeats the
following
PRAYER.
Most glorious God! Author of all good, and Giver of all
mercy! pour down Thy blessings upon us, and strengthen our
solemn engagements with the ties of sincere affection ! May the
present instance of mortality remind us of our approaching fate,
'and draw our attention toward Thee, the only refuge in time of
need! that, when the awful moment shall arrive, that we are
about to quit this transitory scene, the enlivening prospect of Thy
mercy, through the Redeemer, may dispel the gloom of death;
and, after our departure hence, in peace and in Thy favor, may we
be received into Thine everlasting kingdom, to enjoy, in union with
the souls of our departed friends, the just reward of a pious and
virtuous life. Amen.
A procession is then formed, which moves to the house of the
deceased, and from thence to the place of interment.
order op a funeral procession.
Tyler, with a drawn Sword ;
Stewards, with white Eods ;
Music ;
Master Masons ;
Jj Senior and Junior Deacons ;
GO 7
& Secretary and Treasurer ;
^ Senior and Junior Wardens ;
Mark Masters ;
Past Masters ;
CEREMONIES OP FREEMASONRY.
199
Most Excellent Masters ;
Royal Arch Masons ;
Senior and Junior Wardens ;
The Bible, Square, and Compass, on a blue Velvet Cushion ;
covered with black cloth, and borne by the
oldest member of the Lodge :
PALL
BEARERS.
When the procession
the Lodge form a circle round the grave ; and the clergymen and
officers of the Lodge take their station at the head of the grave, and
the mourners at the foot. The service is resumed, and the following
exhortation is given :—
CEREMONIES AT THE GRAYE.
Master.—Here we view a striking instance of the uncertainty
of life, and the vanity of all human pursuits. The last offices paid
to the dead, are only useful as lectures to the living : from them we
are to derive instruction, and to consider every solemnity of this
kind as a summons to prepare for our approaching dissolution.
Notwithstanding the various mementos of mortality, with which
we daily meet; notwithstanding death has established his empire
over all the works of nature ; yet, through some unaccountable
infatuation, we forget that we are born to die; we go on from
one design to another, add hope to hope, and lay out plans for the
employment of many years, till we are suddenly alarmed with the
approach of death, when we least expect him, and at an hour
which we probably conclude to be the meridian of our existence.
What are all the externals of majesty, the pride of wealth, or
charms of beauty, when nature lias paid her just debt ? Fix your
eyes on the last scene, and view life stripped of her ornaments, and
exposed in her natural meanness ; you will then be convinced of
Master.
PALL
BEARERS.
CHIEF MOURNERS
arrives at the church-yard, the members of
200
ahiman rezon.
the futility of those empty delusions. In the grave all fallacies
are detected, all ranks are leveled, and all distinctions are done
away.
While we drop the sympathetic tear over the grave of our
deceased friend, let Charity incline us to throw a veil over his
foibles, whatever they may have been, and not withhold from his
memory the praise that his virtues may have claimed. Suffer the
apologies of human nature to plead in his behalf. Perfection on
earth has never been attained ; the wisest, as well as the best of
men, have erred.
Let the present example excite our most serious thoughts, and
strengthen our resolutions of amendment. As life is uncertain,
and all earthly pursuits are vain, let us no longer postpone the all-
important concern of preparing for eternity; but embrace the
happy moment, while time and opportunity offer, to provide
against the great change, when all the pleasures of this world
shall cease to delight, and the reflections of a virtuous and holy
life yield the only comfort and consolation. Thus, our expecta¬
tions will not be frustrated, nor we be hurried, unprepared, into
the presence of an all-wise and powerful Judge, to whom the
secrets of all hearts are known.
Let us, while in this state of existence, support with propriety
the character of our profession, advert to the nature of our solemn
ties, and pursue with assiduity the sacred tenets of our Order.
Then, with becoming reverence, let us seek the favor of the
Eternal God, so that, when the awful moment of death arrives,
be it soon or late, we may be enabled to prosecute our journey
without dread or apprehension, and pass to " the undiscovered
country, from whose bourne no traveler returns."
The following invocations are then made by the Master
Master.—May we be true and faithful; and may we live and
die in love!
Answer.—So mote it be.
Master.—May we profess what is good, and always act agree¬
ably to our profession!
Answer.—So mote it be.
Master— May the Lord bless us, and prosper us, and may all
our good intentions be crowned with success!
ceremonies of freemasonry.
201
Answer.—So mote it be.
Master.—Glory be to God in the highest; on earth peace!
good will toward men!
Answer.—So mote it be, now, from henceforth, and for ever¬
more. Amen.
The apron is taken off from the coffin, and handed to the Master ;
the coffin is deposited in the grave, and the Master says :—
This Apron, an emblem of Truth, and the badge of a Mason,
more estimable than the pearls and diamonds of princes, and
more honorable than the star or garter, or even the diadems of
kings or emperors, when worthily worn ; as it is free from spot or
blemish, denotes the hope we cherish, that the soul of our departed
brother, released from its earthly incumbrance, and purified from
all its imperfections, has met a welcome reception in the Supreme
Grand Lodge above.
We deposit it in the grave of our deceased brother, as a token
that his work is finished here on earth, and that his account now
rests with his God.
Drops the apron into the grave ; aud the brethren pass in procession once round
the grave. (Public Grand Honors, once.) The Master taking off his glove, continues :
This Glove is an emblem of Fidelity, the symbol of Masonic
Friendship and Brotherly Love. Though death has, in this instance,
removed our brother, and we can not hope to take him any more
hereafter by the hand on this side the grave ; yet, we should ever
bear in mind, that this bereavement but increases our obligation
to our living brethren.
Drops the glove into the grave ; the procession is again made round the grave,
and the Master, on arriving at the head, says : " What virtue unites, death never
parts." Public Grand Honors, twice.
This Sprig of Evergreen, is an emblem of Masonic faith in the
immortality of the soul; of that ever-living principle in man,
which neither pain, nor sickness, nor sorrow, nor death itself, can
ever destroy ; which survives the grave, and blooms in perpetual
verdure through an endless eternity. Though the body of our
brother lies before us, clothed in the habiliments of the dead, and
is consigned to the silent tomb, where it must soon mingle with
the mass of senseless matter that surrounds it; this living sprig
denotes our trust that his immortal spirit, ere this, has passed the
202
AHIMAN REZON.
portals of that celestial temple, " not made with hands, eternal in
the heavens," fully approved and accepted of the Supreme Grand
Architect of the Universe, there to enjoy His presence, and receive
the greeting," Well done, thou good and faithful servant, through
an eternity of glory, in a happiness as endless as it is perfect.
(Drops the evergreen into the grave).
The brethren then move in procession round the grave, and
severally drop the sprig of evergreen therein.
The Master continues :—
Farewell, our brother, we hope to meet again around that celes¬
tial altar, where, with songs of praise, we unite to hail our Supreme
Grand Master above. Public Grand Honors, three times.
The Master, then, addressing the by-standers, says :—
From time immemorial, it has been the custom among the
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, at the request of a
brother, to accompany his corpse to the place of interment, and
there to deposit his remains, with the usual formalities.
In conformity to this usage, and at the request of our deceased
brother, whose memory we revere, and whose loss we now deplore,
we have assembled in the character of Masons, and to offer up to
his memory, before the world, the last tribute of our affection;
thereby demonstrating the sincerity of our past esteem, and our
steady attachment to the principles of the Order.
The great Creator having been pleased, out of His mercy, to
remove our brother from the cares and troubles of a transitory
existence, to a state of eternal duration, and thereby to weaken
the chain by which we are united, man to man ; may we, who sur¬
vive him, anticipate our approaching fate, and be more strongly
cemented in the ties of union and friendship; that, during the
short space allotted to our present existence, we may wisely and
usefully employ our time ; and, in the reciprocal intercourse of
kind and friendly acts, mutually promote the welfare and happi¬
ness of each other.
Unto the grave we have resigned the body of our deceased
friend, earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes, there to remain
until the trump shall sound on the resurrection morn. We can
cheerfully leave him in the hands of a Being who has done all
ceremonies of freemasonry.
203
things well; who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing
wonders. Then let us all so improve this solemn warning, that
on the great day of account, we may receive from the compassion¬
ate Judge, the welcome invitation, " Come, ye blessed of My
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation
of the world."
Response.—So mote it be. Amen.
The procession then returns to the place whence it set out, where
the necessary duties are complied with, and the business of Free¬
masonry is renewed. The insignia and ornaments of the deceased,
if he were an officer, are returned to the Master, with the usual cere¬
monies, and the Lodge is closed in the third degree.
When the ceremony is under the direction of the Grand Lodge, at
the burial of a Grand Officer, the procession is arranged as upon St.
John's Day.
CHAPTER IX.
INSTALLATION OF THE OFFICERS OF A GRAND LODGE.
(JFrom Hockey's Ahiman Eezon.)
The Chair being taken by the Grand Master of the preceding year,
or, in his absence, by some other Past Grand, or Past Deputy Grand
Master, the Grand Lodge is opened in the third degree (if not
already opened for the transaction of business). The other chairs
are filled by the officers, who, having served their time, are about to
retire from office.
The Grand Secretary then reads from the records, the names of
the officers who have been elected to serve for the ensuing year.
The Grand Master-elect, clothed as a Master Mason, preceded by
the Grand Marshal, is then conducted by two Senior Deacons, with
their rods, to the front of the pedestal, and the Grand Marshal
says :—
Most Worshipful Sir :—You see here present at the pedestal,
Brother A. B., who, having been duly elected to preside over the
Craft as their Grand Master, now declares himself ready for
installation.
204
ahiman rezon.
The presiding Grand Officer then rises and says :—
Brethren :—You here behold before the pedestal, Brother A.
B., who, having been duly elected to preside over the Craft a?
their Grand Master, now declares himself ready for installation.
If any of you know of any reason, why he should not be installed,
you will state your objections now, or else forever hereafter hold
your peace.
No objection being made, the presiding Grand Officer proceeds to
administer to the newly elected officer the obligation for the faithful
discharge of his duties, the brethren all respectfully standing. The
new Grand Master then receives the following charge, and being
invested with the ensigns of his dignity, is placed in the Oriental
Chair.
charge to the grand master at his installation.
Let me congratulate you, Most Worshipful Sir, on the honor of
being raised, from the level of equality, to the high station of
presiding over all the Lodges in the State of ( ), and the
Masonic jurisdiction thereof. We look up with confidence to
a brother [whose age alone would entitle him to our respectful
deference, but]'* whose person is endeared to us, by that love of
the Fraternity, which is sanctified by the experience of many
revolving years. May the Father of light, of life, and of love,
invest you with His choicest gifts ; may heavenly wisdom illumine
your mind ; may heavenly power give strength to your exertions;
may heavenly goodness fill and enlarge your breast; may your
feet rest upon the rock of justice ; from your hands may streams
of beneficence continually flow ; and round your head may there
bend a circle, made splendid by the rays of honor : and late, very
late in life, may you be transmitted from the fading honors of an
earthly Lodge, to the mansions prepared for the faithful in another
and a better world.
Let me congratulate you, the Grand Officers and other brethren,
on the election of our [venerable] Grand Master. As it is his
duty to command, according to our Constitutions, so it is <mrs
with readiness to obey. Look to the sun, and behold the planet¬
ary worlds revolving round him, in continual order and harmony,
with the happiest effect, and learn to imitate their regularity, in
* What is included within, brackets, must be omitted as occasion may require.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
205
the hope of obtaining, from the Chair of Solomon, the light of wis¬
dom, and the warmth of love. Or look higher still, and behold
the cherubim and seraphim, who are exhibited to us in the oracles
of revelation, as flaming spirits, burning with zeal and love, before
the throne of God. Behold the heavenly host, filled with love to
their Creator, and love to our race. See these ministering spirits,
exercising their kind offices to men, relieving their wants, securing
them from danger, and endeavoring to promote their good.
" Myriads of spiritual beings walk the earth
Unseen, or when we sleep, or when we wake."
Of them let us learn to rise in our affection to the great Father
of all, and thence descending, expand the heart from brother to
brother, and to all mankind. Of them let us learn never to be
weary in well-doing, but to " mourn with them that mourn, and to
rejoice with them that do rejoice," until, having finished our work
on earth, we shall be admitted to the temple above, " not made
with hands, eternal in the heavens."
The Grand Marshal then standing in front of the pedestal, says :—
Brethren, behold your Grand Master!
Grand Master, behold your brethren!
A procession of the Craft is then made three times round the
Lodge, and the Installation Ode is sung.
\
INSTALLATION ODE.
Hail, Masonry divine !
Glory of ages shine ;
Long be thy reign ;
Where'er thy Lodges stand,
Upraised by thy command,
To grace and bless the land,
With Art divine.
Vast fabrics still arise
Beneath the arching skies,
Keared by thy schemes ;
Thy noble Orders are
Matchless, beyond compare ;
No art with thee can square,
Thou Art divine.
206
ahiman rezon.
Hiram, the architect,
Our Craftsmen did direct
Their Lodge to build ;
While Israel's wisest king,
With praise and offering,
Instructed us to sing,
Hail, royal Art!
At the conclusion of the procession and Ode, the Grand Marshal
makes the following proclamation :—
By the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of ( ), I proclaim Most
Worshipful Brother A. B. Grand Master of Masons, with the
Grand Honors of Masonry, by three times three.
The public Grand Honors are given by all the brethren.
The new Grand Master then proceeds to install the rest of the
Grand Officers, each of whom is introduced with the same ceremony
before the pedestal, and presented by the Grand Marshal.
The Grand Marshal first introduces the Deputy Grand Master,
saying
Most Worshipful Sir :—You here see present at the pedestal,
Brother C. D., who having been duly elected to serve the Craft
as their Deputy Grand Master, now declares himself ready for
installation.
The Grand Master says :—
Brethren :—You here behold before the pedestal, Brother C.
D., who. having been elected to serve the Craft as their Deputy
Grand Master, now declares himself ready for installation. If
any of you know of any reason why he should not be installed,
you will state your objections now, or else forever hereafter hold
your peace.
No objection being made, the Grand Master proceeds to administer
to the newly elected officer the obligation for the faithful discharge
of his duties, the brethren all respectfully standing. The new Deputy
Grand Master then receives the following charge, and being invested
with the ensigns of his dignity, is placed at the right hand of the
Grand Master :
charge to the deputy grand master.
Right Worshipful Brother :—The station to which you have
been called by the suffrages of your brethren, is one of great dig-
ceremonies of freemasonry.
207
nity and much importance. In the absence of the Grand Master,
you are to exercise his prerogatives in presiding over the Craft;
in his presence, you are to assist him with your counsel and co¬
operation. But while your powers and privileges are thus exten¬
sive, remember that they carry with them a heavy share of
responsibility. The honor that has been conferred upon you, and
the trust that has been reposed in you, demand a corresponding
fidelity and attachment to the interests of those to whose kindness
and confidence you are indebted for your official elevation. Let
the Book of Constitutions be your constant study, that you may be
the better enabled to preserve inviolate the laws and ancient
landmarks of our Order, and that you may be ever ready to exer¬
cise the functions of that more exalted office to which you are so
liable to be called. Receive this jewel of your office, and sit at
our right hand, to aid us with your counsel.
The remaining Grand Officers are introduced in like manner, by
the Grand Marshal, and receive their appropriate charges, as fol¬
lows :—*
charge to the senior grand warden.
Right Worshipful Brother:—By the suffrages of your
brethren, you have been elected their Senior Grand "Warden, and
we now invest you with the badge of your office.
Your regular attendance at the communications of the Grand
Lodge is essentially necessary. In the absence of the Grand
Master and his Deputy, you are to govern the Craft; in their
presence, you are to strengthen and support the authority of your
chief. We firmly rely on your knowledge of Masonry, and your
attachment to our Institution, for the faithful discharge of the
duties of this important trust.—Look well to the West.
charge to the junior grand warden.
Right Worshipful Brother:—By the suffrages of your
brethren, you have been elected their Junior Grand Warden,
and we now invest you with the badge of your office.
Your regular and punctual attendance at the communications
of the Grand Lodge is earnestly requested. In the absence of
your superior officers, you are to govern the Craft; in their
* When the former Grand Marshal has been reelected, he is introduced to the
pedestal by the Grand Pursuivant.
208
ahiman rezon.
presence, you will aid them in their arduous labors. "V\ e have no
doubt that you will faithfully execute the duties which are incum¬
bent on you in the present position.—Look well to the South.
charge to the grand treasurer.
"Worshipful Brother :—You have been elected to the respons¬
ible office of Grand Treasurer, and we now invest you with the
jewel of your office.
It is your duty to receive all moneys due the Grand Lodge, to
make due entries of the same, and pay them out by order of the
Grand Master, and with the consent and approbation of the
Grand Lodge. The office to which you have been appointed,
embraces an important trust, and the choice of your brethren is
an evidence of the high opinion they entertain of your fidelity
and discretion.
We do not doubt that your regard for the Fraternity will
prompt you to the faithful discharge of your duties.
charge to the grand secretary.
Worshipful Brother :—You have been elected to the import¬
ant office of Grand Secretary, and we now invest you with the
jewel of your office.
It is your duty to observe all the proceedings of the Grand
Lodge, and to make a fair record of all things proper to be
written. You are also the official organ of the Grand Lodge,
and, in that capacity, will conduct its various correspondence, and
act as the medium of intercourse between the Fraternity and their
Grand Master. In the discharge of these extensive duties, let
your carriage and behavior be marked by that promptitude and
discretion, that it will at once reflect credit on yourself, and
honor on the body whom you represent.
charge to the grand chaplain.
Most Reverend Brother:—The sacred position of Grand
Chaplain has been intrusted to your care, and we now invest you
with the jewel of your office.
In the discharge of your duties, you will be required to lead the
devotional exercises of our Grand communications, and to per¬
form the sacred functions of your holy calling at our public cere¬
monies. Though Masonry be not religion, it is emphatically
ceremonies of freemasonry.
209
religion's handmaid, and we are sure that, in ministering at its
altar, the services you may perform will lose nothing of their
vital influence, because they are practiced in that spirit of uni¬
versal tolerance which distinguishes our Institution. The doc¬
trines of morality and virtue, which you are accustomed to
inculcate to the world, as the minister of God, will form the
appropriate lessons you are expected to communicate to your
brethren in the Lodge. The profession which you have chosen
for your lot in life, is the best guarantee that you will discharge
the duties of your present appointment with steadfastness and
perseverance in well-doing. The Holy Bible, that great light of
Masonry, we entrust to your care.
charge to the grand lecturer.
Worshipful Brother :—You have been appointed the Grand
Lecturer of this jurisdiction, and we now invest you with the
jewel of your office.
It is your duty to instruct the Craft in the due performance of
their duty ; to communicate light and information to the unin¬
formed ; to preserve our ritual and our traditions in the memory
of the Fraternity ; to see that the ancient landmarks of the Order
are not removed by unskillful hands ; and, by your instructions to
the subordinate Lodges, to illustrate the genius, and vindicate the
principles of our Institution. It is to be presumed, that one whom
his brethren have thought capable of discharging so important
and difficult a trust, will require no prompting for the proper per¬
formance of his duty. Let it be your object, while inculcating
upon the members of this time-honored Society, a faithful regard
for its obligations, to impress the world at large with a favorable
opinion of its design and tendency.
charge to the grand deacons.
Brethren :—You have been appointed the Grand Deacons of
this Grand Lodge, and we now invest you with the jewels of your
office, and these rods as ensigns of your authority.
It is your province to attend upon the Grand Master and Grand
Wardens, and to act as their proxies in the active duties of the
Grand Lodge. Let vigilance and attention actuate you in the
discharge of the functions of your office.
14
210
ahiman rezon.
charge to the grand marshal.
Brother :—Yon have been appointed Grand Marshal, and we
now invest you with the jewel of your office, and present you with
this baton, as the ensign of your authority.
It is your duty to proclaim the Grand Officers at their installa¬
tion 5 to arrange all processions of the Grand Lodge ; and to
preserve order, according to the forms prescribed. Skill and
precision are essentially necessary to the faithful discharge of
these duties.
charge to the grand pursuivant.
Brother :—You have been appointed Grand Pursuivant, and
we now invest you with the jewel of your office, and entrust this
Sword of State to your keeping.
Your station is near the door, whence you will receive all
reports from the Grand Tyler, and announce the name and
Masonic rank of all who desire admission. You will see that
none enter without wearing their appropriate decorations. You
will also carry the Grand Sword of State in all public processions,
and perform such other duties as appertain to your office. Your
early and punctual attendance at all communications of the Grand
Lodge is essentially necessary.
charge to the grand stewards.
Brethren:—You have been appointed Grand Stewards, and
we now invest you with the jewels of your office, and place in
your hands these white rods as ensigns of your station.
It is your duty to superintend the tables at the hour of refresh¬
ment, and see that every brother is suitably provided. It is,
therefore, indispensably necessary that you, yourselves, should be
temperate and discreet in the indulgence of your own inclinations,
carefully observing that none of the Craft transgress the due
bounds of moderation, in the enjoyment of their pleasures.
charge to the tyler.
Brother:—You have been appointed Tyler of this Grand
Lodge, and we now invest you with the jewel of your office, and
place this sword in your hands, the more effectually to enable you
to guard against the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers, and
to suffer none to pass, or repass, but such as are duly qualified.
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
211
It is your duty to guard the door of the Grand Lodge on the
outside ; to report to the Grand Pursuivant those who desire to
be admitted ; to summon the members of the Grand Lodge, under
the direction of the Grand Secretary, and to attend to such other
duties as may be required of you by the Grand Lodge. Your
punctual attendance is essentially necessary at every communi¬
cation.
The Grand Marshal then makes proclamation, as follows :—
By the authority of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the State of ( ), I proclaim that the
Grand and Subordinate Officers have been installed in ample form
with the Grand Honors of Masonry, by three times three.
The public Grand Honors are then given, and the brethren make
the response :—
So mote it he.
The following ode, or some other appropriate one, is then sung:—
ODE.
Almighty Father ! God of Love !
Sacred, eternal King of kings !
From Thy celestial courts above,
Send beams of grace on seraph's wings ;
0, may they, gilt with light divine,
Shed on our hearts inspiring rays ;
While bending at this sacred shrine,
We offer mystic songs of praise.
Faith, with divine and heavenward eye,
Pointing to radiant realms of bliss,
Shed here thy sweet benignity,
And crown our works with happiness ;
Hope ! too, with bosom void of fear,
Still on thy steadfast anchor lean,
0 ! shed thy balmy influence here,
And fill our breasts with joy serene.
And thou, fair Charity ! whose smile
Can bid the heart forget its woe,
Whose hand can misery's care beguile,
And kindness' sweetest boon bestow,
212
AHIMAN KEZON.
Here shed thy sweet soul-soothing ray ;
Soften our hearts, thou power divine !
Bid the warm gem of pity play
With sparkling lustre, on our shrine.
Thou, who art thron'd 'midst dazzling light,
And wrapp'd in brilliant robes of gold,
Whose flowing locks of silv'ry white
Thy age and honor both unfold,
Genius of Masonry ! descend,
And guide our steps by thy strict law ;
0 ! swiftly to our temple bend,
And fill our breasts with solemn awe.
An address may then be delivered by any brother appointed for
the occasion. After which the Grand Chaplain pronounces the bene¬
diction, and the Grand Lodge is closed in ample form.
CHAPTER X.
RITUAL FOE THE INSTALLATION OF THE GRAND OFFICERS
OF GRAND CHAPTERS.
PREPARED BY COMP. ALBERT G. MACKEY, M. D.,
And Adopted by the General Grand Chapter at the triennial Convocation of 1856.
At the time appointed for the Installation, the Grand Chapter
being opened in the Royal Arch degree, the Chair must be taken by
some Grand, or Deputy Grand High Priest, or, if none be present, by
some Past Grand Officer, who is, or has been a High Priest.
The Highest Grand, or Past Grand Officer present, then intro¬
duces the Grand High Priest-elect, divested of all the jewels and
robes of his office, to the Installing Officer, saying :—
Most Excellent :—I hereby present before you Companion
, who, having been duly elected Grand High Priest of the
Royal Arch Masons of , now declares himself ready for
Installation.
The Grand High Priest-elect, then turning and facing the Com
panions, the Installing Officer says :—
Companions :—You now behold before you Companion ,
CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY.
213
who lias been duly elected to preside over you as your Grand
High Priest, and who now declares himself ready for installation.
If any of you have any reasons to urge why he should not be
installed, you will make your objections known now, or else for¬
ever hereafter hold your peace.
If no objections are made, he will continue to say :—
Hearing no objections, I shall proceed to install him.
The Installing Officer then administers the following obligation
of office—all the Companions standing :—
I, , do promise and swear, that I will serve as Grand High
Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of , for the term for which
I have been elected, and will perform all the duties of that office
to the best of my abilities, and will support and maintain the
Constitution of the Grand Chapter of , and that of the Gen¬
eral Grand Chapter of the United States. So help me God.
The Grand Chaplain shall then offer the following
PRAYER.
Most Holy and Glorious Lord God ! the Grand High Priest of
Heaven and Earth!
We approach Thee with reverence, and implore Thy blessing
on the Companion appointed to preside over our Ancient Fra¬
ternity. Fill his heart with Thy fear, that his tongue and actions
may pronounce Thy will. Make him steadfast in Thy service ;
grant him firmness of mind, and kindness of disposition; teach
him to rule his brethren, not with a rod of iron, but with justice
and equity ; animate his heart, and strengthen his endeavors to do
good. May he inculcate Thy judgments and Thy laws, and do all
that his high office requires, with an eye single to Thy glory and
the good of the Craft! Bless him, and bless those whom Thou
hast put under him ; and grant that, when we shall have finished
the work of this earthly temple of our bodies, we may be admitted
to the glories of that second temple of the spirit, eternal in the
heavens.
Glory be to God on high!
Response by all the Companions.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be. Amen.
So mote it be.
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ahiman rezon.
The Installing Officer will then invest the G. H. Priest-elect with
the robes and jewels of his office, after which he will deliver to him
the following charge :—
charge to the most excellent grand high priest.
Most Excellent :—By the voice of your Companions, you have
been chosen to occupy the most important and the most honorable
office in their power to bestow ; and to me has been intrusted the
pleasing duty of investing you with its insignia.
You have been too long a member of our Ancient and Honor¬
able Craft, to require now any instructions in relation to the
duties of your office ; and I do not doubt that you will be con¬
stant and regular in your attendance on the convocations of the
Grand Chapter ; watching, with fidelity and diligence, the conduct
of the subordinate bodies within your jurisdiction ; paying punc¬
tual attention to the Constitution of our Order, and requiring a
due obedience to it from every member; and, in all things,
making the glory of the Grand High Priest of the Universe, and
the good of the Craft, the chief objects of your regard.
The ancient landmarks of the Order, by which we are dis¬
tinguished from the rest of the world, are peculiarly intrusted to
your care ; and it therefore becomes your most sacred duty to see
that, during your administration, not the least of them be removed.
From our knowledge of your zeal and ability, we feel confident
that you will discharge the duties of this important station in such
a manner as will greatly redound to the honor of yourself, as well
as of the Fraternity over whom you have been elected to preside.
Let the Mitre with which you are invested, remind you of the
dignity of the office you sustain, and its inscription impress upon
your mind a sense of your dependence upon God ; that perfection
is not given unto man upon earth; and that perfect holiness
belongeth alone unto the Lord.
The Breastplate with which you are decorated, in imitation of
that upon which were engraven the names of the twelve tribes
and worn by the High Priest of Israel, is to teach you that yoi
are always to bear in mind your responsibility to the laws anc
ordinances of the Institution, and that the honor and interests ol
our Order, and its members, should be always near your heart.
The various colors of the Robes you wear, are emblematical oi
ceremonies of freemasonry.
215
every grace and virtue which can adorn and beautify the human
mind, whose cultivation and constant practice are as necessary to
your own present and future happiness, as they are, by the ex¬
ample they will afford, to the prosperity of the Craft over whom
you are placed.
You will now assume your seat in the East, and instruct your
subordinates in the duties which they are respectively required to
discharge.
After he has taken his seat in the East, the Grand Captain of the
Host will say :—
Companions :—In the name of the Most High God, I do hereby
proclaim Comp. Most Excellent Grand High Priest of
the Royal Arch Masons of , with the Grand Honors of
Masonry, by three times three.
The Grand Honors of R. A. Masonry are then given. The Deputy
Grand High Priest is then presented to the Grand High Priest, in the
same way, and, after taking a similar obligation, the Grand High
Priest delivers the following
charge to the most excellent deputy grand high priest.
Most Excellent :—The station to which you have been called
by your Companions, is one of great dignity and importance. In
many cases, your powers and prerogatives are coextensive with
those of your chief; and, at all times, you are, if he be present, to
assist him with your counsel and cooperation, and, in his absence,
to preside over the Craft. But while your powers and privileges
are thus extensive, remember that they bring with them a heavy
share of responsibility. The honor that has been conferred upon
you, and the trust that has been reposed in you, demand a cor¬
responding fidelity and attachment to the interests of those to
whose kindness and confidence you are indebted for your official
elevation.
The signification of the robes you wear, you have already heard
explained. May the symbolic lessons which they convey, be
deeply impressed upon your mind and heart, and ever influence
your conduct.
The Grand King is then presented, in the following words :—
Most Excellent :—I here present before you Comp. ,
216
ahiman rez0n.
who has been duly elected to serve this Grand Chapter as Grand
King, and who now declares himself ready for installation.
The Grand King-elect then turning and facing the Companions,
the G. H. P. says :—
Companions :—You now behold before you Companion
, who has been duly elected to serve this Grand Chapter as
Right Excellent Grand King, and who now declares himself ready
for installation. If any of you have any reasons to urge, why he
should not be installed, you will make them known now, or else
forever hereafter hold your peace.
If no objections are made, he will say :—
Hearing no objections, I shall proceed to install him.
The Grand High Priest will then administer the following obli¬
gations :—
I, , do promise and swear that I will serve this Grand
Chapter, as Right Excellent Grand King, for the time for which
I have been elected ; that I will perform all the duties appertain¬
ing to that office to the best of my abilities, and will support and
maintain the Constitution of the Grand Chapter of , and
that of the General Grand Chapter of the United States. So help
me God.
The Grand High Priest will then cause the Grand King to be
invested with the robes and jewels of his office, and deliver to him
the following charge :—
charge to the right excellent grand king.
Right Excellent Companion :—The important station to
which you have been elected, requires from you exemplary con¬
duct, and its duties demand your most assiduous attention. In
the absence of the Grand High Priest and his Deputy, you are to
preside; in their presence, you are to strengthen and support the
authority of your chief, and to aid him by your counsel and
advice.
The Scarlet Robe, an emblem of royal dignity, should remind
you of the paternal concern you should ever feel for our Institu¬
tion, and the fervency and zeal with which you should endeavor
to promote its prosperity.
In presenting to you the Crown, which is an emblem of royalty,
ceremonies of freemasonry.
217
I would remind you that, to reign sovereign in the hearts and
affections of men, must be far more grateful to a generous and
benevolent mind, than to rule over their lives and fortunes ; and
that, to enable you to enjoy this preeminence with honor and
satisfaction, you must subject your own passions and prejudices to
the dominion of reason and charity.
The remaining Officers are introduced and obligated in the same
way, after which each receives his special charge, as follows :—
charge to the right excellent grand scribe.
Right Excellent Companion :—The office of Scribe, to which
you are elected, is very important and respectable. In the
absence of your superior officers, you are bound to succeed them,
and to perform their duties. The purposes of the Institution
ought never to suffer for want of intelligence in its proper officers ;
you will, therefore, perceive the necessity there is of your possess¬
ing such qualifications as will enable you to accomplish those
duties which are incumbent upon you, in your appropriate station,
as well as those which may occasionally devolve on you, by the
absence of your superiors.
The Purple Robe, with which you are invested, is an emblem of
union, and is calculated to remind you, that the harmony and
unanimity of the Order should be your constant aim ; and to this
end, you are studiously to avoid all occasions of giving offence, or
countenancing anything that may create divisions or dissensions.
You are, by all means in your power, to endeavor to establish a
permanent union and good understanding among all Orders and
degrees of Masonry; and, as the glorious sun, at its meridian
hight, dispels the mist and clouds which obscure the horizon, so
may your exertions tend to dissipate the gloom of jealousy and
discord, whenever they may appear.
charge to the right excellent grand treasurer.
Right Excellent Companion:—You have been elected to
the responsible office of Grand Treasurer, and I now invest you
with the badge of your office.
It is your duty to receive all moneys due the Grand Chapter
from the hands of the Grand Secretary ; make due entries of the
same ; and pay them out by order of the Grand High Priest, and
218
ahiman rezon.
with the consent and approbation of the Grand Chapter. The
office to which you have been elected, embraces an important
trust, and the choice of you by your Companions, is an evidence
of the high opinion they entertain of your fidelity and discretion.
charge to the e. e. grand secretary.
Right Excellent Companion :—You have been elected to the
important office of Grand Secretary, and I now invest you with
the jewel of your office.
It is your duty to receive all moneys due the Grand Chapter,
and pay them over to the Grand Treasurer, taking his receipt for
the same ; to observe all the proceedings of the Grand Chapter,
and to make a true record of all things proper to be written.
You are also the official organ of the Grand Chapter, and in that
capacity will conduct its various correspondence, and act as the
medium of intercourse between the Fraternity and their presiding
officer. In the discharge of these extensive duties, let your car¬
riage and behavior be marked with that promptitude and dis¬
cretion, that will at once reflect credit on yourself, and honor on
the body whom you represent.
charge to the right rey. grand chaplain.
Eight Reverend Companion :—The sacred position of Grand
Chaplain has been intrusted to your care, and I now invest you
with the jewel of your office.
In the discharge of your duties, you will be required to conduct
the devotional exercises of our Grand Convocations, and to per¬
form the sacred functions of your holy calling at our public semi¬
naries. Though Masonry be not religion, it is emphatically
religion's handmaid; and I am sure that, in ministering at its
altar, the services you may perform will lose nothing of their
vital importance, because they are practiced in that spirit of
universal tolerance which distinguishes our Institution. The doc¬
trines of morality and virtue, which you are accustomed to incul¬
cate to the world, as the minister of God, will form the appropriate
lessons which you are expected to communicate to your Com¬
panions. The profession which you have chosen for your lot in
life, is the best guarantee that you will discharge the duties of
your present appointment with steadfastness and perseverance in
well doing.
ceremonies of freemasonry.
219
charge to the excellent grand captain of the host.
Excellent Companion :—The office with which you have been
intrusted is of great importance, and requires much skill and
attention for the faithful discharge of its duties, which arc those
of a Marshal, or Master of Ceremonies.
You are to superintend all processions of your Chapter, when
moving as a distinct body, either in public or private • and, as the
world can only judge of our private discipline by our public de¬
portment, you will be careful that the utmost order and decorum
be observed on all such occasions. You will ever be attentive to
the commands of your chief, and always near at hand to see them
duly executed. I invest you with the badge of your office, and
presume that you will give to your duties all that study and
attention which their importance demands. I present you with
this sword, as the appropriate implement of your office.
charge to the grand sentinel.
Companion :—You have been appointed Grand Sentinel of this
Grand Chapter; and I now invest you with the jewel of your
office, and place this sword in your hands, the more effectually to
enable you to repel the approach of cowans and eavesdroppers,
and to guard against surprise.
It is your duty to guard the door of the Grand Chapter, on the
outside ; to report to the Grand Royal Arch Captain those who
desire to be admitted ; to place the Chapter-Room in order for
convocations ; and to attend to such other duties as may be
required of you by the Grand Chapter. Your punctual attend¬
ance is essentially necessary at every convocation.
The Grand Captain of the Host then makes proclamation, as fol¬
lows :—
By authority of the Most Excellent Grand Chapter of , I
proclaim that the Grand Officers have been installed in ample
form, with the Grand Honors of Masonry, by three times three.
The public or private Grand Honors of Masonry, according- as
the installation shall have been publicly or privately conducted, shall
then be given, and the installation ceremony will be concluded.
On public occasions, these ceremonies may be preceded and fol¬
lowed by anthems, odes, and addresses, at the discretion of the Grand
Chapter.
CHAPTER XI.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS OF A GRAND COUNCIL OF
ROYAL AND SELECT MASTERS.
The Officers-elect, standing before the officiating P. G. Officer,
make the following declaration :—
X do solemnly promise that I will faithfully, and
to the best of my skill and ability, discharge the duties of the
office to which I have been elected, and that I will strictly con¬
form to the requirements of the Grand Constitution, the Edicts
and Decrees of the Grand Council, together with the General
Regulations of the Order, and the Rules and Principles of Cryp¬
tic Freemasonry.
The Grand Marshal then presents the Grand T. 111. G. M. elect,
saying
Most Excellent :—I present you, in the name of the Grand
Council of , our Illustrious Companion ,
who has been duly elected to preside over this body for the
ensuing Masonic year, and ask in their behalf, that he be duly
installed into office.
The officiating P. G. Officer will then address him as follows :—
My Illustrious Companion :—I feel great satisfaction in re¬
ceiving you as the Grand T. 111. G. M. of this Grand Council. It
is a situation highly honorable to him who diligently and faith¬
fully performs the duties it imposes upon him. But, previous to
installing you into the office to which you have been elected, I
must require your unequivocal assent to the following interroga¬
tories :—
1. Do you solemnly promise that you will use your utmost
endeavors to correct and purify the morals of your Companions,
and promote the peace and prosperity of the several Councils
under your jurisdiction ?
ceremonies of freemasonry.
221
2. That, to the utmost of your power, you will preserve the
solemnities of our ceremonies, and demean yourself before your
Companions with the most profound respect and reverence, as an
example worthy of their imitation ?
3. That you will faithfully support and carry out all Edicts and
Regulations, which may, from time to time, be made by the Grand
Council, that are in conformity with the Constitution and General
Regulations of the Order ?
Do you submit to these requirements, and promise to observe
and practice them faithfully ?
These questions all being answered in the affirmative, the officers-
elect will then kneel, while the Grand Chaplain repeats the following
PRAYER.
Most Holy and Glorious Lord God, the Great Architect of
Heaven and Earth, we approach Thee with reverence, and implore
Thy blessing on the Companions selected to preside over, and
conduct the business of this Grand Council, and now prostrate
before Thee. Fill their hearts with Thy fear, that their tongues
and actions may promote Thy glory. Make them steadfast in Thy
service. Grant them wisdom, that they may teach Thy judgments
and Thy laws. Animate their hearts, and strengthen their
endeavors. Bless them, 0 Lord, and bless the works of their
hands. Accept us in mercy. Hear Thou from Heaven, and for¬
give our transgressions. Amen.
Response.—So mote it be.
The officiating P. G. Officer will then address the Grand Puissant-
elect as follows :—
Most Illustrious, :—With entire confidence in the
rectitude of your intentions, and in the integrity of your charac¬
ter as a Select Master, I now with pleasure install you into the
important and responsible office to which you have been elected.
And I would here impress it upon your mind, that the important
trust committed to your charge will call forth your best exertions,
and the exercise of your best faculties. As the representative of
the wise King of Israel, it will be your duty to teach the sacred
traditions, to illustrate the moral principles of the Order, to
cherish the worthy, and hold in due veneration the ancient land-
222
ahiman rezon.
marks, and see that none of them " which our fathers have set be
removed."
By a frequent recurrence to the Constitution and General Reg¬
ulations of the Fraternity, and a constant observance of the great
principles inculcated in the several lectures and charges, you will
be enabled to fulfill the important obligations resting upon you,
with honor to yourself, and credit to your Companions. And
may He, without whose approving smile our labors are all in
vain, give strength to your endeavors, and support to your
exertions.
The Grand Marshal will now present each of the remaining Grand
Officers-elect in order, according to rank, to whom the officiating P.
G. Officer will deliver the following charges, respectively :—
charge to the grand thrice illustrious h. k. op t.
Illustrious Companion :—You have been elevated to the
second office in the Grand Council. The duties of the important
office to which your Companions have elevated you, will require
your constant and earnest attention. It will be your duty, to aid
and support your superior officers in all the requirements of their
office. In their absence, you will be called upon to preside in the
Grand Council, and to discharge all the important duties annexed
to that station. Although the representative of a king, you
should never forget that, in all the duties you owe to God, your
neighbor, and yourself, you stand upon the same level of equality
with the rest of your Companions.
Let the bright example of your illustrious predecessor in the
Grand Council at Jerusalem stimulate you to the faithful perform¬
ance of every duty, and when the King of kings shall summon you
to His immediate presence, from His hand may you receive a crown
of glory that shall never fade away.
charge to the grand illustrious h. a. b.
Illustrious Companion As the third officer of this Grand
Council, it will be your duty to sound the silver trumpet at early
dawn and eve of day, when the sun's first and last beams gild the
mountain tops, to announce high noon, and proclaim the time of
rest and labor. In the absence of your superiors, you will be
required to perform their duties ; and as the interests of the Grand
ceremonies of freemasonry.
223
Council should never be permitted to suffer through want of
intelligence in its officers, you will allow me to urge upon you the
necessity of being always qualified and prepared to meet the
emergency, should any such arise.
Having been admitted to the fellowship of kings, you will be
frequently reminded, that the office of Mediator is both honorable
and praiseworthy. Let it, therefore, be your constant care to pre¬
serve harmony and unanimity of sentiment among the members
of the Grand Council. Discountenance whatever may tend to
create division and dissensions among the Companions, in any of
the departments of Masonry, and as the glorious sun, at its
meridian, dispels the mist and clouds that obscure the'horizon, so
may your exertions tend to dissipate the mist of jealousy and dis¬
cord, should any such ever unfortunately arise.
charge to the grand captain of the guards.
Companion :—Having been elected Captain of the Guards of
this Grand Council, I present you with this implement of your
office. Guard well your post, and suffer none to pass it but the
select, the faithful, and the worthy. Be ever attentive to the com¬
mands of your chief, and always near at hand to see them duly
executed.
charge to the grand treasurer.
Companion :—You have been elected to an important and
responsible station among your Companions. It wiJI be your
duty to number and weigh out the shekels of the sanctuary, and to
provide for the helpless orphans. The qualities which should dis¬
tinguish you, are accuracy and fidelity. Accuracy, in keeping a
true and fair account of the receipts and disbursements. Fidelity,
in carefully preserving the property and funds of the Grand Coun¬
cil, and in rendering a just account of the same when required.
Your interest in the Grand Council, your attachment to the Craft,
and your known integrity of character, are a sufficient guarantee,
that your duties will be faithfully performed.
charge to the grand recorder.
Companion :—It is with pleasure that I install you into the
office to which you have been elected by your Companions. The
qualities which should recommend a Recorder are, correctness in
224
ahiman eezon.
recording the proceedings of the Grand Council; judgment
in discriminating between what is proper and what is improper to
be written ; regularity in making out the proper report to the
Grand Council; integrity in accounting for all moneys that may
pass through his hands, and fidelity in paying the same over to the
Grand Treasurer. The possession of these qualities, I have no
doubt, has designated you as a suitable Companion for this im¬
portant office. I have the utmost confidence, therefore, that you
will discharge all the duties incumbent on you with fidelity and
honor. And when you shall have completed the record of your
transactions here below, and finished the term of your probation,
may you be admitted into the Grand Council above, and find your
name recorded in the book of eternal life.
charge to the grand steward and sentinel.
Companion :—You are elected to the office of Grand Steward
and Sentinel of this Grand Council, and I now invest you with the
implements of your office. As the sword is placed in the hands
of the Sentinel, to enable him to guard the sanctuary and entrance
to the secret passage with sleepless vigilance against intruders, so
should it morally serve as a constant admonition to us, to set a
guard at the entrance of our thoughts, to place a watch at the
door of our lips, to post a Sentinel at the avenues of our actions,
thereby excluding every unworthy thought, word, and deed, and
enabling us to preserve our conscience void of offense toward God
and man.
PART SECOND.
TITLE I.
LAWS OF FEEEMASOKEY.
Chapter I ANCIENT CHARGES.
Sec. 1. FROM OLD MANUSCRIPTS.
" 2. FROM OLD RECORDS.
" 3. FROM MSS. IN POSSESSION
OF LODGE OF ANTIQUITY.
Chapter n ANCIENT CHARGES, COLLECT¬
ED BY DR. ANDERSON.
Chapter in ORIGINAL MASONIC CONSTITU¬
TIONS.
Chapter IV GENERAL REGULATIONS, PUB-
LISHED 1723.
15
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
CHAPTER I.
ANCIENT CHARGES.
SECTION I.
(From, Old Manuscripts, A. D. 1327.)
An old record of the Society runs thus :—
" In the glorious reign of King Edward III. (A. D. 1327), when
Lodges were more frequent, the Right Worshipful, the Master
and Fellows, with consent of the lords of the realm (for most
great men were then Masons), ordained :
" That for the future, at the making or admission of a brother,
the Constitution and the Ancient Charges should be read by the
Master or .Warden.
" That such as were to be admitted Master Masons, or Masters
of work, should be examined whether they be able of cunning to
serve their respective lords, as well the lowest as the highest, to
the honor and worship of the aforesaid Art, and to the profit of
their lords ; for they be their lords that employ and pay them for
their service and travel."
The following particulars are also contained in a very old MS., of
which a copy is said to have been in the possession of the late
George Payne, Esq., Grand Master in 1118 :—
" That when the Master and Wardens meet in a Lodge, if need
be, the sheriff of the county, or the mayor of the city, or alderman
of the town, in which the congregation is held, should be made
fellow and sociate to the Master, in help of him against rebels,
and for upbearing the rights of the realm.
" That Entered Prentices, at their making, were charged not to
be thieves, or thieves' maintainers; that they should travel hon-
228
AHIMAN REZON.
estly for their pay, and love their Fellows as themselves, and be
true to the King of England, and to the realm, and to the Lodge.
" That, at such congregations, it shall be inquired whether any
Master, or Fellow, has broke any of the articles agreed to ; and if
the offender, being duly cited to appear, prove rebel, and will not
attend, then the Lodge shall determine against him, that he shall
forswear (or renounce) his Masonry, and shall no more use this
Craft; the which, if he presume for to do, the sheriff of the county
shall prison him, and take all his goods into the king's hands, till
his grace be granted him and issued. For this cause, principally,
have these congregations been ordained, that as well the lowest
as the highest, should be well and truly served in this Art afore¬
said, throughout all the Kingdom of England. Amen. So mote
it be."
A. D. 1663.
SECTION II.
(From Old Records.)
On the 27th December, 1663, a General Assembly was held, at
which Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Albans, was elected Grand
Master, who appointed Sir John Denham, Bart., his Deputy, and
Mr. (afterward Sir) Christopher Wren and John Webb, his
Wardens ; the following regulations were adopted :—
I.—That no person, of what degree soever, be accepted a Free¬
mason, unless in a regular Lodge, whereof one to be a Master, or
Warden, in that division where the Lodge is kept, and another to
be a Craftsman in Masonry.
II.—That no person hereafter be accepted, but such as are able
of body, honest in parentage, of good reputation, and an observer
of the laws of the land.
Ill-—That no person who shall be accepted a Freemason,
shall be admitted into any Lodge, until he has brought a certifi¬
cate of the time and place of his acceptation from the Master of
the limit where he was made, and the Lodge kept. And the
Master enroll the same in parchment, and shall give an account of
such acceptance at every General Assembly.
IV.—That every person who is now a Freemason, shall bring
to the Master a note of the time of his acceptation, to the end that
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
229
it may be enrolled in such priority of place as the Brother de¬
serves, and that the whole Company and Fellows may the better
know each other.
Y.—That for the future, the said Fraternity of Freemasons
shall be regulated and governed by one Grand Master, and as
many Wardens as the said Society shall think fit to appoint at
every General Assembly.
VI.—That no person shall be accepted, unless he be twenty-one
years old and upward.—Scott's Pocket Comp., 85.
SECTION III.
Ancient Charges from a MS. in the possession of the Lodge of
Antiquity, London. Supposed to date from the reign of James II.
(about A. D. 1680.)
" *****And furthermore, at diverse assemblies have been put
and ordained diverse Crafties by the best advice of magistrates and
Fellows. Tunc unus ex senioribus tenet, librum, et Mi ponent manum
suam super librum.
" Every man that is a Mason take good heed to these charges
(we pray), that if any man find himselfe guilty of any of these
charges, that he may amend himselfe, or principally for dread of
God, you that be charged to take good heed that you keep all
these charges well, for it is a great evill for a man to forswear
himselfe upon a book.
" The first charge is, That yee be true men to God and the holy
Church, and to use no error or heresie by your understanding and
by wise men's teaching. Allso,
" Secondly. That ye shall be true liege men to the King of
England, without treason or any falsehood, and that yee know no
treason or treachery, but yee shall give knowledge thereof to the
King, or to his counsell; allso yee shall be true one to another,
that is to say, every Mason of the Craft that is Mason allowed,
yee shall doe to him as yee would be done unto yourselfe.
" Thirdly, And yee shall keepe truly all the counsell that ought
to be kept in the way of Masonhood, and all the counsell of the
Lodge, or of the chamber. Allso, that yee shall be no thiefe nor
thieves to ^our knowledge free: That yee shall be true to the
230
AHIMAN REZON.
King, Lord, or Master, that yee serve, and truly to see and worke
for his advantage.
"Fourthly, Yee shall call all Masons your Fellows, or your
brethren, and no other names.
" Fifthly, Yee shall not take your Brother's wife in villany, nor
deflower his daughter or servant, nor put him to no disworship.
" Sixthly, Yee shall truely pay for your meat or drinke whereso¬
ever yee goe, to table or bord. Also, yee shall doe no villany
there, whereby the Craft or Science may be slandered.
" These be the charges general to every true Mason, both Mas¬
ters and Fellows.
"Now will I rehearse other charges single for Masons allowed
or accepted.
" First, That no Mason take on him no Lord's worke, nor any
other man's, unless he know himselfe well able to perform the
worke, so that the Craft have no slander.
" Secondly, Allso, that no Master take no worke but that he
take reasonable pay for itt; so that the Lord may be truly
served, and the Master to live honestly, and to pay his Fellows
truely. And that no Master or Fellow supplant others of their
worke ; that is to say, that if he hath taken a worke, or else stand
Master of any worke, that he shall not put him out, unless he be
unable to make an end of his worke. And no Master or Fellow
shall take no Apprentice for less than seven yeares. And that
the Apprentice be free born, and of limbs whole as a man ought to
be, and no bastard. And that no Master or Fellow take no
allowance to be made Mason without the assent of his Fellows,
at the least six or seaven.
" Thirdly. That he that be made able in all degrees ; that is
free born, of a good kindred, true, and no bondman, and that he
have his right limbs, as a man ought to have.
" Fourthly, That a Master take no Apprentice without he have
occupation to occupy two or three Fellows at the least.
" Fifthly, That no Master or Fellow put away any Lord's worke
to taske that ought to be journey worke.
" Sixthly, That every Master give pay to his Fellows and servant
as they may deserve, soe that he be not defamed with false worke-
ing ; and that none slander another behind his backe, to make him
lose his good name.
LAWS OF FREEMASONBY.
231
" Seaventhly, That no Fellow in tlie house or abroad answear
another ungodly or reproveably without a cause.
" Eighthly, That every Master Mason doe reverence his elder ;
and that a Mason be no common plaier at the cards, dice, or haz-
zard, nor at any other unlawfull plaies, through the which the
Science and Craft may be dishonoured or slandered.
" Ninethly, That no Fellow goe into the town by night, except
he have a Fellow with him, who may beare him record that he
was in an honest place.
" Tenthly, That every Master and Fellow shall come to the
assemblie, if itt be within fifty miles of him, if he have any warn¬
ing. And if he have trespassed against the Craft, to abide the
award of Masters and Fellows.
" Eleventhly, That every Master Mason and Fellow that hath
trespassed against the Craft, shall stand to the correction of other
Masters and Fellows to make him accord, and if they can not
accord, to go to the common law.
" Twelvethly, That a Master or Fellow make not a mould stone,
quarry, nor rule, to no lowen, nor let no lowen worke within their
Lodge, nor without to mould stone.
" Thirteenthly, That every Mason receive and cherish strange
Fellowes when they come over the countrie, and set them on
worke if they will worke, as the manner is : that is to say, if the
Mason have any mould stone in his place, he shall give him a
mould stone, and sett him on worke ; and if he have none, the
Mason shall refresh him with money unto the next Lodge.
" Fourteenthly, That every Mason shall truely serve his Master
for his pay.
" Fifteenthly, That every Master shall truely make an end of
his worke, task, or journey, whetherso it be.
" These be all the charges and covenants that ought to be
read at the installment of Master, or making of a Freemason or
Freemasons. The Almighty God of Jacob, who ever have you in
keeping, bless us now and ever. Amen."
CHAPTER II.
ANCIENT CHARGES; COLLECTED BY DR. ANDERSON.
" The Charges of a Freemason, extracted from the Ancient
Records of Lodges beyond sea. and of those in England, Scotland,
and Ireland. To be read at the making of new brethren, or when
the Master shall order it.
THE GENEKAL HEADS, VIZ. :
" I.—Of God and Religion.
" II.—Of the Civil Magistrate, Supreme and Subordinate.
" III.—Of Lodges.
" IY.—Of Masters, Wardens, Fellows, and Apprentices.
" Y.—Of the Management of the Craft in Working.
" YI.—Of Behavior, viz.:
" 1. In the Lodge while constituted.
" 2. After the Lodge is over, and the brethren not gone.
" 3. When brethren meet without strangers, but not in a Lodge.
" 4. In the presence of strangers not Masons.
"5. At home and in the neighborhood.
" 6. Toward a strange brother.
I.—CON CERNING GOD AND RELIGION.
" A Mason is obliged, by his tenure, to obey the Moral Law ;
and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid
atheist, nor an irreligious libertine. But, though in ancient times
Masons were charged, in every country, to be of the religion of
that country or nation, whatever it was, yet 'tis now thought
more expedient, only to oblige them to that religion in which all
men agree, leaving their particular opinions to themselves. That
is, to be good men and true, or men of honor and honesty, by
whatever denominations or persuasions they may be distinguished ;
whereby Masonry becomes the centre of union, and the means of
conciliating true friendship, among persons that must have re¬
mained at a perpetual distance.
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
233
II.—OF THE CIVIL MAGISTRATE, SUPREME AND SUB¬
ORDINATE.
" A Mason is a peaceable subject to the civil powers, wherever
he resides or works, and is never to be concerned in plots or con¬
spiracies against the peace and welfare of the nation, nor to
behave himself undutifully to inferior magistrates. For as Ma¬
sonry has been always injured by war, bloodshed, and confusion,
so ancient kings and princes have been much disposed to encour¬
age the Craftsmen ; because of their peaceableness and loyalty,
whereby they practically answered the cavils of their adversaries,
and promoted the honor of the Fraternity, who ever flourished in
times of peace ; so that if a Brother should be a rebel against the
State, he is not to be countenanced in his rebellion, however he
may be pitied as an unhappy man. And if convicted of no other
crime, though the loyal Brotherhood must and ought to disown his
rebellion, and give no umbrage, or ground of political jealousy to
the government for the time being, they can not expel him from
the Lodge, and his relation to it remains indefeasible.
in.—OF LODGES.
" A Lodge is a place where Masons assemble and work : hence,
that Assembly, or duly organized Society of Masons, is called a
Lodge. And every brother ought to belong to one, and to be
subject to its By-Laws and the General Regulations. It is either
particular or general, and will be best understood by attending it,
and by the Regulations of the General or Grand Lodge hereunto
annexed. In ancient times, no Master or Fellow could be absent
from it, especially when warned to appear at it, without incurring
a severe censure, until it appeared to the Master and Wardens,
that pure necessity hindered him.
" The persons admitted members of a Lodge must be good and
true men, free born, and of mature and discreet age, no bondmen,
no woman, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report.
IV.—OF MASTERS, WARDENS, FELLOWS, AND APPRENTICES.
" All preferment among Masons is grounded upon real worth
and personal merit only ; that so the Lord may be well served,
the brethren not put to shame, nor the Royal Craft despised ;
therefore, no Master or Warden is chosen by seniority, but for his
234
AHIMAN EEZOX.
every Brother must attend in his place, and learn them in a way
peculiar to this Fraternity. Only candidates may know, that no
Master should take an Apprentice, unless he has sufficient employ¬
ment for him, and unless he be a perfect youth, having no maim or
defect in his body, that may render him incapable of learning the
Art, of serving his Master's Lord, and of being made a Brother,
and then a Fellow Craft in due time, even after he has served such a
term of years as the custom of the country directs; and that he
should be descended of honest parents. That so, when otherwise
qualified, he may arrive to the honor of being the Warden, and
then the Master of the Lodge, the Grand Warden, and, at length,
the Grand Master of all the Lodges, according to his merit.
" No Brother can be a Warden, until he has passed the part of a
Fellow Craft; nor a Master, until he has acted as a Warden;
nor Grand Warden, until he has been Master of a Lodge ; nor
Grand Master, unless he has been a Fellow Craft before his elec¬
tion, who is also to be nobly born, or a gentleman of the best
fashion, or some eminent scholar, or some curious architect, or
other artist, descended of honest parents, and who is of singular
great merit in the opinion of the Lodges. And for the better and
easier, and more honorable discharge of his office, the Grand
Master has a power to choose his own Deputy Grand Master, who
must be then, or must have been formerly, the Master of a particu¬
lar Lodge, and has the privilege of acting whatever the Grand
Master, his principal, should act, unless the principal be present,
or interpose his authority by a letter.
" These Rulers and Governors, supreme and subordinate, of the
ancient Lodge, are to be obeyed in their respective stations by all
the Brethren, according to the Old Charges and Regulations, with
all humility, reverence, love, and alacrity.
V.—OF THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CRAFT IN WORKING.
" All Masons shall work honestly on working days, that they
may live creditably on holy days; and the time appointed by the
law of the land, or confirmed by custom, shall be observed.
" The most expert of the Fellow Craftsmen shall be chosen or
appointed the Master, or Overseer of the Lord's work ; who is to
be called Master by those that work under him. The Craftsmen
are to avoid all ill language, and to call each other no disobliging
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
235
name, but Brother or Fellow ; and to behave themselves court¬
eously within and without the Lodge.
" The Master, knowing himself to be able of cunning, shall
undertake the Lord's work as reasonably as possible, and truly
dispend his goods as if they were his own; nor to give more
wages to any Brother or Apprentice than he really may deserve.
" Both the Master and the Masons, receiving their wages justly,
shall be faithful to the Lord, and honestly finish their work,
whether task or journey ; nor put the work to task, that hath
been accustomed to journey.
" None shall discover envy at the prosperity of a Brother, nor
supplant him, or put him out of his work, if he be capable to finish
the same ; for no man can finish another's work so much to the
Lord's profit, unless he be thoroughly acquainted with the designs
and drafts of him that began it.
" When a Fellow Craftsman is chosen "Warden of the work
under the Master, he shall be true both to Master and Fellows,
shall carefully oversee the work in the Master's absence to the
Lord's profit; and his Brethren shall obey him.
" All Masons employed, shall meekly receive their wages, with¬
out murmuring or mutiny, and not desert the Master till the work
is finished.
" A younger Brother shall be instructed in working, to prevent
spoiling the materials for want of judgment, and for increasing
and continuing of Brotherly Love.
" All the tools used in working, shall be approved by the Grand
Lodge.
"No laborer shall be employed in the proper work of Masonry ;
nor shall Freemasons work with those that are not free, without
an urgent necessity ; nor shall they teach laborers and unaccepted
Masons, as they should teach Brother or Fellow.
YL—OF BEHAYIOR, Viz..
1. IN THE LODGE WHILE CONSTITUTED.
"You are not to hold private committees, or separate conver¬
sation, without leave from the Master, nor to talk of anything
impertinent or unseemingly, or interrupt the Master or Wardens,
or any Brother speaking to the Master j nor behave yourself
ludicrously or jestingly, while the Lodge is engaged in what is
236
AHIMAN EEZON.
serious and solemn • nor use any unbecoming language upon any
pretense whatsoever; but to pay due reverence to your Master,
Wardens, and Fellows, and put them to worship.
If any complaint be brought the Brother found guilty shall
stand to the award and determination of the Lodge, who are the
proper and competent judges of all such controversies (unless you
carry it by appeal to the Grand Lodge), and to whom they ought
to be referred, unless a Lord's work be hindered the meanwhile, in
which case a particular reference may be made; but you must
never go to law about what concerneth Masonry, without an ab¬
solute necessity apparent to the Lodge.
2. BEHAVIOR AFTER THE LODGE IS OVER, AND THE BRETHREN' NOT GONE
" You may enjoy yourselves with innocent mirth, treating one
another according to ability, but avoiding all excess, or forcing
any Brother to eat or drink beyond his inclination, or hindering
him going when his occasions call him, or doing or saying any¬
thing offensive, or that may forbid an easy and free conversation;
for that would blast our harmony and defeat our laudable pur¬
poses. Therefore, no private piques or quarrels must be brought
within the door of the Lodge, far less any quarrels about religion,
or nations, or State policy, we being only, as Masons, of the
Catholic religion above mentioned; we are also of all nations,
tongues, kindreds, and languages, and are resolved against all
politics, as what never yet conduced to the welfare of the Lodge,
nor ever will. This charge has been always strictly enjoined and
observed ; but especially ever since the reformation in Britain, or
the dissent and secession of these nations from the communion of
Rome.
3. BEHAVIOR WHEN BRETHREN MEET WITHOUT STRANGERS, BUT NOT IN A LODGE FORMED.
" You are to salute one another in a courteous manner, as you
will be instructed, calling each other Brother, freely giving mutual
instruction, as shall be thought expedient, without being overseen
or overheard, and without encroaching upon each other, or dero¬
gating from that respect which is due to any Brother, were he not
a Mason ; for though all Masons are as Brethren upon the same
level, yet Masonry takes no honor from a man that he had before;
nay, rather, it adds to his honor, especially if he has deserved
well of the Brotherhood, who must give honor to whom it is due,
and avoid ill manners.
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
237
4. BEHAVIOR IN PRESENCE OF STRANGERS NOT MASONS.
"You shall be cautious in your words and carriage, tliat the
most penetrating stranger shall not be able to discover or find out
what is not proper to be intimated ; and sometimes you shall
divert a discourse, and manage it prudently for the honor of the
Worshipful Fraternity.
5. BEHAVIOR AT HOME AND IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
" You are to act as becomes a moral and wise man ; particu¬
larly, not to let your family, friends, and neighbors, know the
concerns of the Lodge, etc., but wisely to consult your own honor,
and that of the ancient Brotherhood, for reasons not to be men¬
tioned here. You must also consult your health, by not continuing
together too late, or too long from home, after Lodge hours are
past ; and, by avoiding of gluttony or drunkenness, that your
families be not neglected or injured, nor you disabled from work¬
ing.
6. BEHAVIOR TOWARD A STRANGE BROTHER.
" You are cautiously to examine him, in such a method as
prudence shall direct you, that you may not be imposed upon by
an ignorant false pretender, whom you are to reject with contempt
and derision ; and beware of giving him any hints of knowledge.
" But if you discover him to be a true and genuine brother, you
are to respect him accordingly ; and if he is in want, you must
relieve him if you can, or else direct him how he may be relieved :
you must employ him some days, or else recommend him to be
employed. But you are not charged to go beyond your ability,
only to prefer a poor brother that is a good man and true, before
any other poor people in the same circumstances.
" Finally, All these charges you are to observe, and also those
that shall be communicated to you in another way ; cultivating
Brotherly Love, the foundation and cap-stone, the cement and glory
of this ancient Fraternity, avoiding all wrangling and quarreling,
all slander and backbiting, not permitting others to slander any
honest brother, but defending his character, and doing him all
good offices, as far is consistent with your honor and safety, and
no farther. And if any of them do you injury, you must apply to
your own, or his Lodge ; and from thence you may appeal to the
Grand Lodge, at the quarterly communication, and from thence to
the annual Grand Lodge, as has been the ancient laudable conduct
238
AHIMAN REZON.
of our forefathers in every nation ; never taking a legal course
but when the case can not be otherwise decided, and patiently
listening to the honest and friendly advice of Master and Fellows,
when they would prevent your going to law with strangers, or
would excite you to put a speedy period to all lawsuits, that so
you may mind the affairs of Masonry with the more alacrity and
success ; but with respect to brothers or Fellows at law, the
Master and Brethren should kindly offer their mediation ; and if
that submission is impracticable, they must, however, carry on
their process, or lawsuit, without wrath or rancor (not in the
common way), saying or doing nothing which may hinder Brotherly
Love and good offices to be resumed and continued ; that all may
see the benign influences of Masonry, as all true Masons have
done, from the beginning of the world, and will do to the end of
time.
" Amen. So mote it be."
CHAPTER III.
SECTION IY.
ORIGINAL MASONIC CONSTITUTIONS,
SUPPOSED TO DATE FROM A. D. 926.
This document is extracted by Bro. Rob. Morris, in his code of
Masonic Jurisprudence, from a Poem on the Constitutions of Ma¬
sonry, written about the year 1350, and still preserved in the
British Museum, where it was discovered a#d published in 1844,
by Mr. James 0. Halliwell. Of Athelstane, King of England!
A. D. 926, it is said : " This king loved the Masonic Craft exceed¬
ingly, and desired to be considered toward it in all respects a
pillar of strength/ and this the more especially, because he had
1 The above translation by Bro. Morris, though not literally exact, is
nevertheless sufficiently close for all practical purposes; a Pillar of Strength,
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
239
remarked some imperfections in the system. He sent throughout
the nation, therefore, for all the Fraternity to come to him with¬
out delay, for the purpose, if practicable, of remedying those
defects, by appropriate advice."
The Fraternity obeying the summons, he authorised an
assembly of many distinguished noblemen ; dukes, earls, barons,
knights, squires, and many others of high degree, the principal
commencers of the Masonic Order ; all were present in their
respective grades, and all with no other end than to establish a
body politic for the Masonic Society. They sought out an ap¬
proved plan for its government, and discovered it in these fifteen
original articles, as follows :—
1. The Master must be in all respects reliable, steadfast, true,
and trusty, that the brethren may not be disappointed in him. He
must pay the workmen their wages according to the price of
provisions, which he is expected to be informed of. He is en¬
joined, upon his honor, to render them fairly, according to their
earnings, and to take no more of his employer than the price for
which they engaged to work, and to be sure neither for fear nor
favor to take a bribe of either party—lord or laborer—but stand
upright, and deal honorably by both. Acting thus, he is assured
that his honor and reward shall be of the highest.
2. Every Master must attend at the Grand Lodge, provided he
has reasonable notice of the place of meeting, unless excused, or
he will be counted false and unfaithful. Ill health, however, will
be considered a reasonable apology for absence.
3. The Master shall not take any one as an Apprentice, unless
he is willing to serve seven years with him at this profitable
calling. Common sense instructs us that he could not acquire it
within a shorter period, either to his lord's profit or his own.
4. The Master shall be cautious not to take a bondsman for an
Apprentice, or any person for mere covetousness sake; for the
being a technical phrase, the original is here subjoined. The author has already
said:—
" Thys Craft com ynto England as y 3°w say,
Tn tyme of good Kynge Adelstonus day
and after mentioning that he built both temples and palaces, continues:—
" Thys goode lorde loved thys Craft ful wel,
And proposud to strenthyn hyt every del."
240
AHIMAN REZON.
owner of the bondsman might seize him anywhere, even from the
Lodge, which would cause great dissatisfaction, and give general
offense. For all Masons thus met, do stand by each other as one
man. If such an one were initiated, many difficulties would result.
Therefore, for greater satisfaction and fairness, take Apprentices
of a higher cast. In old times, as you will see it recorded, the
Apprentice was required to be a gentleman, and thus it was that
the greatest noblemen sometimes became Masons.2
5. After observing that the applicant be of lawful parentage,
the Master will, on no account, receive him, if he is a mutilated
person, that is to say, his limbs must be quite entire and shapely.
It would be a stigma upon the Fraternity, to initiate a halt or
lame man. For a mutilated person, though a gentleman, would
benefit the Society but little. Every inquirer may be informed,
that Masonry needs strong men. A maimed man has no strength,
and declines before his task is done.3
2 The closing paragraph of this article, bearing on the distinction between
operative and speculative Freemasonry, is here given in full:
" By old tyme wryten y-fynde,
That the prentes schuld be of gentel kynde,
And so sumtyme grete lordy's blod,
Toke thys gemetry that ys ful good."'
3 This article contains the oldest regulation extant in relation to the sound¬
ness of the candidate, and to avoid misconception, as well as to show the
unwarrantable liberties taken with it even by Anderson and his copyists, it is
given entire.
ARTICULUS QUINTUS.
" The fyfthe artycul ys swythe good,
So that the prentes be of lawful blod;
The mayster schal not, for no vantage,
Make no prentes that ys outrage;
Hyt ys to mene as 5e mowe here,
That he have hys lymes hole alle y-fere,
To the Craft hyt were gret schame
To make an halt mon and a lame,
For an unparfyt mon of suche blod
Schulde do the Craft but lytul good,
Thus 3e mowe knowe everychon
The Craft wolde have a my3hty mon;
A maymed mon he hath no my3ht,
3e mowe hyt knowe long 3er ny3ht."
•The last four lines constitute what may be called a gloss of the author, and this
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
241
6. The Master must not cheat, wrong, or defraud his employer,
by taking Fellow's wages for the work of an Apprentice. For
the former is experienced and skillful, which the latter surely is
not. And, by parity of reasoning, an Apprentice must serve for
smaller wages than a Fellow who is experienced in all depart¬
ments of Masonry. The Master may inform him, however, that
his wages shall be increased in a due ratio, so that by the end of
his term, he shall be amply compensated for his labor.
7. The Master is strictly forbidden, either for fear or favor, to
clothe or feed a thief. Neither shall he harbor a robber, a mur¬
derer, nor a man under evil report, lest it scandalize the Craft.
8. If the Master discover that he has a Craftsman who is not
so perfect as he should be, let him be at once discharged, and his
place filled with a better person. For such a man, through his
ignorance, would discredit the Craft.4
9. The Master must be wise and sensible, and not undertake
any work but that which he can finish to the profit of his em¬
ployer and the Craft. And that he may critically select his
building spot, that it afford him a solid foundation for his work.
10. No Master shall supplant another one, but the relations
existing between them in all matters that relate to Masonry, shall
be of the most fraternal character. Should he be guilty of sup¬
planting, he shall be mulcted in a penalty of ten pounds. If,
indeed, the original contractor is found incapable and unworthy,
then a Mason may propose to finish it for the benefit of the
employer. But, except such be clearly the case, he shall not be
interfered with. For, surely, he that commenced the under¬
taking, if he have proper Masonic skill, is best able to complete
it, according to the original plan.
11. No Master shall require work by bodily strength, at undue
hours. He may, however, exact improvement in knowledge and
the study of Masonry.
12. The fairest dealings are required of every Master, if he
would save his own character ; he shall not depreciate his fel-
gloss has been the sole basis of the qualification which, in modern times, has been
added to the emphatic term, " outrage," which means not perfect.
* The word rendered ignorance, is rechelaschepe, literally recklessness, which,
in that day, signified a want or lack of knowledge.
242
AHIMAN REZON.
low's work, but rather commend it, and, with all the talent and
experience God has given him, advise him how to improve it.
13. The Master must thoroughly instruct his Apprentice in the
various points of the Masonic Science, that he may do honor to
the Fraternity when he shall afterwards travel.
14. The Master shall take no Apprentice, unless he have plenty
of work under contract, that so within the period of his Appren¬
ticeship, he may acquire all the mysteries of the Art.
15. The Master shall not for any personal favor, take upon
himself a false maintenance, or keep his fellows in sin for any
profit he might acquire, or suffer them, on dread of their soul's
salvation, to utter false oaths ; and, this, lest it should bring
shame upon Masonry, and disgrace upon himself.
It will be observed that these Articles relate entirely to the
duties of Masters; but the same assembly established other regu¬
lations, which the author of the MSS. entitles " poyiity's." 5
These points are also given from the very excellent translation
of Bro. Morris, viz. :—
1. At this assembly of great Lords and Masters, further regula¬
tions were established, to wit: That whosoever would learn and
work Masonry, must always reverence God, and His holy Church,
and the Master with whom he may engage to labor. Likewise, his
Fellows in the Art, for such is the general spirit of the Fraternity.
2. The Mason shall work honestly on working days, that he
may receive his hire upon the holy day ; for he who faithfully
toils, truly merits his reward.
3. The Apprentice shall keep the secrets entrusted to him by
his Master and brethren in a faithful breast. The arcana of the
Lodge and chamber, the same being that which he has seen and
heard, shall he communicate to no man. The privacy of hall and
habitation shall be honorably maintained, lest the tale-bearer
merit blame, and the Craft appear despicable.
4. The Apprentice shall not be false to the Society, shall main¬
tain no error against it, but cast it off, and shall do no evil to his
Master or brethren.
5.. The Mason receiving his wages of the Master, shall do it
5 " Fyftene artyculus they ther sowzton,
And fyftene poynty's ther they wrozton."
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
243
with meekness. But the Master is bound to notify him lawfully
and privately, if he does not any longer desire his services. And,
being thus warned, he must not contend against the Order, if he
would succeed well with the Fraternity.
6. If the Mason, through envy or hatred, of himself or another,
become embroiled with his Fellow, the Master shall set apart a
day for the reference. But not until the work in hand be com¬
pleted, shall this reference be made, for that is not to cease in
settlement of quarrels. Leisure may be found in the holiday for
this, and the contending parties shall be bound to submission to
God's law.
7. The Apprentice, if he would enjoy God's blessing, shall not
commit whoredom either with his Master's wife (nor with the wife
of his Fellow, lest he be despised by the Craft), nor with the con¬
cubine of his brother, any more than he would have them do by
his. The penalty of such misconduct shall be great, and if com¬
mitted during the time of his Apprenticeship, he shall be severely
chastised.
8. If the Mason has undertaken any work, let him be faithful
to his Masters, standing honorably between him and the Brethren,
and dealing righteously by both parties.
9. The Steward of the hall shall serve the Brotherhood at their
feasts in moderation, and with brotherly courtesy. They shall
pay him honorably for the food they may purchase, lest com¬
plaints be excited against the Fraternity, and they shall render
faithful accounts of all expenditures in their department.
10. The Mason must avoid discord and contention. And, if
any be false in his work, and, through evil accusation, slander
his Fellows, let him not be maintained or aided in his miscon¬
duct, lest the evil wax worse. Yet he is not, therefore, to
be expelled, but constrained to appear (publicly or privately)
wheresoever he is summoned. To the next assembly let him be
called to appear before all the Brethren, and if found incorri¬
gible, let him be punished according to the ancient laws of the
Fraternity.
11. The Mason, understanding the rules of the Art, and seeing
one of his Brethren hewing a block so unskillfully as to threaten
to spoil it, must improve the matter, if practicable, and inform
the brother of his mistake, that the general undertaking may not
244
AHIMAN REZON.
be flawed. He must instruct the ignorant Brother with that wis¬
dom which God may give him, and in loving words.
12. Whenever the assembly shall meet, there shall gather
together the Masters and Brethren, and the many Lords of
noble blood. The Sheriff and the Mayor shall meet with them;
knights, squires, and aldermen. Such regulations as they may
adopt, shall be maintained vigorously against every member of
this free and fair Brotherhood. If any in any wise contend
against its ordinances, he shall be made a subject of Masonic
punishment.
13. The Mason shall be obligated neither to be a thief, nor the
aid of one, for any profit that he might acquire thereby.
14. The Mason must further be obligated (a good true oath) to
his Master and the Brethren there assembled, to be true and
steadfast to his Lord, the King, and to all the Ordinances here
enumerated, established by such high authority. Each must take
the same obligation ; and all shall inquire, as far as possible, that
if any have violated these regulations, he may be sought out, and
brought to the assembly.
15. The fifteenth point is of special importance to the Mason
who has been thus obligated. A regulation was passed at that
dignified assembly, that if any be clearly proved to be disobedient
to these Ordinances, or to the (fifteen) Articles before enumerated,
and make no amends for the offense, he must needs abandon the
Society, and swear no more to exercise the Art. If he will do so,
he shall return no more to the Craft. If not, the Sheriff shall
imprison him for the offense he has committed, seize his effects for
the King's use, and let him remain in duress during his pleasure.
These " points," end with the four hundred and seventieth line ;
but the manuscript reaches to seven hundred and ninety-four.
CHAPTER IV.
GENERAL REGULATIONS.
Compiled first by Mr. George Payne, Anno 1720, when he was
Grand Master, and approved by the Grand Lodge on St. John
Baptist's Pay, Anno 1721, at Stationer's Hall, London ; when the
most noble prince, John, Duke of Montagu, was unanimously
chosen our Grand Master for the year ensuing; who chose John
Beal, M.D., his Deputy Grand Master ; Mr. Josiah Yilleneau, and
Mr. Thomas Morris, Jr., were chosen by the Lodge, Grand War¬
dens. And now, by the command of our said Right Worshipful
Grand Master Montagu, the author of this book has compared
them with, and reduced them to the ancient records and imme¬
morial usages of the Fraternity, and digested them into this new
method, with several proper explications, for the use of the
Lodges in and about London and Westminster.
I.—The Grand Master, or his Deputy, hath authority and
right, not only to be present in any true Lodge, but also to pre¬
side wherever he is, with the Master of the Lodge on his left hand,
and to order his Grand Wardens to attend him, who are not to
act in particular Lodges as Wardens, but in his presence, and at
his command ; because there the Grand Master may command
the Wardens of that Lodge, or any other brethren he pleaseth, to
attend and act as his Wardens pro tempore.
II.—The Master of a particular Lodge has the right and
authority of congregating the members of his Lodge into a Chap¬
ter at pleasure, upon any emergency or occurrence, as well as to
appoint the time and place of their usual forming; and, in case
of sickness, death, or necessary absence of the Master, the Senior
Warden shall act as Master pro tempore, if no Brother is present
who has been Master of that Lodge before ; for in that case, the
absent Master's authority reverts to the last Master then present,
246
AHIMAN REZON.
though he can not act until the said Senior Warden has once con¬
gregated the Lodge, or, in his absence, the Junior Warden.
III.—The Master of each particular Lodge, or one of the
Wardens, or some other Brother, by his order, shall keep a book
containing their By-Laws, the names of their members, with a list
of all the Lodges in town, the usual times and places of their
forming, and all their transactions that are proper to be written.
IY. __No Lodge shall make more than five new brethren at one
time, nor any man under the age of twenty-five, who must be also
his own Master ; unless by a dispensation from the Grand Master,
or his Deputy.
Y.—No man can be made or admitted a member of a particular
Lodge, without previous notice, one month before, given to the
said Lodge, in order to make due inquiry into the reputation and
capacity of the candidate ; unless by the dispensation aforesaid.
VI.—But 110 man can be entered a Brother in any particular
Lodge, or admitted to be a member thereof, without the unani¬
mous consent of all the members of that Lodge then present, when
the candidate is proposed, and their consent is formally asked by
the Master; and they are to signify their consent or dissent in
their own prudent way, either virtually or in form, but with unan¬
imity ; nor is this inherent privilege subject to a dispensation ;
because the members of a particular Lodge are the best judges of
it; and, if a fractious member should be imposed on them, it
might spoil their harmony, or hinder their freedom ; or even break
and disperse the Lodge, which ought to be avoided by all good
and true Brethren.
VII.—Every new Brother, at his making, is decently to clothe
the Lodge, that is, all the Brethren present, and to deposit some¬
thing for the relief of indigent and decayed Brethren, as the
candidate shall.think fit to bestow, over and above the small
allowance stated by the By-Laws of that particular Lod^e ; which
charity shall be lodged witli the Master or Wardens, or the
Cashier, if the members think fit to choose one.
And the candidate shall also solemnly promise to submit to the
Constitutions, the Charges, and regulations, and to such other good
usages as shall be intimated to them in time and place convenient.
VIII.—No set or number of Brethren shall withdraw or sep-
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
247
arate themselves from the Lodge in which they were made
Brethren, or were afterwards admitted members, unless the Lodge
becomes too numerous, nor even then, without a dispensation from
the Grand Master, or his Deputy : And when they are thus
separated, they must either immediately join themselves to such
other Lodge as they shall like best, with the unanimous consent
of that other Lodge to which they go (as above regulated), or else
they must obtain the Grand Master's warrant, to join in forming
a new Lodge.
If any set or number of Masons shall take upon themselves to
form a Lodge without the Grand Master's warrant, the regular
Lodges are not to countenance them, nor own them as fair
Brethren, and duly formed, nor approve of their acts and deeds ;
but must treat them as rebels, until they humble themselves, as
the Grand Master shall in his prudence direct, and until he
approve of them by his warrant, which must be signified to the
other Lodges, as the custom is when a new Lodge is to be regis¬
tered in the list of Lodges.
IX.—But if any Brother so far misbehave himself as to render
his Lodge uneasy, he shall be twice duly admonished by the Master
or Wardens, in a formed Lodge ; and if he will not refrain his
imprudence, and obediently submit to the advice of the Brethren,
and reform what gives them offense, he shall be dealt with accord¬
ing to the By-Laws of that particular Lodge, or else in such man¬
ner as the quarterly communication shall, in their great prudence,
think fit; for which a new regulation may be afterwards made.
X.—The majority of every particular Lodge, when congregated,
shall have the privilege of giving instruction to their Master and
Wardens, before the assembling of the Grand Chapter, or Lodge,
at the three quarterly communications hereafter mentioned, and
of the annual Grand Lodge, too ; because their Master and War¬
dens, are their representatives, and are supposed to speak their
mind.
XI.—All particular Lodges are to ooserve the same usages as
much as possible; in order to which, and for cultivating a good
understanding among Freemasons, some members out of every
Lodge shall be deputed to visit the other Lodges as often as shall
be thought convenient.
248
AHIMAN REZON.
XII.—The Grand Lodge consists of, and is formed by the
Masters and Wardens of all the regular particular Lodges
upon record, with the Grand Master at their head, and his Deputy
on his left hand, and the Grand Wardens in their proper places ;
and must have a quarterly communication about Michaelmas,
Christmas, and Lady Day, in some convenient place, as the Grand
Master shall appoint, where no Brother shall be present, who is
not at that time a member thereof, without a dispensation; and
while he stays, he shall not be allowed to vote, nor even give his
opinion, without leave of the Grand Lodge, asked and given, or
unless it be duly asked by the said Lodge.
All matters are to be determined in the Grand Lodge by a
majority of votes, each member having one vote, and the Grand
Master having two votes, unless the said Lodge leave any partic¬
ular thing to the determination of the Grand Master, for the sake
of expedition.
XIII.—At the said quarterly communication, all matters that
concern the Fraternity in general, or particular Lodges, or single
Brethren, are quietly, sedately, and maturely to be discoursed of
and transacted: Apprentices must be admitted Masters and Fel¬
low Crafts only here, unless by a dispensation. Here, also, all
differences, that can not be made up and accommodated privately,
nor by a particular Lodge, are to be seriously considered and
decided. And if any Brother thinks himself aggrieved by the
decision of this Board, he may appeal to the annual Grand Lodge
next ensuing, and leave his appeal in writing with the Grand
Master, or his Deputy, or the Grand Wardens.
Here, also, the Master or the Wardens of each particular
Lodge shall bring and produce a list of such members as have
been made, or were admitted in their particular Lodges since the
last communication of the Grand Lodge: and there shall be a
book kept by the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or rather Ijy some
Brother whom the Grand Lodge shall appoint for Secretary,
wherein shall be recorded all the Lodges, with their usual times
and places of forming, and the names of all the members of each
Lodge ; and all the affairs of the Grand Lodge that are proper to-
be written.
They shall also consider of the most prudent and effectual
methods of collecting and disposing of what money shall be given
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
249
to, or lodged with them in charity, towards the relief only of any
true brother, fallen into poverty or decay, but of none else : but
every particular Lodge shall dispose of their own charity for poor
brethren, according to their own By-Laws, until it be agreed by
all the Lodges (in a new regulation) to carry in the charity col¬
lected by them to the Grand Lodge, at the quarterly or annual
communication, in order to make a common stock of it, for the
more handsome relief of poor brethren.
They shall also appoint a Treasurer, a Brother of good worldly
substance, who shall be a member of the Grand Lodge by virtue
of his office, and shall be always present, and have power to move
to the Grand Lodge anything, especially what concerns his office.
To him shall be committed all money raised for charity, or for any
other use of the Grand Lodge, which he shall write down in a
book, with the respective ends and uses for which the several sums
are intended ; and shall expend or disburse the same by such a
certain order signed, as the Grand Lodge shall afterwards agree
to in a new regulation : but shall not vote in choosing a Grand
Master or Wardens, though in every other transaction. As in
like manner the Secretary shall be a member of the Grand Lodge,
by virtue of his office, and vote in everything except in choosing
a Grand Master or Wardens.
The Treasurer and Secretary shall have each a clerk, who
must be a Brother and Fellow Craft, but never must be a member
of the Grand Lodge, nor speak without being allowed or desired.
The Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall always command the
Treasurer and Secretary, with their clerks and books, in order to
see how matters go on, and know what is expedient to be done
upon any emergent occasion.
Another Brother (who must be a Fellow Craft) should be ap¬
pointed to look after the door of the Grand Lodge ; but shall be
no member of it.
But these offices may be farther explained by a new regulation,
when the necessity and expediency of them may more appear than
at present to the Fraternity.
XIV.—If at any Grand Lodge, stated or occasional, quarterly
or annual, the Grand Master and his Deputy should be both
absent, then the present Master of a Lodge, that has been the
longest a Freemason, shall take the Chair, and preside as Grand
250
AHIMAN EEZON.
Master pro tempore ; and shall be vested with all liis power and
honor for the time : Provided, There is no Brother present that
has been Grand Master formerly, or Deputy Grand Master ; for
the last Grand Master present, or else the last Deputy present,
should always, of right, take place in the absence of the present
Grand Master and his Deputy.
XV.—In the Grand Lodge, none can act as Wardens but the
Grand Wardens themselves, if present; and, if absent, the Grand
Master, or the person who presides in his place, shall order pri¬
vate Wardens to act as Grand Wardens pro tempore, whose places
are to be*supplied by two Fellow Crafts of the same Lodge,
called forth to act, or sent thither by the particular Master there¬
of ; or if by hiin omitted, then they shall be called by the Grand
Master, that so the Grand Lodge may always be complete.
XYI.—The Grand Wardens, or any other, are first to advise
with the Deputy about the affairs of the Lodge or of the Brethren,
and not to apply to the Grand Master without the knowledge of
the Deputy, unless he refuse his concurrence in any certain neces¬
sary affair ; in which case, or in case of any difference between the
Deputy and the Grand Wardens, or other Brethren, both parties
are to go by concert to the Grand Master, who can easily decide
the controversy, and make up the difference by virtue of his great
authority.
The Grand Master should receive no intimation of business con¬
cerning Masonry, but from his Deputy first, except in such certain
cases as his worship can well judge of; for if the application to
the Grand Master be irregular, he can easily order the Grand
Wardens, or any other Brethren thus applying, to wait upon his
Deputy, who is to prepare the business speedily, and to lay it
orderly before his worship.
XVII.—No Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand War¬
dens, Treasurer, Secretary, or whoever acts for them, or in their
stead, pro tempore, can at the same time be the Master or Wardens
of a particular Lodge ; but as soon as any of them has honorably
discharged his Grand office, he returns to that post or station in
his particular Lodge, from which he was called to officiate above.
XVIII.—If the Deputy Grand Master be sick, or necessarily
absent, the Grand Master may choose any Fellow Craft he pleases,
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
251
to be his Deputy pro tempore : but he that is chosen. Deputy at the
Grand Lodge, and the Grand Wardens too, can not be discharged
without the cause fairly appear to the majority of the Grand
Lodge ; and the Grand Master, if he is uneasy, may call a
Grand Lodge on purpose to lay the cause before them, and to
have their advice and concurrence : in which case, the majority
of the Grand Lodge, if they can not reconcile the Master and his
Deputy or his Wardens, are to concur in allowing the Master
to discharge his Deputy, or his said Wardens, and to choose an
other Deputy immediately^ and the said Grand Lodge shall
choose other Wardens in that case, that harmony and peace may
be preserved.
XIX.—If the Grand Master should abuse his power, and render
himself unworthy of the obedience and subjection of the Lodges,
he shall be treated in a way and manner to be agreed upon in a
new regulation • because hitherto the ancient Fraternity have had
no occasion for it, their former Grand Masters having all behaved
themselves worthy of that honorable office.
XX.—The Grand Master, with his Deputy and Wardens, shall
(at least once) go round and visit all the Lodges about town dur¬
ing his Mastership.
XXI.—If the Grand Master die during his Mastership, or by sick¬
ness, or by being beyond sea, or any other way, should be rendered
uncapable of discharging his office, the Deputy, or, in his absence, the
Senior Grand Warden, or, in his absence, the Junior, or, in his ab¬
sence, any three present Masters of Lodges, shall join to congregate
the Grand Lodge immediately, to advise together upon that emer¬
gency, and to send two of their number to invite the last Grand Mas¬
ter to resume his office, which now in course reverts to him ; or if
he refuse, then the next last, and so backward : but if no former
Grand Master can be found, then the Deputy shall act as princi¬
pal until another is chosen ; or if there be no Deputy, then the
oldest Master.
XXII.—The Brethren of all Lodges in and about London and
Westminster, shall meet at an annual communication and Feast,
in some convenient place, on St. John Baptist's Day, or else on
St. John Evangelist's Day, as the Grand Lodge shall think fit, by
a new regulation, having, of late years, met on St. John Baptist's
252
AHIMAN REZON.
Day : Provided, The majority of the Masters and Wardens, with
the Grand Master, his Deputy and Wardens, agree at their quar¬
terly communication, three months before, that there shall be a
feast, and a general communication of all the Brethren : for, if
either the Grand Master, or the majority of the particular Mas¬
ters, are against it, it must be dropt for that time.
But whether there shall be a Feast for all the Brethren or not,
yet the Grand Lodge must meet in some convenient place annually
on St. John's Day ; or if it be Sunday, then on the next day, in
order to choose every year, a new Grand Master, Deputy, and
Wardens.
XXIII.—If it be thought expedient, and the Grand Master,
with the majority of the Masters and Wardens, agree to hold a
Grand Feast, according to the ancient laudable custom of Masons,
then the Grand Wardens shall have the care of preparing the
tickets, sealed with the Grand Master's seal, of disposing of the
tickets, of receiving the money for the tickets, of buying the ma¬
terials of the Feast, of finding out a proper and convenient place
to feast in, and of every other thing that concerns the entertain¬
ment.
But that the work may not be too burthensome to the two
Grand Wardens, and that all matters may be expeditiously and
safely managed, the Grand Master, or his Deputy, shall have
power to nominate and appoint a certain number of Stewards, as
his worship shall think fit, to act in concert with the two Grand
Wardens ; all things relating to the Feast being decided amongst
them by a majority of voices ; except the Grand Master, or his
Deputy, interpose by a particular direction or appointment.
XXIY.—The Wardens and Stewards shall, in due time, wait
upon the Grand Master, or his Deputy, for directions and orders
about the premises ; but if his worship and his Deputy are sick, or
necessarily absent, they shall call together the Masters and War-
dens of Lodges, to meet on purpose for their advice and orders ;
or else they may take the matter wholly upon themselves, and do
the best they can.
The Grand Wardens and the Stewards are to account for all
the money they receive or expend, to the Grand Lodge, after
dinner, or when the Grand Lodge shall think fit to receive their
accounts.
LAWS OF FREEMASONRY.
253
If the Grand Master pleases, lie may, in due time, summon all
the Masters and Wardens of Lodges to consult with them about
ordering the Grand Feast, and about any emergency or accidental
thing relating thereunto, that may require advice ; or else to take
it upon himself altogether.
XXY.—The Masters of Lodges shall each appoint one expe¬
rienced and discreet Fellow Craft of his Lodge, to compose a
Committee, consisting of one from every Lodge who shall meet to
receive, in a convenient apartment, every person that brings a
ticket, and shall have power to discourse him, if they think fit, in
order to admit him, or debar him, as they shall see cause. Pro¬
vided, They send no man away before they have acquainted all the
Brethren within doors with the reasons thereof, to avoid mistakes;
that so no true Brother may be debarred, nor a false Brother, or
mere pretender, admitted. This committee must meet very early
on St. John's Day, at the place, even before any persons come
with tickets.
XXVI.—The Grand Master shall appoint two or more trusty
Brethren to be porters, or door-keepers, who are also to be early
at the place, for some good reasons; and who are to be at the
command of the committee.
XXYII.—The Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, shall appoint
before hand such a number of Brethren to serve at table, as they
think fit and proper for that work ; and they may advise with the
Masters and Wardens of Lodges about the most proper persons, if
they please, or may take in such by their recommendation ; for
none are to serve that day but Free and Accepted Masons, that the
communication may be free and harmonious.
XXVIII.—All the members of the Grand Lodge must be at the
place long before dinner, with the Grand Master, or his Deputy,
at their head, who shall retire and form themselves. And this is
done in order:
1. To receive any appeals duly lodged, as above regulated, that
the appellant may be heard, and the affair may be amicably
decided before dinner, if possible ; but if it can not, it must be
delayed till after the new Grand Master is elected ; and if it can
not be decided after dinner, it may be delayed, and referred to a
particular committee, that shall quietly adjust it, and make report
254
AHIMAN KEZON.
to the next quarterly communication, that Brotherly Love may be
preserved.
2. To prevent any difference or disgust which may be feared to
arise that day ; that no interruption may be given to the harmony
and pleasure of the Grand Feast.
3. To consult about whatever concerns the decency and decorum
of the Grand Assembly, and to prevent all indecency and ill man¬
ners, the assembly being promiscuous.
4. To receive and consider of any good motion, or any moment¬
ous and important affair that shall be brought from the particular
Lodges, by their representatives, the several Masters and Wardens.
XXIX.—After these things are discussed, the Grand Master
and his Deputy, the Grand Wardens, or the Stewards, the Secre¬
tary, the Treasurer, the clerks, and every other person, shall
withdraw, and leave the Masters and Wardens of the particular
Lodges alone, in order to consult amicably about electing a new
Grand Master, or continuing the present, if they have not done it
the day before ; and if they are unanimous in continuing the
present Grand Master, liis worship shall be called in, and humbly
desired to do the Fraternity the honor of ruling them for the year
ensuing ; and after dinner it will be known whether he accepts of
it or not. For it should not be discovered but by the election
itself.
XXX.—Then the Masters and Wardens, and all the Brethren,
may converse promiscuously, or as they please to sort together,
until the dinner is coming in, when every Brother takes his seat
at table.
XXXI.—Some time after dinner the Grand Lodge is formed,
not in retirement, but in the presence of all the Brethren, who yet
are not members of it, and must not speak until they are desired
and allowed.
XXXII.—If the Grand Master of last year has consented with
the Master and Wardens in private, before dinner, to continue for
the year ensuing ; then one of the Grand Lodge, deputed for that
purpose, shall represent to all the Brethren his worship's good
government, etc. And turning to him, shall, in the name of the
Grand Lodge, humbly request him to do the Fraternity the great
honor (if nobly born, if not, the great kindness) of continuing to
LAWS OP FREEMASONRY.
255
be their Grand Master for the year ensuing. And his worship
declaring his consent by a bow, or a speech, as he pleases, the said
deputed member of the Grand Lodge shall proclaim him Grand
Master, and all the members of the Lodge shall salute him in due
form. And all the Brethren shall, for a few minutes, have leave
to declare tlieir satisfaction, pleasure, and congratulation.
XXXIII.—But if either the Master and Wardens have not, in
private, this day before dinner, nor the day before, desired the last
Grand Master to continue in the Mastership another year; or if
he, when desired, has not consented: then the last Grand Mas¬
ter shall nominate his successor for the year ensuing, who, if
unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge, and if there present,
shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated the new Grand
Master, as above hinted, and immediately installed by the last
Grand Master, according to usage.
7 O O
XXXIV.—But if that nomination is not unanimously approved,
the new Grand Master shall be chosen immediately by ballot,
every Master and Warden writing his man's name, and the last
Grand Master writing his man's name, too ; and the man, whose
name the last Grand Master shall first take out, casually, or
by chance, shall be Grand Master for the year ensuing ; and,
if present, he shall be proclaimed, saluted, and congratulated, as
above hinted, and forthwith installed by the last Grand Master,
according to usage.
XXXV.—The last Grand Master thus continued, or the new
Grand Master thus installed, shall next nominate and appoint his
Deputy Grand Master, either the last or a new one, who shall be
also declared, saluted, and congratulated, as above hinted.
The Grand Master shall also nominate the new Grand Wardens,
and if unanimously approved by the Grand Lodge, shall be de¬
clared, saluted, and congratulated, as above hinted ; but if not,
they shall be chosen by ballot, in the same way as the Grand Mas¬
ter : as the Wardens of private Lodges are also to be chosen by
ballot in each Lodge, if the members thereof do not agree to their
Master's nomination.
XXXVI.—But if the Brother whom the present Grand Master
shall nominate for his successor, or whom the majority of the
Grand Lodge shall happen to choose by ballot, is, by sickness or
256
AHIMAN REZON.
other necessary occasion, absent from the Grand Feast, he can not
be proclaimed the new Grand Master, unless the old Grand Mas¬
ter, or some of the Masters and Wardens of the Grand Lodge can
vouch, upon the honor of a Brother, that the said person so
nominated, or chosen, will readily accept of the said office ; in
which case, the old Grand Master shall act as proxy, and shall
nominate the Deputy and Wardens in his name, and in his name,
also, receive the usual honors, homage, or congratulation.
XXXVII.—Then the Grand Master shall allow any Brother
Fellow Craft, or Apprentice, to speak, directing his discourse to
his worship ; or to make any motion for the good of the Fra¬
ternity, which shall be either immediately considered and finished,
or else referred to the consideration of the Grand Lodge at their
next communication, stated or occasional. When this is over,
XXXVIII.—The Grand Master, or his Deputy, or some
Brother appointed by him, shall harangue all the Brethren, and
give them good advice : and, lastly, after some other transactions,
that can not be written in any language, the Brethren may go
away, or stay longer, as they please.
XXXIX.—Every annual Grand Lodge has an inherent power
and authority to make new regulations, or to alter these, for the
real benefit of this ancient Fraternity : Provided always, That the
old landmarks be carefully preserved, and that such alterations
and new regulations be proposed and agreed to at the third quar¬
terly communication preceding the annual Grand Feast; and that
they be offered, also, to the perusal of all the Brethren before din¬
ner, in writing, even of the youngest Apprentice ; the approbation
and consent of the majority of all the Brethren present being
absolutely necessary to make the same binding and obligatory j
which must, after dinner, and after the new Grand Master is
installed, be solemnly desired ; as it was desired and obtained for
these regulations, when proposed by the Grand Lodge, to about
one hundred and fifty Brethren, on St. John Baptist's Day, seven¬
teen hundred and twenty-one.
PART SECOND.
TITLE II.
CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY.
Chapter I. — CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND
LODGE OF GEORGIA.
" n. — CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND
ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF
GEORGIA.
Chapter m.— CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND
COUNCIL OF ROYAL AND SE¬
LECT MASTERS OF GEORGIA.
« IV.—CONSTITUTION OF THE GENERAL
GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL
ARCH MASONS FOR THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA.
17
CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY.
CHAPTER I.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF
GEORGIA.
The Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, according to
the Old Institution, of the State of Georgia, existing since 1733,
and by virtue of, and in pursuance of the right and succession le¬
gally derived from the Most Noble and Right Worshipful Thomas
Thynne, Lord Viscount Weymouth, Grand Master of England, for
the year of Masonry five thousand seven hundred and thirty-five,
by his warrant directed to the Right Worshipful Roger Lacey ;
and by the renewal of the said power by Sholto, Charles Douglas,
Lord Aberdour, Grand Master of Scotland, for the years five
thousand seven hundred and fifty-six, and Grand Master of Eng¬
land, for the years five thousand seven hundred and fifty seven,
and five thousand seven hundred and fifty eight, by his warrant
directed to the Right Worshipful Grey Eliot; and incorporated by
the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, by an Act passed
for that purpose, dated 6th February, 1796, and by due succession,
delivered down to the present day*, doth hereby ordain and estab¬
lish for the government of the several Lodges now chartered, and
hereafter to be chartered in said State, and for the regulation of
the exercise of its'own authority, the following Grand Constitu¬
tion and General Regulations, to wit:
ARTICLE L
style, title, jurisdiction.
Section 1. This Grand Lodge shall be known and called by
the name of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of
the State of Georgia.
260
ahiman rezon.
Sec. 2. This Grand Lodge is hereby declared to be the highest
legitimate source of Masonic authority of and over the three sym¬
bolic degrees of Freemasonry within the State of Georgia ; and,
of right, exercises jurisdiction and government over all symbolic
Lodges within this State.
Sec. 3. No Lodge can exist, or exercise any Masonic privilege
or duty, in this State, without the sanction of this Grand Lodge,
either by warrant or dispensation duly granted for that purpose.
And all convocations or assemblies of persons, calling themselves
Lodges, or Freemasons, and assuming to exercise the duties or
perform the ceremonies of Freemasonry in this-State, of either or all
of the three symbolic degrees, without the sanction of this Grand
Lodge, first had or obtained, are hereby declared to be spurious
and clandestine, and of no Masonic authority whatever.
Sec. 4. This Grand Lodge shall have power, as follows :
1. To propose, enact, and establish new regulations for the gov¬
ernment of the Craft within its jurisdiction, and the same to alter,
amend, explain, or repeal, not contravening the ancient landmarks
of the Order.
2. To establish and preserve the traditions, lectures, work, and
ceremonies of the Order, and to exclude all innovations and unau¬
thorized modifications of the same.
3. To authorize the formation and institution of such new
Lodges as may be found necessary, and to alter, amend, repeal, or
suspend the warrants of Lodges now in existence, in such a man¬
ner as may be hereinafter pointed out and defined.
4. To investigate, regulate, and decide all matters pertaining
to the Craft at large, and to particular Lodges ; which it may ex¬
ercise, either by itself or b'y such delegated authority as it may, in
its wisdom and discretion, from time to time appoint: but in this
Grand Lodge alone resides the power of extinguishing Lodges, or
expelling brethren from the privileges of Freemasonry, which
shall not be delegated to any subordinate authority.
5. To exercise all such powers, discharge all such duties, and
perform all such acts as have been performed by Grand Lodges
of Freemasons in times past, within the ancient customs of the
Fraternity.
Sec. 5. The Grand Lodge shall exercise a supervision over the
affairs of the Southern Masonic Female College, located at Cov-
constitutions of freemasonry.
261
ington, Newton county ; and fill all vacancies in the Board of
Trustees of the same, in such manner as may be determined, from
time to time, by a majority of two-thirds of the members present.
Sec. 6. The Grand Lodge shall not have power to proceed to
the election of officers, or to any other business, except to open
and adjourn, unless there be present the representatives of at least
four regular Lodges of this jurisdiction, which shall be a sufficient
number, at all times, to form a Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE II.
of the officers and members of the grand lodge.
Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge shall consist of the Masters of all the
regularly constituted Lodges in the State, all Past Grand Masters.
Past Deputy Grand Masters, Past Grand "Wardens, and all Past
Masters who have actually presided over a regularly chartered
Lodge, within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, for the space
of twelve calendar months, and are qualified as hereinafter de¬
clared. The Past Grand Masters, and Past Deputy Grand Mas¬
ters, Past Grand Wardens, and Past Masters of Lodges qualified
as above, shall be permanent and standing members of the Grand
Lodge.
Sec. 2. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Masters, Grand War¬
dens, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary, shall be elected by
ballot, on the second day of the annual communication, before any
other business is taken up. The Grand Deacons shall be appoint¬
ed by the first five Grand Officers ; the Grand Marshal, Grand
Pursuivant, and Grand Chaplain, and the 1st Grand Steward,
shall be appointed by the Grand Master ; the 2nd Grand Steward
by the Senior Grand Warden, and the 3rd Grand Steward by the
Junior Grand Warden. Should the Grand Master be absent, the
above appointments shall be made by the officer discharging his
duties, as hereinafter provided.
Sec. 3. Every brother regularly elected and installed as Mas¬
ter of a Lodge within this jurisdiction, and who has executed that
office for one year, shall so long as he continues a subscribing
member of a Lodge, rank as a Past Master in, and be a member of
this Grand Lodge j but after having for twelve months ceased to
subscribe to any Lodge, he shall no longer enjoy the privilege
of voting in the Grand Lodge, or be considered a member thereof.
262
ahiman rezon.
Sec. 4. The President of the Southern Masonic Female College
shall be ex-officio a member of the Grand Lodge, and shall rank as
a Past Master. He shall be required to attend each annual com¬
munication, and shall receive such pay as is provided for repre¬
sentatives of Lodges.
Sec. 5. Brethren of eminence and ability, who have rendered
service to the Craft, and who are not. resident within this jurisdic¬
tion, may, by a vote of two-thirds of the Grand Lodge, be consti¬
tuted members thereof, with such rank and distinction as may be
thought proper, not exceeding that of Past Grand Warden.
Sec. 6. When the Master of any particular Lodge, from such
urgent business or necessity as may sufficiently excuse him, cannot
personally attend the Grand Lodge, he may nominate and send a
Past Master of his Lodge, with a proxy, under the seal of the
Lodge, to supply his place, and support the honor of his Lodge in
the Grand Lodge ; and in case of failure on the part of the Mas¬
ter to appoint his proxy, by the regular meeting of his Lodge
which next precedes the annual communication, the Lodge at that
meeting shall elect by ballot a delegate, who shall be a Past Mas¬
ter of said Lodge, to represent the Lodge. If there be none of
that degree members of such Lodge, then they may elect any Past
Master entitled to a seat in the Grand Lodge, to represent them.
Sec. 7. No member of the Grand Lodge shall attend, or be
permitted to speak or vote therein, without his proper jewel and
clothing.
Sec. 8. If at any communication of the Grand Lodge, regular
or occasional, the Grand Master be absent, the Lodge shall be
ruled by the Grand Officer, or Past Grand Officer next in rank
and seniority, who may be present; and if no Grand Officer be
present, by the Master of the Senior Lodge. And all powers and
authorities, rules and regulations, for the government of the
Grand Lodge or subordinate Lodges, shall be used, exercised, and
enforced respectively by the officers or members, by any law or
constitution, authorized to preside or act in the absence of the
Grand Master during times of business, or in the general govern¬
ment of the Craft, as fully, to all intents and purposes, as if such
substitute officers or members were specified in every law or con¬
stitution in which powers or authorities are given, or rules and
regulations prescribed for the principals, unless special provision
constitutions op freemasonry.
263
is made to the contrary. In case of the death of a Grand Mas¬
ter, the same order of succession and precedency takes place, as is
above set forth, till a new Grand Master is duly chosen and in¬
stalled, which shall take place at the next annual communication.
Sec. 9. A Past Master is one who has been duly elected and in¬
stalled as Master of a symbolic Lodge, and execute^ the office
for one Masonic year. The degree of Past Master being a por¬
tion of the installation ceremony of a Master-elect, is hereby pro¬
hibited from being performed, or participated in, by any one who
has not himself duly presided as the elected Master of a symbolic
Lodge.
Sec. 10. Each subordinate Lodge shall be entitled to one vote
on all questions ; each permanent or standing member shall be
entitled to one vote, and the most Worshipful Grand Master to
two votes, when the number of votes happen to be equal, otherwise
to but one ; and no brother shall represent more than one Lodge at
the same time.
ARTICLE III.
op the meetings op the grand lodge.
Sec. 1. The annual communication of the Grand Lodge of
Georgia shall be held on the last Wednesday in October*
in each year, until the Grand Lodge shall otherwise order ;
and upon failure of the representation of the number of Lodges
required by this Constitution at that time, the Grand Sec¬
retary shall notify the subordinate Lodges of the same, and
request them to send their representatives to a Grand communi¬
cation, which, in that event, shall be held on the first Monday in
December thereafter. And the Most Worshipful Grand Master,
or in case of his absence from the State, indisposition, or death,
the Deputy Grand Masters shall have the power to convene the
members thereof, at any time they, or one of them, shall think
proper to appoint: Provided always, That all the subordinate
Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, be notified of
said meeting by the Grand Secretary, at least sixty days before
the time of said meeting.
Sec. 2, It shall be the duty of the Grand Master presiding to
call on the Grand Chaplain (if present) before proceeding to busi-
* Annual Communication, 1858.
264
ahiman eezon.
Bess, for an address to the Throne of Grace, and also to repeat
this act of homage before the adjournment of each Grand commu¬
nication.
Sec. 3. There shall not be any adjournment of the Grand
Lodge, unless it be from day to day, immediately succeeding the
first day of the meeting (only when Sunday may intervene, and
then, and in that case, it may be adjourned from Saturday until the
next Monday, and no longer), except as provided for in Section 1
of Article III. of the Constitution.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary and those
appointed pro tem., to record accurately all the proceedings of the
Grand Lodge in bound books, in which shall be also entered a
catalogue of all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge, with the times and places of their meetings.
ARTICLE IY.
fiscal concerns of the grand lodge.
Sec. 1. Every Chartered Lodge, holding under the Grand
Lodge, shall pay into the funds thereof, the following sums, to
wit: For initiation of every person into said Lodge, except minis¬
ters of the Gospel, the sum of one dollar • and for every Master
Mason a member thereof, except ministers of the Gospel, the an¬
nual sum of one dollar ; which said several sums shall be punctu¬
ally paid during the session of the Grand Lodge, at their regular
annual communication ; and every Lodge which shall neglect or
refuse to pay said sums at the time aforesaid,. and continue so to
neglect or refuse, without good reason, shown to the satisfaction
of a majority of the members present of the Grand Lodge, until
the next regular session thereof, shall be deemed the violators of
this Constitution, and unwholesome members of this Grand body,
and shall therefore be punished by forfeiture of their warrant, and
expulsion from the Grand Lodge, and only restored by paying up
all dues, and a sufficient and satisfactory apology for the breach
of good rules.
Sec. 2. Every Lodge working under a dispensation, held under
the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall pay into the funds there¬
of, the sum of one dollar for each and every person whom they
may initiate, except ministers of the Gospel, which sum shall be
constitutions of freemasonry.
265
punctually paid during the session of the Grand Lodge, at their
annual communication, under the penalty of the preceding Section.
Sec. 3. For the better carrying the preceding Section into
effect, the Grand Secretary shall, on or before the last day of each
communication of the Grand Lodge, inform the same what Lodges
are deficient, and how long they have been so, in the payment of
their dues as aforesaid, that the Grand Lodge may make such order
as the members thereof may deem right.
Sec. 4. The Grand Treasurer ^nd Secretary, previous to en¬
tering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall give securi¬
ty in such sum as may be approved of, from time to time, by the
Grand Master, or one of the Deputy Grand Masters, for the faith¬
ful performance of the duties of their respective offices ; and they
shall receive as a compensation, such a sum as may be, from time
to time, directed by a vote of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 5. The moneys paid into the funds of the Grand Lodge
being to defray the necessary expenses in the administration of its
government, and to support the dignity and respectability there¬
of, and also for charitable purposes, it is therefore declared, that
no disbursement shall be made, unless by a vote of the Grand
Lodge ; and it is further declared, that the Grand Officers of the
Grand Lodge, not being representatives of subordinate Lodges,
and the representatives of subordinate Lodges, shall receive from
the funds of the Grand Lodge, three dollars per day for their
actual attendance, and traveling expenses, at the rate of 10 cents
per mile, by the nearest traveled route, in going to, and returning
from the Grand Lodge. Provided, That the representatives of no
subordinate Lodge shall be entitled to pay, who has failed to make
its annual returns and to pay its dues, until said returns are made
and dues paid over to the Secretary.
Sec. 6. Any member of the Grand Lodge, not otherwise enti¬
tled to compensation, who shall attend the Grand Lodge, and
shall be appointed to serve on any committee, and serves thereon,
shall receive the per diem pay established in the preceding Section.
AKTICLE Y.
subordinate lodges.
Sec. 1. Every Lodge shall consist of a Master, Senior and Jun¬
ior Warden, and as many officers and members as may be found
266
ah]man rezon.
convenient for working ; and no Lodge can be held under the
jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, without a warrant or endorse¬
ment from the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 2. The election of officers, in all Lodges under the juris¬
diction of the Grand Lodge, shall be by ballot, at the regular
meeting of such Lodge next preceding the Festival of St. John
the Evangelist, in each year, and the installation, if circumstances
permit, at the same meeting, before any other business can take
place ; and the officers so elected shall hold their offices until their
successors are elected and installed.
Sec. 3. Every Lodge held under the Grand Lodge shall have a
seal, the device thereof to be made at the pleasure of the persons
for whom it shall be made, and shall be engraved with the name
of the Lodge aforesaid, and the number thereof in figures or nu¬
merical letters, an impression of which seal shall be deposited
with the Grand Secretary, and the device of the same described
in writing, in a book to be kept by him for that purpose.
Sec. 4. If any Brother of any Lodge under the jurisdiction of
the Grand Lodge, shall be guilty of a Masonic misdemeanor, by
willfully disregarding the By-Laws of his Lodge, or acting other¬
wise unmasonically, the Lodge to which he belongs shall have full
power of trying and investigating the same ; and, on conviction,
may punish the offender by reprimand, suspension, or exclusion,
as they may deem proper. But if, on investigatian of any charge
against a brother of the Lodge, he shall be deemed worthy of ex¬
pulsion from the privileges of the Order, the matter shall be
reported to the next annual communication of the Grand Lodge,
for its action in the premises.
Sec. 5. If a Master shall be charged with the offenses specified
above, by a majority of the Lodge over which he presides, or by
the Master of any other Lodge, the accusers or accuser shall pre¬
sent a written accusation to the Grand Master, or one of the Dep¬
uty Grand Masters, who shall summon a Lodge of Masters or
Past Masters, of not less than three, nor more than thirteen—one
of whom shall be nominated to preside as Master—who shall pro¬
ceed to try the cause, and pronounce such sentence as they may
deem just; but the same shall not take effect until approved by
the officer summoning such Lodge.
Sec. 6. Any member of the Order, feeling himself aggrieved by
constitutions op freemasonry.
267
the result of any trial or investigation, as herein provided, may
appeal to the Grand Lodge, and the same shall be considered and
disposed of as the Grand Lodge may direct. But if two commu¬
nications of the Grand Lodge be passed since the decision of the
matter complained of, the appeal shall not be entertained.
Sec. 7. No candidate shall be entered, passed, or raised, in any
other Lodge than that nearest his usual residence, without a recom¬
mendation from the Lodge or Lodges held nearest the residence
of said candidate; and should any Lodge confer any such degrees, in
violation of this Section, the fees for the same shall be paid to the
Lodge within whose jurisdiction the candidate shall reside, by
said delinquent Lodge, and the same may be suspended, or other¬
wise punished, at the discretion of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 8. No candidate whose application may be rejected in any
Lodge, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge, shall be entered,
passed, or raised, in any other Lodge which shall have received
official notice of such rejection; nor shall a second petition be
entertained in any Lodge, until after the lapse of one entire year
from the time of such rejection.
Sec. 9. Every Lodge shall exercise all the rights of discipline
and control over all Freemasons, not members of any Lodge, and
resident in the county wherein the same is located. And in case
of more than one being held in the county, the said discipline and
control shall be exercised by the oldest Lodge. "Where there is
no Lodge in a county, then the Lodge nearest the offender shall
have jurisdiction.
Sec. 10. No Lodge shall be opened for the transaction Of any
business in the absence of the Master "and Wardens, unless there
be present a Past Master of the Lodge to preside.
Sec. 11. So long as there remain in any Lodge seven Master
Masons, willing and desirous of working as a Lodge, who are reg¬
ular members thereof, in good standing, the remaining members
have not the power to surrender the charter of such Lodge.
Sec. 12. No person who has been a member of a Lodge in actu¬
al existence under this Constitution, shall be admitted as a mem¬
ber of another Lodge, without producing satisfactory testimonials
of his good behavior while a member of such other Lodge.
Sec. IB. Every Lodge held under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge shall, at each annual communication thereof, send to the
268
ahiman rezon.
Grand Secretary a true copy of its By-Laws, whenever thej
adopt a new code ; and any Lodge may pass such By-Laws as thej
may deem proper for their government, and not contravening this
Constitution.
Sec. 14. The Master of each Lodge shall, immediately aftei
each annual election of officers, cause the Secretary to report tc
the Grand Secretary the result of said election, with the names of
the officers elected, together with their own proper signatures.
Sec. 15. No Lodge shall, in occasional meetings, alter, change,
or destroy any of the regulations passed at a stated meeting.
Sec. 16. It is required that all Lodges under the jurisdiction
of the Grand Lodge, be represented at the several communica¬
tions thereof.
Sec. 17. On the rejection of any applicant for admission to
either of the three first degrees in Masonry, or to membership, by
any Lodge in this State, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of
said Lodge to communicate the same to the Grand Lodge, in his
next annual returns ; and should said subordinate Lodge deem il
necessary, it shall be the duty of its Secretary to inform the other
subordinate Lodges of the same forthwith. But when any Brother
is suspended or excluded, the Secretary shall notify the Grand
Secretary of the fact, enclosing a description of the applicant, and
the Grand Secretary shall forthwith transmit the information to
every Lodge under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 18. It being of essential importance that the mode of work¬
ing in the several Lodges under this jurisdiction should be uni¬
formly the same, and that the new Lodges should be duly in¬
structed in the Lectures, before being permitted to work, therefore
the better to accomplish this desirable object, it shall be the dutj
of the Grand Lodge, to divide the State into four Masonic districts
from each of which shall be selected one of the Deputy Granc
Masters.
Sec. 19. The Deputy Grand Masters, as soon after their elec
tion as convenient, shall assemble together, and compare and mak<
uniform their mode of work ; and it shall be their duty to visi
the Lodges in their respective districts, as often as practicable
and instruct the Craft in the lectures of the degrees, and mode oj
work.
Sec. 20. Every Lodge so visited, shall pay the Deputy Granc
constitutions of freemasonry.
269
Master a reasonable compensation for liis traveling and otlier
expenses.
Sec. 21. Every Brother who may be charged with unmasonic
conduct, shall, in due time, be furnished with a copy of the charges
to be exhibited against him, if they be of a nature which will
admit of being written ; and if tliey be not, the said charges shall
be made known to him by a Committee appointed for that pur¬
pose. Should such Brother fail to attend the summons of the
Lodge, or of a Committee appointed to examine into his said con¬
duct, without sufficient reason therefor, on such failure being re¬
ported, it shall be the duty of the Lodge to suspend him from all
the benefits of Masonry, until he do come forward and answer to
the charges alleged against him.
Sec. 22. No officer, against whom specific charges of unma-
sonic conduct are preferred, shall be competent to discharge the
duties of his office, until a final decision is made upon said charges
—Provided, That where a Worshipful Master is so charged, he
shall not be suspended from the functions of his office, unless, in
the judgment of the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Master, the
nature of the Charges, or the good of Masonry require it ; in
which case the Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Master, shall
have power to declare his suspension.
Sec. 23. Every Lodge shall be required to collect of every
unaffiliated Freemason, residing within this State, who shall visit
said Lodge while at work, a visiting fee equivalent to one-fourth of
the annual dues required by its By-Laws, to be paid by a member
thereof, half of which said fee shall belong to the Lodge, and the
other half forwarded to the Grand Secretary, with its annual
dues to the Grand Lodge, and shall be carried to the Education
Fund.
ARTICLE VI.
of proposing and admitting members.—of making, passing,
and raising.
Sec. 1. Great discredit and injury having been brought upon
our ancient and honorable Fraternity, by admitting members and
receiving candidates without due notice given, or sufficient inquiry
made into their characters and qualifications—and also by passing
and raising Freemasons, without due instructions, in the respective
270
ahiman eezon.
degrees, the same is hereby prohibited ; and any Lodge willfully
doing the same, shall be subject to such punishment as the Grand
Lodge shall deem proper to inflict.
Sec. 2. No Brother shall be admitted a member of a Lodge
without a proposition in open Lodge, at a regular meeting there¬
of, and submitting, at the same time, a statement of his occupation
and place of abode, with the name and number of the Lodge of
which he is, or was last a member, and in which he was initiated,
passed, and raised, which shall lie over until the next regular
meeting, when the same may be considered and adopted by ballot,
which shall be unanimous.
Sec. 3. When a Lodge has ceased to meet, any former mem¬
ber thereof shall be eligible to be proposed and admitted a mem¬
ber of another Lodge, on producing a certificate from the Grand
Secretary, stating the fact, and specifying that, from the last
return of said Lodge, the applicant does not appear to be in arrears
to his Lodge.
Sec. 4. No one shall be initiated, passed, or raised, in any
subordinate Lodge, working under this Grand Lodge, without
being proposed by petition, at a regular meeting ; which petition
shall lie over until the next regular meeting, that the character of
the candidate may be fairly investigated—except in cases of emer¬
gency, to be judged of by the Master and Wardens. He shall pay
not less than twenty, or more than forty dollars (except minsters
of the Gospel, who may receive the several degrees free of charge).
He must have attained the age of twenty one years—must be a
free man and his own master—and, at the time of initiation,
must be in reputable circumstances ; and must, previous to his
initiation, subscribe his name at full length to a declaration of the
following import, viz.:
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Members of Lodge,
JYo. —.
I (A. B.), being free by birth and of the full age of twenty-one
years, do declare, that unbiased by the improper solicitation of
friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary, or other unworthy motive,
I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate for the mysteries
of Freemasonry ; that I am prompted by a favorable opinion con¬
ceived of the Institution, and a desire for knowledge ; and that I
constitutions op freemasonry.
271
will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established
customs of the Order.
Witness my hand, this day of , .
(Signed) .
And the fees for initiation must accompany this declaration.
Sec. 5. In all cases, which are declared to be cases of emer¬
gency, and all cases where dispensations may be necessary, the
fees due from the candidate to the Lodge shall be increased twen¬
ty-five per cent.; one-fourth of which increase shall accrue to the
Grand Lodge, and the Lodge to whom the same is, or ought to be
paid, shall be chargeable with the collection of the same.
Sec. 6. Not more than five new Brothers shall be made in any
one Lodge on the same day, unless by dispensation, which dispen¬
sation shall specify the number to which the permission shall
extend; nor shall any Lodge confer more than two degrees on
any applicant on the same day, without dispensation first obtained
for that purpose.
Sec. 7. A ballot, when once declared, shall be final nor shall
any reconsideration thereof be permitted, under any pretense what¬
ever. Nor shall any Lodge suspend the operation of its By-Laws,
for any purpose whatever. If such suspension shall at any time
be demanded, a dispensation may be obtained, on application of a
majority of the Lodge.
ARTICLE VII.
of new lodges.
Sec. 1. The Grand Master, or Deputy Grand Masters, during
the recess of the Grand Lodge, shall have power and authority to
grant dispensations for holding Lodges in the first three degrees,
on a regular application to them for that purpose, of at least seven
Master Masons, accompanied with the sum of money required for
said dispensation, which (said dispensation) shall remain in force
until the first day of the regular communication of the Grand
Lodge, and no longer; at which time the officer granting the
authority shall make a return, together with the money, to the
Grand Secretary, to be by him laid before the Grand Lodge.
Whereupon, it shall be the duty of the Grand Lodge to confirm
said power or annul it, at their discretion ; and if, in the latter
case, to return the money originally paid for said dispensation,
272
ahiman rezon.
after deducting the expenses incurred in granting said power ; for
•which said dispensation they shall pay the sum of ten dollars.
Sec. 2. When any regiment, battalion, or company, from this
State, shall enter the service of the United States, or be set apart
for actual service in this State, Lodges may be held therein, at¬
tached to the same, on the terms and under the limitations of Sec¬
tion 1 of this Article. But no dispensation or warrant shall be
granted, without the consent of the commanding officer of the regi¬
ment, battalion, or company, to which the same shall be attached.
No military Lodge shall, on any pretense whatever, initiate any
inhabitant or sojourner, in any place where the same may be sta¬
tioned, or through which they may be passing, nor any one who
does not belong to the military profession. And when the regi¬
ment, battalion, or company, to which such Lodge is attached,
shall be disbanded, the warrant or dispensation shall be transmit¬
ted to the Grand Lodge, together with the jewels, and shall be
deposited-therein for safe keeping.
Sec. 3. When a warrant shall issue to authorize the holding a
new Lodge, the same shall be constituted, and its officers installed
by the Most Worshipful Grand Master, or one of the Deputy
Grand Masters, if in their power to attend ; and if neither of them
^ can attend, in which case they may authorize a capable Past, or
present Master of a Lodge, to perform the services aforesaid.
Sec. 4. No new Lodge will be acknowledged, nor its officers
be admitted as members of the Grand Lodge, until such new
Lodge shall have been first regularly constituted, and its officers
installed, under the authority of the Grand Lodge, and registered
in the same.
Sec. 5. When Master Masons, who are members of Lodges
under this jurisdiction, unite to form a new Lodge, they shall not
lose their membership in the Lodges to which they previously be¬
longed, until the charter for the new Lodge is issued by the Grand
Lodge; when their membership shall cease in the Lodge from which
they hailed, and shall immediately begin in the new Lodge, unless
they notify the new Lodge to the contrary before its constitu¬
tion. But if, at the time of the issuing the warrant to constitute
said new Lodge, any of the Brethren named in the dispensation are
in arrears to the Lodge from whence they came, the new Lodo-e
shall be responsible for the payment of the same.
constitutions of freemasonry.
278
ARTICLE VIII,
schedule of fees.
Sec. 1. There shall be paid to the Grand Lodge, as follows :
For a warrant $70 00
" dispensation to hold Lodges . . . . 15 00
" " to hold elections . . . . 3 00
" " to confer more than two degrees . 10 00
" " to initiate, pass, or raise, or to make
more than five brethren—for each
one 5 00
" " for any other purpose ... 1 00
" every initiation, by warranted Lodge, except minis¬
ters of the Gospel 1 00
" every Master Mason, except ministers, per annum 1 00
" every initiation, by Lodges under dispensation . 1 00
Sec. 2. There shall be paid to the Grand Secretary, as follows:
For signing, sealing, registering, and recording warrant $10 00
" " " " " " dispensa¬
tion to hold a new Lodge . . . . 5 00
" making out, recording, and sealing diploma for Mas¬
ter Mason 1 00
" sealing and signing any dispensation . . . 1 00
" any certificate 50
" affixing seal not specified 25
" recording seal of subordinate Lodge . . 25
Sec. 3. All fees for dispensations shall be paid by the party
for whose benefit the dispensation is granted ; and if issued to a
Lodge for the benefit of any person whatever, shall be collected
by such Lodge, and transmitted to the Grand Lodge ; or, on fail¬
ure to transmit the same, shall be charged by the Grand Secretary
to said Lodge, as part of its dues to the Grand Lodge.
ARTICLE IX.
of certain grand officers.
Sec. 1. At the opening of each annual communication, the
Grand Master shall present, in writing, such subjects as he may
deem necessary to communica,te to the Grand Lodge, and suggest
such matters for the action of the Grand Lodge, as his judgment
18
274
ahi5ian eezon.
may dictate. The Deputy Grand Masters shall also report, in
writing, such measures have been acted on by them during the
year.
Sec. 2. The Grand Secretary shall have care of the archives
of the Grand Lodge. He shall keep two books, in one of which
he shall transcribe neatly all the proceedings of the Grand Lodge,
and shall record on the other all warrants, dispensations, and cer¬
tificates granted by the Grand Lodge, and, likewise, the names of
every member of each Lodge under this jurisdiction, and the re¬
turns forwarded by said Lodge. He shall keep such other books
as may be necessary.
Sec. 3. No warrant, certificate, or instrument of writing from
the Grand Lodge is authentic, without the attestation and signa¬
ture of the Grand Secretary, and his affixing the Grand Seal, as
the laws require.
Sec. 4. The Grand Secretary's duty is, to be always ready to
attend the Grand Lodge, with his books, in order to give all nec¬
essary information concerning the general state of matters, and
what is proper to be done upon an emergency.
Sec. 5. All the money raised for the general charity, and
other uses of the Grand Lodge, are committed to the care of the
Grand Treasurer, an account of which must be regularly entered
by him in a book, with the respective uses to which they have
been applied.
Sec. 6. The Grand Treasurer shall not pay out, expend, or dis¬
burse any part of the funds under his care, but by virtue of an
order signed by the Grand Master, or his Deputy, or pursuant to
a resolution of the Grand Lodge, certified by the Grand Secretary,
and he shall take receipts from the persons to whom he shall make
those payments.
Sec. 7. The Grand Treasurer shall render a general account
of his administration, at the annual communication which termi¬
nates his time of service, after having first submitted said account
to the inspection and approbation of the Committee of Finance, who
shall report thereon to the Grand Lodge.
Sec. 8. The Grand Treasurer shall always be present in the
Grand Lodge, and ready to attend the Grand Master and other
Grand Officers, with his books, for inspection, whenever required.
Sec. 9. The business of the Grand Pursuivant is, to stand at
constitution's of freemasonry.
275
the inward door of the Grand Lodge, and to report the names and
titles of all that want admittance, as reported to him by the Grand
Tyler. He is also to go upon messages, and perform sundry other
services, known only to the Lodge.
Sec. 10. The Grand Tyler's duty is to guard the door 011 the
outward side, to see that none but members enter, without the
permission of the Grand Lodge. He is to summon the members
on special occasions and emergencies, by order of the Grand Mas¬
ter, or the Deputy, signified to him under the hand of the Grand
Secretary.
Sec. 11. The Grand Tyler shall be paid out of the funds of
the Grand Lodge. This officer should be taken by preference,
from among the ancient and worthy Masons, and be one to whom
the fees of the office might be necessary or serviceable, on account
of his particular circumstances. He must be of the rank of Mas¬
ter, but he is not a member of the Grand Lodge. He has no vote,
nor is he allowed to speak, without being permitted, unless other¬
wise entitled to a seat or vote.
ARTICLE X.
miscellaneous matters.
Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge at each communication, shall adopt
such Rules of Order, as, in its judgment, may facilitate the dis¬
patch of business, and may abrogate or suspend the same, as occa¬
sion may require.
Sec. 2. One-fifth of the members present at any communication
may require any vote of the Grand Lodge to be recorded on the
minutes ; when the members shall vote by ayes and noes, beginning
with the youngest Lodge, after which, the Past Masters, collective
ly, shall vote as a Lodge one vote ; one being appointed to collect
the opinions of the others. After which, the Grand Officers, be¬
ginning with the youngest Grand Steward, and, lastly, the Grand
Master. On all other occasions, except at elections, the vote of
the Grand Lodge shall be determined by a show of hands.
Sec. 3. Any matter which shall be acted on at any communica¬
tion shall be definitive, unless the Grand Lodge shall provide by
rule for a reconsideration of the same ; nor shall the same be pre¬
sented for action again at any subsequent communication, unless
276
ahiman eezon.
by the recommendation of a committee, and the assent of two-tliirds
of the members present.
Sec. 4. Every Lodge must receive as a member, without fur¬
ther proposition or ballot, any Brother initiated therein, unless he
shall express his wish to the contrary on the day of his initiation:
as no Lodge should introduce into "Freemasonry a person whom
the Brethren might consider unfit to be a member of their own
Lodge. •
Sec. 5. Every subscribing member is entitled to retire from
his Lodge ; and if a Master Mason, to obtain a certificate or di¬
ploma, 011 making a regular application for that purpose, if he has
paid up his dues, and is in good standing.
Sec. 6. The warrant of a Lodge is committed to the custody
01 the Master and Wardens thereof, to be by them delivered in due
form to their successors ; nor shall the same be withheld by them,
or either of them, to prevent the Lodge from assembling, under
any pretense whatever.
Sec. 7. All balloting for candidates and trials of Brethren,
shall take place in the third degree.
Sec. 8. Upon the loss or destruction of the warrant of a Lodge,
a copy taken from the records by the Grand Secretary, and certi¬
fied to be true, under the seal of the Grand Lodge, shall be es¬
tablished in lieu of the original, in such manner as the Grand
Lodge may direct.
Sec. 9. Any Brother coming to reside within this jurisdiction,
from any Grand Lodge in communication with, or recognized by
this Grand Lodge, shall receive such rank and consideration as he
was entitled to in the Grand Lodge from whence he comes, but
allowed no further privilege.
Sec. 10. Whenever any member of a Lodge is arraigned for
a Masonic offense, as provided in this Constitution, he shall have
the liberty of arresting the proceedings, in order to apply to the
Grand Master, or Deputy, within whose district the Lodge is sit¬
uate, to transfer the trial to some neighboring Lodge, which, upon
proper ground shown, may be done by dispensation issued for that
purpose.
Sec. 11. Upon the death of a member in good standing, of any
subordinate Lodge, the Master thereof shall cause a record of his
death to be made, and reported to the Grand Secretary, who shall
constitutions of freemasonry.
277
immediately thereupon transmit to the Master, a Grand Lodge
certificate or diploma, filled up with the name of the deceased
Brother, free of expense, for the benefit and use of the widow and
orphans, if any, or for either.
Sec. 12. Every Brother, not a member of any Lodge, who is
admitted to visit the Grand Lodge, shall pay to the Grand Treas¬
urer, a visiting fee of one dollar, unless he comes on business of
the Grand Lodge ; which fee shall be appropriated as part of the
Education Fund, and to no other purpose whatever.
Sec. 13. Every new Lodge, upon its constitution, shall be fur¬
nished by the Grand Lodge with a copy of the Ahiman Rezon, free
of charge.
Sec. 14. When the Master of a Lodge dies, or resigns, or re¬
moves, or the office becomes otherwise vacant, from any cause, the
Lodge may apply for a dispensation to hold an election to fill the
vacancy, if, in the judgment of the officer to whom the application
is made, an election shall be necessary. But a vacancy in the
stations of Senior or Junior Wardens, shall be filled temporarily
by appointment by the Master, or presiding officer of the Lodge.
ARTICLE II.
op clothing and jewels.
Sec. 1. The following Masonic clothing and insignia shall be
worn by the Craft; and no Brother shall, on any pretense, be
admitted into the Grand Lodge without his proper clothing.
Sec. 2. Aprons and collars shall be as follows :
For Entered Apprentices.—A plain white apron, with flaps of
lambskin, fourteen to sixteen inches wide, twelve to fourteen inches
deep, round or square at bottom, without ornament—white strings.
Fellow Craft.—Similar to that of Entered Apprentice, with the
addition of two sky-blue rosettes at the bottom.
Master Mason.—The same, with sky-blue lining and edging, and
silver tassels ; with such emblems as may appertain to the degree, at
the pleasure of the wearer, wrought in silver. Masters of Lodges
and Past Masters, may have the emblems of their offices wrought
in appropriate colors.
Grand Officers.—Aprons of a similar character, bordered with
purple, and edged with gold. Grand Masters, Past Grand Mas-
278
ahiman rezon".
ters, and Deputy Grand Masters, may wear a gold fringe. The
apron of the Deputy Grand Masters may have the emblem of their
office in gold embroidery in the centre, and the pomegranate and
lotus alternately embroidered in gold on the edging. That of
the Grand Master may be ornamented with emblems emblazoned
in gold in the centre ; on the edging, the pomegranate and lotus,
with the seven eared wheat at each corner, and also on the flap, all
in gold embroidery.
Sec. 3. The collars are worn by officers only. The collars of
the Grand Officers may be chains of gold or metal gilt, or the
pattern thereof, embroidered on a purple ground with gold
edging. Of the Grand Master and Past Grand Master, with nine
stars ; Deputy Grand Master, seven stars, and gold bullion fringe ;
Grand Wardens, five stars; other Grand Officers, three stars;
Masters of Lodges, silver or plated chains, collar of silk or velvet,
embroidered in silver, with a sprig of cassia on one side, an ear
of wheat, with stem and leaves, on the other ; or three stars on
each side.
Sec. 4. The jewels shall be as follows :
Grand Master.—The Compasses extended to forty-five degrees,
with the segment of a circle at the points, and gold plate included,
on which is to be represented an eye, irradiated within a triangle,
also irradiated. Past Grand Masters a similar jewel, with a blaz¬
ing sun in the centre.
Deputy Grand Masters.—A similar jewel, with a five pointed
star in the centre.
Past Deputy Grand Masters.—The same, with a scythe, and
winged hour-glass in the centre.
Senior Grand Wardens.—The Level.
Junior Grand Wardens.—The Plumb.
Grand Chaplain.—An open book, within a triangle, surrounded
with a wreath of cassia and wheat.
Grand Treasurer.—Cross Keys.
Grand Secretary.—Cross Pens.
Grand Senior Deacon.—Square and Compass, with a sun.
Grand Junior Deacon.—Same, with a crescent.
Grand Marshal.—Crossed batons, with a tie, with a wreath of
cassia and wheat.
constitutions of freemasonry.
279
Grand Pursuivant.—Arms of the Grand Lodge, on sword and
rod crossed, with a wreath as above.
Grand Stewards.—Cornucopias.
All of gold or metal gilt.
Sec. 5. Jewels of subordinate Lodges shall be for
Masters.—The Square.
Past Masters.—The Compasses, extended to sixty degrees on an
arc, enclosing the meridian sun.
Senior Warden.—The Level.
Junior Warden.—The Plumb.
Treasurer.—The Key, single or crossed.
Secretary.—The Pen, single or crossed.
Beacons.—Square and Compass, Sun and Crescent.
Tyler.—Sword, single or crossed.
All of silver or white metal.
ARTICLE III.
of amendments to the constitution.
Sec. 1. After the approval and adoption of this Constitution
by a majority of two-thirds of the subordinate Lodges in the State,
it shall be in full force and authority, and the former Constitution,
in every Article and Section, is herewith declared void ; and all
laws, rules, and regulations conflicting with this Constitution, are
hereby abolished.
Sec. 2. Any amendment to the Constitution may be proposed
at an annual communication of the Grand Lodge, by any member
thereof, or by any subordinate Lodge, and if agreed to by two-
thirds of the members present, it shall lie over and be submitted
to the next annual communication, and two-thirds of the members
present agreeing, it shall become a part of the Constitution.
CHAPTER II.
CONSTITUTION OF THE GRAND ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER OF
THE STATE OF GEORGIA,
AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED AT THE ANNUAL CONVOCATION, 1856
ARTICLE I.
the grand chapter.
Section 1. The Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of
Georgia shall consist of a Grand High Priest, Deputy GrancV
High Priest, Grand King, Grand Scribe, Grand Captain of the
Host, Grand Chaplain, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary;
all Past Grand High Priests, Past Deputy Grand High Priests,
Past Grand Kings, Past Grand Scribes, together -with the duly
installed High Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for the time being, or
their proxies duly appointed by said officers: Provided, That no
officer of any Chapter shall grant any proxy, except to an officer
of equal or higher grade with himself; and delegates of all sub¬
ordinate Chapters duly chartered and constituted within this
jurisdiction. If neither of the first three officers can attend the
Grand Chapter, in person or by proxy, such subordinate Chapter
may appoint a Past High Priest, Past King, or Past Scribe, who
is a member of said Chapter, their delegate, who shall have all
the power and privileges of such absent officers ; such appoint¬
ments shall be certified, under the seal of the subordinate Chapter,
by the Secretary.
Sec. 2. The Grand Officers, aforesaid, shall be elected annually,
at the annual Grand communication, by ballot, by a majority of
votes, and shall hold their offices till their successors are elected
and installed.
Sec. 3. Each subordinate Chapter shall be entitled to t\ree
constitutions of freemasonry.
281
votes, on all questions, whother represented by one or more
officers or proxies. Each permanent and annual officer sliall have
one vote only. No person shall represent more than one Chapter
at the same time.
Sec. 4. Every proxy for officers of subordinate Chapters, shall
be signed by the officer granting it, and countersigned by the
Secretary of the Chapter, under its seal.
Sec. 5. The Grand Chapter shall meet annually, at the Masonic
Hall, in Augusta, on the last Wednesday in April. The Grand
High Priest, or his Deputy, may convene special meetings, when¬
ever necessary, by giving thirty days' notice to the Grand Officers
and subordinate Chapters, through the Grand Secretary. But no
meeting can be held, without a representation of at least three
subordinate Chapters, except to open and adjourn to another day.
Sec. 6. All meetings of the Grand Chapter shall be opened
with prayer by the Grand Chaplain, if he be present.
Sec. 7. Each member of the Grand Chapter shall receive three
dollars per day, for his attendance at the annual meetings, and
ten cents for every mile to and from the place of meeting, charging
only the most direct public route from the location of his Chap¬
ter : Provided, That no subordinate Chapter shall draw pay or
travel, for more than the highest officer present; and no person
whatever shall receive pay or travel, in more than one capacity.
Sec. 8. The Grand Secretary shall receive a salary of sixty
dollars per annum, and also twenty dollars for every charter
issued by the Grand Chapter, and ten dollars for every dis¬
pensation.
Sec. 9. The Grand Treasurer shall receive a salary of sixty
dollars per annum ; and the Grand Treasurer and Secretary shall
each give bond with security, in the sum of one thousand dollars,
for the faithful discharge of their respective duties.
Sec. 10. The Grand Tyler shall receive five dollars per day,
for his attendance on all communications of the Grand Chapter.
Sec. 11. The Grand High Priest, or Deputy Grand High
Priest, may annually appoint one or more discreet and skillful
Royal Arch Masons, as Grand Lecturers ; who shall, from time
to time, visit such Chapters as desire their services, and instruct
them in the lectures and mode of work, at the expense of the
Chapters who employ them.
282
ahiman rezon".
Sec. 12. No person shall sit in the Grand Chapter as a visitor,
but by the unanimous consent of the members present.
ARTICLE II.
subordinate chapters.
Sec. 1. No warrant shall be granted for the creation of a new
Chapter, but on the petition of nine or more regular Royal Arch
Masons, directed to the Grand Chapter, and recommended by the
Chapter nearest the place where the new Chapter is to be located,
vouching for the standing of the petitioners, as men and Masons.
For every such warrant, the petitioners shall pay ninety dollars,
and the Grand Secretary's fees.
Sec. 2. Upon similar petition and recommendation, and pay¬
ment of the same amount, during the recess of the Grand Chapter,
the Grand High Priest, or Deputy Grand High Priest, may grant
dispensations for new Chapters, to be valid till the next annual
Grand communication ; at which time the officer granting the
dispensation shall make report of the same, and return the fees
received, when a warrant may issue, in the discretion of the
Grand Chapter ; but if refused, the money received shall be
refunded, except the Secretary's fee.
Sec. 3. Every subordinate Chapter shall pay to the Grand
Chapter, one dollar per annum for every member, except minis¬
ters of the Gospel, and two dollars for every exaltation. And
any Chapter in arrears, at any annual communication, shall be
liable to forfeiture of their charter, or other Masonic discipline,
at the discretion of the Grand Chapter.
Sec. 4. The Grand Secretary shall report to the Grand Chap¬
ter, at each annual communication, all Chapters in arrears for the
dues provided for in the preceding Section.
Sec. 5. Each subordinate Chapter shall consist of a High
Priest, King, Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner,
Royal Arch Captain, three Masters of the Veils, a Secretary, and
Treasurer, and other members—not less than nine regular Royal
Arch Masons, including officers.
Sec. 6. The election of officers in all Chapters under this juris¬
diction, shall take place at the regular meeting next preceding the
festival of St. John the Evangelist, annually, by ballot, by a ma¬
jority of votes. If, from unavoidable circumstances, such election
constitutions op freemasonry.
283
be prevented, it may take place at a subsequent meeting. The
officers-elect shall be installed as soon after the election as can
conveniently be done.
Sec. 7. No person shall receive the degrees conferred in a
subordinate Chapter, but upon regular petition, -which shall lie
over for one meeting for consideration, and paying not less than
four dollars for the degree of Mark Master, and not less than
twenty dollars for the four degrees.
Sec. 8. Every Chapter shall have a seal, engraved with its
name and number, and such device as each body may choose for
itself. An impression of every seal, with a written description,
shall be lodged with the Grand Secretary, and the description
copied by him into a book kept for that exclusive purpose. No
document from a subordinate Chapter shall be received, but under
the seal aforesaid.
Sec. 9. The subordinate Chapters shall have full power to in¬
flict Masonic discipline on any offending Companion ; but, in case
of expulsion (which shall only be by a vote of two-thirds of the
members present), or suspension for more than one year, the pro¬
ceedings shall be transmitted to the Grand Secretary, for the
action of the Grand Chapter ; and any Companion, on whom his
Chapter may have inflicted any punishment beyond a reprimand,
may appeal to the Grand Chapter, who may reverse the decision
in every particular, except that they shall not restore a person
expelled, to membership of the body expelling him, without the
consent of that body. No expulsion shall be announced in any
printed paper or journal, without the order of the Grand Chap¬
ter.
Sec. 10. No person shall receive the degrees conferred in a
Chapter, in any other than that nearest his usual residence, with¬
out a recommendation from such nearest Chapter. And should
any Chapter confer such degrees, in violation of this Section, the
fees for the same shall be paid to the Chapter within whose juris¬
diction the candidate shall reside, by said delinquent Chapter ;
and the same may be suspended, or otherwise punished, at the dis¬
cretion of the Grand Ghapter.
Sec. 11. No person, who has been rejected in one Chapter,
shall receive the degrees in any other, to which such rejection is
known, without the recommendation of the Chapter where he was
284
ahiman rezon.
originally rejected—and that, only after twelve months from said
rejection.
Sec. 12. No Chapter shall be removed from the place of its
location, without an order of the Grand Chapter. But, on the
application of the High Priest, and a majority of its members,
either of the four principal Grand Officers may grant a dispensa¬
tion for removing any Chapter, until the next annual Grand com¬
munication.
Sec. 13. Every new Chapter shall be installed by the Grand
High Priest, Deputy Grand High Priest, or, on the dispensation
of one of them, by a Past High Priest.
Sec. 14. Every Chapter ought to meet at least once in three
months; and any one, not meeting for six months, may be sen¬
tenced to forfeiture of their charter.
Sec. 15. No Royal Arch Mason, residing in Georgia, shall be
allowed to visit any Chapter, without the invitation of one of its
three principal officers, more than three times, unless he is a con¬
tributing member of some Chapter, or unable to contribute.
Sec. 16. No person shall be an officer of any Chapter of which
he is not a member.
Sec. 17. No Companion Royal Arch Mason shall be a member
of more than one Chapter at the same time.
ARTICLE III.
amendments.
This Constitution shall be amended only as follows:—All
alterations shall be offered at an annual communication, and, if
approved by the Grand Chapter, shall lie over to the next annual
communication, when, if adopted by a vote of two-thirds of the
members present, they shall become part of the Grand Constitu¬
tion.
CONSTITUTIONS OF FREEMASONRY.
285
RULES OF ORDER.
1. Every officer of this Grand Chapter must, previous to his
taking his seat as such, at the convocations, clothe himself with
the badges appertaining to his station.
2. No member shall speak more than twice upon one subject,
without permission from the presiding officer for the time being.
3. All committees shall be appointed by the presiding officer
for the time being.
4. All resolutions shall be reduced to writing. The member
offering a resolution shall read it in his place, and present it to
the presiding officer.
5. No member shall interrupt the presiding officer, or any other
member, while speaking.
6. Every member shall stand when he speaks, and shall at all
times address himself to the presiding officer for the time being.
7. No member or visitor shall retire during the communication
of the Chapter, without permission of the presiding officer.
8. If any member of this Grand Royal Arch Chapter, shall be
guilty of disorderly behavior, he shall, for the first offense, be
called to order ; for the second, reprimanded by the presiding
officer; and for the third, he shall be suspended from taking a
seat in this Grand Chapter, during the pleasure of the same.
9. Questions of order are to be decided by the presiding Grand
Officer.
CHAPTER III.
the constitution and regulations of the grand council of
royal and select masters, of the state of georgia.
ADOPTED IN THE CITY OF AUGUSTA, IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA, A. D. 1842—A. Dep. 2842
We, the several Councils of Royal and Select Masters in the
State of Georgia, regularly constituted for the purpose of render¬
ing permanent those two important degrees of Masonry, and for
the purpose of insuring good order, promoting harmony, support¬
ing brotherly union, advancing the interests, perpetuating and
handing down to posterity the beneficial principles of our Order,
for diffusing Masonic instruction, and inculcating good morals
among the Craftsmen, and for regulating their labors by one uni¬
form standard, do ordain and declare the following Articles to be
the Constitution of this Grand Council, subject to no alteration or
amendment, unless altered or amended as hereinafter described. ■
ARTICLE I,
officers.
Section 1. The officers of the Grand Council of Royal and
Select Masters shall consist of a Grand Thrice Illustrious Grand
Master, a Grand Illustrious Hiram of Tyre, a Grand Illustrious
Hiram Abiff, a Grand Captain of the Guard, a Grand Treasurer,
a Grand Recorder, and a Grand Steward; and no Companion
shall be eligible to, or hold an office in this Grand body, unless
he be a member of the Grand Council, or of some subordinate
Council under this jurisdiction.
members.
Sec. 2. The members of this Grand Council shall consist of
the officers named in the above Section, and first three officers of
all subordinate Councils under this jurisdiction, for the time be¬
ing : the first three Past Grand Officers of the Grand Council, and
constitutions of freemasonry.
287
the Past Thrice Illustrious Grand Masters of all subordinate Coun¬
cils, shall be entitled to permanent or standing- membership.
meetings.
Sec. 3. The meetings of the Grand Council shall beholden on
the last Wednesday in April, at the Masonic Hall in the city of
Augusta ; and it shall be the duty of the subordinate Councils to
be then and there duly represented. The Grand Thrice Illustri¬
ous Grand Master may, at his discretion, at any time convene the
Grand Council, when, in his opinion, the interests and exigencies
of the degrees over which he presides may require it. Should he
be absent, or unable to attend at such extra or regular communi¬
cation, the second or third officer in rank, who may be present,
shall preside, and have all the authority of the first. Should the
first three officers be absent, the Grand Council shall proceed to
elect a Chairman.
quorum.
Sec. 4. The Grand Council shall not have power to proceed
to the election of officers, nor to the transaction of any other busi¬
ness, except to open and adjourn, unless there be present the
representatives of three regular Councils, which number shall be
required at all times to form a Grand Council.
elections.
Sec. 5. The Grand Officers of the Grand Council shall be
elected annually, in open Council, and the Companion having the
greatest number of votes for any of the offices aforesaid, shall be de¬
clared duly elected—the installation of the officers-elect to take place
during the session—and shall continue in office until the next res:-
o o
ular communication of the Grand body, and until their succes¬
sors are duly installed.
balloting.
Sec. 6. Each subordinate Council shall be entitled to three votes,
and no more, whether represented by one or more Companions, on
all questions ; each permanent or standing member shall have
one vote • the Grand Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, or his rep¬
resentative, in case of a tie, shall be allowed the casting vote.
No Companion can represent more than one Council at the same
communication.
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delegates.
Sec. 7. In case of death, or through any other unavoidable
circumstance, should the first three officers of any subordinate
Council be prevented from attending any communication of this
Grand body, said Council shall be required to authorize and ap¬
point a suitable Companion, in regular standing in said Council,
as delegate to this Grand Council, who shall be entitled to all the
privileges, and represent them as fully as if said officers were
present.
credentials.
Sec. 8. The representatives and delegates of all subordinate
Councils, are required to present their credentials to the Recorder
of the Grand Council, before the opening of the same, which shall
be certified by the Recorder of their respective Councils, and ex¬
emplified with the seal of the same, before they can be admitted
to a seat in this Grand Council.
jurisdiction.
Sec. 9. This Grand Council, being the highest source of legit¬
imate Masonic authority in the State of Georgia, can, and of right
ought to have the government and superintendence of all Coun¬
cils of Royal and Select Masters within its jurisdiction : it, there¬
fore, may grant charters and dispensations, for constituting Coun¬
cils ; it may make laws, pass regulations, and, at pleasure, repeal,
alter, or amend the same ; it may censure, suspend, or expel Coun¬
cils or members, for violation or disobedience of its laws, regula¬
tions, or rules. And it is hereby ordained and declared, that all
Councils within the jurisdiction ot this Grand Council, who have
not acknowledged the authority thereof, and already subscribed
to the government of the same, shall do so within one year, or be
considered by this Grand Council and all subordinate Councils,
as acting contrary to the true principles of Masonry, and working
without constitutional authority, and shall be deprived of all
Masonic intercourse with this Grand body, and all under its juris¬
diction.
charters and dispensations.
Sec. 10. The several Councils holding their authority under
this Grand Council, shall receive a regular Charter signed by the
Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, countersigned by the Grand
constitutions of freemasonry.
289
Recorder, and bear the impression of the seal of the Grand Coun¬
cil, members to take rank from the time of their regular establish¬
ment. No charter shall be granted by this Grand Council, unless
upon the application of at least nine regular Royal and Select
Master Masons, accompanied by a recommendation from the near¬
est Council, and for which they shall pay into the Treasury of
the Grand Council the sum of twenty dollars, and the further
sum of five dollars to the Grand Recorder, for writing out the
charter. The Grand Thrice Illustrious, or either of the Illustri¬
ous Grand Officers for the time being, are hereby empowered to
grant dispensations during the recess, upon application as above,
which shall be valid until the nest annual Grand communication,
at which time the officer granting the same shall report thereon
in writing to this Grand Council, and produce the petition and
documents accompanying the same. The price of a dispensation
shall be ten dollars, and Secretary's fee two dollars and fifty cents.
Whereupon, it shall be the duty of the Grand Council to confirm
the power of said Council, by granting them a charter, upon their
paying the sums as aforesaid, or annul the same by their special act.,
returns.
Sec. 11. Each and every subordinate Council under this
jurisdiction, shall make an annual return to the Grand Council of
all their members, and shall pay for each 50 cents, as annual dues,
and the further sum of one dollar, for every Companion who may
receive the degrees conferred therein ; which said several sums
shall be punctually paid during the session, at each annual meeting
of the Grand Council, and all Councils neglecting to comply with
the above requisition, without good reasons, shown satisfactory to a
majority of the members present of this Grand Council, until the
next regular session thereof, shall be deemed the violators of this
Constitution, and unwholesome members of this Grand body, and
shall therefore be punished by forfeiture of their charter and ex¬
pulsion from this Grand Council, and only restored by paying up
all dues, and rendering a satisfactory apology for the breach of
good rules. And it shall be the duty of the Grand Recorder to
inform the same what Councils are deficient, and how long they
have been so, in the payment of their dues, as aforesaid, that the
Grand Council may take such order thereon, as the members there¬
of may deem right.
19
290
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disbursements.
Sec. 12. The moneys paid into the Treasury of the Grand
Council being to defray the necessary expenses in the administra¬
tion of its government, and to support the dignity and respectabil¬
ity thereof, and also for charitable purposes, it is therefore de¬
clared that no disbursements shall be made, unless by a vote of the
Grand Council; and it is further declared that each member of the
Grand Council shall be entitled to receive from the funds thereof,
two dollars per day, for his travel in going to, and his return¬
ing from the Grand Council (computating forty miles travel per
day), and two dollars per day for his actual attendance : Provided,
nevertheless, That no Council shall receive pay for travel and at¬
tendance for more than one member ; and every permanent mem¬
ber shall be entitled to receive the like compensation, as aforesaid.
visitors.
Sec. 13. Every Companion Royal and Select Master, in good
standing, shall be entitled to a seat in this body, as a visitor,
except when otherwise ordered by a majority of the members
present.
grand treasurer.
Sec. 14. The Grand Treasurer shall receive all moneys from
the Grand Recorder, by him collected, keep a correct account of
the same, and pay them out by order of the Grand Thrice Illus¬
trious Grand Master, with the sanction of the Grand Council.
grand recorder.
Sec. 15. The Grand Recorder shall be allowed a salary of
twenty dollars per annum, for his services as such. He shall
keep a faithful record of all the proceedings of the Grand Coun¬
cil, collect all moneys due the same, and pay them over to the
Grand Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same. The Seal
of the Grand Council shall be intrusted to his special keeping.
grand sentinel.
Sec. 16. The Grand Sentinel shall be entitled to the sum of
two dollars per day, for his attendance uoon the communications
of the Grand Council.
constitutions op freemasonry.
291
lectures.
Sec. 17. Whereas, it is of essential importance, that the mode
of working in the several Councils under this jurisdiction should
be uniformly the same, therefore, the better to accomplish this
desirable object, it shall be the duty of the Grand Thrice Illus¬
trious Grand Master, or presiding officer for the time being, to
confer the Royal and Select Master Mason's degree on some
Companion who may volunteer his services as a substitute, and
the same to be followed by the corresponding lectures, at least
once at every Grand communication, if practicable.
ARTICLE II.
subordinate officers.
Sec. 1. A Council of Royal and Select Masters shall consist
of a Thrice Illustrious Grand Master, an Illustrious Hiram of
Tyre, an Illustrious Hiram Abiff, Captain of the Guards, Treas¬
urer, Recorder, and Steward, and as many members as may be
found expedient, not less than nine, including the officers, and no
Council shall be opened in the Select Master's degree with less
than nine, nor in the Royal Master's degree with less than five
Companions of those respective degrees.
election of officers.
Sec. 2. The election of officers in all the Councils under this
jurisdiction, shall take place on their regular meeting next pre¬
ceding the Festival of St. John the Evangelist, in each year, to
be determined by ballot, in manner and form as laid down in
Article I. Section 5 ; and in case of failure to elect, the officers
already chosen shall hold the offices until their successors are
elected and qualified.
installation.
Sec. B. The installation of the officers-elect shall take place
immediately after the election in each Council, if convenient, but
in no case to be delayed beyond their next regular meeting.
Although the officers should be installed by one of the first three
Grand, or Past Grand Officers, nevertheless any past or present
Thrice Illustrious Grand Master is duly authorized to perform
the ceremony of installation.
292
ahiman rez0n.
applicants.
Sec. 4. No Council under this jurisdiction shall take cog¬
nizance of any petition for the degrees conferred thereon, "when
the petitioner resides nearer any other Council, without the
written consent and recommendation of said nearest Council.
No applicant shall be received into any subordinate Council,
when it is satisfactorily made known to them that he has been
rejected in any other, without application to the Grand Council,
presenting all the facts before them, and obtaining their permis¬
sion. The fees for conferring the degrees of Royal and Select
Master, shall not be more than twenty dollars, nor less than five
dollars, for every Companion receiving the same.
by-laws.
Sec. 5. It shall be the duty of every Council under this juris¬
diction to draft for themselves a code of By-Laws, for their t>wn
good and wholesome government, which prescribe the duties of
its officers and members, fix the time and place for holding their
regular meetings (which shall not be less than four times in each
year), and arrange all the internal economy thereof, most con¬
ducive to their general comfort, harmony, and Brotherly Love:
Provided, nevertheless, That no By-Law, or regulation thereof, shall
conflict with the rules and edicts of this Grand Constitution, nor
be subversive to the ancient landmarks of our Order, and a copy
of which shall be furnished the Grand Council, for its approval.
seal.
Sec. 6. Every Council under this jurisdiction, shall have a
seal, the device thereof to be at the option of the Council pro¬
curing the same : it shall be engraven with the name and number
of the Council aforesaid. An impression of said seal shall be
deposited with the Grand Recorder, and the device of the same
described in writing, in a book to be kept by him for that pur¬
pose, and no papers or documents presented to this Grand
Council, as credentials or evidence from any such Council, shall
be received as such, unless it bears an impression of the seal of
the Council from which said document emanated.
misdemeanor.
Sec. 7. If any Companion, member of any Council, or residing
within the jurisdiction of this Grand Council, shall be guilty of a
constitutions of freemasonry.
293
Masonic misdemeanor, in violating the rules and regulations
thereof, or by betraying the trusts reposed in him, such offender
may be called on by the nearest Council having cognizance of the
same, who shall have full power of bringing him to trial, and sub¬
jecting him to punishment, by reprimand, suspension, or expulsion ;
if by suspension or expulsion, the nature of the offense, with a
copy of the proceedings thereon, shall be transmitted to the Grand
Recorder, without delay, who shall, forthwith, notify all the Coun¬
cils under this jurisdiction of the fact, and shall lay the said pro¬
ceedings before the Grand Council, at their next meeting, who
shall ratify or annul the same : Provided, always, The Companion
so expelled or suspended, shall have the privilege of an appeal to
this Grand Council, who shall have the power of restoring him
again to the general privileges of Masonry (two-thirds of the
members present concurring), but not to membership, without the
consent of the subordinate Council.
amendments.
Sec. 8. Whenever it shall be deemed necessary to alter or
amend this Constitution, a resolution to that effect shall be offered
in open Council, by a member thereof, which shall lie over till the
next annual Grand communication for consideration, and if then
supported by a vote of two-thirds of the members present, it shall
become a part of this Grand Constitution.
294
AHIMiN REZON.
RULES OF ORDER.
1. Every member of this Grand Council, previous to his taking
his seat therein, shall clothe himself with the badges appertaining
to his station.
2. No member shall speak more than twice on the same subject,
without permission from the presiding officer, nor interrupt
another while speaking, except for explanation.
3. Committees of three, or less, shall be appointed by the
presiding officer; larger committees shall be appointed by the
Grand Council; and it is hereby made the duty of the Grand
Kecorder, to furnish a correct list of the members of the Grand
Council, for the benefit of the same.
4. All resolutions shall be reduced to writing, the member
offering the same to read it in his place, and present it to the
presiding officer.
5. In case of the expulsion of any member of this Grand
Council, or any Council under its jurisdiction, it shall require a
vote of two-thirds of'the members present.
6. Every member, when speaking, shall rise and address him¬
self, in a respectful manner, to the presiding officer.
7. No member or visitor of this Grand Council, shall retire
during the deliberations thereof, without permission from the
Chair.
8. All questions of order, shall be decided by the presiding
Grand Officer.
CHAPTER IY.
constitution of the general grand chapter of royal arcii
masons, for the united states of america,
AS AMENDED AT THE TRIENNIAL MEETING BEGUN AND HELD IN THE CITY OF LEXINGTON, IN
THE STATE OF KENTUCKY, ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th, 1853, AND OF THE ORDER 23S7.
ARTICLE I,
of the general grand chapter.
Sec. 1. There shall be a General Grand Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons, for the United States of America, which shall be
holden triennially, on the second Tuesday in September, at such»
place as shall, from time to time, be designated for that purpose,
and at which time the General Grand Officers shall be elected by
ballot, and installed, except the General Grand Chaplain, who
shall be appointed by the General Grand High Priest at the com¬
mencement of each convocation of the General Grand Chapter.
The General Grand Chapter, at any regular meeting, may
change the time for the next succeeding meeting; and if, in the
opinion of the General Grand High Priest, or, in case of his death
or absence, of the senior General Grand Officer, there shall be
danger to life or health, from sickness, or other local cause, by
any meeting being held at the time appointed, he may change the
time of the particular meeting to some subsequent time. And, in
the event of such change being made, he shall immediately notify
the General Grand Secretary thereof, who shall forthwith notify
the other officers and members, in such manner as he may deem
calculated to effect the desired object.
Sec. 2. The General Grand Chapter shall have and maintain
jurisdiction over all State Grand Chapters, and over Chapters in
those States, Districts, Republics, or Territories, which recognize
296
ahiman rezon.
this jurisdiction, and where there is no Grand Chapter regularly
established, agreeably to the provisions of this Constitution ; and
shall have authority to suspend the proceedings of such State Grand
Chapters, and sucli Chapters in States where there is no Grand
Chapter, as may knowingly violate any of the provisions of this
Constitution ; to settle all difficulties which may arise, and to
give such advice and instruction as may seem most conducive to
their peace, and to the advancement of the great cause of Benevo-
ence and Virtue.
Sec. 3. The officers of the General Grand Chapter shall con¬
sist of a General Grand High Priest, Deputy General Grand
High Priest, General Grand King, General Grand Scribe,
General Grand Treasurer, General Grand Secretary, General
Grand Chaplain, General Grand Captain of the Host, and
General Grand Royal Arch Captain ; these, together with the
first four officers of every State Grand Chapter under this juris¬
diction, or the proxies of the first four General Grand Officers,
and of the first four officers of each State Grand Chapter, afore¬
said, shall compose the General Grand Chapter : Provided, That
any Chapter under this jurisdiction, in any State, District, or
Territory, where there is no Grand Chapter duly established,
shall have a right to appear by its first three officers, or any one
or two of them ; which officers shall collectively have one vote.
Sec. 4. On all questions to be decided by the General Grand
Chapter, each State Grand Chapter shall be entitled to four
votes, by its representative or representatives.
The General Grand Officers, when present, shall each have one
vote. And no General Grand Officer shall be allowed to take a
seat in the General Grand Chapter, as the representative of any
State Grand Chapter; nor shall any member of the General
Grand Chapter be permitted to vote as proxy, whilst the person
giving the proxy is present; nor shall any person be admitted
into the General Grand Chapter, as the representative of more
than one State Grand Chapter, at one and the same time.
Sec. 5. The General Grand High Priest, and Deputy General
Grand High Priest, shall have authority to call a special meeting
of the General Grand Chapter, whenever they may consider it
expedient or necessary ; and it shall be their duty so to do, when
properly requested by a majority of the State Grand Chapters, of
constitutions of freemasonry.
297
which four months' notice shall be given of the time and place of
meeting.
Sec. 6. The General Grand High Priest, Deputy General
Grand High Priest, General Grand King, and General Grand
Scribe, shall severally have power and authority to grant Dispen¬
sations, for a limited length of time, for new Royal Arch Chap¬
ters and Lodges of the appendant Orders, in any State, Country,
Republic, or Territory, in which there is not a Grand Chapter
regularly established, when, in their opinion, the good of the
Craft may require the same • which term of time shall in no case
extend beyond the time of the next triennial meeting of the
General Grand Chapter ; but no new Chapter shall be established
in any State, Country, Republic, or Territory, where there is a
Chapter within a reasonable distance, under the jurisdiction of
this General Grand Chapter, without the approbation of the
Chapter nearest to the place where said new Chapter is proposed
to be located; and in all cases of such dispensation, the officer
who may grant the same, shall immediately notify the General
Grand Secretary thereof, and make report of the same at the next
triennial meeting of this General Grand Chapter, when the Gen¬
eral Grand Chapter may grant the said Chapter a charter.
Sec. 7. The fees for instituting a new Royal Arch Chapter,
with subordinate degrees, shall be ninety dollars, and no more:
and no credit shall be given for dispensations or charters, or for
conferring the degrees, in any Chapter or Lodge under this juris'
diction. And every Chapter holden, by dispensation or charter,
under this jurisdiction, shall pay into the treasury of the General
Grand Chapter, the sum of two dollars for each Companion
therein exalted, until such time as a Grand Chapter shall be
regularly established in the State, Country, Republic, or Ter¬
ritory, in which such subordinate Chapter is located. The
Secretary shall be paid by the petitioners ten dollars for his
services in furnishing the charter.
The fees in the several States for conferring the several degrees
of Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal
Arch Mason, shall not be less than twenty dollars.
Sec. 8. It shall be the duty of the General Grand High
Priest, Deputy General Grand High Priest, General Grand
.King, and General Grand Scribe, to improve and perfect them-
298
ahiman kezon.
selves in the sublime Arts and work of Mark Masters, Past
Masters, Most Excellent Masters, and Royal Arch Masons; to
make themselves Masters of the several Masonic Lectures and
Ancient Charges, to consult with each other, and with the Grand,
and Deputy Grand High Priests, Kings, and Scribes of the
several State Grand Chapters, aforesaid, for the purpose of adopt¬
ing measures suitable and proper for diffusing a knowledge of the
said Lectures and Charges. And the better to accomplish this
laudable object, the aforesaid officers are hereby severally author¬
ized and empowered to visit and preside in any Chapter of Royal
Arch Masons, and Lodge of Most Excellent Master, Mark, and
Past Master Masons, throughout the said States, and to give such
instructions and directions as the good of the Fraternity may
require, always adhering to the ancient landmarks of the Order.
Sec. 9. The only degrees recognized by this General Grand
Chapter, to be conferred in Chapters under its jurisdiction, are
Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal
Arch Mason. And no Royal Arch Mason, who shall have regu¬
larly received said degrees, shall be excluded from the rights of
such, by reason of his not being in possession of any other so
called degrees.
Sec. 10. In all cases of the absence of an officer from any
body of Masons, instituted or liolden by virtue of this Constitu¬
tion, the officer next in rank shall occupy his place : unless,
through courtesy, or,for other reasons, he should decline in favor
of a Past High Priest.
Sec. 11. In every Chapter and Lodge under this jurisdiction,
all questions (except the admission of members or candidates,
which shall require a unanimous ballot), shall be considered and
determined in such way and manner, as such Chapters and Lodges
may, all circumstances considered, find most conducive to their,
harmony and permanent prosperity: Provided, They do not in
any case interfere with, or infringe on the regulations of the Gen¬
eral Grand Chapter.
Sec. 12. The General Grand Secretary of the General Grand
Chapter shall have and keep a seal, which shall be affixed to all
his communications.
Sec. 13. Should any casualty, at any time hereafter, prevent
the triennial election of officers, the several officers shall retain
constitutions op freemasonry.
299
their respective offices until successors are duly elected and
qualified.
ARTICLE II,
op state grand chapters.
Sec. 1. The State Grand Chapters shall severally consist of a
Grand High Priest, Deputy Grand High Priest, Grand King,
Grand Scribe, Grand Secretary, Grand Treasurer, Grand Chap¬
lain, Grand Captain of the Host; and likewise, of the High
Priests, Kings, and Scribes, for the time being, of the \several
Chapters over which they shall respectively preside, and of the
Past Grand and Deputy Grand High Priests, Kings and Scribes,
of the said Grand Chapters; and the said Grand Chapters shall
have full power and authority to elect such other officers, and to
establish such rules and regulations, as they shall, from time to
time, consider necessary and proper : Provided, Such regulations
do not in any way interfere with the provisions of this Con¬
stitution.
Sec. 2. The State Grand Chapters shall severally be holden
once in every year, and oftener, if they may consider it expedient
or necessary, at such time and place as they shall respectively
direct; and, at their annual meetings, the constitutional officers
shall be elected or appointed, in such manner as shall be pro¬
vided for by their rules and regulations, and installed into their
respective offices ; and the Grand, or Deputy Grand High Priests,
respectively, for the time being, may call special meetings, to be
holden at such times and places as they may think proper.
Sec. 3. The several State Grand Chapters shall have the sole
government and superintendence of the several Royal Arch Chap¬
ters, aud Lodges of Most Excellent Past, and Mark Master Ma¬
sons, within their respective jurisdictions, to assign their limits,
and to settle the controversies that may happen between them ;
and shall have power under their respective seals and the signs
manual of their respective Grand, or Deputy Grand High Priests,
Kings, and Scribes, attested by their respective Grand Secreta¬
ries to constitute new Chapters of Royal Arch Masons, within
their respective jurisdictions ; but their jurisdictions shall in no
case be construed to extend beyond the limits of the State, except
by consent of the General Grand Chapter.
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ahiman rezon.
Sec. 4. The Grand, and Deputy Grand High Priests, several¬
ly, shall have the power and authority, whenever they shall deem
it expedient, during the recess of the Grand Chapter of which
they are officers, to grant letters of dispensation, under their re¬
spective hands and private seals, to a competent number of petition¬
ers, possessing the qualifications required by Section 7, of Article
II. of this Constitution, empowering them to open a Chapter of Roy¬
al Arch Masons, for a certain specified term of time : Provided,
That the said term of time shall not extend beyond the next meet¬
ing of the Grand Chapter of the State in which such dispensation
shall be granted : And provided further, That the same fees as are
required by this Constitution for charters, shall be first deposited
in the hands of the Grand Secretary. And in all cases of such
dispensation, the officers who may grant the same, shall make
report thereof at the next stated meeting of the Grand Chapter
of his jurisdiction, when the said Grand Chapter may either con¬
tinue or recall the said dispensation, or may grant the petitioners
a charter of constitution. And in case such charter shall be
granted, the fees first deposited shall be credited in payment of
the same ; but if a charter should not be granted, nor the dispen¬
sation continued, the said fees shall be refunded to the petitioners,
excepting only such part thereof as shall have been actually ex¬
pended by means of their application.
Sec. 5. No dispensation or charter shall be granted for in¬
stituting Lodges of Most Excellent, Past, or Mark Masters, inde¬
pendent of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons.
Sec. 6. The Grand Chapters shall have power, severally, to
require from the several Chapters under their respective jurisdic¬
tion, such reasonable proportion of sums received by them for the
exaltation or advancement of candidates, and such certain annual
sums from their respective members, as by their ordinances or
regulations shall be appointed ; all which said sums or dues shall
be made good and paid annually by the said Chapters, respect¬
ively, over to the Grand Secretary of the Grand Chapter under
which they hold their authority, on or before the first day of the
respective annual meetings of the several Grand Chapters.
Sec. 7. No dispensation or charter for the institution of a new
1 Chapter of Royal Arch Masons shall be granted, except upon the
petition of nine regular Royal Arch Masons ; which petition shall
constitutions of freemasonry.
301
be accompanied with a certificate from the Chapter nearest the
place where the new Chapter is intended to be opened, vouching
for the moral character and Masonic abilities of the petitioners,
and recommending- that a dispensation or charter be granted
them.
Sec. 8. The Grand Secretaries of the State Grand Chapters
shall severally make an annual communication to each other, and
also to the Secretary of the General Grand Chapter, containing
a list of Grand Officers, and all such other matters as may be
deemed necessary for the mutual benefit and information of the
said Grand Chapters. And the said Grand Secretary shall also
regularly transmit to the Secretary of the General Grand Chap¬
ter, a copy of all their By-Laws and regulations ; and also a copy
of their proceedings, annually, to each of the officers of the Gen¬
eral Grand Chapter; and the State Grand Chapters shall see
that their Secretaries faithfully and punctually perform this duty.
Sec. 9. "Whenever there shall have been three Chapters regu¬
larly instituted, and consecrated in any State, Country, Republic,
or Territory, by virtue of authority derived from this Constitu¬
tion, a Grand Chapter shall be established, so soon as convenience
and propriety may dictate : Provided, That the approbation of
one of the first four officers of the General Grand Chapter be first
obtained. And said Grand Chapters, by their regular officers,
shall assemble in some suitable place, elect their officers, and
make such rules and regulations for their government as may be
necessary ; not inconsistent with the regulations of the General
Grand Chapter.
Sec. 10. No person shall be permitted to take a seat in any
State Grand Chapter, as the representative of more than one
Chapter; nor unless he is a member of a subordinate Chapter
under that jurisdiction.
AKTICLE III.
of the subordinate chapters.
Sec. 1. Every Chapter of Royal Arch Masons throughout
this jurisdiction shall have a dispensation, as provided in Section
6, of Article I., or Section 4, of Article II., of this Constitution,
or a charter from the General Grand Chapter, or from some
Grand Chapter under the jurisdiction of the General Grand
302
ahiman rezojt.
Chapter; and no Chapter shall be deemed legal without such dis¬
pensation or charter; and Masonic communication, both public
and private, is hereby interdicted and forbidden, between any
Chapter, or any member of it, and any Chapter, or assembly, that
may be so illegally formed, opened, or holden, without such char¬
ter, or any or either of their members, or any person exalted or
advanced in such illegal Chapter. But nothing in this Section
shall be construed to affect any Chapter which was established
before the adoption of the Grand Royal Arch Constitution, at
Hartford, on the 27th day of January, A. D. 1798.
Sec. 2. Whenever a charter is issued for instituting a Chap¬
ter of Royal Arch Masons, with a power in said charter to open
and hold Lodges of Most Excellent, Past, and Mark Master
Masons, the High Priest, King, and Scribe, for the time being, of
such Chapter, shall be the Master and Wardens in said Lodges,
according to seniority.
Sec. 3. It is incumbent on the High Priest of every Chapter,
as appertaining to his office, duty, and dignity, to see that the By-
Laws of his Chapter, as well as the Constitution of the General
Grand Chapter, and the regulations of the Grand Chapter, be
duly observed ; that all his subordinate officers perform the duties
of their respective stations faithfully, and are examples of dili¬
gence and industry to their companions ; that true and exact
records be kept of all the proceedings of the Chapter, by the
Secretary ; that the Treasurer keep and render exact and just
accounts of all the moneys belonging to the Chapter ; that regu¬
lar returns be made by the Secretary annually to the Grand
Chapter, of the admission of all candidates or members ; and that
the annual dues to the Grand Chapter be regularly and punctually
paid. The charter of his Chapter is committed to his special
care and charge. He has the right and authority of calling his
Chapter at pleasure, upon any emergency or occurrence, which, in
his judgment, may require their meeting, and he is to fill the chair
when present. It is likewise his duty, together with his King
and Scribe, to attend the regular and special meetings of the
Grand Chapter, either in person, or by proxy.
Sec. 4. No person having been a member of a Chapter shall
be admitted a member of any other Chapter under this jurisdic¬
tion, until he shall have produced a certificate from the Chapter
constitutions of freemasonry.
303
to which he last belonged, that he was in regular standing, and as
such, at his own request, is dismissed and recommended.
Sec. 5. That any worthy Companion, from without the juris¬
diction of the United States, who may present himself as a Royal
Arch Mason, and produce satisfactory evidence of his having re¬
ceived that degree, that each and every Chapter under the juris¬
diction of this General Grand Chapter, have liberty, and they are
hereby authorized, to confer the degrees of Mark Master, Past
Master, and Most Excellent Master, 011 such Companions (who
have not heretofore received them), to the end that they may be
healed, and thereby become regular Royal Arch Masons, free of
charge.
Sec. 6. That the subordinate Chapter so conferring said degrees,
shall be exempt from paying any dues therefor.
Sec. 7. It shall not be deemed regular for any chapter to con¬
fer the degrees of the Chapter upon any person whose fixed place
of abode is within any other State, in which there is a Chapter
regularly established, except by the consent of the Chapter nearest
the place of residence of said applicant.
miscellaneous.
Sec. 1. "Whenever it shall be inconvenient, for the General
Grand Officers, or the Grand, or Deputy Grand High Priests, re¬
spectively, to attend in person, to constitute a new Chapter, and
install the officers, they shall severally have power and authority
to appoint some worthy High Priest, or Past High Priest, to per¬
form the necessary ceremonies.
Sec. 2. The officers of any Chapter under this jurisdiction, be¬
fore they enter upon the exercise of their respective offices, and
also the members of all such Chapters, and every candidate, upon
his admission into the same, shall take the following obligation,
viz : " I, A. B., do promise and swear, that I will support and
maintain the Constitution of the G. G. Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons, for the United States of America."
Sec. 3. This Constitution shall not be altered or amended,
unless such alteration or amendment be proposed in writing, at one
regular meeting of the General Grand Chapter, published among
the minutes of the proceedings, and at the next regular meeting
receive the approval of two-thirds of the members then present.
PART THIRD
TITLE I.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
chapter i.— ancient english ves¬
tiges of freemason¬
ry
" sec. 1.—est the 3rd century.
" " 2.—in the 10th century.
" " 3.—in the 15th century.
« « 4.—in the 17th century.
« « 5.—letter of mr. john
locke, with copy of
oldmss.
chapter ii.— sketch of freemason¬
ry in georgia.
chapier m.— celebration of ma¬
sonic festivals in
georgia, by grand
lodge.
chapter iv.— officers of grand
lodge of georgia,
from its establish¬
ment to the present
day.
20
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
CHAPTER I.
ANCIENT ENGLISH YESTIGES OF FREEMASONBY.
SEC. 1—IN THE niRD CENTURY.
The earliest notice we find of Freemasonry in England, is tlie
following extract from a manuscript in the possession of Nicho¬
las Stone, a sculptor under Inigo Jones, which was destroyed
with others by over-zealous Brethren in 1720 :
" St. Alban loved Masons well, and cherished them much, and
made their pay right good ; for he gave them ijs. per weeke, and
iiijd. to their cheer ; whereas, before that time, in all the land, a
Mason had but a penny a day and his meat, until St. Alban mend¬
ed itt. And he gott them a charter from the King and his counsell
for to hold a general counsell, and gave itt to name Assemblie.
Thereat he was himselfe, and did helpe to make Masons, and give
them good charges."
SEC. 2.—IN THE 5th CENTURY.
The following is a record of the Society, written in the reign of
Edward IY., formerly in the possession of Elias Ashmole, the cel¬
ebrated Antiquary, and founder of the Museum at Oxford. This
manuscript, with others on the subject of Freemasonry, was de¬
stroyed during the civil broils in England :
" Though the ancient records of the Brotherhood in England,
were many of them destroyed or lost in the wars of the Saxons
and Danes, yet King Athelstane (the Grandson of King Alfrede
the great, a mighty architect), the first anointed King of England,
and who translated the Holy Bible into the Saxon tongue (A. D.
980), when he had brought the land into rest and peace, built
many great works, and encouraged many Masons from France,
308
ahiman rezon.
wlio were appointed overseers thereof, and brought with them the
charges and regulations of the Lodges, preserved since the Roman
times ; who also prevailed with the King to improve the constitu¬
tion of the English Lodges according to the foreign model, and to
increase the wages of working Masons.
" The said King's brother, Prince Edwin, being taught Masonry,
and taking upon him the charges of a Master Mason, for the love
he had to the said Craft, and the honorable principles whereon it
is grounded, purchased a free charter of King Athelstane, for the
Masons having a correction among themselves (as it was anciently
expressed), or a freedom and power to regulate themselves, to
amend what might happen amiss, and to hold a yearly communi¬
cation and general assembly.
" Accordingly, Prince Edwin summoned all the Masons in the
realm to meet him in a congregation at York, who came and com¬
posed a general Lodge, of which he was Grand Master • and hav¬
ing brought with them all the writings and records extant, some
in Greek, some in Latin, some in French, and other languages,
from the contents thereof that assembly did frame the constitu¬
tion and charges of an English Lodge, made a law to preserve and
observe the same in all time coming, and ordained good pay for
working Masons, etc. And he made a book thereof, how the
Craft was founded : And he himself ordered and commanded
that it should be read and tolde when any Mason should be made,
and for to give him his charges. And from that day until this
time, manners of Masons have been kept in that forme, as well as
menne might govern.
"Furthermore, however, at diverse assemblies, certain charges
have been made and ordained by the best advice of Masters and
Fellowes, as the exigencies of the Craft made necessarie."
SEC. 3.—IN THE XYth CENTURY.
1. The Latin Register of William Molart, who was Prior of
Canterbury, probably under Archbishop Chicheley, contains a
notice of a meeting of a Lodge. The Register is entitled "Liber-
atio generalis Domini Gulielmi Priori* Ecclesue Christi Cantuari-
ensis, erga Festum JYatalis Domini, 1429."
It is stated that in the minority of King Henry VI., a good
Lodge was held at Canterbury under Grand Master Chicheley,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
309
and Thomas Stapylton is named Master, John Morris, cnstos de la
Lodge Latliomorum, or Warden of the Lodge of Masons, with
fifteen Fellows Craft, and three entered Prentices all there
named.—Scott's Pocket Comp. 1754.
2. A Record in the reign of Edward IY.
" The company of Masons being otherwise termed Freemasons,
of ancient standing, and gude reckoning, by means of affable and
kind meetings dyverse tymes, and as a loving brotherhood used to
doe, did frequent this mutual assembly in the tyme of Henry YI.,
in the 12th year of his reign, A. D. 1434."—Sec also Stome's Sur¬
vey, Ch. V., p. 215.
3. The same record says further :—
" That the charges and Laws of the Freemasons have been seen
and perused by our late sovereign, King Henry YI., and by the
Lords of his most honorable council, who have allowed them, and
declared, that they be right good and reasonable to be holden, as
they have been drawn out, and collected from the records of
auntient tymes," etc., etc.
SEC. 4—IX THE XVIth CENTURY.
(Extracts from the Diary of the learned Antiquary, Eijas Ashmole.)
October 16. 4 Hor. 30 minutes post merid. I was made a Free¬
mason at Warrington in Lancashire, with Colonel Henry Main-
waring of Karticham in Cheshire ; the names of those that were
then at the Lodge, Mr. Richard Penket Warden, Mr. James Col¬
lier, Mr. Richard Sankey, Henry Littler, John Ellam, and Hugh
Brewer.
In another place of his Diary he says :
" 1682. Mar. 10. About 5 hor. post merid., I received a sum¬
mons to appear at a Lodge, to be held the next day, at Masons'
Hall, in London.
" March 11. Accordingly I went, and about noon was admit¬
ted into the fellowship of Freemasons, Sir William Wilson, Knt.,
Captain Richard Borthwick, Mr. William Woodman, Mr. William
Grey, Mr. Samuel Taylour, and Mr. William Wise.
" I was the senior fellow among tliem, it being thirty-five years
since I was admitted. There were present, beside myself, the Fel¬
lows after named : Mr. Thomas Wise, Master of the Masons' Com¬
pany this present year, Mr. Thomas Shorthose, Mr. Thomas Shad-
bolt, Waidsfford, Esq., Mr. Nicholas Young, Mr. John
Shorthose, Mr. William Hamon, Mr. John Thompson, and Mr.
William Stanton. We all dined at the Half-moon tavern, Cheap-
side, at a noble dinner prepared at the charge of the new Accepted
Masons."
An old record of the Society describes a coat-of-arms much the
310
AHIMAN REZON.
same with that of the London Company of freemen Masons ;
whence it is generally believed that this Company is a branch of
that ancient Fraternity; and in former times, no man, it also
appears, was made free of that Company, until he was initiated in
some Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, as a necessary qualifi¬
cation. This practice still prevails in Scotland among the opera¬
tive Masons.
The writer of Mr. Ashmole's Life, who was not a Mason, before
his History of Berkshire, p. 6, gives the following account of
Masonry :
" He (Mr. Ashmole) was elected a Brother of the Company of
Freemasons ; a favor esteemed so singular by the members, that
kings themselves have not disdained to enter themselves of this
Society. From these are derived the adopted Masons, accepted
Masons, or Freemasons ; who are known to one another all over
the world, by certain signals and icatckwords known to them alone.
They have several Lodges in different countries for their recep¬
tion ; and when any of them fall into decay, the Brotherhood is
to relieve them. The manner of their adoption or submission is
very formal and solemn, and with the administration of an oath
of secrecy, which has had better fate than all other oaths, and has
ever been most religiously observed : nor has the world been yet
able, by the inadvertency, surprise, or folly of any of its members,
to dive into this mystery, or make the least discovery."
In some of Mr. Ashmole's manuscripts, there are many valuable
collections relating to the history of the Freemasons, as may be
gathered from the letters of Dr. Knipe, of Christ church, Oxford,
to the publisher of Ashmole's Life • the following extracts from
which will authenticate and illustrate many facts in this history:
" As to the ancient Society of Freemasons, concerning whom
you are desirous of knowing what may be known with certainty,
I shall only tell you, that if our worthy Brother, E. Ashmole,
Esq., had executed his intended design, our Fraternity had been
as much obliged to him as the Brethren of the most noble Order
of the Garter. I would not have you surprised at this expression,
or think it at all too assuming. The Sovereigns of that Order
have not disdained our fellowship, and there ha^e been times
when Emperors were also Freemasons. "What from Mr. Ash¬
mole's collection I could gather was, that the report of our Society
history of freemasonry.
311
taking rise from a bull granted by the Pope, in the reign of Henry
III., to some Italian architects, to travel over all Europe to erect
chapels, was ill-founded. Such a bull there was, and those archi¬
tects were Masons; but this bull, in the opinion of the learned
Mr. Ashmole, was confirmative only, and did not by any means
create our Fraternity, or even establish them in this kingdom.
But as to the time and manner of that establishment, something I
shall relate from the same collections.
" St. Alban, the proto-martyr, established Masonry here, and
from his time it flourished, more or less, according as the world
went, down to the days of King Athelstane, who, for the sake of
his brother Edwin, granted the Masons a charter. Under our
Norman princes, they frequently received extraordinary marks of
royal favor. There is no doubt to be made, that the skill of
Masons, which was always transcendently great, even in the most
barbarous times ; their wonderful kindness and attachment to
each other, how different soever in condition ; and their invi¬
olable fidelity in keeping religiously their secrets; must have
exposed them, in ignorant, troublesome, and superstitious times,
to a vast variety of adventures, according to the different state of
parties, and other alterations in government. By the way, it may
be noted, that the Masons were always loyal, which exposed them
to great severities, when power wore the appearance of justice,
and those who committed treason punished true men as traitors.
Thus, in the 3rd year of Henry YI. an act passed to abolish the
Society of Masons, and to hinder, under grievous penalties, the
holding Chapters, Lodges, or other regular assemblies : yet this
act was afterwards virtually repealed, and even before that, King
Henry and several Lords of his Court, became Fellows of the
Craft."—(Preston's Illustrations. Edited by Oliver. 161 n.)
The following is the Act of Parliament alluded to above :
tertio henrici sixti. cap. i. an. dom. 1425.
Title.—Masons shall not confederate themselves in Chapters
and congregations.
Whereas, by yearly congregations and confederacies made by the Masons in
their General Assemblies, the good course and effect of the statutes for laborers be
openly violated and broken in subversion of the law, and to the great damage of
all the Commons; our said Sovereign Lord, the King, willing in this case to pro-
312
AHIMAN REZON.
vide a remedy, by the advice and assent, aforesaid, and at the special request of
the Commons, hath ordered and established, that such Chapters and congrega¬
tions shall not be hereafter holden ; and if any such be made, they that cause
such Chapters and Congregations to be assembled and holden, if they thereof be
convict, shall be judged for Felons, and that the other Masons that come to
such Chapters and Congregations be punished by imprisonment of their bodies,
and make fine and ransome at the King's will.—Co. Inst. 3. p. 99.
The above act, it will be noticed, precedes the assumed date of
the " questionsof King Henry VI., at the time of its passing, be¬
ing about four years older, and if the view I take of its character
be correct, that it is ritualistic, the act precedes the copy of the
M. S. certainly eighteen years—as the King could not have been
initiated until the 21st year of his reign, which was the time he at¬
tained his majority. The difference in style and grammatical
construction is at once evident.
SEC. 5.—IN THE XYIIth CENTURY.
LETTER OF MR. JOHN LOCKE, WITH A COPY OF AN OLD MANUSCRIPT.
To this period belongs the document known as the " Questions
of Henry VI" Until lately it has been accepted as genuine ; its
authenticity is now somewhat doubtful. Perhaps the gravest
objection that can be brought against it is, the style in which it
is written • the language used being undoubtedly several cen¬
turies older than its pretended date. Hence it might be referred
to a much earlier period, but the use of the word " Kymistrye"
forbids. This science, although of great antiquity, did not acquire
that name until near a century afterwards. Up to the first quar¬
ter of the sixteenth century, it was universally known as the
science of Mchemie. The manuscript, when published, bore a
German title, purporting that it was found in the desk of a
deceased brother in Franckfort; and the person to whom it is
now addressed, was not named, blanks being left where the name
and title now appears. The earliest publication which I have
seen, is dated 1754, and it bears the present address. This
manuscript seems to have been first published at Frankfort, in
1748, and afterwards in the Gentleman's Magazine, in 1753.
Dr. Oliver, in his Introductory Dissertation, prefixed to his
edition of Hutchinson's Spirit of Masonry, says, that it found its
way from the Gentleman's Magazine into Hearne's Life of Leland.
" It was printed " he continues " A. D. 1769, with the Earl of
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
313
Pembroke's name attached in an octavo volume on Freemasonry,
by Wellins Calcott, dedicated to the Duke of Beaufort. In 1775,
Hutchinson introduced it into his Spirit of Masonry, which con¬
tains the Imprimatur of Lord Petre, the Grand Master, and the
sanction of the Grand Lodge. In 1784, it was embodied in the
History and Constitutions of Masonry, printed officially by the
Grand Lodge of England. It appears in DermottJs Jlhiman Rezon,
and in the fifteen editions of Preston Illustrations."
Grave doubts have arisen as to the genuineness of this docu¬
ment : the place of its first publication, the language in which it is
written, and the rather improbable idea, that it was an examina¬
tion before the King, being the chief difficulties in the way.
Upon a close consideration, however, I think its genuineness may
be admitted. This probably was a manuscript in circulation
among the Craft, of which each one took a copy that wished ;
and, perhaps, in this way, it might have occurred that the copy
found in the Bodleian Library, came to be in the handwriting of
King Henry YI. So far from being an examination of some of
the Brotherhood, as has been too hastily concluded, (because of the
persecution endured by the Fraternity in the earlier part of that
King's reign), I take it to be a portion of the ritual or lecture
like the following :
Q. Where come you ?
A. Prom the Holy Lodge of St. John, etc.
The ritualistic exercitations of the Order were always in the
form of questions and answers. Probably it was copied by King
Henry, to assist his memory. The English of the manuscript is
certainly much older than the age of Henry YI., and the modern
copyist at that day may have translated " Chemie," or some other
ancient name, into " Kymestrie," for it is certain that chemistry,
as a science, was not known by that name at so early a period.
The ancient Poem on the Constitutions of Masonry, dating not
later than the 14th century, and probably much earlier, enumer¬
ates the seven sciences as follows:
" Grammatica, Dialectica, Eethorica, Musica, Astromia, Ars-
netica, Gemetria," and explains
"Arsmetyk scheweth won thyng that ys another." Line 572,
which was the science we now call Chemistry.
314
AIIIMAN EEZON.
It was first published in a small pamphlet of twelve octavo
pages, with the following title :
„<$trt Brief sjon bem fcerarf>mtert §ernt £etnt So^ann Socle, fietreffenb
bie gre? Sflaureren. ©o fluf etnem @<fyrief>=£ifdj eitteS serftorlmen
iBruberS ifi gefunbeit tuorben."*
It is doubtful if this be more than a fiction, commonly used in
ushering anonymous works to the public ; and so far from being
the copy by Leland, is but the copy of that copy. At the time of
its publication, and probably for some time previous, it had lost
its value as a part of the ritual, and was copied by some inquir¬
ing Brother as a matter of curiosity.
There are internal evidences which to the initiated, may be
said to vouch for its authenticity. The manuscript says, the
Masons " concealeth the arts of changes," which is wonderfully
like the definition of " Arsmetyk " in the Poem.
We meet with " abreck," in the 43rd verse of the 41st chapter of
Genesis, as the proclamation made before the chariot of Joseph,
when he was set over all the land, by the then Pharaoh of Egypt.
It is translated, " Bow the knee," (as Adam Clarke truly observes,
" which we might as well translate anything else!") and, of course,
in its English dress, has not been recognized by the English
reader. Its striking similarity to the mystic " Abrac," in this
ancient document, and to the ancient " Abraxas " of the Basilidean
school, has been more than once suggested. St. Jerome, in the
Yulgate, translates it " Salvator Mundi," Saviour of the world.
Basilides lived in the second century, and Jerome flourished about
A. D. 360. Whether the Christian monk derived his view of
this Egyptian word, from his own linguistic researches ; or
whether his translation was tinctured with what has since been
called the Gnostic theory, it is now impossible to say ; but one
thing is certain, that the modern translations of the Hieroglyphic
inscriptions cotemporary with Joseph, afford much ground to sus¬
tain the rendering of the Yulgate.
Osburn, in his Monumental History of Egypt, t considers
Joseph's name, as written in hieroglyphics, to be paranomastic,
* " A letter of the famous Mr. John Locke relating to Freemasonry. Found in
the Secretary of a deceased Brother."
t 2 Vol. p. 89.
history of freemasonry.
315
md signifying, " he came to save," alluding to the good work lie
iccomplished for Egypt during the seven years of famine. The
erm in question, he considers a title. " It is written,'7 he says,
; ^ /a\ , ® . kk-resh,' royal priest and prince.'" This is also the
'undamental idea of the mission of Jesus, and His designation ; He
ras the Aoyos, one of the emanations of the uncreated God, whose
aanifestations were denoted by the mystic symbol Apoat-ag. It
ountenances the translation of Jerome, and explains the mystic
leaning of Abraxas, to allude to the mission and the title of the
dessiah.
It will be borne in mind by the English scholar, that " faeultye,"
a the earlier stages of the English tongue, bore a somewhat dif-
3rent acceptation from the usage of the present day. It signified
natural virtue," " efficacy," and in this connection, considered as a
ortion of the ritual, the " faeultye of Abrac may have a technical
leaning," as other phrases have, in this same document. Cer-
linly, if it be genuine, we should not be surprised if it abounded
1 technical phrases. " Peter Gower," says the manuscript,
when he journeyedde to learn was ffyrste made, and anonne
3chedde." To be made, the merest tyro knows, is a peculiar
hrase, and has a technical meaning ; " the wey of wynnynge the
icultye of Abrac," may also have its own peculiar signification;
ad viewed from the stand point of St. Jerome, in his translation, in
mnection with the prayer anciently used at initiations, " that by
le secrets of our art, the candidate may be better able to unfold
Le mysteries of godliness," this hitherto untranslated phrase may
ell be rendered in our day, " the way of winning the efficacy of
hristianity." The following is Mr. Locke's letter :
Letter from the learned Mr. John Locke, to the Rt. Hon.
Thomas, Earl of Pembroke, with an old manuscript on the subject
of Freemasonry :
May 6,1696.
My Lord :—I have at length, by the help of Mr. Collins, procured a copy of
it manuscript in the Bodleian library, which you were so curious to see ; and
obedience to your Lordship's commands, I herewith send it to you. Most of
notes annexed to it, are what I made yesterday for the reading of my Lady
sham, who is become so fond of Masonry, as to say that she now more than
316
ahiman eezon.
ever wishes herself a man, that she might be capable of admission into the Fra¬
ternity.
The manuscript of which this is a copy, appears to be about one hundred and
sixty years old ; yet, as your Lordship will observe by the title, it is in itself a
copy of one more ancient by about one hundred years ; for the original is said to
be the handwriting of King Henry YI. Where that prince had it, is at present
an uncertainty ; but it seems to me to be an examination (taken perhaps before
the King) of some one of the brotherhood of Masons, among whom he entered
himself, as it is said, when he came out of his minority, and thenceforth put a stop
to a persecution that had been raised against them : but I must not detain your
Lordship longer by my preface from the thing itself.
I know not what effect the sight of this old paper may have upon your Lord¬
ship ; but for my own part, I cannot deny, that it has so much raised my curi¬
osity, as to induce me to enter myself into the Fraternity, which I am determined
to do (if I may be admitted) the next time I go to London, and that will be
shortly. I am, My Lord,
Tour Lordship's most obedient and most humble servant,
John Locke.
Certayne Questyons, with answeres to the same, concernynge the
Mystery o/Maconrie, writtenne by the hande of kynge Henrye the
sixthe of the name, and faythfullye copyed by me, Johan Leylande*
Antiquarius, by the commaunde of his Highnesse.i
'• They be as folio wethe :
" Quest. What mote ytt be
" Answ. Ytt beeth the Skylle of Nature, the understondynge of
the myghte that is hereynne, and its sondrye werckynges, sonder-
lyche, the Skylle of rechenynges. of waightes, and metynges, and
the treu manere of faconnynge al thynges for mannes use, headlye,
d welly nges, and buyldynges of alle kinds, and al odher thynges
that make gudde to manne.
" Quest. Where dyd ytt begynne ?
Jlnsw. Ytt dyd begynne with the ffryste menne yn the este,
which were before the flyrste menne of the weste,§ and comynge
* " John Leylande, was appointed by King Henry the Eighth at the dissolution of
the monasteries, to search for, and save such books and records as were valuable
among them. He was a man of labor and industry."
f " Ihs Highness, meaning the said King Henry Eighth. Our kings had not then
the title of Majesty."
X What mote ytt be ?] " That is what may this mystery of Masonry be ? The answer
imports, that it consists in natural, mathematical, and mechanical knowledge Some
part of which (as appears by what follows) the Masons pretend to have taught the
rest of mankind, and some part they still conceal." °
§ Ffyrste menne in the este.] " It should seem by this that Masons believe there
were men in the East before Adam, who is called the ' ffyrste manne of the weste
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
317
westlye, ytt hath broughte herwyth alle comfortes to the wylde
and comfortlesse.
" Quest. Who dyd bryiige ytt Westlye ?
(i JLnsw. The Venetians* whoo beynge great merchaundes,
corned ffyrste ffromme the este yn Yenetia, ffor the commodytye of
marchaundysynge Lei the este and weste, bey the Redde and Mydd-
londe Sees.
" Quest. Howe comede ytt yn Engelonde ?
" Jinsw. Peter Gower,+ a Grecian, journeyedde ffor kunnynge
yn Egypte, and yn Syria, and yn everyche londe whereas the Ve¬
netians hadde plauntedde Maconrye, and wynnynge entraunce yn
al Lodges of Maconnes, he lerned much, and retournnedde, and
worked yn Grecia Magnaf wachsynge and becommynge a myghtye
wyseacre,§ and gratelyche renowned, and here he framed a grate
Lodge at Groton,|| and maked many Maconnes, some whereoffe
dyd journeye yn Fraunce, and maked many Maconnes, where-
fromme, yn process of tyme, the art passed in Engelonde.
" Quest. Dothe Maconnes descouver here arts unto odhers ?
"Jinsw. Peter Gower whenne he journeyedde to lerne, was
and that arts and sciences began in the East. Some authors of great note for learn¬
ing have been of the same opinion ; and it is certain that Europe and Africa (which
in respect to Asia may be called western countries) were wild and savage, longafter
arts and politeness of manners were in great perfection in China and the Indies."
* The Venetians, etc. " In times of monkish ignorance, it is no wonder that the
Phcenkiam should be mistaken for the Venetians. Or perhaps, if the people were not
taken one for the other, similitude of sound might deceive the clerk who first took
down the examination. The Phoenicians were the greatest voyagers among the an¬
cients, and were in Europe thought to be the inventors of letters, which perhaps
they brought from the East with other arts."
f Peter Gower. " This must be another mistake of the writer. I was puzzled at
first to guess who Peter Gower should be, the name being perfectly English, or how
a Greek should come by such a name : But as soon as I thought of Pythagoras, I
could scarce forbear smiling, to find that philosopher had undergone a metempsy¬
chosis he never dreamt of. We need only consider the French pronunciation of this
name Pythagore, that is, Petagore, to conceive how easily such a mistake might be
made by an unlearned clerk. That Pythagoras traveled for knowledge into Egypt,
etc., is known to all the learned, and that he was initiated into several different
orders of Priests, who, in those days, kept all their learning secret from the vulgar,
is as well known. Pythagoras also made every geometrical theorem a secret, and ad¬
mitted only such to the knowledge of them as had first undergone a five years silence.
He is supposed to be the inventor of the xlviith problem of the first book of Euclid,
for which, iu the joy of his heart, it is said, he sacrificed a hecatomb. He also knew
the true system of the world lately revived by Copernicus, and was certainly a most
wonderful man. See his life by Dionysius Halicarnassus."
t Grecia Magna. " A part of Italy formerly so called, in which the Greeks had set¬
tled a large colony."
§ " Weisager in the old Saxon, is philosopher, wiseman, or wizard."
|| Groton. " Groton is the name of a place in England. The place here meant is
Crotona, a city of Grecia Magna, which, in the the time of Pythagoras was very pop¬
ulous."
318
AHIMAN REZON.
ffyrste made," and anonne techedde ; evenne soe sliulde all odhers
beyn recht. Natheless Maconnes hauethe always, yn everyche
tyme fromtyme to tyme communyeatedde to mannkynde soche
of her secrettes, as generallyche myght be usefulle ;t they
haneth keped backe soch allein as shulde be harmfulle yff they com-
med yn euylle haundes, oder soche as ne myght be holpynge with-
outen the techynges to be joynedde herwy th in the Lodge, oder
soche as do bynde the Freres more strongelyche togeder, bey the
proffytte, and commodytye cominge to the Confrerie herfromme.
" Quest. Whatte artes haueth the Maconnes, techedde man-
kynde ?
" Answ. The artes Agricultural Architectura.Astronomia, Ge-
ometria, Numeres, Musica, Poesie, Kymistrye, Governmente, and
Relygyonne.
" Quest. Howe comethe Maconnes more teachers than odher
mcnne ?
" Answ. They hemselfe haueth allein the arte of fyndynge neue
artes,§ which art the ffyrst Maconnes receaued from G-odde ; by
the whyche they fyndetlie whatte artes hem plesethe, and the true
way of techynge the same. "Whatt odher menne doeth ffynde out
ys onleyche by chance, and herfore but little I tro.
" Ques. What dothe the Maconnes concele, and hyde ?
" Answ. They concelethe the arte of ffyndynge neue artes, and
thatt ys for here owne proffytte, and preisell : Thay concelethe the
* Ffyrste made.] " The word made I suppose has a particular meaning among the
Masons ; perhaps it signifies initiated."'
f Maconnes havethe communyeatedde. etc. ''This paragraph hath something remarka¬
ble in it. It contains a justification of the secrecy so much boasted of by Masons,
and so much blamed by others, asserting that they have in all ages discovered such
things as might be useful, and that they conceal such only as would be hurtful
either to the world or themselves. What these secrets are, we see afterwards."
% The Artes Agricultura, &c.] " It seems a bold pretense, this, of the Masons, that
they have taught mankind all these arts. They have their own authority for it,
and I know not how we shall disprove them. But what appears most odd is that
they reckon religion among the arts."
§ Arte of ffyndynge neue artes.] " The art of inventing new arts must certainly be
a most useful art. My Lord Bacon's Novum Organon, is an attempt towards some¬
what of the same kind. But I much doubt, that if ever the Masons had it, they
have now lost it, since so few new arts have been lately invented, and so many are
wanted. The idea I have of such an art is that it must be something proper to be
employed in all the sciences generally; as algebra is in numbers, by the help of
which new rules of arithmetic are and may be found."
|| Preise.] '• It seems the Masons have great regard to the reputation as well as the
profit of their Order, since they make it one reason for not divulging an art in com¬
mon, that it may do honor to the professors of it. I think in this "particular thev
show too much regard for their own Society, and too little for the rest of mankind."
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
319
art ofkcpynge secrettes,* that soe the world mayeth nothing con-
cele from them. They concelethe the art of wunderwerckynge,
and of fore sayinge thynges to comme, tliatt so thay same artes may
not be usedde of the wiekedde to an euylle ende ; thay also con¬
celethe the arte of chaunges,t the wey of wynnyge the facultye of
Abrac,| the sky lie of becommynge gude and parfyghte wy thouten
the holpynges of fere, and hope ; and the universelle longage of
Maconnes.§
" Quest. Wylle he teche me thay same artes?
" Answ. Ye shall be techedde yff ye be werthye, and able to
lerne.
" Quest. Dothe alle Maeonnes kunne more than odher menne ?
" Answ. Not so. Thay onlyche haueth recht, and occasyonne
more then odher men to kunne, but manye doeth fale yn capacy tye,
and manye more doth want industrye, that ys pernecessarye for
the gaynynge all kunnynge.
" Quest. Are Maeonnes gudder menne then odhers ?
" Answ. Some Maeonnes are nott so vertuous as some odher
menne ; but yn the moste parte, thay be more gude then they
would be yf they war not Maeonnes.
" Quest. Doth Maeonnes love eidher odher myghtylye as beeth
sayde ?
" Ans. Yea verylyche, ann ytt may not odherwyse be : For
gude menne, and true, kennynge eidher odher to be soch, doeth
always love the more as they be more gude.
Here endethe the Questyonnes and Answeres.
'Arte of kepynge secrettes.] " What kind of an art this is, I can by no means
imagine. But certainly such an art the Masons must have ; for though, as some
people suppose, they should have no secret at all, even that must be a secret, which
being discovered, would expose them to the highest ridicule; and therefore it re¬
quires the utmost caution to conceal it."
f Arte of chaunges.] " I know not what this means unless it be the transmutation
of metals."
\ Facultye of Abrac.] " Here I am utterly in the dark."
§ Universelle langage of Maeonnes.] "An universal language has been much de¬
sired by the learned of many ages. It is a thing rather to be wished than hoped for.
But it seems the Masons pretend to have such a thing among them. If it be true, I
guess it must be something like the language of the Pantomimes among the ancient
Romans, who are said to be able, by signs only, to express and deliver any oration
intelligibly to men of all nations and languages. A man who has all these arts
and advantages, is certainly in a condition to be envied : But we are told that this
is not the case with all Masons; for though these arts are among them, yet some
want capacity, and others industry to acquire them. However, of all their arts
and secrets, that which I most desire to know, is, The Skylle of becommynge gude and
320
AHIMAN REZON.
•parfyghte; and I wish it were communicated to all mankind, since there is noth¬
ing more true than the beautiful sentence contained in the last answer,' that the
better men are, the more they love one another.' Virtue having in itself some¬
thing so amiable as to charm the hearts of all that behold it."
GLOSSARY, TO EXPLAIN THE OLD WORDS IN THE FOREGOING MANUSCRIPT.
Allein, only.
Myddlonde, Mediterranean.
Alweys, always.
Myghte, -power.
Beithe, both.
Occasyonne, opportunity.
Commodytye, convenience.
Oder, other.
Confrerie, fraternity.
Onelyche, only.
Faconnynge, forming.
Pernecessarye, absolutely necessary.
Tore saying, prophesying.
Precise, honor.
Frercs, brethren.
Recht, right.
Headlye, chiefly.
Rechenyngs, numbers.
Hem plesethe, they please.
Sonderlyche, particularly.
Hemselfe, themselves.
Skylle, knowledge.
Her, there, their.
Wachsynge, growing.
Hereynne, therein.
"Werck, operation.
Herwyth, with it.
"Wey, way.
Holpynge, Qeneficial.
"Whereas, where.
Kunne, know.
Woned, dwelt.
Kunnynge, knowledge.
Wunderwerckynge, working miracles.
Make gudde, are beneficial.
Wylde, savage.
Metynges, measures.
Wynnynge, gaining.
Mote, may.
Ynn, into.
CHAPTER II.
MEMORANDA OF THE HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY
IN GEORGIA.
The colony of Georgia was chartered by the King's Letters
Patent, bearing date 9th June, 1732 ; Antony Brown, Lord Vis¬
count Montacute, being then Grand Master, and Thomas Batson,
Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England ; George
Carpenter, named in the deed as one of the trustees, was Senior
Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of England, under Thomas
Howard, Duke of Norfolk, Grand Master for the year 1730. At
the Grand Feast on the 27th March, 1731, when Thomas Coke,
Lord-Lovell, afterwards Earl of Leicester, succeeded the Duke of
Norfolk as Grand Master, Thomas Batson was then appointed
Deputy Grand Master; and Roger Lacey officiated as one of the
Stewards. Of these officers, Bro. Dove in his Text Book re¬
marks :—" These Stewards were in many instances men of rank,
and in all of respectability." In proof of the correctness of this
opinion, reference might be made to the fact, that the Junior
Grand "Warden officiated as one of the Stewards at the Grand
Feast, in 1732 ; and Baronets and Fellows of the Royal Society,
in 1735, together with a Provincial Grand Master.
As early as 1717, the design was publicly advocated of estab¬
lishing a new colony South of Carolina, between the rivers Savan¬
nah and Altamaha, but it was not carried out until the 16 th
November, 1732, when one hundred and fourteen persons em¬
barked in England for the new colony of Georgia. The event is
thus noticed in the Gentleman's Magazine of that year :
" The Anne Galley, of about two hundred tons, is on the point
of sailing from Deptford for the new colony of Georgia, with
thirty-five families, consisting of carpenters, bricklayers, farmers,
etc., who take all proper instruments for their employment on their
arrival. The men are learning military discipline of the Guards,
and are furnished with muskets, bayonets, and swords, to defend
the colony, in case of an attack from the Indians."
21
322
AHIM AN REZOX.
On the 31st January 1732-33, these emigrants landed on the
bluff now occupied by the city of Savannah ; and upon the 28th
of February, and 18th of July, of that year, the trustees received
from Gen. (then Mr.) Oglethorpe, an account of the settlement
and condition of the colony. At the next meeting of the Grand
Lodge of England after the last mentioned date, Deputy Grand
Master Batson, "recommended the new colony of Georgia, in
North America, to the benevolence of the particular Lodges
This was the first meeting at which the new Grand Master, James
Lyon, Earl of Strathmore, was present; he having been elected
while absent in Scotland, Deputy Grand Master Batson, presiding
at the meeting in May previous, when the election was held.
In the edition of the Freemason!s Monitor, published by Brother
Thomas Smith Webb, at Salem, 1816, on page 299, the following
statement occurs:
" The Grand Lodge of Georgia is holden by virtue, and in pur¬
suance of the right of succession legally derived from the most
noble and Most Worshipful Thomas Thynne, Lord Yiscount Wey¬
mouth, Grand Master of England, A. D. 1730, by his warrant
directed to the Eight Worshipful Roger Lacey," etc.
It is not altogether certain that the date A. D. 1730 is errone¬
ous, as to the time when the power was conferred upon Roger
Lacey ; although no formal government existed in the colony of
Georgia, until 1733, yet the territory now occupied by the State,
was then under the government of Carolina. In that year, the
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England, the Duke of Nor¬
folk, was absent at Yenice, and we do not know who exercised
his authority. Nathaniel Blakerby was Deputy Grand Master,
and Lord Carpenter (afterwards one of the trustees for the new
colony), and Thomas Batson, Grand Wardens; on the 17th
March, 1730-31, a new Grand Master was proposed, and ten days
afterwards, the Grand Feast occurred, at which Roger Lacey
acted as one of the Stewards.
The sickness, or temporary absence of Deputy Grand Master
Blakerby, would vest the exercise of this authority in Lord Car
penter, who was Senior Grand Warden, and his intimate connec
tion with the affairs of the new colony, as evinced by his activ(
participation in the design, might well authorize us to believe
that if he did not himself deliver, he at least was instrumental ii
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
323
furnishing, to Roger Lacey, a power to act in some official capac
ity in the western world to which he was about removing.
This Roger Lacey was among the earliest settlers of Georgia ;
he was of some rank in the Grand Lodge of England, too high to
forbid the assumption of unauthorized power and position on his
part; and he must have been of some note among the early set¬
tlers of the colony ; because we find him recorded as the founder
of the trading post now known as the city of Augusta, he being
then the Agent to the Cherokee nation of Indians.
Clay el in his " Histoire Pittoresque de la Franc Maconnerie"
(third edition, published at Paris, 1844), on page 133, says : "In
the United States, the first Lodge was instituted in 1730, in
Georgia, and Brother Roger Lacey was appointed Provincial
Grand Master there." Another foreign author, M. Ragon, in his
'• Orthodoxie Maconnique," published in Paris, in 1853, on page 36,
speaking of the Order, says : " It penetrated into Ireland in
1729 ; into Holland, in 1730 ; the same year a Lodge established
itself at Savannah, State of Georgia (America)." Neither of
these authors can have reference to the establishment of Solomon's
Lodge. Brother Mackay, in his Lexicon of Freemasonry, states
that in Hutchinson's list of Lodges (published, certainly, not an¬
terior to 1775), on the Roll of the Grand Lodge of England,
Solomon's Lodge was number 46. In the list of Lodges, however,
according to their seniority and constitution, published by order
of the Marquis of Carnarvon, Grand Master, in 1756, it bears no
number, but is the 74th on the list.
It will thus be seen that Freemasonry in Georgia, is coeval
with its settlement as a separate colony. The recommendation
of the new colony to the benevolence of the particular Lodges, by
Deputy Grand Master Batson, at the session of the Grand Lodge
in December, 1733, would indicate that some fraternal ties existed
in that far off wilderness; unvarying tradition has recognized
Roger Lacey as the first Provincial Grand Master; and many
still living in Savannah, have heard from older brethren, who
have passed to that " undiscovered country, from whose bourne
no traveler returns," that a Lodge was at work in that city before
Solomon's Lodge, No. 1, had an existence. The warrant of
Solomon's Lodge, originally issued, is unfortunately destroyed,
but it could not have been directed to Roger Lacey, who does not
324
AHIMAN REZON.
appear to have been a resident of Savannah (at least for any
great length of time), and whose emigration to the new world, in
all probability, antedated the charter of the colony of Georgia.
It has been considered that the original commission to Roger
Lacey, issued in the absence of the Grand Master of England, and
it was confirmed by Lord Weymouth, at the time of granting a
charter for the institution of Solomon's Lodge, and in this way
the connection of Lord Weymouth's name with the undoubted
fact that Roger Lacey exercised Masonic power in Georgia,
anterior to the existence of Solomon's Lodge, has been accounted
for.
Although Lord Weymouth was not Grand Master of England
in 1733, still he might have confirmed or continued the authority
originally issued to Roger Lacey in the year 1730, and signed his
name to the instrument confirming it; yet a power may have
been issued to Roger Lacey after his accession, 17th April, 1735,
only sixteen months from the time when the new colony of Georgia
was formally brought to the notice of the Grand Lodge. Com¬
munication was not very frequent in that early period between
the new colony and the mother country, and we may reasonably
suppose that the Freemasons, the pioneers in this western wilder¬
ness, waited frequently months, before an opportunity presented
itself to apply to the Grand Lodge at London. It is worthy of
remark, that Lord Weymouth does not appear to have been
present at any meeting of the Grand Lodge, except on February
24, 1734-35, when he was elected,, and on the 17th April, 1735,
when he took his seat as Grand Master.
In the Freemason's Monitor above quoted, we read :" The Grand
Lodge of Georgia is holden by virtue and in pursuance of the
right of succession legally derived from the most noble and most
Worshipful Thomas Thynne, Lord Weymouth, Grand Master of
England A. D. 1730, by his warrant, directed to the Right Wor¬
shipful Roger Lacey. and by the renewal of said power by Sholto,
Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, Grand Master of Scotland for
the years 1755, 1756, and Grand Master of England for the years
1757, 1758, as will appear by his warrant directed to the Right
Worshipful Grey Eliot.' " Lord Aberdour was not Grand Mas¬
ter of England in 1755," but this fact does not negative the
position that he did not renew this power, as stated by Brother
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
325
Webb. He bad authority to appoint a Provincial Grand Master,
for by reference to the register of the Grand Lodge of Scotland'
he is found to be recorded as Grand Master of that Grand body,
for that year, and that he afterwards became the Grand Master
of England is undeniable.
Many of our Scottish Brethren are fond of considering- that,
after the death of Roger Lacey, the provincial authority was re¬
newed to Grey Eliot by Lord Aberdour in his capacity of Grand
Master of Scotland ; but while the correctness of this view of the
fact is not denied, it may be, that the mention of Lord Aberdour's
Grand Mastership of England, for the years 1757-58, although
we know he continued in office until 1762, would limit this official
act to the year 1758, at the latest.
The authority thus conferred on Grey Eliot, descended by due
and regular succession to Gen. Samuel Elbert, afterwards Gover¬
nor of Georgia.
In the u Gazette of the State of Georgia," a newspaper formerly
published in Savannah, an interesting event in our history is pre¬
served. The number published on Thursday, 21st December, 1786,
has the following statement:
" Last Saturday, agreeable to notification, the different Lodges,
either by deputation or representatives, met the Right Worship¬
ful Grand Lodge at their Lodge Room at the Coffee House, when
the permanent appointments under the provincial regulations of
England, were by the Grand Officers voluntarily abolished, and
annual elections adopted. It is with regret to be communicated
to the Craft that the Right Worshipful'Grand Master of Georgia,
the Hon. Major General Elbert resigned the chair, when the fol¬
lowing Grand Officers were elected for the year 1787 :
" The Right Worshipful William Stephens, Esq., Grand Master.
"Right Worshipful Brigadier-General James Jackson, Deputy
Grand Master.
"The Worshipful Sir George Houstoun, Baronet, Grand Senior
Warden.
" The Worshipful Thomas Elfe, Esq., Grand Junior Warden.
" The Worshipful James Habersham Esq., Grand Treasurer.
"The Worshipful Samuel Stirk, Grand Secretary.
" The Grand Lodge, taking into consideration the generous and
Masonic behavior of the late Grand Master, Brother Elbert, unan-
326
AHIMAN KEZON.
imously hailed liim Father of Independent Masonry ; and appoint¬
ed a committee to present him the thanks of the Masonic State,
with a Past Grand Master's emblematical jewel, in testimony of
their respect and brotherly affection.
" The different Lodges in the State being thus cemented under
one common head, the day was celebrated with harmony and good
fellowship."
This Grand Lodge so constituted, was afterwards incorporated
by the legislature of Georgia, by an act assented to on the 6th
February, 1796. From this body emanated all the warrants of
all the Lodges in Georgia. Below is given an extract from the
first charter granted by the Grand Lodge of Georgia, as an inde¬
pendent body—it is dated 27th December, 1786, and was issued
to Solomon's Lodge, No. 1 :
"We, the Grand Lodge of the most Ancient and Honorable
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, according to the old In¬
stitution, of the State of Georgia, by virtue of, and in pursuance of
the right and succession legally derived from the Most Noble and
Eight Worshipful Thomas Thynne, Lord Yiscount Weymouth,
Grand Master of England, for the year of Masonry five thousand
seven hundred and thirty-five, by his warrant directed to the
Right Worshipful Roger Lacey, and by the renewal of the said
power by Sholto, Charles Douglas. Lord Aberdour, Grand Master
of Scotland, for the years five thousand seven hundred and fifty-
five, and five thousand seven hundred and fifty-six, and Grand
Master of England, for the years five thousand seven hundred and
fifty-seven, and five thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight, by his
warrant directed to the Right Worshipful Grey Eliot, and by
virtue of, and in pursuance of a convention of the different Lodges
of the said State, met in Savannah on the sixteenth day of Decem¬
ber, instant, when the permanent charter was voluntarily relin¬
quished by the Right Worshipful Samuel Elbert, Grand Master,
and the other officers of the Grand Lodge, and annual appoint¬
ments concluded on ; in consequence of which, the Grand Officers
giving this authority, were elected for the following year, ' Now
know ye, etc.1
This charter is signed by Wm. Stephens, afterwards Judge of
the United States Court, for the District of Georgia, and the
other officers above enumerated. Now, with due reverence to the
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
327
opinion of others, we must believe that the officers of the Grand
Lodge of Georgia in 1786, but Jifty-one years removed from the
date of the transaction thus set forth, must have been well ac¬
quainted with the origin of their power. These gentlemen were
too high in position, both masonically and socially, to warrant
the suspicion that they would thus formally certify to a falsehood.
The connection of Lord Weymouth's name, with the power dele¬
gated to, and the provincial authority exercised by Roger Lacey,
is thus ascertained beyond all cavil, and the unvarying current of
Masonic tradition in Savannah, and elsewhere in the State, fixes
the epoch of its exercise in 1733.
The Grand Lodge of Georgia, though sometimes in its past his¬
tory embarrassed by intestine dissension, has, nevertheless, pre¬
served its original organization ; it has never been divided, nor
did a rival Grand Lodge ever exist within the State during its
history ; it claims to be the oldest genuine descendant from the
Grand Lodge of England, in the United States. The only Grand
Lodge claiming an older existence, is the present Grand Lodge of
Massachusetts, which owes its present organization to the Union,
in 1792, of St. John's Grand Lodge, derived from the Grand
Lodge of England, and another Grand Lodge derived from the
Grand Lodge of Scotland, both of which appear to have termina¬
ted their sessions previous to, or during the Revolutionary war,
and spontaneously revived themselves at its close.
The following notices of the celebration of the festival of St.
John, the Evangelist, we have extracted from such of the records
of the Grand Lodge as have escaped destruction by vicissitude,-
and the lapse of time :
CHAPTER III.
CELEBRATION OF MASONIC FESTIVALS IN GEORGIA BY THE
GRAND LODGE.
1797, Dec. 27. The Grand Lodge being joined by Solomon's
Lodge, No. 1, Hiram's Lodge, No. 2, and Union Lodge, No. 10,
proceeded in procession to the Baptist church, where an excellent
discourse, suitable to the occasion, was delivered by the Rev. Bro.
Monteath ; which being ended, they returned to the Long-room in
the Filature, where they sat down to an elegant dinner, and the
day was concluded in social mirth and harmony.
1798, The Festival of St. John was celebrated again this
year on the 27th December. Bro. W. B. Bulloch delivered the
address.
1799, June 4th. The Grand Lodge convened in consequence
of an invitation by the Mayor and Aldermen, to lay the corner¬
stone of the City Exchange. The members present went in pro¬
cession, attended by the Corporation, when the stone was put in
its place, in the usual Masonic form, by the Most Worshipful
Grand Master, William Stephens, aided by the Grand Wardens,
and accompanied by the Brethren ; after which the Grand Master
delivered an applicable oration.
The plate deposited with the stone, had the following inscrip¬
tion :
A. L. 5799.
A. D. 1799.
Of American Independence, the 23rd year.
Matthew McAllister, Mayor.
William Stephens, Grand Master.
Dec. 27. The festival of St. John the Evangelist, was celebra¬
ted this year. The Grand Lodge and its subordinates proceeding
in procession to the church, where a discourse was delivered by
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
329
the Rev. Bro. Cloud ; after which, a banquet was spread at the
Filature.
1800, Dec. 27. The Grand Lodge, with the subordinates, went
in procession to the church, where a discourse was preached by
the Rev. Bro. Cloud.
1801, Dec. 27. The festival falling on Sunday, on Mon¬
day, the Grand Lodge went in procession to the Presbyterian
church, where a discourse was delivered by the Rev. Bro. Cloud.
1802, Dec. 27. The discourse was again delivered by Rev.
Bro. Cloud.
1803, Dec. 27. The festival of St. John was duly celebrated
this year ; a procession was formed, and marched to the Presby¬
terian church, where an eloquent and appropriate oration was
delivered by Bro. William Davies, P. M. of Union Lodge, No. 10.
1804, Dec. 27. The Grand Lodge, attended by the Lodges of
the city, went in procession to the German Lutheran church,
where a discourse was preached by the Rev. Vm. Best, Grand
Chaplain.
1805, Dec. 27. At the celebration this year, the Grand Chap¬
lain who was to have delivered the address was taken sick, and
unable to perform the service. Bro. Wm. Davies, however, officia¬
ted in his stead.
1806, Dec. 27. The oration was delivered by the Rev. W. Best,
Grand Chaplain.
1807, Dec. 27. The oration was delivered this year by the Rev.
Bro. Cloud, of the Presbyterian Church. Procession as usual.
1808, The oration was again delivered by Bro. Cloud, Grand
Chaplain, of the Presbyterian Church.
1809, Dec. 27. At the celebration this year, Bro. William
Davies, P. M. of Union Lodge, No. 10, again delivered the ad¬
dress.
1810, Dec. 2. The Grand Lodge went in procession to the
Presbyterian church, when the oration was delivered by Bro. W.
W. Hughes, J. W. of Solomon's Lodge.
1811, Dec. 27. The oration was delivered this year by Bro. T.
U. P. Charlton.
1812, Dee. 27. There was no oration this year. The Grand
330
AHIMAN EEZON.
Lodge went in procession (it being Sunday) to the Lutheran
church, where a sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Johnson.
1813, Dec. 27. At the celebration this year, Bro. T. U. P.
Charlton again delivered the address.
1814, Dec. 27. The festival was duly celebrated this year;
the oration being delivered by the R. W. Samuel Howard, D. G-.
M.
1815, Dec. 27. Bro. T. U. P. Charlton delivered the oration
this year.
1816, Dec. 27. The Grand Lodge was opened in ample form
by the Grand Master, but there was no public procession or ora¬
tion. After the transaction of business, it was closed.
1817, December 27. At the celebration this year, Bro. T. U. P.
Charlton again delivered the address.
1818, The festival of St. John the Evangelist fell on Sunday,
and on Monday, 28th, a procession was formed, and proceeded to
Christ church, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by
Rev. Bro. W. Cranstoun, G. C.
1819, Dec. 4. The office of Grand Lecturer was established,
and Bro. Luther B. Cumming, of Augusta, was elected Grand
Lecturer.—Dec. 27. At the celebration of the Festival this year,
Bro. Charlton delivered the oration.
1820, Dec. 5. Compensation of Grand Lecturer fixed at $30,
to be paid by each Lodge he may visit.—Dec. 27. The festival
of St. John was duly celebrated this year. The oration being
delivered by Bro. J. De La Motta.
1821, June 24. The festival of St. John the Baptist fell on
Sunday. On Monday a procession was formed, and proceeded to
Christ church, where a discourse was preached by the Rev. Bro.
"Walter Cranstoun, Grand Chaplain.—Dec. 1. The annual com¬
munications commenced being held at Milledgeville, quarterly
communications being still held at Savannah. The office of
Grand Lecturer was abolished.
1822, Dec. 27. At the celebration this year, Bro. W. P. Beers,
Grand Secretary, delivered the oration.
From this period, the festival of St. John the Evangelist does
not appear to have been celebrated by the Grand Lodge, although,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
331
in 1827, on the 27th December, the Grand Lodge, accompanied by
the different subordinate Lodges, and many transient Brethren,
moved in procession to the Methodist Episcopal church, in the
city of Savannah, where a very appropriate oration was delivered
by Rev. Bro. S. A. Mealey, and a copy was requested for publica¬
tion. The Lodges accompanying the Grand Lodge were, Solo¬
mon's, No. 1, Union, No. 3, L'Esperance, No. 8, and Hiram Lodge,
No. 35 ; all located in the city of Savannah.
1823. Procession, and oration by M. W. James Morrison, G. M.
1824. In procession, the Grand Lodge went to the Methodist
church in Savannah, where a discourse was preached by the Rev.
Bro. Abiel Carter, Grand Chaplain.
1824. On the 21st March, the corner-stones of the monuments
to Greene and Pulaski were laid by the Grand Lodge of Georgia,
the Marquis De Lafayette presiding at the ceremony. M. W. Jer¬
emiah Cuyler, G. M.
1825, Dec. 2. A procession was formed, and proceeded to the
Methodist church, where an oration was delivered by the Rev.
Bro. S. A. Mealey.
In 1827, the sessions of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, were held
in Milledgeville, the seat of the State Government, and continued
to be held there until 1847, when the Grand Lodge was removed
to the city of Macon, where its annual communications are now
held.
CHAPTER IY
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA, FROM ITS
ESTABLISHMENT TO THE PRESENT DAT.
From 1735, perhaps 1733.
Roger Lacey G. M.
From 1755.
Grey Eliot G. M.
To 1786.
Samuel Elbert G. M.
1787.
From this period, Grand Officers elected.
William Stephens G. M.
James Jackson D. G. M.
Sir George Houstoun S. G. W.
Thomas Elfe J. G. W.
James Habersham G. T.
Samuel Stirk G. S.
1788.
William Stephens G. M.
James Jackson D. G. M.
Sir George Houstoun S. G. W.
Thomas Elfe J. G. W.
James Habersham G. T.
Leonard Cecil A. G. T.
Samuel Stirk G. S.
Ulric Tobler A. G. S.
Balthaser Shaffer S. G. D.
Jacob Brice J. G. D.
Benj. Detard S. G. St.
John Hiwill J. G. St.
John Hamilton G. Purs.
George Richardson G. Tyler.
1789.
James Jackson G. M.
Sir George Houstoun D. G. M.
Thomas Elfe S. G. W.
Samuel Stirk J. G. W.
Leonard Cecil G. T.
John Wesley A. G. T.
Ulric Tobler G. S.
Benjamin Lloyd A. G. S.
Balthaser Shaffer S. G. D.
Frederick Shick J. G. D.
Ret. Benj. Lindsay G. Chap.
Abraham Jackson G. St.
John Hamilton G. Purs.
George Richardson G. Tyler.
1790.
Sir George Houstoun
G.M.
Thomas Elfe
... D. G. M.
Samuel Stirk
... S. G. W.
Leonard Cecil
... J. G. W.
Edward Lloyd
G.T.
John Wesley
A. G. T.
Ulric Tobler
G.S.
Benjamin Lloyd
... A. G.S.
Balthaser Shaffer
... S. G.D.
Frederick Shick
... J. G. D.
Ret. Benj. Lindsay
1791.
Sir George Houstoun. ...
Thomas Elfe
... D. G. M.
Samuel Stirk
... S. G. W.
Leonard Cecil
... J. G. W.
Edward Lloyd
John Wesley
Ulric Tobler .. .
Benjamin Lloyd. ...
... A.G.S.
Frederick Shick
... S. G. D,
James Robertson
... J. G.D,
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
333
Richard Wall ) ^ gtg
Peter S. Lafitte f
John Hamilton G. Purs.
George Richardson G. Tyler.
1792.
Sir George IIoustoun G. M.
Thomas Elfe D. G. M.
Samuel Stirk S. G. W.
Leonard Cecil J. G. W.
Edward Lloyd G. T.
John Wesley A. G. T.
Ulric Tobler G. S.
Benjamin Llotd A. G. S.
Frederick Shick S. G. D.
James Robertson J. G. D.
Joseph W. Spencer ) ^ gtg
David B. Mitchell f
John Hamilton G. Purs.
Geo. Richardson G. Tyler.
1793.
William Stephens G. M.
Samuel Stirk D. G. M.
Edward Llotd .. S. G. W.
Balthaser Shaffer J. G. W.
Ulric Tobler G. T.
Geo. Jones A. G. T.
James Robertson G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
Richard Wall J. G. D.
Rev. Benj. Lindsay G. Chap.
Joseph W. Spencer ) q gts
James Johnston, Jr f
John Hamilton G. Tyler.
1794.
William Stephens G. M.
Robert Forsyth D. G. M.
Balthaser Shaffer S. G. W.
James B. Young J. G. W.
Geo. Jones G. T.
Richard Randolf A. G. T
David B. Mitchell G. S
James Clarke S. G. D.
George Throop J. G. D.
Rev. Benj. Lindsay G. Chap.
Nicholas Johnston ( q. gts
Joseph W. Spencer )
John Hamilton G. Tyler.
1795.
William Stephens
Willlvm Stith
Balthaser Shaffer
James B. Young
Geo. Jones
Richard Randolf
David B. Mitchell
James Mirrilies
James Clarke
James Simpson
Rev. Benj. Lindsay
Nathaniel Dowdy
Cunningham Newall ...
John Hamilton
1796.
William Stephens
William Stith
James B. Young
Ulric Tobler
James Robertson
David B. Mitchell
John Blackstock
James Clarke
Green Slmpson
Rev. Thomas H. M'Caule .
Cunningham Newall
Joseph Roberts
John Trevor
G. M.
D. G.M.
. S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
. G. T.
. A. G. T.
G.S.
. A. G. S.
. S. G. D.
. J. G. D.
. G. Chap.
► G. Sts.
i
G. Tyler.
. G. M.
. D. G. M.
. S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
. G. T.
. A. G. T.
G.S.
. S. G. D.
. J.G. D.
. G. Chap.
j- G. Sts.
G. Tyler.
1797.
William Stephens —
William Stith
James B.Young
Ulric Tobler
James Robertson
Richard Miller
Wm. Belcher
Robert Mein
James Clarke
M. Burke
Alexander Candlish.
J. H. Roberts
John Trevor
. G. M.
D. G. M.
. S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
G.T.
A. G. T.
G.S.
A. G.S.
. S. G.D.
. J. G.D.
G. Sts.
G. Tyler.
1798.
William Stephens
James B. Young
Ulric Tobler
.. G. M.
.. S. G. W.
.. J. G.*W.
334
AHIMAN
REZON.
J. Robertson G. T. 1
Richard Miller A. G. T.
"William Belcher G. S.
J. D. Dickinson A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
M. Burke J. G. D.
Joseph Prescott ) q gts.
B. F. Murdoch '
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1799.
William Stephens G. M.
William Stith, D. G. M.
Ulric Tobler S. G. W.
George Jones J. G. W.
James Robertson G. T.
Rob. Murdoch A. G. T.
William B. Bulloch G. S.
James McIntosh A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
Wm. Taylor J. G. D.
Wm. Hobkirk, John J. Gray.. . G. Sts.
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1800.
William Stephens G. M.
William Stith D. G. M.
Ulric Tobler S. G. W.
George Jones J. G. W.
James Robertson G. T.
Wm. Moore A. G. T.
Robert Fisher G. S.
Nicholas Johnston A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
Wm:. Taylor J. G. D.
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1801.
William Stephens G. M
William Stith D. G. M.
Ulric Tobler S. G. W.
George Jones J. G. W.
James Robertson G. T.
Wm. Moore A. G. T.
John J. Gray G. S.
Wm. Davies A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
John Miller J. G. D.
Richard M. Stites ) G Sts
Samuet, Howard )
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1802.
William Stephens G. M
John Griffin D. G. M
Ulric Tobler S. G. W
George Jones J. G. W
James Robertson G. T
James Johnston A. G. T.
John J. Gray G. S.
William Davies A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
John Miller J. G. D.
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1803.
William Stephens G. M.
John Griffin D. G. M.
Ulric Tobler S. G. W.
George Jones J. G. W.
John J. Gray G. T.
John Miller A. G. T.
George D. Sweet G. S.
Samuel H. Stackhouse A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
James Beggs J. G. D.
WM. LiMBERT, John WELT.TAMS... G. Sts.
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1804.
W illiam Stephens G. M.
Balthaser Shaffer D. G. M.
Ulric Tobler S. G. W.
George Jones J. G. W.
John J. Gray G. T.
John Miller A. G. T.
D. D. Williams G. S.
William Davies A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
Peter N. Brksmade J. G. D.
Rev. Wm. Best G. Chap.
Cunningham Newall ) G Sts
Thomas Williamson f
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1805.
William Stephens G. M
Ulric Toblee D. G. M
George Jones S. G. W
Wm. B. Bulloch J. G. W.
Wm. Davies g, f.
T. Beggs A. G. T.
HISTORY OP FREEMASONRY.
335
S. H. Stackhouse G. S.
D. D. "Williams A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
P. N. Brinsmade J. G. D.
Rev. W. Best G. Chap.
T. Baily, R. A. Groves G. St-s.
John Trevor G. Tyler.
1806.
"William Stephens G. M.
Ulric Tobler D. G. M.
George Jones S. G. W.
J. Johnston J. G. "W.
"Wm. Da vies G. T.
D. D. "Williams G. S.
B. Wall A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
P. Brinsmade J. G. D.
Rev. Dr. Best G. Chap.
John Trevor G. Purs.
Wm. Limbert, J. B. Clarke .... G. Sts.
B. Huguenot G.Tyler.
1807.
William Stephens G. M.
TJlric Tobler D. G. M.
George Jones S. G. W.
J. Johnston J. G. "W.
Wm. Davies G. T.
B. Ansley A. G. T.
D. D. Wilt jams G. S.
R. N. Groves A. G. S.
James Clarke S. G. D.
P. N. Brinsmade J. G. D.
Thomas Stewart, F.Penny... G. Sts.
Jacob Cunes G. Tyler.
1808.
Wm. Stephens G. M.
Ulric Tobler, D. G. M.
J. Johnston S. G. W.
James Clarke J. G. W.
Robt. Isaac G. T.
John Pearson A. G. T.
D. D. Williams G. S.
J. F. Everitt A. G. S.
P. N. Brinsmade S. G. D.
Thomas Stewart J. G. D.
Rev. Br. Cloud G. Chap.
S. Williams, J. G. Almy, G. Sts.
Jacob Cunes G. Tyler.
1809.
Wm. Stephens.. .
George Jones. .
Wm. B. Bulloch .
James Clarke..
John Pearson..
S. Williams
D. D. Williams.
H. Ross
P. Brinsmade....
Thomas Stewart
C. Hunt, M. Insley,
Jacob Cunes
1810.
Wm. Stephens..
George Jones..
Wm. B. Bulloch
James Clarke.
John Pearson.
Pope
D. D. Williams
J. J. Evans
J. Howard
Wm. Lloyd
D. McKonkey, A
Jacob Cunes.
Roe,
1811
Wm. Stephens..
George Jones..
Wm. B. Bulloch
James Clarke.
John Pearson.
D. D. Williams
S. Howard
F. Roma
A. S. Roe, J. Cuyler
Jacob Cunes
1812.
Wm. Stephens
George Jones
James Clarke
Samuel Howard
John Pearson
Hugh Ross
D. D. Williams
P. P. Thomason
Jacob Cunes
. G. M.
. D. G. M.
. S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
G. T.
. A. G. T
G. S.
A. G. S.
.G. Tyler
336
AHIMAN REZON.
1813.
William Stephens G. M.
George Jones D. G. M.
Samuel Howard S. G. W.
Robert Isaacs J. G. W.
John Pearson G. T.
0. Sturges A. G. T.
D. D. Williams G. S.
P. P. Thomason A. G. S.
Jeremiah Cuyler S. G. D.
Andrew Low J. G. D.
Brant, John Delbergh,. . G. Sts.
S. M. Mordecai G. Tyler.
1811.
George Jones G. M.
Samuel Howard D. G. M.
Robert Isaacs S. G. TV.
A. S. Roe J. G. W.
John Pearson G. T.
Oliver Sturges A. G. T.
D. D. Williams G. S.
P. P. Thomason A. G. S.
Wm. Platt S. G. D.
Ab. Menols J. G. D.
Greggs. Morris. ... G. Sts.
S. M. Mordecai G. Tyler.
1815.
George Jones G. M.
S. Howard D. G. M.
A. S. Roe. S. G. W.
A. Nichols J. G. W.
John Pearson G. T.
F. Roma A. G. T.
D. D. Williams G. S.
P. P. Thomason A. G. S.
John Delbergh S. G. D.
L. Girodon J. G. D.
P. P. Thomason,—Brant G. Sts.
S.M. Mordecai G. Tyler.
1816.
George Jones G. M.
W. B. Bulloch D. G. M.
A. Nichols S. G. W.
Jeremiah Cuyler J. G. W.
John Pearson G. T.
Francis Roma A. G. T.
P. P. Thomason G. S.
John J. Roberts A. G. S.
John Delbergh
... S. G. D.
Louis Girodon
.... J. G. D.
S. M. Mordecai
G. Tyler.
1817.
George Jones
, . , G. M.
Abraham Nichols
... D. G. M.
Jeremiah Cuyler
... S. G. W.
Frederick S. Fell
... J. G.W.
P. P. Thomason
G. T.
John J. Roberts
Francis Roma
, A. G. S.
John Delbergh
... S. G.D.
Thomas N. Morrell
... J. G.D.
A. L. Dobson, A. Hunter ,.
... G. Sts.
F rederick Kortman
G. Tyler.
1818.
Thomas U. P. Charlton
... G. M.
Abraham Nichols
... D. G. M.
Jeremiah Cuyler
... S. G. W.
Frederick S.Fell
...J. G.W.
Peter Paul Thomason
G. T.
T. N. Morel
G. S.
John Delbergh
... S. G.D.
L. H. Furth
... J. G.D.
Rev. W. Cranston
J. B. Gandry
• i G Sts.
Isaac De Lyon
r vt» otis
Frederick Kortman
1819.
Thomas TJ. P. Charlton ....
G.M.
W. N. Harmon
.. D. G. M.
Jeremiah Cuyler
.. S. G. W.
Frederick S. Fell
.. J. G. W.
Peter Paul Thomason
G.T.
Wm. P. Beers
John Delbergh
.. S.G.D.
L. H. Furth
.. J. G.D.
Rev. W. Cranston
Luther Cumming
The Junior Wardens of Solo-
mon's Lodge, No. 1; Union,
No. 10 ; L'Esperance, No. 31,
were Grand Stewards.
Frederick Kortman G. Tyler.
1820.
Thomas U. P. Charlton G. M.
Wm. Schley, David Clarke. .. D. G. Ms.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
337
Jeremiah Cutler S. G. W.
Frederick S. Fell J. G. W.
Peter Paul Thomason G. T.
Jacob De La Motta G. S.
John Delbergh S. G. D.
J. Morrison J. G. D.
Rev. Walter Cranston G. Chap.
Burton B. Hill G. Lect.
Jos. S. Pelot G. Mar.
A. De Lyon G. Purs.
Frederick Kortman G. Tyler.
1821.
Thomas U. P. Charlton.
William Schley
David Clarke
Jeremiah Cutler
Frederick S. Fell
Peter Paul Thomason ..
L. H. Furth
Jacob De La Motta
It. S. Griggs
John Dubuque
J. Morrison
Rev. Walter Cranston.
B. B. Hill
Jos. S. Pelot
A. S. De Lyon
Frederick Kortman. ..
1822.
Thomas U. P. Charlton.
, G. M.
D. G. Ms.
S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
G. T.
. A.G. T.
G. S.
. A. G. S.
. S. G. D.
. J. G. D.
. G. Chap.
. G. Lect.
. G. Mar.
. G. Purs.
.G. Tyler.
. G. M.
Frederick S. Fell S. G. W.
Wm. Davies J. G. W.
Peter Paul Thomason G. T.
William P. Beers G. S.
John Delbergh S. G. D.
Louis Girodon J. G. D.
Rev. Abiel Carter G. Chap.
Jos. S. Pelot G. Mar.
J. B. Mills G. Purs.
John Atherton G. Tyler.
1824.
James Morrison
Augustus Slaughter..
William Schley
Frederick S. Fell
Wm. Davies
Peter Paul Thomason.
William P. Beers
John Delbergh
Louis Girodon
Rev. Abiel Carter G. Chap.
Jos. S. Pelot G. Mar.
J. B. Mills G. Purs.
John Atherton G. Tyler.
.. G. M.
j- D. G. Ms.
.. S. G. W.
.. J. G. W.
.. G. T.
G. S.
.. S.G. D.
... J. G. D.
William Schley ) p G Ms
David Clarke j
Jeremiah Cuyler S. G. W.
Frederick S. Fell J. G. W.
Peter Paul Thomason G. T.
F. Jeter A. G. T.
W. P. Beers G. S.
R. S. Griggs A. G. S.
John Dubuque S. G. D.
J. Morrison J. G. D.
Rev. Walter Cranston G. Chap.
Jos. S. Pelot G. Mar.
J. B. Mills Gr. Purs.
John Atherton .G. Tyler.
1823.
James Morrison G. M.
William Schley t D. G. Ms.
David Clarke '
22
1825.
Jeremiah Cuyler
William Schley
Augustus Slaughter..
Wm. Davies
J. W. Jackson
Peter Paul Thomason.
L. H. Furth
John Delbergh
Louis Girodon
Rev. Abiel Carter
Jos. S. Pelot
J. B. Mills
Bartholomew Furnie.
. G. M.
D. G. Ms.
. S. G. W.
J. G. W.
G. T.
G. S
. S. G. D.
. J. G.D.
. G. Chap.
. G. Mar.
. G. Purs.
.G. Tyler.
1826.
James Morrison*.
William Schley.
David Clarke...
William Davies. .
G. M.
| D. G. Ms.
.. S. G. W.
* On the 3rd June, 1828, M. W. G. M. James
Morrison resigned his office. K. W. William
Schley was elected to fill the vacancy.
338
AHIMAN REZON.
J. Olmstead J. G. W.
Paul P. Thomason G. T.
L. H. Furth G. S.
Rev. Abiel Carter G. Chap.
Bartholomew Furnie G.Tyler.
1827—(March 5.)
Thomas U. P. Charlton G. M.
Ambrose Bauer ) jq q.
B. D. Thompson )
Daniel Carney, Jr S. G. W.
N. II. Olmstead J. G. TV.
Paul P. Thomason G. T.
L. H..Furth G. S.
S. A. Mealy G. Chap.
Bartholomew Furnie G. Tyler.
[1827—(3rd Dec.)*
William Schley G. M.
J. W. Jackson }
B. D. Thomson >-D. G.Ms.
W. Y. Hansell )
Thomas Stocks S. G. TV.
Irby Hudson J. G. TV.
Francis Jeter G. T.
Thomas F. Green G. S.
Jacob Keister S. G. D.
Nathaniel Barker J. G. D.
Rev. Thomas Darley G. Chap.
P. T. Schley G. Mar.
J. T. Cushing, Henry Darnell. G. Sts.
James Clarke G. Tyler.
1828.
TVilliam Y. Hansell G. M.
N. H. Olmstead ^
Daniel Hook j-D. G. Ms.
M. Neal )
Irby Hudson S. G. W.
Samuel Rockwell J. G. TV.
James S. Calhoun G. T.
Thomas F. Green G. S.
John Miller S. G. D.
Richard K. Hikes J. G. D.
Rev. Thomas Darley G. Chap.
Philip T. Schley G. Mar.
* Under a new Constitution, the time of election
being changed.
Henry Darnell I (j
Isaac T. Cushing '
James Clarke G. Tyler
1829.
William Schley G. M.
Samuel Rockwell )j) q
M. Neal )
Irby Hudson S. G. W.
TVm. P. Haynes J. G. TV.
Richard K. Hines G. T.
Thomas F. Green G. S.
John Miller S. G. D.
P. Callan J. G. D.
Rev. Thomas Darley G. Chap.
Philip T. Schley G. Mar.
Henry Darnell 1 G Sts
Isaac T. Cushing f
James Clarke G. Tyler.
1830.
William Schley G. M.
Jonathan Olmstead -j
Samuel Rockwell J- D. G. Ms.
John A. Cuthbert )
Irby Hudson S. G. W.
Benjamin F. Owens J. G. W.
Richard K. Hines G. T.
Francis Y. De Launay G. S.
John Miller S. G. D.
J. N.Denson J. G.D.
Rev. Thomas Darley G. Chap.
Philip T. Schley G. Mar.
Henry Darnell ) G Sts
Isaac T. Cushing f
John Pitt G. Tyler.
1831.
Ambrose Babek G. M
Jonathan Olmstead \
Samuel Rockwell >■ D. G. Ms.
John McKnight J
Benjamin F. Owens S. G. W.
Robert W. Carnes J. G. W.
Richard K. Hines G. T.
John Miller (j. g.
Oliver Reed S. G. D.
William J. Davis J. G. D.
Rev. Thomas Darley G. Chap.
Abraham F. Moore G. Mar.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
339
Isaac T. Cushing I ^ gts>
Henry Darnell )
John W. Pitt G. Tyler.
1832.
Irby Hudson G. M.
Augustus Slaughter -j
Samuel Rockwell Y D. G. its.
John McKnight )
Philip T. Schley S. G. W.
Outer Reed J. G. W.
Richard K. Hines G. T.
Francis V. De Launay G. S.
James A. Tippens S. G. D.
Francis T. Tennille J. G. D.
Rev. John Brown G. Chap.
William J. Davies G. Mar.
Henry Darnell ) q. gts
Isaac T. Cushing j
William R.Hill G.Tyler.
1833.
The Annual Communication was ad¬
journed for want of a quorum, on the 2nd
Dec., 1833, until the 1st Monday in Dec.,
1834.
1834.
The Annual Communication was ad¬
journed for want of a quorum (five Lodges
only being represented), until the 1st
Monday in December, 1835.
1835.
Philip T. Schley G. M.
Val. Walker }
r. A. Cuthbert f- D. G. Ms.
John McKnight '
?rancis T. Tennille S. G. W.
'. L. Harris J. G. W.
iiCHARD K. Hikes G. T.
'RAncis Y. De Launay G. S.
. B. DAVIS S. G. D.
ohn Miller J. G. D.
:ev. John Brown G. Chap.
Iverett H. Pierce G. Mar.
[exry Darnell I q gts
!aac T. Cushing >
1836.
Philip T. Schley G. M.
John W. Wilde )
Samuel Rockwell >• D. G. Ms.
Edward Delony )
Francis T. Tennille S. G. W.
T. L. Smith J. G. W.
Fraxgts Y. De Launay G. T.
Everett H. Pierce G. S.
J. W. L. Daniel S. G. D.
J. W. H. Dawson J. G. D.
Rev. Wm. P. Haynes G. Chap.
John J. Miller G. Mar.
Hesry Darnell [ q gts
Isaac T. Cushing I
Milburn Turner G. Tyler.
1837.
Philip T. Schley G. M.
Samuel Rockwell \
William P. Haynes ........ 1D. G. Ms.
Edward Delony j
T. L. Smith S. G. W.
H. T. Shaw J. G. W.
Francis Y. De Launay G. T.
James F.Smith G. S.
W. S. Rockwell S. G. D.
Milburn Turner J. G. D.
Rev. Caleb W. Key G. Chap.
J. W. H. Dawson G. Mar.
Henry Darnell 1 q gtg
Isaac T. Cushing f
Bartholomew Furnie G. Tyler.
1838.
Philip T. Schley G. M.
Samuel Rockwell -j
Edward Delony >D. G. Ms.
Gideon Holsey )
Horace T. Shaw S. G. W.
Seymour. R. Bonner J. G. W.
Francis Y. De Launay G. T.
James T. Smith G. S.
W. S. Rockwell S. G. D.
Milburn Turner J. G. D.
Rev. Caleb W. Key G. Chap.
W. S. Mitchell G. Mar.
Henry Darnell I Q. sts.
Isaac T. Cushing f
840
AHIMAN
REZON.
13S').
Philip T. Schley G. M.
E. Ezekiel 1
Irby Hudson >D. G. Ms,
Jonathan Olmsticad. )
A. Levison - ■ S. G. W.
John R. Anderson J. G. W.
Francis V. De La unay G. T.
Lucien La Taste G. S.
W. S. Rockwell S. G. D.
E. J. L. Easter J. G. D.
Augustin H. H/.nsbll G. Mar.
Rev. 1 gnat id-; A. Few G. Chap.
Henry Darnell ) q g^.g
Isaac T. Cusiil:g f
Bartholomew Furnie G. Tyler.
1840.
Philip T. Schley G. M.
John Hunter •%
John R. Anderson j- D. G. Ms.
Emanuel Ezi kiel )
Iverson L. Harris S. G. W.
Alfred Bro. iss J. G. W.
Francis V. La Launay G. T.
Lucien La Taste G. S.
W. S. Rockwell S. G. D.
Samuel T. Beecher J. G. D.
Rev. John W. Tally G. Chap.
Augustin H. Hansell G. Mar.
Henry Darnell ) „ „
Isaac T. Cushing j ' S'
Bartholomew Furnie G. Tyler.
1841.
Henry G. Lamar* G. M.
John Hunter \
Emanuel Ezekiel I D. G. Ms.
Daniel Hook )
Alfred Brooks S. G. W.
Horace J. Bates J. G. W.
Samuel T. Beecher G. T.
Lucien La Taste G. S.
W. L. Mitchell S. G. D.
James L. Sweet J. G. D.
Rev. John W. Tally G. Chap.
Augustin H. Hansell G. Mar.
* Elected, but was never installed.
Isaac T. Cushing j. g. Sts
Thomas Bivins '
Thomas Wright G. Tyler
1842.
Philip T. Schley G. M
John Hunter i
Emanuel Ezekiel >• D. G. Ms.
W. L. Mitchell )
Abraham Levison S. G. W.
W. H. Hull J. G. W.
Samuel T. Beecher G. T.
Lucien La Taste G. S.
Jason Burr S. G. D.
Andrew Prentice J. G. D.
Rev. John W. Tally G. Chap.
Augustin H. Hansell G. Mar.
Isaac T. Cushing ) g Sts
Samuel Tucker )
Milburn Turner G. Tyler.
1843.
William C. Dawson G. M.
Amos Benton )
John Hunter j-D. G. Ms.
Emanuel Ezekiel )
Joseph C. Adkins S. G. W.
James W. Castens J. G. W.
Samuel T. Beecher G. T.
Lucien La Taste G. S.
Jason Burr S. G. D.
Jeremiah Leak J. G. D.
Rev. John W. Tally G. Chap.
Augustus Alden G. Mar.
James D. Frierson ) q gj.g
James M. Wesson f
Milburn Turner G. Tyler.
1844.
William C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter •j
Amos Benton (-D. G. Ms.
Joseph C. Adkins )
James W. Castens S. G. W.
William Flint J. G. W.
S. T. Beecher g. T.
John S. Wright G.S.
Jason Burr S. G. D.
John W. King J. G. D.
Augustin H. Hansell G. Mar.
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
341
A. N. Simpson ) q sts.
John Caruthers j
Milburn Turner G-. Tyler.
1845.
William C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter }
Amos Benton > D. G. Ms.
James W. Castens )
James M. Folsom S. G. W.
John W. King J. G. W.
Peter Solomon G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
T. M. Furlow S. G. D.
R. T. Corner J. G. D.
Rev. J. W. Tallt G. Chap.
W. H. Maharry G. Mar.
R-Seaman t G. Sts.
W. F. Brooks )
J. E. Jeffers G. Tyler.
1846'.
William C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter \
Amos Benton j- D. G. Ms.
Augustus Alden )
Thomas Flewellen S. G. W.
John W. King J. G. W
P. Solomons G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
T. M. Furlow S. G. D.
R. T. Turner J. G. D.
Rey. J. W. Tally G. Chap.
A. De La Perriere G. Mar.
Lemuel Dwelle G. Lect.
L. Patillo )
Abner F. Holt V G. Sts.
Wm. F. Brooks )
W. S. Rockwell G. Purs.
J. E. Jeffers G. Tyler.
1847.
Wm. C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter )
Amos Benton j-D. G.Ms.
Augustus Alden )
Thomas Flewellen S. G. W.
John W. King J. G. W.
P. Solomon G. T.
Simri Rose G-. S.
T. M. Furlow S. G. D.
R. T. Turner J. G. D.
Rev. J. W. Tally G. Chap.
A. De La Perriere G. Mar.
Lemuel Dwelle G. Lect.
A. F. Holt ^
W. F. Brooks [■ G. Sts.
Leroy Patillo )
Wm. S. Rockwell G. Purs.
A. P. Burr G. Tyler.
1848.
William C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter ■)
Timothy M. Furlow >-D. G.Ms.
James F. Cooper )
A. A. Gaulding S. G. W.
John W. King J. G. W.
Peter Solomon G. T.
Simri Rose... G. S.
Leroy Patillo S. G. D.
Leonard C. Simpson J. G. D.
Rev. H. Carter G. Chap.
W. B. Bowen G. Mar.
W. K. Kitchen G. Lect.
William T. Brooks •)
John R. Johnson >■ G. Sts.
John Calvin Johnson • '
William S.Rockwell G. Purs.
A. P. Burr G. Tyler.
1849.
William C. Dawson G. M.
John Hunter \
Timothy M. Furlow >- D. G. Ms.
James F. Cooper )
A. A. Gaulding S. G. W.
John W. King J. G. W.
Peter Solomon G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
Leroy Patillo S. G. D.
Leonard C. Simpson J. G. D.
Rev. H. Carter G. Chap.
W. B. Bowen G. Mar.
W. K. Kitchen G. Lect.
W. F. Brooks \
John R. Johnson Y G. Sts.
John Calvin Johnson )
W. S. Rockwell G. Purs.
A. P. Burr G. Tvler.
342
AHIMAN
REZON.
1850.
W. C. Dawson
John Hunter 1st Dist."]
Robert L. Roddy .. .2nd " !
James F. Cooper .... 3rd " I
W. S. Rockwell 4th
A. A. Gaulding
W. K. Kitchen
Joseph E. Wells
Simri Rose
Leroy Patillo
L. C. Simpson
Ret. J. C. Simmons
W. B. Bowen
John Calyin Johnson. .
William T. Brooks
C. E. F. W. Campbell. .,
D. E. Butler
Thos. B. Daniel
J
.3rd
..4th
1851.
William C. Dawson
T. M. Furlow 1st Dist. ]
A. A. Gaulding 2nd " j
James F. Cooper.
W. S. Rockwell.
W. K. Kitchen
D. E. Butler
Joseph E. Wells
Simri Rose
L. C. Simpson
K. J. T. Little
Rev. Willis D. Matthews.
W. B. Bowen
C. E. F. W. Campbell
Joseph A. Fannin
S. A. Borders
E. C. Hubbell,
Thos. A. Harris
G. M.
D. G. Ms.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
G. T.
G. S.
S. G. D.
J. G. D.
G. Chap.
G. Mar.
G. Sts.
G. Purs.
.G. Tyler.
. G. M.
D. G. Ms.
. S. G. W.
.J. G. W.
. G. T.
G.S.
. S. G. D.
. J. G. D.
.G. Chap.
. G. Mar.
1852.
William C. Dawson
W. W. Corbitt. .. .1st Dist.
A. A. Gaulding. ..
George D. Rice..
W. S. Rockwell. .
W. K. Kitchen ...
David E. Butler. .
Joseph E. Wells.
Simri Rose
.2nd
.3rd
. .4th
G. Sts.
G. Purs.
G. Tyler.
G. M.
D. G.Ms.
. S. G. W.
, J. G.W.
G. T.
G. S.
L. C. Simpson S. G. D
K. J. T. Little J. G. D
Rev. W. D. Matthews G. Chap
W. B. Bowen Gr. Mar
R. T. Turner )
J. A. Fannin r G. Sts
S. A. Borders )
E. C. Hubbell G. Purs,
Thos. A. Harris G. Tyler,
1853.
Wm. C. Dawson G. M
Simon Holt 1st Dist.
A. A. Gaulding 2nd " D Gr Ms,
Geo. D. Rice 3rd "
W. S. Rockwell. . ,4th "
W. K. Kitchen S. G. W,
D. E. Butler J. G. W.
Joseph E. Wells G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
L. C. Simpson S. G. D.
J. T. Little J. G. D.
Rev. W. D. Matthews G. Chap.
W. B. Bowen G. Mar.
R. T. Turner \
S. A. Borders j- G. Sts.
J. A. Fannin ;
G. L. Warren G. Purs.
Thomas A. Harris G. Tyler.
1854.
G.M.
D.G.Ms,
William. C. Dawson
Simon Holt 1st Dist/
A. A. Gaulding 2nd
Geo. D. Rice 3rd
W. S. Rockwell 4th
D. E. Butler S. G. W,
L.C.Simpson J. G.W,
Joseph E. Wells G. T,
Simri Rose G. S
J. A. Fannin S. G. D.
R. T. Turner J. G. D
Rev. W. D. Matthews G. Chap
W. B. Bowen G. Mar
S. A. Borders \
R. W. Smith I G. Sts
Arthur Hood )
Luther J. Glenn G. Purs
Thos. A. Harris G. Tyler
HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY.
343
1855.
William C. Dawson
Simon Holt 1st Dist.
A. A. Gaulding 2nd "
Geo. D. Rice 3rd "
"W. S. Rockwell. . .4th u
David E. Butler
L. C. Simpson
Joseph E. Wells
Simri Rose
R. T. Turner
Wm. A. Love
Rev. W. D. Matthews
B. B. Russell
S. A. Borders
A. Hood
R. W. Smith
Robert B. Young
Thomas A. Harris
G. M.
D. G. Ms.
..S. G. W.
. J. G. W.
G. T.
G. S.
. S. G. D.
J. G. D.
G. Chap.
G. Mar.
G. Sts.
. G. Purs.
. G. Tyler.
1856.
William C. Dawson *
Arthur Hood 1st Dist.
A. A. Gauldlxg. ... 2nd "
Geo. D. Rice 3rd "
W. S. Rockwell 4th "
David E. Butler
L. C. Simpson
Joseph E. Wells
Simri Rose
R. T. Turner
W. A. Love J. G. D.
Rev. W. D. Matthews G. Chap.
S. A. Borders i
D.S.Harrison >- G. Sts.
R. W. Smith )
Robert B. Young G. Purs.
James Y. Grier G. Tyler.
G. M.
D. G. Ms.
S. G. W.
J. G. W.
G. T.
G. S.
S. G. D.
* The Grand Master died on the 6th of May, 1856,
and there was a vacancy until the annual com¬
munication, 28th October, 1856.
1857.
William S. Rockwell
Simon Holt 1st Dist.
A. A. Gaulding 2nd "
Samuel Lawrence . 3rd "
David E. Butler 4th "
Leonard C. Simpson S. G. W.
R. T. Turner J. G. W.
Joseph E. Wells G. T.
Simri Rose
W. A. Love
R. W. Smith
Caleb W. Key G. Chap.
S. S. Stafford G. Mar.
S. A. Borders )
D. S. Harrison j- G. Sts.
W. W. Boyd )
Robert B. Young G. Purs.
James Y. Grier G. Tyler.
G. M.
D. G. Ms.
G. S.
S. G. D.
J. G. D.
G.M-
I- D. G. Ms.
1858.
Wm. S. Rockwell
Simon Holt 1st Dist."
L. C. Simpson 2nd
Samuel Lawrence.3rd
David E. Butler..4th " J
Richard T. Turner S. G. W.
R. M. Smith J. G. W.
Joseph E. Wells G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
Geo. L. Barry 1st Dist. 1
n I
i-G. Lee's.
W. G. Fleming 2nd
F. W. M'Cukdy 3rd " j
J. T. Martin 4th " J
W. A. Love S. G. D.
W.W.Boyd J. G. D.
Rev. C. W. Key G. Chap.
S.S.Stafford G. Mar.
D. S. Harrison -j
B. B. Russell j- G. Sts.
D. G. Candler )
Robert B. Young G. Purs.
James V. Grier G. Tyler.
344
AHIMAN REZON.
1859.
Wm. S. Rockwell G. M.
Geo. L. Bar by 1st Dist. ~j
John Harris 2n(i j,D.G.Ms.
Samuel Lawrence 3rd " |
David E. Botler 4th " J
R. T. Turner S. G. W.
Wm. A. Love J. G. TV.
Joseph E. Wells G. T.
Simri Rose G. S.
J. T. Palmer 1st Dist. j
E. H. Beall. 2nd " , Lec,s
F. W. M'Curdy 3rd " |
J. T. Martin 4th " J
W.W.Boyd S. G. D.
B. B. Russell J. G. D.
N. Athon G. Chap.
F. M. Brooks G. Mar.
JD. S. Harrison \
F. H. Remington j- G. Sts.
D. G. Candler )
B. H. Mitchell G. Purs.
James Y, Grier G. Tyler.
GRAND MASTERS OF THE GRAND LODGE. 345
LIST OF GRAND MASTERS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF GEORGIA.
names
1 Roger Lacey
2 Grey Eliot
3 Samuel Elbert
4 William Stephens....
5 George Jones
6 Thos. [J. P. Charlton ,
1 James Morrison ......
8 Jeremiah Cuyler
9 James Morrison *
PKRIOD OF OFFICE
12 William Schley.
13 William Y. Hansell.
14 William Schley
15 Ambrose Baber
16 Irby Hudson
17 Philip T. Schley
18 Henry G. Lamar. ...
19 Philip T. Schley. ...
20 Wm. C. Dawson J...
21 Wm. S. Rockwell. ...
FROM
TO
1135
1755
1755
1787
1787
1813
1813
1818
1818
1823
1823
1825
1825
1826
1826
1826
1826
1827
1827
1827
1827
1828
1828
1829
1829
1831
1831
1832
1832
1835
1835
1841
1841
1842
1842
1843
1843
1855
1855
* Resigned, 3rd of June, 1826. R. W. Wm. Schley, at that time Deputy Grand
Master, elected to fill his place.
f Elected 5th of March, 1827. This year the Constitution was altered, and the
next election occurred on the 3rd of December in the same year.
t Died in office, 6th of May, 1856. Vacancy until October 29, 1856, the regular
day of election.
346
AHIMAN REZON.
SUCCESSION OF GRAND MASTERS
MENT OF THE GRAN]
a. d.
597 Austin, the Monk.
C80 Bennett Abbot, of Wirral.
856 St. Swithin.
872 King Alfred.
900 Ethred, Prince of Mercia.
928 Athelstane.
957 Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury.
1041 Edward, the Confessor.
10CG Gondulpii, Bishop of Rochester.
1100 Henry I.
1135 Gilbert De Clare, Marquis of Pem¬
broke.
1155 Grand Master of Templars.
1199 Peter De Colechukch.
1216 Peter De Rupibus, Bishop t)f'Win¬
chester.
1272 Walter Gifford, Archb'p of York.
1307 Walter Stapleton, Bishop of Ex¬
eter.
1327 Edward III.
1357 William a Wykeham, Bishop of
Winchester.
1375 Simon Langham, Abbot of West¬
minster.
1377 William a Wykeham.
1400 Thomas Fitz Allen, Earl of Surry.
1413 Henry Chicheley, Archbishop of
Canterbury.
1443 William Waynefleet, Bishop of
Winchester.
1471 Richard Beauchamp, Bishop of Sal¬
isbury.
1500 Grand Master of the Order of St.
John. Henry VII., Patron.
1502 Henry VII.
1515 Cardinal WolseV.
1530 Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex.
1543 John Touchett, Lord Audley.
1549 Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset.
1552 John Poynet, Bishop ofWinchester.
1560 Sir Thomas Sackville.
1567 Sir Thomas Gresham, in the South.
Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford,
in the North.
1580 Charles Howard,Earl of Effingham.
1603 Inigo Jones, King James I., Pa¬
tron.
IN ENGLAND TO THE ESTABLISH-
) LODGE OF GEORGIA.
1618 Wm. Herbert, Earl of Pembroke.
1625 King Charles I.
1630 Henry Danyers, Earl of Danby.
1633 Thomas Howard, Earl of Arundel.
1635 Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford.
1636 Inigo Jones.
1643 Henry Jermyn, Earl of St. Alban.
1666 Thomas Savage, Earl of Rivers.
1674 Geo. Vii.liers, Duke of Bucking¬
ham.
1679 Henry Bennett, Earl of Arlington.
1685 Sir Christopher Wren.
1698 Chas. Lenox, Duke of Richmond.
Sir Christopher Wren.
1717 Antony Sayer, Esq.
1718 George Payne, Esq.
1719 Dr. Desaguliers.
1720 George Payne, Esq.
1721 John, Duke of Montagu.
1722 Philip, Duke of Wharton.
1723 The Duke of Buccleugh.
1724 The Duke of Richmond.
1725 Earl of Abercorn.
1726 William O'Brien, Earl oflnchiquin.
1727 Lord Coleraine.
1728 Lord Kingston.
1729 Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk.
1731 Lord Lovel.
1732 Anthony Brown, Viscount Monta-
•cute.
1733 Earl of Strathmore.
1734 Earl of Craufurd.
1735 Thomas Thynne, Viscount Wey¬
mouth.
1736 John Campbell, Earl of Loudon.
1738 Henry Bridges, Marquis of Carnar¬
von.
1739 Lord Raymond.
1740 Earl of Kintore.
1741 Earl of Morton.
1742 John Lord Dudley and Ward.
1744 Earl of Strathmore.
1745 James, Lord Cranstoun.
1747 Lord Byron.
1752 John, Lord Carysfort.
1754 Marquis of Carnarvon.
1757 Sholto Douglas, Lord Aberdour
PART THIRD.
TITLE II.
FORMULABY OF FEEEMASONBY.
CHAPTER I.—CLOTHING AND JEWELS OF THE ORDER.
Sec. 1.—GRAND AND SUBORDINATE LODGES.
Sec. 2.—CAPITULAR MASONRY.
Chapter II.—FORMS AND PRECEDENTS OF MASONIC DOCUMENTS.
10.
APPLICATION FOR INITIATION.
" " AFFILIATION.
" TO AVOID DELAY.
DISPENSATION" " "
APPLICATION FOR NEW LODGE.
DISPENSATION " " "
WARRANT « " "
POWER TO CONSTITUTE "
DISPENSATION TO SUSPEND BY-LAWS.
" " ENTER MORE THAN
FIVE.
11. DISPENSATION TO CONFER MORE THAN
TWO DEGREES.
12. " " TRANSFER JURISDIC¬
TION.
13. " " ELECT A MASTER.
14. PROXY BY MASTER OF LODGE.
15. CREDENTIALS OF REPRESENTATIVES.
16. LETTER OF VIRTUE.
17. APPOINTMENT TO SCHOLARSHIP IN
S. M. F. C.
18. WARRANT OF GRAND LECTURER.
19. DEMIT.
CHAPTER I.
CLOTHING AND JEWELS OF THE ORDER.
SEC. 1.—OF SUBORDINATE LODGES AND GRAND LODGE.
APRONS AND COLLARS.
Entered Apprentices.—A plain white apron, with flaps, fourteen
to sixteen inches wide, twelve to fourteen inches deep, round or
square at bottom, without ornament: white strings.
Fellow Craft.—Similar to that of Entered Apprentices, with the
addition of two sky-blue rosettes at bottom.
Master Mason.—The same with sky-blue lining and edging and
silver tassels : with such emblems as may appertain to the degree,
at the pleasure of the wearer, wrought in silver.
Masters of Lodges and Past Masters may have the emblems of
their offices wrought in appropriate colors.
Grand Officers.—Aprons of a similar character, bordered with
purple, and edged with gold. Grand Masters, Past Grand Mas¬
ters, and Deputy Grand Masters, may wear a gold fringe. The
apron of the Deputy Grand Masters may have the emblem of their
office in gold embroidery in the centre ; and the pomegranate and
lotus alternately, embroidered in gold on the edging. That of the
Grand Master may be ornamented with emblems emblazoned in
gold in the centre. On the edging, the pomegranate and lotus,
with the seven-eared wheat at each corner, and also in the flap ;
all in gold embroidery.
Collars are worn by officers only. The collars of the Grand
Officers may be chains of gold, or metal gilt, or the pattern thereof
embroidered on a purple ground, with gold edging. Of the
Grand Master and Past Grand Master, with nine stars ; Deputy
Grand Masters, seven stars, and gold bullion fringe ; Grand War¬
dens, five stars ; other Grand Officers, three stars ; Masters of
Lodges, silver or plated chains, collar of silk or velvet, embroid-
350
AHIMAN REZON.
ered in silver, with a sprig of cassia on one side, an ear of wheat,
with stem and leaves on the other, or three stars on each side.
JEWELS.
Grand, Master.—The compasses extended to forty-five degrees,
with the segment of a circle at the points, and gold plate included,
on which is to be represented an eye irradiated, with a triangle
also irradiated. Past Grand Masters a similar jewel, with a
blazing sun in the centre.
Deputy Grand Masters.—A similar jewel, with a five pointed
star in the centre.
Past Deputy Grand Masters.—The same, with a scythe and
winged hour-glass in the centre.
Senior Grand Wardens.—The Level.
Junior Grand Wardens.—The Plumb.
Grand Chaplain.—An Open Book, within a triangle, surrounded
with a wreath of cassia and wheat.
Grand Treasurer.—Cross Keys.
Grand Secretary.—Cross Pens.
Grand Senior Deacon.—Square and Compass, with a sun.
Grand Junior Deacon.—Same, with a crescent.
Grand Marshal.—Crossed Batons, with a tie, with a wreath of
cassia and wheat.
Grand Pursuivant.—Arms of the Grand Lodge, on sword and
rod crossed, with a wreath as above.
Grand Stewards.— Cornucopias.
All of gold, or metal gilt.
JEWELS OF SUBORDINATE LODGES SHALL BE FOR
Masters.—The Square.
Past Masters.—The Compasses extended to sixty degrees on an
arc enclosing the meridian sun.
Senior Warden.—The Level.
Junior Warden.—The Plumb.
Treasurer.—The Key, single or crossed.
Secretary.—The Pen, " "
Deacons.—Square and Compass, Sun and Crescent.
Tyler.—Sword, single or crossed.
All of silver, or white metal.
formulary of freemasonry.
351
sec. 2—clothing and jewels appertaining to capitular and
cryptic freemasonry.
1. The High Priest wears a robe corresponding with that of
the Jewish High Priest. An ephod and a girdle ; the proper
jewel of his office is the breastplate, and he also wears a mitre
or turban, with a frontlet, on which is engraven Holiness to the
Lord.
2. The King wears a purple robe and crown, and a triangular
jewel, with a level surrounded by a crown suspended from the
vertex.
3. The Scribe wears a scarlet robe and turban, and a triangu¬
lar jewel, with a plumb surmounted by a turban suspended from
the vertex.
4. The Captain of the Host wears a scarlet robe, and sword
and turban ; his jewel is a triangle crossed saltier-wise, with a
baton and sword, a wreath around the centre.
5. The Principal Sojourner wears a purple or violet robe, and
bears a staff ; his jewel is a triangle, with the square and compass
enclosing the crescent Moon suspended from the vertex.
6. The Masters of the Veils wear a purple, crimson, and blue
robe respectively ; their jewel is a triangle, with a square sus¬
pended from the vertex.
7. The Companions wear a jewel as follows : The double tri¬
angle surrounded by a circle. Within the triangle, a triangular
plate of gold, bearing a meridian sun, and resting on a globe
spanned by a compass. A small circle enclosing the triple tare,
and surrounded with the motto : " JVil nisi clavis est," is attached
to the circle surrounding the double triangle at the lower
extremity of its vertical diameter.
8. The jewels of the officers of a Grand Chapter are the same
as for subordinate Chapters, except they are sometimes sur¬
rounded with a circle. The Grand High Priest, Past Grand
High Priest, Grand King, and Grand Scribe, sometimes wear the
compass extended on an arc of fifty-eight degrees, with the
mitre, level, and crown, plumb and turban, suspended from the
joint respectively. The arc supports the double triangle enclos¬
ing the triple tau, surrounded by an endless serpent wrought in
silver.
352
AHIMAN REZON.
pended from the vertex. Sometimes, the officers are distinguished
by the addition of the jewels used in a Symbolic Lodge. The
jewels of Chapters and Councils are of gold, or gilt.
10. The aprons are similar in shape to those of the symbolic
degrees, bordered with red, and bear a red triangle, either in the
flap, or in the centre. But they are often of crimson velvet for
the Royal Arch Degree, and purple for Royal and Select Masters,
with various emblems embroidered in gold.
CHAPTER II.
FORMS AND PRECEDENTS OF MASONIC DOCUMENTS.
FORM OF APPLICATION FOR INITIATION.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Members of Lodge, No. Free and Accepted
Masons.
I (A. B.) being free by birth, and of the full age of twenty-one
years, do declare, that unbiased by the improper solicitation of
friends, and uninfluenced by mercenary or other unworthy motive
I freely and voluntarily offer myself a candidate for the mysteries
of Freemasonry ; that I am prompted by a favorable opinion con¬
ceived of the Institution and a desire for knowledge, and that I
will cheerfully conform to all the ancient usages and established
customs of the 0.rder.
Witness my hand this day of 18 .
Signed, A. B.
Occupation.
Residence.
Vouched for by C. D., E. F., members of Lodge, No.
2.—APPLICATION FOR AFFILIATION.
To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brethren of Lodge, No.
The undersigned, initiated, passed, and raised in Lodge, No.
, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of , and last a
member of Lodge, No. , under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge of , respectfully applies for affiliation, as a member of
your Worshipful Lodge.
Signed, A. B.
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON APPLICATION FOR INITIATION OR AFFILIATION.
The undersigned appointed at the [regular] meeting of this
Lodge on the , to make the necessary inquiries relative to A.
B., an applicant for (initiation or membership) have performed
that duty, and beg leave to report that the application be (not)
granted.
Signed, C. D.) ^
354
ahiman rezon.
3.—APPLICATION FOR DISPENSATION, TO AVOID DELAY.
To the M. W. Wm. C. Dawson (or R. W. A. B., Deputy), Grand Master of Masons, in the
State of Georgia.
J. K. having duly presented his application to be initiated,
passed, and raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason in
Lodge, No. , and imperative circumstances making it necessary
that he should proceed without delay, respectfully asks that a dis¬
pensation be granted, empowering said Lodge to confer said
degrees as soon as may be practicable.
Signed, J. K.
We, the Master and Wardens of Lodge, No. , certify that
the application of J. K. presents a case of emergency, and consent
that he may receive the degrees in our Lodge, if found worthy.
Signed, W. M.
S. W.
J. w.
4—DISPENSATION TO AVOID DELAY.
From the East of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, to all to whom these presents may
come. S. S. S.
Application having been made to permit Lodge, No.
under this jurisdiction, to initiate, pass, and raise to the sub.
lime degree of Master Mason, who is unable, for certain reasons,
to wait the time prescribed by the By-Laws of said Lodge, and
the said Lodge consenting thereto. Now, know ye, that I,
Grand Master of Masons, in and for said State, by virtue of the
power and authority in me vested, do hereby authorize and
empower said Lodge, to proceed and confer said degrees without
delay on said in accordance with the ancient usages • and
customs of Freemasonry, and not otherwise ; and for so doing,
these presents shall be their sufficient warrant.
[l. s.] Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge
this day of A. L. A. D.
Grand Secretary. Grand Master.
5—APPLICATION FOR DISPENSATION TO FORM A NEW LODGE.
From. Preston's Illustrations of Masonry.
To the Most Worshipful (or Right Worshipful Deputy) Grand Master of Free and Accepted
Masons in the State of Georgia.
The undersigned respectfully represent, that they a,re regular
Freemasons, and have attained the sublime degree of Master
FORMULARY OP FREEMASONRY.
855
Mason, and earnestly desiring the prosperity of the Craft, are
willing and anxious to exert their best endeavors to promote the
principles of Freemasonry ; that for the conveniency of their re¬
spective dwellings, and other good reasons, they have agreed to
form themselves into a new Lodge, to be named No. and have
nominated to be the Master, to be the Senior Warden, and
to be the Junior Warden ; that in consequence of this reso¬
lution, they pray for a [Dispensation] to empower them to assemble
at , and then and there to make, pass, and raise Masons accord¬
ing to the regular forms of the Order, and to execute such other
duties as they may lawfully do ; that the prayer of their petition
being granted, they will faithfully obey all the edicts or commands
of the Grand Master, and strictly conform to all the laws and
regulations of the Grand Lodge.
This must be signed by at least seven regular Master Masons, in good standing,
and be recommended by the nearest Lodge, as follows:
RECOMMENDATION OF THE NEAREST LODGE.
At a meeting of Lodge, No. held on the day of
A. L. A. D. 18 . On motion made and seconded, Resolved,
That the foregoing petition be recommended to the favorable con¬
sideration of the [Deputy] Grand Master ; and we also vouch
that the petitioners therein named, are regular Master Masons,
in good standing as such ; and that they are men of moral and
fair character.
[l. s.] Secretary. W. M.
The above form will answer for an application to the Grand Lodge, for a War¬
rant of Constitution, by changing the address. " To the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Georgia," and changing the
word Dispensation to Warrant of Constitution.
6.—DISPENSATION TO FOBM A NEW LODGE.
GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IN RECESS.
To all men enlightened, whom, it may concern:
Know ye, that I, ( ) Grand Master of Masons in said State,
duly elected and installed, having received a petition in due form,
from sundry Brethren, to wit: residing in in said State, pray¬
ing to be congregated into a regular Lodge of Master Masons,
and promising to render due obedience to the Ancient Usages and
e "C—J. :j.~ r\ i..* j— t ir-'-
356
ahiman rezon.
recommended to me as Master Masons, in good standing, by the
Master and Wardens, and other members of Lodge, No.
held at under this Masonic jurisdiction.
Therefore, I Grand Master as aforesaid, reposing full con¬
fidence in said recommendation, and the Masonic ability and
integrity of said petitioners, do by virtue of the authority in me
vested, grant them this dispensation, empowering and authorizing
our trusty and well beloved Brethren aforesaid, to form and open
a Lodge, to confer the Degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow
Craft, and Master Mason, after the manner of Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, and to be known and hailed as Lodge,
U. D.
And I do hereby empower and appoint Brother to be the
first Worshipful Master, Brother to be the first Senior "War¬
den, and Brother to be the first Junior Warden of said Lodge;
and this dispensation is to continue in full force (unless sooner
revoked by me) until the sitting of the next Annual Grand Com¬
munication, and no longer, when it shall be thek duty, and they
are hereby required, to return this dispensation, with a correct
copy of their proceedings had under the authority of the same;
together with an attested copy of their By-Laws, to our Grand
Lodge at the time herein specified, for examination and such
further action in the premises as shall then and there be deemed
wise and proper.
[l. s.] Given under my hand, and attested by the Grand Sec¬
retary, and Seal of the Grand Lodge, this day
of A.L. 58 .
Grand Secretary. Grand Master.
7.—FORM OF CHARTER, OR WARRANT.
(W. Stephens,)
Grand Master.
(Jas. Jackson,)
Deputy Grand Master.
(Geo. Houstoun,) (Thomas Elfe,)
Senior Grand Warden. Junior Grand Warden.
Georgia.
formulary of freemasonry.
357
To all Worshipful, Right Worshipful Noblemen, and other Brethren of Light wherever
dispersed, Greeting:
We, the Grand Lodge of the most ancient and honorable
Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons, according to the old
institution of the State of Georgia, by virtue of, and in pursuance
of the right and succession legally derived from the most noble
and Right Worshipful Thomas Thyne, Lord Viscount Weymouth;
Grand Master of England, for the year of Masonry five thousand
seven hundred and thirty-five, by his Warrant, directed to the
Right Worshipful Roger Lacey, and by the renewal of the said
power by Sholto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, Grand Master
of Scotland, for the years five thousand seven hundred and fifty-
five, and five thousand seven hundred and fifty-six, and Grand
Master of England for the years five thousand seven hundred and
fifty-seven, and five thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight, (did),
by his Warrant, directed to the Right Worshipful Grey Elliott -
and by virtue of, and in pursuance of a convention of the different
Lodges of said State met in Savannah, on the sixteenth day of
December [instant] when the permanent charter was voluntarily
relinquished by the Right Worshipful Samuel Elbert, Grand Mas¬
ter, and the other officers of the Grand Lodge, and annual appoint¬
ments concluded on, in consequence of which, the Grand Officers
giving their authority, were elected for the following year : Now,
know ye, that we the said [Right] Worshipful (William Stephens)?
Grand Master of all Masons in (the) State of Georgia, and of all
Lodges therein, of the most ancient and sublime Degree, and the
Right Worshipful (James Jackson) Deputy Grand Master, and
the Worshipful (Sir George Houstoun and Thomas Elfe), Senior
and Junior Grand Wardens of the Grand Lodge of said State, by
virtue of the power and authority in us vested, do hereby duly
appoint and constitute our trusty and well beloved Brethren
(Samuel Beecroft), Master, (Leonard Cecil), Senior Warden and
(John Wallace), Junior Warden of (Solomon's) Lodge, No. (1),
in the town of Savannah, as farther by the minutes in our books,
a reference being to them had will more fully and at large
appear. And we do further authorize and empower our said
trusty and well beloved Brethren (Samuel Beecroft), Master,
358
ahiman rezon.
ancient and honorable custom of the Royal Craft, in all ages and
nations throughout the world, and not contrariwise ; and we do
authorize and appoint the said (Samuel Beecroft, Leonard Cecil,
and John Wallace), and their successors, to hear and determine
all and singular matters and things relating to the Craft, within
the jurisdiction of the said Lodge, No. (1.) ; and lastly, we do
hereby authorize and empower our trusty and well beloved
Brethren (Samuel Beecroft), Master, (Leonard Cecil), Senior
Warden, and (John Wallace), Junior Warden, to nominate,
choose, and install their successors, to whom they will deliver this
Warrant, and invest them with all their powers and dignities as
Freemasons, and such successors shall, in like manner, nominate,
choose, and install their successors, etc., etc., etc., such installation
to be upon or near every St. John's Day, during the continuance
of this Lodge forever. Provided that the above named Brethren
and their successors pay due respect to the Right Worshipful
Grand Lodge, from whom they have their authority ; otherwise,'
this Warrant shall be of no force or virtue.
Given under our hands and seal of the Grand Lodge at Savan¬
nah, this (twenty-seventh) day of (December), in the year of .our
Lord (1786), and of Masonry (5786).
(James Habersham), —(Sam. Stirke),
The foregoing is a copy of the first charter granted by the present Grand Lodge
of Georgia. It was granted to Solomon's Lodge in the city of Savannah ; but that
Lodge had already been in existence a number of years, indeed, over half a century.
It bore the number 46 on the Register of the Grand Lodge of England, but its actual
number specified in the Charter was 124. The settlement of the colony of Georgia,
it is well known, was made in January, 1733, and a tradition exists, that Solomon's
Lodge was at work as a military Lodge in that year in Savannah.
Whereas the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Georgia, at its
late communication, empowered by Warrant of Constitution, duly
and regularly issued, A. B. Master, C. D. and E. F. Senior and
Junior Wardens, and their successors, to assemble as a regular
Lodge ; and ancient Masonic usage requires that the same should
be duly constituted. Now, therefore, know ye, that I, Grand
Grand Treasurer.
Grand Secretary.
8.—POWER TO CONSTITUTE A LODGE.
lb all to whom these presents may come. S. S. S.
*
FORMULARY OP FREEMASONRY.
359
Master of Masons in Georgia, reposing especial trust and con¬
fidence in the Masonic skill and ability of our Worsliipful Brother
Past Master of Lodge, No. , have thought proper,
"being unable to attend in person, to authorize and empower him
to constitute in form, the Brethren named in said Warrant, into a
regular Lodge, to be known and hailed by the name of Lodge,
No. , and install their officers-elect, agreeably to the ancient
forms and customs of the Craft.
Given under my hand and private seal, this day of
A. D. 18 A. L. 58 .
9.—DISPENSATION TO SUSPEND BY-LAWS.
An official representation in behalf of Lodge, No. and
attested by its seal, having been made to me, that the operation
of Section , Article , of the By-Laws of said Lodge, ought for
manifold and urgent reasons, to be temporarily suspended. Be it
known, that I Grand Master of Masons, do hereby suspend
the force and effect of said Section, and said Article of the By-
Laws of said Lodge, for the purpose of permitting the said Lodge
to act in the matter of
Given under my hand and seal this, the day of A. D. 18 .
A. L. 58 .
10.—DISPENSATION TO ENTER MORE THAN FIVE PERSONS.
Application having been made to me in behalf of Lodge,
No. , to initiate, pass, and raise Messrs. A. B., C. D., E. F., G.
H., J. K., L. M., into the mysteries of Freemasonry, and it being
made to appear that they are worthy men, and will bring no dis¬
credit on the Craft; and that it will greatly conduce to the con¬
venience of said Lodge, that the above-named persons be entered
without delay, and at one and the same time. Now, know ye,
that I , Grand Master of Masons in the State of Georgia, do
hereby authorize and empower said Lodge, to initiate the persons
above-named into the mysteries of Freemasonry, they having been
first duly found worthy, at one and the same communication,
and for so doing, this shall be their sufficient "Warrant.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the Grand Lodge, this
day of A. D. 18 . A. L. 58 .
360
AHIMAN REZON.
11 —DISPENSATION TO CONFER MORE THAN TWO DEGREES.
Whereas the Master and Wardens of Lodge, No. , pre¬
sent a case of emergency, and desire to be authorized to confer
the degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master
Mason on A. B. at its next communication, and it being made to
appear that the same is necessary and proper for the convenience
and prosperity of said Lodge.
Know ye, that I , Grand Master of Masons, in the State of
Georgia, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested, do
hereby authorize and empower said Lodge to confer said degrees
upon the said A. B. at its next communication, according to
ancient Masonic usage, and not otherwise.
Given under my hand and "seal this day of A. D. 18 .
A. L. 58 .
12.—DISPENSATION TO TRANSFER JURISDICTION.
Whereas A. B., a Mason, stands charged with a Masonic
misdemeanor, and represents that Lodge, No. , within
whose jurisdiction he is situate, and which has cognizance of said
charge, cannot, in his opinion, fairly and impartially try and
determine the questions at issue thereon. Now, know ye, that I,
, Grand Master of Masons in the State of Georgia, in pur¬
suance of the section of the article of the Grand Constitution
of the Grand Lodge of said State, do hereby transfer the trial of
said charge from Lodge, No. , to Lodge, No. , and
do hereby authorize and empower Lodge, No. , to hear,
determine said charges, and report the result of the same to the
M. W. Grand Lodge of Georgia, at its next annual communica¬
tion, together with this dispensation. And I do further direct
and require Lodge, No. , to furnish and deliver to
Lodge, No. , a full and authentic copy of the charges preferred
against the said within days from this date.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the Grand Lodge, this
day of A. D. 18 , A. L. 58 .
13.—DISPENSATION TO ELECT A MASTER.
Whereas I have received official information, that the office of
Master of Lodge, No. , has become vacant by the of
A. B., late Master thereof; and it is represented to me, that it is
important to the interests of Freemasonry, that said office shall be"
* formulary of freemasonry.
861
duly filled, find a Master of said Lodge duly elected to supply said
vacancy. Now, know ye, that I, Grand Master of Masons in
the State of Georgia, in pursuance of the section of the
article of the Grand Constitution of the Grand Lodge of said
State, do hereby authorize and empower said Lodge to proceed to
fill said vacany, by the election of some Brother to serve as Mas¬
ter, until St. John's Day next ensuing, first giving days notice
of the regular meeting at which said election is to take place, so
that every member of said Lodge may be duly informed thereof.
Given under my hand, and the seal of the Grand Lodge, this
day of A. D. 18 . A. L. 58 .
14.—FORM OF PROXY GIVEN BY A MASTER OF A LODGE.
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Georgia.
Be it known, that I, (A. B.), Master of Lodge, No.
not being able to attend the next (annual) communication of the
Grand Lodge of Georgia, to be held on the day of next,
do hereby nominate, constitute, and appoint our Worshipful
Brother (C. D.), Past Master of Lodge, No. to appear at
•said communication in my stead, and upon all subjects relating to
the Craft in general, and to Lodge, No. in particular, to
act and do for me and the said Lodge as fully and completely as
if I were personally present.
[l. s.] Given under my hand, and the seal of the Lodge
this day of A. D. 18 . A. L. 58 .
(G. H.), W. M.
John Smith, Secretary.
15.—FORM OF CREDENTIALS TO A REPRESENTATIVE ON" FAILURE OF MASTER TO APPOINT A
PROXY. •
To the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Georgia.
Whereas (A. B.), Worshipful Master of Lodge, No.
being unable to attend the next (annual) communication of the
Grand Lodge of Georgia, to be held at on the day of
next, and has failed to appoint some Brother to represent him
therein, before the regular meeting of this. Lodge next preceding
said communication. This is to certify, that at (this) meeting
of said Lodge, Worshipful (C. D.), Past Master of Lodge, No.
was duly elected our representative in the Grand Lodge, and
then and there to do every act and thing necessary in our behalf
362
ahiman rezotf.
agreeably to the Constitutions, of the Order, and the rules and
regulations of the Grand Lodge, as fully and completely as our
said Master could do, if he were personally present.
[l. s.] In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands in
open Lodge, and caused the same to be signed by the
Secretary, and the seal of the Lodge to be affixed
hereto, this day of A. D. 18 . A. L. 58 .
K. L., Secretary. G. H., W. Master.
16.—LETTER OF VIRTUE TO DEDICATE A LODGE.
From the East of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, to all to whom these presents shall come. 3. S. S.
Whereas Lodge, No. , in the of , has prepared
and furnished a room, in which the members thereof desire to hold
their meetings in future ; and it is meet and proper that the same
should be dedicated to Masonic uses, with fit and appropriate
ceremonies.
Now, know ye, that I , Grand Master of Masons, in the State
of Georgia, reposing especial trust and confidence in the Masonic
skill and ability of our Worshipful Brother , Past Master of
Lodge, No. , have thought proper (being unable to attend
in person) to nominate and appoint him to dedicate the same,
according to the ancient usages of the Craft, and for so doing,
this shall be his sufficient Warrant.
[l. s.] Given under my hand and seal, this day of A. D.
A. L. Grand Master.
APPOINTMENTS TO SCHOLARSHIP IN THE SOUTHERN MASONIC FEMALE COLLEGE.
Whereas by the direction of the Grand Lodge of Georgia at its
annual communication in 1854, the Grand Master, and Deputy
Grand Master, were required to select a daughter of a living or
deceased Brother for education in the Southern Masonic Female
College in Covington, Georgia, the expense thereof to be paid out
of the interest of the funds of the Grand Lodge. And whereas
Miss has been recommended to me as altogether worthy of
such selection.
Now, therefore, be it known, that I do hereby appoint Miss
to the Grand Lodge Scholarship, in the Southern Masonic
Female College, in the gift of the Grand Master, and com-
formulary op freemasonry.
363
mend her to the Protection, Care, and Instruction of the Faculty
thereof, during the period of her tutelage therein.
Given under my hand this, tlfb day of A. D. 18 .
A. L. Grand Master.
warrant of appointment of grand lecturer..
From, the East of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, to all to whom these presents shall come. S. S. S.
Whereas, the Grand Lodge of Georgia, at its recent communi¬
cation, authorized the Most Worshipful Grand Master, to appoint
one worthy Brother, well skilled in the Art, from each Masonic
district, who shall assist the Deputy Grand Master, by visiting the
Lodges, exemplifying the work, lecturing, attending trials, etc.,
enjoying all the rights and privileges of the D. G. Master, except
decisions in Masonic Law, which officer shall be known and hailed
as Grand Lecturer.
Now, therefore, be it known, that I, William S. Rockwell,
Grand Master of Masons, in the State of Georgia, reposing special
trust and confidence in the skill and ability of Worshipful
Past Master of Lodge, No. Free and Accepted Masons, do
hereby appoint him Grand Lecturer for the Masonic district,
in said State ; hereby empowering him to visit all Lodges in
said district, exemplify the work and lecture therein, attend all
trials for Masonic misdemeanor, and enjoy all the rights and
privileges of the Deputy Grand Master of said district, so far as
he constitutionally can, except the power to decide questions of
Masonic law. And I do hereby require the said Worshipful
Brother to report to me in writing at the next communication
of the Grand Lodge of Georgia, bis actings and doings in the
premises.
This commission to continue of force for and during the full
end and term of four years from and after the date thereof,
unless sooner revoked.
[l. s.] Given under my hand, and the seal of the Grand Lodge,
and attested by the signature of the Grand Secre¬
tary, at Macon, this the day of Anno Lucis,
58 Anno Domini, 18 and the one hundred
and twenty year of the existence of the Grand
Lodge of Georgia.
Grand Secretary. Grand Master.
ahiman rezon.
form of demit.
To all whom it may concern, greeting.
Lodge, No. acknowledging the jurisdiction
of the Grand Lodge of the State of
This certifies, that Brother whose name appears
in the margin of this demit, is a , and was
member of this Lodge, in good standing, and clear of the
books, and as such, we do cordially commend him to the
fraternal regard of all true Free and Accepted Masons,-
wherever dispersed around the globe.
[l. s.] In testimony whereof, we have caused this
demit to be signed by the W. Master, and
the seal of the Lodge to be attached, this
day of A. D. 18 . A. L. 58 .
Secretary. W. M.
MUSIC.
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peace- ful rei
U J «
gn-
=^|J=3
-1 £-
■ 1 J J-
-d . J-
d
—M
* * * DEDICATION TO FREE MASONRY. ^ ^ #
Bring with you virtue, brightest maid ;
Bring love, bring Truth and Friendship here
While kind relief will lend her aid,
To smooth the wrinkled brow of care.
* * * DEDICATION TO VIRTUE. * * *
Come Charity, with goodness crown'd,
Encircled in thy heavenly robe ;
Diffuse thy blessings all around,
To every corner of the globe.
if: # % DEDICATION TO UNIVERSAL BENEVOLENCE. ^ * #
3 To heaven's high Architect all praise,
All praise, all gratitude be given, „•
Who deigned the human soul to raise.
By mystic secrets sprung from heaven.
368
AHIMAN REZON".
W
1. A
Sums' ^fartiuell.
ADAPTED TO THE ORIGINAL AIR.
mm
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
/r\
dieu!
f—fz>—r
heart - fond, warm a
dieu! Dear
rr\
m
=f=F
bro - thers of
m
■p-
t-
the Mys-tic Tie! Ye fa- vor'd, ye en-
g
9—P-
—I—J—=3-
N=^=S=fi=i
r^^ir
-,f
f
gh-ten'd few, Com -
•—d—J—TV
"t—r
pan - ions of my
F=p=3—-J J |
t r j
so - cial joy!
* «
—if*1—*—J-J-
-4—1—5—1
□—i -1--H-
f -J-
^-1- ^ =1=
Tho' I
to fo - reign lands must hie,
Pur -
£
5
t-r^r
3
P§f?
irr
1
r
- su - iDg for - tune's sli - d'ry ba', With melt - ing heart, and
MASONIC ODES.
3-69
f
'J
T r>
brim-ful eye, I'll mind ye still when far a - wa'
3
3:
2 Oft have I met your social band,
And spent the cheerful festive night,
Oft honored with supreme command,
Presided o'er the Sons of Light,
And by the Hieroglyphic bright,
Which none but craftsmen ever saw,
Strong memory on my heart shall write
Those happy scenes when far awa'.
3 May freedom, harmony and love,
Unite us in the Grand Design,
Beneath the Omniscent Eye above,
The glorious Architect divine !
That you may keep th'Unerring Line,
Still rising by the Plummet's Law,
Till order bright completely shine,
Shall be my prayer, when far awa'.
4 And you, farewell! whose merits claim,
Justly, that highest badge to wear!
Heav'n bless your honor'd noble name,
To Masonry and Scotia dear!
A last request permit me here,
When yearly ye assemble a'
One round, I ask it with a tear,
To him, the Bard that's far awa'.
% goaf, a goat.
ROUND FOR THREE VOICES.
HI
r»
1
? i—
-f f—
s>
P m 9
L_L
boat, a
'1 "
-1 1—
boat, to
1 I -
cross the
tr—ME
fer - ry,
-J M"3
for r '
For
tn—|—i
bp—n
we are
—I
-C—P
go - mg
1_
fj '#
to be
—* #—| *
mer - ry,
i. .. I . . I
—® J—
-H * -
1 —f—
—d ■■ W—
y—i=m
To laugh, and quaff, and drink old slier - ry.
370 AHIMAN EEZO^.
ofmwral <®tfy
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
Note. On funeral occasions the first two verses may be sung on entering the
grave yard, -while moving in procession ; and the third, and last, during the cere¬
monies at the gi-ave.
la=J=«_l—J jLI_J=j I J Ih-J—j—
=r—r—rr
1. So - lemn strikes the fun' - ral chime, Notes of
R:'
--a-—. 1—
H—=M
1 J
1
1
^ 1 r 1 »
1 a
* • J
1
6
iH—J
1 M
rd 1—
1
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h
#
|
J
9 .
#
m • '
r *
- •
f
our
V
de
part -
1
ing
1
time;
1
As
r
-we
r
jour
- ne
y
i
|
s
J n
»
0 • it1
i vr
<9
1
2 Mortals now indulge a tear,
For mortality is here ;
See how wide lier trophies wave,
O'er the slumbers of the grave.
3 Here another guest we bring,
Seraphs of celestial wing,
To our funeral altar come,
Waft a friend and brother home,
4 Far beyond the grave, there lie
Brighter mansions in the sky ;
Where, enthroned, the Deity
Gives man immortality.
here be - low, Thro' a pil - grim - age of woe.
m
MASONIC ODES.
371
5 There, enlarged, his soul will see
What was veiled in mystery ;
Heavenly glories of the place,
Show his maker, " face to face."
6 God of life's Eternal Day !
Guide us, lest from thee we stray,
By a false, delusive night,
To the shades of endless light,
7 Calm, the Good Man meets his fate,
Guards celestial round him wait,
See ! he bursts these mortal chains,
And o'er Death the vict'ry gains.
8 Lord of all, below, above,
Fill our souls with Truth and Love.
As dissolves our earthly tie,
Take us to thy Lodge on high.
<>o»
^losing: 8s & 7s.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
5
1
•—5- «—?- J - '
I r-i nf f
1. Now our so-cial la - bors clos-ing, Hom-age of our hearts we pay;
2. Let us each, in time's commotion, Heavenly light and truth im-plore :
m
iS*-'
3=£
FHI
PM
d—f=\
fM=[
—1—L
Ft=W
Each in
Thus will
0 0
4-f
con - fi
pass lil
_*LJ^
- <3
e's
ence re -
stor-my
« F—
4—M
SOS - iug,
o - cean,
i I
Kind-est t
Landing
-f—f~
10U gilts t
on a
-r—f-
# a 9
tiat ne'er de
lap - pier
n
-cay.
shore.
rli
__j
-1 1—
—UJ—
—0—
-1 [—
-1—1-
1 1
& ff
CLOSING ODE. 8s & 7s..
1 Soon we part, the word once spoken,
Friend from friend in kindness goes ;
Thus, till time's last ties are broken,
Be the claim each brother knows.
2 On the Level, met forever,
May we stand upright and true,
Friends on earth shall meet and sever,
With a better world in view.
372
AHIMAN REZON.
(Installation ©%
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
H—
—&—
1. Be -
t r
hold in the
—I—~i—~H~
^^
T t" 1'
East our new
T t—T
L|—?—^
Ma3 - ter ap -
—f—\
pear
H—
2\\pL. J
—0 0 0 —
4—i—1—
•—f—h-
—6>
H—J—f=h
rJ—J—Phi—1—n
H—n
j...
- 0 —— * 0-
H* f « -P } Z "
—o
Come
1_ 0 £
r i i
, bro - thers, we'll
—•"1
1 1 1 1 1 j
greet him with hearts all sin
?
cere;
—1 1 —i-
0 0 0 — 1 s 0
—L -
J
—0 0 0
14—1 1 M—f—H
—i
—<9
Pi r-^ r~"<
-t—9
4=£
0—0
h r—0- -0 0-
—r
We'll serve him with free - dom, "with fer - vor and zeal,
-0 0 0-
? r eg
—r I J-^DU-J J i*"j I J I I | I ||
iHn * * ~m * * ~ 0 0 4 ^ -
r r "
And aid him his du - ties and trust to ful - fill.
ilijj=r^-=^=fe:=~r r N f ri-J—H
2 In the West, see the Warden with Level in hand
The Master to aid, and obey his command, '
Well aid him with freedom, with fervor and zeal
And help him his duties and trust to fulfill. '
3 In the South, see the Warden by Plumb stand upright
Who watches the sun, and takes note of his flight '
We'll aid him with freedom, with fervor and zeal'
And help him his duties and trust to fulfill. '
MASONIC ODES.
373
-2-
•fi! fiu| grain founds fa tlosj].
ROUND FOR THREE VOICES.
!^f
=f=l=F
Hark!
the Hi
sounds to close, And
:E
£
Hark!
the clock
peats high twelve, It
——" f ? ?—f—*—°—#
~^) ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
EE
Com-ing, com-ing, com-ing, sir, the stew - ards cry, With
we from work are
F » m
—J -- 1
—O . d
free; We'll
f \ ° P
§ J—} -M
drink and sing, to
1 1 ; f=3
can't strike more we
-1 *■ 1 1-
all well know, Then
-1 1—'
ring, ring, ring, ring,
1 h 1 J—
—s 1.—
—i i -1 h—h
0 * a „ w
bowl to soothe all care; We're a so - cial set on the
=^m
Hi - ram King, And the craft with a cheer-ful three times three.
&
£
ring the hell, For an - oth - er bowl be - fore we go.
teEEE
^7^
le - vel met, And we al - ways part up - on the square
374
AHIMAN REZON.
Jttaaonit Jpn.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
tF—^—p fF-p— 1—^—I i P
1'
r
1. Great Ar-chi-tect su - preme, di - -vine! Whose -wisdom plami'd the
It
CTTf r J . Js
^ ■ 1/ I H] n I ^ I
grand de - sign, And gave to na - ture birth ! "Whose word with light a-
——
-g—; -K 1 -I
P
-1 * **; 0
' * 1 b -
J J J
-F F ^ F
M 1 i- U-J
i n ji
£. m
£==£
•- 'pi
M—r—r—^
4 LJ
-dorn'dthe skies, Gave mat - ter form, bade or - der rise, And
0 a 9 -
4- ' 1
: ^
m
—^
53=£
lit
IP p~ i |
bless'd the new - born earth ;
PI P 1
'Till love shall cease, 'till
•Oz«T#
iik=£f:
' ' * ^ *S > [s ' '■*
1 J>—1 sf
aer dies, To
thee Ma - so -
praise shall rise.
=£:
m
Repeat the last strain in Chorus
MASONIC ODES.
375
2 0! bless this love cemented band,
Formed and supported by the hand
For charity's employ ;
To shield the wretched from despair,
To spread through scenes of grief and care,
Reviving rays of joy.
Chorus. 'Till love shall cease, 'till order dies,
To thee masonic praise shall rise.
3 Thelib'ral arts, by thee design'd
To polish, comfort, aid mankind,
We labor to improve ;
While we adore Jehovah's name,
Pour on our hearts the melting flame,
And mould our souls to love.
Chorus. 'Till love shall cease, &c.
©Id Juratrti % HI.
#2 j
H—r
/C\ |
n—,11 J J 11 J
H—h
—n
=5=
fc-Kt=fcEpES
i r i i 1 1
0 0—
—H
r-r
0
Oh ! God of grace, be-fore thy throne, Thy suppliants bow with holy fear;
pna_r ir . i'—H-^4+=P=Ff ru-rl^T^
0=^
d—
—I h-
/7\
H-
—J—
—H
Those
—
—0—
thou art
jleased to
*
r r
call thine
-0
r
own,
hH
In-
0 0—
1 f-
voke thy
sa - cred
f^n
0
-0 f—
1 1
)re-sence
^~
-0—
1
here.
LJ^J.
OPENING ODE.—L. M.
1 From North to South, from East to West,
Advance the myriads of the blest;
From every clime of earth they come,
And find with us a common home.
2 In one immortal throng, we view
Pagan and Christian, Greek and Jew,
But all their doubt and darkness o'er,
One only God! they here adore.
376
AHIMAN REZON.
(pttrtfg 1pm.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR.^ K. T
' J—J Js l--J3-fc
f3^=f=F=F=±F^
-^_X)—£—
O Cha - ri - tj! tliou heaven-ly grace, All tea - der, soft, and
—'
3=
£
-S 0
i=3
O*
±±
£
12 t—
liu - man race,
P
kind :
I I I I j>
A friend to all the
V
To
1 Si 1
—I 1 1 !V—
—I 1 g —0
- | Jr —I ^
G> 5 0
—| 1 ! (J-—
—a * g ; 0—
=2 * \—^
t—jii
f"
all that's good and kind.
Tlie
-V
man of cha - ri -
n f r dr p
i=F=
ty
5
ex - tends To all his lib' - ral
hand ;
His
3^
J&
0 0 0-
~r~r^
#-2—*—#—0—
r
kin-dred, neighbors, foes, and friends, His pi - ty may com - mand.
MASONIC ODES.
377
2 He aids the poor in their distress—
He hears when they complain ;
With tender heart delights to bless,
And lessen all their pain :
The sick, the prisoner, poor and blind,
And all the sons of grief,
In him a benefactor find;
He loves to give relief.
3 "lis love, that makes religion sweet,
'Tis love, that makes us rise
With willing mind, and ardent feet,
To yonder happy skies.
Y Then let us all in love abound,
And charity pursue!
Thus shall we be with glory crown'd,
And love as angels do.
IBi! stadir Moods and purling j&rfams.
ROUND FOR THREE VOICES.
By sha - dy woods and purl - ins: streams, I
And would not for the world be taught, To
For who, a - las! can hap - py be, Who
tTS
1
—* i
spend m
\=^==^
y life in
Ul ' 4 1
plea - sing dreams ;
H
* • , J—J m
ft 0 *
1 ^ 1
change my fair de
= 1—1
—i F 1
light - ful thought;
—
JL
1 1 J
does the truth of
all things see.
378
AHIMAN REZON.
fopl Jftostofs
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
; t
* -
jv}
r \ ^ v \ y '
In hist - 'ry we're told, bow the lod - ges of old A
»•—r
-J fJ-
:P=^
£
:f—r
T
1/
T T
the east, And shone forth like the sun; But
£eee£
$
I } t—*
-* « • =*—g : ;
all
V V i
must a - gree, that di - vine Ma - son - ry Com-
m
=d f , H J-
Fzf=f=f!==[=^=i
i * • J, i »/ -
1 r f- f U p
- menc'd when the glo - rious ere
i* 1*—1 ff
—0 0— 0 0 0--~f
1 t J r 1-8
a - tion be - gun; "With
—i h—s—i T
—t——f r g—M
—S=^T-^—1
—1 £—p.—1 1
0 0 . 0 0
3-^r. J* i rfr
i r—£—p—f—r^—]
glo - ry di - vine, oh! long may'st thou shine, Thou
—f—r-i-f—*—r F~—r^-i—i—r—
u -J, H—L 1—|-f —^— r |
MASONIC ODES.
' *—* :~s—* : Z—« :~g~ i -»--Z~ ^
clioi - cest of bless - ings de - riv'd from
i]
bove.
379
v
Then
I ^ ft ; —[s—^-H —J -h
=j —J J===*=
-1 f—p—r ^-z=Pr==f=^-=F==^
charge bum - pers high, and with shouts rend the sky, To
n = • r o^r 1—?r~7T~7~
p r
Ma - son - ry, Friend - ship, and Bro - ther - ]y Love.
i—p-—r g===?=n
-0 9—T o ! y y —a «—;—4 #-
2 Judea's great king, -whose vast praises we sing,
With wisdom contriv'd, while the temple he planned,
The mysterious art then took place in each heart,
And Hiram and Solomon went hand in hand ;
While each royal name was recorded in fame,
Their works, heaven and earth, did jointly approve ;
Then charge bumpers high, and with shouts rend the sky,
To Masonry, Friendship, and Brotherly Love.
Chorus. Then charge bumpers high, &c.
8 Then masons were true, and the craft daily grew,
They liv'd within compass, and worked by the square ;
In friendship they dwelt, no ambition they fear,
Their deeds were upright, and their consciences clear,
On this noble plan, Free Masons began,
To help one another they mutually strove.
Chorus. Then charge bumpers high, &c.
4 These maxims pursue, and your passions subdue,
And imitate those worthy masons of yore ;
Fix a lodge in each breast, be fair virtue your guest,
Let wisdom preside, and let truth tile the door,
So shall we arise, to an immortal prize,
In that blissful lodge which no time can remove.
Chorus. Then charge bumpers high, &c.
880 AHIMAN REZON.
drand Jftetafs jsmi0.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
m Solo. ,
1. Ad - Vance, each true brotli-er, my song now at - tend, And as-
1 |
n '
-i 1 |S jS
4
* *
—0
-1—
- sist in full clio - rus a bro - ther and friend, With good
— h—r
a H—~
—1 h—N
=1 - J—i-
'■ a 1
g) ■ d ■ J—
hu - mor he calls you, then so - cial - ly join That the
• J+
1 1 N
# i
I P ^
J J J
i W
J *
0 0 0
L 1
I 9 9
—J—:—
ceil - ing may ring with a theme that's di - vine.
Then join, bro - ther Ma - sons, a - loft raise the
Then join, bro - ther Ma - sons, a - loft raise the
Repeat in Chorus.
—f—r r
=r r~T"
-f-f JV
—1 h 1~
—j-r
1 b—V—
song, All the
- i r f-
J £ 1
vir - tues in
H \T—~
- * 4 ?
life to true
^*S———--1 1 —
—j * —d—
Ma - sons be -
-e—
long.
F
rJ J
song, All the
[_
vir - tues in
r • r f-
life to true
-? I 1
Ma - sons be -
long.
I-
—f-—'
_l ^—1—
1 * ^
4—b—1—
MASONIC ODES.
381
2 The wisest of men was a mason, we know,
From liim ourcheif honors and dignities flow,
He founded the temple, the pillars he rais'd,
And Solomon, still in our songs shall be prais'd.
Chorus. Then join, brother masons, &c.
3 "W ith square and with compass, with level and line,
We constantly work to complete our design ;
By prudence we steer, and the passions subdue,
"What we learn in our youth, in our age we renew,
Chorus. Then join, brother masons, &c.
4 On freedom and friendship our order began,
To deal squarely with all, is the chief of our plan ;
The sneer then of fools, we esteem as a feather,
Since virtue's the cement that joins us together.
Chorus. Then join brother masons, &c.
5 'Till the ocean be dry, and hard rocks melt away,
'Till the globe shall dissolve, and no sun cheer the day,
So long shall the Masons their order maintain,
And the arrows of slander be shot forth in vain.
Chorus. Then join, brother masons, &c.
I
SUhj dftastq's jlonjj.
s. SM
THOS. SMITH WEBB, K. T.
3E
£
t—
£
i. i
sing the Ma - son's glo - ry,.. Whose pry - ing mind doth
burn, Un - to com-plele per - fee - tion, Our mys - te - ries to
—
p— h—
—h h k N—
4>——[. P
—0—
=t=;
J-J
—0 J ^ J-
learn; Not those who vi - sit lod -
to eat and drink their
F=i=H
■s
~P f f
-r—r—
r
—i :
J
J
_p V—
-y—V—
/ /
fill; Not those who at our meet - ings, Hear lec - tures 'gainst their
382 AHIMAN REZON.
—--T—a—f-
P 0 ff
—P—0-
will.
But
on - ly those whos
c^=H=n
H—£i—J
e plea-sures, At
-f f * ...
-0—a—#—«-*—
ev' - ry lodge can
t—c -
Jft r 7
:p. ^L-
—I
C5—V—
be, T'im-prove themselves by lec - tures la glo-rious Ma - son-ry.
m
£
M:
m. —,—h-
—P B P
--r-r
* .
1 Ps~
fe=T^-
=~*~T=
i, ^ q--^z
—1 £-*—
Hail,
4l™
w ? ^
glo - rious Ma - son
r~N IS K :—
ry! Hail,
glo- rious Ma - son -
ry! T'im-
te-i
~f—r—r—r—
\-f' B-\
• 1
I-Iail,
pidb£=
9 9
glo - rious Ma - son -
J \>
ry! Hail,
*> r
'-V ^ ^
glo- rious Ma - son -
fL—ft #—
1
ry! T'im-
p • p—
1 • Y
LV—$—b—M
• * 1 U—
* U V—
—J V—
—-p—£—p—r—
hr—
-f—fe—H—p-
FT
-t-—eL«-
. *.r. J ¥ ' 0
J •—i - -
- prove themselves by lee - tures In glo - rious Ma - son - ry.
- prove themselves by lec - tures In glo - rious Ma - son - ry.
2 The faithful, worthy brother,
Whose heart can feel for grief,
Whose bosom with compassion,'
Steps forth to its relief,
MASONIC ODES.
38B
Whose soul is ever ready,
Around him to diffuse,
The principles of masons,
And guard them from abuse,
Chorus. These are thy sons whose pleasure
At every lodge will be,
T'improve themselves by lectures,
In glorious masonry.
Hail! glorious masonry!
3 King Solomon, our patron,
Transmitted this command—
" The faithful and praiseworthy,
True light must understand,"
And my descendants also,
Wlio're seated in the east,
Have not fulfilled their duty,
Till light has reached the west.
Chorus. Therefore, our highest pleasure,
At every lodge should be,
T'improve ourselves by lectures,
In glorious Masonry.
Hail! glorious Masonry!
4 The duty and the station
Of the Master in the chair,
Obliges him to summon
Each brother to prepare,
That all may be enabled
By slow, though sure degrees,
To answer in rotation,
With honor and with ease.
Chorus. Such are thy sons, whose pleasure
At ev'ry lodge will be,
T'improve themselves by lectures,
In glorious Masonry.
Hail! glorious Masonry !
jarlt! trout tint Hiram jlmmfe
ROUND FOR THREE VOICES.
i
c. w. w.
p=
Hark! now the Hi-ram sounds, Calling us from la - bor,
Let
guarded be, let
us en - dea - vor,
While we at re - fresh - merit en
joy the fa - vor,
384
AHIMAN EEZON.
(§hf| j$fraot[ "SSlarto's ^ong.
Revised and re-arranged by JAR1ES B. XAYL.OR, K. T.
u Solo,
1. When the Se - nior War - den, stand-ing in the West,
b—b—h b 1 j
—1- —JJ— 1— ^—
j , „ J „ '
—* j a « J i
Calls us from our la - bors, to par - take of rest;
y-ftti 1 4—S—1 0.
—! 1—^ i—
H 1
-w * • **—j—
i—=j—i—^
^ —s—
AVe u - nite, while
he re - cites The
—# j.
du - ties of a
Jf-Wr—1 F9? —) *—S -
—1 P*T i
As-tr 1 d—^—1 1—
fP|4—0 m 0 . 0.*
—J 4—i j—
__| _| 1 ,
We u - nite, while
9% d
d
he re - cites The
du - ties of a
—'f
9*
==*=&—i—g—p
Ma - son. On the Le - vel meet, on the Square we part, Re-
3
Ma - son, On the Le - vel meet, on the Square we part, Re-
=£=£:
£
MASONIC ODES.
385
-0 j ».
±=*zdf
- peats each wor - thy bro - ther; This rule in view, We
d "
3
peats each wor- thy bro - thcr; This rule in view, We
f==F?=F
f
-o—fi-
m
a."
thus re - new our friend-ship for each oth - er.
3
=3=
thus re - new our
friend-ship for each oth
J' / / j" J J
When the Se - nior War - den,
:—& h h J- 1—i
—0 d 0 » J
stand-ing in the West,
• ... —,
N N N r ~1 s
'—r—f—J -«
J P 1 m 1 ?
0 0 « ^ S
Calls us from our la - be
—*=*=3 J
rs
to par - take of rest;
fa, s j
Calls us from our la - bors to par - take of
386 AHIMAN REZON.
=1——0. _
—~* *'
We u - nite, while
—i—r^—i—=i—
pd
he re - cites The
~i—m-t i
L 0 Jr~
du - ties of a
s
Ma - son.
-i—ri
—i—i—^ ■■ j
ni—e . » ~W *
We u - nite, while
—# _ »
r~r r~
he re - cites The
J.
+ ' J
du - ties of a
; J J J
Lj 4—u
Ma - son.
' 1
Solo. 2 When our work is over, implements secure,
Each returning "homeward, with intentions pure,
Our wives we kiss, give sweethearts bliss,
Which makes them both love Masons.
Duett. And thus we may
Enjoy each day,
At home and at our meetings;
Our sweethearts eas'd
Our wives well pleas'd,
Saluted with such greetings.
Chorus. When the Senior Warden, standing in the west,
Calls us from our labor, to partake of rest,
We unite, while he recites
The duties of a Mason.
<>o<->
Juraon IKarta's jlong.
Revised and re-arrangcd by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
J—2- m . P-m-
if1 Ji J h
-b—r-
r—f 0
• J » 0
-f—i—
-—"—^
1. When the Ju - nior "War-den Calls us from our la - bora,
f f (•
i j N f 4
f—
m *
—r.. _. ^ -i
l-f M
Ff 7 it
When the sun is at me - ri - dian height.
r np imp
When the Ju - nior War-den calls us from our la - bor,
at
MASONIC ODES.
N
"387
When the sun is
at
iu
rae-ri - dian height. One and a]],
One and all,
£=EB
&
at his call, To the feast re - pair - ing; All a - round,
£
at his call, To the feast re - pair - ing; All a - round,
5
£
£
&
joy8 re-sound, Each the pleasure shar-ing, When the Ju - nior Warden,
£
v-
joys re-sound, Each the pleasure shar-ing, When the Ju - nior Warden,
—?—r-
pfi p—r—H
» • P-T"
. W1-
i !
calls us
—— v i p
fe! J
from our la - bors,
— 0 . hr-
Lu 5s—1
When the
i F3
~|; * :
sun is at me-
^ —s. h ^—
=~j r
calls us
U ' g • ^
from our la - bors,
tt~ -jv- ^—JU
h=i===igd
When . the
sun is at me-
5M1 *Hv =1
388
&
AHIMAN REZON.
^5^
- dian height. Let us > mer - ri - ly, u - nite most
5
- dian height. Let us mer - ri - ly, u - nite most
lJ7=i
fczit
=ft=¥=
cheer-i - ly, With so - cial har-mo-ny new joys in - vite.
£
cheer- i - ly, With so
cial har - mo - ny new joys in - vite.
-N— . N !S i 1 III
2 Mirth and jollity, without frivolity,
Pervade our meetings at the festive board ;
Justice, Temperance and Prudence govern us,
There's nought but harmony amongst us heard,
One and all, at the call,
To the feast repairing,
All around, joys resound,
Each the pleasure sharing.
Mirth and jollity, without frivolity,
Pervade our meetings at the festive board;
Justice, Temperance and Prudence, govern us,
There's nought but harmony amongst us heard.
3 Thus we ever may enjoy the pleasant moments,
Griv'n unto us from the Master's chair,
Till the sun an hour has pass'd meridian,
When each brother to his work repair.
One and all, hear the call,
From the feast repairing,
All around, gavels sound,
Each the labor sharing
- Thus we ever may enjoy the pleasant moments,
Giv'n unto us from the Master's chair,
Till the sun an hour has pass'd meridian,
When each brother to his work repair.
MASONIC ODES.
389
ail! mysterious, glorious jiriciwi}.
GLEE, FOR THREE VOICES.
1 llegretto non Troppo.
Primo.
t Hail! mys - te - rious
,1 Secondo.
tkt- - -
p=p=-«L
glo - rious sci - ence,
E^-r=P f—
Hail! mys - te - rious,
H r r ~]~1
Pt
Basso
9#—
9 ■ • ■ p- »
Hail! mys - te - rious,
—f—r—r—r—f—
-f ' f
?—> t #—
—i 1 LJ '
glo - rious sci - ence,
f 0 » m J
—1 i 1 1
Hail! mys - te - rious,
f
f f f r
-L—1 1—|
glo - rious sei - ence,
f m m *
K i Li-=^
glo - rious sci - ence,
—i 1 1— t—
Hail! mys - te - x-ious,
f
t—i—H
□H_t—^—[_HJ
glo - rious sci - ence,
M-
"Whieh to dis - cord bids de - fi - ance, Har - mo - ny a -
m
Which to dis - cord bids de - fi - ance, Har - mo - nj a
7 r r r
390 AHIMAN REZON.
F=£=
- lone reigns here,
r 1 j=
: a * *
ift 1
Har - mo - ny a
—#—=—r f 1#—
1
one reigns he
tf
re.
r J o)
1 0
- lone reigns here,
©—
—E—1=1
Har - mo - ny a
M=!=*=r=Fl
—j a ^ *-
lone reigns here.
H—r—J—ft
: ^—p (2—
- si- ■
er
• | |
Come, let's sing,
_
h"—r—F—
1=7—r -f—H
—I—1 1—
Come, let's sing to
* p f" #
1 ' '
him who rais'd us,
—£ p L E—
_f m. » £
^
—1 1 1 1
—1 1 1
|
..... . c_..
r g r r
To the light that
~f~5—T—p J—
p \—f—F~'
r , P P
From the rug - ged
» * ^ 0
L-1 '
U p—i
path that maz'd us,
-| 1> ff
To the light that
—# f^
-I 1 rl 1
\ * P
rT ' r -f==p=
—f i 1 *
> f—M
we re - vere,
=j—1—T=\
_l —— 1 "
To the light that
f
—f~—r—p—J—
—1 f ^ r
we re - vere.
F=^n [—-i
!
t
r 0 ?>
we re - vere,
©
-r r H
-1- & p W
To the light that
f
—0—-—0 p p—:
—i fci U !
* ■—-j——B—r
we re - vere.
1
1
:~f 1 ~T
MASONIC ODES.
391
L—|_J
Ilail! mys - te - rious
P
—f »—1 ■
Hail! mys - te - rious,
P
—g V 0
—i-F t—f—
Hail! mys - te - rious,
P
s 0 0—
—¥—f 1 1
E—b=£~M
Hail! mys - te - rious,
-i-J—LJ
gio - rious sci -
f
-r * m
ence,
0
r- r r r=\
w • • •
I 1 1
Hail! mys - te - ri
f
ous,
-i—i——i—
glo - rious sci - ence,
0 S m
—^^ 1®
—1 1 1
— | F 1* 0
Hail! mys - te - ri
P t
1
ous, glo - rious sci - ence,
m—* *—m 1 1
—1 1 1 1
F F s »
—1—\—L—M I
1 1 1 1
— '—*—
_i 1 , 1
glo - rious sci - ence,
—0 0 p 0—
£ 0 0 s
*
Q 0
- | 1 ~1 1—
—i— | \-=r=
1 1
Which to dis - cord
1 1 1
bids de - fi - ance,
Har - mo - ny a -
S ■; = 0 0—
0 0 g 0
1 1 1 1
—0 0 0 w—
i 1 1 —
f=t -r i i=j
. 1 _ 1 1 ' t
Which to dis - cord
- i- | i
bids de - fi - ance,
—i—^—i—i—
Har - mo - ny a -
s m 3 1
r r r N
0 p f
i " . *
|_ ....
r r -
IF-
- lone reigns here, Har - mo - ny a
f
r 3=^
lone reigns here.
=T—J—3=
£
- lone reigns here, Har - mo - ny
lone reigns here.
AHIMAN KEZON.
®Jut (Bnterftt $o«0.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYlORi K. T.
«
-K ■
—r^—p f f - r <r
i
. m. F———b—
$ V *—^f-J
—
hi—F J—
1. Di - rect from his home see yon can - di - date come, Pre
—0—
p
-f—
-9—
—0—
0 •_)0—f.—£—I 0
—h-
-T-
jj
_..b
-4>—
-U—
-f
c
-f," / V V \j !i
- y
y ■■ y ■/ V
- par'd for the time and oc -
ca
sion,
Of
all
that
can
harm
we
9
p__
P
*
p.
L)
1
r
!v
j
!;
y
i
v \j !i M ft
v
1/
will him dis - arm, That he
no
harm can
do
to
a
Ma
- son..
r-c=fcEES=Fg=F=r=^^
Of all that can harm we will him dis - arm, That he
Of all that can harm we will him dis - arm, That he
a:hb .js |—p—-j, J1 j—r I f —r P P
gy~J It ^ I k £ I * +
—r—
f
*—
1*
—0—
—Ij—
V—
no
—h-
—l»—
way
h"
V—
can
—h-
b=
hurt
=p=
/
a
-4-
-4—
Free
—
M
a -
h
~1
son.
—1
—\
—0—
no
*—
a
way
.0 . .
4-—
can
ft....
hurt
0
9
a
0
-4-
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m
Free
—»—
Ma -
h
—0
son.
1
—?
: V=
—c—
—V—
]>
—V—
-4-
-f=l
—
1
—0
—?
MASONIC ODES.
2 His eyes cannot search
Out the way of his march,
Nor yet where his steps he must place on:
When him we receive,
He cannot perceive,
How he came to be made a Free Mason.
3 Then he'll danger defy,
And on heaven rely,
For strength to support the occasion,
With the blessing of prayer,
He banishes fear,
And undaunted is made a Free Mason.
4 When he makes his demand
By the Master's command,
To know if he's fit for the station,
Around he is brought,
Ere he get what he sought,
From a free and an accepted Mason.
5 When girded with care,
By the help of the square,
The emblem of truth and of reason,
In form he is placed,
While to him are rehearsed,
The mysteries of a Free Mason.
6 Then full in his sight,
Doth shine the grand light,
To illumine the works which we trace on ;
And now, as his due,_
He's clothed in full view,
With the badge of an accepted Mason.
7 Now hark! we enlarge
On the duties and charge.
Where his conduct and walk he must place
Then our rites we'll fulfill,
And show our good will
To a free and an accepted Mason.
394
AHIMAN EEZOIST.
Sfty god ^arricn's Jsonfl.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
1. When the sun from the east first sa - lutes mor-tal eyes, And the
^—-j
# a - •—»
-i P—h—
i_C g i
^ £ | €
1 ^i
0—. 0 0
sky - lark me - lo - dious - ly bids us a - rise, "With our
heart full of joy, we the sum - mons o - bey, Straight re-
Choetjs.
•jHff t * P
—t~i IS c
—h IV—
$5 ^—y— s—h—
-* J J h —
J /
V^! ^ p ^^
- pair to our -work, and re -
0 tt
B # J
ceive each his pay.
With our
1—h Is—
m-
— £
U W
V
Cgf
With our
Fi^
V
—t—
—«
H—J JM—?—
f—t> LLJ—P—s=J
hearts full of joy we the
—:
■ # w . 0" —• r—
: ^—U—J
sum - mons o - bey, Straight re-
0 0 0 " S 0
hearts full of joy we the
=P p--' * f 0 «
sum - mons o - bey, Straight re-
MASONIC ODES. 395
—f c g-Xj^ -y
- pair to our work, and re -
—4-—-^^^ v—
ceive each hi
R ^=5
pay.
ft 1
1 d J L_f 0 Jr
- pair to our work, and re -
0 0
ceive each hi
J
pay.
* * \- P—
k
1 U— I' *
—f i
—4 4—.—«
i 1 ::
M U
2 On the Tressel, our Master draws Angles and Lines,
There with freedom and fervency forms his designs,
Not a picture on earth is so lively to view,
All his Lines are so perfect, his Angles so true,
3 In the west see the Warden, submissively stand,
The Master to aid, and obey his command ;
The intent of his signals we perfectly know,
And we ne'er take offence when he gives us a blow.
4 In the Lodge, sloth and dullness we always avoid,
Fellow crafts and Apprentices, all are employ'd,
Perfect ashlers some finish, some make the rough plain,
All are pleased with their work, and are pleased with their gain,
5 When my Master I've served seven years, perhaps more,
Some secret he'll tell me I ne'er knew before ;
In my bosom I'll keep them as long as I live,
And pursue the directions his wisdom shall give.
6 I'll attend to his call by night and by day, *
It is his to command, and 'tis mine to obey;
Whensoe'er we are met, I'll attend to his nod,
And I'll work till high twelve, then I'll lay down my Hod.
88 & 7a.
1 Now we part! what sad emotion
Fills each brother's kindly heart,
As amid the world's commotion,
Each retires to take a .part.
2 Let us, round this sacred altar,
All our solemn vows renew,
Never waver, never falter,
Be each steadfast, firm, and true.
896 AHIMAN REZON.
Uta Jgteonrg Hiring lag.
Adapted and arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
Andante. Air—" Gather your Roses."
f ' * —*'i f
ran—tq
When
,, Secon
£fe=q
-1—P—[£f-
Ma - son - ry ex -
do.
- . i
:f—V » w
pir - ing lay, By 1
—i—^—r
—•——»—•—pj.
cnaves and fools re -
-i h—1 M
S«=r
When
Bassc
4 I ' "*
Ma - son - ry ex -
C=C=T-g=
-J d « J—1
pir - ing lay, By i
f—* ^
4 P «—-j—
-0—. 9 0 0
.naves and fools re -
-T *—e *—
-i b»—i 1
—
t 0 = 0—
—0 5 0 0 =-3 -g—
"3 1"H=q 1=
- 1 V l_=
—1 FT h m 0- ^
1—1 1
- j<
jet - ed, With
' 1 1 1 1
- out one hope, one
3
cheer - ing ray, By
j H 3 1—
—I P- 1 -j
—1
1 >
=d
- « * * -J
—1
—0 ^
! !
m j
- ject - ed, With*
- out one hope, one
cheer - ing ray, By
; ; a *—
- i f 0
♦ , 1
f—p=S=-t=
M M f—
-1—r J *
■worth - less fools ne - gleet - ed; Fair vir - tue fled, Truth
JttAISUJMlU ODES.
397
hung her head, O'er - whelmed in deep con - fu - sion, Sweet
&
i=3==i
hung her head, O'er - whelmed in deep con - fu - sion, Sweet
S3
3
#*
s
—••
:i. ^ r
»T-* —#-
&
f-r—f-s
=U=f
Friendship too, her smiles withdrew, From this blest in - sti - tu - tion.
«*
« o * m • *
Friendship too, her smiles withdrew, From this blest in - sti - tu - tion.
i=ft
H 1—-g-9-
#=P
3=3=^
2 Since Masonry's revived once more,
Pursue her wise directions,
Let circumspection go before,
And virtue square your actions ;
Unite your hands in friendship's bands,
Supporting one another,
With honest heart, fair truth impart,
To every faithful brother.
3 And may kind heaven's gracious hand,
Still regulate each action,
May every lodge securely stand,
Against the storms of faction;
May love and peace, each day increase,
Throughout this happy nation ;
May they extend till all shall end
In one great conflagration.
3 98
AHIMAN REZON".
(tSlhcit (Earth's! .JomtMons first lcere. laid.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
Air—-'Rule Brittania."
- . . TTf-
•
1 1 |
m f3—K, f—
F
r x 4 d_i_L—
1
the A1 - migh
—^—
ty
1_| / =: :
Ar - tist's hand, 'Twas then our per - feet, our
S i»
«-T-
H—-i— «.
1 N * K-= x
J
- Crr.Cr£=
j jj. j r
LJ
J ' *—i'V ■
Hr r |Bgt
per-fect laws were made, Es - tab-lish'd by his strict command.
S #*
-# # * P *—
A - 'fr t» '
_—
—i^—
&-TO=H
LtH-u
—f—f—»-f—
v-z—* j . - r i
1 • ^
Hail! re
k k 7 ^
ys - te - rious, hail!
-N fc he
-i V It
glo - rious Ma -
V 1 :
on - ry, That
5^=_4_t_^ „—7 f _
-?—r—J—J J 7 f,—
Hail! n
1/—
lys - te - rious, hail!
-K
r W
glo - rious Ma -
- V
on - ry, That
-3*
* \> g 7 r, -
P F = f
Ti \ 7 ->
-V / : K ! -■ ^
pf f refrh
-1® 0 s a
t r - f—
i LLU *
makes us ev - er
—p—p
F 1 y~T
jreat and free.
F 9 l" w
_| \/ v V 7 .p
Hail! mys- te - rious, hail !
=| tj1-1—!i—f-Sc- t
1
makes us er - er
.
J r ' =r=]
—i—I b-
if r r ' i
jreat and free.
J • v* v ~m ■" r ■■
— yt
Hail! mys- te - rious, hail!
i 0 9 = 0—.
—t—rrrr
r-0—i
-f r r - II
—*—v—t —
glo - rious Ma-son - ry, That
- 1 hPti
makes us ev
er
-1—1—p-S-H
jreat and free.
= p—b—i „ »
P 0 m—vp-
—£=
* * J=L_£=
\ \ rrf-
—V—
f \ "
—V—
glo-r
V- —
ous Ma-son - ry, That
f——r-
1—tiifa
makes us ev
i t X-—
er
—0—
A 1
»reat and free.
ik i» !
i J v
i
—e % —L-y-
—1 \h-
\
2 As man throughout for shelter sought,
In vain from place to place to roam,
Until from heaven he was taught,
To plan, to build, to fix his home.
Hail! mysterious, hail! glorious Masonry,
That makes us ever great and free.
3 Hence, illustrious rose our art,
And now the beauteous piles appear,
Which shall to endleBS time impart,
How worthy and how great we are.
Hail mysterious, &c.
4 Nor we less famed for every tie,
By which the human thought is bound,
Love, Truth and Friendship, socially,
Join all our hearts and hands around.
Hail! mysterious, &c.
6 Our actions still by virtue blest,
And to our precepts ever true,
The world admiring shall request
To learn, and our bright path pursue.
Hail! mysterious, &c.
400
AHIMAN BEZON.
gogal %xtk
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
k
=t=±=i
-0 a a-
d=
1. Joy! the sa - cred law is found, Now the tem - pie
-0 0 0 0-
I I
F=^fc=w-i
n—1—i 1—r
J J ;
II / /■
f *
=f=±=M=y
i ✓ |
rr1
]/ 1
stands com-plete,
Glad - ly let us gath - er round Where the
f P
4- b I
—J 1 1
u
—*—
J 1
ipl J J
—1—r—"—H
J
"r f r r
fi ' 0 1—
h tr-f
Pon - tiff holds his seat; Now he spreads the vol - ume wide,
r r
:r-r~i—m
I •111 i~H
Ope - ning forth its leaves to - day,
And the mo - narch
MASONIC ODES.
401
by his side Ga - zes on the bright dis - play.
^=jHN^i§igE=g|^gii
2 Joy ! the secret vault is found,
Full the sunbeam falls within,
Pointing darkly under ground,
To the treasure we would win.
They have brought it forth to light,
And again it cheers the earth ;
All its leaves are purely bright,
Shining in their newest worth.
3 This shall be the sacred mark,
Which shall guide us to the skies,
Bearing, like a holy ark,
All the hearts who love to rise ;
This shall be the corner stone,
Which the builders threw away,
But was found the only one
Fitted for the arch's stay.
4 This shall be the gavel true,
At whose sound the crowd shall bend,
Giving to the law its due,—
This shall be the faithful friend;
This the token, which shall bring
Kindness to the rich and poor,
Hastening on, on angel's wing,
To the lone and darksome door.
5 This shall crown the Mighty Arch,
When the temple springs on high,
And the brethren bend their march
Wafting incense to the sky ;
When the solemn strain shall swell
From the bosom and the tongue,
And the Master's glory tell,
In the harmony of song.
6 Here tlie exile, o'er the waste,
Trudging homeward, shall repose,
All his toils and dangers past,
Here his long sojourning close ;
Entering through the sacred veils,
To the holy cell he bends,
Then, as sinking nature fails,
Hope in glad fruition ends.
402
AHIMAN REZON.
Jlost dfetdleni Paster's
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
¥
1 I LJ 1
l. All hail to the
r
r
r
morn-ing, that bids us re - joice;
p=!—r-npT]
!
—1 1 * -j-
—r ~ r~> r-
—1—TT
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MASONIC ODES.
403
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gui-ded The tribes of old Is - rael, ex - alt - ing their fame:
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To Him -who hath gov - ern'd our hearts un - di - vid - ed.
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Let's send forth our
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praise his great name.
i
voi - ces to
2 Companions assemble,
On this joyful day,
(The occasion is glorious,)
The key stone to lay ;
Fulfilled is the promise,
By the Ancient of Days,
To bring forth the cape stone,
With shouting and praise.
CEREMONIES.
There is no more occasion for Level and Plumb line,
For Trowel or Gavel, for Compass or Square,
Our works are completed, the ark safely seated,
And we shall be greeted as workmen most rare.
3 Now, those that are worthy,
Our toils who have shared,
And proved themselves faithful,
Shall meet their reward ;
404
AHIMAN. REZON.
Their virtue and knowledge,
Industry and skill,
Have our approbation,
Have gained our good will.
We accept and receive them, Most Excellent Masters,
Invested with honors, and power to preside,
Among worthy craftsmen, wherever assembled,
The knowledge of Masons to spread far and wide.
4 Almighty Jehovah!
Descend now and fill
This lodge with thy gloiy,
Our hearts with good will!
Preside at our meetings,
Assist us to find,
True pleasure in teaching
Good will to mankind.
Thy wisdom inspired the great institution.
Thy strength shall support it till nature expire,
And when the creation shall fall into ruin,
Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the firo.
rang ©dq. <f. JK.
Arranged by JAMES B. TAYLOR, K. T.
m
cf?
1. Come, Masters of the Art, u - nite, And may this meet-ing prove,
2. May friendship and mo - ral - i - ty "With true fra - ter - nal love,
T-4-
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To
Be
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sons of
Ma - son's
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light,
heart,
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strengthened
all his
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bond of
ac - tions
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love,
move.
PLATES.
SYMBOLIC DEGREES.
PLATE II.
ENTERED APPRENTICE.
w
TRACING BOARD OF AN E. A—EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.
PLATE IIL
SECTION I.
PLATE IV.
SECTION I.
A
1
PLATE V.
PLATE VII.
SECTION HI.
'Ill N0II03S
iha atvu
u
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PLATE X.
SECTION III.
PLATE XI.
FELLOW CRAFT.
PLATE XII.
PLATE XIII.
MASTER ZVEA.SOINT.
SECTION I.
PLATE XIV.
SECTION III.
iw
16
3
3
1,453 Columns.
3,906 Pilasters.
3 Grand Masters.
3,300 Overseers.
80,000 Fellow Crafts.
70,000 Entered Apprentices.
PLATE XV.
PLATE XVI.
CAPITULAR DEGREES.
plate xvii.
master.
SECTION I.
PLATE XVIII.
SECTION U.
PLATE XIX.
MOST EXCELLENT MASTER.
PLATE XX.
plate xxrr.
PLATE mi
PLATE XXIV.
PLATE XXV.
PLATE XXVI.
PLATE XXVH.
CRYPTIC DEGREES.
PLATE XXVIH.
ROYAL MASTER.
PLATE XXIX.
SELECT MASTER.
JEWELS.
GRAND LODGE AND GRAND CHAPTER.
GRAND MASTER'S COLLAR AND JEWEL.
PLATE
XXXI.
GRAND PURSUIVANT.
PLATE XXXII.
PLATE XXXni.
G. CAPTAIN OF THE HOST. G. ROYAL ARCH CAPTAIN. G. PRINCIPAL SOJOURER.
G. M. OF THE VEILS.
G. TREASURER.
G. SECRETARY.
G. CHAPLAIN.
G. TYLER.