IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V Munr Kxi:i:m,knt Mastku - 4:{ Hect'i>tion 47 La.viiij; the ('oi)pstoiio Til [iCfturo 5S Char^o r>".» Historiral Siuumary <>0 Royai- Akcii - .* 70 Oincors 71 •Icwels and nothinnf .' 73 Woik..f the Veils SO First Scripture Kxtraet H(! Seeond « « til Ilistorieal Lecture 9'^ Svnibolieal n '.»(> Mystical II Kri Anciknt Ckkkmoniks— 124 iMstitiitioii of a Chapter 124 Conseerati(Hi n n 127 DiMlio.itio I II II V2\> Installation of Otiicers 130 II II Z 132 H II H. 13S II II J 143 II II other Officers Ifil Masonic Calkn'dah- irwi IU-Laws anp Rkoilations— 158 FoKMs Foil a Warkant OF Constitution — 1(W Ft)r Exaltation H\\) II Membership 170 II Demit 170 II Proxy 171 Form for Mini'te.s— 172 II II Grand CiiAPTKR Returns— 179 FORM OF A M. M. M. LODGK. 1. W. Master. 2. S. Warden. 3. J. Warden. 4. Secretary. 8. S. Deacon. J. Deacon J. Ov cTi^eor. iS. Overseer. 1). M. Overseer. 10. I. (iiiard. 11. Tyler. except iui^ the Cher seers. r- — ! FORM OF A R. A. CHAPTER. 2 ♦ 3 *- 4 D 8 6 7 18 » * w ^ 12 * s 11 * p 10 * B w 1 z 2 H. 3 J. 4 S.E. 5 S.N. 6 P.S. I * 9 7 S.S. 8 J.S. J. 10 M. of 1 V. M. of 2 V. M. of 3 V. 13 M. of 4 V. 11 12 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. MARK MASTER. This degree of Masonry was not less useful in its original institution, nor are its effects less beneficial to mankind, than those which precede it. By its influence each Operative Mason, at the erection of the Temple of Solomon, was known and distinguished by the Senior G. Warden. By its effects the disorder and confusion that might otherwise have attended so immense an undertak- ing was completely prevented ; and not only the crafts- men themselves, who were eighty thousand in number, but every part of their workmanship, was discriminated with the greatest nicety and the utmost facility. If de- fects were found in the work, the Overseers, l^y the help of this degree, were enable*-!, without difficulty, to ascer- lO ivOYAL ARCH COMPANtON. tain who was the faulty workman; so that its deficiencies might be remedied without injuring the credit or dimin- ishing the reward of the industrious and faithful among the craft. r A MARK MASTER S LODGE Consists of the members of the Chapter to which it is attached, and the following oflicers, viz.: W. Mastt-r, in the East ; Senior Warden, in the West ; Junior Warden, in the South ; Treasurer, on the right, and Sec- retary, on the left, near the chair; Master of Ceremonies, on the left, in front of the Secretary ; Senior Deacon, on the right of the W. M. ; Junior Deacon, at the right of the Senior Warden ; Master Overseer, at the East Gate ; Senior Overseer, at the West Gate ; Junior Overseer, at the South Gate ; Stewards, on the left of the W. M. and and S. Warden ; Chaplain, in the East, on the left of the Master. I. G., inside the Entrance. The officers of Chapters take rank in a Mark Master's Lodge as follows, viz. : tlie First Principal Z., as W. Master; Second Principal H., as Senior Warden; Third Principal J., as Junior Warden; Principal Sojourner, as Senior Deacon ; Senior Sojourner, as Junior Deacon ; Junior Sojourner, as I. G.; Master of the Third Vail, as Master Overseer ; Master of the Second Vail, as Senior Overseer ; Master of the First Vail, as Junior Overseer ; Scribe K., as Secretary. Tiie Treasurer, Chaplain, Stew- ards, Director of Ceremonies, and Tyler, as officers of corresponding rank, / OPENING. II A candidate receiving this degree is said to be ** ad- vanced to the honorary degree of a Mark Master." OPENING. * « •ij -» * « •* * * * * A lodge of Mark Masters is opened in the pecu- liar form, known only to the brethren of this degree. INVOCATION. B., the Lodge being thus duly formed, before I declare it opened, let us invoke a blessing from the Ci.G.O.T.U. upon all our undertakings. May cur labors thus commenced in order, be conducted in peace and closed in harmony. Response by the B.—So mote it be. SECTION I. This section explains the manner of opening the Lodge. It also teaches the stations and duties of the officers, and the preparation and introduction of candidates. It exem- plifies the regularity and good order that were observed 12 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. by the Craftsmen at the building of the Temple ; illus- trates the method by which the idle and unworthy were detected and punished, and displays one of the principal events which characterizes this degree. Here the initiate is informed of the proper materials necessary in the construction of the Temple ; the place whence they were obtained, and the manner in which they were inspected, approved or rejected. The stones of which the Temple was constructed were of white limestone, or a species of marble. This mate- rial is described as being soft, and easily worked, but hardening by exposure. Recent discoveries in Jerusalem leave no room for doubt as to the precise place from whence those immense stones used in the edifice were taken. A recent traveller thus describes a vast excavation which had been discov- ered about two hundred yards east of the Damascus gate of the city : "This remarkable place, which is evidently ik.j— OPKNING. 13 nothing else than a vast underground quarry, large enough, even as far as it has been explored, to have furnished the materials for the building of the Temple, and the walls of Jerusalem, extends south-east of Mount Moriah in the direction of the Mosque of Omar. "The roof of this enormous excavation, which took us about three hours in perambulating, is supported at inter- vals of about twenty, thirty, or forty yards, by scjuare, massive, tower-like bastions, or pillars of various heights and dimensions, formed out of the entire rock or rather left there standing by the surrounding parts being cut away. The marks of the chisel on the dry portions of the rock looked as new and fresh as if the workmen had only just retired." Nothing but good work, -true work, — square work is wanted for the building, and it must have the mark of the craft upon it. ill t! 14 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. At the building of the Temple, no work was suffered to pass the gates but such as the proper officers had orders to receive, and no Craftsman was entitled to wages until his work had been approved. These wise regulations were necessary in order to insure the recep- tion of good, true, and square work only, and by them we are symbolically taught to try all our actions by the square of virtue, that thus being able to exhibit suitable specimens of our labor on earth, we may be suffered to enter the burnished gates of the new Jerusalem, and prove our right to receive wages by the token of Faith. The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week. OPENING. IS \ >■ The following song to be sung : Music— (National Anthem). Mark Masters, all appear Before the Chief O'erseer, In concert move ; Let him your work inspect For the Chief Architect ; If there be no defect, He will approve. You who have passed the square, For your rewards prepare, Join heart and hand ; £ac'/i with his mark in view, March with the just and true ; Wages to you are due. At your command. WAGES. ^ -if * -X- * -X- ■)(• ■Jf * The Jewish week began with the Christian Sabbath or Qur Sunday, and closed with their Sabbath or our Satur- day. The sixth day of the Jewish week was, therefore, our Friday. The Jews divided their day into twelve i6 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 4 hours, commencing at sunrise and ending at sunset. The sixth hour was noonday or "high twelve." Tlie precise time, therefore, alluded to here was Friday noon, when the Craft, in Temple times, are said to have been called from labor to refreshment. The labors of the week being thus brought to a close, the faithful whose work had been approved, at a given signal formed in proces- sion, headed by the J.G.VV., and moving to the notes of cheerful music, presented them.selves at the proper place to receive their weekly pay. If any one demanded wages when none were due him, he was at once, by the wise precaution of King Solomon, detected and made to suffer the penalty of an impostor. So we are taught the important lesson that we should be particularly careful never to take wages not our due, lest we should wrong a brother by taking that which, in (7(?<■ -^ was detected, and about to be punished, but King Solomon pardoned him, and after a severe reprimand, ordered him to be taken back to the quarries. There were 80,000 craftsmen employed at the building of the Temple, who at the sixth hour of the sixth day of every week, formed a proces- sion and repaired to the office of the S. Warden to receive their wages. To prevent imposition. King Solomon ordered that every Craftsman should choose his particular mark, by which he and his work was known and distinguished. They each presented their right hand through a small lattice window, with a copy of their mark in the palm thereof, at the same time giving the token. The S. W. looked at a corresponding mark in his ItCEPTION — HISTORICAL LECTURE. 27 book, placed the wages * "^^ * and he passed on. If any one attempted to receive wages with- out giving the token, the S. W. seized the hand* and cried an impostor, upon which an officer sta- tioned there immediately inflicted the penalty. This degree was originally founded by our three Ancient Grand Masters, S. A", of Israel^ H. K. of Tyre, and H. A. Not only for the reasons already shown, but as an honorary degree to be conferred upon all who had proved themselves meritorious in the preceding degrees, and also to render it impos- sible for a craftsman to suffer for the immediate necessities of life, when the price of his mark would procure them. It was not less useful in its original undertaking, nor were its effects less beneficial, than those de- grees which preceded it. By its influence, each operative Mason was known and distinguished at the erection of the Temple. By its effects, the disorder and confusion that otherwise might have attended so immense an un- dertaking were completely prevented, and not only were the Craftsmen known, but every part of their work was discriminated with the great- est nicety and utmost facility. If defects were y:2 ■' I ■I ! 28 ROYAL AKCII COMPANION. found in the work, the overseers were enabled to ascertain, withouc difficuhy, who was the fauUy workman, so that deficiencies might be remedied without injuring the credit, or diminishing the reward of the industrious, and faithful of ihe craft. WORKING TOOLS. I now present you with the workifig tools of a Mark Master, which are the chisel dind mallet. THE CHISEL Morally demonstrates the advantage of discip- line and education. 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 reduce man to a proper level ; so that, by quiet RKCEPTION— CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE. 29 deportment, be 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, Tlie soul's calm sunshine, and the heart-felt joy." CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE. Brother : —I congratulate you on having been thought worthy of being promoted to this honor- able degree of Masonry. 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 breth- ren, on whom this degree of Masonry has not been conferred ; all will be justified in expecting your conduct and behaviour to be such as may with safety be imitated. 11 i t In the honorable character of Mark Master Ma- son, 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 tliat spiritual building, that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. While such is your conduct, should misfortunes assail you, should friends forsake you, should envy traduce your good name, and malice persecute you ; yet you may have confidence, that among Mark Master Masons, you will find friends who will administer relief to your distresses, and comfort in your afflictions ; ever bearing in mind, as a conso- lation under all the frowns of fortune, and as an encouragement to hope for better prospects, ///a^ the stone which the builders rejected, (possessing merits to them unknown) became the chief stone of the corner. K ECKI'TION — Cl'.RKMON I ES — WAC. IS. 31 The sixth hour of the sixth day of the week. CEREMONIES— WAGKS. Music. — National A nthem. Hiram, the widow's son Seat 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. ■ I 32 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 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 0/ the ri^ht hand. EXHORTATION. Brethren : — It is my duty to exhort you to receive the wages allotted you with thankfulness, and to remember that the G. A. O. T. U. will make no distinction of persons in the distribution of his benificence, but will give alike to all who endeavor to obey his Divine commands. Even so Masonry regards the internal not the external qualifications that recommend a man to be a Mason, no matter what his work, the humblest craftsman has a right to as great a reward as the highest, provided he has faithfully performed the task set before him. RKCEPTION — EXHORTATION. 33 The nature of our institution ordains this, for the youngest member may in reahty be more earnest in his researches than the oldest, and be rewarded with more light in Masonry in conse- quence. He, who like the young craftsman so recently represented by our brother, having made a discov- ery in Masonic science, renders more benefit to the institution than a member who, though of long standing, has learned nothing but the simplest routine of the degree ; just as the Key-stone wns of much greater importance to the building than the ordinary stones. It is not the length of time you have been a Mason, but the proper use of that time, that will entitle you to the wages of wisdom and knowledge. Remember that the Key-stone found by our brother at the eleventh hour, although at first re- jected by the builders, became the chief stone of the corner, while you who had wrought in the quarries from the earliest hours, exhibited only specimens of the skill of the ordinary workman. Brethren, let me once more exhort you to receive the wages allotted to you with thankfulness. >5 si i k .1 34 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 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. The ceremony of closing a lodge in this degree, when properly conducted, is peculiarly interesting. It assists in strengthening tiie social affections ; it teaches us the duty we owe to our brethren in par- ticular, and the whole family of mankind in general, by ascribing praise to the meritorious, and dispensing rewards to the diligent and industrious. PAST MASTER. w This degree is more closely associated with Symbolic than Chapter Masonry. It was originally, and is to this day, an honorary degree, and should be conferred only on the newly-elected Master of a Lodge. But as it has become a permanent component part of the Capitular System, it is therefore useless to contend with what is often termed the "inconsistency" of conferring an honor where no equivalent services have been or are expected to be rendered. Those who receive the degree in the Chapter are termed "virtual" Past Masters, in contradistinction to those who have been elected and installed in a regularly constituted Symbolic Lodge, who are called "aciual" Past Masters; the former having no rights or privileges, as such, out of the Chapter. The regular officers of a Past Master's Lodge corres- ])ond with those of a Craft Lodge. The officers of the Chapter taking their positions as follows: — Z. , as \V; M. ; H., as S.W. ; J., as J. W.; Scribe E., as Secretary; P. Sojourner, as S. D. ; S. Sojourner, as J.D. ; J. So- journer, as LG. The Treasurer, D. of Ceremonies, Organist, Stewards, and Tyler occu|iy the corresponding stations. The candidate receiving this degree is said to have been " regularly seated in the Oriental chair of K' g Solomon as a Past Master." OPENING. INvccA•no?^r. The Lodge being thus duly formed, before I decLire it opened, let us invoke a blessing from the M. H. upon all our undertakings. May our labors thus commenced in order, be conducted in peace, and closed in harmony. MARK MASTER. 0/ •*■ I 1 DF.r.REE. riil RECEPTION. Bro , do you promise to submit to the ancient charges and regulations of our order, as Past Masters have done in all ages? The candidate after being duly seated in the chair of the Lodge and being invested with the secrets thereto, is presented with the various implements pertaining to the degree. 1st. The Sacred Volume, that great light in Ma- sonry, which will guide you to all truth ; direct your paths to the temple of happiness, and point out to you the whole duty of man. 2'^-d. The Squ ire^ which teaches us to regulate our actions by rule and line, and to harmonize our conduct by the principles of morality and virtue. 3rd. The Compixsses, which teach us to limit our desires in every station, that rising to eminence by merit, we may live respected and die regretted. MARK M AST ¥. R — C H A R G K. 39 4th. The Ru/e, which 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. 5th. The L?Me, which teaches us the criterion of moral rectitude, to avoid dissimulation in conver- sation and action, and to direct our steps to the Dath which leads to immortality. 6th, and lastly. The Gavel, an emblem of power, with which, I doubt not, you are well acquainted. CHARGE. The conferring at this time of a degree which has no historical connexion with the other capitu- lar degrees, is an apparent anomaly, which how- ever, is indebted for its existence to the following circumstances : Originally, when Royal Arch Masonry was under the government of symbOi ic lodges, ' i which the Royal Arch degree was then alwayj > >nferred, it was a regulation that no one could receive it unless he had previously presided as the Master of that, or some other lodge ; and this restriction was made because the Royal Arch was deemed too important a degree to bQ confencd only on Master Masons. 40 ROYAL AkCH COMPANION. But, as by confining the Royal Arch to those only who had been actually elected as the presid- ing officer of any C. lodge, the extension of the degree would have been materially circumscribed, and its usefulness greatly impaired, the Grand Master often granted, upon due petition, his dis- pensation to permit certain Master Masons, (al- though not elected to preside over any lodge) " to pass the chair," which was a technical term, in- tended to designate a brief ceremony, by which the candidate was invested with the mysteries of a Past Master, and, like him entitled to advance in Masonry as far as the Royal Arch, or that perfec- tion and consummation of the third degree. When however the control of the Royal Arch was taken from the symbolic lodges, and entrusted to a distinct organization, namely, that of chapters the regulations continued to be observed, for it was doubtful to many whether it could legally be abol- ished, rmd as the law still requires that the august degree of Royal Arch shall be restricted to Past Masters, our candidates are made to " pass the chair" simply as a preparation and qualification toward being invested with the solemn instructions of the Royal Arch. The ceremony of passing the chair, or making you in this manner a Past Master, does not how- MARK MASTER— CHARGE. 41 'as )0l- ust last Lhe Ion ms ever confer upon you any official rank outside the chapter, nor can you in a symbolic lodge claim any peculiar piivileges in consequence of having re- ceived in the chapter the investiture of the Past Masters' degree. Those who receive the degree in symbolic lodges as a part of the installation services, when elected to preside, have been properly called " Actual Past Masters," while those who pass through the ceremony in a chapter as simrjiy preparatory to taking the Royal Arch, are dirlinguished as " Vir- tual Past Masters," to show that with the investi- ture of the secrets they have not received the rights and prerogatives of the degree. With this brief explanation of thc^ reason why this degree is now conferred upon you, and why you have been permitted to occupy the chair, you will retire and suffer yourself to be prepared for those further and profounder researches in Mason- ry; which can only be consummated in the Royal Arch degree. CLOSING. ■!| INVOCATION. B., before the L. is closed, let us with all rever- ence and humility express our gratitude to the M. H. for the favors already received ; and may He continue to preserve our O. by cementing and adorning it vith every moral ?.nd social virtue. MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 4'.' 1 This degree has special reference to that important period when the Temple erected by King Solomon for the worship of Jehovah was completed, and consecrated in all its glory and beauty. The Masonic tradition upon which the degree is founded is described in the ancient IJook of Constitu- tions, in the following words : " The Temple was finished in the short space of seven years and six months, to the amazement of all the world ; mmmm'! when the cope-stone was celebrated by the fraternity with great joy. But their joy was soon interrupted by the sudden death of their dear master, Hiram Abif, whom they decently interred in the lodge near the Tem- ple, according to ancient usage. "After Hiram Abif was mourned for, the tabernacle of Moses and its holy relics being lodged in the Temple, Solomon, in a general assembly, dedicated or consecrat- ed it by a solemn prayer and costly sacrifices past num- ber, with the finest music, vocal and instrumental, praising jeho'r h unow nxitig the holy ark in its proper place, between the cherubim ; when Jehovah filled his own Temple with a cloud of glory." None "but those who, through diligence and industry, have progressed far toward perfection ; none but those who have been seated in the Oriental Chair by the unanimous suffrages of their brethren, can be admitted to this degree. In its original establishment, when the Temple of Jerusalem was finished, and the fraternity celebrated the cope-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 render it indispensable that he should have a perfect knowledge of all the preceding degrees. "M It was therefore a part of the wisdom and justice of vSolomon's plan to bestow upon many of his most skillful workmen some distinguishing mark o( his approval. No higher appreciation of valuable services could have been rendered to the worthy and meritorious than conferring upon them an Order of Merit, with the honorable title of " Most Excellent Master." And it is still retained by us as a memorial of the method adopted by the King of Israel to distinguish the most skillful portion of the Craft, and to reward them for their services in behalf of the fraternity. OPENING. The ceremony of opening this degree is very impres- sive and peculiar in its character. The following Scripture is read : Thjs earth is the Lord's, and the fullness there- of ; 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? and who shall stand in his noly 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 bless- IHHHMMi 46 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. ing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift 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, O ye gates ; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of Glory shall come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory. — Psalm xxiv. The Most Excellent Master's degree is designed to commemorate the completion, and dedication of the Temple. Nothing could be more appropriate, therefore, than setting at the very entrance of the degree, that Key-stone which, rejected of the builders, was destined to bind together the principal arch, and complete the Temple. When the labor was brought to a successful close, and this degree was established, a new tie was created between the faithful craftsmen, and so in like I- MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 47 manner we may learn the important lesson, that the tenets of our Institution should bind, and cement us together in the bonds of r.peculative Masonry, as one common brotherhood. RECEPTION. The K.S. is placed in the centre of the Arch, to preserve the other stones in their places, and se- cure firmness and stability to the whole structure, so will your reception be significant, that your Masonic building (the foundations of which were laid at your I.) is now complete, and that the prin- ciples of morality and virtue, which have been taught you, during your progress through the va- rious subsequent degrees, have been cemented by the K.S. of firmness, and stability. The following Psalm may be read during the ceremony of Reception : I. I was glad when they said unto me. Let us go into the house of the Lord. I t: 2. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Je- rusalem. Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together. 'mam r" 48 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 3. Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. 4. V 3r there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 5. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 6. 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. — Psalm cxxii. / J^ / MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 49 O.B. A MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. The Holy Scriptures, as well as the traditions of the Fraternity, relate "that David gave to Solomon the pattern of all that he had by the spirit," for the con- struction of the Temple, and all its varied furniture and fixtures. It is also related traditionally that King Solo- mon, having completed every part of the wor' .».• cording to this pattern, resolved to reward the best inuanied and most skillful of the Giblemites, by creating them Most Excellent Masters. The traditions of the Craft contain much information relative to the priveleges and duties of those who were admitted to this hifjh rank. None were ^ i i 50 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. received but those who had proved themselves complete masters of their profession, or, as we would now say, had served as Mastgrs of Lodges. The labor on the Temple was finished, and many of the Craftsmen were soon to leave Judea in search of employment elsewhere. They had labored long, and with unexampled fidelity and zeal, encouraged and sustained by the hope that they should become Master Masons at the completion of the Temple. Providence, in a sudden and mysterious man- ner, had prevented a full consummation of this hope, though they had been permitted to receive the shadow in lieu of the substance ; and now King Solomon resolved still further to reward their fidelity. They were there- fore set apart as teachers and masters of the art, and, as such, were charged to dispense Masonic light and know- ledge among the uninformed and ignorant. In this cha- racter they were to travel into foreign countries, and carry into those lands that sublime knowiedge of Mason- ry which had, under the inspired wisdom of Solomon, wrought out from the quarry and the forest the wondrous beauties of Jerusalem's pride and glory. This tradition is confirmed by the derivation of the title conferred on them. The Jews had three titles of respect which they gave to their doctors and teachers : Rab, Rabbi, and Rabban or Rabboni. Our title, Most Excellent Master, is equivalent to the designation Rab- boni, which was the highest title of honor known to the Jews, and one that implies the possession of the highest rank and learning;. MOST EXCICLLKNT MASTER. 51 The third hour of the sixth day of the week. * DEDICATION OF TIiE TEMPLE. !i:l Laying the Cope Stone. Modern Masonic writers have indulged in much specu- lation as to what particular stone was used in the grand and imposing celebration of the completion of the Temple. The stone used in the older and correct rituals, is the " Key-stone^^'' that identical stone ** which the overseers threw over amongst the rubbish." For the want of it, the Craft were at a stand : upon it depended nothing less than the completion of the Temple : it was found and applied to its proper use : it bound together the principal arch and completed Kin^ SolomoiCs Temple." li^^^'^WBW^gmi M \\\ 52 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. mm mm BRINGING FORTH THE ARK OF THE COVENANT WITH SHOUTING AND PRAISE. The Ark was seated on a pedestal prepared for it and placed in the centre of the Holy of Holies. This pedes- tal was a sione rising there three fingers breadth above tlie floor, and on either side of it were the cherubim, fifteen feet high, wit^i their wings expanded so as to touch thf side-walls on each side, and also in the centre over •he Ark. The Ark was placed v/ith the ends toward ' I mmmmmammm the side-walls, and its side fronting the entrance of the Sanctum Sanctorum, and the staves being drawn out, reached downwards toward the holy place. The Receptio?, and Acknowledgement. When the key-stone had been placed in the principal arch, the Temple finished, and the Ark safely seated in the Sanctum Sanctonim, King SoLOMON, having already conferred this honorable degree upon his most skillful workmen, in further token of his satisfaction at the successful conclusion of their laliors, publicly received and acknowledged them as Most Excellent Masters, in the presence and amidst the applause of the assembled people. * * B. assemble in form of procession on the north side of L. in two ranks, facing the E. Aik at rear of procession. The following ode is sung: AlA. hail to the morning, That bids us rejoice ; The Temple's completed, Exalt high each voice. The cop — stone is finish'd, Our labor is o'er ; The sound of the gavel Shall hail us no more. f m "" «-JB8S!! li 54 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. To the Power Almighty, who ever has guided The tribes of old Israel, exalting their fame, To Him who hath govern'd our hearts undivided, Let's send forth our voices to pAtise his great name. Companions, assemble On this joyful day ; (The occasion is glorious). The key-stone to lay ; Fulfill'd is the promise, By the Ancient of Days, To bring forth the cop — stone With shouting and praise. B. open ranks, and the Ark is advanced and placed below Arch. Cope-stone placed in position. "* *' -^JSm^Ui,. W mfa wi Wh *. ■a— **A>wi III ti inwiii MOST EXCELLENT MASTKR. 55 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 who are worthy, Our toils who have shared, And proved themselves faithful, Shall meet their reward. Their virtue and knowledge. Industry and skill, Have our approbation Have gain'd our good-v/ill. I? I \: M 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. fll liiii Almighty Jehovah Descend now and fill This Lodge with thy glory, 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 streui^^ih shall support it till nature expire ; And when the creation shall fall into ruin. Its beauty shall rise through the midst of the fire. * % When Solomon had made an end of praying the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacrifices ; and the glory of the Lord filled the house. And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord, be- cause 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 wor- shipped, and praised the Lord, saying, For He is good : for His mercy endur- ETH for ever * * * ' * IMII The C. IS then addressed: My B — In the course of these ceremonies, you have received a "^ * * in addition to those given you at the * * * It is called the S. of H., it alludes to the wonder and astonishment, ex- pressed by those of our ancient brethren, who were permitted to view the interior of that magni- ficent edifice, which King SOLOMON had erected, and was about to dedicate to the service of the vSupreme Being. The ceremonies in this degree are intended to represent the completion and the dedication of r ■ >1 : wmmmmm 58 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. King Solomon's Temple. You have arrived at a period in Masonry when the labor is over. The Keystone has been placed in the principal arch, the Temple finished, and the Ark which was so long without a resting-place, has been at length safely seated. LECTURE. degree The ceremonies commemorated in this refer to the completion, and dedication of the Temple. It was finished in the short space of seven years and six months, to the astonishment of all nations, and the Cope Stone was celebrated by the frater- nity with great joy. The Tabernacle of Moses and its holy relics, were lodged in the Temple. King Solomon in a general assembly, dedicated or consecrated it by solemn prayer, and costly sacri- fice praising Jehovah, upon fixing the Holy Arch in its proper place, where the Lord was pleased to fill the Temple with a cloud of glory. When the magnificent edifice was completed, King Solomon determined to bestow some distinguishing mark upon the skillful, and zealous builders who had been engaged in the construction. He therefore established an order of merit, with the honorable MOST EXCKLLENT MASTER. 59 appellation of Most Excellent Master, and be- stowed it upon those of the craftsmen who had proved themselves complete masters of their pro- fession. It was confined to the meritorious and praiseworthy, to those who through diligence and industry, had progressed far toward perfection. Such is the traditional history of the origin of this degree, and it is still retained as a memorial of the method adopted by the wise King Solomon^ to distinguish the most skillful and faithful portion of his builders, and to reward them for their ser- vices, by receiving and acknowledging them as Most Excellent Masters, at the completion of the Temple. CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE. Brother : Your admission to this degree of Masonry, is a proof of the good opinion the breth- ren 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 which you now possess. It is one of your great duties, as a Most Excel- lent Master, to dispense light and truth to the uninformed Mason ; and I need not remind you mrnmm mBmmsmmm. ",.'',. )'i\ 60 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. of the impossibility of complying with this obliga- tion without possessing an accurate acquaintance with the lectures of each degree. If you are not already completely conversant in all the degrees heretofore conferred on you, re- member that an indulgence, 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. HISTORICAL summary- Brother : — The imposing ceremonies through which you have just passed, are designed to com- memorate one of the most important events in the world's history — the completion and dedication of the great Temple erected at Jerusalem by King Solomon, our first Most Excellent Grand Master. You have been permitted, like our ancient breth- ren, to behold the interior of that magnificent edi- fice, and to witness, with admiration, the sublime manifestation of the Supreme Architect of the MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 6i Universe, when the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the Lord's House. You have arrived at a point in Masonry where you may lest from labor. The Keystone has been placed in the principal arch, the temple finished, and the ark, which had been for many years with- out a permanent resting-place, is at last safely seated. We have imitated our ancient brethren in assembling on that occasion, repairing to the place designated, and participating in those solemn ceremonies. We have imitated them in gathering around the altar, of engaging in prayer, and have witnessed a representation of the fire coming down from heaven, consuming the burnt offering and the sacrifices. We have also imitated their astonish- ment on beholding it, by falling down upon the ground, and exclaiming, "He is good: for His mercy endureth forever !" A perusal of the books of Chronicles and Kings will give you a minute description of the temple, and * * * ***"*■*■ You will there find that the foundations of the temple were laid by King Solomon, in the year of the world 2992, and the building was finished in the year 3,000. 62 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. About seven years and six months were con- sumed in its erection. It was dedicated in the year 3001, with the most imposing and solemn ceremonies, to the worship of Jehovah, who condescended to make it the place for the special manifestation of his glory. The ceremonies lasted fourteen days. Seven days of this festival were devoted to the dedication exclusively, and seven to the Feast of the Taber- nacle. This structure, for magnificence, beauty and expense, exceeded any building that was ever erected. It was built of large stones of white marble, curiously hewn, and so artfully joined to- gether that they appeared like one entire stone. Its roof was of olive wood, covered with gold ; and when the sun shone thereon, the reflection from it was of such refulgent splendor, that it dazzled the eyes of all who beheld it. Its various courts and other apartments were capable of holding three hundred thousand persons. It was adorned with 1,453 columns, of the finest Parian marble, twisted, sculptured, and voluted ; and 2,906 pilas- ters, decorated with magnificent capitals. The oracle and sanctuary were lined with massive gold, I! adorned with embellishments in sculpture, and set with numerous, gorgeous, and dazzling decorations of diamonds, and all kinds of precious stones. In the emphatic language of Josephus, " the temple shone and dazzled the eyes of such as entered it by the splendor of the gold that was on every side of them." The multitude on beholding it were struck with bewildering amazement, and raised their hands in admiration and astonishment at its wondrous mag- nificence, as well as to protect their eyes from the effect of its exceeding brilliancy. Nothing ever equalled the splendor of its conse- cration. Israel sent forth her thousands, and the assembled people beheld, in awful adoration, the vast sacrifice of Solomon accepted. The flame descended upon the altar, and consumed the offer- ing ; the shadow an 1 glory of the Eternal pro- claimed his presence between the cherubim, and the voice of His thunders told to the faithful of the Craft that the perfectness of their labor was approved. * * ^ * Blight was the hour, When Israel's princes, in their pride and power, Knelt in the Temple's court, the living flame, The accepted sacrifice to all proclaim. Hrightly the splendor of the God-head shone, In awful glory, from His living throne ; Then bowed was every brow — no human sight Could brave the splendor of that flood of light That vailed His presence — and His awful form, Whose path the whirlwind is — whose breath the storm. Our Mystic Temple is now completed and dedi- cated. You have wrought more than seven years with zeal and fidelity, and have been received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master. You are now invested with power to travel into foreign countries, work and receive Master's wages, and dispense true Masonic light and knowledge to all uninformed brethren. The temple which we have just completed rep- resents the temple of the present life. Th^ foreign country into which, after its completion, a Mason is expected to travel, is that " undiscovered coun- try from whose bourne no traveler returns." The wages which he is to receive are the rewards of a well-spent life, and the knowledge of divine truth, which the Grand Master of the Universe will bestow upon all who have faithfully perfc ' their task. You have seen the foundations of the temple laid good and strong. You have, as an Entered MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 65 Apprentice, served your Master with freedom, fervency and zeal, and, as a bearer of burdens, have brought up from the quarries of Zarthan many a rough ashlar for the building. You have wrought your full time as a Fellow Craft, and, under the skillful touch of your working tools, the rough ashlars have become perfect ashlars — stones, we doubt not, fitted to adorn and beautify our temple. As a Master-workman, you have watched, with unceasing care, its wondrous beauties increase under the skillful hands of the Widow's Son ; and now you have at length seen the object of our hopes completed, and the last arch bound together by the rejected, though priceless key-stone. We have now dedicated the temple to the service of the Supreme Being. And although we know of a cer- tainty that all earthly things are transient, and that in process of time, even at the best, the decay of ages will crumble our magnificent temple into dust, yet we are persuaded that, if we have erected the temple of our inner life by Square, Plumb-line and Rule, its foundations shall never fail, and its fabrics shall never crumble nor decay. Then let us, my brother, take care that we so labor in the erection of our temple here, that when we leave this for that far-distant country from whence we shall never return, we may there receive the wages of faithful craftsmen. ' M m ;1 66 ROYAI- ARCH COMPANION. CLOSING. The ceremony of closing in this degree, when properly conducted, is very intereating and instructive, having a tendency of binding brethren more closely together in that bond of fellowj-.hip and fraternal feeling which sh(juld actuate all particijiating therein. It is also desirable that every brother should take his part, thereby giving him an opporlu.ilty of keeping him- self acquainted with the peculiar method of closing the Most Excellent Master's Lodge. THE FOLLOWING PSALM IS READ AT CLOSING. " The Lord io my shepherd ; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pasttues ; he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul ; he lerdeth me in the paths of righteous- ness 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 preparest a table before me in the presence of mme enemies ; thou anointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life ; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." — Psalm xxiii. * ^ A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OP KING SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, This structure, for beauty, niagnificeMce and expen>-e, 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. It 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 colors. The nails which fastened those plates were also of gold, witii 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 tlie Temple stood, and the courts without, were adorned on all sides with stately buildings and cloisters ; and the gales entering therein, were ex- quisitely beautiful and elegant. The vessels consecrated to the pcipelual use of the Temple, were suited to the magnificence of the edifice in which they were deposited and used. i=^ m ii- 68 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 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 purple vestments for the singers. There were also two hundr'^J thousand trumpets, and iorty thousand other musical instruments, made use of in the Temple, ami in worshipping God. According to the most accuiate computation of the number of talents of gold, silver and brass, laid out upon the Temple, the sum amounts l'» six thousand nine hun- dred and four millions, eight hundred and twenty-two thousand and five hundred pounds sterling ; and the jewels are reckoned to exceed this sum. The gold ves- sels 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 hun- dred and forty-four thousand pounds sterling; amounting in all, to nine hundred and eiglity four millions, six hun- dred and thirty thousand, two hundred and thirty pounds, four shillings. In addition to this, there were expenses for workmen, and for materials brought rom Mount Libanus, and the quarries of Zeradatha. There were ten thousand men per month in Lebanon, employed in falling and preparing the tim.bers for the craftsmen to hew them ; seventy thousand to carry burdens ; eighty thousand to hew the stones and timber ; and three thou- sand three hundred overseers of the work ; who were all DESCRIPTION OF KING SOLOMON S TEMPLE. 69 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, towards carrying on this ncble and glorious work, is reckoned to be niue hundred and eleven millions, four hundred and sixteen thousand, two hundred and seven pounds j 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, we shall not wonder at his being able to carry on so stupen- dous a work ; nor lan we, without impiety, question its surpassing all other structures, since we are assured that it was builr by the immediate direction of Heaven. 1 4 \M h It '■ i iijii ROYAL ARCH. 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 a belief of the being and existence of a Supreme Deity, without beginning of days or end of years, and re- minds us of the reverence due to his holy name. It also brings to light many essent'.als of the Craft, which were, for the space of four hundred and seventy years, buried in darkness, and without a knowledge of which the Ma- sonic character cannot be complete. I . |o OFFICERS. A Chapter of Royal Arch Masons consists of any convenient number of members (not less than iiine)» including the following officers, viz. : 1. The First Principal, who represents "Zf- 7'ubbabel the Prince of the Peopie^^ who was the leader of the first colony of the Jews that returned from the Babylonish captivity to rebuild the Temple. He is seated in the east, clothed in a scarlet robe- His jewel of office is a crown irradiated in a trian- gle ; his title is '" Right Excellent." 2. The Second Principal, who represents " Haggai the prophet, ivho^ in accordance with his ditties, did aid and assist in conipietinlematic of that purity of life and recti- tude of conduct, by which alone we can expect to gain admission into the Holy of Holies above. Tfte Sii^uet of T7-uth. HOLINESS TO THE LORD. In that day will I taice thee, O Zeriibbabcl, My servant, the son of Shcaltiel, saith the Lord, and will make thee as a signet, for I have chosen thee. ; 84 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. None were permitted to engage in the construction of the second temple who could not give the evidence that they were the descendants of those faithful Giblemites who had wrought at the building of the first temple ; at its completion and dedication were received and acknow- ledged as Most Excellent Masters, and who, at its des- truction by Nebuchadnezzar, weie carried captives into Babylon. Three M. E. M., from Babylon, children of the captivity, having heard that the Temple of the Lord God was about to be rebuilt at Jerusalem, came up and desired to sojourn amongst the people, at the same time offering their services, to assist in the completion of that great and glorious undertaking. They were interrogated by the Council, as to their lineal descent, the enquiry being made of them whether they were descended from those who had basely fled when the Holy City and Sanctuary were oppressed, or if they were of that menial tribe who were left behind to till the ground. They replied, that they scorned to be descended from those who basely fled when the Holy City and Sanctuary were oppressed, nor were they of that menial tribe left behind by the Babylonians to till the ground, but were nobly born. That they were descended from the Princes and Rulers of the House of Judah, who for their sins were delivered into captivity, with their King J'^hoichim, by Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard of Nebu- chadnezzar, King of Babylon, where they had remained for seventy years. Good News ! — Good News ! In the first year of Cyrus, King of Persia, the Lord stirred up ("yrus, King of Persia, that he made a pro- clamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing. PROCLAMATION. Thus saith 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 him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God) which is in Jerusalem. - Ezra i. 1-3. ■fiSi % They were congratulated upon their no.»le an- cestry, and being recognized as brethren of the HT^ i ■i! -K i ! 86 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. tribes and families of Israel, were directed to pre- pare for the foundations of the Most Holy Place. Being furnished with the proper implements of labor, after a strict caution they were permitted to retire. The folloiuing Scripture is read : FIRST SCRIPTURE EXTRACT. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftcst up thy voice for understanding ; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures : then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous : he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judg- ment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity, yea, every good path. . . . Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding; for the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than ROYAL ARCH. 87 rubies; and all the things thou canst desire arc not to be compared ui)to her. Length of days are in her right hand ; and in her left riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her ; and happy is every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth ; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew. — Proverbs ii. 1-9; iii. 13-20. 1 1 THE DISCOVERY. m lat is tin m AN ANCIENT TRADITION. Early one morning, upon the Sojourners repair- ing to their labor:>, they discovered a pair of pillars of perfect symmetry and exquisite workmanship ; proceeding onwards they discovered five other pairs of equal beauty ; these, from their situation, appeared to have supported the roof of a subter- ranean passage communicating with the Mos^ Holy Place. Their progress being obstructed by the fragments of the roof of the former structure, they cleared them away and arrived at what In the 88 KOYAL ARCH COMPANION. first instance appeared to be a solid rock. But one of them accidentally striking it with the crowbar, remarked a hollow sound, the workman laboring with the pick loosened the earth, while the other with the shovel cleared it away, when they per- ceived that instead of a solid rock the»*e was a series of stones in the form of a dome. Knowing who had been the architect of the former structure, and imagining tliat no pait of it had been con- structed in vain, they determined to examine it ; for which purpose they removed two of the cope- stones, when a vault of considerable magnitude appeared in view. All being equally anxious who should descend, they cast lots ; the lot fell upon , and lest any noxious vapor or other circum- stance should render his position hazardous, his companions fastened a life-line round his w^iist, by means of which they could lower him into the vault, or raise him out of it, according to the signal which he should give them. In this manner he descended through the aperture which they had made, and on arriving at the bottom and giving the signal his fellow-workmen gave him more line, which enabled him to encompass the vault. He ^hen discovered what appeared a pedestal of a column and could also feel figtires or characters engraven thereon, but from the want of sufficient RGRAL AKCH. 89 li<^ht was unable to ascertain what tliey were. lie also laid hold of a scroll, but from the same rea- sons was unable to read its contents ; remember- ing the caution they had received, he secured it to his person, and giving the signal was drawn up out of the vault, having covered the aperture they came as in duty bound to report their discovery to the Ex- cellent Council, and were informed "That the want of light should remind them, that man by nature is the child of ignorance and error, and as such, would have forever remained under the darkness of the shadow of death, had it not pleased the Almighty to call him to light and immortality by the revelation of his most Holy Will and Word." •X- * * * * * lie lal Ihe lad W re. a jrs int //I ihe begi?uiini^ Cod created the heai^cn and the earthy 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 tight. Being requested to read the scroll, they were informed that such were the first words of that Sacred Volume, which contained the treasure of God\^ revealed Will and Word, and were exhorted to praise and magnify his Most Holy Aa/ne, for the knowledge of himself which he had vouchsafed to them, and to worthily walk in that lij^ht which he had shed around them. H They were again directed to retire and prosecute their researches^ with the same strict caution as before. The discovery of that precious treasure stimu- lated their further search, and they increased the aperture by the removal of the third copestone, when the workman again descended into the vault- ed chamber. By this time, the Sun having gained its meridian altitude, darted its rays immediately into the aperture, and he then perceived in the centre of the vault a pedestal of pure marble, in the form of an altar of incense, being a double cube. On the plinth, or front of it, were engraven certain mystic characters, and the initials of our Three Grand Masters who presided over the Second or Sacred Lodge ; whilst a veil of curious workman- ship covered the face of the altar. Approaching with reverential awe, he lifted up the veil and beheld there a plate of pure gold, on which were certain letters forming words, which he humbly conceived to be the Sacred Word itself. Having made this discovery, he re-veiled the sacred ped- estal and giving the signal was again raised up out of the vaulted chamber, and (with the assist- ance of his fellcw-workmen), having closed up the aperture, came as in duty bound to report the facts to the Council. Being desired to communicate the word he had discovered, he refused, stating that according to Jewish law, it was not lawful for any one to pronounce the Sacred and Mysterious Name of tihe Most High, excepting the High Priest, and then only once in the year, when he stood before the Ark of the Covenant to make propitiation for the sins of Israel. 11 H- m ^en ^)ur )nd lan- iing , ind ?ere ^bly ^ing )ed- up iist- SECOND SCRIPTURE EXTRACT. In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the Word of the Lord by the Prophet Haggai, saying, Speak now to Zerub- babel, the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the son of Josedech, the high prit it, and to the residue of the people, saying, who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory ? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing ? Yet now be strong, Oh ! Zerubbabel, saith the Lord ; and be strong. Oh! Joshua, son of Josedech, 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 s^n-. <>, ^ ^ ^^/ ^^-..% IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. ^- 1.0 I.I 1.25 IM IIIM 12,0 1.4 III 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 4\^ ■'^ \ N «v -f^ <^ ^ ^ .^ ""^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 873-4503 w, % o 92 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION, Hosts. According to the word that I covenanted with you, when ye came out of Egypt, so my spirit remaineth among you : fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts ; yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come, and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of Hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of Hosts. The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of Hosts ; and in this place will 1 give peace, saith the Lord of Hosts. — Haggai ii. 1-9. U --i m i>i^ The s "^ *■ * in reward for their zeal and fidelity are called to the rank of their ancestors, and being invested with the insignia of the degree, their attention is called to the HISTORICAL LECTURE. There are three epochs in Masonry which par- ticularly merit our attention. The history of the First or Holy Lodge, Second or Sacred Lodge, and Third or Grand and Royal Lodge. The First or Holy Lodge was opened A. L. 2515, two years after the departure of the Israelites from id 'S, ir- Lhe lorn their E^\ ptlan bondaj^e,by Moses, Aholiab, and He- zaleel, on consecrated ground, at the foot of Mount Horeb in the wilderness of Sinai, where the hosts of Israel had pitched their tents, and assembled to offer up prayer and thanksgiving for their signal deliverance from the bondage of the Egyptians. In this place the Almighty had revealed himself before that time to his faithful servant Moses, when he commissioned him his high ambassa- dor of wrath to Pharoah and his people, and of freedom and salvation to the house of Jacob. Here were delivered those mysterious prototypes, the 'J\ibi'yfiacie, and the Ark you were recommended to study the S.V. as a guide to your faith and conduct, and I doubt not from the proficiency you have made in the ANCIENT CEREMONIES. 147 various degrees through which you have passed, you have not been unmindful of that recommenda- tion. I do not feel it necessary to detain you, by any attempt on my part, to explain or expound the various passages of the S.V. which have been read to you, T shall therefore content myself with ob- serving that our Grand Master Moses has thus handed down to us and posterity, a record of the great mercy of our Heavenly Father, evinced by sending forth a High Priest amidst the dying and the dead, to stay the plague which had visited his sinful and rebellious people. Let me now invite you, with the rest of the Comps., to join in prayer. Comps. give ing chair. Candidate kneels, fac- ii Invocation by J. :/s e- )t le LJ Almighty (jOvI who hath assembled with us this day to number our worthy Comp. among the P.ulers of our Order, be graciously pleased to grant that this future life may be at all times regulated by his Holy Law. Inspire him and us with humility, make us obedient to Thy commands. Vouchsafe those mercies to us which thou didst not withhold from Thy ancient people, so that at the close of this our mortal career, we may be numbered amongst those whom Thou shall be a f ■ \^ ^^SSSB Bi 1^ I '.1 pleased to admit into Thy Temple of Eternal Bliss and Glory. So mote it be. /.Z. I feel much satisfaction a performing my duty on the present occasion by installing you in the office of J. of this Holy R.A. Chapter. I now invest you with the robe of a Third principal. The blue robe is of the approximate color of the Three Symbolic degrees of ancient Craft Masonry. It is an emblem of universal friendship and benovelence, and instructs us that in the mind of a Mason those virtues should be as expansive as the arch of heaven itself. I next invest you with the Jewel and Badge of your office, a T. with the V. of the S. L. irradiated on the C, reminding you that the S. V. is the guide to your faith, and that it contains the revealed will and word, which it is your duty to promulgate. Being thus invested, I now place you in your chair according to ancient custom, and hereby constitute you a Ruler in Israel, as the re- presentative of J the H. P. and Third Principal of this Chapter. * Lastly I place in your hand this Sceptre an emblem of power and denoting the Priestly office. Let it remind you of the dignity of the office you sustain, at the same time impressing upon your mind a sense of your dependence upon God, and showing you that perfection is not at- tained on this side of the grave, but that perfect holiness belongeth to God alone. CLOSING COUNCIL. I.Z. Ex-Companions assist me to close this Council of Installed Principals and resume the Chapter of R. A. Masons. * * I declare this council of Installed Principals closed and the Chapter resumed. to )U id e- of m The Companions enter and salute the Principals. I.Z. Companions, behold your Principals, and recollect that the prosperity of your Chapter will as much depend on your support, assistance and obedience, as on their assiduity, information and wisdom. The Comp. form procession and pass the newly In- stalled Principals salutiDg with the * * * sign. J.Z. Ex-Comps. I now deliver into your care the warrant, which is your authority for holding this Chapter, you will receive it as a sacred trust, and never permit i^t to be used for any other purpose than those expressed in it. To your care and custody Ex Z. it is especially entrusted. I present you once more with the V. of the S.L., the great light in every degree of Free- masonry, also with the laws and regula- tions of the Grand Chapter, and the By-laws of your own Chapter. You will cause them to be frequently read and punctually obeyed. Ex. Z. it is your in especial charge to see that the officers of this chapter faithfully perform the duties of their respective offices, and are examples of diligence and industry to their Companions. That true and accurate records of all the proceedings of the Chapter are kept, the regular returns to Grand Chapter are made, and the dues punctu- ally paid. You will now enter on the active duties of your office, and present to me for Investiture the respec- tive officers of the Chapter. The Z. elect presents each ofificer respectively, com- mencing with Scribe E. saying, I present to you my worthy Comp. to be invested of this Chapter. ANCIENT CEREMONIES. 151 lour )ec- |om- my Ithis / ■ Scribe e. LZ. Comp. having been elected the repre- sentative of Ezra the Scribe. I have much pleasure in investing you with the Jewel of your office, a T. with crossed pens inscribed, which sufficiently point out your duty in keeping the records, issuing summonses, and making returns to the Grand Chapter. I have no doubt that you will fulfil these important duties, with benefit to the Chapter and credit to yourself. Scribe N. Comp. — having been elected the representative of Nehemiah the Scribe, I have much pleasure in investing you with the jewel of your office. It is similar to, and has the same import as that of Scribe E. Your immediate duties are to receive and report all candidates for Exaltation, to assist Scribe E. and in his absence, perform the duties pertaining to his office. Principal Sojourner. LZ. Comp. — having been elected to fill the office of P. S. of this Chapter, one equal in im- portance to any therein, (The Principals excepted) as by the performance of the duties appertain- ing thereto, rests in a great measure the prosperity ) t: Ji i I lil 'J 152 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. of the Chapter. I trust that you will be zealous in the discharge of them, so as to reflect credit to your- self, and bo honorable to the Chapter. I have much pleasure in investing you with the Jewel of your office, which is a T. with an irradiated right angle thereon. The T. has ever been considered a Sacred emblem, and the Right Angle is an em- blem of Truth ajid Pc7'fection^ which being irradi- ated, denotes that these are Divine attributes not to be obtained by the fallen of the human race, yet by the aid of the Divine power thus depicted, we hope you will approach near perfection, and finally be made perfect in Grand Chapter above. Assistant Sojourners. Companions — you are nominated Assistant So- journers, oftices of much importance, for in the absence of the P.S. you are to fulfil his duties, you will therefore see the necessity of perfecting your- self therein. I now invest you with the Jewels of your office, which you have already heard explained to the P.S., let those emblems of truth and perfection, ever stimulate you to render your- selves wcrthy of the trust reposed in you. Comp. J. S. your especial duty is to prove the Chapter close guarded, and report all alarms at the door. ANCIKNT CEHEMONIKS. 153 )0- the 'OU lur- of ird uth |ur- Itbe at Comp. S.S. your especial duty is to allow none to enter the Chapter, but those who are properly clothed, and in possession of the P. W. of the Order, and not then without first acquainting the Principals. Treasurer. Comp. — you have been elected Treasurer of this Chapter, and I have pleasure in investing you with the Jewel of you office, a T. with a Key inscribed, which sufficiency denotes your duty. The qualities to be recommended are accuracy and fidelity, and I entertain no doubt but that you will justify the confidence reposed in you by your com- panions. Chaplain. Ex. and Rev. Companion — you have been elected Chaplain of this Chapter, and I now invest you with the jewel and badge of your office. It is emblematical of eteinity, and reminds us that this is not our abiding place. You inclination will un- doubtedly conspire with your duty when you perform in the Chapter those solemn services, which created beings should constantly render to their infinite Creator, and which when offered by one whose holy profession is " to point to heaven 10 154 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. •* " i il' and lead the way," may, by refining our morals, strengthening our virtues, and purifying our minds, prepaie us for admission into the society of those above, whose happiness will be as endless as it is perfect. Janitor. Comp. — you have been elected Janitor of this Chapter, and I now invest you with the Jewel of your office. Let it remind you never to swerve from your duty. You are to be regular in attendance at all meetings of the Chapter. I pre- sent you with this implement of your office which will enable you to " guard the approaches to the Chapter, so as to prevent intrusion and interrup- tion to our mysteries," and enforce our laws and customs, and I doubt not but you will perform your duty with promptness and fidelity. GENERAL ADDRESS. Ex. Princi^ais, the stations you are called to fill, are important, not only respecting the correct practice of our rites and ceremonies, and the in- ternal economy of the Chapter over which you pre- side, but the public reputation of the Institution will be found to rise or fall according to the skill and discretion, with which its concerns are ANCIENT CEREMONIES. 155 ^our fill, Irect in- Ipre- Ition the are managed, and in proportion as the character and conduct of its principal orikers are estimable or censurable. Companions in Office.— Precept and example should e\ '^ r advance with equal pace. Those moral duties which you are required to teach unto others, you should never neglect to practice yourselves. Companions, — May our Chapterh^com^ bemttt- ful as the Temple, peaceful as the Ark, and sacred in its most Holy Place. May the exercise 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 sup- port. May you be endowed with every gqod and perfect gift while travelling through the ruirf^ed path of life, and finally may we all be admitted within the veil oi Heaven to the full enjoyment of life eternal. Response — So mote it be. The Ex. Z. then appoints the rest of the officers and committees of the Chapter, and this finishes the Installation. •-li * * MASONIC CALENDAR, The ordinary calendar, or vulgar era, is not pfenerally used by Freemasons in dating their official documents. They have one peculiar to themselves, differing according to their various rites. The Masons in all parts of the world working in the York or French rites, add 4000 years to the Christian era, calling it Anno Lucis — Year of Light ; abbreviated A.'. L. '. ; thus the year 1880, would be A. '.L. '. 5880. Masons practising in the Ancient and Accented rite use the Jewish Calendar, which adds 3760 to the vulgar era, styled Anno Mundi — A.". 'M.\~year of the world. Or they sometimes use the Hebrew year, which begins on the 17th of September, or 1st of Tisri, using the initials A.*. H.'. — Anno Hebraico — Hebrau Year. Royal Arch Masons date from the building of the second temple — 530 years before Christ. Their style is therefore Anno Inventionis — A. . Inv. '. — in the year of the Discovery. Royal and Select Masters frequently use the comn^on Masonic date — Anno Lucis — but projierly they should date from the completion of Solomon's Temp . which would add icxx) to the Christian era. Their style ig Anno Depositionis — A.*. Dep. *. — in the yaar of the De- posit, ii MASONIC CALENDAR. 157 is u Knights Templars date from the organization of the Order — Iii8. Tlicir style is therefore Anno Ordinis— A.'. O.'. — in the year of the Order. Those of the rite of Mizraim add four years to the usual computation of the age of the world : thu'i the year 1884 would stand A.*. L. '. 5884. Masons of the York rite begin the year on the first of January ; but in the French rite it commences on the first of March. Dr. A. G. Mackey, in his ^^ Lexicon of Freemasonry^^'' gives the subjoined rules for discovering the different dates : * 1. To find the date for the York rite, add 4CXX) to the present year. 2. 7o find (he date for the Ancient and Accepted rite, add 3760 to the present year. To find the date for the Royal Arch, add 530 to the prcbcnt year. 4. To find the date for the Royal and Select Masteis, add 100 to the present year. 5. To find the date for the Knights 7t7/;//ar, subtract 1 1 18 from the present year. 6. To find the dale of the rite of Mizraim, add 4004 to the present year. I M BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS, ' J^REAMBLE. For the purpose of securing order and regularity, and with the view of promoting harmony and decorum, the Companions of Chapter No agree to the follow- ing By-Laws : , Article I. — DUTY TO GRAND CHAPTER. This Chapter acknowledges the supremacy of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of * * * and will at all times pay respect and obedience to its Laws, Rules, Orders and Regulations. Article IL — NAME. This Chapter shall be ki own as Chapter of Royal Aich Masons, No '/ feilhlfJ Article IIL— MEL sG. The Regular Convocation of this C ha] er shall be held on the of every month, at such hour as may be named by the First Principal Z. BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS. 159 Articlk IV.— election. The First, Second, and Third Principals, Scribes E. & N., Principal Sojourner, Treasurer, and by an open vote of the Chapter, the Janitor, shall be elected at the Rej^ular Convocation in , whom with the fol- lowing appointed officers, viz.: — Senior and Junior So- journers, Masters of Veils, .Standard-bearer, Master of Ceiemonies, Sword-bearer, two Stewards, and three members of the Executive Committee, shall be installed and invested at the Regular Convocation in Articlk v.— scribe E. le d The Scribe E. shall issue all notices for meetings, seven days previous to each ; notify all accepted candi- dates, record all proceedings proper to be recorded, pre- pare the returns for the Grand Chapter, receive all fees, dues, iind other moneys of the Chapter, keep a faithful account of the same, pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt therefor. In the absence of the Scribe E., these duties shall devolve upon the Scribe N. it [v Article VL- TREASURER. The Trea'^urer shall receive all moneys from the Scribe E., and give receipts therefor, pay all orders drawn upon him by the E.Z., and shall have his books and vouchers ready at all times for inspection. He shall also, on the iiili ^I'ii 1 60 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. night of installation of officers, hand over all moneys and vouchers in liis possession to his successor. Article VII.— J AN [TOR. Thfi Jrnilor shall attend every meeting, and prepare tho roop therefor. He shall also discharge every other duty usually devolving upon his office, for the due per- formarce of which he shall be paid by the Chapter. He may at any time be removed by a vote of the Chapter for neglect of duty or ether sufficient cause; It shall be his especial business, aided by the Assistant Sojourners, to see that all Companions, whether Visitors or Mem- bers, come properly clothed as Royal Arch Masons. Article VIII.— COMMITTEE. An Executive Committee, consisting of the Three Principals, the Scribe E., the Principal Sojourner, the Treasurer, and two Companions, to be appointed at the Annual Convocation in , shall superintend the finances, audit the accounts, report upon the standing; of every Candidate, and take into consideration all matters affiicting the interest of the Chapter. They shall meet whenever notified by the E.Z. Four to form a quorum, and the result of their proceedings shall be reported in writing at each regular meeting. They shall present a report at the Annual Convocation in , of each year, showing the progress made in the Chapter during the preceding year, the state of its finances, the names of a) I Companions twelve months in arrears, together with any suggestions for the future government thereof, as ihcy may think desirable to place before the Chapter. Article IX. -EXALTATION. Every Candidate for Exaltation shall sign a petition in accordance with the form prescribed by the Grand Chap- ter, and shall be proposed and seconded at a Regular Convocation. The petition shall be referred to the Executive Committee for their consideration, and when reported on, a ballot shall be taken for the Candidate at a Regular Convocation. If after being accepted the Candidate does not come forward for Ex.iltalion fc;r six (or twelve) months, another ballot shall be taken. le le of ;rs iet m a Articlk X. -affiliation. Any Royal Arch Mason in good standing desirous of becoming affiliated in this Chapter, shall be proposed and l>all«>ted for, and must at the time of his application produce his Cirand Chapter certificate, or give a satisfac- tory reason for its non-producti( n. Article XI.— BALLOT. No Candidate shall be exalted in, nor any Companion become a member of this Chapter, if on the ballot being 111 l62 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. Vi- taken, black balls shall be found against him. No rejected Candidate canbeagiin proposed and balloted for (in this Chapter) within twelve months of the time of his rejection. • Article XII.— FEES AND DUES. 1. The fees for exaltation and the subordinate degrees shall be Dollars, payable in advance, which shall include the cost of registration and Gi^and Chapter certificate, but a candidate who has taken one or more of the subordinate degrees in another Cliapter, shall be entitled to a reduction of $ . . . .for each degree so taken, and a Companion who has already been exalted without having taken the subordinate degrees, shall have the same conferred upon him for the sum of Dollars. 2. The fee for Companions affdiating shp.ll be $ 3. The monthly dues of Companions shall be cents ; but any Companion residing three or more miles from the place of meeting, may be placed on half dues. 4. Any Companion twelve months in arrear, after having been duly notified and summoned by the Scribe E., shall, after due trial, be liable to suspension, and his name be re[)orted to the Grand Scribe E. In peculiar circumstances, advanced age, inability, or unavoidable absence, the Chapter may remit a portion or the whi;)le of such arrears. BY-LAWS AND REGULATIONS. 163 Article XIII.— WITHDRAWAL. Any Companion desirous of withdrawing from AfTiJia- tion, may do so on paying up his dues and signifying such wish in writing, \^hen he shall be entitled to a receipt from the Scribe E., under the seal of the Chap- ter, showing that he retires in good standing. He shall not be re-admitted unless by ballot and in regular form. Article XIV.— RE- ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. 1. Should any member resign, he shall not be re- admitted without a ballot and a joining fee. 2. Should any member who has been excluded, or suspended for an indefinite period, desire to be re-ad- mitted, he may petition the Chapter for its recommenda- tion to Grand Chapter that he be restored ; and if at the next regular meeting, the Chapter by a two-third vote by ballot conGur, the petition shall be endorsed under seal, and transmitted to the Grand Scribe to be presented to Grand Chapter. Should the action of Grand Chapter be favorable, he shall be re-admitted without a ballot or joining fee. 3. Any member who has been suspended for non- payment of dues, shall be immediately restored without ballot, on payment of all arrears owing at the time of his suspension, and of the regular Chapter dues for the period he was so suspended. I t V i ■ w h > 164 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. 4. Any member who has been suspended for a definite term, shall be restored to membership without ballot, at the expiration of the term defined in his sentence. Article XV.— CHAPTER PROPERTY. The Robes, Jewels, Furniture and other property be- longing to the Chapter shall be, and are hereby vested in the Council for the time being, in trust for the use and benefit of the Chapter, Article XVI.— RULES OF ORDER. 1st. The Chapter shall be governed by the following Rules of Order. The Chapter being opened in due form, the following shall be the order of business : (i). Reading and Confirming Minutes, v (2). Reports of Executive Committee. (3). Reports of General Committees. (4). Passing Accounts. ' (5). Reading Correspondence. (6). Receiving Petitions. (7). Balloting for Candidates. (8). Conferring Degrees. (9). General Business. u= lite , at be- 1 in due 2nd. No question shall be entertained unless it be put in writing, with the names of the mover and seconder thereon. 3rd. Every brother desirous of speaking shall stand up in his place, and address himself to the 1st Principal Z. 4th. When two or more brethren rise to speak at the same time, the 1st Principal may decide as to the one who in his opinion is entitled to the floor. 5th. No brother shall speak twice on the same ques- tion, unless by permission of the 1st Principal. 6th. No brother shall be so unmasonic as to interrupt another while speaking ; or disturb him by hissing, ap- l)lauding, unnecessary coughing, loud whispering, or other unseemly noise. • 7th. No personal or abusive remarks, or other impro- per language shall be used by any brother in debate. 8th. All matters not otherwise provided for in the Constitution or these By-laws, shall be decided by a majority of open votes, each Companion having one, and the E.Z., besides his own vote the casting vole in case of a tie. Provided always that this cannot interfere with or supersede any ruling of the First Principal, from whose decision there is no appeal except to a higher authority. p- I*- ' 1 66 ROYAL ARCH COMPANION. Article XVII.— DISPOSAL OF FUNDS, PROPERTY, ETC. , I. No part of the funds of the Chapter shall be ex- pended, except for monthly or other necessary expenses, unless on a notice of motion given at one regular meet- ing, and inserted in the summonses for the next regular meeting, when, if a majority of the members present approve, the expenditure may be incurred. 2. No portion of the furniture, jewel*^, paraphernalia, or other properly of the Chapter shall be sold, alienated, or in any way disposed of, except by the unanimous consent of the members present at a meeting to be spe- cially called for that purpose. " Article XVIII.— AMENDING BY-LAWS. No alterations, additions or amendments, shall be made to these By-laws, except at a Regular Convocation of this Chapter, of which one month's notice shall have been previously given in writing, and be subject to two- thirds majority of the Companions then present. Article XIX.— SIGNING BY-LAWS. Every Companion shall »-ign these By-laws in token of his submission thereto, when he shall receive a printed copy of the same for his guidance. I I VISITOR'S TEST, OR TYLER'S O. B. FOR R.A. ' flo hereby and hereon solemnly and sincerely swear, that I have been advanced to the honorary degree of a Mark Master, regularly presided in the Oriental chai. of King Solomon, received and ac- knowledged as a Most Excellent Master, and regularly Exalted to the supreme degree of the Holy Royal Arch ; that I do not stand suspended or expelled, and know of no reason why I should not hold Masonic communica- tion with my Companions. CLOTHING. The Constitution strictly requires that all Officers and Companions, whilst in Chapter, shall wear the insignia of the Order, according to their rank; and no Companion shall be admitted, on any pretence, without his proter clothing. FORMS. m ! -I APPLICATION FOR A WARRANT OF CONSTITUTION. To THE MOST EXCELLENT GRAND PRINCIPALS, AND THE GRAND CHAPTER OF ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF CANADA. We, the undersigned, being registered Royal Arch Masons, of the Chapters mentioned against our names, pray for a warrant of constitution, empower- ing us to meet as a regular chapter at to be called on the day of and there to discharge the duties of Royal Arch Masonry, in a constitutional manner, according cO the forms of the order, and the rules and regula- tions of the Grand Chapter ; and we have nomin- ated and do recommend Companion to be First Principal, Z., Companion to be Second Principal, H., Companion to be Third Principal, J. The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise strict conformity to the ancient landmarks of the order, and the rules and regulations of the Grand Chapter. Dated at , ^t'., (Signed), A. 13. Reconnnoi icd bv C. D E. F {Residence) . (Profession). (Age). II \i • i 170 ROYAL ARCH CUMF'ANION. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP. To THE Excellent 7Vif Principals, Officers and Companions of the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No I, of the . . . . of . . . . {projession or addition) ....aged...., being a Royal Arch Mason, am desirous of becoming a member of the Chap- ter, No. ... I was exalted in. . . .Chapter, No. . . ., and am now in good standing in the Royal Craft. Recommended by ) ( CERTIFICATE OF WITHDRAWAL FROM A CHAPTER. To all Royal Arch Mason* (0 ivhom these presents shall come, greeting : This is to Certify that Companion , who hath signed his name in the margin hereof is a regular Royal Arch Mason in good standing at this date, and is, at his own request, regularly dis- charged from membership in the Chapter, No , under the jurisdiction of the Grand Chap- ter of Canada. Given under my hand and the seal of the Chap- ter at , &c' s SEAL. Z. Scribe E. FORMS. 171 PROXY FOR A CHAPTER APPOINTING ITS DELEGATE TO GRAND CHAPTER. This is to Certify, That at a.... convocation of the. .. .Chapter, ^o....,heldonthe....dayof....,A.D....Com. P?"''''' ^^s delegated to represent the said ^ftapteratthe annual convocation of the (irand Chapter, to be held at. . . ., on the day of. . . ., and there to perform any and all acts which could be done by the duly qualified officers of the said Chapter were the personally present ; promis> ing to ratify and confirm all that the said delegate 1 may lawfully do under such authority Skal. I First Principal Z. Scribe E. ii i^liiti • • FORM OF MINUTES — yoR PRIVATE CHAl^TERS. Minutes of a- Convocalion of- -Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. , (j.K.C, held al , on day 18 — . OFFICERS PRESENT. (FoUoiv with Officers and Titles). COMPANIONS PRESENT. { Folloio xvith names of Companions). VISITING COMPANIONS. (FolUno with names of Visitors). OPINING CHAPTER. The Chapter was opened in the Royal Arch degree, at o'clock. FORM OF MINUTKS. 173 CONFIRBIATION OF MINUTES. The Minutes of the Regular Convocation, held , (and subsequent emergencies, if any, giving date,) were read and confirmed. REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The following Report of the Executive Committee Mas received and adopted. (Here follow with report in full, which should include a report on Petitions for Admission or Membership). REPORTS GENERAL. The Committee appointed to take into con-^ideration (here state the subject) submitted their report, which, on motion of Comp. , seconded by Comp. , was received. ( The adoption of the report having been put to the Chap- I ter^ it 7c>as, as the case viay be^ adopted as presented^ i amended^ or rejected ). ., •, PASSING ACCOUNTS. On the motion of Comp. , seconded by Comp. . The sum of $ , in full of account for , (or in part payment, as the case may be) was ordered to be paid. wgnyyjry 174 ROYAL AKCII C Bro. , having been |»roperly prepared, was a.l. I mitted and duly seated in the Oriental chair of King | Solomon. The Lodge was then closed in harmony, at o'clock. M. E. MASTER. And a Lodge of Most Excellent Masters was opened, with the following Officers. , * ( Here state officers). Bro. , having been properly prepared, was ad- mitted ami duly received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent Master. The Lodge was then closed in harmony, at o'clock. Note. — Lodges of any of the three subordinate degrees may be opened for the purpose of conjcrring such degree. The minutes of all sueh meetings should he recorded in tJic Chapter Minute Book. / 1 aJ 1 : 1 , - "" • < 1 j V. — 1 1 U. o i 5 i ^ 1 22^ <=> a Q ".35 i -< O { « 1 eturns. ^1 ! ! o ~ O ? sS i ! 1 i 1 i "1 i < — * i — - — ■M '*. w §■ o a; XJ U o -d tf — --• — —-■ — V}-» , c 1 ' ' i <«■ Gra *£ 'SS/'Sfe 1 r- - 1 «*-! -■^. \ O ?! >> ?^n* ; P< ^t \ U K 60 I c 1 "" S-" : S : '^ er •1^ i :>: 1 lates Foreign Form for Keep S « •J »- ^ ll : Si on S w JZ K S=|." Id •< ^•ii'c s 5 3>5 y. <= 3^ < « .2 w -N 1-4 .— "g T ^ ^S. J. SARaANT,*<- -Manl'kactirkr of — MASOmC & SOCIETT ztomL JEWELS, &c. TORONTO, BOX 1176. ONT FOR BLUE LODGE. .A.:PI^03:s^s. Linen Aprons per doz. Entered Apprentice Aprons Fellow Craft Aprons M. M. Aprons, No. 1 »i K No. 2 -Leather ined, Solid Tassels, &c . . ti tt No. 3— Best II II P. M. Aprons, Eibbon Levels, &c. Leather or Silk lined I) II Solid Levels, Tassels, &c. m h Officers' Collars, plain, cord and button t( M Leather lined, cord and button Gauntlets, Silver Braid and Fringe Lodge Jewels, E. plated ... if II Silver I II Silver, handsomely engraved Square and Compasses in E. plate or Silver Past Master's Presentation Jewels, in Silver, Silver Gilt and Gold Slippers, Gavels, Wo; king Tools, Ballot Boxes and Bal- lots, Apron Cases, &c., &c. ^mjih jm]i w^nw- Royal Arch Suits, Apron and Sash, leather or silk lined. $ Principal's Suits, 13 x 15 ; leather or silk lined ; solid tassels ; trimmed gold lace and fringe M If 15 X 18, gold lace and fringe Grand Chapter Suits, 15 x 18 ; gold lace and fringe ; em- broidered centre piece of office Officers' Collars, plain, cord and button each, K II leather lined i< " Jewels, gilt, handsome, set of 10 pieces P. Z. Presentation Jewels, in Silver, Gilt and Gold R. A. Jewels in Metal or Silver Gilt Marks in Pearl, Silver, Silver Gilt or Gold :F'TJ:E^3s^ITTJI^:E, fee. Plato and Letters, sunk circle, with cover 3 Principal's Robes, Z. H. & J Officers' White Robes, each, Marble Keystone Triangle for Bi ble Signet of Truvh Pennies for Mark Degree Lattice Window 6 Candlesticks, plain or carved Double Cube Altar 3 Sceptres ; Z. H. & J 4 Gavels ; 6 Squares , Shovel, Pick, C. Bar, Scroll Trowel ;C. Tow Ark of the Covenant Arch for M. E. M. Degree Banners, &c., &c. •^i- GRAND LODGE if. I -A.:PI^Ols^s. No. I.— Size, 14 X 17, trimmed dark blue, ribbon or solid levels $ No. 2. — Size, 14 X 17, Silver gilt levels, lace, &c. No. 3.— M 15 X 18, Gold Lace and Fringe^ solid levels, &c No. 4. — Size, 15 X 18, Gold Lace and Fringe, solid levels, embroidered centre piece No. 5. — As No. 4, with embroidery round I " ■ ' il COXJXiJLT^S, No. I. — Dark blue, plain, leather lined No. 2. — II embroidered, n No. I. — Dark blue, trimmed, gold lace and fringe. No. 2. — As No. I, with ^jold embroidered badge of office upon them . . . T ^ Knights Templar. K. T. Bnldnc .~ K. T. iMantle of white stuH; cVc! * ■ |v. T. Gauntlets, Swords K. T. Jewel, Star, cS:c . . . K. Malta Jewels, &c Banners, Sepulchre, Helmet, Shield, BreastDhte nnri every other requisite for fitting up a Pr^ceptorv^ Prices furnished on application. f