The Web of Hiram

Home Lectures of the Craft Lectures of the Holy Royal Arch Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite The Royal Order of Scotland York Rite Side Degrees English Knights Templar Order of Women Freemasons Walter Leslie Wilmshurst Preston Illustrations of Masonry Masonic Tutor Support

Degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

4. Secret Master

5. Perfect Master

6. Intimate Secretary

7. Provost and Judge

8. Intendant of Buildings

9. Master Elect of Nine

10. Master Elect of Fifteen

11. Sublime Master Elected

12. Grand Master Architect

13. Royal Arch of Enoch

14. Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Master Mason

15. Knight of the East or Sword

16. Prince of Jerusalem

17. Knights of the East and West

18. Knight of the Rose-Croix de Heredom

19. Grand Pontiff

20. Grand Master of all Symbolic Lodges

21. Noachite or Prussian Knight

22. Knight of the Royal Axe

23. Chief of the Tabernacle

24. Prince of the Tabernacle

25. Knight of the Brazen Serpent

26. Prince of Mercy

27 Commander of the Temple

28. Knight of the Sun

29. Knight of St Andrew, or Patriarch of the Crusades

30. Knight Kadosh

31. Grand Inspector Commander

32. Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.

33. Inspector-General

Knight Kadosh

The Thirtieth Grade of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, and the First Degree of the Chivalric Series

PREFATORY

The three chivalric degrees of Knight Kadosh, Inquisitor Commander, and Prince of the Royal Secret are intimately connected, and form the Templar degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

The labours of Masonry are well-nigh ended, so far as instruction is concerned,-the virtues of the Order are rehearsed, and the reward for a due reverence of the obligations and a retention and observance of the vows and tenets of the Institution is accorded.

We now approach the Holy Empire, which signifies the attainment of the science and power of the Magi.

The four words of the Magi are, To Know, to Dare, to Will, to be Silent, and are written in the four symbolic forms of the Sphynx.

The accomplishment of these degrees brings us to the completion of the third Temple; and the Royal Secret is solved, as to whether we have made this world a Temple fit for the abiding-place of the Grand Architect of the universe.

If it be asked, for what good are the Superior degrees cultivated? We might answer, that as to personal benefits, the opportunity to do good and communicate; to practise all the Masonic virtues, as well as enjoy all the pleasures of fellowship and sociality-so far as these are considered within the sphere of the Masonic acquirements of any brother-the original working degree of Ancient Craft Masonry will for him suffice. Only to one who wishes to attain a more extensive knowledge of, and become fully accomplished in, the religious, philosophic, and chivalric departments of our Order, as they were cultivated in the dillerent ages of the world gone by, as well as at the present day, would we recommend initiation into the high degrees. He only will be competent to appreciate the honours and privileges attached to them, who possesses the disposition and ability to study the deeper and higher mysteries of our Kabala, and will not rest satisfied until he has discovered a satisfactory solution to every Masonic problem, and can, in every case, explain "de que fabulum narratur;" who can thoroughly understand the moral mysteries, as well as those of art and science, which our legends unfold, and who has a laudable ambition to participate in the most exalted sphere, with congenial associates, in that subtle communion and fraternization which genuine 'Sublime Freemasonry' is peculiarly calculated to afford.

ARGUMENT

A Knight and Soldier of the Cross called Knight Kadosh proves himself practically a true defender of the Temple of the Most High God; and while armed with steel outwardly, he is inwardly armed with Faith and Love - Faith to God and Love to his fellow-man. It is his duty to defend the Order, to protect and assist all worthy pilgrims, the weak and the injured, the needy and the oppressed, with becoming humility and meekness, and yet with fidelity and prudence, as vowed on the Mystic Ladder.

This practical trial degree of the Knight Templar is replete with effective incident, and stands prominently forward as an interesting and exciting drama.

APARTMENTS, FURNITURE, AND DECORATIONS

Bodies in this degree are termed Chapters.

The main Hall is decorated with red and black columns.

The Throne in the East is surmounted by a double-headed Eagle, crowned, holding a poniard in his claws; over his neck is a black ribbon, to which is suspended the Cross of the Order; on his breast is an Equilateral Triangle, around which are the words: "Nec proditor Nec proditor, innocens feret."

There are 9 lights of yellow wax.

A drapery of white and black curtains, strewed with red crosses, descends between the wings of the Eagle, and forms a pavilion.

Behind the throne are two banners, one white with a green Teutonic cross upon it, and the motto "Deus Vult;" the other with a red cross on one side, and on the other a double-headed Eagle, holding a poniard, with the motto, in silver letters, "Aut vincere, Aut mori."

JUDGES' HALL

Black, lighted by a single lamp, of triangular or antique form, suspended from the ceiling. Everything in this apartment should be sombre.

There are five Judges, robed in black, and masked, each with a sword, at reception. The Judges are seated, Knights in attendance standing, who are also in black robes, and cowls over their heads, with their hands crossed over their breasts.

CAVE OR CHAMBER OF REFLECTION

Is strewed with emblems of mortality, and is entered by descending a flight of stairs: but one light is used.

This chamber should be sombre in all its appointments, and is intended to represent the tomb of Jacques de Molay.

A rude altar, over which is placed a single lighted candle, a Bible, and a cup of wine; near the altar a gong.

MYSTERIOUS LADDER

Is covered until the candidate is obligated. This Ladder has two supports and seven steps. The first support on the right is called O.: E. the second support on the left is called O.: K:.

The first Chamber is termed "Judges' Hall".

The second Cahmber is termed the "Chamber of Reflection."

The third Chamber is termed "Forum".

The fourth Chamber is termed "Senate Chamber."

The fifth Chamber is termed "The Road to the Holy Land."

Five Knights constitute a quorum, and should be dressed in black, with white gloves.

Kadosh signifies holy, consecrated, separated.

The Jewel is a Teutonic cross of gold, enamelled with red, in the centre of which are the letters J.: B.: M.:

On the reverse a skull transpierced by a poniard, and is hung to the sash.

Battery - ***** - *

OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL

GRAND COMMANDER, in the East;

GRAND CHANCELLOR, right of Grand Commander;

GRAND ARCHITECT, left of Grand Commander;

GRAND MASTER OF CEREMONIES, in the North;

GRAND TREASURER, right of Grand Commander in the North.

GRAND SECRETARY, left of Grand Commander in the South.

GRAND CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD, in the South;

SENTINELS, GUARDS, and KNIGHTS.

DRESS OF A KNIGHT KADOSH

The regular costume of a Knight Kadosh, as prescribed by the Ancient Rituals, is as follows:

A white tunic of fine woollen stuff in the shape of a Dalmatica, with large sleeves; reaching to the knees, bordered with black, and having on the left breast a red Latin cross.

A mantle of black velvet, very full, and reaching midway between the knee and ankle, edged with red velvet, and having on the left breast a red Latin cross.

It is clasped in front of the throat with a plain Teutonic cross of gold.

A wide-brimmed hat of black felt, with a plume of red ostrich feathers, on the left side; and covering the lower end of the plume, a Teutonic cross of gold: on the front is a sun of gold, its ribys extending the whole width of the front.

A knight's collarette, with points of linen cambric, with or without lace.

A black belt of leather with a true Teutonic cross in front, as a clasp, of jet and gold, on which are the letters J.: B.: M.:

Closely-fitting pantaloons of white casimere; and worn over them yellow morocco boots, coming up half-way to the knee, bound around the top with narrow gold lace, and having tassels of white silk in front. Gold spurs.

A sword with straight silver guard, in a black scabbard, hangs from the belt; on the scabbard and hilt are the figures 30.

A collar of black watered silk ribbon, four inches wide, edged with narrow silver lace, and worn over the tunic and under the mantle. On the front part of the collar are embroidered in scarlet silk the letters K-H, two Teutonic crosses, a double headed Eagle, with wings extended, a crown resting on the two heads, holding a poniard in his claws.

The crown, both heads, and the blade of the poniard, are of gold; the handle of the poniard is oval, one-half black, and the other white.

At the end of the cordon, or when a collar is worn, then under the sash, is a poniard, its blade of steel, its handle oval, And one-half of it ivory, the other half ebony.

Round the body is a black sash, edged with silver.

Gloves are of white kid.

RECEPTION

The reception commences by the introduction of the aspirant to the Judge's Hall, where he obtains permission to proceed to the Chamber of Reflection.

"Whoever shall be able to conquer the fear of death shall come safe out of the bowels of the earth,

and have the right to be admitted into the 'Mysteries of the Order."

Pending the following prayer and the remaining ceremonies in this chamber, the "Miserere" will be heard in the distance, on the organ.

G.: M.: of C.: You will then kneel with me, my brother, in the midst of these decaying relies of mortality, sad emblems of life and hope departed, and offer up with me prayers and supplications to the God of heaven.

"Our Father, who art in heaven," etc., etc.

He heapeth up riches and cannot tell who shall gather them. In the midst of life we are in death; yet to whom may we flee for succor, but to thee,

O Lord! who, for our many sins, art justly displeased. O God most holy! O God most mighty! Ever and glorious Lord! save us from the pains of eternal death! Amen!

The following is the prayer of Jacques De Molay, just prior to his execution, and may very properly be introduced at this time:

Forgive, O God, those false accusers who have caused the entire destruction of the Order whereof Thy Providence has made me the head. And if it please thee to accept the prayer which I now offer, grant that the day may come when the world, now deceived, may better know those who have sought to live for thee.

"We trust to Thy goodness and mercy to compensate us for the tortures and death which we are now to suffer and that we may enjoy Thy divine presence in the mansions of happiness."

G.: Com.:, It becomes my duty, at this time, to glance at the history of Masonry from its earliest date; but it would be impossible, within the limited time allowed me, to enter into a detailed account of the various incidents connected with this subject; I will, therefore, merely allude to some of the prominent points.

The incidents attending the erection of the Temple it is to be presumed you are already acquainted with. The conspiracy of the three assassins of the Grand Master, H.: A.:, the incidents of his death so peculiarly reminding us of the death of the great exemplar Jacques De Molay; the zeal and energy of the brethren in the apprehension and punishment of the assassins; the wisdom of King Solomon in selecting a chosen few, and making them perfect in the arts and sciences; the elevation of the twelve Sublime Knights, elected to carry out the work of perfection; the great object and duty of the twelve, and their connection with our Grand Master, the builder of the third temple, in their completion of the first temple, and their partaking of a vow to carry out his great designs; and our ancient Grand Master tasting of the bitter cup of death; the zeal and energy of our ancient brethren, Gibulum, Joabert, and Stolkin, in penetrating into the bowels of the earth and bringing thence the valuable treasures to enrich and adorn the temple of God; the rewards conferred on them by King Solomon in admitting them to perfection, the apostasy of Solomon; the destruction of the Temple; the finding of the sacred vault, and the dead body of Galaad at the entrance thereto, and the destruction of the Golden Delta; the captivity of seventy years, and return to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel; the incidents of the Knights of the East or Sword and Princes of Jerusalem; the establishment at Jerusalem of the Knights of the East and West; the Rose-Croix degree, and its connection with the building of the third temple; the Knights of Jerusalem and Knights of the Temple, called Knights Templars or Crusaders; the formation of the Order of Knights Templars; their devotion and heroism in the cause of Christianity.

You are now, my brother, about to be instructed in a portion of the secret mysteries. But before entering upon them, let us offer up our supplications to Heaven, as on all important occasions. You will kneel and join me in my appeal.

PRAYER

O thou Eternal, beneficent, and all-glorious and gracious Grand Architect of the Universe! We, from the secret depths of our hearts, offer up to Thee a living sacrifice. We pray thee to fill our hearts with Thy love and the love we should feel for each other. We are brethren, journeying the rugged path of life to that bourne from which we cannot return. We humbly beseech thee, O Heavenly Father to inspire our enemies with a just sense of the evils they have done, and a conviction of their wrong-doing: that they may make atonement for their manifold injuries and injustice to us; which do not belong to us, Thy servants, to redress them ourselves; for thou hast said, O Lord, " Vengeance is mine, I will repay that by their eyes being opened we might be reconciled, and by a hearty union take possession of those blessed lands, where the original temple was first, established, and where thou hadst said, "I will dwell;" where we might be gathered together in one fold or band of brothers, there to celebrate Thy great and holy Name; and on the holy mountain, in whose bowels was deposited the ever-glorious and awful Name, celebrate Thy praise. Amen!

All. So mote it be !

G.: Com.: You will now rise, my brother. I now charge you to make yourself familiar with the history of the Knights Templars; of their rise and progress; their great and glorious exploits; their numbers, wealth, and high standing in every kingdom of Europe; their percecutio and fall, and the sufferings of the Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, and his brave Knights, by order of Pope Clement V.; the cruelty and barbarity of Philip the Fair and the potentates and governments of Europe; the actions of the Knights of Malta in the destruction of the Templars, and their receiving and holding many large possessions, the property of the Templars, as a reward for their treachery; the dispersion of the Templars, and their many sufferings and death. The facts and history, my brother, can be obtained from the sources I previously mentioned.

The incidents on the road to the Holy Land will here transpire and are symbolised by the Sephiroth..

G.: Com.: Be firm, faithful, and true unto death. I arm you with this Sword, Sir Knight, as a defence against your enemies and the enemies of the Order; you will wield it also. for the defence of poor pilgrims, and in defence of innocence and virtue. I also arm you with this dagger, it is the avenging blade and the dagger of mercy; and I now invest you with these knightly gold spurs.

Wisdom is symbolized by gold. Never let wisdom, with temperate zeal and true love, forsake you.

You are now, Sir Knight, invested with the knightly spurs, in testimony of the zeal and activity with which you are henceforward and forever to be goaded on in the performance of your duties; and, beware lest through negligence or unfaithfulness, you shall be deemed unworthy of our confidence, and be ignominiously degraded from our Order.

I also present you with the Collar and Jewel. You will now take your place in the ranks of the Order.

You are in the ranks of those who shall be elected to the grand work, and we trust and hope that the delicious perfumes of your good, actions will give you the true happiness you desire.

SEPHIROTH

This division of the ten Sephiroth into three triads was arranged into a form called by the Kabbalists the Kabbalistic Tree, or the Tree of Life, as shown in the following diagram

In this diagram the vertical arrangement of the Sephiroth is called - Pillars." Thus the four Sephiroth in the centre are called the Middle Pillar the three on the right, the Pillar of Mercy and the three on the left, the Pillar of Justice.



Home Lectures of the Craft Lectures of the Holy Royal Arch Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite The Royal Order of Scotland York Rite Side Degrees English Knights Templar Order of Women Freemasons Walter Leslie Wilmshurst Preston Illustrations of Masonry Masonic Tutor Support

[ to top ]