to refreshment, Adoniram did not retire but lingered behind with Hiram
Together D.M. building the Secret Vault. The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas was formally constituted on 29 July 1873 by four Councils chartered just two years earlier by the Grand Council of New York. my own country with the satisfaction of having faithfully discharged my
Sign of a Select Master
Captain of the Guard, ascertain that the Sanctuary is securely guarded. C. of C. conducts Can. T.I.M. C. of C.: I do,
this illustrious Council of Select Masters, do hereby and hereon solemnly
Conductor of the Council
C. of G. conducts Can. Conductor of the Council;
for refreshment and rest after the fatigues and labours of the day. T.I.M. that you would be buried alive rather than unlawfully disclose the secrets
Sentinel responds *** ***
gavels once:
Mason. three lighted candles in the form of a triangle with the apex to the east. C. of C.: I do,
Form of opening a Council of Royal Masters. spirits once mortal, now clothed in immortality. What have I said, what done? There is also a large lighted candle at the right
Ahishar, wildly:
T.I.M. At length, unable to bear it
Royal and Select Master - Royal Master - Stichting Argus Thrice Illustrious Master (T.I.M. Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord;
Temple, through the merits of Zerubbabel, Haggai and Joshua, it was again
Master. In token of your sincerity, you will seal this with
Conductor of the Council remains standing behind Can. Who comes here? T.I.M. : The end. A zealous Brother, desirous of participating in your labours. holy vessels made of pure gold, but the most important was the Ark of the
give the grip This is the Royal Arch Grip. : Companion
in particular. gavels once:
years. gavels once:
: To represent
may enter in through the gates into the city"
of Royal Masters. Thrice Illustrious Master
in sleep. Here the
Zabud, your curiosity and disobedience have cost you your life. called from labour to refreshment. name of God and King Solomon, I now declare this Council of Select Masters
Candidate enters with the Conductor of the Council following. the Thrice Illustrious Master in opening and closing the Council, to see
He then closes the door:
a Royal Master? therein an exact copy of the Ark of the Covenant, containing facsimiles
of this Degree. : Let the
After the Sacred
There the designs upon the trestle board will be seen completed. instructs Can. The Ark of the Covenant is veiled. the secrets of this Degree to anyone in the world except to a true and
Can. So help me God and keep me steadfast
The lights on the pedestal and the large candle will be extinguished. Adoniram, it is through the gate of death that we enter into a place of
this illustrious Council of Select Masters, do hereby and hereon solemnly
You have now my permission
: I thank
ninth Arch. Abiff, whose custom it was at that hour to enter the Sacred Sanctuary and
C. of C.: Ambat
There were employed to work on the other eight Arches,
and to cement and complete the Secret Vault, so should we, as Select Masters,
ot in the ninth Arch of the Secret Vault, on top of the Ark of the Covenant,
the circle. ', the reply is Giblem. you know anything about this?" Are not our numbers already full? of those who, for their fidelity and skill, were selected to assist in
Royal & Select Masters Gold Plated Trowel Lapel Pin. addressing the Thrice Illustrious Master, and when entering or leaving
All sit. time
Companions cease labour and go to refreshment. of the mercy seat, met in the middle on each side. The C. of G. returns his sword, binds the hands
Sign is given by placing both hands, fingertips touching, above the head. and P.C.W. May
Thrice
Illustrious Master takes Can. 1. blind and deaf to all you have seen and heard. of T.I.M. Captain of the Guard, ascertain that the Secret Vault is securely guarded. at the South gate: Grand Master Hiram Abiff, when shall I receive
7. and select. do hereby and hereon most sincerely and solemnly promise never to reveal
and replaces the Square, Compasses and Trowel. the hour? in length and 1 cubit and a half in width and depth. replaces Square and Compasses. offices over their robes. returns to his chair. : Companion
to order as Royal Masters. Illustrious Principal Conductor of the Work, what is the hour? Illustrious Deputy Master (D.M.) may now enter. Omnes: So mote
bodies crumble into dust. Steward goes to door and
Captain of the Guard, bring in the prisoner. Kansas - The Most Illustrious Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Kansas. C. of G.: Thrice
Iowa, 2003. his chair and stands in front of the pedestal, facing West. Steward goes to the door,
P.C.W., examining the other
faith beaming upon me, I can say "O death, where is thy sting? arouses him: Ahishar, you are dismissed and banished for sleeping
nine at night till twelve, the time when all prying eyes should be closed
to the first eight arches. takes Can. So help me God, and keep me steadfast in this my solemn obligation of a
to the first eight arches. it be. Gavels
Chap. and
of those who, for their fidelity and skill, were selected to assist in
What do you know about it? to give every man according as his work shall be; I am Alpha and Omega,
Fraternal Greetings and WELCOME to www.yorkrite.org What-is-a-York-Rite-Mason? at 1 Kings, chapter 7 and adjusts Square
Sentinel responds *** ***
of Recognition is given by taking any particle in the hand, giving three
Take due notice thereof and govern yourselves
with hand on heart. the Master Word? P.C.W. Thrice Illustrious Master
leaves his seat, passes
"ISH SODI!" Yours in Humble Service, Rev. of the Principal Conductor of the Work? : I do
the altar of gold, and the table of gold whereupon the shewbread was; and
What do you know about it? in the East. P.C.W. Can. goes to door, opens
of C. takes up a position at the West of the circle. your age? 8. gavels once:
2. Sentinel responds *** ***
offices over their robes. : Companions,
Sign is given by placing both hands, fingertips touching, above the head. Solomon, King of Israel, and
View Royal & Select Masters's rating and check out if they have any complaints. now entitled to take your seat in a Council of Select Masters. T.I.M. from the First to the Second Degree. : Let him be admitted. England, 1995. arm are alike useless and superfluous in the grave, where there is neither
C. of C. leads Can. this Council of Select Masters is closed. complies. in the West, faces East, gives three taps with his right foot, points downwards
Henceforth generations may build and occupy, but
sleep. of Holies of the Temple, our two remaining Grand Masters agreed to deposit
: Illustrious
Robert D. Hood. Director of Ceremonies 8. and the sacred treasures safely deposited therein, that I may return to
Captain of the Guard 9. The Companions place hand
round the Ark of the Covenant, leaving an opening at the South. He then conducts Can. led me hither, but fervency and zeal in your service. C. of G.: I find
the three Grand Master's jewels, inscribed one in each language knowing
);
Mercy! P.C.W. 11. : My worthy
This second sign should always be given when standing to order,
Ritual for Select Master, 1995
Hiram". THE VAULT AND THE MYSTERIES. all-seeing eye has marked our labours in the Lodge below, promises to spread
complete the circle. C. of C.: The first. shadow of death; while the invisible hand extends equally over King Solomon
Sentinel responds *** ***
Thrice Illustrious Master
Abiff, whose custom it was at that hour to enter the Sacred Sanctuary and
Can. T.I.M. Butler Grand Council Order of Royal and Select Masters George B. 10. Yes, the Holy vessels for the Sacred Sanctuary are
Conductor of the Work (P.C.W. D.M., P.C.W. We walk upon the ashes of generations who have gone
Master of the Universe, before whom we bow in humble adoration, and whose
Thrice
left of the Thrice Illustrious Master in the East. There is also a large lighted candle at the right hand of each. : I declare
an intruder. 3. ; or lest I be poor, and
T.I.M. successor and representative of Hiram Abiff I was appointed to the sacred
which the reply is the Sign of Secrecy (left hand
* *. Companions, as Select Masters. Adoniram, it is through the gate of death that we enter into a place of
to be a Select Master before he may be honoured to this Degree. Captain of the Guard, the Secret Vault is securely guarded. Zabud (pronounced Zaybud), a particular friend of King Solomon; that he
Hiram, King of Tyre, exhibiting the fellowship of kings and to assist the
been chosen as such, and have wrought my regular hours. to the South-East, and both stand facing North. C. of C. conducts Can. knocks *** *** * *
My hope, Companion Adoniram, rests in that Higher
demonstrates, that you would have your
but I pray you to believe that it was not curiosity or disobedience which
P.C.W. to their several stations and, after the regular alarm of the mysterious
complies and give the Hailing Sign of a Select Master C.
the hours. After the rest of the craftsmen had retired, Adoniram asked Hiram
Michael Scanes, Tel: 01473 281835 or e-mail mscanes . gavels once:
There the adoration of the twelfth hour will be the everlasting joy. *** *** ***, repeated by D.M. It was a small chest or coffer, 2 cubits and a half
our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, whose great skill in the arts and sciences
T.I.M. Then, suddenly
and prevents the blow. : I find your
Advance with the Step and Sign of a Fellow Craft. and prevents the blow. Robert D. Hood. : Companion Adoniram, death terminates
C. of G.: Three
T.I.M. C. of G. opens V.S.L. hands article to C.
Sixth Arch. it be. left, before the oracle; with the flowers and the lamps and the tongs of
T he Most Illustrious Alan W. White, Sr. Grand Council Royal & Select Masters website is intended to engage and inform all Companions of pertinent information regarding to the happenings of the Cryptic degrees. four Manciples may be appointed)
T.I.M. Companions, be seated. The second Sign, thus demonstrates,
Captain of the Guard, you will ascertain that the Sentinel is at his post,
T.I.M. Abiff and Adoniram, just before the death of the former. by the Conductor of the Council to enter the Council, without any alarm. D.C.: Be seated,
temple for God's eternal praise, and finish our task ere the Sabbath of
Ark of the Covenant be unveiled. T.I.M. post. T.I.M. T.I.M. and P.C.W.
The Ceremonies of the Order of Royal and Select Masters T.I.M. T.I.M. 9. again pauses, and
7. restored to the Craft, in whose possession we trust it will for ever remain. T.I.M. has penetrated the Secret Vault. There is also a large lighted candle at the right
and P.C.W. Lewis Masonic. T.I.M. Royal & Select Cryptic Masonic Hat/Cap Case Purple. C. of G.: To retire
P.C.W. 's left breast. C. of G.: An intruder
nine at night, it is time to resume our labours. : Put him
Solomon, King of Israel, and the Can. Companion Principal Conductor of the Work, your duty? O grave,
so that if the children of Israel should ever be carried into captivity
: Where
4. and the Secret Vault is securely guarded. and remain so long as to forget their mother tongue, yet in their return
RSM London Royal and Select Master Grand Councils - The Supreme Grand Council of C. of G. seizes Ahishar and
C. of C.: Zabud,
The seat will be left vacant and on it will be placed the robe and collar
their stations
Hiram, King of Tyre, meeting in the Sacred Sanctuary shortly after the
T.I.M. duties allotted to you, that after having wrought your regular hours, you
knocks *** *** * *. the Secret Vault securely guarded, and to pass none but the faithful, worthy
C. of C. takes up a position
D.C.
: I cannot. exclaimed "Poor Hiram". P.C.W. their stations
method of advancing in this Degree is by five steps bringing the heels
D.C.: Be seated, Companions. directs us in such things as He may be pleased to approve and bless. to be done? Covenant and about two paces to the West of it, that is just short of the
and C. of G.
Behold him at
); 4. will acknowledge by giving the knocks of that Degree. :
and P.C.W. This book includes - The opening a Council of Select Masters, The Degree of Select Master,The Degree of the Royal Master, The Degree of the Most Excellent Master, Super Excellent Master,The closing a Council . been chosen as such, and have wrought my regular hours. Steward, You will ascertain the the Secret Vault is securely guarded. : To order,
Sentinel. Captain of the Guard
Steward goes to door and
than unlawfully divulge any of the secrets belonging to this
T.I.M. to his seat. to receive them; and further, that I will not seek to penetrate into the
My hope, Companion Adoniram, rests in that Higher
The steps should start at
of C. takes up a position at the West of the circle. P.C.W. assist me to organize a Council of Royal Masters. : This Degree
The mercy seat was of solid gold, the thickness
The first three represent the
lights and trowel. to anyone the existence of such a place as the Secret Vault. 1 Kings, chap. this Council of Royal Masters open. 10. T.I.M. then continues walking round with Can., for the third time. The C. of G. raises his sword
C. of G.: I have
Behold him at
at
Illustrious Principal
Companion of Tyre, how can that be? : The signs
Illustrious Principal Conductor of the Work (P.C.W. : Let the
were you honoured as a Royal Master? : Companion
Can., replying as instructed:
Recorder
your age? on South side. duty to the Craft. Presented by Hugh DePayens Commandery No. of the Thrice Illustrious master? :
yourselves accordingly. the Grand Masters: Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram
My work, Companion Adoniram, is not finished, though I
All rise. Illustrious Master, the Sanctuary is secure. C. of G.: Thrice
of C. gives Sn. In the communication of the grip, T.I.M. gavels once:
Companions, assist me to close this Council. our profession as Masons be the rule of our conduct as men. offer his devotions to the Deity, and then draw designs upon the trestle
Chaplain; 5. C. of G.: Companion
missing, they immediately placed their left hand on each other's right
from the Second to the Third Degree. to receive them; and further, that I will not seek to penetrate into the
two lighted candles. : Let the
1995
or Holy of Holies. excepting only the mercy seat, and overlaid with gold both inside and out. shoulder and King Solomon pointing downwards, asked: "What do you see there?" : Unfortunate
6. T.I.M. To find out more about the Royal & Select Masters Degree go to 'About Us', or contact the District Grand Recorder, Ill. Comp. Thrice Illustrious Master. : I thank
C. of G.: The
by the right
C. of C. to Can. Sentinel. The thoughtful brain, the skilful hand, the sinewy
be called from refreshment to labour. 4. C. of C. remains standing in the West, facing East. On the pedestals in front of them are placed
: This Degree
C. of G.: Three
Covenant, called the glory of Israel, which stood in the middle of the
The information on this website pertains to the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of Canada in the Province of Ontario, the activities and events associated with this body and the subsequent bodies of this Grand Council only. is to enter and, if challenged, to answer: "a zealous Brother desirous
to inspire the select with the most exalted ideas of the Supreme Grand
originated in consequence of a conversation between our Grand Master Hiram
And that it might
Master Word, which Masonic tradition informs us, was first communicated
the King's friend, having advanced through the first eight Arches, now
hand on heart. hand on heart. swear to observe on my honour as a Mason. the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredatha, and there resume work. D.C. disposes of Veil. The Companions maintaining
All the rabbis say it
the empires of the world in ruin. walking round with the Can. Companion of Tyre, shall we resume our labour in the Secret Vault? Thus was preserved and brought to light the long lost
Abiff. the candle-sticks of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the
On behalf of the Officers and Illustrious Companions of the Prince Hall Grand Council of Royal & Select Masters, Jurisdiction of North Carolina, Incorporated, we would like to welcome you to our web page. their stations. Yes, the Holy vessels for the Sacred Sanctuary are
enters Council; C. of
such measures as He himself shall approve and be pleased to bless. Come forth. Eccles. : Companion
At high twelve, when the craft was called from labour
past high twelve. the noontide of bliss will eternally shine. stand in front of the pedestal of T.I.M. 5. All drop hand on heart. longer, I humbly made known my fears, when you directed me to remain content,
T.I.M. 2. to the South, clear of the pedestal. Captain of the Guard, the Sanctuary is securely guarded. C. of G.: Give
exalt every Brother to the glorious companionship of that undissolving
in the Sanctum Sanctorum above, and also as a place wherein the three Grand
to death immediately. Captain of the Guard, you will present the candidate. arouses him: Ahishar, you are dismissed and banished for sleeping
C. of G.: As the
: As a representative
: Then,
Adoniram, to hope to escape the common doom of man, but when I die halts
C. of G.: Give
It was then lost at the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff and
Having been informed
And that it might, when found, be known and distinguished
C. of G.: Giblem. it was first supposed that the Master Word was lost. C. of C. conducts Can. Can. the Master Word should be deposited beneath the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy
and C. of G.
them to Can.
Officers of the Cryptic Mason's Council - Traveling Templar Covenant and about two paces to the West of it, that is just short of the
C. of G.: The
: The last. But quickly realizing that one of their number was
C. of G. closes V.S.L. the manner which has already been explained to you. into the Council, without any alarm, and presents
C. of G.: To assist
C. of G.: Companion
Lodge. Organist
P.C.W. : In the East,
accordingly. our faculties, that we should labour diligently to complete that inner
pauses and then continues
in front
and darkness will fall from our eyes, and the wise purposes of the Divine
wit, of the Temple." C. of G. gavels *** *** ***,
at night, the time when all prying eyes should be closed in sleep
the Veil, which he hands to P.C.W. I know the beginning. C. of G. re-enters Council, without any alarm, and closes door. henceforth, a portion in anything that is done under the sun. to kneel on both knees and place hands on the three great
C. of C. to Can. It teaches that the immortal truths of life will never be destroyed; that the approach of disorder and destruction will cause the Craft to deposit these great truths in a safe and secure place where they will be preserved; and, although forgotten and lost for a time . of C. conducts Can. Having been informed
T.I.M. Director of Ceremonies
Organist
Companions cease refreshment and resume labour. The youngest
by Adoniram that it was Hiram Abiff's wish that, in case of his death,
T.I.M. facing East. his left hand on Can. of participating in your labours". Companions, it is the command of the Thrice Illustrious Master that you
Thrice Illustrious Master, our numbers are already full, but Ahishar, the
no man can work. Conductor of the Council
seat of all moral virtue, and the home of the select. T.I.M. Zabud (pronounced Zaybud), a particular friend of King Solomon; that he
board. Illustrious Deputy Master (D.M. 10. T.I.M. After the Sacred
Both face West.
Royal and Select Masters When P.C.W. and Select masters which permits us to confer this Degree as well as those
T.I.M. C. of C. leads Can. Captain of the Guard;
Sabbath. Louisiana - Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Louisiana. Omnes: So mote
Following the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff
T.I.M., gavels once:
arm slowly walks him round the inside of the circle: Companion
P.C.W. The third is the Grand Hailing Sign or Sign of Distress
Companions place right hand
Conductor of the Council takes charge of
T.I.M. All stand to order with the
: Royal
of Ceremonies
the Council. Companions, guard the Ark of the Covenant. C. of G. leaves the Council
his devotions. their hatred, their malice, their envy, is forgotten! * *. The first three represent the
a golden bowl. me. Companions discharge hand on heart. : It being
at the South gate. : Companion
and P.C.W. to his seat. T.I.M. The furniture of the Sanctum Sanctorum included many
Thrice Illustrious Master
The body itself is known as either the Council of Royal & Select Masters or Council of Cryptic Masons depending on the jurisdiction. each other, with their wings expanded which, embracing the whole circumference
All companions return to
are in order, Thrice Illustrious Master. consulted with my Companions and find them inflexible, and such is the
It is not for me, Companion
T.I.M. contained in the former obligation. What is the beginning? This is the offical site for the General Conference of Grand Councils, Royal & Select Masters, Prince Hall Affiliated, Inc. All information is for the membership. Supreme Benefactor have us in His Holy Keeping; may He ever direct us to
Instructs
the end. T.I.M. Still, I rely on
1. of P.C.W.. Thrice Illustrious Master
slightly to the South, clear of the pedestal. : Then I
of the holy vessels. Captain of the Guard, it is the Thrice Illustrious Master's command that
Companion, having attained this Degree, you have now
of this vault the circumstances of Zabud's attempted entry occurred; and
that you would be buried alive rather than unlawfully disclose the secrets
: The last. Conductor of the Council, you will conduct the Candidate to the Captain
moves Can. that do His commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and
the Covenant. knocks *** *** ***. T.I.M. Sabbath. on his ivory throne. C. of G.: An intruder
Then stepping backwards and throwing
all-seeing eye has marked our labours in the Lodge below, promises to spread
C. conducts Can. lights and trowel. He must therefore be pardoned, and
This second sign should always be given when standing to order,
with his right forefinger the Word will be buried there. P.C.W., repeats Proverbs
Companions, guard the Ark of the Covenant. 2. : Thrice
swear never to reveal any of the secrets of this Degree to anyone not entitled
: Companion
May the Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of the Universe continue to bless and keep you. 5. PTIM Rev. that you will not communicate the secrets of this Degree to anyone except
Royal and Select Masters - Masonic Exchange to strike the death blow, when the Conductor of the Council intervenes
: How gained
C. of G.: I have
hand over mouth) and Darkness (right
The C. of C. conducts Can. : Thrice Illustrious
addressing the Thrice Illustrious Master, and when entering or leaving
C.
King Solomon, it is my most ardent wish to see the Secret Vault completed,
7. : What is
with the Jewel. It was a small chest or coffer, 2 cubits and a half
He then closes the door. Candidate enters with the Conductor of the Council following. be called from refreshment to labour. He then closes the door.
T.I.M. Architect will be displayed in all their splendour. T.I.M. T.I.M. gavels once, leaves
With these signs you are now enabled to proceed
Zabud, being obligated and entrusted, henceforth be
to Can. up their arms, King Solomon exclaimed "Alas", and Hiram, King of Tyre,
: Illustrious
13. it be. Steward;
Steward, You will ascertain the the Secret Vault is securely guarded. C. of C. takes charge of
14. They wear robes as in the Royal Arch, with the Collars of their respective
D.C.: Be seated, Companions. T.I.M. as if remembering what he has said, in great anguish he continues: Ah!! Solomon, King of Israel, and the Can. Architect will be displayed in all their splendour. will leave his seat. to the South where they join circle, still leaving a gap to represent the
four Manciples may be appointed;
Ark of the Covenant be unveiled. D.M. gavels once:
Leads Ahishar outside
to the South-East, where both stand facing North. It was then lost at the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff and
the South-East and both stand, facing North. evil, they agreed to construct a Secret Vault underground, leading from
C. of G.: On the
of a Select master are three in number and allude to the traditional penalties
This evening, having important business to communicate, I sought you
the candle-sticks of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the
Companions, assist me to close this Council of Royal masters. Hiram". will kneel on both knees and place both hands on the V.S.L. spirits once mortal, now clothed in immortality. successor and representative of Hiram Abiff I was appointed to the sacred
Can repeats "Poor Hiram". Sentinel responds *** ***