Intimate Secretary
Intimate Secretary, also called Confidential Secretary, is the traditional sixth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. In Charles T. McClenachan's 1885 account, a dispute between King Solomon and Hiram, King of Tyre raises questions about loyalty, intrusive curiosity and the danger of judging someone's intentions too quickly.[1]
The dispute
The degree uses a legendary episode concerning an agreement between the two kings. Hiram believes that Solomon has failed to honour his promises. A member of Solomon's household, concerned for his master's safety, becomes the object of suspicion during their meeting. Solomon's intervention makes it possible for motives and misunderstandings to be examined.[2]
McClenachan describes this as an episode within the period of mourning for Hiram the builder. He expressly distinguishes it from a continuous development of the degrees immediately before and after it. The king of Tyre and the deceased builder are separate figures in the narrative.[3]
Confidence and peacemaking
The lesson addresses the boundary between faithful service and interference in another person's affairs. Concern for a friend can be sincere while the manner of expressing it remains indiscreet. The book consequently places restraint and respect for confidence alongside zeal and attachment.[4]
Reconciliation is central to the explanation. A renewed agreement becomes possible when anger gives way to an examination of what each person intended. McClenachan explicitly applies the lesson to disputes among Masons, urging them to act as peacemakers. His discussion of the triangular jewel connects an enduring agreement with truth, justice and peace.[5]
Title and modern usage
Here intimate describes a trusted relationship with the principals in an agreement. McClenachan uses it interchangeably with confidential when explaining the secretary's appointment.[6] The modern Northern Masonic Jurisdiction has a different sixth degree, Master of the Brazen Serpent, whose published story concerns Moses and the Israelites in the desert.[7]
Related pages
Overview of degrees 4° to 17° · Previous: 5° Perfect Master · Next: 7° Provost and Judge
References
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 62, 65-68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 62, 66-68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 62, 66-68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 62, 68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 65, 68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Charles T. McClenachan, The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, revised and enlarged edition (New York: Author's Edition, 1885), pp. 65, 68. Digitised copy.
- ↑ Supreme Council, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, 6° - Master of the Brazen Serpent. Accessed 23 September 2026.