The Appendant Degrees
The Appendant Degrees
The Order of Royal and Select Masters
The Order of Royal and Select Masters, also known as the Cryptic Masons, is a masonic fraternity that traces its roots to the Knights Templar, a military order that was active during the Crusades. The Order of Royal and Select Masters was founded in the United States in the early 19th century and is now present in many countries around the world.
The Order of Royal and Select Masters is considered a "side degree" within the fraternity of Freemasonry, meaning that it is an additional degree that Masons can choose to pursue after becoming Master Masons. The Order consists of three degrees: the Royal Master, Select Master, and Super-Excellent Master. Each degree has its own ritual and symbolism, which are based on the stories and legends of the Knights Templar.
One of the central themes of the Order of Royal and Select Masters is the search for the "lost word," which is a metaphor for the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. In the rituals of the Order, candidates are encouraged to seek out the lost word and to strive for personal improvement and self-betterment.
The Order of Royal and Select Masters also places a strong emphasis on charity and service to others. Members are encouraged to engage in charitable work and to support the less fortunate in their communities. This focus on service is reflected in the motto of the Order, which is "Not for ourselves, but for others."
In addition to its charitable and spiritual focus, the Order of Royal and Select Masters also has a strong social component. Members of the Order often come together for meetings and events, which provide opportunities for fellowship and camaraderie.
Overall, the Order of Royal and Select Masters is a fraternity that values personal growth, charity, and fellowship. Its rituals and symbolism are based on the stories and legends of the Knights Templar, and its members are encouraged to seek out knowledge and enlightenment, as well as to serve others and make a positive impact in their communities.
Knights Templar
The Masonic Knights Templar degree is a higher order within Freemasonry, a fraternity that traces its roots to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the Middle Ages. The Knights Templar degree is based on the legend of the Knights Templar, a medieval military order that was founded in the early 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. The degree is intended to instill in its members the principles of charity, honour, and truth and to encourage them to live up to the high moral standards of the Knights Templar.
The history of the Knights Templar is shrouded in mystery and legend, and the true nature of the order has long been the subject of debate among historians. According to one legend, the Knights Templar were formed in 1118, when a group of nine knights, led by Hugh de Payens, took a vow to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The knights were granted permission to establish their headquarters at the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, and they quickly gained a reputation for their bravery and military prowess.
As the Knights Templar grew in power and wealth, they became involved in a number of controversial activities, including banking and financial transactions. They also became embroiled in political and religious conflicts and were eventually accused of heresy and blasphemy. In 1314, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, was burned at the stake by the Catholic Church, marking the end of the order.
Despite their controversial history, the Knights Templar have remained a popular subject of fascination, and their legend has inspired numerous works of literature and art. In the 18th century, Freemasonry, a fraternity that emerged in the Middle Ages, began incorporating the legend of the Knights Templar into its ritual practices. The Masonic Knights Templar degree is based on this legend and is intended to teach members the virtues of courage, charity, and honour.
To become a member of the Masonic Knights Templar, an individual must first become a Master Mason, the highest degree in the Blue Lodge, which is the foundation of Freemasonry. After completing the Master Mason degree, a member may choose to pursue further study and advancement by joining one of the appendant bodies, such as the Knights Templar.
The Knights Templar degree is divided into three stages, known as the orders of the Temple. The first order, known as the Order of the Red Cross, focuses on the legend of the Knights Templar and the virtues of courage and honor. The second order, known as the Order of Malta, emphasises the virtues of charity and compassion, and the third order, known as the Order of the Temple, teaches the importance of truth and integrity.
The Masonic Knights Templar degree is a significant milestone in a member's journey through Freemasonry and is considered by many to be the pinnacle of their Masonic experience. It represents a commitment to upholding the highest moral standards and to living a life of service and charity.
Order of Mark Master Masons
The Order of Mark Master Masons is a fraternity within the larger structure of Freemasonry, which is a fraternity that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the Middle Ages. The Order of Mark Master Masons is focused on the symbolic aspects of the stonemason's craft, particularly the idea of the "mark" that stonemasons would place on their work to signify their skill and pride in their craftsmanship.
The Order of Mark Master Masons has a ritual and symbolism that is based on the building of King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, which is a central theme in Freemasonry. In the ritual of the Order, candidates are symbolically given the task of working on the construction of the Temple, and they are taught the moral lessons and values that are associated with the work of a stonemason.
One of the key values of the Order of Mark Master Masons is the importance of quality workmanship. Members of the Order are expected to be committed to excellence in their work and to strive for the highest standards of craftsmanship. This emphasis on quality is not just limited to the work of stonemasons but is seen as a general principle that can be applied to all aspects of life.
Another important value of the Order is the idea of brotherhood and fellowship. Members of the Order are expected to be supportive of one another and to work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The Order is also committed to charitable work and to making a positive contribution to the communities in which its members live.
In addition to its ritual and symbolic aspects, the Order of Mark Master Masons also has a social aspect, with lodges often hosting events and activities for members and their families. This can include formal dinners, sporting events, and other social gatherings.
Overall, the Order of Mark Master Masons is a fraternity that is focused on the values of quality workmanship, brotherhood, and charitable service. It provides its members with an opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the stonemason's craft and to participate in a community of like-minded individuals who are committed to these values.
Royal Ark Mariner
The Royal Ark Mariner degree is named after the biblical figure Noah and the Ark he built to save humanity and animals from the great flood. It is an important and highly respected degree within Freemasonry, and those who have earned it are considered to have achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding of the principles and values of the fraternity.
The Royal Ark Mariner degree is considered an extension of the Mark Master degree, and it is only open to those who have already completed that degree. It is typically conferred upon members of a Mark Lodge, which is a special type of Masonic Lodge that focuses on the teachings of the degree.
The degree is based on the story of Noah and the Ark, and it teaches important lessons about faith, hope, and charity. It emphasises the importance of being prepared for times of crisis and adversity, and it encourages its members to be of service to others. The degree also teaches the value of being able to adapt to changing circumstances and make the best of any situation.
The Royal Ark Mariner degree is a highly symbolic and ritualistic degree, and it makes use of a number of distinctive symbols and signs that are unique to this degree. These symbols are used to convey important teachings and lessons, and they are intended to help members of the degree better understand the principles and values of Freemasonry.
In order to receive the Royal Ark Mariner degree, a candidate must undergo a series of tests and exams to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the teachings of the degree. These tests are typically administered by a group of experienced members of the degree who are responsible for ensuring that candidates are ready to take on the responsibilities and obligations of the degree.
The Royal Ark Mariner degree is an important part of the Masonic fraternity, and it is highly respected within the organization. Those who have earned the degree are considered to be among the most dedicated and committed members of the fraternity, and they are often looked to as leaders and mentors within the organization. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Masonic Royal Ark Mariner degree, it is important to familiarise yourself with the principles and values of the fraternity and to be prepared to dedicate yourself to the ideals of the degree.
Order of the Secret Monitor
The Masonic Order of the Secret Monitor, also known as the Brotherhood of David and Jonathan, is a fraternity within Freemasonry that is based on the biblical story of David and Jonathan, two close friends who were known for their strong bond of brotherhood and mutual support. The Order is said to have originated in the 18th century and has since spread to various countries around the world.
The purpose of the Order is to encourage and promote the virtues of friendship, brotherhood, and charity among its members. It is believed that these virtues are important for the development of the individual and for the betterment of society as a whole. The Order also places a strong emphasis on the importance of secrecy and confidentiality, as it is believed that these virtues are essential for the preservation of the fraternity and its traditions.
Members of the Order are required to take an oath of secrecy upon joining and are expected to uphold this oath throughout their membership. The Order has a hierarchical structure, with members being organised into various ranks and degrees. Each degree has its own specific set of obligations and responsibilities, and members are required to progress through these degrees in order to attain higher ranks within the Order.
The Order of the Secret Monitor is known for its charitable work and its commitment to helping those in need. Members of the Order are expected to contribute to charitable causes and to assist those in need, both within the fraternity and in the wider community. The Order also places a strong emphasis on education, and members are encouraged to continue learning and developing their knowledge and skills throughout their membership.
In summary, the Masonic Order of the Secret Monitor is a fraternity within Freemasonry that is dedicated to promoting the virtues of friendship, brotherhood, and charity among its members. It places a strong emphasis on secrecy and confidentiality and is known for its charitable work and commitment to education.
The Ancient and Accepted Rite ("Rose Croix")
The Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales, also known as the Rose Croix, is a system of Freemasonry that was established in the late 18th century. It is a prestigious and highly respected organisation that is dedicated to the principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement.
The Ancient and Accepted Rite traces its roots back to the early days of Freemasonry, when it was known as the "Scottish Rite." This system was developed in France during the 18th century and was designed to provide a more structured and organised form of Freemasonry that would be more accessible to a wider range of people. The Scottish Rite was based on the belief that each individual has the potential to improve themselves and make a positive impact on the world around them.
The Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales was established in 1782, when a group of Freemasons in London founded the "Grand Council of Rites" to oversee the operation of the Scottish Rite in England and Wales. This organisation was later renamed the "Grand Lodge of Ancient and Accepted Masons of England and Wales," and it continues to be the governing body for the Ancient and Accepted Rite in these countries.
Members of the Ancient and Accepted Rite are known as "Rose Croix Masons," and they are expected to adhere to a set of principles and values that are based on the principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement. These values include a commitment to honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
The Ancient and Accepted Rite is organised into a series of degrees, each of which represents a different level of knowledge and understanding of the principles of Freemasonry. These degrees are designed to guide members on a journey of personal and spiritual growth, and they involve a series of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to teach valuable lessons and help members develop their moral and ethical character.
In addition to the traditional rituals and ceremonies of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, members also participate in charitable and community service projects, as well as social and recreational activities. These activities are an important part of the Masonic experience, as they provide an opportunity for members to come together and work towards a common goal while building strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
Overall, the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales is a prestigious and highly respected organisation that is dedicated to the principles of brotherhood, charity, and self-improvement. Its members are expected to adhere to a set of values and principles that are designed to help them become better people and make a positive impact on the world around them.
Order of the Red Cross of Constantine
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine is a Masonic organisation that was founded in the 19th century. It is dedicated to the principles of chivalry, honour, and self-improvement, and it is open to men who are members of the Craft, the Royal Arch, and the Order of Mark Master Masons.
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine is based on the legend of the Roman Emperor Constantine, who is said to have converted to Christianity after seeing a vision of a cross in the sky. According to the legend, Constantine was so moved by this experience that he ordered that a red cross be placed on the shields of his soldiers, and he eventually became the first Christian Emperor of Rome.
The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine is organised into a series of degrees, each of which represents a different level of knowledge and understanding of the principles of Freemasonry. These degrees are designed to guide members on a journey of personal and spiritual growth, and they involve a series of rituals and ceremonies that are designed to teach valuable lessons and help members develop their moral and ethical character.
Members of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine are known as "Constantinian Masons," and they are expected to adhere to a set of principles and values that are based on the principles of chivalry, honour, and self-improvement. These values include a commitment to honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.
In addition to the traditional rituals and ceremonies of the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, members also participate in charitable and community service projects, as well as social and recreational activities. These activities are an important part of the Masonic experience, as they provide an opportunity for members to come together and work towards a common goal while building strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
The Allied Masonic Degrees
The Allied Masonic Degrees (AMD) are a series of additional degrees in Freemasonry that are conferred by various Masonic bodies in the United States, Canada, and other countries. These degrees are not considered to be part of the core ritual of Freemasonry, but rather are considered to be supplementary degrees that provide additional instruction and symbolism to Masons who are interested in exploring the deeper mysteries of the fraternity.
The AMD consists of a series of degrees that are numbered from 1 to 18, with each degree focusing on a particular aspect of Masonic history or symbolism. These degrees are not necessarily conferred in numerical order, and Masons may choose to participate in any of the degrees that interest them.
One of the most notable degrees in the AMD is the Knight of the Red Cross, which is based on the legend of the Knights Templar and their role in the Crusades. This degree teaches Masons about the virtues of courage, faith, and honour and encourages them to apply these virtues in their daily lives.
Other degrees in the AMD include the Order of the Secret Monitor, which focuses on the virtues of loyalty and friendship, and the Order of the Tabernacle, which teaches Masons about the symbolism of the Tabernacle in the Old Testament.
In addition to the symbolic and educational aspects of the AMD, these degrees also provide Masons with an opportunity to make new friends and to strengthen their bonds with other members of the fraternity. Many Masons find great enjoyment and fulfilment in participating in the AMD and see it as an important part of their Masonic journey.
In conclusion, the Allied Masonic Degrees are a series of supplementary degrees in Freemasonry that provide additional instruction and symbolism to Masons who are interested in exploring the deeper mysteries of the fraternity. These degrees focus on a wide range of subjects, from the virtues of courage and faith to the symbolism of the Tabernacle, and provide Masons with an opportunity to make new friends and to strengthen their bonds with other members of the fraternity.