Knights Templar

Transcription

Knights Templar
Knights Templar
PALESTINE COMMANDERY #20
Fayetteville NC Masonic Center
Chapter 1
North Carolina York Rite
Palestine Commandery #20
Knights Templar
Type to
Section 1
Introduction to the Knights Templar
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR
1. Introduction to the Knights Templar
2. Illustrious Order of the Red Cross
3. Order of Malta
4. Order of the Temple
The Chivalric Orders are a set of three Orders culminating in the grade of Knight
Templar, and controlled by that body. This body is markedly different from its
foreign counterparts, in that it exhibits a paramilitary structure and outlook on
Masonry, being the only branch of Masonry in the world that is a uniformed body.
Its requirement that its members be professed Christians has led to calls of
condemnation from other Masonic bodies and organizations both inside and
outside the United States, claiming that the body is more of a Christian
organization rather than a Masonic body. These have had little effect on the body,
however, as many of the organiIzations criticizing the body have similar degrees
among themselves. The American body is also arranged different from its nearest
relatives in England. The American body includes the Illustrious Order of the Red
Cross, which is not conferred in any other organization, though it has very close
cousins in the Irish and American Order of Knight Masons and in the English
Allied Masonic Degrees grade of the Red Cross of Babylon. Also, in the United
States, the Order of Malta is conferred on members before being eligible to
receive the Order of the Temple, whereas in England, the Order of Malta is an
honorary grade bestowed on Knights Templar. In the United States, all business is
transacted in the Order of the Temple, the other bodies only being opened for the
conferral of the Orders. In England, the Order of Malta meets and operates as a
separate body in addition to the Order of the Temple.
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Section 2
Knights Templar
Illustrious Order of the Red Cross - An Order emphasizing the
the United States has a slight militant zeal to the lesson of
lesson of truth. Elements of this Order were practiced in Ancient
Christianity, whereas the English ritual is more allegorical.
Lodges before the final form of the Master Mason Degree came
However, the American ritual is most impressive, and more
into use. It is still practiced in the full ceremonial form by the
emphasis is placed on the solemnity and reverence associated
Knight Masons of Ireland and the Knight Masons of the United
with the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension of Christ. The
States, and as the Red Cross of Babylon in the English Order of
presiding body is a Commandery, and the presiding officer is a
the Allied Masonic Degrees.
Commander (titled Eminent).
Order of Malta - Order emphasizing the lesson of faith. This
Order requires the Mason to profess and practice the Christian
faith. The pass degree of the Mediterranean Pass, or Knight of
St. Paul prepares the candidate for the Order by introducing the
lesson and example of the unfearing and faithful martyr of
Christianity. The Order is centered on allegorical elements of the
Knights of Malta, inheritors of the medieval Knights Hospitaller.
Order of the Temple - An Order emphasizing the lessons of selfsacrifice and reverence. It is meant to rekindle the spirit of the
medieval Knights Templar devotion and self-sacrifice to
Christianity. The history of the Masonic Order is long and
convoluted, with the Order's ritual differing between that
conferred in England and in the United States. That practiced in
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Section 3
Palestine Commandery #20
PALESTINE COMMANDERY #20
This Regulation applies to all Sir Knights who are members (full and affiliated) of
1. Full Dress Knights Templar Uniform
Palestine Commandery #20 of the Grand Commandery of North Carolina. All Sir
2. K.T. Chapeaus
Knights are highly encouraged to be in the proper NC uniform when in the
performance of their duties.
3. K.T. Swords / Sword Belt’s
4. K.T. Insignia
5. K.T. Summer Uniform
6. K.T. Fatigue Uniform
7. Resources
8. Examples
This document describes common items across all ranks, such as, the Coat, the
Insignia, and the basic Chapeau. Then under each category is a listing of what
each Rank needs for his Uniform.
Palestine Commandery #20 has tried to present a document that the Sir Knights
will find informative and easy to use.
Any questions or comments, please forward them to;
Fayetteville York Rite Bodies
Attn: Recorder
2860 Village Drive
Fayetteville, North Carolina 283021
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1. Full Dress Knights Templar Uniform
Cuffs shall be closed and without buttons. There will be Velcro on each sleeve, 2
inches in height and be placed 2 inches above the bottom of the sleeve and
The full dress uniform of a Knight Templar shall consist of a dress coat, chapeau,
centered. There will be Velcro (Optional) centered on top of each shoulder and as
shirt, tie, trousers, shoes, gloves, sword belt, sword, and appropriate Insignia.
close to the arm seam as possible.
The K.T. uniform will be worn for Commandery meetings which are held the 1st
1.7 LINING
Thursday of each month at 7:30 pm from September through December.
The coat shall be lined with dark material.
1.2 DRESS COAT – APPLIES TO ALL SIR KNIGHTS
1.8 BUTTONS
1.2 CLOTH
There will be three (3) black buttons on each forepart 5 inches from the edge. Top
Shall be black clothing material (a ten to ten and one-half ounce tropical of 45%
button approximately 3-1/2 inches below the breast line; bottom button in a line
wool and 55% Dacron or a 100% wool tropical worsted is recommended).
with center of the welt on hop pockets. Middle button to be midway between top
1.3 GENERAL STYLE
The Templar Dress coat shall be a four-button, double-breasted sack coat, to
close with four flat black buttons or optional black KT buttons.
1.4 LENGTH
Length, not exceed over 2 inches below crotch line and no shorter than crotch line.
Coat will have roll collar with peak lapels, three inches wide at peak.
1.5 POCKETS
To have two (2) outside pockets, one (1) on each side, all to be made with welts no
flaps. The 2 side pockets are to be 6-1/2 to 7 inches wide and the welt 1-1/2 inches
and bottom buttons. Buttons (optional) will have KT Logo on surface and black in
style.
1.9 SHIRT. The shirt shall be white in color, no epaulets, and long sleeve with
buttons.
1.10 TIE. Black tie, to be tied in a 4 in hand manner. No ornamentation visible.
1.11 TROUSERS. The trousers shall be black, straight legged with no cuff.
1.12 SHOES. The shoes will be Military Style Low Quarters or plain toe Oxfords,
and worn with black socks.
1.13 GLOVES. Gloves are Buff in color, either fabric or leather, without decoration.
deep, and the pockets 7-1/2 to 8 inches deep. There will be a left breast false
pocket (sewn shut) with a welt 1 inch deep. The welt will be about 5 inches in
length. There shall be inside breast pockets having a horizontal opening 6 inches
wide and a depth of 6-1/2 inches. Outside pockets shall be sewn shut or stayed to
prevent sagging.
1.6 CUFFS, SLEEVES AND SHOULDERS
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2. CHAPEAU
2.5 GRAND COMMANDERS
2.1 GENERAL – ALL CHAPEAUS.
Overlaying the rosette shall be a black silk velvet oval, 4 inches long by 3 inches,
with gold bullion trim. In the center of the velvet oval there shall be a bright Red
On the left side of the Chapeau shall be a black satin pleated rosette, oval in
Templar Cross, square in shape, bordered with Gold. On each side of the Chapeau
shape, and 5 inches high by 4 inches wide with 33 single points 3/8 inches long
will be 2 slashes extending diagonally from the center at the rim each way toward
extending around the edge of the oval.
the top and end of the Chapeau. These slashes to be 1-3/4 wide, gold wire lace
2.2 SIR KNIGHTS
Overlaying the rosette shall be a black silk velvet oval, 4 inches long by 3 inches.
In the center of the velvet oval there shall be Silver Passion Cross 11/16 inch wide
with vertical arm 3-1/2 inches long and transverse 2-1/8 inches long. The Cross to
bullion. At the front of the Chapeau will be a ¾ inch flat old bullion tassel, 2-1/2
inches long attached to the base of the plume by 2 gold bullion cords. The white
ostrich plume shall be 8 inches wide.
2.6 PAST GRAND COMMANDERS
have a center part recessed 3/8 inches wide and this space filled with bright red
Overlaying the rosette shall be a black silk velvet oval, 4 inches long by 3 inches,
silk velvet. The white ostrich plume shall be 5 to 6 inches wide.
with gold bullion trim. In the center of the velvet oval there shall be a bright Purple
2.3 PAST COMMANDERS
Templar Cross, square in shape, bordered with Gold. On each side of the Chapeau
will be 2 slashes extending diagonally from the center at the rim each way toward
Overlaying the rosette shall be a black silk velvet oval, 4 inches long by 3 inches,
the top and end of the Chapeau. These slashes to be 1-3/4 wide, gold wire lace
with gold bullion trim. In the center of the velvet oval there shall be a Gold Passion
bullion. At the front of the Chapeau will be a ¾ inch flat old bullion tassel, 2-1/2
Cross with Sunburst 11/16 inches wide, with vertical arm 3 inches long with a
inches long attached to the base of the plume by 2 gold bullion cords. The white
transverse arm 2 inches long. The cross to have a center part recessed 3/8 inches
ostrich plume shall be 8 inches wide.
wide and this space filled with bright red silk velvet. The Cross will have gold thread
radiating rays forming a background. The white ostrich plume shall be 6 to 7 inches
wide.
2.4 GRAND COMMANDERY OFFICERS (ELECTED LINE ONLY)
Overlaying the rosette shall be a black silk velvet oval, 4 inches long by 3 inches,
with gold bullion trim. In the center of the velvet oval there shall be a bright Red
Templar Cross, square in shape, bordered with Gold. The white ostrich plume shall
be 8 inches wide.
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3. SWORDS / BELT
Each Sir Knight may wear a metal ribbon bar representing KYCH just above the
medals on left breast, it is optional.
3.1 SWORD BELT. Sword belt will be worn around the waist of the dress coat.
Sword belt may either be black leather for both Sir Knight and Past Commanders
KTCH Jewel is to be worn to the right of the Malta Jewel. Awarded.
or cloth style. Cloth style will be silver for Sir Knight while gold will be worn for Past
Commanders through Past Grand Commanders.
Each Sir Knight will wear a bright polished brass name bar on the coat right breast
level with the left breast pocket.
3.2 SIR KNIGHTS. Swords shall have:
Grand Encampment Insignia will be worn below the name bar on the right side.
A silver scabbard.
Other Jurisdiction’s Insignia may be worn below Grand Encampment Insignia.
A silver hilt.
Grand Encampment, Section 257, states: Only Templar Jewels are to be worn on
A Black or white grip depending on where the sword is purchased.
the Templar Uniform. Jewels of office, meritorious jewels, badge of Commanderies,
Malta and Red Cross jewel may be worn on the left breast, placed in the order
3.3 PAST COMMANDERS AND ABOVE. Swords will have:
named, from the wearer's right to left.
A gold scabbard.
Lapel Pins will be placed ½ inch above the notch of the lapel (as worn), properly
A gold hilt.
A white/ivory grip.
centered, with base parallel to notch.
Silver sleeve Crosses will be worn on Velcro or sewn on.
Knight Preceptor Pin may be worn on the ribbon of the Malta or Red Cross jewel.
Pin is provided by the local Preceptory to members.
4. INSIGNIA
4.1 ALL SIR KNIGHTS
Each Sir Knight will wear the Cross of Malta centered over the left breast pocket.
Each Sir Knight will wear the Red Cross to the left of the Cross of Malta. Medals
will be centered over the left breast pocket.
Each Sir Knight may wear a metal ribbon bar representing Military Service just
above the medals on left breast, it is optional.
4.2 SIR KNIGHTS
Will wear a 2” Silver Embroidered Passion Cross on each sleeve.
Will wear a ½ inch silver metal NC 20 pin on left breast pocket flap, centered.
4.3 COMMANDERY OFFICERS (ELECTED LINE ONLY)
Will wear a 2” Silver Embroidered Passion Cross on each sleeve.
Will wear a ½ inch gold metal NC pin on right lapel.
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Will wear a ½ inch gold metal numeral (20) pin reflecting Palestine Commandery
4.6 PAST GRAND COMMANDERS
on left lapel.
Will wear a 2” Embroidered Purple Templar Cross on each sleeve.
Will wear appropriate Shoulder Boards, Commandery supplied.
Will wear a ½ inch gold metal K.T. pins on right and left lapels.
Will wear appropriate Officers Jewel to the right of existing jewels. Commandery
supplied.
Will wear appropriate Shoulder Boards.
4.4 PAST COMMANDERS
Past Grand Commanders Jewel will be suspended from a Purple Cord and worn
around the neck.
Will wear a 2” Gold Embroidered Passion Cross with Sunburst on each sleeve.
Will wear a ½ inch gold metal NC pin on right lapel.
5. NC KT SUMMER UNIFORM
Will wear a ½ inch gold metal numeral (20) pin reflecting Palestine Commandery
on left lapel.
The summer uniform is authorized for wear from 01 June through 30 September of
each calendar year, unless otherwise authorized by order of the Grand
Will wear Shoulder Boards of a Past Commander.
Commander. The Summer Uniform is NOT authorized for wear:
Will wear an appropriate Jewel of a Past Commander. Jewel to be worn to the right
During the execution of any Knight Templar Orders.
of other Jewels.
During the Annual or Semi-Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery.
4.5 GRAND COMMANDERY OFFICERS (ELECTED LINE ONLY)
During any Grand Encampment or Department assembly.
Will wear a 2” Embroidered Red Templar Cross on each sleeve. Grand
Commandery supplied.
The Summer Uniform of a Knight Templar shall consist of a cover, shirt, trousers,
belt and shoes. Neck ties, sword sling/belt, and swords are not to be worn.
Will wear a ½ inch gold metal NC pins on right and left lapels.
5.1 COVER
Will wear appropriate Shoulder Boards. Grand Commandery supplied.
Cover will consist of Military Style Naval Combination or Peaked cap with white
Grand Officers Jewel will be worn to the right of other Jewels. Grand Commandery
top, black band, and black visor. Cap insignia will be placed center in front of the
supplied.
cover just above the hat band.
Grand Commanders Jewel will be suspended from a red cord and worn around the
5.2 SIR KNIGHTS
neck. Grand Commandery supplied.
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Cover Visor will have NO row of oak leaves and acorns (Same as that worn by US
5.10 INSIGNIA – APPLIES TO ALL
Navy O4 and below). The cover will have a 2” Silver Metallic Passion Cross.
A metal bar depicting the Commandery, Malta Cross, and Red Cross emblems
5.3 PAST COMMANDERS
shall be worn over the left breast pocket.
Cover Visor will have NO row of oak leaves and acorns (Same as that worn by US
A metal ribbon bar representing Military Service is worn centered above the metal
Navy O4 and below). The cover will have a 2” Gold Metallic Passion Cross with
3 Order bar, (optional).
Sunburst.
A metal ribbon bar representing KTCH is worn centered above the metal 3 Order
5.4 GRAND COMMANDERY OFFICERS (ELECTED LINE ONLY)
bar, (optional).
Cover Visor will have NO row of oak leaves and acorns (Same as that worn by US
A metal ribbon bar representing KYCH is worn centered above the metal 3 Order
Navy O4 and below). The cover will have a 2” Red Metallic Templar Cross.
bar, (optional).
5.5 GRAND COMMANDERS
A bright polished brass name bar shall be worn centered over the left breast
pocket. This should be the same as the Full Dress Uniform.
Cover Visor will have ONE row of oak leaves and acorns (Same as that worn by
US Navy O5 and above). The cover will have 2” Red Metallic Templar Cross.
Collar pins will be centered and approximately ½”up from the point of collar.
5.6 PAST GRAND COMMANDERS
5.11 SIR KNIGHTS
Cover Visor will have ONE row of oak leaves and acorns (Same as that worn by
On each epaulette will be worn a 1” Silver Metallic Passion Cross.
US Navy O5 and above). The cover will have 2” Purple Metallic Templar Cross.
On the right and left collar, same as worn on the Dress Uniform lapels.
5.7 SHIRT
5.12 PAST COMMANDERS
Shirt will be a white, short sleeve with epaulettes on the shoulders, to be worn
open at the neck.
On each epaulette will be a 1”Gold Metallic Passion Cross with Sunburst.
5.8 TROUSERS
On the right and left collar, same as worn on the Dress Uniform lapels.
The same as prescribed for the full dress uniform.
5.13 GRAND COMMANDERY OFFICERS (ELECTED LINE ONLY)
5.9 SHOES
On the epaulettes will be a 1” Red Metallic Templar Cross.
The same as prescribed for the full dress uniform.
On the right and left collar, same as worn on the Dress Uniform lapels.
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5.14 PAST GRAND COMMANDERS
For Past Grand Commanders: The mantle shall have a single purple ribbon, one
and one half inches wide, stitched three-quarters of an inch from the outer edge;
On the epaulettes will be a 1” Purple Metallic Templar Cross.
On the right and left collar, same as worn on the Dress Uniform lapels.
the hood lined in purple with similar material; and the Templar Cross in purple
material on the left breast; nine inches in height, A Templar Cross, one inch high
and wide of red color and edged by a gold border worn centered on each shoulder
5.15 BELT
epaulet.
Belt will be leather or military web style with either a silver or gold buckle with
6.2. Hat
passion cross on it.
The Fatigue Hat may be worn by Past Grand Commanders ONLY.
The Fatigue Hat is NOT authorized for wear: During the execution of any Knight
6. NC KT FATIGUE UNIFORM
Templar Order. During the Annual or Semi-Annual Conclave of the Grand
Commandery. During any Grand Encampment or Department assembly.
6.1 Coat
The Fatigue Uniform is for wear on occasions where the Dress Uniform would not
be appropriate or inconvenient, such as drill practice, informal visitations,
attendance at York Rite meetings where a Commandery is not opened or doing
Asylum work, and Commandery functions as designated by the Commander.
The uniform shall be a four-button single-breasted coat, to close with four buttons,
and to be of black clothing material. (As a substitute, the dress uniform threebutton, double-breasted sack coat, otherwise conforming to same standards, may
be used.) Coat stitched one half inch from said ribbon; the Templar Cross in red,
nine inches in height, on the left breast; the mantle to tie closely around the neck
with red cords and red tassels.
For the Grand Commander: The mantle shall have a single red ribbon, two inches
wide, stitched one inch from the outer edge; the hood lined with a similar material;
the Templar Cross in red, nine inches in height on the left breast; the mantle to tie
closely around the neck with red cords and red tassels.
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7. RESOURCES
MILFORD COMMANDERY #11
MAYO’S DISCOUNT SUITS
HTTP://WWW.MILFORDCOMMANDERY.COM/STORE.HTM
HTTP://WWW.MAYOSDISCOUNTSUITS.COM/MDS/INDEX.PHP?
LAUTERER.COM
HTTP://WWW.LAUTERER.COM/
KNIGHTSTEMPLARUNIFORMITEMS.ASPX
DOMINION REGALIA
HTTP://WWW.DOMINIONREGALIA.COM/INDEX.PHP?
OPTION=COM_VIRTUEMART&PAGE=SHOP.BROWSE&CATEGO
RY_ID=27&ITEMID=26
E-POLICE Supply
http://www.epolicesupply.com/insignia-collar-brass-pins-nameplates-tie-bars/cutout-letters-lettered/smith-warren-collarbrass.html
ID=3&NPRODUCTCATEGORIESID=44&NPRODUCTGROUPSID=
4
FRATLINE
HTTP://WWW.FRATLINE.NET/STORE/INDEX.PHP?
MAIN_PAGE=INDEX&CPATH=76&ZENID=D4709E4286424AC824
69E88F9618FDA9
LIGHTHOUSE UNIFORMS
HTTP://CATALOG.LIGHTHOUSEUNIFORM.COM/
KNIGHTSTEMPLAR/
11
Knights Templar Uniform
Sir Knight Cloth Sleeve Cross
Sir Knight and Commander’s Chapeau
Sir Knight Metal Sleeve Cross
Sir Knight Rosette
Commander Metal Sleeve Cross
Commander Rosette
Past Commander Rosette
K.T. Red Cross
K.T. Malta Cross
Past Commander’s Jewel
K.T. Commander
K.T. Past Commander
K.T. Grand Commander
Past Commander Jewel
K.T. Past Grand Commander
Past Grand Commander Jewel
K.T. Generalissimo
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Commander and Sir Knight
Leather Sword Belts
Commander Sword (Gold)
Sir Knight Cloth Sword Belt
Commander Sword (Gold) Sir Knight Sword (Silver)
Commander Cloth Sword Belt
K.T. Summer Uniform
K.T. Shoulder Crosses
K.T. Name Plate
Veterans Service Medal
K.T. Commandery Bar
Section 4
Royal Arch (Chapter)
The Capitular Degrees - are a set of four degrees controlled by
Mark Master - A Degree that emphasizes the lessons of
the Royal Arch Chapter. They center on the construction phases
regularity, discipline, and integrity. It is a most impressive Degree
of Solomon's Temple, with the exception of the degree of Past
centered on the story of the Fellowcraft of the quarry and their
Master, hence the title of Capitular. The degree of Past Master is
role in the building of the Temple. Its importance in English Craft
the vestigial remnant of the former custom that the degree of the
Masonry can be judged by the fact that it operates as a separate
Royal Arch could only be conferred on a Past Master of a
Grand Lodge, and is highly sought by members of the Craft in
Symbolic Blue Lodge. In the United States, these degrees are
that jurisdiction.
considered as proprietary to the Royal Arch, while in England
there is no Past Master degree as found here, and the Mark
Master degree is controlled by its own Grand Lodge. The Most
Excellent Master degree is also part of the Cryptic Degree in
England. As stated in the forward, the Royal Arch overseas is
controlled by Chapters attached to English Blue Lodges. The
Royal Arch Chapters have occasionally been referred to as the
"Red lodge" in older Masonic publications, though they should
more accurately be described as the "Red degrees." In the
United States, all Chapter business is conducted in a Royal Arch
Chapter, the other bodies being only opened for the conferral of
degrees. Some jurisdictions open Mark Master Lodges as "table
lodges," which act as a social focus for the local York Rite
bodies.
Past Master (Virtual) - A Degree that emphasizes the lesson of
harmony. This Degree is conferred because ancient custom
required that a Mason must be a Past Master in order to be
exalted to the Royal Arch. In some Grand Jurisdictions this
Degree is conferred upon all sitting Masters of the Blue Lodge.
The Degree confers no actual rank upon the recipient, but is
exemplified to maintain the ancient custom.
Most Excellent Master - A Degree that emphasizes the lesson
of reverence. This Degree is centered on the dedication of the
Temple after its completion, particularly the consecration of the
Sanctum Sanctorum and the descent of the Host into the
Temple. It is complimentary to the Mark Master Degree and
completes the symbolic lessons introduced in that Degree.
16
The Royal Arch - The completion of the Master Mason Degree
Chapter Blazer (Red)
and the summit of the original Degrees of the Blue Lodge as
practiced in the Antients Lodges of England before 1820. The
Degree explains the origins of the Substitute Word found in the
Master Mason Degree, the recovery of the Ineffable Word, and its
concealment within the Royal Arch Word. This Degree, together
with the Master Mason Degree, may have once been exemplified
as one large or "super" Degree, with the Master Mason Degree
explaining the loss of the Master's Word and the Royal Arch
explaining the recovery of the Master's Word. The presiding body
is a Chapter, and the presiding officer is a High Priest (titled
Excellent).
Chapter Uniform
The following uniform is highly encouraged but not a requirement
for attending Chapter meetings.
2-3 button red blazer
White or cream color long sleeve shirt
Tie
Black or charcoal grey slacks
Dress shoes
Council Meeting dates and time
Chapter meetings will be held the 1st Thursday of each month at
7:30 p.m. January through April.
17
Section 5
Cryptic Degree (Council)
The Cryptic Degrees - are a set of three degrees controlled by
jurisdictions hold "table councils" in similar manner to "table
the Select Masters Council. The degrees get their name from the
lodges" as a social focal point of their local York Rite bodies.
reference to a hidden or secret vault in the degrees, hence the
term Cryptic. Only the first two degrees are regularly worked, the
third degree, that of Super Excellent Master, is worked as an
honorary degree, not being required as a requisite for
membership in the Council. It is also somewhat peculiar in its
association with the Cryptic degrees, as it is more closely allied
in theme and character with the Royal Arch and the Illustrious
Royal Master - A Degree emphasizing the lessons of patience
and fortitude. The Degree centers around the Fellowcraft Masons
who were artificers fabricating the fittings and furniture of the
Temple. It is unusual in that the first part of the Degree depicts
events taking place before the death of the Grand Master Hiram
Abif, and the last part depicts events occurring after his death.
Order of the Red Cross. The history of the body as a whole is
Select Master - A Degree emphasizing the lessons of devotion
also shrouded in uncertainty and controversy. Though there is
and zeal. The Degree centers on the construction and furnishing
early evidence of Councils of Royal and Select Masters being
of a Secret Vault beneath the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple,
worked in the United States, the degrees were worked variously
and the deposition of those secrets pertaining to the Craft by the
by their own Councils, Royal Arch Chapters, and even Lodges of
three ancient Grand Masters of the Craft. This Degree bridges
Perfection of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Though the
the events surrounding the concealment and loss of the Ineffable
Scottish Rite has long relinquished any claim to these degrees,
Word and the events leading to the recover of the Word in the
several Grand Jurisdictions (VA & WVA) still confer them as a part
Royal Arch Degree. The presiding body is a Council, and the
of Capitular Masonry. In England, the degree of Most Excellent
presiding officer is a Master (titled Illustrious).
Master is grouped with this body. In the United States, all
business is conducted in the Select Masters Council, the other
two bodies only being opened for the conferral of degrees. Some
18
Super Excellent Master - A Degree emphasizing the lessons of
Council Blazer (Purple)
loyalty and faithfulness. The Degree centers around the events
leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple at the
hands of the Chaldeans. The Degree is narrated by small
interludes of biblical prophCecy that highlight the end of the first
Temple and the construction of the second Temple. It is
noteworthy for its scenes of the Jewish court of Zedekiah and the
Chaldean court of Nebuchadnezzar. This degree is an honorary
one, and a member of the Council not needing to have it in order
to hold membership or office.
Council Uniform
The following uniform is highly encouraged but not a requirement
for attending Council meetings.
2-3 button purple blazer
White or cream color long sleeve shirt
Tie
Black or charcoal grey slacks
Dress shoes
Council Meeting dates and time
Council meetings will be held the 1st Thursday of each month at
7:30 p.m. May through August.
19