Ritual for the Royal Arch Degree

Indiana
1952

General Instructions
The newly elected High Priest at the time of announcing his appointments
shall appoint a competent Companion to be designated as Director of Work.
In some Chapters the Director of Work will supervise all degrees of Capitular
Masonry. In others it may be convenient and more satisfactory to appoint a
Director of Work for each of the degrees.
It cannot be too strongly impressed upon the various Constituent Chapters
that a Director of Work is absolutely essential to the smooth exemplification
of the degrees. Select a Companion for his ability to organize and administer
details. Thereafter, leave to him all directional matters.
The Companion appointed to give the Prologue should take the candidates to
a convenient room-with all who desire to hear it-and deliver it clearly and
slowly enough to enable them to understand every part and thus to be more
properly prepared for and interested in the work to follow.
As soon as the officers enter the Chapter room to open, the Director of Work
should conduct the candidates to the preparation room and properly prepare
them by removing coats, fixing hoodwinks, cable tows seven times about the
body of each and connecting one to the other in the usual manner. Each of the
three candidates is clothed in a white apron.
Important! Nothing will stimulate and maintain interest so much as beginning
on time. Thereafter the work should move steadily toward its conclusion
without delays of any kind. A good Director of Work will have everything in
readiness. He should have supervision over all of the equipment and should
direct the work of the degree.
The following suggestions are especially important:
1. Director of Work should have tabernacle set up and placed at one side of
room-out of the way-before work starts. When needed it can be moved quickly
into position. This will save much time and avoid those delays which detract
from interest.
2. Director of Work should see that the Veils know how to form living arch
before the work starts.
When work in the Royal Arch degree is to be given the Secretary or Director
of Work should see that the candidates are at the Temple at least one half hour
before the Chapter is to open.
The Companion appointed to give the Prologue should take the candidates

into the Lodge room or other convenient room and seat them in readiness for
the Prologue. Any Companion who is vouched for may be present.
The Prologue is given before the Chapter opens as follows:
Prologue
My Brothers: Being about to pass through the ceremonies of this degree
may we express the hope that it is not an idle or vain curiositythat merely
grasps at noveltywhich has induced you to seek this sublime degree of
Freemasonryfar more important than all which have preceded it.
The Royal Arch degree is calculated to impress upon our minds a firm belief
in the being and existence of Godand it teaches a due reverence for his
Great and Holy Name. It also brings to light some of the most important
secrets of the Craft which have lain buried in darkness from the death of our
Grand Master Hiram Abif to the erection of the second Templeand without
which the Masonic character is not complete.
The Degree of the Royal Arch is founded upon the destruction of the first and
the building of the second Temple. The ceremonies of this degree have an
interesting and graphic historical settingand a profound and reverential
moral significance. The Royal Arch degree i~ the complement of the Masters
Degree-the unfolding into a second volumethe history of that which was
lost to its final recovery. Without the Royal Archthe Masters Degree is like
a song half sunga tale partly toldor a promise unfulfilled.
The history of the 418 years from the completion of the first Temple to its
destruction by Nebuchadnezzer is filled with the gloriesthe triumphsthe
final fall and degradation of the Kingdom of Judahand the dispersion and
loss of the Kingdom of Israel.
In the year 586 B.C. the Temple of Solomon was razed and burned to the
ground by NebuchadnezzerKing of the Chaldeansthe faithless Zedekiah
the last of Judahs kingswas made sightless and cast into a dungeon in
Babylon. The Holy Vesselsthe famous brazen pillarsand all the treasures
of the Kings house-of his palaces and of his princes were carried away. Judah
lay waste. The Temple of God was desolate.
The remnant of the peopleexcept the very poor that escaped the sword
were made captives in a foreign land.
Forty-eight years after the destruction of the first Templein the first year of
his reignCyrus-King of Persia issued an edictgranting permission to the
captives to return to their own land and to rebuild the Temple of their God. He
appointed Zerubbabela Prince of the House of JudahGovernor of the
people. Under his guidance and direction the rebuilding of the Temple at

Jerusalem was begun.

But owing to the poverty of the peopleand the hindrance by their enemiesvery little was accomplished until eighteen years laterwhen Darius the King
issued an edictthat the Jews should no longer be hindered or impeded in the
noble and glorious work of rebuilding the House of the Lord. Darius also
caused the Sacred Treasurers to be sent back to Jerusalemand by royal
command directed that the expenses of rebuilding the Temple should be paid
out of the Kings Treasury.
In the year 520 B.C. under the stirring appeals of the prophetsHaggai and
ZechariahZerubbabel once more began rebuilding the House of the Lord. It
was completed in the year 516 B.C. Thus in the period from the destruction of
the first Temple-to the completion of the second Templewe find the
fulfillment of the seventy years of captivity as foretold by Jeremiah.
The first Grand Council formed at Jerusalem-for the purpose of rebuilding the
Temple consisted of Zerubbabel as KingJoshua-son of Josedech-as High
Priestand Haggai-the Prophetas Scribe.
They held their meetings in a tabernaclewhich was similar in structure and
color design-to the one erected by Moses in the Wilderness. This tabernacle
was erected near the ruins of the first Templeand guards were stationed at
the entrance to the veilsto see that none were permitted to enter but such as
were duly qualifiedby being true descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel
and by making themselves known by the words given by God unto Moses
at the burning bush.
In this Degree you will represent three of these captives-who-rejoicing in their
newly found
Hebrew freedom-made their toilsome and weary way-over rough and rugged
roadsfrom Babylon to Jerusalem. Having proven themselves worthythey
were admitted into the presence of the Grand Council.
You will likewise be admitted into the presence of a representation of that
ancient Grand Council. Like your ancient Brethren you will express a
willingness to undertake any portion of the workhowever humble it may be.
You will begin your labors-during which certain important discoveries will be
made. The chief of these will be the long lost Masters Word.
You doubtless remember that in the Masters Degreea representation was
made of the tragical death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiffor refusing to
reveal the Masters Word-and on account of his untimely deaththe Masters
Word was lost.
Our three ancient Grand Masters entered into an agreement never to give the
Wordunless all three were present and consenting.

Masonic traditions informs us that under the Temple was erected a vaultin
which our ancient Grand Masters held their meetings-and in which were
deposited many valuable treasures of the Craft. Upon the death of our Grand
Master Hiram Abifthis vault was closed.
King Solomon now found it necessary to institute a substitute Worduntil
future generations should discover the right.
You have labored long and faithfully and the discovery of the Masters Word is
to be your reward.
The Prologue will retire and the Director of Work will take charge of the
candidates and lead them to a convenient room. As soon as the Companions
enter the Lodge room for the opening ceremonies the Director of Work will
conduct the candidates to the preparation room and prepare them as follows:
Coats removedhoodwinkedcable tow seven times about body of each and
the three connected one to anotherall clothed in white aprons. The Director
of Work will see to it that the candidates are prepared and ready when the
Chapter is open on the Royal Arch Degree.

Opening
Promptly, if a stated meeting, and at the hour designated if a called meeting,
the High Priest will take his station and give * which calls the Companions to
order and the officers to their respective stations. Companions are properly
clothed and take seats. RAC closes door and goes to his station.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host, proceed to satisfy yourself that all
present are Royal Arch Masons.
CH may make observation alone or direct RAC to assist him. Being convinced
that all present are RAMs he says:
CH: Excellent High Priest, all present are Royal Arch Masons.
HP: Is there a constitutional number present to open a Chapter of Royal Arch
Masons?
CH:There are three times three.
HP gives which seats the CH.
HP: Companion Royal Arch Captain, you will see that the outer courts of the
Tabernacle are duly guarded and inform the Guard that I am about to open
Chapter No. Royal Arch Masons, and direct him to guard accordingly.
RAC goes to Tylers door passing north of Altar.
RAC opens door and says so that all in the room may hear:
RAC: Companion Guard: The High Priest is about to open Chapter No.

on the
Royal Arch Degree. You are directed to guard accordingly.
RAC closes door and gives *** *** *, Guard responds with *** *** *. RAC
returns to his station and reports to HP as follows:
RAC: Excellent High Priest: The outer courts of the Tabernacle are duly
guarded and the Chapter is duly tyled.
HP gives which seats the RAC.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host: Are you a Royal Arch Mason?
CH: I am.
HP: How shall I know you to be a Royal Arch Mason?
CH: By three times three-under a living archand over a triangle.
HP: Why in that manner?
CH: Because in that manner only can the principal secret of this degree be
communicated.
HP: What makes you a Royal Arch Mason?
CH: My obligation.
HP: Where were you made a Royal Arch Mason?
CH: In a just and lawfully constituted Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
assembled in a place representing a Tabernacleerected by our ancient
brethren near the ruins of King Solomons Temple.
HP: How many compose a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons?
CH: Nine or more.
HP: When composed of only nine who are they?
CH: The High Priest, King, Scribe, Captain of the Host, Principal Sojourner,
Royal Arch Captain and three Masters of the Veils.
HP: Whom do the first three represent?
CH: Joshua, Zerubbabel and Haggai who formed the first Grand Council at
Jerusalemand held their meetings in a Tabernacle.
HP: Whom do the latter three represent?
CH: Those three of our ancient brethren who discovered and brought to lightthe principal secret of this degree-and whoas a reward for their labors
were appointed Masters of the Veils.
HP: How many Veils were there?
CH: Four.
HP: To whet do they allude?
CH: To the four principal tribes of IsraelJudah EphraimReuben and
Danwho bore their banners in the wilderness and on which were delineated
a Lion-an Oxa Man and an Eagledenoting the strength of the Lion
the patience of the Oxthe intelligence of Man-and the swiftness of the

Eagle.
HP: Where were the Veils placed?
CH: In the outer courts of the Tabernacle.
HP: For what purpose?
CH: To serve as coverings for the Tabernacle and stations for the guards.
HP: Why were guards placed there?
CH: To see that none was admitted into the presence of the Grand Council but
such as was duly qualified and had permission.
HP: What is the station of the Master of the First Veil?
CH: Within the First Veil.
HP gives ** All officers arise except Grand Council.
HP: Companion Master of the First Veil.
FV steps to right of his station.
HP: Your duty?
FV: To guard the First Veil and admit none but such as are duly qualified and
have the pass words.
HP: What are the pass words?
FV: I AM that I AM.
HP: What is the color of your banner?
FV: Blueemblematic of friendship and peculiarly characteristic of Ancient
Craft Masonry.
HP: What is the station of the Master of the Second Veil.
FV: Within the Second Veil.
FV steps back into place.
HP: Companion Master of the Second Veil.
SV steps to the right of his station.
HP: Your duty?
SV: To guard the Second Veil and admit none but such as are duly qualified
and have the pass words.
HP: What are the pass words?
SV: ShemHam and Japheth.
HP: What is the color of your banner?
SV: Purple-denoting union. It being a due admixture of blue and scarletis
therefore placed between the First and Third Veilswhich are of those colors
to remind us of the intimate connection existingbetween Ancient Craft
Masonry and the Royal Arch.
HP: What is the station of the Master of the Third Veil?
SV: Within the Third Veil.
SV steps back into place.

HP: Companion Master of the Third Veil:

TV steps to right of his station.
HP: Your duty?
TV: To guard the Third Veil and admit none but such as are duly qualified and
have the pass words.
HP: What are the pass words?
TV: MosesAholiaband Bezaleel.
HP: What is the color of your banner?
TV: Scarletemblematic of that fervency and zeal which should actuate all
Royal Arch Masons.
HP: What is the station of the Royal Arch Captain?
TV: Within the Fourth Veil.
TV steps back into place.
HP: Companion Royal Arch Captain.
RAC steps to right of his station.
HP: Your duty?
RAC: To guard the Fourth Veiland admit none but such as are duly qualified
and have the pass wordstogether with the signet of Zerubbabel which
means truth.
HP: What are the pass words?
RAC: JoshuaZerubbabeland Haggai.
HP: What is the color of your banner?
RAC: Whiteemblematic of that purity of life and rectitude of conductso
essentially necessary for all those-who seek to gain admission in-to the Holy
of Holies above.
HP: What is the station of the Principal Sojourner? RAC: On the left and in
front of the Grand Council.
RAC steps back into place
HP: Companion Principal Sojourner, your duty?
PS: I will bring the blind by a way that they knew notI will lead them in
paths that they have not knownI will make darkness light before themand
crooked things straight. These things will I do unto themand not forsake
them. (Isaiah 42 :16).
HP: What is the station of the Captain of the Host?
PS: On the right and in front of the Grand Council.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host, your duty?
CH: To obey the commands of my Chiefand to preside at the introduction
of strangers among the workmen.
HP: What is the station of the Scribe?

CH: On the left of the High Priest.

HP: What are his duties there?
CH: To assist the High Priest in the discharge of his duties and in his absence
and that of the King to preside.
HP: What is the station of the King?
CH: On the right of the High Priest.
HP: What are his duties there?
CH: To assist the High Priest in the discharge of his duties and in his absence
to preside.
HP: What is the station of the High Priest?
CH: In the center of the Grand Council in the East.
HP: What are his duties there?
CH: To preside over the Chapterto read and expound the law-and to devise
plans for the workmen.
HP gives ***. All arise.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host, you will assemble the Officers around
the Altar, to assist me in opening Chapter No. Royal Arch Masons.
RAC leads the three Veils south-thence west and thence north-just west of
Altar. PS will fall in behind the M-1-V. These form part of circle west of Altar.
When they are in position the HP-K and Scribe come down on floor. CH walks
on right of King. All move west to form, with other officers, a circle about the
Altar. Chaplain standing west of circle, kneels when the others kneel.
HP: Companions: you will form chain with right arm over left. Kneel on right
knee.
Chaplain, or someone appointed by the HP to give prayer, kneels immediately
west, outside circle.
Chap: Supreme High Priest of Heaven and Earth. We humbly beseech thy
blessing upon the purposes of our present assembly. Grant us wisdom to
contrive, strength to support and the beauty of harmony to so administer the
affairs of this Chapter that all our doings may be acceptable in thy sight.
Amen.
Response by all Companions: So mote it be.
Chaplain returns to his station.
HP: Companions: Balance three times three.
HP: Arise. Companion Captain of the Host: You will form the Companions in
groups of three.
CH designates Grand Council as 1st group. The three Companions to the
south back of Altar as 2nd group and the two remaining Companions and
himself as 3rd group.

CH: Excellent High Priest. The groups are formed.

HP: As we three did agree in Peace, Love and Unity, the Sacred Word to
searchas we three did agree in Peace, Love and Unity the Sacred Word to
keepso we three now agree in Peace, Love and Unity to raise a Royal Arch.
Companions: Balance three times three.
The Arch is formed by raising the right arms. The GRAW is communicated in
syllables. Officer of highest rank starts by giving first syllable to Companion
on his left who gives second syllable to Companion on his left who gives third
syllable to Companion on his left. Then the one who gave second syllable
gives first syllable to Companion on his left and so on around. Then
Companion who gave third syllable first time gives first syllable to
Companion on his left and so on around. Now the Grand Council alone in
same manner, gives the word aloud. Companions remain around Altar. Grand
Council returns to East.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host, it is my will and pleasure that
Chapter No. be now opened on the Royal Arch Degree-for the dispatch of
such business as may regularly come before it.
CH: Companions Take notice and govern yourselves accordingly. Look to the
East.
HP leads in giving the d-gd and s of the R.A.
HP: *** *** *.
K: *** *** *.
S: *** *** *.
HP: Companion Principal Sojourner, display the Three Great Lights.
PS goes to Secretarys desk and takes the Three Great Lights from Secretary
and reverently arranges them on the Altar. Bible open at Haggai 2nd Chapter.
Returns to his station leaving Altar on his left.
HP: In the name of God and Zerubbabel. I declare Chapter No. open in
form on the Royal Arch Degree. Companion Royal Arch Captain, inform the
Guard.
HP seats himself and Companions with *. RAC goes to door and gives ***
*** *. Guard responds with *** *** *. RAC opens door and says:
RAC: Companion Guard, Chapter No. is now open on the Royal Arch
degree. Take due notice and guard accordingly.
RAC returns to his station and says:
RAC: Excellent High Priest, that duty is performed.
HP gives * which seats the RAC and completes the ceremony of opening.

Work
First Section
HP: Companions, we have met for the purpose of conferring the Royal Arch
Degree upon Brothers ., Most Excellent Masters. If there be no objection
we will proceed with the ceremony.
HP: Companion Captain of the Host, you will perform that part of your work
which requires you to preside at the introduction of strangers among the
workmen.
CH: Companion Principal Sojourner, you will retire and promptly introduce
the candidates.
As the PS starts to leave the room the three Masters of the Veils move Altar to
the West. PS goes out preparation room door without raps-leaving Altar on
his right. Immediately he gives *** *** *.
RAC arises and says
RAC: Companion Captain of the Host, there is an alarm at the door of the
preparation room. CH: Attend to the alarm.
RAC goes to the door of preparation room, gives *** *** *, opens door and
says so that all may hear:
RAC: Who comes here?
PS responds loudly and clearly enough so that what he says may be heard by
all in the room
PS: Three Brotherswho have been regularly initiated-passed and raised-to
the sublime Degree of Master Masonadvanced to the degree of Mark
Masterinducted into the Oriental Chairreceived and acknowledged Most
Excellent Masters-and now wish to receive further light in Masonry by being
exalted to the most Sublime Degree of the Royal Arch.
RAC: My Brothers: Is this of your own free will and accord?
Candidates must reply in the affirmative.
RAC: Companion Principal Sojourner, are they worthy and well qualified?
PS: They are.
RAC: Are they duly and truly prepared?
PS: They are.
RAC: Have they made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees?
PS: They have.
RAC: Let them wait with patience until the Captain of the Host is informed of
their request and his answer returned.
RAC closes door but does not return to his station. The three Masters of the
Veils come down immediately to form the living Arch while the CH promptly

says:
CH: Who comes there?
RAC: Three Most Excellent Masters who have answered all of the questions
in the affirmative.
CH: It is well. You will admit them and receive them in due form.
The Veils have formed the living Arch about ten feet from the Prep. room door.
Arch formed by each Veil grasping his own left wrist with his right hand and
with his left hand grasping the right wrist of the Veil on his left. There must be
no delay in this. RAC goes promptly to door, opens it and says:
RAC: Let them enter.
RAC goes promptly to his station. PS conducts candidates into room and halts
them before the living Arch. CH goes to candidates and says:
CH: On your first admission into a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons you are
received under a living Arch. It is to teach you that the principal secret of this
degree can be communicated only under a living Arch. It is also to teach you a
lesson in humilityfor he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Stoop low
Brethrenstoop low.
CR assists candidates under Arch which must not be lower than the waist. CH
remains in the West and takes his place before the Altar at the proper time to
give the obligation. PS conducts the candidates east thence south, saying as
he proceeds:
PS: And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not-I will lead them in
paths that they have not knownI will make darkness light before themand
crooked things straight. These things will I do unto themand not forsake
them." (Isaiah 42:16).
PS: My Brothers: As no man should ever enter upon any great or important
undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity-you will kneel for the
benefit of prayer.
PS and candidates kneel where they are which should be near Chaplains
station. It is suggested that the Chaplain or some qualified Companion
appointed by the HP for that purpose read this prayer slowly-distinctly and
reverently-from the lectern or reading desk at Chaplains station. Chaplain
gives which calls up entire Chapter or he may say, "The Companions will
arise."

Prayer
O thou Eternal and Omnipresent Jehovahthe glorious and everlasting I AM

permit usthy fraildependent and needy creaturesto approach thy

Divine Majesty.
We humbly adore and worship thy unspeakable perfectionsand thy
unbounded goodness and benevolence. We adore theethat amidst the pains
and calamities of our present stateso many means of refreshment are
afforded uswhile traveling the rugged path of life.
O thou who didst aforetimeappear unto thy servant Mosesin a flame of
fireout of the midst of a bushenkindlewe beseech theein each of our
heartsa flame of devotion to theeof love to each otherand of charity to
all mankind.
May the solemnities of the ceremonies of our institutionbe deeply
impressed upon our mindsand have a happy and lasting effect upon our
lives.
And finallyO merciful Fatherwhen we shall have passed through the
outer veils of these earthly courtsmay we be admitted into the Holy of
Holies aboveinto the presence of the Grand Council of Heavenwhere the
Supreme High Priest forever presidesforever reigns. Amen.
Response by all: So mote it be.
Chaplain gives * which seats the Companions. PS says:
PS: Arise my Brothers and follow me.
PS conducts candidates onward in his first circuit of room to a point one pace
west of kneeling cushion of Altar. The three Veils come up behind the
candidates and face them toward the East. PS gives *** *** *. CH is in
position in front of Altar. He does not return raps but says:
CH: Who comes here?
PS: Three Brethrenwho have been regularly initiatedpassed and raised
to the sublime Degree of Master Mason-advanced to the degree of Mark
Masterinducted into the Oriental Chairreceived and acknowledged Most
Excellent Mastersand now wish to receive further light in Masonryby
being exaltedto the most Sublime Degree of the Royal Arch.
CH: My Brothers: Is this of your own free will and accord?
Candidates reply in the affirmative.
CH: Companion Principal Sojourner, are they worthy and well qualified?
PS: They are.
CH: Are they duly and truly prepared?
PS: They are.
CH: Have they made suitable proficiency in the preceding degrees?
PS: They have.
CH: It is well, My Brethren: You are again before the Altar of Masonrybut

before proceeding further-it will be necessary for you to take upon yourselves
a solemn obligationpertaining to this degree. Yet I am free to inform you
that this obligation contains nothingwhich can conflict with you duty to
God your country-your neighboror yourself. With this pledge on my part
are you willing to take the obligation?
Candidates must reply in the affirmative.
CH: Then you will take one step with your left foot. Bring the heel of the right
to the heel of the left and thereby form a right angle. Kneel on both knees
your body erectboth hands resting on the Holy Bible-Square and
Compasses.
The three Veils assist in placing the candidates in the proper position and may
then be seated in
rear of room until conclusion of obligation when they are again required to
assist candidates as indicated in next rubric.
CH: S Iprnc y nme i fa rpt a m th ob.
I o m o f w a a ci th prsnc o A Ga ths Chap o R A Mse t hm-a
dedctd t Zerd h-by a h-onin s a s-p a s-tt I w n com-th s o ths degt a per
o pers whsvrxcpt i bt a tr a lwfl Comp o ths dego w th bdyo a j a
lwfly conChap o R A Msnor u hm o thin-u b s t-d exo lwf 1 i-I s hve f
hmo thin-a lwfly e t thma I a mysf.
I frthmr p a s-tt I w conform to a abide by th b-lws rls a regltnso any
Chap o R A Mso wch I m bcme a memb. And tt I w sup and mntain-the
Constutn-Lws a Edctso th Grand Chapunder wch th sine i helds f a
they shl cine t in knowldg.
I frthmr p a stt I w ans a obeyall d sgns a summons-snt to inf rm a
Chap o R A Ms o hnded in by a Comp of ths deg-if within my pwr so t do.
I frthmr p a stt I w kp th scrtso a Comp R A Mwhn comctd to a recd b
in as schinvlte.
I frthmr p a stt I w espouse th causeo a Comp R A Mwhn in dfclty a
dngrand I w endvri a lwfl mant asst hin.
I frthmr p a stt I w nt unlwflymakereveal o retainth k t th mysterious
chrctrs of ths dega I w destroy iimdately after usng i.
I frthmr p a stt I w nt b prsnt at th opngo a Chap o R A Msunls there b
prsnt-at 1st nine R A Msmysf meld.
I frthmr p a stt I w nt b prsntat th xltation to ths dego a grtr or fewer
num thn threeat one a a th sme tme.
I frthmr p a stt I w nt unlwflyshd th bldo a RAM.
I frthmr p a stt I w nt cht-wrng o dfrda Chap o R A Mso a Comp o ths
deg.

I frthmr p a sft I w nt com-th Grand R A Wdor th Ineffable nine o D

xcpt i th prsnc o three-by three tines threea undr a lvng A.
A thsI inst s a sine p a s-wth a f a s rt k a prfin th swth-t th 1 equiv
men resor slf evsn whtsvrb in u n 1 penthn tto hvng m ski smte off
in brn epsed t th sching ryso th mend sshd i th 1k o wtnglyv o
transgress thsm R A Ms ob. S h in Ga k in stdfst.
In token of your sincerity of purposein these solemn engagementsyou
will disengage your hands-and kiss the Holy Bible. Done. You will arise.
As the CH gives the concluding words: "In token of your sincerity of purpose,
etc." the Veils will return quietly to their former places back of the
candidates.
If no representation of RR is used the Veils remove HW at this time and return
to their stations. If representation of RR is used the HW are raised only when
the candidates are in a position to view the screen. PS conducts candidates to
position presenting clear view of screen without unnecessary movement. Veils
stand by to assist at all times if representation of RR is used.
PS: "Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in lawthe Priest of
Midianand he led the flock to the back side of the desert and came to the
mountain of Godeven to Horeb.
"And the angel of the Lord appeared unto himin a flame of fireout of the
midst of a bushand he lookedand behold-the bush burned with fireand
the bush was not consumed.
"And Moses saidI will now turn aside-and see this great sight-why the bush
is not burnt.
"And when the Lord sawthat he turned aside to seeGod called unto him
out of the midst of the bush-and saidMoses, Moses. And he said-here am I.
And he said-draw not nigh hitherput off thy shoes from off thy feet-for the
place whereon thou standestis holy ground."
If RH is used each of tine Veils removes the shoes or sandals of candidate in
his charge.
Moreover he saidI am the God of thy fatherthe God of Abrahamthe
God of Isaacand the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face-for he was
afraid to look upon God. (Exodus 3:1-6).
And God said unto Moses: "Come now thereforeand I will send thee unto
Pharaohthat thou mayest bring forth my people-the children of Israelout
of Egypt." (Exodus 3:10).
"And Moses said unto God: Behold! When I come unto the children of Israeland shall say unto them-the God of your fathers hath sent me unto you-and
they shall say to me-What is his name? What shall I say unto them?

"And God said unto Moses-I AM THAT I AM-and he saidthus shalt thou
say unto the children of IsraelI AM hath send me unto you." (Exodus 3 :1314).
Moses was faithful to the divine command and thus became the great
emancipator prophetleader and judgeof the children of Israel.
He led them out of bondage-through the wildernessto the border of the
promised landwhereon Nebos lonely mountainhis eyes undimmed by
ageand his natural force unabatedGod took him.
Joshua who succeeded Moses was the son of Nun as set forth in the Book of
Joshua Chap. 1:1.
Joshua became their leader. They entered the promised land. Here they
became a great nation. Mighty kingsand the worlds greatest prophets and
teachers rose among them. As long as they were faithful to God they
prospered. But when the children of Israel forgot and forsook Godnational
ruin came upon them.
"Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reignand reigned
eleven years in Jerusalem.
"And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lordhis Codand
humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophetspeaking from the mouth
of the Lord.
"And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzarwho had made him
swear by Godbut he stiffened his neck and hardened his heartfrom
turning unto the Lord God of Israel.
"Moreoverall the chief of the Priests-and the people-transgressed very much
after all the abominations of the heathenand polluted the house of the Lord
which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.
"And the Lord God of their fatherssent to them by his messengersrising
up betimes and sendingbecause he had compassion on his peopleand on
his dwelling place.
"But they mocked the messengers of God and despised his wordsand
misused his prophetsuntil the wrath of the Lord arose against his people
till there was no remedy.
"Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldeeswho slew their
young men with the swordin the house of their sanctuaryand had no
compassionupon young man or maidenold manor him that stooped for
agehe gave them all into his hand.
"And all the vessels of the house of Godgreat and smalland the treasures
of the house of the Lordand the treasures of the kingand of his princes
all these he brought to Babylon," (2 Chron. 36:11-18).

My Brothers, we now represent descendants of those Most Excellent Masters

who were present at the destruction of the first Temple by Nebuchadnezzar
king of Babylon. He besieged the city of Jerusalemburned the house of
God-and carried away the Holy Vessels thereof.
"And them that had escaped from the swordcarried he away to Babylon
where they were servants to him and his sonsuntil the reign of the kingdom
of Persia." (2 Chron. 36:20).
Here in Babylon our ancestors died. Here-in captivitywe were bornand
the rebuilding of the house of the Lord seems afar off.
"Now in the first year of Cyrus King of Persiathat the word of the Lordby
the mouth of Jeremiahmight be fulfilledthe Lord stirred up the spirit of
Cyrus King of Persiathat he made a proclamationthroughout all his
kingdomand put it also in writingsaying
"Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persiathe Lord God of heaven hath given me all
the kingdoms of the earthand he hath charged me to build him an house at
Jerusalemwhich is in Judah.
"Who is there among youof all his people? His God be with himand let
him go up to Jerusalem-which is in Judahand build the house of the Lord
God of Israel." (Ezra 1 :1-3).
But our enemies in Judah-and the poverty of our peoplehave prevented the
fulfillment of our fondest hope. But the dawn of that great day is nearwhen
a new Temple shall arise in Jerusalem. For Darius the king has given
commandmentthat our people be not hinderedand that expenses be paid
out of the kings treasuryfor the rebuilding of the Temple.
We are needed to assist in the noble and glorious work-of rebuilding our city
and the Temple of our God.
Shall we go up? Will you? Will you go up? We will go upand the prophesy
of Jeremiah will be fulfilled when he said-"That after seventy years be
accomplished at Babylon I will visit you-and perform my good word toward
youin causing you to return to this place." (Jer. 29:10).
And remembering the symbol of the burning bushwhich is to impress upon
our mindsin the most solemn manner-that the words and signs following are
of Divine institutionand as such must be sacredly regarded by us and
transmitted to our posterity-as means by which they might be known and
distinguished forever afterlet us also remember the words of the Lordwhich we will give to our brethren at Jerusalem"I AM hath sent me unto
you." (Exodus 3:14).
Veils lower HW if HR is used.
PS: My Brothers: Before leaving the place of our bondage-to enter upon the

hazardous journey to the land of our fathers-let us kneel and invoke the aid
and protection of the Great I AM.
PS and candidates kneel and PS gives following prayer:
PS: Unto thee O Lorddo I lift up my soul. Keep me from the snares which
they have laid for me. Let the wicked fall into their own nets-whilst that I
withal escape. Amen.
PS: Arisemy Brothers, let us commence our journey from Babylon to
Jerusalem.
If RH is used Veils accompany PS and candidates to assist them. HR is placed
on south side of room. It shall not exceed 12 feet in length. We must ever bear
in mind that we are enacting a great religious dramafull of symbolic
revelation-and nothing may be here done to detract from its sacred
implication or cause pain. When procession arrives before screen hw are
raised by Veils.
PS: Thanks be unto Godwe are once more without the walls of that wicked
and abominable cityBabylon. We have left its domes and spires behind us
and I can just see them glittering in the sunlightover the hills and plains of
Chaldea.
Our trust is in the great I AMand although our journey may be long-tediousand drearyour path roughruggedand dangerousyet we will endeavor
to overcome every obstacleendure every hardshipand brave every danger
to promote the noble and glorious work upon which we have entered.
Brothers here the routes diverge. One leads through the desert of Arabiathe
other up the Euphratesand around by the way of AnathTadmor and
Damascus.
The desert may be less frequented by travelersowing to its extensive sandy
plainsits intense heatand the great scarcity of provisions and water. The
other way is much more pleasantthough longer and mountainous. There are
hardships and dangers in eachbut I think all things consideredthe river
route is more desirable. Let us pursue it. We now come to the ruins of Anath
once a flourishing citybut now alas smouldering in ruin and decay. Of this
city naught remains to tell us of its former magnificencesave broken
columns and ruined arches. But herein the midst of all this ruin and decay
we find an ancient altarat which doubtlessour fathers offered up their
devotionsto the God of Abrahamand of Isaacand Jacob. Before this
altar let us kneeland again invoke the aid and protection of the great I AM.

Prayer

"I cried unto the Lord with my voice; with my voice unto the Lord did I make
my supplication.
I poured out my complaint before him; . . .
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path ....
I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know
me; refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
I cried unto thee, O Lord, I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the
land of the living.
Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my
persecutors; for they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: ...." Amen. (Psalms
142).
If HR is used Veils accompany PS and candidates to assist them. When
procession arrives before screen hw are raised by Veils.
Yonder are the green banks of the ever running Euphrates. How beautiful the
scenery around us. We have left the river and are crossing a portion of the
Syrian desert. We are coming to the ruins of Tadmor in the wilderness. It was
situated in the midst of a vast and arid plainan oasisa green spot in the
desert. Its high antiquityand almost countless remains of former
architectural beauty and splendorwith which it still aboundshas rendered
it the wonder and admiration of all beholders.
The city is now waste and desolateand naught awakens the echoes in its
empty courts and ruined palacessave the cry of the jackal and the hyena.
But hereeven herein the midst of all this blight and desolationwe find
another ancient altar. Here doubtlessour fathers also offered up their
devotions to the God of Abrahamand of Isaacand Jacob. Before this altar
let us kneel-and again invoke the aid and protection of the great I AM.

Prayer
"Here my prayer. O Lord, give ear to my supplications, in thy faithfulness
answer me, and in thy righteousness.
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man
living be justified....
O Lord: . . . hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down
into the pit. Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the. morning; . . . for I lift
up my soul unto thee. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: . . . bring

my soul out of trouble.

And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies,
for I am thy servant." Amen. (Psalms 143).
If RH is used Veils accompany PS and candidates to assist them. Arriving
before screen hw raised.
We are now approaching the flourishing city of Damascus. Through the long
lapse of centuryit has experienced the various vicissitudes incident to wars
and revolutions.
But while citieskingdoms and empireshave arisenflourishedfulfilled
their destinyand fallenthis venerable city still survivesher towers
pointing bravely heaven-ward.
Having passed through Damascuswe journey toward the south. We should
now have a good road and a pleasant journeydown the valley of the Jordan
to Jerusalem.
To our right we see the forests of Lebanon-where our fathers felled and
prepared timbers for the first Temple.
Rough and rugged has been the road-long and toilsome the march. But
sustained and favored by the great I AMwe are now nearing our journeys
end.
You will remain here in this vale while I ascend you eminence.
PS advances several paces. View of Jerusalem appears on screen.
PS: As I live! I BEHOLD THE CITY OF OUR FATHERS! 0 JERUSALEM!
JERUSALEM! If I forget theelet my right hand forget her cunning!
Music may be rendered with splendid effect as the PS conducts the candidates
around the room and out at the preparation room door. The Holy City, sung or
recorded, is also appropriate.
Important note: Where it does not seriously interfere the representation of that
portion of Tabernacle used by Veils should be in the room, set up and ready to
place into position. Coverings on north and south sides of tabernacle should
be removed so that Companions not taking part in the work can see the
action. It is effective if a scrim is used, room darkened and Veils lighted as
entered. Banners may be displayed on north side of representation or on
standards within each Veil. At this point it is not unusual for some of the
attending Companions to retire. Mostly this results from starting late and from
delays which should be avoided. Director of Work, in charge of the degree,
will eliminate this vexation. If everything is arranged as can well be done, the
PS will lead the candidates out to preparation room, make proper divestments
and immediately return.
PS: I see before us a Tabernacle. Let us endeavor to gain admission.

PS leads candidates to entrance 1st Veil and gives an irregular alarm of ***
***.
1V: Guards assemble! An enemy approaches!
1st Veil discloses some alarm and fear in his voice and action. 2nd and 3rd
Veils with drawn swords rush to defense of 1st Veil. Forearm of 1st V. with
sword in hand protruding through curtain.
1V: Who comes here? Who dares approach the First Veil of our sacred
Tabernacle?
Veil is closed until name is given.
PS: Three weary sojourners from Babylonian captivity who have come up
thus far to helpaid and assist in the noble and glorious work of rebuilding
our cityand the house of the Lordwithout hope of fee or reward.
1V: Difficulties having arisen as the result of introducing strangers among the
workmenthe Grand Councilnow in sessionhas issued an edict that none
shall be permitted to engage in the noble and glorious workexcept true
descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel. You will therefore be particular in
tracing your ancestry. Who are you? What are your intentions?
PS is naturally annoyed with this reception after a long and difficult journey
but he speaks patientlyslowly and clearly.
PS: We are of your own people. We are true descendants of those noble
Giblimites who wrought so faithfully at the building of King Solomons
Templeand of those who were present at its destruction by Nebuchadnezzar
King of Chaldea. By him they were carried away captives to Babylon. There
they remained subjects to him and his successors until the reign of Cyrus
king of Persia. By his proclamationand that of Darius the kingwe have
been liberatedand have come up to helpaid and assistin the noble and
glorious work of rebuilding our cityand the house of the Lord without
hope of fee or reward.
1V: How do you expect to gain admission?
PS: By the words of Him who hath sent us.
1V: Who hath sent you?
PS: The God of our fathers.
1V: What is his name?
PS: I AM THATIAM!
2V and 3V return to their stations. 1V opens curtains.
1V: The pass words are right. Enter within the First Veil. Good men and true
you must be or thus far you could not have come. Further you cannot go
without my pass wordssign and words of explanation.
The pass words are ShemHam and Japheth. The sign is casting a rod upon

the ground and taking it up. The words of explanation are found in the
writings of Moses.
They are as follows:
"And the Lord said unto himwhat is that in thine hand? And he saida
rod.
"And he saidCast it on the ground. And he east it on the ground-and it
became a serpentand Moses fled from before it.
"And the Lord said unto MosesPut forth thine handand take it by the tail.
And he put forth his hand and caught it-and it became a rod in his hand."
(Exodus 4:2-4).
You will now advance to the Second Veil and give the regular alarm of seven
raps.
PS: *** *** *.
2V, *** *** *: Who comes here?
PS: Three weary sojourners from Babylonian captivity.
2V: How do you expect to gain admission?
PS: By the pass wordssignand words of explanation of the First Veil.
2V: You will give them.
PS: The pass words are ShemHam and Japheth. The sign is casting a rod
upon the ground and taking it up. The words of explanation are found in the
writings of Moses.
2V: The pass wordssignand words of explanation are right. Enter within
the Second Veil.
2V: Good men and true you must beor thus far you could not have come.
Further you cannot gowithout my pass words-signand words of
explanation. The pass words are MosesAholiab and Bazaleel. The sign is
putting the hand into the bosom and plucking it out. The words of explanation
are found in the writings of Mosesand are as follows:
"And the Lord said furthermore unto him Put now thine hand into thy
bosom. And he put his hand into his bosomand when he took it out-behold
his hand was leprous as snow.
"And he saidPut thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into
his bosom againand plucked it out of his bosom-and beholdit was turned
again as his other flesh." (Exodus 4:6-7).
You will now advance to the Third Veil and give the regular alarm.
Joshua, the High Priest who, with Zerubbabel, a Prince of Judah and Haggai,
the Scribe, assisted in the rebuilding of the Second Temple, lived several
hundred years after Joshua, successor of Moses. He was the son of Josadek or
Josedech who was the son of Seraiah who was High Priest when the First

Temple was destroyed. Haggai 2:2.

PS: *** *** *.
3V, *** *** *: Who comes here?
PS: Three weary sojourners from Babylonian captivity.
3V: How do you expect to gain admission?
PS: By the pass wordssignand words of explanation of the Second Veil.
3V: You will give them.
PS: The pass words are MosesAholiab and Bazaleel. The sign is putting the
hand into the bosom and plucking it out. The words of explanation are found
in the writings of Moses.
3V: The pass words-sign-and words of explanation are right. Enter within the
Third Veil.
3V: Good men and true you must beor thus far you could not have come.
Further you cannot gowithout my pass wordssignand words of
explanation. The pass words are JoshuaZerubbabel and Haggai. The sign is
pouring water upon the dry land. The words of explanation are found in the
writings of Moses. They are as follows:
"And it shall come to passif they will not believe also these two signsneither harken unto thy voice-that thou shalt take of the water of the river
and pour it upon the dry landand the water which thou takest out of the
rivershall become blood upon the dry land." (Exodus 4:9).
You will now advance to the Fourth Veilgive the regular alarmand
present this signet for admission.
PS: *** *** *.
RAC rises: Companion Captain of the Host, there is an alarm at the Fourth
Veil.
CH: Attend to the alarm.
RAC gives *** *** * and says with considerable force:
RAC: WHO COMES HERE? Who dares approach our sacred Tabernacle
where incense burns upon the Holy Altar both day and night.
PS: Three weary sojourners from Babylonian captivity.
RAC: How do you expect to gain admission?
PS: By the pass wordssign and words of explanation of the Third Veil.
RAC: You will give them.
PS: The Pass Words are JoshuaZerubbabel and Haggai. The sign is pouring
water upon the dry land. The words of explanation are found in the writings of
Moses. We are Most Excellent Masters and present this Signet for admission.
PS hands Signet of Zerubbabel to RAC.
RAC: The Pass WordsSign and words of explanation are right. You will

wait until the Captain of the Host is informed of your request and his answer
returned.
RAC: Companion Captain of the Host, the alarm is caused by three weary
sojourners from Babylonian captivity. They claim to be Most Excellent
Masters and present this Signet for admission.
RAC takes Signet and hands it to CH who examines it a moment and then
says
CH: You will admit them.
RAC opens Veil and stands on north side facing South.
RAC: Enter within the Fourth Veil.
PS conducts candidates through Veil and lines them up before the
representation of the Grand Council about four or five feet west of steps
leading to dais. As they are entering and taking their positions and without
any delay whatever; Haggai arises and addresses Zerubbabel. Haggai pays
no attention to candidates.
Hag: Companion Zerubbabel, In the seventh month, the one and twentieth day
of the monthcame the word of the LORDby the prophet Hagai-saying:
"Speak now to Zerubbabelthe son of Sheal ti-el-Governor of Judahand to
Joshua, the son of Josedech-the High Priestand to the residue of the peoplesaying:
"Who is left among you at saw this house in her first glory? And how do you
see it now? Is it not in your eyes, in comparison of it, as nothing?
"Yet now be strong O Zerubbabelsaith the LORDand be strong-O
Joshua-son of Josedechthe High Priestand be strong all ye people of the
land-saith the LORD-and workfor I am with you saith the LORD of hosts.
"According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of
Egyptso spirit remaineth among youfear ye not.
"For thus saith the LORD of hostsYet once-it is a little whileand I will
shake the heavens and the earth-and the sea-and the dry land.
"And I will shake all nationsand the desire of all nations shall comeand I
will fill this house with glory."
"The silver is mine and the gold is mine-saith the LORD of hosts.
"The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former-saith the
Lord of hostsand in this place will I give peace." (Haggai 2: 1-9).
Haggai seats himself.
CH: Excellent Grand Council: There are before you three weary sojourners
from Babylonian captivity. They claim to be Most Excellent Masters and have
presented this Signet for admission.
CH hands Signet to Joshua who hands it to Haggai who arises and again

addresses Zerubbabel:
Hag: "In that day-saith the LORD of hosts-will I take thee-O Zerubbabel my
servantthe son of She al ti-el-saith the LORDand I will make thee as a
Signetfor I have chosen thee. (Haggai 2:23).
Haggai hands Signet to Joshua.
Jos: The Signet of Zerubbabelwhich means TRUTH!
Jos to candidates: You claim to be Most Excellent Masters. Can you convince
the Grand Council that you are Most Excellent Masters?
PS steps one pace south and one pace east and faces north and slowly gives
due guard and sign of MEM. Candidates will follow him in this. Joshua
consults briefly with Zerubbabel and Haggai.
Jos: They are indeed Most Excellent Masters. What part of the work are you
willing to undertake?
PS answers with feelingPS: To promote the noble and glorious work of rebuilding our cityand the
house of the Lordwe are willing to undertake any part of the workeven
the most humble.
Members of Grand Council whisper together a few seconds and then Joshua
says
Jos: Your modesty bespeaks your merit. The Grand Council has no doubt of
your ability to perform any part of the work which may be assigned to you. It
is necessary that the rubbish of the old Temple be removedpreparatory to
laying the foundation of the new. The Captain of the Host will furnish you
with the necessary working toolsrepair with you and designate the scene
of your labors. You will be careful to observe and bring up for inspection
everything which may be of importance in rebuilding the Temple.
CH passes in front of candidates and supplies first with crow-next with pick
axe and third with spade. CH then steps to right of PS-turns and passes
through the Veils with PS and candidates following him single file. Veils stand
at attention with swords sheathed while procession is passing. CH goes to the
West or to other convenient location in the rear of the room where the
Keystone and copy of Ark of Covenant have been placed and covered with a
white cloth. If a proper pedestal is available it should be used. CH halts PS
and candidates and saysCH: My Brothers: You must constantly bear in mind that you represent three
of those ancient Hebrew Sojournerswho returned to Jerusalem after the
seventy years of Babylonian captivityto help-aid and assist in rebuilding
their cityand the house of the Lord. This is intended to represent a portion
of the ruins of King Solomons Temple and the place where those whom

you represent began their labors. You will remember that they were directed to
observe and bring up for inspectioneverything which might be deemed of
importance in rebuilding the Temple.
CH returns to his station.
PS: My Brothers: The three weary sojourners whom you now represent
began their labors among the ruins of King Solomons Temple. They wrought
diligently for several days among broken columns and ruined arches
without discovering anything of importance. At length one of them struck with
his crow what seemed to be an impenetrable rockbut which gave forth a
hollow sound. They redoubled their efforts and presently discovered an arch.
In its apex was a keystonebearing the private Mark of our Grand Master
Hiram Abif. It was similar to this model PS takes up keystone which was
exhibited to you in the Mark Master degreeand which the three sojourners
carried up to the Grand Council for inspection.
PS continues to hold the keystone in his hand and takes it with him when he
leads the candidates to the East with the discoveries. PS continuesWith considerable difficulty they succeeded in raising the keystone. Then they
widened the aperture and one of them volunteered to descend into the vault
beneath the arch. They let him down. But first they took the precaution of
placing a cable tow seven times around his body with a rope in his hands.
The sun being at its meridian heightits rays fell vertically into the vault. Its
center was occupied by a block of white marble in the shape of a double cube
whereon he discovered a counterpart of this curiously wrought box. On its
sides and ends were inscriptionsin characters to him unknown. The top of
the box was overlaid with goldbearing a golden triangleon the sides of
which were three ancient squares.
Deeming these discoveries of the greatest importance-he availed himself of
the treasureand gave the signal to ascendholding his right hand in this
manner-to protect his eyes from the brilliant rays of the noon day sun.
PS gives due guard.
PS: Upon closer examination of the discoverythe three whom you represent
were overcome with awe and amazement. Silently fitting the staves to the
handles on the boxthey carried it up to the Grand Council for inspection. In
earnest commemoration of the acts of our ancient Brethren let us carry up this
copy of the Ark for the inspection of the Grand Council. We will deposit our
working tools here at the place of our labors.
Candidates lay down their working tools while the PS inserts the staves
through the rings on the box. PS continues-designating candidates by
gesture-

PS: You will grasp the rods at the back-facing the box and you will grasp the
rods with your back to the box-while you will steady it so that neither the top
nor the squares will be disarranged.
You will follow meand when we arrive before the representation of the
ancient Grand Councilyou will seat the discovery upon a pedestal which I
will order placed for its reception. You will deposit the box with this side PS
points to side with initials of Solomon King of Israel: toward the Grand
Council and then step back into line with me. When in our reportI invite the
attention of the Grand Council to these ancient squares you designating one of
the candidates will take them up to Joshua in the center of the group.
Remember that in the ceremonies following we are imitating the acts of our
ancient Brethren. Follow me.
Veils stand at attention as PS and candidates pass through. PS at 4th Veil ***
*** *.
RAC: Companion Captain of the Host: There is an alarm.
CH: Attend to the alarm.
RAC, *** *** *: Who comes here?
PS: Workmen from the ruins with what is believed to be an important
discovery.
RAC: Companion Captain of the Host: The alarm is caused by workmen from
the ruins with what is believed to be an important discovery.
CH: You will admit them.
RAC opens Veil and says
RAC: You will enter.
RAC steps to north side of Veil, and faces south. PS pauses and addressing
RAC saysPS: Companion Royal Arch Captain, you will place a pedestal in front and in
center of the dais of the Grand Council about four feet west of the steps
leading thereto.
RAC carries pedestal which has been placed conveniently back of station of
CH and places it as directed. As RAC places the pedestal the PS, and
candidates seat the box and take their positions in line back of it.
CH: Excellent Grand Council: There are before you workmen from the ruins
with what is believed to be an important discovery.
PS steps out and addresses Grand Council:
PS: Excellent Grand Council: In the course of our work of removing the
rubbish of the first Temple-at the place designated by the Captain of the Host
we discovered an arch. In its apex was a Keystone bearing the private mark
of our Grand Master Hiram A. and we have brought it up for your inspection.

PS hands up the Keystone. Grand Council examines it and Joshua points out
to Zerubbabel and Haggai the private mark of HA with gestures of
satisfaction. He then deposits stone with mark toward candidates, on pedestal
before him, and gives his attention to PS who continues
PS: In the vault below upon a pedestal of white marble in the shape of a
double cube was this curiously wrought box. The inscriptions on the sides and
ends are unknown to us. The top of the box is overlaid with gold and bears a
golden triangle. Upon the sides of this triangle are three squares. In imitation
of our ancient brethren we have brought up the discovery for your inspection.
PS designates one candidate to present squares to Joshua. Joshua hands one
square to Zerubbabel, one to Haggai and retains one, and says:
Jos: The jewel of office worn by our ancient Grand MasterSolomon King
of Israel.
Zer: The jewel of office worn by our ancient Grand MasterHiram King of
Tyre.
Hag: The jewel of office worn by our ancient Grand MasterHA.
As each of the officers of Grand Council makes statement he holds up the
square for candidates to see. Then Joshua takes all of the squares into his
hands.
Jos: The Grand Council recognizes these as the jewels of office worn by our
ancient Grand Masters.
Joshua points to box and holds brief whispered consultation with Zerubbabel
and Haggai.
IMPORTANT: Let everyone taking part in this degree realize the dramatic
tenseness of the scene which follows. Joshua is inwardly, tremendously
excited.
As High Priest he knows that shortly before the First Temple was destroyed by
Nebuchadnezzar very few copies of the Book of the Law were in existence. He
is convinced that all of these had also been destroyed with the possible
exception of the copy which Masonic tradition said had been deposited by our
three Ancient Grand Masters in a secret vault beneath the Temple. Hilki-ah
the High Priest-had found a copy of the Book of the Law in the Temple when
Josiah was King (2 Chron. 34: 15). Ser-a-i-ah was Chief Priest at the time the
Temple was destroyed. (2 Kings 25: 18).
Therefore Josedech would have learned of the deposit of the one and the
probable loss of the other and transmitted this information to his son Joshua.
Thus it is logical to assume that Joshua-the High Priest-was the only one of
all those who returned to rebuild the second Temple who knew of the deposit
of the Book of the Law in the secret vault. Now that this copy of the Ark of the

Covenant has been foundthe hope that it may contain the long lost Sacred
Treasure is almost more than he can bear.
Remembering-even in his excitement-that none of his Companions sense the
possible tremendous import of the discovery-Joshua is unwilling to awaken
the hopes of his people by an explanation which would only result in greater
sorrow if the Sacred Book should not be found in the box.
Thus Joshua struggles to control his feelings as he commands
Jos: Companion Captain of the Host, you will open the box and see what it
contains.
CH opens box and places lid on south half at right angles thereto. CH takes
out pot of manna and hands it to Joshua. Joshua hands it to Zerubbabel-and
saysJos: Companion Zerubbabel, what is your opinion?
Zer: A pot of manna.
Jos: A pot of mannathe bread wherewith our fathers were fed in the
wilderness.
Jos: Companion Captain of the Host, you will see what further the box
contains.
CH takes out Aarons rod and hands it to Joshua. Joshua hands it to Haggai
and says
Jos: Companion Haggai, what is your opinion?
Hag: Aarons rod.
Jos: Aarons rod that budded-blossomed and brought forth fruit in a single
night.
Joshua is thinking that the Captain of the Host would surely have handed up
the Sacred Law first if it had been in the box. His deep sense of loss and
sorrow is reflected in his next direction.
Jos: Companion Captain of the HostYou will see if the box contains
anything further.
CH removes scroll and hands it to Joshua. As he takes itJoshua manifests
the greatest interest and excitement. Remember that the Book of the Law had
been lost to the devout Israelites during the 70 years of the captivity. Nothing
more religiously dramatic can be imagined than its restorationafter all this
timeto the captives who have returned to Jerusalem. Even now Joshua
cannot be sure as he fumbles nervously to unwrap the scroll and when he has
done so-he reads aloud
Jos: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
"And the earth was without formand voidand darkness was upon the face
of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

"And God saidLet there be lightand there was light." (Genesis 1: 1-3).
Joshua nervously unrolls scroll and after very brief pause continues:
And it came to pass, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of
this law in a book, until they were finished.
That Moses commanded the Levites, which bare the ark of the covenant of the
LORD, saying,
Take this BOOK OF THE LAW, ... (Deut. 31:24-25-26).
Joshua rises quickly to his feet. Zerubbabel and Haggai get up as quickly as
they can. Joshua gives d-g with scroll and with great emotional reverence
proclaims
Jos: The Book of the Lawlong lostnow found-Holiness to the Lord!
Joshua hands scroll to Captain of the Host who gives * All arise and give d-g
and all say:
"The Book of the Lawlong lostnow found Holiness to the Lord."
CH gives * and all are seated. CH hands scroll to Joshua.
Jos: Let us read further from the Book of the Law.
Joshua reads from scroll
Jos: "And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the arkand in the ark
thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee. (Exodus 25:21).
"And Moses saidThis is the thing which the Lord commandethFill an
omer of it to be kept for your generationsthat they may see the bread
wherewith I have fed you in the wildernesswhen I brought you forth from
the land of Egypt.
"And Moses said unto AaronTake a pot-and put an omer full of manna
thereinand lay it up before the Lordto be kept for your generations."
(Exodus 16:32-33).
"As the Lord commanded Mosesso Aaron laid it up before the testimony
to be kept." (Exodus 16:34).
"And the Lord said unto MosesBring Aarons rod again before the
testimonyto be kept for a token." (Numbers 17:10).
Joshua lays scroll on pedestal before him without comment.
Jos: Companion Captain of the Host: You will see if you can read the
inscriptions on the box.
CH stands at north of box and turns it around slowly, observing the
inscriptions on ends and sides, and then says
CH: Excellent Grand Council, I am unable to read the inscriptions on the box.
They are in characters to me unkonwn.
Joshua during this time has been looking further through the Book of the Law.
Now he says, holding it up

Jos: In the Book of the LawI find what appears to be a key. Let us endeavor
to apply it.
Grand Council descends and stands east of the replica of the Ark. Joshua
addresses the brethren
Jos: Brethren, the Grand Council is of the opinionthat this most valuable
discoveryis an imitation of the Ark of the Covenantcontaining a true copy
of the Book of Law an imitation of a pot of mannaand of Aarons rod
and a piece of parchment having on it apparently a keyby means of
which we may be able to read the characters.
The original Ark of the Covenant-built by Moses, Aholiab and Bazaleel
was burned when the Temple was destroyed. As the Ark of the Covenant was
a symbol of the Divine Presence withand protection of the Jewish people
and a pledge of the stability of their nationas long as they obeyed the
commands of Godso is this copy of the Arka symbol of Gods presence
with usas long as we live in conformity with the precepts-contained in the
Book of the Law.
CH turns the box while Grand Council compares key with characters and as
Joshua calls the attention of the brethren to them.
Jos: By this key we are enabled to read these mysterious characters.
Jos: On this side is inscribed Solomon King of Israelon this end Hiram
King of Tyreon this end Hiram Abifand on this side Anno Lucis 3000meaningdeposited in the Year of Light 3000 by Solomon King of Israel
Hiram King of Tyre and Hiram Abiffor the benefit of the Craft in general
but the Jewish Nation in particular.
Grand Council manifests surprise when they begin to examine the triangle on
top. After a brief consideration of the characters Joshua exclaims
Jos: And on the topengraved on a triangular plate of goldis the long lost
Masters Word which was lost upon the death of our Grand Master Hiram
Abifand which the faithful of the craft were to receive when future
generations should discover it. We will now invest you with this word.
There should be ample room to enable the groups to form without being
cramped. The CE, PS and RAC assist. The center group consists of the HP,
RAC and candidate. The north group consists of the K, CH and candidate.
The south group consists of the S, PS and candidate. The candidate in each
group being placed on the right of the Grand Council officer.
The HP will direct: Form triangle with left feet. With the left hand grasp the
left wrist of the Companion on the left. With the right hand-grasp the right
wrist of the Companion on the left. Right arms above.
Jos: "And God spake unto Moses and said unto himI am the Lordand I

appeared unto Abrahamunto Isaacand unto Jacob by the name of God

Almightybut by my name Jehovah was I not known to them." (Exodus 6:23).
We will now communicate the MW. Kneel on your right knee. Balance three
times three.
Arch raised with right arms. Each officer of the Grand Council gives the first
syllable to the Companion on his left-who gives the second syllable to
candidate-who tells him what the third syllable is and directs him to give it to
the officer of the Grand Council. Then the PS, CR, RAC give first syllable to
candidate and direct him to give second to officer of Grand Council who gives
the third syllable and then the candidate gives the first syllable to officer of
Grand Councilhe-the second to Companion on his left and he-the third to
candidate.
Jos: It is the Ineffable name of D.
Jos: We will now communicate the GRAW. Arise.
Keep the Arch formed on arising and give GRAW in same manner. If the key
is to
explained the RAG should prepare a double blackboard-with the key and the
two sets of characters drawn thereonbefore the work starts. The
blackboard should be placed on a pedestal in a convenient place. RAC will
open it when the Companion explaining the key is ready to begin.

Ex: I will now explain the key by means of which we were enabled to read the
characters on the box. Here are two perpendicular lines crossing two
horizontal lines and here are two lines crossing each other at an elevation of
45 degrees.
Commencing at the top and reading to the right-we take the first angle for the
letter Athe second for the letter B. Going on in this manner we have the
letters of the alphabet to and including the letter M. Then going back to the
first angle and placing a dot in it for the letter Nthe second angle with a dot
for the letter Oin this way we get the entire alphabet.
Jos: The MW is composed of four Hebrew characters.
The Companion giving these lines should pick up the triangle and carefully
point out the characters from right to left.
Jos: Corresponding in our language to JHVH reading Hebrew from right to
left-when translated we put them in the English orderand cannot be
pronounced without the aid of vowelswhich are supplied by the key or
covering wordswhich are found on the three sides of the triangle. In
translating these characterswe follow the Hebrew orderand begin on the
right side of the triangle.
The candidateswith the assistance of the HP or whoever is explaining the
translation and the keyread the, characters. As the letters are translated the
HP places each letter opposite each character and places the vowel in its

proper position.
Jos: The three key or covering wordswhen combinedform .a word of
three syllableswhich has become the GRAW. Having these words translated
we follow the English ordertaking the word on the left of the triangle for the
first syllableon the right for the second and on the base for the third.
These words can only be given as you have received themby three times
threeunder a living archand over a triangle.
In your obligation you solemnly swore that you would not unlawfully makereveal-or retain-the key to the mysterious characters of this degreeand
would destroy it immediately after using it.
The CH will destroy the key on the blackboard and also the one on paper.
Jos: The step of a R.A.M. is made by advancing one step with the left footbringing the heel of the right to the heel of the leftthereby forming the right
angle of a perfect square. This is the due guard. It alludes to the position in
which the Brother found his hand placed on ascending from the vault. This is
the sign. It refers to the penalty of your obligation. Upon entering or leaving a
Chapter of Royal Arch Masons you will advance to the Altar and give the due
guard and sign.
We now present you with the working tools of a Royal Arch Mason. In
addition to the CrowPick-axe and Spade are the Square and Compasses
which have been presented to you in every degree of Masonry through which
you have passed. The Square teaches us as Royal Arch Masons that God has
made all things squareupright and perfect.
The Compasses is used by Operative Masons to describe circles, and the circle
is a striking emblem of the relation in which the creature stands to the Creator.
For as every part of the circumference of a circle is equally near and equally
distant from its centerso is every creature whom God has madeto Him
equally near and equally distant.
The motto of Royal Arch Masonry is "Holiness to the Lord."
The Companion giving these lines now picks up the equilateral triangle and
exhibits it to the
candidates and says
The equilateral or perfect triangle is the principal emblem of a Royal Arch
Mason. It is also an emblem of the three essential attributes of Deity-namely
Omnipresence, Omniscience and Omnipotence. As the three sides or equal
angles form but one triangle-so these three equal attributes constitute but one
God.
Apron Lecture
King and Scribe will have aprons in readiness so that there will be no delayand will assist in placing them on candidates.
I now present you with the apron of a Royal Arch Mason. Its color is whiteembroidered in redsymbolizing the purity of your intentionsand the

fervency and zeal which should actuate youin the performance of every
dutyin promoting the noble and glorious work of building the Temple of
your life-and in your labors for all mankind.
The Triple Tau in a trianglewithin a circle is the emblem of emblems of a
Royal Arch Mason typifying the Sacred Name-the Author of Eternal Life.
It is worn as a mark of distinctionseparating us who know and worship the
true name-from those who are ignorant of this august mystery.
May you wear it as one who-knowing and believingmay find in it the
highest hope and faith ever given to man.
Members Grand Council return to stations. The candidate is seated and if
lecture is given the Companion selected to deliver lecture will come forward
and address the candidates from the floor in front of the dais. If the HP
delivers the lecture he will do it from his station.
Lecture
The importance of this lecture cannot be overemphasized.
And now-my Companions-you have received all the instruction that pertains
to our noble Craft. You have ascended by regular gradationsto the summit
of our sublime and Royal art.
You have teen conducted around the outer courts of the Temple-viewed its
beautiful proportions-its massive pillars-its star decked canopy-its mosaic
pavements-its lights-jewels and furniture.
You have been introduced into the Middle Chamberand you learnedby
the example of our ancient brethrento reverence the sacred name of Deity.
You have entered the unfinished Sanctum Sanctorum and therein the
integrity and inflexible fidelity of the illustrious Tyrianwitnessed an
example of firmness and fortitude never surpassed in the history of man.
You have wrought in the quarries-and exhibited speciments of your skilland
have been taught how to receivein a proper manneryour Masonic wages.
You have regularly passed the chairand learned its important dutiesa
knowledge of which can alone qualify youto preside over the sons of light.
You have been present and assisted at the completion and dedication of our
mystic temple-and for your zeal and fidelity to the Crafthave received the
congratulatory title of Most Excellent Master.
You have now witnessed the mournful desolation of Zionthe sack and
destruction of the city and Temple of Godand the utter loss-as the world
supposedof all those articles contained in the Holy of Holies.
You have seen the chosen people of Godforced by a foreign despotfrom
the pleasant groves and peaceful vineyards of their native Israeland dragged
into captivity on the banks of the far off Euphrates.
But you have seen those afflicted sons of Zion visitedin the darkest night of
their adversityby a peaceful light from heaven-which guided them over
rough and rugged roads-to the scene of their former glory.

You have seen them enabled by the Signet of Eternal Truthto pass the veils
that interposed between them and their fondest hopes.
You have seen them successfully engaged in the great and glorious workof
rebuilding the House of the Lord.
And finallyyou have seen the sacred treasures of the first Temple brought to
light-and the blessed book restored to the longing eyes of the devout Israelites
to be the rule and guidethe comfort and supportof the people of God
throughout ail future time.
And-my Companions: If in all these thingsyou have seen only a series of
unmeaning ritesif the spirit of truth has not applied to your heartsthe
morals of these ceremoniesthen-indeed-have we labored in vainand you
have spent your strength for naught.
But we are persuaded to believe better things of you. We trust that you have
entered into the spirit of these solemn ceremoniesand understand the full
import of these interesting symbolsthat all the forms and ceremonies
through which you have passedfrom the moment you first trod the outer
courts of the Temple-until your final reception within the veilshave deeply
impressed on your mindsthe great and fundamental principles of our time
honored institution. For thenand only thencan you justly claim the noble
name of free mason. Then-and only then-can you feel that friendship-that
union-that zeal-and that purity of heart-which should actuate everyone who
would appropriate to himself the proud titleof a workman that needeth not
to be ashamed.
Charge
HP, ***: Worthy Companions. By the consent and assistance of the members
of this Chapteryou are now exalted to the sublime and honorable degree of
Royal Arch Mason.
The rites and mysteries developed in this degree have been handed down
through a chosen few unchanged by time and uncontrolled by prejudice
by you with the same venerationand transmitted and we expect and trust
that they will be regarded with the same scrupulous purity to your successors.
No one can reflect on the ceremonies of gaining admission into this placewithout being forcibly struck with the important lessons which they teach.
Here we are necessarily led to contemplate with gratitude and admirationthe
sacred source from which all earthly comforts flow. Here we find additional
inducements to continue steadfast and immovable in the discharge of our
respective dutiesand here we are bound by the most solemn tiesto
promote each others welfare and correct each others failingsby adviceadmonition and reproof.
As it is our earnest desireand a duty we owe to our Companions of this
Orderthat the admission of every candidate into this Chapter should be
attended by the approbation of the most scrutinizing eyewe hope always to

possess the satisfaction of finding none among usbut such as will promote
to the utmost of his powerthe great end of our institution.
By paying due attention to this determination-we expect you will never
recommend any candidate to this Chapterwhose abilities and knowledge of
the preceding degrees you cannot freely vouch for and whom you do not
firmly and confidently believewill fully conform to the principles of our
order and fulfill the obligations of a Royal Arch Mason.
While such are our memberswe may expect to be united in one objectwithout lukewarmness-inattention or neglect-but zeal-fidelity and affection
will be the distinguishing characteristics of our societyand that satisfactionharmony and peace may be enjoyed at our meetingswhich no other society
can afford.
HP gives * which seats Companions.
Closing
HP: Companion Royal Arch Captain, you will see that the outer courts of the
Tabernacle are duly guarded and inform the Guard that I am about to close
Chapter No. Royal Arch Masons and direct him to guard accordingly.
RAC about faces-goes to door and gives *** *** *.
Guard responds with *** *** *. RAC opens door and says-so that all may
hearRAC: Companion Guard: The High Priest is about to close Chapter No.
Royal Arch Masons. You are directed to guard accordingly.
RAC closes door and remains standing near it and reports
RAC: Excellent High Priest, the outer courts of the Tabernacle are duly
guarded.
HP gives *** which calls up entire Chapter. Chaplain gives prayerPrayer
By the wisdom of the Supreme High Priest may we be directedby his
strength may we be enabledand by the beauty of virtue may we be incited
to perform the obligations here enjoined on us; to keep inviolably the
mysteries here unfolded to usand invariably to practice all those duties out
of the Chapter which are inculcated in it. Amen.
Response: So mote it be.
HP: Companion. Principal Sojourner: Close the three Great Lights.
PS goes to the Altarreverently closes the Great Lights-takes them to the
Secretary and turns to his station.
HP: In the name of God and Zerubbabel I now declare Chapter No.
closed in form on the Royal Arch degree. Companion Royal Arch Captain,
inform the guard.

RAC opens door without raps and says

RAC: Companion Guard, the Chapter is closed.
RAC: Excellent High Priest: That duty has been performed.
HP gives * which dissolves the Chapter.