ORDER OF THE ALLIED MASONIC DEGREES Masonic Qualifications for Membership: Craft Master Mason, Mark Master Mason

& Holy Royal Arch Mason

THE DEGREES St Lawrence the Martyr

The actual date when this ritual was introduced is not known, but it is believed to have been worked in England two centuries ago. It is generally accepted to be the remnants of an old operatives ceremony originating from Lancashire and designed to distinguish the craftsman from the speculative mason. While having little Masonic connection, the interesting legend relates to the martyrdom of St Lawrence who was afterwards canonised for his fidelity and Christian attributes. Understandably the lesson taught is fortitude. In Scotland this degree is found as the Babylonish Pass while in America it is annexed to the Templar grades. In both Ireland and America it constitutes the Order of Knight Masons. Grand High Priest This is an amalgamation of two degrees originating from Germany and France in the middle of the 18th century and was worked extensively in America around 1803, being in many cases perquisite or honorary degree conferred on those who have presided as or are elected to the chair of, First Principle of a Holy Royal Arch Chapter. In England there was ample evidence of this Holy Order when the Grand Council was formed in 1879 and was one of the first Orders to place itself under aegis. The degree is founded upon the blessing of Abraham and consecration of Aaron, and the candidate is admitted by the President (who represents the King of Salem) and set apart with due ceremonial to the Holy office of Grand High Priest in a most beautiful and uplifting enactment. It is usual that this degree is only performed in any Council once in every year although that is not a rigid ruling.

HISTORY

and

ORIGIN

The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees was formed in 1879 to bring under its direction all the lodges of various orders that recognised no central authority and were not regulated by other major governing bodies. Initially the degrees Grand High Priest, St. Lawrence the Martyr, the Red Cross of Babylon and Knights of Constantinople placed themselves under the control of this body and by 1897 the degrees of Grand Tylers of Solomon, one degree of the Secret Monitor and the Order of the Holy Wisdom (Knight Templar Priest grades) had also been included. Eventually, however, in 1923 a Grand College of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests for England was erected at Newcastle and the Grand Council accordingly disclaimed control of this large group of degrees. Following this in 1931 the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees agreed to cease working their single degree of the Secret Monitor and so today private Councils of the order are empowered to work the degrees of: St Lawrence the Martyr Knight of Constantinople Grand Tylers of Solomon Red Cross of Babylon Grand High Priest In 1972 the title of the body was changed to the Grand Council of the Order of Allied Masonic Degrees and today there are in excess of 150 Councils ranged under its banner. The Allied Masonic Degrees for Southern Australia consist of : 8 - Councils in Victoria 3 - Councils in South Australia 3 - Councils in Queensland The degree of St Lawrence the Martyr is that in which all administrative work is carried out, candidates are admitted to the Order and the Installation of the Worshipful Master takes place.

Knights of Constantinople
This degree is an authentic side degree, where is was customary for one brother to confer it on another and while it is known to have been working in America in 1831, its actual origin is unknown. The ritual attempts to connect the legendary Constantine with the Masonic fraternity and teaches a fine lesson in universal equality and humility, it also incorporates a suggestion of an operative influence in an extensive lecture which also imbues the lesson of justice.

The Grand Tylers of Solomon

Under an earlier title of Select Masters of Twenty Seven, this degree is known to date back in America to 1893. It is very similar in character to the degree of Select Master and relates the story of the accidental intrusion of a craftsman into the secret vaults of K.S.T. where his fate is determined by the GMs.

Regalia
The regalia comprises of a Pentagonal jewel incorporating the symbols of the five degrees suspended from a thistle green ribbon (front cover). Alternatively a set of miniature jewels suspended from a bar by ribbons of the appropriate colour.

Red Cross of Babylon

This degree is of considerable antiquity, being closely associated with Holy Royal Arch and rebuilding of the second temple with the candidate bearing the name of Zerubbabel. The legend beginning in the days of Cyrus, King of Persia, continues through to the time of Darius and incorporating an outstanding feature of passing a bridge over the river which has particular significance. The degree culminates with a intricate debate taken from the first book of Esdras which established the profound maxim Great is Truth.

VICTORIA
Melbourne Council No. 1 12-01-1949 Meets Moorabin 2nd Friday 7.30pm
June, Aug, Oct. - Inst, Feb.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
All meetings are held at: Masonic Centre, Payneham Road, Marden Abram Council No. 13 Meets last Saturday,
Jan, March, May. - Inst. Aug.

Southern Cross Council No. 2 28.02.1972 Meets Preston 5th Tues. 7.30
(except Dec) - Inst. last 5th Tues of the year

The Order of the Allied Masonic Degrees for Southern Australia

24.11.1984

Kerang Council No. 3 27.02.1984 Meets Kerang 1st Monday 7.30

May, Sept, Nov. - Inst. 1st Sat March.

Darius Council No. 5 25.04.1989 Meets Frankston 5th Wednesday 7.30

(except Dec) Inst. first 5th Wed. of the year

Isaac Council No. 14 13.08.1985 Meets 4th Tuesday Feb, April, June, Aug. Inst - June Jacob Council No. 15 Meets 2nd Friday 11am 31.08.1985

Geelong Council No. 7 09.11.1989 Meets Belmont 2nd Wed. 7.30

March, May, Sept, - Inst. Nov

April, June, Feb, Sept. Inst. - April

QUEENSLAND
Duke of York Council No. 16 Meets Stones Corner 4th Tuesday 7.30
March, May, Aug, November Inst. Aug.

Grange Council No. 9 Meets Hamilton 5th Friday.

30.11.1990

(except Dec.) - Inst. last 5th Fri. of the year

7.30

Castlemaine Council No. 10 Meets Castlemaine 4th Fri.

April, June, Aug. - Inst. Feb.

7.30

24.10.1992

Berkshire Council No. 17 Meets Rockhampton 4th Tuesday 7.30

Feb, May, Aug, November Inst. May

William J. White Council No. 12 11.02.1995 Meets Sunshine 3rd Sat. 10am
May, Sept., Nov - Inst. March

Brisbane St Lawrence Council No. 18 Meets Kedron 5th Friday 7.30

Divisional Grand Secretary:

Rt. Wor. Bro. Bruce F Forster PDGM 0448 993 007 bruceforster01@gmail.com