Rectified Scottish Rite – Grand Priory of England and Wales
Ritual of the Fifth Grade: Squire Novice

 
2008

Furnishings of the Chapter

In the Centre East stands the Prefect's chair on a scarlet dais: on his right the capitular table on which stands the chandelier with nine branches. On the left the stand for the ritual. The rest of the hall should be decorated with small crosses. There should be three candles on the Secretary's desk. All the candles should be lit before the Opening.
On the dais above the Prefect's chair a shield with the Arms of the Province, on the right a shield carrying the Phoenix, on the left another with the Pelican. The seat of the Master of Ceremonies is in the South-West. Vestments of the Knights
The Knights are armed with the sword of the Order. They wear a white cape with the scarlet cross of the Order, a white sash, a cross pate suspended from a red collarette with gold edging and white gloves. The Novices wear the regalia of a Scottish Master of St. Andrew.
The Sword
The sword held in the left hand is a sign of welcome. Held in the right hand it signifies a warlike/soldierly attitude.
Shouldering arms. Held in the upright position in the left hand, elbow forming a right angle, blade vertical slightly away from the body, offset on the left side.
Heels together. When seated it should be placed between the knees, point to the ground.
Alms
In addition to the usual alms collection before the closing, the candidates should be warned that they will be expected to make two small token alms donations during the ceremonies.
Ceremony
The Ceremony is written for more than one candidate. When there is only one candidate the wording should be adjusted accordingly.
 
 
Opening of the Chapter
 
Music.
Prefect gives one knock with pommel of sword: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, to order. Swords, in left hand, pointed down. In the name of the Great Architect of the Universe and by virtue of the power in me vested, I open this Chapter of Novices of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City of the Prefectory of … within the Grand Priory of England and Wales.
Dean: May it be opened according to the Rites of the Order.
Prefect: Let us invoke the assistance of the Great Architect of the Universe.
Dean: That He may save those who put their trust in Him.
Senior: And may He grant us His help.
Prior: Eternal and Infinite Power, who governeth the universe, inspire our hearts and minds that our efforts may contribute to the reign of Justice and Truth.
Enlighten our spirits with a holy desire to improve and to work for the good of mankind with
perseverance and in a true spirit of devotion and sacrifice.
Bless our work and so lead us that we may live our lives as Worthy Knights Beneficent of the Holy City.
All: Amen.
Prefect: May Love and Concord always reign amongst us.
M.C.: Reverend Knights, raise your swords.
Dean: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, this Chapter of Novices of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City is open.
Senior: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices observe the silence.
The Prior opens the Bible at the New Testament, places his sword on it.
M.C.: Reverend Knights return swords.
Be seated.
The Commander submits his sword to the Highest Dignitary and receives it back - the Prefect announces the agenda, welcomes any visitors. Apologies are given.
 
 
Verification of Candidates
 
The Reverend Knight Commander retires.
Prefect: Well loved Knights and Squire Novices, we have convened this Chapter to receive … into the Inner Order as Squire Novices.
They come provided with the necessary qualifications for their admission to the Novitiate. I have carried out the capitular examination of the same, and they conform to the spirit of the Order.
Do you maintain your consent to admit these Scottish Masters of St. Andrew to the Novitiate?
Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, to confirm your consent, you will raise your right arm, palm downwards. Those opposing will not raise their arms.
All signify their resolve.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies, inform the Reverend Knight Commander that the Chapter authorises him to introduce our Scottish Masters of St. Andrew.
The Master of Ceremonies goes to the door to inform the Commander.
 
 
Introduction of the Candidates - Obligation
 
The Guard stands at the door with the Representative Candidate and the Commander, who knocks as a Scottish Master of St. Andrew. (** * *).
M.C.: There is a report.
Prefect: Permission to enter is given to all proven men, accompanied by a Brother, who come in the spirit of Faith, Hope and Charity.
See who knocks.
The Master of Ceremonies goes to the door, knocks ** * *, opens the door.
M.C: Reverend Knight Commander, what brings you here?
Commander: I present to the Chapter Brethren who have been proved, and for whom I request admission to the Novitiate.
M.C: What are their names?
Commander: N…a.
M.C: Wait while I address your request to the Reverend Knight Prefect and receive his orders.
The Master of Ceremonies closes the door.
M.C: Reverend Knight Prefect, it is the Reverend Knight Commander who requests admission of our Scottish Masters of St. Andrew to the Novitiate.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies, admit them.
The Master of Ceremonies opens the door.
M.C: Reverend Knight Commander, you may introduce the candidates.
They enter. Commander ahead. If there are three or more Candidates, one will act as the representative Candidate. The others will stand at their seats.
The Master of Ceremonies stays with the Candidates in the West.
M.C: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, rise, draw your swords, held in left hand, points upwards.
The Prefect and the Commander do NOT draw swords.
Music: The Prefect leaves the altar to receive the Commander. The Commander gives the sign of recognition to the Prefect by placing his right hand on his left shoulder with the index and middle fingers extended and drawing it back to the centre of the chest. The Prefect makes the same gesture with the left hand descending from the right shoulder. The grip is then given, followed by the embrace, the words are given in a whisper, thus:
Commander: Right hand to right hand, left ear. HUGUES. Retains grip.
Prefect: Left hand to left hand, right ear. GEOFFREY. Releases grip.
Commander: Embrace left breast to left breast. PAGANIS.
Prefect: Embrace right breast to right breast. ST. OMER.
The Prefect returns to his place and remains standing.
End of music.
M.C.: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, lower your swords and be seated.
Other Candidates stand.
Commander: Reverend Knight Prefect, I present our Scottish Masters of St. Andrew who ardently desire to be admitted to the Novitiate of the Order of the Knights Beneficent of the Holy City.
Assisted by my Adjutants, I have proved them and consider them worthy of the favour they seek, and I vouch for them.
Prefect: Well loved Scottish Masters of St. Andrew, from enquiries we have made, you merit our approbation. Witness in your favour now rendered by the Reverend Knight Commander removes any doubt of your worthiness to be received.
We are prepared to recompense your zeal and perseverance if you declare before this Assembly that you freely and sincerely persist in your desire to belong to our Order as a Squire Novice.
All Candidates: I do.
Prefect: As Scottish Masters of St. Andrew, are you prepared to take this Obligation?
Candidates give consent.
Prefect: one knock.
M.C.: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, to Order, swords in left hand, points up.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Commander, accompanied by the Master of Ceremonies, conduct the Candidates before me. They will pronounce their Obligation kneeling.
Music: The Obligation is read before the Prefect. The Commander returns to his place.
Kneeling stool required.
End of music.
Prefect: Candidates, you will kneel on both knees, place your right hand on the Bible and sword and repeat your full names individually and then read the Obligation together.
 
 
Obligation of the Squire Novices
 
I, …, in the presence of God and of this worshipful Chapter, having requested, of my own free will and accord, to be admitted as a Novice in the Masonic Order of the Knights Beneficent of the Holy City, solemnly promise and swear on my honour:
- to keep inviolate, so long as I shall live, such secrets directly or indirectly concerned with the Order I now embrace which may already be known by me or may still be entrusted to me;
- to obey and practise fraternal submission to those of higher rank in the Order, to observe the Rules, Statutes and Regulations of the Order, and in particular those of this Province, without in any way compromising my duties to my Religion, my Country, my Sovereign or my Civil Status;
- to work, either in conjunction with my Brethren or alone, for the good of the Order to which I now attach myself, and for the good of my Country and Humanity in general;
- to devote myself especially to the pursuit of active and universal beneficence, and to the love of VIRTUE and TRUTH, the essential goal of the Order, promising to observe, and to see observed, inasfar as is within my power, the laws of true Christian Charity towards men of whatever religious conviction.
I further freely and voluntarily swear to keep faithfully these promises as well as those previously undertaken by me, and consent, on the violation of any of them, to be branded as a man without honour and fit only for the contempt of all my Brethren.
So help me God.
Prefect: Let the Brethren rise.
The Novices are moved hack to the centre. The Prefect returns his sword, and moves out to face them. Move kneeling stool to centre of Temple.
Prefect: So as to receive that which your virtue and perseverance have earned you, and with which I shall invest you, remove that regalia.
 
 
Ceremony of Investiture
 
As each Candidate removes the regalia of a Scottish Master of St. Andrew, the Prefect speaks.
Prefect: May the past be effaced and may all things start afresh.
The Master of Ceremonies presents the red sash to the Prefect.
As the Prefect invests the candidates with the red sash he says: I invest you with this red sash of a Squire Novice of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City of England and Wales represented by the Most Eminent and Reverend Grand Master.
Puts on the red sash over Novice's left shoulder.
He points to the jewel on the sash and says: From it is suspended the Cross, the emblem of this ancient Order to which we belong.
May this sash and this Cross remain for you symbols of purity, of the spirit of sacrifice, and of charity, and of loyalty and fidelity to our principles. May they represent in your eyes the glories of your new Degree RELIGION - BENEFICENCE - HUMANITY - VIRTUE.
Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies, our Candidates will kneel in the centre of the Temple.
This done, the Prefect places both his hands on the shoulders of each Candidate and says:
Prefect: Be worthy Squire Novices of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City that Prudence and a true attachment to the Virtues that have been recommended to you may direct all your actions.
Never forget the obligations which now bind you to the Order.
Drawing his sword and taking it in the right hand, the Prefect continues, placing the sword on the left shoulder, then right shoulder then the head of the Candidate after each phrase in turn:
Prefect: In the name of the Order - and by virtue of the power in me vested – I consecrate you name Squire Novice of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City.
Rise Squire Novice.
M.C.: Reverend Knights be seated.
Prefect returns sword. Master of Ceremonies removes kneeling stool. Candidates remain standing.
Prefect: You are, from now onwards, members of the Inner Order. You have pledged yourselves, of your own free will, to the practice of Beneficence and the Christian Virtues.
It is by the strict observance of the duties of your rank and of our rules that you will one day merit being able to take the last of your Obligations in the Order.
The Prefect embraces the new Squire Novices. The Prefect returns to his place. The Master of Ceremonies remains with the Squire Novices and returns his sword.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies you will now demonstrate the sign, knocks, embrace, grips and words.
M.C.: The sign is related to the red sash worn by the Squire Novice. In this explanation you are the Brother questioned, I am the questioner.
The Brother questioned places his right hand on his left shoulder with the index and middle fingers extended and draws it back to the centre of the chest.
The questioner makes the same gesture but with the left hand descending from the right shoulder.
The knocks of the degree are given by striking the palm of the left hand twice with the right fist followed by seven faster beats with the middle finger, thus: * * *******.
The embrace is given by stretching forth the hands, grasping a Brother's elbows and embracing breast to breast on both sides, left and then right.
The grips and words are given in the following manner:
The Brother questioned takes the right hand of the questioner in his right hand and whispers "HUGUES" into his left ear.
The questioner takes the left hand of the questioned Brother with his left hand and whispers "GEOFFREY" into his right ear.
The two arms, thus interlaced, form a cross.
The questioned Brother then embraces the questioner on the left side whispering "PAGANIS" into his left ear.
The questioner embraces the questioned on the right side whispering "ST. OMER" into his right ear.
These are the signs of recognition between Brethren, but a Novice must, either at the door of the Chapter or when approaching a superior, give the two signs and four words himself.
The Prefect now explains the Coats of Arms connected with the Order. All Candidates stand at seat.
Prefect: The Coat of Arms of the Order dates from 1119. In those days the Order was so poor that there was only one horse for two men. This was perpetuated in the seal of the Order representing two Knights on a horse, the arms being quartered by the Cross of the Order.
For the Novices Degree the Phoenix was adopted as distinctive and characteristic, pointing out that honour is indestructible. To this is added the Cross of the Order, the heraldic sign of our Knights since 1147.
The Prefect points to the PELICAN Prefect: On my left, you see the Pelican with the motto "ESURIENTES ENUTRIT". He feeds the hungry.
This very ancient emblem was adopted by the Order to remind us that it has always been devoted, and today more than ever before, to Charity and Beneficence towards men of whatever nation or religion."
As Squire Novices, go now to the Almoner and offer him your first gifts to the poor. You will then give the sign of obedience, which consists of placing your right hand on the pommel of the sword presented to you, at the same time inclining your head.
All candidates return to the centre.
Prefect: Squire Novices, you will now give me the Sign of Obedience that you have promised to the Superiors of the Order whom I now represent and which is due to me in my capacity of Prefect.
The Master of Ceremonies conducts the candidates to the Prefect.
Go now, and give this sign to the Reverend Knight Commander. You will now be under his surveillance. You will then pass for recognition before each of the Brethren.
M.C.: Reverend Knights, to Order, swords in left hand, points up.
The Master of Ceremonies accompanies the candidates to shake hands with each of the Brethren. He then conducts them to the centre of the Temple.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies, have all the Brethren present acknowledged our new Squire Novices?
M.C: Yes, Reverend Knight Prefect.
Prefect: Let us consecrate those acknowledgements and the duties they impose according to the Rite of the Ancient Knights Templar.
Reverend Knights, Squire Novices, let us descend into the Choir from the Sanctuary, encircle the new Squire Novices and form a vault of steel above them.
The Knights form a circle around the candidates, leaving a gap in the East for the Prefect who places his sword above the others. No rattle.
Prefect: ADHUC STAT. The Order still stands.
M.C.: Reverend Knights, resume your places.
When done: Reverend Knights, return swords, be seated.
The Master of Ceremonies conducts the Squire Novices to the Prefect.

Ritual Lecture for the Degree of Squire Novice
 
Prefect: The Temple of Solomon was one of the wonders of the ancient world. It was also an entirely symbolic edifice.
The plan of the grandiose sanctuary, its construction, its ornaments and vessels represented the synthesis of all the sciences. It was the universe, it was philosophy, it was the Heavens.
Solomon conceived the plan, Hiram, with his genius, put it into operation, those directing operations possessed the knowledge of the details and the workmen followed the plans of the Master Masons.
This hierarchy, so rational and so just, has been adapted by Freemasonry as the pattern of a perfect society. Freemasons wish to rebuild society on the basis of a progressive Initiation independent of all dogma.
The INITIATION which, in its successive phases, seeks to draw humanity away from the domination of materialism and render it more accessible to the aspirations of the mind and the voice of conscience. That Initiation is sublimely expressed in the motto of the Scottish Master: "MELIORA PRAESUMO"
This infers that a Mason wishing to become a K.B.H.C. must feel himself inspired by the spirit of Him who was the Perfect Master, so that, living in faith, hope and charity, he may, by his example, bring to the Temple of Wisdom those who are furthest away from it. The goal of Masonic Initiation may appear too simple to those who have looked for knowledge of a different kind.
How blind they are! Is not wisdom to be preferred above all else? Are not the great virtues the work of its hands? Does it not teach JUSTICE, TEMPERANCE, and PRUDENCE? Does it not give COURAGE? Are not these virtues the secrets of its STRENGTH?
The Order wishes to lead you towards this wisdom, which can alone illumine your path and bring you to the source of true happiness.
Prior: Brethren, the ritual tells us: "The light conies from the East, but the two Wardens are placed in the West, the better to observe the sun at its meridian, put the labourers to work and send them away contented." It is recognised that the East was the cradle of Initiation, and that the peoples irrigated by the Ganges and the Indus, guided by idealist and contemplative imagination, had the original idea and the first application of those mysteries, which many centuries later were brought to the banks of the Nile by the Gymnosophists.
Contemporary India has preserved the antique Brahmans who are the only interpreters of the Vedas or Holy Writings. Their symbols have remained unaltered and the circle within the equilateral triangle is the emblem of that eternity formed by: BRAHMA VICHNOU SIVA The Creation Life Death.
The secret societies of ancient times attained their greatest prosperity in the valley of the Nile. Their instruction and enlightenment was sought through the mysteries of Isis, Serapis and Osiris by those from all quarters of the then-known world. Initiation into the Egyptian mysteries was most highly valued and was embellished with all the splendour of Eastern pomp.
In 525 B.C. the King Cambyses beat the great Egyptian nation into submission, striking at its heart, massacring its priests and ruining its altars. A thousand years before this, the Greeks had already derived their hermetic learning and their secret societies from Egypt and instituted their famous mysteries of Samothrace and Eleusis.
We cannot describe here those marvels of the human mind, nor speak in detail of Pythagoras and those who followed him, of Socrates, of the divine Plato or of Zeno, chief of the Stoics. We shall remind you that Socrates based his science of morals on knowledge of oneself. He taught his disciples the truths that are justice, temperance and prudence, and strength as the outcome of these virtues. He recommended the practice of good as the source of happiness. He taught the existence of one unique God and of His providence. He believed in the immortality of the soul. This righteous man, who did no wrong but to be in advance of his time, was condemned to drink hemlock. This was 400 B.C.
All these men formed schools and their doctrine so spread throughout the world that in Judea schools of thought were established well before the coming of Christ: the Pharasees, religious conservatives, the Sadducees, political conservatives, and the Essenes, a corporation more religious than philosophic, reminiscent of our monastic Orders, a kind of Pythagorian association mixed with austere Stoic practices.
Thus, after invigorating Egypt and Greece, Initiation brought its warm benevolence to Palestine.
Everywhere it raised up guardian spirits until the coming of the greatest of them all, He who preached peace, love and forgiveness, He who raised the weak and infused the masses with a new blood inspired by love, hope and charity.
Of the philosophical schools of Judea we shall only consider the Essenes. Their history probably goes back no further than 100 B.C. Far from condemning them as He did their rivals, Christ never mentioned them, which might support the tradition that He and some of His disciples came from this association. The Essenes did not live in the large towns, but formed groups of a monastic kind administered by an almoner. They practised contempt for riches, lived on their own produce in communities and came together for prayer, turning to the East, and to meditate on divine law in a language rich in allegory.
In these very earnest assemblies they wore a piece of white linen around their loins, came to order with one hand placed between the chest and the beard, while the other was dropped to the side.
The Essenes submitted their candidates to three years of trials. Then, in the ceremonies of Initiation, handed them a pick or axe (dolabella), a white robe and the white apron to which reference has already been made.
They preferred celibacy to marriage, but took charge of the children of the poor. They were the enemies of all wars and of all violence. They condemned slavery and taught the equality of all men. When they entered the Order they swore obedience to their superiors and promised never to reveal to anyone the mysteries of the association, even unto death.
Their fundamental maxim was: YOU WILL LOVE GOD AND YOUR NEIGHBOUR, YOU WILL BE VIRTUOUS.
Such were the great spiritualists with whom John the Baptist and Christ appear to have had much in common. Today, I shall not attempt to retrace the life and work of Him who was crucified. The divine flame continued to burn and the work was carried on after that voice, which had called men to liberty, bringing faith, love and hope to the world, had expired on Golgotha. The teaching was furthered by the early Christian communities, and by small contemplative groups in the dessert, and the LITTLE LIGHT at first hidden from the profane, became the GREAT LIGHT which put an end to a whole civilisation based on despotism and slavery.
Senior: After Christ's suffering, His disciples gathered around His brother the apostle James, but their community remained Judean in outlook, the law of Moses forming its essential base. Such was the first phase of Christianity, which did not survive the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus.
Peter tried, without success, to spread the new doctrine. Stephen and Paul were more successful because they liberated themselves from the law of Moses. This was the second phase in the history of Christianity. The only demands made were faith in God and the putting into practice of the teachings of Jesus.
These assemblies kept to the organisation as of the Synagogues. They were presided over by an Elder, assisted by Deacons, who functioned also as Master of Ceremonies, Treasurer and Almoner. All were elected by the community.
These communities spread little by little. Freeing themselves from their localities, they spread to Alexandria, Egypt, Greece and Asia Minor. A new spirit penetrated these "Ecclesiasts". They no longer believed in the immediate return of the Christ, and newcomers brought with them the scientific and philosophical baggage of their time, as also a special ceremonial principally from Greece and which rapidly transformed these "Ecclesiasts", so simple at the outset, into secret associations only penetrable by Initiation. At the beginning they comprised three degrees: Listeners - Catechumens – Faithful.
The instruction was symbolic and the neophites who had been accepted through successive ballots were led into the crypt. They were bathed in clear water, clothed with the white robe, then anointed with consecrated oil, after which the mysterious sign of the community was given on their foreheads: the sign of the Cross. And lastly they recited the Credo and swore secrecy. The password was symbolised by a fish, for the five letters of the Greek word for a fish "Ichthys" gives the initial letters of the words: Jesus Christ - Son of God – Saviour.
This was the third phase in the Christian story, and whereas it had evolved over the centuries, this was the Initiation as it stood when, under the banners of Godfrey of Bouillon, the Crusaders enrolled to depart for the conquest of the Holy places in 1099. The illustrious Orders of the Knights of St. John and the Knights of the Temple were not founded until 1118 in the reign of Baldwin II.
The founders of the Knights of the Temple were Hugh de Paganis (or de Paiens), Geoffrey of St. Omer and seven other Knights.
At the beginning the Knights were restricted to nine in number, but being protected by Kings and blessed by Popes the progress of the Order was prodigious. Everywhere they constructed buildings of considerable proportions, churches, castles and other constructions for which they employed a large number of architects and labourers from all parts, particularly from the British Isles.
The Order had its temple in London, Paris and all important towns. (In Geneva they possessed several domains, notably in Frontenex and Secheron).
The Grand Master by the Grace of God, the principal of the Order, was more powerful than a King! Philippe le Bel sought his protection against the insurgents in his capital. Then, jealous of their power and riches, the King, badly advised by his pride and jealousy, associated himself with Pope Clement V to accuse the Templars of the vilest crimes and vices. Thus it was that in October 1311 the most illustrious Order, the wonder of the Middle Ages, admired and protected by Princes and Popes, was abolished.
A great number of Knights were arrested and tortured. Few survived ... but today the memory of the Knights of the Temple shines anew. The Order still exists: ADHUC STAT!
The Templars who were able to escape sought refuge in various Countries. The Knights of St. John of Jerusalem who had become the Knights of Malta, inherited part of their possessions and gave them asylum. In Portugal they became the Order of Christ. In Scotland they were better received and protected than elsewhere. According to tradition a number of Knights accompanied the Templars to that far off land. They were the Count of Beaujeu, keeper of the
archives, George Harris and Pierre Aumont.
This courageous little group assisted Robert Bruce to repel the English invasion at the celebrated battle of Bannockburn. To show his gratitude Robert Bruce instituted (revived, according to others) the Royal Order of St. Andrew of Chardon, which became the Grand Chapter of the Lodge of Kilwinning after 1314.
And so the masonic Lodges which had been established since early times in Scotland offered asylum to the fugitive Templars. It was a case of Brethren receiving Brethren, for both were united by the same rules, similar signs and tokens, by trials and degrees.
Furthermore, the Templar system and its constitution survived and, supported by the Order of St. Andrew, became the origin of the highest degrees in Scotland and England.
Prefect: Reverend Knight Master of Ceremonies, show the Squire Novices to their seats.
 
 
Final Address of the Prefect and the End of the Ceremony
 
Prefect: Well loved Brethren, the lecture (and the mystic supper) you have just experienced merit your most serious contemplation. You are called upon to become Knights, but this title is not given lightly.
Before you receive it you must give proof of a firm determination to do your utmost to bring men to that unity of thought and action without which they will never realise their ardent desire for peace and happiness.
In symbolising this work in the form of discovering the lost word you were taught, as Scottish Masters, that it was not sufficient to recognise yourself as a son of the same celestial Father, but that you must, as Christ did, learn how to love and to suffer for the good of mankind as a whole.
It is, then, with the head held high, the mind free of all prejudice, that you will search for the truth and that you will assure for yourself for always the quiet possession of the masonic virtues which make the good man, the good patriot, and which are closest to our ideals, our spirits embracing justice, if they are supported by Faith, Love and Charity.
We shall add but one piece of advice: Remember, Brethren, that this superior unity for which we are convened, does not reside in an easy acquiescence of empty formulae.
He who searches will only find it by practising the Laws of Justice, of Truth and Love, which we have received from Christ and which are the source of all happiness. Be correct, learn to love, be prepared to suffer. Have confidence in Him who directs the destiny of the universe. You will then be assured of victory.
The Master of Ceremonies returns to his seat. sits.
 
 
Closing of the Chapter
 
Prefect: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, rise, draw your swords, left hand, points down, and to Order.
In the Name of the Great Architect of the Universe and by virtue of the power in me vested, I close this Chapter of the Novices of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City of the Prefectory of … in the Grand Priory of England and Wales.
Dean: May it be closed according to the Rites of the Order.
Prefect: All is finished. Let us praise the Lord.
Dean: That He may save us and give us life.
Senior: That He may grant the same Blessings to our absent Brethren.
Prefect: Let us pray.
All place right hand on heart.
Prior: O, Indefinable Power, Thou who hast neither beginning nor end, Thou who embracest the universe and penetratest it with Thy lifegiving Spirit, Thou who art perfection itself, the comprehension and epitome of all things, inspire our thoughts, for it is in intimate communion with Thee that the necessary strength is found for man to march without stumbling on the only path which leads to eternal happiness.
All: Amen.
Prefect: May Charity and Fraternal Union always abide with us.
All: So mote it be.
All drop sign of reverence.
M.C.: Reverend Knights swords upturned.
Dean: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, the Chapter of the Novices of the Order of Knights Beneficent of the Holy City is closed.
The Prior closes the Bible, takes up his sword.
M.C.: Return swords.
Senior: Reverend Knights and Squire Novices, retire in silence and leave your vestments in the customary manner.
The Prefect and the Chancellor sign list of those present.

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