Order of Mark Master Masons
Ritual for the Royal Ark Mariner Degree
1992
Preface
Form of the Lodge:
The Lodge should be laid out in Triangular form
Furniture of the Lodge:
The Commander is located in the normal position in
the East, with the usual pedestal, on top of which are placed:
Triangle
In the centre of the Lodge on the floor is placed
a large equilateral Triangle; this should be flat, and with sides approximately
24 inches long on the inside; it has been found from experience that these
dimensions will allow a Brother wearing size 12 shoes to stand comfortably
in the middle, and also reach from one angle to the next in one stride
without due effort. For most of the time one apex of this Triangle will
point to the East; during the Ceremony of Elevation the Triangle is rotated
so that one apex points to the West.
Triangular Path of Perambulation
This path is the rout followed in triangular form
when moving round the Lodge. Officers are reminded that all ceremonial
movements in the Lodge should whenever possible follow this triangular path.
Point of Announcement
This Point is located in the centre of the Western
side of the Triangular Path of Perambulation directly in front of the chairs
of the two Deacons; it is from this point that announcements to the commander
are made by the Guardian, and salutes are given by Brethren entering the Lodge.
Olive Branch
As there is often difficulty in obtaining sprigs of
Olive in England and Wales, any live sprig of green may be used; the Commander
must refer to it as an 'Olive Branch' when presenting it to the Candidate.
Mark Apron
The Candidate must wear the Apron of a Mark Master
Mason during the Ceremony of Elevation. The Apron of a M. M. M. should
always be provided in the Ante-Room for use by any Candidate who holds
a higher rank in the Mark Degree. The Candidate does not wear a Mark Jewel.
Royal Ark Mariner Apron and Jewel
For each Candidate a R.A.M. Apron and Jewel are placed
on or near to the pedestal of the Senior Warden.
Form of opening a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
An opening hymn may be sung before the Lodge
is opened.
W. Comdr., seated, knocks once with sceptre,
repeated by S.W. and J.W.): Brother Royal Ark Mariners, assist
me to open this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge.
All rise.
W. Comdr., to J.W.: Brother
…, what is the first care of every Royal Ark Mariner?
J.W.: To see the Lodge secured
W. Comdr.: Direct that duty
to be done.
J.W., to Guardian: Brother …,
see that the Lodge is secured.
Gdn. goes to door, opens it and sees that
the Warder is present; he then closes the door and returns to his station.
To J.W.: Brother …, the Lodge is secured.
J.W. knocks once with sceptre; no sign;
addresses Comdr.: The Lodge is secured.
W. Comdr. to S.W.: Brother …,
what is the next care?
S.W.: To see that non but Royal
Ark Mariners are present.
W. Comdr.: To order, Brethren,
as Royal Ark Mariners. All stand to order with
H. Sn. to J.W.: Son Shem, from what part of the world did Royal
Ark Mariners come from?
J.W.: From the mountains of Armenia.
W. Comdr. to S.W.: Son Japheth,
whither did they take their course?
S.W.: They were dispersed over
the whole earth, and rested wherever the providence of God was pleased
to direct them.
W. Comdr.: Then, since we have
found a resting place, it is my will and pleasure that this Royal Ark Mariner
Lodge be held.
All discharge the H. Sn.; then place r.h.
on heart during the prayer.
Chap.: Let us beseech the continuance
of the aid of the Supreme Commander of the Universe, that our labours thus
begun in order may be conducted in harmony and closed in peace.
Omnes: So mote it be.
W. Comdr.: Glory be to God on
High and peace to us on earth.
All drop r.h.
W. Comdr.: Son Japheth, on what
is a Royal Ark Mariner lodge properly opened?
S.W.: On the mysterious Porphyry Stone.
W. Comdr.: Son Shem, why on
the Porphyry Stone and not on the Volume of the Sacred Law?
J.W.: Because, at the period
whence we deduce the origin of this Degree, the Sacred Writings were not
in existence.
W. Comdr.: Son Japheth, I presume
there are traditions with reference to the Porphyry Stone sufficiently
important to justify its use as that upon which a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge
should properly be opened?
S.W.: There are.
W. Comdr.: Relate them.
S.W.: The traditions connected
with the Porphyry Stone associating with this Degree are three in number:
First: Upon this stone the Patriarch Noah reposed when the daily returned
from his pious labour in building the Ark, and it was placed by him in
the centre of the Ark when finished.
Secondly: With this Stone as an Anchor of Hope did Noah fix the
station of the Ark when it rested on Mount Ararat.
Thirdly: Upon this Stone Noah made his first offering to the Lord
in thankfulness for his safe deliverance; and he desired that it should
be fixed at the foot of Mount Ararat until the first of his descendants
should be called upon to travel again by either land or water.
W. Comdr.: In the name of the
Supreme Commander of the Universe, I declare this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge
duly open.
Comdr. knocks with sceptre *** *, which
is repeated by S.W., J.W., Gdn. and Warder. P. Comdr. goes to front of
pedestal and places Triangle on the Porphyry Stone apex towards the East;
P. Comdr. salutes W. Comdr. with H. Sn. and returns to his place.
W. Comdr.: Be seated, Brethren.
Ceremony of Elevation
W. Comdr., seated: Sons, since
by the providence of God you have been preserved from the overwhelming
waters, and have been observed and obeyed God's voice in being fruitful
and multiplying on the earth, are you aware of anyone willing to join this
Royal Ark Mariners Lodge, to keep up the memorial of so signal a deliverance?
Both Wardens rise with H. Sn.
S.W.: We are, and believe that,
if permitted to come into our Ark, he will prove a true and faithful Brother.
Both Wardens discharge H. Sn. and sit.
W. Comdr.: Brother Deacons.
Deacons rise and pick up Wands. You
will retire and examine the Candidate as a Mark Master Mason and prepare
him according to ancient custom. S.D. hands wand
to J.D., advances to Triangle, and rotates it so that an apex points to
the West; he returns to his station and takes back his wand form J.D. Both
Ds. Transfer wands to left hands and salute together with H. Sn.; they
return wants to right hands and retire from the Lodge.
The Can. who is wearing an apron, but not
the jewel of a Mark Master Mason, is examined by S.D., who demands the
threefold Sn., Grip and Word of a Mark Master Mason. The Can. is then hoodwinked.
The Wdr. knocks once.
Gdn., rises with H. Sn.: Brother
Junior Warden, there is a report. Gdn. Discharges H. Sn.
J.W., seated, knocks once. Gdn. Goes to
and opens door.
Gdn.: Who comes here?
Wdr.: Brother Deacons, on their
return.
Gdn. closes door, goes to Pt. A. and with
H. Sn. addresses Comdr.: Worshipful Commander, Brother Deacons
on their return.
W. Comdr.: Admit them.
Gdn. discharges H. Sn., goes to and opens
door. Ds. Enter and Gdn. closes door, returns to his station and sits.
Ds. Proceed to their stations, salute together with H. Sn. and sit; the
the replace wands in stands.
Wdr. conducts Can. hoodwinked to door and
knocks * * **.
Gdn., rises, with H. Sn.: Brother
Junior Warden, there is an alarm. Gdn. discharges H. Sn.
J.W., rises, knocks once, and with H. Sn.:
Worshipful Commander, there is an alarm.
W. Comdr.: Son Shem, enquire
who wants admission.
J.W., discharges H. Sn. and sits:
Brother Guardian, see who wants admission.
Gdn. goes to and opens door:
Who comes here?
Wdr.: A Mark Master Mason tried
and proved.
Gdn.: What is his name?
Wdr.: Noachida.
Gdn.: How is he clothed?
Wdr.: In the habiliments of
a distressed Mason
Gdn.: Is he in possession of
the password?
Wdr.: He is not, but I am and
will be answerable for him.
Gdn.: Give it to me. Wdr.
gives password (Methuselah) to Gdn. in a whisper.
Gdn.: Let him wait patiently
while a report is made to the Worshipful Commander.
Gdn. closes door, goes to Pt.
A. and salutes with H. Sn.: Worshipful Commander, a Mark Master Mason tried
and proved, who states his name to be Noachida, and who is clothed in the
habiliments of a distressed Mason, requests admission to this Royal Ark
Mariner Lodge.
W. Comdr.: Is he in possession
of the password.
Gdn.: He is not, but his conductor
has given it to me on his behalf.
W. Comdr.: Advance and communicate
it to me.
Gdn. discharges H. Sn., advances to Comdr.'s
pedestal by the P. of P. and communicates p.w. aloud.
W. Comdr.: The pass is correct.
Gdn. returns to Pt. A. by the P. of P.,
and faces Comdr. With H. Sn.
W. Comdr.: First assuring yourself
that he has signed the required declaration, let the Candidate enter. Gdn.
discharges H. Sn. Brother Deacons.
Ds. Rise and follow Gdn. to door; Gdn.
opens door and ascertains from Warder that Declaration has been signed.
Can. is introduced between the two Ds.; Gdn. closes door behind him. Can.
is placed with his back to the closed door, flanked by Ds., S.D. on Can.'s
right, J.D. on Can.'s left;
Gdn. picks up Triangle and presents one
point to breast of Can.: Enter Brother Noachida.
Gdn. stands aside; Ds. Conduct Can. to
Pt. A., where all face East. Gdn. returns to his station and sits.
S.D.: Salute the Worshipful
Master as a Mark Master Mason.
Can. takes step and salutes with threefold
sign.
Comdr. Knocks once, repeated by S.W. and
J.W., all rise and stand with r.h. on heart during the prayer. S.D. prompts
Can. to do likewise; Ds. cross wands.
Chaplain: Glorious Commander
of Heaven and Earth, Who didst speak and it was done, Who didst command
and it stood fast: we, the frail creatures of Thy providence, humbly beg
the fulfilment of Thy promise that, when two or three are gathered in Thy
name, Thou wilt be in their midst to do the good. In Thy name we meet to
elevate a Brother, who with us ma continue to commemorate so wonderful
a deliverance as that of Noah and his family from the Deluge.
Grant that he may prove a true Brother, able to unfold the mysteries
of the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners. May he
love the Brotherhood unfeignedly, well knowing that love is the fulfilling
of the Law. May we so conduct ourselves in the Ark that, when we be called
hence by Thy command, we may find a refuge in the mansions of everlasting
rest.
Omnes: So mote it be.
Ds. lower wands; all drop r.h.; S.D. prompts
Can. to do likewise.
W. Comdr.: Be seated, Brethren.
All sit. J.D. returns to his station and
sits. S.D. conducts Can. via P. of P. to East, and thence to J.W.'s pedestal,
Can. is placed South of J.W. facing North; S.D. standing on his right.
J.W., seated: The first point
to which you have been directed is called Beauty. This should adorn the
inward man and remind us that God's Beauty shines forth throughout the
whole of creation in symmetry and order. It exemplifies also the curious
and masterly workmanship of Noah in the construction of the Ark, the simplicity
of which was Beauty itself.
S.D. conducts Can. directly via P. of P.
to S.W.'s pedestal, Can. is placed to North of S.W., facing South; S.D.
standing on his right.
S.W., seated: The second point
is called Strength . It denotes that the Supreme that the Supreme Commander
of the Universe is Omnipotent and will support you under all difficulties.
This was exemplified when the waters which overspread the face of the earth
upheld the Ark in which Noah and his family were saved.
J.D. rises and rejoins Can.; S.D. conducts
Can. directly via P. of P. to Comdr.'s pedestal, closely followed by J.D.
All three halt in line facing Comdr.
W. Comdr.: The third and last
point is called Wisdom, which reminds us that God's Wisdom is infinite
and will direct you in all undertakings. Being an emblem of that divine
attribute, it also represents the wisdom of Noah in building the Ark, by
which mankind was preserved from perishing in the Universal Deluge.
You must take a solemn obligation if you
are desirous of obtaining a knowledge of our mysteries. Are you willing
to do so?
Can., prompted by S.D.: I am.
W. Comdr.: You will stand erect;
give me your hands, which I now place on the Porphyry Stone.
Can. complies, and Comdr. Places both hands
on P.S.; Comdr. Knocks once, repeated by S.W. and J.W.; all rise and stand
to order with Sn. of F.; Ds. Cross wands.
W. Comdr.: State you names at
length, and repeat after me:
I, …, in the presence of the Supreme Commander of the Universe,
and before this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge, of my own free will and accord,
most solemnly engage to keep inviolate the secrets and mysteries of this
Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners, and to reveal
them to Royal Ark Mariners only, they being well known or proved to be
such after due examination, or in the body of a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
properly and lawfully assembled under the authority of the Grand Master's
Royal Ark Council.
I also engage to defend the character of a Brother so far as may
be consistent with my duty to God, my neighbour and myself, and to assist
him so far as Prudence may lay the line and Justice hold the scales.
I further engage to answer all lawful Signs, and also Summonses
when duly marked and if within the length of my cable tow. All this I solemnly
promise and swear under no less a penalty than that of having my ribs broken
and being overwhelmed by the waters and swept from off the face of the earth.
So help me the Supreme Commander of the Universe, and keep me steadfast
in this my solemn obligation.
All discharge Sn. of F. and remain standing;
Ds. Lower wands, then remove Can.'s hands from P.S.
W. Comdr.: Brother Senior Deacon,
you will restore our Brother to light.
S.D. hands his wand to J.D., then removes
hoodwink from Can., and hands it to D.C., who disposes of it; S.D. takes
back his wand and resumes his place on right of Can.
W. Comdr.: Be seated, Brethren.
All sit
W. Comdr., still standing: I
present to you an Olive Branch. Comdr. Hands the
Sprig of Green to Can. It is an emblem of hope and commemorates
the abatement of the waters. Listen to the promise given in reference to
the covenant made by God with Noah. Comdr. Sits.
Chaplain, rises and reads Isaiah, ch. 54,
vv. 8 - 10.: In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a
moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith
the Lord thy Redeemer.
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that
the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that
I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my
kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace
be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. Chap.
sits.
W. Comdr.: With that promise
of God you may confidently meet your Brother Royal Ark Mariners, for it
will comfort you in trouble, cheer you up in the hour of death and make
you happy for all eternity. Remember also the further promise.
Chaplain, rises and reads Isaiah, ch. 54,
v. 17.: No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper,
and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgement thou shalt condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness
is of me, saith the Lord. Chap. sits.
W. Comdr.: Brother Senior Deacon,
you will instruct our Brother how to advance the East by the proper steps.
S.D. prompts Can. to put sprig of green
into a pocket; Can. complies; S.D. conducts Can. along P. of P. to position
South of Triangle and facing it; J.D. follows, passes behind Can. and takes
post on left of Can., on the same line. S.D. moves in front of Can., and
stands one pace to the West of Western apex of Triangle, facing East.
S.D.: The method of advancing
to the East in this Degree is by nine complete steps. The first four are
made with the right foot leading, and the last four with the left foot
leading. Each step is commenced and completed with the feet at an angle
of 60° , S.D.
places his feet correctly corresponding with the angles of an
equilateral triangle. For your instruction I will demonstrate, and you
will afterwards copy my example.
Steps 1 to 3 facing centre of Triangle,
steps 4 to 9 facing East; steps 1 to 4 with right foot leading, steps 5
to 9 with left foot leading. S.D. demonstrates the nine steps; he then
returns to Can. and leads him to start point, about one pace to the West
of the Western apex of Triangle, with his feet at an angle of 60°
.
J.D. crosses behind Can. and takes his
place on the North side of the Triangle, facing East.
S.D.: Take the first four steps
with the right foot leading.
Can. takes first four steps on the Triangle
under the directions of S.D., who, if necessary, points with the butt of
his wand.
S.D.: take the last five steps
with the left foot leading.
Deacons and Can. take the last five steps
together, finishing about one pace from Comdr.'s pedestal; on arrival there
Deacons take one step backwards.
W. Comdr.: The Signs of the
Degree are seven in number. They are the Sign of Distress, the Pass Sign;
the Sign of the Dove; the Penal Sign; the Hailing Sign; the Sign of Demand;
and the Sign of Security. W. Comdr. lays down
sceptre and rises.
The first is the Sign of Distress or Swimming Sign. This is made
by putting forth the arms in front of the body in the form of a Triangle,
palms downward, and then stretching them out to the sides as if in the
act of swimming. Comdr. demonstrates; Can. copies;
both drop Sn.
It refers to the Antediluvians making a foolish attempt to escape
to some elevated object by swimming. It also refers to the Symbol of the
Degree, the Equilateral Triangle. Comdr. points
to Equilateral Triangle on Porphyry Stone.
The second is the Pass Sign. This is made by raising and bending
and bending the left arm in front of the head, then inclining the head
forward and resting it in the hollow of the left arm, as if resting the
arm on a window ledge. Comdr. shews Sn.; Can.
copies; both drop Sn.
It refers to Noah looking out for the Dove and resting his head
in the hollow of his left arm. Comdr. repeats
Pass Sn., then drops Sn.
The third Sign is the Sign of the Dove. This is made by putting
forward the right hand with the index finger extended, as if for a bird
to alight on; it is then drawn back to the left shoulder, accompanied by
the words "Lo, she cometh." Comdr. shews Sn.;
Can. copies and repeats words, both drop Sn. It refers to Noah
extending his hand for the Dove. Comdr. repeats
Sn. of Dove, then drops Sn.
The fourth is the Penal Sign. This is made by putting forth the
right hand as in the previous Sign; then bringing the right arm to the
side of the body and striking the ribs sharply with the elbow, thus. Comdr.
shews Sn.; Can. copies; both drop Sn. It alludes to the ancient
penalty of the Obligation that of having the ribs broken and being overwhelmed
by the waters.
The fifth is the Hailing Sign or Sign of Salute. This is given by
raising the right hand and lowering it until the extended fingers are immediately
over the crown of the head; this is an imperfect Rainbow Sign. Comdr.
shews Sn.; Can. copies; both drop Sn. This Sign Comdr.
shews Sn. again; Can. copies; both drop Sn. is given by entering
or retiring from the Lodge, or when addressing the Worshipful Commander.
The sixth is the Sign of Demand or Questioning Sign. This is given
by putting forth the right hand with the index finger bent and upturned,
thus. Palm upwards, other fingers closed.
Comdr. shews Sn.; Can. copies; This
Sign is always answered by the seventh and last Sign, the Sign of Security.
This is given by turning the hand over Comdr.
turns his right hand over with palm down; with his left hand he takes hold
of the wrist of Can. and turns Can.'s right hand over with palms down;
both maintaining Sign of Demand and then joining the tip of
the index finger with that of a Brother Comdr.
joins the tip of his right index finger with the tip of the right index
finger of Can. It refers to the perfect bow in token of the
Covenant made by God with Noah. Comdr. points
bow with left hand, both drop Sn.
The Grip is given by clasping the right hands, and then drawing
them asunder. Comdr. demonstrates with Can.
By this Grip a Brother may be known by night as well as by day.
It refers to the period when the Antediluvians, sentenced to the watery
abyss, endeavoured to frustrate the wrath of Heaven by pulling each other
to the summit of the hills, to the tops of trees and all other places which
presented a temporary relief from the justice of Him who was pouring down
destruction upon their heads. Hence it is called the Token of Distress.
The Pass or Ancient Word is Methuselah. Can.
repeats.
The Covered Word is Jared Can. repeats;
and the Sacred Word is Lamech Can. repeats.
I would remind you that Lamech, Methuselah and Jared were respectively
the Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather of Noah. Comdr.
sits and picks up Sceptre.
Brother Senior Deacon, you will conduct our Brother to Son Shem.
S.D. leads Can. along P. of P. to J.W.;
they both halt and face North-West in the line along P. of P.; J.D. follows,
passes behind both and takes position on left of Can., also facing North-West.
J.W.: A Brother's distress may
arise from three different causes.
Firstly, from circumstances of difficulty, wherein it may be necessary
to seek a Brother's advice. The Brother hailed will give such advice as
may be in his power, in faithfulness and truth, his conduct being squared
by that rule which saith "Do unto others as you would that they do unto you".
Secondly, a Brother's distress may arise from excessive poverty.
He may not have a meal to eat or proper clothing to put on. If this be
the case, the Brother to whom ot may be made known would do well to relieve
such distress, remembering that it is more blessed to give than to receive;
for whoso seeth his Brother hath heed and shutteth up his compassion from
him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? Therefore, as wise stewards of
the manifold gifts of God, we should always have a hand and heart ready
to help a distresses Brother.
Thirdly, a Brother's distress may arise from being situated among
enemies, so as to render it necessary to call upon a Brother to aid him
with his bodily strength. J.W. rises with H. Sn.
The Brother who perceives the H. Sn. should immediately come to his assistance.
J.W. discharges H. Sn. and sits. Such
should be his love for his Brother, if he believes him to be worthy, that
he would sooner die by his side than desert him.
On occasions of importance the Triangle is always placed on a Royal
Ark Mariner summons; in such cases you must attend if possible. If prevented
by unavoidable circumstances you must send your reasons in writing with
the same mark; the Brother or Lodge receiving your communication will accept
it as a discharge of your duty.
W. Comdr.: Brother Senior Deacon,
you will conduct our Brother to Son Japheth to be invested.
S.D. conducts Can. along P. of P. to S.W.,
followed by J.D.; Can. is placed North of S.W.'s pedestal, facing South;
Ds. Stand behind Can. also facing South; S.D. removes Can.'s Mark apron,
and hands it to J.D. who disposes of it. S.W. rises and lays down Sceptre.
S.W.: Brother …, I invest you
with this apron, S.W. invests Can with R.A.M.
apron, assisted by S.D. if necessary and decorate you with this
jewel S.W. pins jewel on Can.'s left breast.
I enjoin you never put on this apron if you are angry with a Brother, for
it is an emblem of love and virtue, and as such is more valuable than any
gift an Emperor or King can bestow. Therefore first be reconciled with
your Brother, that you may sit down in concord and fraternal affection.
To as many as walk by this rule, Peace be unto them.
S.W. sits and picks up sceptre.
S.D. conducts Can. via P. of P. to Comdr.'s
pedestal, J.D. follows, all facing East; Deacons one pace to the rear of
the Can.
W. Comdr., seated, points to Working Tools
lying on pedestal in front of him as appropriate: I present
you the Working Tools of a Royal Ark Mariner, with which Noah worked when
he built the Ark.
These are an Axe, with which he cut down trees and squared them;
a Saw, with which he sawed those trees into planks; and a Auger, with which
he made holes in the planks.
Also with the Axe he cut out pins and drove them in, by which means
the planks were kept together. By the wisdom and cunning workmanship of
Noah, that beautiful structure, the Ark, was formed, the strength of which
proved the temporal salvation of himself and his family and all the living
creatures contained therein.
These tools have other meanings, which I will explain to you. The
Axe felled the trees, and they, being cut down, are emblematic of the fall
of the old world. The Saw, dividing the timber into planks, is emblematic
of the separation of Noah and his family from the rest of mankind by the
Lord. The Auger, making holes in the planks, teaches us the use of affliction
in producing self-abasement and searchings of the heart.
As the Ark was built by these tools. So we are shewn that by perseverance
in faith, hope and love, we may be shut into an Ark of safety, when the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the whole earth shall be dissolved.
The triangular perambulation which you took after your entrance
was to fix in your mind the form of the Lodge. The reason you were stopped
at the three points was to remind you that Wisdom, Strength and Beauty
were displayed in the construction of the Ark, they having also the moral
signification then explained to you.
Your erect posture on entering into your obligation was meant to
remind you of the position in which Noah stood when he offered up the sacrifice
to God in thanksgiving for his safe deliverance from the Deluge. The Supreme
Commander of the Universe then fixed His bow in the sky and established
His covenant with Noah that the waters should no more become a flood to
destroy all flesh.
The principal officers of the Lodge represent Noah and his two sons,
Japheth and Shem W. Comdr. points to each in turns
as he mentions them. The Triangle is also emblematical of the
Sun, Moon and Stars, in this sense: those in the highest sphere of life
have the largest province wherein to do good, but those of an inferior
degree will be as eminently distinguished if they move regularly and prove
useful members of society. The highest is he who performs his part best,
not he who fills the most exalted position: for the Moon, although borrowing
her light from the Sun, evidently sets forth the glory of God; and the
flowers of the field declare His power equally with the stars of the firmament.
You will now attend to an explanation of the nine steps.
Deacons and Can. move backward in line
to the South and stand along the P. of P. facing North, so that Can. can
watch. S.W. leaves his station carrying his sceptre and goes directly to
the Western apex of the Triangle, and stands facing East with his feet
at an angle of 60° .
S.W.: The first three steps
taken on the Triangle in a manner conform the first regular steps in Symbolic
or Craft Masonry; but here they have an additional import. You have already
been told that the three points of the Triangle are synonymous with Wisdom,
Strength and Beauty. Man, in his ignorance, at the commencement of his
pilgrimage believes himself secure, and, oftentimes discarding the use
of the unerring compass, strays from the true course, and thus incurs the
risk of being overwhelmed by the waters.
Having, however, taken the first regular step S.W.
takes first step r.f. leading and completes it his feet rests
apparently upon solid ground and his eyes are opened to look upon the spot
where Beauty reigns. The danger now threatening him is even greater than
before, for should his step deviate from the straight line his fate will
be that of the bullrush swayed to and fro by every breath. S.W.
indicates swaying of bullrush by gently waving his sceptre in front of
him.
If, however, my Brother, you take the second step firmly S.W.
takes second step with r.f. and manfully S.W.
completes second step with l.f. resting upon the point of Strength,
you will find yourself on the road to Wisdom, and thenceforward your path
is easy, for when Wisdom S.W. takes third step
with r.f. guides S.W. completes third
step with l.f. your footsteps, you may with confidence rely
on attaining to that eminence which is the object of your desires, and
the end and aim of all your efforts.
The fourth step S.W. takes fourth step
with r.f. into middle of Triangle facing East and completes step with l.f.
brings you into the middle of the Triangle, whence surrounded by Wisdom,
Strength and Beauty, S.W. indicates the three
points of Triangle with the butt of his sceptre as he names them you
may mount the ladder until you reach the Ark, the haven of rest.
The last five steps imply that, during your onward course, you must
always be careful to practise, without remission, those five Cardinal Virtues
peculiarly characteristic of Masonry: S.W. takes
fifth step with l.f. leading
Watchfulness; S.W. takes sixth step
Discretion; S.W. takes seventh step
Brotherly Love; S.W. takes eighth step
Truth; S.W. takes ninth step
and Charity. S.W. does not salute or bow
to Comdr.; he returns along P. of P. via South and West to his station
and sits.
Deacons and Can. then move forward together
in line and stand in front of Comdr.
W. Comdr.: As certain fees will
be required for your elevation, it is but right that you should be informed
by what authority we act. Comdr. rises and displays
to Can. Warrant of Lodge handed to him by I.P.Comdr. This is
our Warrant of Constitution from the Grand Lodge of Mark master Masons
in England and Wales and its Districts and Lodges Overseas; it is open
for your inspection at this meeting or at any other meeting of the Lodge.
Comdr. hands Warrant back to I.P.Comdr. and sits.
The regulations of the Order are included with the Constitutions
and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons,
Comdr. picks up a copy and shews it to Can. of which you have
already received a copy.
These are the By-Laws of this Lodge. Comdr.
hands copy of By-Laws to Can. From both of these you will learn
your duties to the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners
in general and this Lodge in particular.
You are now entitled to take your seat in a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge.
Comdr. offers a welcome to Can.; both Ds.
Conduct Can. to a seat in the South, then return via P. of P. to their
stations;
S.D. hands wand to J.D.; S.D. advances
to Triangle and turns it so that an apex points to the East; S.D. returns
to his station and takes back his wand from J.D.; both Ds. Sit and replace
their wands in the stands.
Form of closing a Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
W. Comdr., seated, knocks once with sceptre,
repeated by Wardens; Comdr. rises: I rise to enquire whether
any Brother has aught to propose for the good of the Fraternity in general
or of this Royal Ark Mariner Lodge in particular?
Comdr. sits., knocks once with sceptre, repeated by Wardens: Brother
Royal Ark Mariners, assist me to close the Lodge.
All rise.
W. Comdr.: Son Shem, what is
the constant care of every Royal Ark Mariner?
J.W., with H. Sn.: To prove
that the Lodge is secured.
W. Comdr.: Direct that duty
to be done.
J.W., discharges H. Sn.: Brother
Guardian, prove that the Lodge is secured.
Gdn. goes to door and knocks *** *, Warder
replies; Gdn. returns to his station; gives H. Sn.: Brother
Junior Warden, the Lodge is secured. Discharges
H. Sn.
J.W., knocks with sceptre *** * and gives
H. Sn.: Worshipful Commander, the Lodge is secured.
W. Comdr.: Son Japheth, what
is the next care?
S.W., with H. Sn.: To see that
the Brethren stand to order as Royal Ark Mariners.
W. Comdr.: To order, Brethren,
as Royal Ark Mariners.
All stand to order with H. Sn.
Chaplain: Before the Lodge is
closed, let us beseech the Supreme Commander of the Universe, who maketh
the storm cease and the waves to be still, the wilderness to be a standing
water and the water springs a dry ground, to have us in His good keeping
until we meet again in His name, or until it is His pleasure that we be
received into the Ark of His Covenant.
Omnes: So mote it be.
W. Comdr.: Son Japheth, the
labours of this Degree being ended, you have my command to close this Royal
Ark Mariner Lodge. Knocks with sceptre with left
hand *** *.
S.W.: Brethren, in the name
of the Supreme Commander of the Universe and by command of the Worshipful
Master, I close the Lodge.
All discharge H. Sn.; S.W. knocks with
sceptre *** *.
J.W.: and it is closed accordingly
until the next regular meeting, emergencies excepted of which due notice
will be given. Knocks with sceptre *** *.
Gdn. goes to door and knocks *** *; Warder
replies *** *; Gdn. remains at door. P. Comdr. goes to front of pedestal,
removes Triangle from Porphyry Stone and returns to his place.
P. Comdr.: Nothing now remains
but according to ancient custom to lock up our secrets in the safe repository
of our hearts, uniting in the act of Fidelity Fidelity Fidelity, Fidelity.
All place r.h. on heart four times
to the rhythm of the knocks of the Degree.
A closing hymn may now be sung.