Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests Ritual of Reception of a Candidate

Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests
Ritual of Reception of a Candidate

2015

If a joining member has not received the Appendant Degrees, they must be conferred upon him, before registration, during the course of a regular meeting.
The Sign of Reverence is to be used during prayers, and the Sign of Fidelity during the Obligation.
When it is demanded of the Candidate(s) at the I, II, III and V Pillar, "By what proof?" the Conductor replies "By the Traditional Sign".
The Candidate shows the following sign as they have been taught in their Mother Craft Lodge and Mother Royal Arch Chapter. These signs may vary depending on the ritual used in their Mother Craft Lodge and Mother Royal Arch Chapter. The point is to demonstrate to all the Knight Priests present the Candidate's qualifications in the various degrees
I Pillar - Penal sign of an Entered Apprentice
II Pillar - Penal sign of a Fellow Craft
III Pillar - Penal Sign of a Master Mason
IV Pillar - Sign of the Third Veil (The sign is given by extending the right hand as if holding a goblet, and then turning the hand clockwise through 90°, as if pouring from the goblet out of the back of the hand.
V Pillar - Penal Sign, or Reverential or Hailing Sign (either sign is acceptable)
At the VI Pillar the proof is "By the sign of a Crusader" or by the "Penal Sign". This removes any ambiguity in countries where one but not the other is communicated.
Requisites
a) The Altar is to be draped with a white cloth upon which are to be placed:
• A plain Cross (NOT a Crucifix)
• A Bible
• A seven-branched 'Candelabrum', with white candles such
• Two flower vases with white flowers
• A mounted ram's horn or other container of equal quality, with stopper or cap, for anointing oil
• A white purificator or napkin
Note:- The Cross should be directly behind and higher than the Candelabrum, the cross bar clearly visible. If a backcloth is used this must also be white
b) A missal and candle is to be placed on each pillar, and on the High Priest's pedestal.
(lt may be helpful to those Knight Priests of our Order who find it difficult reading by candlelight, for a small torch to be provided at each pillar).
c) The Symbol, to be placed on a pedestal.
d) Other requisites are:
• Kneeling Stools
• A gong
• White cubic stones (one for each candidate)
• Manna on a salver on the III Pillar (enough for each candidate)
• Tunic, Mitre and Mantle for each Candidate placed near the V Pillar
• "Filthy" garment (a KT pilgrim's habit or similar is quite acceptable, but there is no need for a hat to be worn).
Anointment after Constitution
The High Priest will anoint the candidate on the forehead, in the form of a cross, using the tip of the index finger and the merest dab of oil.
The white purificator or napkin is used for cleansing the fingers of the High Priest or Constituting Officer after anointing; NOT to be used to wipe away the oil from the Candidates forehead
Procedure for lighting and Extinguishing Candles.
Remember that if the Tabernacle were in complete darkness the only light enabling the Pillar Officers by which to see and read would be their lit candle. Therefore in the Opening the candle is lit before the Pillar reads and in the closing it is extinguished after the Pillar has read.
During Opening
Before each of the Pillar Officer reads, the D.C., A.D.C or Conductor is to light the candle and stand to one side. The Orders is: I Pillar, II Pillar, III Pillar, IV Pillar, V Pillar, VI Pillar VII Pillar, High Priest, Candelabrum.
It is permissible for the duties to be shared between the D.C., A.D.C or Conductor as the Tabernacle requires.
The Candelabrum to be lit in conjunction with the Ritual immediately before the H. P. declares the Tabernacle open. After the D.C., A.D.C or Conductor, lights each altar candle he will raise his taper; the Pillar will then give his traditional sign and word.
During Closing
The Pillar candles will be snuffed after each reading and the Candelabrum snuffed in reverse order, after each Pillar gives his sign and word. Ending with the High Priest and Candelabrum.
Whilst snuffing the latter, the D.C., A.D.C or Conductor will raise the snuffer to indicate that the candle has been extinguished.
Note: Where regulations demand the use of electric lighting, the above procedure may be modified.
Conductor
The D.C., A.D.C or Conductor will lead the Candidate and where appropriate, always stand on his right when presenting the Candidate to each Pillar. The Candidate will stand directly in front of the apex of the pillar not the Conductor.
Walking between the Pillars
Whilst the Tabernacle is open it is NOT permissible for any Knight Priest to traverse the Tabernacle by walking through the Pillars with the exception of:-
• The D.C., A.D.C or Conductor when lighting the Pillar Candles in the Opening or to extinguish them in the Closing
• The Conductor and Candidate after entry and when moving from the kneeling stool to in front of the IP, they may move across the front of the VIP and behind the VIIP
• The Conductor, Candidate(s) and High Priest for the explanation of the Symbols
Walking around the Pillars
When traversing the Tabernacle all Knight Priests will circumnavigate the pillars in a clockwise manner and in triangular form as far as possible. The apex of the triangle being immediately in front of the VIIP.
Opening Ceremony
Opening hymn is sung
H.P.: Kt. Priests and Pillars, assist me to open the Tabernacle.
All Rise.
H.P.: I call upon you to discharge your duties in forming the Tabernacle.
Kt. Priest and First Pillar, is our Tabernacle secure from all intruders?
IP: Kt. Priest and Keeper of the Inner Porch, is our Tabernacle securely guarded?
K.I.P. opens door and sees before reporting: It is, Kt. Priest and First Pillar.
IP: V.E. High Priest, our Tabernacle is secure.
H.P.: Kt. Priest and Second Pillar, whence carne you?
IIP: From the Land of Darkness.
H.P.: Kt. Priest and Third Pillar, whither are you going?
IIIP: To the Land of Light.
H.P.: Kt. Priest and Fourth Pillar, for what purpose?
IVP: In search of that city and tabernacle set on a high hill, whose founder and master is God.
H.P.: Kt. Priest and Fifth Pillar, your reason?
VP: For the Lord God is my God.
H.P.: Eminent. Kt. Priest and Sixth Pillar, the second reason?
VIP: For the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
H.P.: Em. Kt. Priest and Seventh Pillar, I bid you send forth the Word with the Grip and Sign of the Order.
VIIP. gives them to the IP, IP to IIP, IIP to IIIP, IIIP to IVP, IVP to VP, VP to VIP, VIP to VIIP, and VIIP to H.P. The instruction is to "send forth" therefore they are only given and NOT reciprocated.
H.P. removes his Mitre and places it on his pedestal or chair and moves to the Altar: Let us pray. The prayer may be read.
O Heavenly Father, grant that we may never be ashamed to own Thy name before the men of this world, or to acknowledge Thy Son Jesus Christ in all His offices, as our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. Amen. Returns to his seat and replaces his Mitre.
DC./A.D.C./Conductor proceeds to each Pillar and standing to one side lights candle BEFORE each reading. He then lights the High Priest's candle.
IP reads 1 Peter Il, 5 – 9: Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner.
And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them, which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
IIP reads 2 Cor. VI, 14 -16: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and
they shall be my people.
IIIP reads I Cor. III, 16-17: Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
IVP reads Isa. II, 3: Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
VP reads Eph. II, 19 – 22: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints, and of the household of God:
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
VIP reads Eph. VI, 10-18: Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might.
Put on the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.
VIIP reads Rev. IV, 1: After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.
H.P. reads Heb. XII, 1 – 2: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Pause while D. C./A. D. C./Conductor moves to the Altar to light the Candelabrum.
H.P.: And having all
Pillars DO NOT give the Pillar virtue or give sign until AFTER their candle has been fit.
Pillars give traditional sign, saying:
IP: S. of an E.A. - Power
IIP: S. of a F. C. - Riches
IIIP: S. of a M. M. - Wisdom
IVP: S. of third veil - Strength
VP: S. of a R.A. - Honour
VIP: S. of a Crusader/Penal Sign - Glory
VIIP: PILLAR SIGN - Blessing
D. C./A. D. C./Conductor returns to his place.
H.P.: I declare this to be an open Tabernacle, forbidding all argumentative topics of Religion or Polities.
All give Pillar Sign, H.P. opens Bible on Altar at Rev. V, 5. All sit when H.P. sits.

Reception of a Candidate
Candidate(s) is clothed with filthy garment only, over his/their normal clothing, before entering. NB the Tunic MUST NOT be worn by the candidate(s) at this stage. It is suggested
that candidates da not wear a jacket for his/their later comfort.
Sentinel gives knocks, 5 and 2.
D.C./Conductor places K.S. in position 'A'.
If there is more than one candidate then plurals should be used where necessary.
K.I.P.: V.E. High Priest, there is a report.
H.P.: See who seeks admission.
K.I.P. opens door, ascertains Candidate is ready, then returns to report to the H.P.
K.I.P.: Bro ..., a worthy Kt. Templar, seeks admission.
H.P.: Admit him.
It is at this stage that the Main Tabernacle lights should be diminished; if possible extinguished, so that the candidate enters into a candle fit room.
Conductor receives Candidate and directs him to kneel.
H.P. Removes his Mitre, placing it on his pedestal or chair, moves to the Altar and faces East.
H.P.: Let us pray. The prayer may be read.
ALL rise.
H.P.: Almighty and Everlasting God, who maketh us both to will and to do those things that be good and acceptable unto Thy Divine Majesty; we make our humble supplications unto Thee for this Thy servant who kneels before Thee. Let Thy Fatherly hand be over him, let Thy Holy Spirit be with him, and so lead him in the knowledge and obedience of Thy Word, that in the end he may obtain everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
H.P. Resumes his chair and replaces his Mitre. ALL Resume seats.
Conductor instructs candidate to rise. DC removes kneeling stool.
Cond.: For your information, this Order has an associated order that of The Order of Holy Wisdom. You will be told more of that Order in due time.
I shall now conduct you to each of the seven Pillars.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him past front of VI Pillar to I Pillar.
At each of the Pillars the Candidate is to be placed directly at the apex of the Pillar, the Conductor to stand to his side.
Cond.: This is the first Pillar. Conductor instructs candidate to give E.A. knocks.
IP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: An Entered Apprentice who has made himself proficient in that Degree, and now seeks further light in Masonry.
IP: By what proof?
Cond.: By the traditional Sign. Conductor instructs candidate to give sign.
IP reads John 1,5; Job XXIX,3-4; Ps. CXIX,105; Is. XXVI,4; Rev. V.5.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and deciare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness; As in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle;
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:
Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
And when He opened the First Seal gong once then was opened to us the door of Faith.
Wilt thou strictly observe, and faithfully obey, all just laws and regulations of this Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests or Order of Holy Wisdom so far as they are consistent with the written word of God?
Can., with the sign of fidelity: I will.
IP Standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With Prayer on thy journey walk continually in all the steps of wisdom through the wilderness of this world to the Heavenly Canaan above. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Resumes Seat.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to II Pillar.
Cond.: This is the second Pillar. Instructs candidate to give F.C. knocks.
IIP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: A Fellowcraft who has made himself proficient in that Degree, and now seeks further light in Masonry.
IIP: By what proof?
Cond.: By the traditional Sign. Conductor instructs candidate to give sign.
IIP reads Prov. XIII, 9, Ps. LXV, 4; Num XIII, 23; Rev. III, 7 & 8; Rev. V, 6 & 7:
The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dweil in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. And they carne unto the brook of Eshcol, and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes and they bare it between two upon a staff: and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs.
These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;
I know thy works: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, and of the tour beasts and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
And he carne and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
When the Lamb of God opened the Second Seal gong once He opened for us also the door of Hope.
Wilt thou as a Knight Templar Priest be true to the souls and bodies of thy Brethren, true to thy trust and their reputation and interest all the days of thy life?
Can., with sign of fidelity: I will.
IIP, standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With Knowledge on thy, journey, righteousness shall go before and direct thy weary steps on the way. He that overcometh shall
not be hurt of the second death. Resumes Seat.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to III Pillar.
Cond.: This is the third Pillar Conductor instructs candidate to give M.M. knocks.
IIIP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: A Master Mason who has made himself proficient in that Degree, and now seeks further light in Masonry.
IIIP: By what proof?
Cond.: By the traditional Sign. Conductor instructs candidate to give sign.
IIIP reads Prov. IX, 1- 6: Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city.
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled, forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
And when the Prince of Peace opened the Third Seal gong once He also for all sinners opened the door of Mercy.
Wilt thou, as much as in thy power lieth, avoid all disputes among the members of this Holy Order, as it becometh the Disciples of the Meek and blessed Jesus?
Can., with sign of fidelity: I will.
IIIP, standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With Holy Desires on thy journey, I have no greater joy than that my brothers walk in the truth as in Christ Jesus.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, pause, after the word 'manna' a small piece is given to the Candidate and will give him a white stone; pause, at the first word 'stone' a white stone is given to the Candidate and in the stone a new name is written, which no man knoweth saving him that receiveth it. Resumes Seat.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to IV Pillar.
Cond.: This is the fourth Pillar. Conductor instructs candidate to give one knock, for an Installed Master.
IVP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: An Excellent Mason who has served his Lodge wisely and well and now seeks further light in Masonry.
IVP: By what proof?
Can.: By the sign of the third veil. Cond instructs candidate to give sign.
IVP reads Prov. X, 29: The way to the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity.
When the King of Righteousness opened the Fourth Seal gong once He opened the door of Utterance to preach the Word.
Wilt thou faithfully keep, and for ever conceal, such honest secrets as shall be communicated to thy care by the brethren of the Order of the Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests?
Can., with sign of fidelity: I will.
IVP Standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With Purity on thy journey, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in his way.
To him that overcometh and keepeth My works to the end, to him will I give power over the nations. Resumes Seat.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to V Pillar.
Cond.: This is the fifth Pillar. Conductor instructs candidate to give R.A. knocks.
VP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: A Royal Arch Mason, who has wrenched forth the keystone, and now seeks further light in Masonry.
VP: By what Proof?
Cond.: By the traditional Sign. Conductor instructs candidate to give sign.
VP reads John VIII, 12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world; he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
When the Great Jehovah opened the Fifth Seal gong once He opened for us the door of Salvation.
Wilt thou as a Knight Templar Priest faithfully embrace Christ's pure religion of humble holy love, and as a sincere Christian govern thy life by the same blessed doctrine?
Can., with sign of fidelity: I will.
VP, standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With God's word on thy journey, be faithful and diligent, and the Almighty will sustain thy steps.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment. Resumes Seat.
Conductor takes Candidate to the North of the VP, and instructs him to face H.P.
H.P., seated, reads Zech. III, 1-5: And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.
And the LORD said unto Satan, the LORD rebuke thee, O Satan: even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee; is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.
And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. Pauses white Conductor removes filthy' garment.
And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. Pauses white Conductor clothes Candidate with Tunic.
And I said, Let them set a fair Mitre upon his head. Pauses white Conductor sets Mitre on Candidates head.
So they set a fair Mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. Conductor clothes with Mantle.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to VI Pillar.
Cond.: This is the sixth Pillar. Conductor instructs candidate to give K.T. knocks.
VIP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: A valiant Knight, who has fought the good fight under the banner of the Cross, and now seeks further light in Masonry.
VIP: By what proof?
Cond.: By the sign of a Crusader (or Penal Sign). Conductor instructs candidate to give sign.
VIP reads Prov. XVIII, 10; Is. LX, 19: The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.
The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee; but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.
When our gracious Emmanuel opened the Sixth Seal gong once He opened the door of Perseverance to the pure in heart.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Wilt thou always walk in the light with a single eye to God in every motion of thy heart, with the single intention of promoting the glory of God, and the good of the Brotherhood?
Can., with the sign of fidelity: I will.
VIP, standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: With Peace on thy journey, order thy steps in the Word of the Lord, and He will not let any iniquity have dominion over thee.
To him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall no more go out and I will write upon him the name of my God. and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God. Resumes Seat.
Conductor instructs candidate to follow and leads him to VII Pillar.
Cond.: This is the seventh Pillar. Conductor instructs candidate to one knock.
VIIP, seated: Who comes here?
Cond.: A worthy brother, who has successfully passed the examination of the six pillars, and now humbly requests to be admitted to this Holy Order.
VIIP reads 2 Sam. XXI, 17: Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of lsrael.
Death delivereth true brethren and true believers from every sin and misery, and opens to them the gate of Paradise, that leads to endless glory and happiness in the heavenly Canaan.
When Melchisedec opened the Seventh Seal gong once he opened the door of Life for all those who endure to the end.
Wilt thou, as a faithful soldier under the banner of our Glorious Emmanuel, wear on thy heart the Cross, Star, or Sun in token that thou wilt not be ashamed to confess Jesus Christ as thy Prophet, Priest and King?
Can., with sign of fidelity: I will.
VIIP, standing and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and am set down with My Father in His throne. Enter with joy into the Tabernacle. VIIP should deliver this last sentence with a welcoming smile. VIIP resumes Seat.
Conductor places candidate before H.P.
H.P., seated, reads Heb. VII, 1 -4, 17. 20, 21; Is. LXI, 6: For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and
blessed him;
To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of Peace;
Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils;
For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
And inasmuch as not without an oath he was made priest.
For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, the Lord swore and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD; men shall call you the Ministers of our God.
Seated and looking the candidate in the eye – recites: Is it your earnest desire to unite your soul with ours in the Lord's oath, to live in brotherly love, in a spiritual bond of peace, and in holy friendship, joining your heart and hand in true Christian Fellowship, to be neither dissolved by length of time, nor broken by slight offences?
Can., with sign of Fidelity: It is.
If there are two candidate(s) it is at this point that the second Candidate is conducted from the Tabernacle by the D.C. The Conductor remains with the first Candidate.
D.C./Conductor places K.S. in position 'B'.
H.P.: Then you will kneel before the Altar and recite the Lord's prayer. Conductor removes candidate's Mitre and directs him to assume sign of reverence.
ALL Rise and assume the sign of reverence. Candidate recites the Lord's prayer.
H.P.: You will now take the solemn obligation of the Order.
HP moves to the centre of the Altar, takes up the Bible and turns to face the candidate: Support the open Bible on your left hand and place your right hand upon it.
State your Christian names and surname and repeat after me:
I, ..., of my own free will and accord, most solemnly and sincerely swear that I will always keep, conceal and never reveal, any of the parts, points, mysteries, or ceremonies of the Order of Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests to anyone not lawfully entitled thereto, nor will I assist at the admission into this Order of any whom I know to be of loose or immoral character.
I also promise that I will never hear the name of Jesus Christ used in a profane manner without reproving those who do so, or silently praying for them; that I will to the utmost of my ability relieve all true and faithful Brethren of the Order who are in either pecuniary or mental distress; nor will I allow them to be unjustly accused, but will defend their characters so far as I shall know the same to be just.
All this I promise to observe.
So help me the Most High to keep and perform this my obligation of a Knight Templar Priest.
You will seal that Obligation once with your lips on the Holy Bible.
H.P. replaces Bible.
H.P.: By virtue of the high powers reposed in me as a High Priest of the Order, I constitute places both hands on the head you a Knight Templar Priest and in the name of Jesu Melchisedec anoint you as such.
D.C. assists by handing the oil and purificator to the H.P who hands them back to the D.C. after use. Use the minimum amount of ai/ on the forefinger of the right hand and make the sign of the Cross on the forehead. Use the purificator to remove the oil from the forefinger and NOT the sign of the Cross from the forehead.
Conductor replaces candidate's Mitre.
H.P. takes candidate by both hands: Arise Knight Priest and welcome to our Tabernacle.
Kt. Pts. resume seats.
If there is a second candidate, the first candidate is now placed in the SE of the Tabernacle and the second candidate re-admitted and collected by the D.C. and taken to the Conductor to recite the Lord's Prayer and be Obligated.
H.P.: You will kneel before the Altar ... etc)
After this stage that the Main Tabernacle lights should be reilluminated.
The Grip, Word and Sign are now communicated.
H.P.: The grip is given by each crossing the wrists, interlacing the fingers of each hand with those of the Brother opposite, thus forming two crosses, and then elevating the hands above the head.
The word 'Jesu Melchisadec' is then communicated. Notice communicated not exchanged. This word is indivisible.
The sign is given by taking a bold step forward with the right foot and simultaneously extending the right arm parallel with the ground, with the fingers clenched, as if holding a lighted candle or lamp; symbolizing the spread of "The Light" over land and water.
This is called the Pillar Sign and must always be given when entering or leaving the Tabernacle, or when addressing the High Priest.
H.P.: By virtue of the powers vested in me as a High Priest of the Order, I now confer upon you the Appendant Degrees:
Note: The following should be recited by the H.P. or a Past H.P.
Only if this is not possible, may they be read.
They are 31 in number and are:
Funeral Master.
Master of the Blue or Knight of Salomon.
Most Excellent Master.
Excellent Mason and Master and the Veils. (not the same as worked in other Masonic Orders)
Sublime Master or Jacob's Wrestle.
Fugitive Mark.
Architect (not the same as the 12th Degree of the A&AR 33 °.)
Order of the Scarlet Cord, or Knight of Rahab. (not the same as the Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord.}
Knight of the Three Kings or The Balance.
Knight of the North.
Knight of the South.
Knight of Patmos or Philippi.
Knight of Redemption.
Knight of Death or Elysium.
Knight of the Holy Grave.
Knight of the Christian Mark.
Knight of Bethany.
Knight of the Royal Prussian Blue.
Knight of Eleusis.
Knight of Palestine.
Knight of Saint John the Baptist:
Knight of the Cross.
Knight of the Black Cross.
Knight of the White Cross.
Knight of the White Cross of Torphichen.
Knight of the Suspended Cross of Babylon.
Knight of the Red Cross of Jerusalem.
Knight of the Red Cross or Rosae Crucis.
Knight of the Triple Cross.
Grand Cross of Saint John.
Made Free from Harodim (Not Heredom of the A&AR 33 °, or Heredom of the Royal Order of Scotland.)
Conductor leads candidate to West of the Symbol in triangular form from the apex of the VIIP towards the IP then across behind the IP to the symbol and faces East.
The H.P. or appointed Kt Pt proceeds to the East of the Symbol in triangular form from the apex of the VIIP towards the IP then across in front of the IP to the symbol and faces West.
H.P.: The Symbol of this Priestly Order is in the form of an equilateral Triangle.
The Triangle or Delta, is an emblem of the Deity, representing His Omnipotence, Omnipresence, and Omniscience, and in Christian Masonry of the Indivisible Trinity. It reminds us of the triple duty we owe to God, to our neighbour and to ourselves. On each side of the triangle are seven letters with a further seven letters in the centre.
Seven is known as the perfect and most venerable number, since it refers to the creation of the world. It also alludes to the Lamb of God which had seven eyes, and seven horns, and who opened the seven seals which are the seven spirits of God. Today's ceremony has been woven round seven pillars.
The letters forming the three sides are read thus:
(1) Beloved Quench Not The Light Of Israel.
(2) Which Light Burneth To The Perfect Day.
(3) But All Our Strength Is Of God.
The letters in the centre are interpreted thus:
Give Fruit.
Gather Manna.
Moses, Aaron, Melchisedec.
The first two lines are portrayed in the words of the Lord's Prayer, which each one of us should recite at least once every day. The remaining line names the Patriarchs of the Order. Ability
to interpret the letters was used as a test of an unknown Knight Templar Priest. It was known as the Priest's Pass.
The H.P. or appointed Kt Pt resumes his place in triangular form turning North in front of the VIP then (H.P. straight to his seat) appointed Kt. Pt to the apex of the VIIP before resuming his seat.
Conductor leads candidate before H.P. via the North and rear of the VIP. The H.P then stands.
H.P.: This is our Warrant, or Charter, from the Grand College, and is the authority by which we operate. The Warrant must be shown to the Candidate, not encased in a tube.
I present to you a copy of the Regulations of the Order, also a copy of the By-Laws of this Tabernacle, Ritual I and the current Year Book.
ALL Rise
H.P.: Go in peace, and may the grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you now, henceforth and for evermore. Amen.
All with Pillar Sign.
All resume seats.
Conductor leads candidate to seat.

Closing Ceremony
H.P.: Kt. Priests and Pillars, assist me to close the Tabernacle.
All Rise.
H.P. removes his Mitre and places it on his pedestal or chair and moves to the Altar.
H.P.: Let us Pray. The prayer may be read.
H.P.: Almighty God, who, through Thine only Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the door of everlasting life, we humbly beseech Thee to put into our hearts good desires, so that by Thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Returns to his seat and replaces his Mitre.
D.C./A.D.C./Conductor proceeds to each Pillar and standing to one side extinguishes candle after each reading. He then proceeds to the High Priest's pedestal and after the reading extinguishes his candle.
VIIP reads Collos. Il, 5 – 7: For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him;
Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
VIP reads Rev. XXII, 1 – 2: And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.
In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
VP reads Eph. III, 14 – 21: For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ.
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to power that worketh in us.
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.
IVP reads / John III, 16: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
IIIP reads Jude, 20 – 21: But, ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost. Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
IIP reads 1 John 1, 5- 7: This then is the message which we have heard of him and declare unto you that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth.
But if we walk in the light, as he in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
IP reads Ph.11, 14-16: Do all things without murmurings and disputes: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
H.P. reads Heb. XII, 1 – 2: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
D.C./A.D.C./Conductor proceeds to Altar and snuffs out candles, singly, after each Pillar has given Word and Sign.
H.P.: And has all
Pillars MUST give the Pillar virtue and the sign BEFORE their candle on the Candelabrum has been extinguished.
Pillar says and gives traditional sign:
VIIP: Blessing - PILLAR SIGN
VIP: Glory - S. of a Crusader/Penal Sign
VP: Honour - S. of a R.A.
IVP: Strength - S. of third veil
IIIP: Wisdom - S. of a M. M.
IIP: Riches - S. of a F. C.
IP: Power - S. of an E.A.
D.C./A.D.C./Conductor returns to his place.
H.P.: I now declare the Tabernacle closed. All give Pillar Sign.
H.P. closes Bible on Altar.
Closing hymn is sung.

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