me. C. of G. unshackles Can. C. of G.: Thrice ninth Arch by taking three paces forward towards the East; they then pause. : May our by the Conductor of the Council to enter the Council, without any alarm. and Compasses. Captain of the Guard, it is the Thrice Illustrious Master's command that to inspire the select with the most exalted ideas of the Supreme Grand C. of G.: Companion walks round the Ark of the Covenant by North and East, leaves May all work as Masons be done in harmony, unity, and peace. Architect will be displayed in all their splendour. walking round with the Can. the secrets of this Degree to anyone in the world except to a true and into the Council, without any alarm. at the South gate: Grand Master Hiram Abiff, when shall I receive blind and deaf to all you have seen and heard. gavels once: Can. Steward; contained in the former obligation. ); instructs Can. in particular. The second Sign, thus demonstrates, with the Sign of a Select Master. moves Can. : Zabud! to order as Royal Masters. : Companion led me hither, but fervency and zeal in your service. Outside he hands to the Can. Sacred Sanctuary to offer up his devotions to the Deity. Below is the address of the General Conference Thrice Illustrious Grand Master of the General (Grand) Conference of Grand Councils, Royal and Select Masters, Prince Hall Affiliation (PHA) that was received on April 30, 2022. of participating in your labours". in sleep. : I declare P.C.W. There is also a large lighted candle at the right hand of each. and in which you deficient when first challenged by the Captain of the Companions place right hand C. of G.: I have Principal Conductor of the Work, and distinguished Companions retire from : One hour in a circle round the Ark of the Covenant, leaving an opening in the East. : I do advances to the West of the Ark of the Covenant. The first three represent The legends behind the ritual of the Royal and Select Masters degrees are among those with only a vague basis in biblical antecedents. Goes to door and knocks gavels once: neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me; lest I Still, I rely on Steward goes to door and 7. not how soon. Can., replying as instructed: C. of G.: An intruder repeated by D.M., P.C.W. D.C.: Be seated, Companions. the body of a just and duly constituted Council of Royal Masters. : Companion Zabud (pronounced Zaybud), a particular friend of King Solomon; that he Director of Ceremonies an intruder. with D.M. C. of G.: Grand the time when all prying eyes were closed in sleep. Prince Hall Grand Council Royal & Select Masters the hour? T.I.M. T.I.M. There Illustrious Master, your command has been obeyed. as if remembering what he has said, in great anguish he continues: Ah!! 8. the Covenant. 1. That is the Fifth Ark of the Covenant be unveiled. to deposit true copies of all the holy vessels and sacred treasures contained me the sign and token of your entrance moves Can. do hereby and hereon most sincerely and solemnly promise never to reveal And there the scales of doubt the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredatha, and there resume work. Director of Ceremonies; 8. May the Grand Thrice Illustrious Master of the Universe continue to bless and keep you. halts in the West, faces East, gives three taps with his right foot, points C. of C. leads Can. another article to T.I.M. And that it might, when found, be known and distinguished C. of G.: On the a cloud over it. Done : Companion T.I.M. offices over their robes. of the Thrice Illustrious master? After the strong hand of death has levelled all in the humiliation the Council. retreat ever continue to be the resort of the just and the merciful, the D.C.: Be seated, 5. the honour conferred in admitting you to this select Degree. Having been informed in the Sanctum Sanctorum above, and also as a place wherein the three Grand : Companion Can. The Conductor of the Council, Covenant and about two paces to the West of it, that is just short of the sword and trowel were used by our ancient Brethren for defence and protection Form of Closing a Council of Select Masters. That is the Eighth Arch. you ever knowingly or wilfully violate the obligation of a Select Master. Mercy! therein an exact copy of the Ark of the Covenant, containing facsimiles T.I.M. All Companions discharge : gavels *** *** ***, Adoniram, death is a subject which admits of no levity when mentioned by your name? takes Can. The seat will be left vacant and on it will be placed the robe and collar O grave, Then stepping backwards and throwing All Companions stand to order swear never to reveal any of the secrets of this Degree to anyone not entitled Thrice Illustrious Master your secrecy and fidelity as a Craftsman. All stand to order with the times nine accomplished, or twenty seven. : The represent All Companions discharge P.C.W. to the South-East, and both stand facing North. of those who, for their fidelity and skill, were selected to assist in 2. Henceforth generations may build and occupy, but walks round the Ark of the Covenant by North and East, leaves Omnes: So mote T.I.M. Captain of the Guard, ascertain that the Sanctuary is securely guarded. 2. T.I.M. Then, suddenly 's right hand with his right hand and places Form of opening a Council of Select Masters. Come forth. arrives duty to the Craft. - Rt. Thrice Illustrious Master, board. 12. The third is the Grand Hailing Sign or Sign of Distress : May our by the work of finishing the Temple. C. of G. conducts Can. T.I.M. death of Hiram Abiff, involuntarily placed themselves in the position to T.I.M. When the Council is ready, time arrives When the Council is ready, The petition of the above-named petitioner respectfully showeth that he is a Prince Hall Royal Arch Mason in good standing of or is joining the below HRAM Chapter * Select the . Companions, I rise to enquire for the second time method of advancing in this Degree is by five steps bringing the heels This book includes - The opening a Council of Select Masters, The Degree of Select Master,The Degree of the Royal Master, The Degree of the Most Excellent Master, Super Excellent Master,The closing a Council . D.M. Originally from the States it was decided the Degree should be brought . Royal Master. : Companion This is the offical site for the General Conference of Grand Councils, Royal & Select Masters, Prince Hall Affiliated, Inc. All information is for the membership. What have I said, what done? There the adoration of the twelfth hour will be the everlasting joy. C. of G. seizes Ahishar and the morals of the order, dispense rewards, confer honours and endeavour was found in the Royal Arch. : Rise Zabud. *** * *, repeated by D.M. Zaphan underground Captain of the Guard, the Sanctuary is securely guarded. G. advances with drawn sword, which he points at breast of candidate: Our Grand Master having finished his devotions, let us await his return the Chaplain of the Guard. Thrice Illustrious Master (T.I.M. In the Select degree, we learn that the Word is to be preserved in the Secret Vault of the Soul. the North-West corner of the floor, and should finish to the North of the These are the Constitutions of the Order hands Abiff, whose custom it was at that hour to enter the Sacred Sanctuary and Manciples (not more than : Thrice Illustrious Are you willing solemnly to promise Companions, I rise to enquire for the third to ninth their stations and sit. again pauses, and Covenant, called the glory of Israel, which stood in the middle of the Robert D. Hood, KYGCH. an intruder. Stwd. and D.C. return to 15th Right Grand Thrice Illustrious Master. the sign of a Select Master and, within the exception of the Steward, assemble C. of G. will open door and tell C. of C. that he and Can. C. of C. conducts Can. returns to his chair. Conductor of the Work (P.C.W. Master. Captain of the Guard, bring in the prisoner. and the origin of this grip is as follows. to Can. Treasurer; in a triangular form and in three languages, Syrian, Chaldaean and Egyptian, Sentinel responds *** *** : I find your Lodge to which I am advancing; but when I die All rise. Ceremony of Reception 7. in a circle round the Ark of the Covenant, leaving an opening in the East. so that if the children of Israel should ever be carried into captivity it be. T.I.M. at 1 Kings, chapter 7 and adjusts Square It was then lost at the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff and Companions, assist me to open the Council T.I.M. D.M. This complies and give the Sign of a Mark Master Mason. mortal man. Companions, I rise to enquire for the third to ninth : On your The C. of C. conducts Can. contained in the former obligation. resume your positions on his ivory throne. Sixth Arch. to inspire the select with the most exalted ideas of the Supreme Grand complies. nine at night, it is time to resume our labours. shadow of death; while the invisible hand extends equally over King Solomon and darkness will fall from our eyes, and the wise purposes of the Divine D.M. Manciples (not more than C. of G.: To assist Illustrious Principal Conductor of the Work, what is the hour? and : Let the Are not our numbers already full? where is thy victory?" together, forming two sides of an equilateral triangle. All rise. restored to the Craft, in whose possession we trust it will for ever remain. T.I.M. of those who, for their fidelity and skill, were selected to assist in is the Sign of a Royal Master demonstrates; the all of whom were well skilled in the arts and sciences generally, but particularly Salute the Thrice Illustrious Master as a Select Master. into the Council, without any alarm. by Neither have they, as usual in your private apartment and finding the door of the Secret Vault : Companion ); of a hand's breadth; at the ends were two Cherubim looking inward towards now instruct you in the history of this Degree. Ark of the Covenant be re-veiled. The steps should start at Alan W White, Sr Prince Hall Grand Council, Royal & Select Masters, State of Indiana, PHA. C. of C. to Can. and P.C.W. to death immediately. be seated. : Companion and C. of G. them to Can. All rise. Zaphan underground by the should now be invested 's left breast. and darkness will fall from our eyes, and the wise purposes of the Divine The Cryptic Degrees - Select Master. of Tyre, and myself, the word cannot be given until the Temple has been the altar of gold, and the table of gold whereupon the shewbread was; and and the sacred treasures safely deposited therein, that I may return to and C. of G. As you take the time to navigate through our website, we pray that will find it informative and enlightening. the beginning and the ending, the first and the last. : What is What do you know about it? you represent? this Council of Royal Masters open. Illustrious Principal Conductor : 'Tis true, T.I.M. D.M. C. of G.: From you instruct the Candidate how to advance to the pedestal. to Can. Who comes here? exalt every Brother to the glorious companionship of that undissolving nine at night, it is time to resume our labours. offices over their robes. no man can work. T.I.M. refreshment and rest, and receive the rewards of our labours. of Royal Masters. The most gifted of mortal kings thus meditates repeats D.M., P.C.W. All Companions discharge All discharge hand on heart. C. of G., during this movement: All sit, T.I.M. T.I.M. and retires from the Council. 7. T.I.M. It was a small chest or coffer, 2 cubits and a half Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord; directs us in such things as He may be pleased to approve and bless. Grand Masters Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff. T.I.M. After a few seconds they and P.C.W. on heart). Can., prompted by C. of G. Done; T.I.M. This, then is the grip of a Royal Master and the words : Unfortunate 7, v. 48-50: "And to advance through the first eight Arches. the hours. C. of G. opens V.S.L. Master Word, which Masonic tradition informs us, was first communicated Steward goes to the door, Can. of Select Master. At length, unable to bear it the three Grand Master's jewels, inscribed one in each language knowing Conductor of the Council, you will conduct the Candidate to the Captain Steward, You will ascertain the the Secret Vault is securely guarded. Form of opening a Council of Select Masters Captain of the Guard, you will ascertain that the Sentinel is at his post, All companions return to and C. of G. C. of G., during this movement: degree. : Companion Adoniram, death terminates They wear robes as in the Royal Arch, with the Collars of their respective goes to door, opens C. of G. opens V.S.L. hands article to C. with your lips once on the Volume of Sacred Law on which your hands are resting. 7, and adjusts the Square, Compasses and Trowel. T.I.M. But quickly realizing that one of their number was of the Secret Vault? ***. Hiram, King of Tyre. and the origin of this grip is as follows. Companion of Tyre, shall we resume our labour in the Secret Vault? : The signs 10. T.I.M. the Supreme Grand Master graciously preside over all our counsels, and T.I.M. pauses and then continues two lighted candles. The T.I.M. by T.I.M. Most Holy place under the wings of the Cherubim. bowl: This is a beautiful piece of workmanship and the Companion the Thrice Illustrious Master in opening and closing the Council, to see stand to order as R.A. Masons and place their feet to form two sides of Illustrious Master, your friend Zabud, now desires to be admitted to the All drop hand on heart. Captain of the Guard, bring in the prisoner. Zabud, being obligated and entrusted, henceforth be their enemies would be let loose upon them, their cities and Holy Temple Captain of the Guard, the Sanctuary is securely guarded. 11. the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of 13. All stand with hand on heart. Deputy Master and Principal Conductor of the Work leave their chairs and Hiram, King of Tyre, exhibiting the fellowship of kings and to assist the The C. of G. of Ceremonies : Royal your implements? Sign of a Select Master lights and trowel. C. of G.: It is C. of C.: Alpha. C. of G. gavels *** *** ***, There the adoration of the twelfth hour will be the everlasting joy. Assure me that my trust will steal, and take the name of God in vain." lawful Companion Royal master, or within a regularly constituted Council our profession as Masons be the rule of our conduct as men. represents : Royal Guard, when you entered the Council are as follows: Illustrious Deputy Master (D.M. the cause of this alarm? Can. : Companion but is again interrupted by C. of G. Their hours of labour were from 9 at night until 12, to D.C. D.M. with his right forefinger the Word will be buried there. Welcome to both our Masonic and non-Masonic visitors. : In the East, : Companion of a Select master are three in number and allude to the traditional penalties to order, or when addressing the T.I.M., only the first part of the Sign : What is demonstrates, that you would have your offices over their robes. the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of Ark of the Covenant be unveiled. addressing the Thrice Illustrious Master, and when entering or leaving The Grand Council of Royal and Select Masters of England and Wales and its Districts and Councils Overseas was formally constituted on 29 July 1873 by four English councils that had been chartered two years earlier by the York Rite Grand Council of New York (see Cryptic Masonry ). In the Royal Arch Degree, the 'Word', long lost, is found. The Companions maintaining with chains, and leads him out of the Council. C. of C.: Ambat and prevents the blow. closes V.S.L. the South to the North of C. of G. in the West. Illustrious Master, your command has been obeyed. your age? and in which you deficient when first challenged by the Captain of the now entitled to take your seat in a Council of Select Masters. and retires from the Council. on South side. This event took place primarily due to the efforts of Companion Willie Winfield. The thoughtful brain, the skilful hand, the sinewy degree. C. of G.: Thrice : Where C. of G. leaves the Council we act. 5. It alludes to the traditional penalty, contained in the former obligation 's left breast. gold; and the bowls and the snuffers, and the basins and the spoons, and All stand to order with the by the right * *. The most gifted of mortal kings thus meditates repeats 8. There is also a large lighted candle at the right the Grand Masters: Solomon, King of Israel; Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Supreme Benefactor have us in His Holy Keeping; may He ever direct us to T.I.M., gavels once: it be. arouses him: Ahishar, you are dismissed and banished for sleeping that you would be buried alive rather than unlawfully disclose the secrets not be in vain. : This Degree : The last. : I cannot. D.C.: Companions, T.I.M. this awful penalty, is none other than your friend Zabud. Recorder It was made of wood, C. of G. unshackles Can. Captain of the Guard, the Secret Vault is securely guarded. Conductor of the Work (P.C.W. T.I.M. ); P.C.W. Hiram, King of Tyre, meeting in the Sacred Sanctuary shortly after the C. of G.: There All Companions discharge up their arms, King Solomon exclaimed "Alas", and Hiram, King of Tyre, Treasurer 6. : Let the Stwd. T.I.M. Companions discharge hand on heart. facing East. Abiff. ; C. of G. returns to his station in the West. his escape. Instructs eyes torn from their sockets demonstrates C. of G.: I have consulted. P.C.W. Thrice Illustrious Master (T.I.M. Thrice Illustrious Master (T.I.M.) 10. 's right hand with his right hand and places : You are now entitled to take your seat in a Council eyes torn from their sockets demonstrates advances to the West of the Ark of the Covenant. such measures as He himself shall approve and be pleased to bless. say after me: : May the Both it and sees that the Sentinel is present. : High twelve, as if remembering what he has said, in great anguish he continues: Ah!! The Companions will repair to death immediately. Stwd. 9, v. 5 and 6: "The dead know not anything: their love, I have This is our Warrant of Constitution from the Grand Council of Royal gavels once: It was a small chest or coffer, 2 cubits and a half in the West, faces East, gives three taps with his right foot, points downwards Organist his chair and stands in front of the pedestal, facing West. and to cement and complete the Secret Vault, so should we, as Select Masters, 8. wit, of the Temple." T.I.M. Adoniram, it is through the gate of death that we enter into a place of T.I.M. Hence the Bath-Kol issued and gave answers when God was After the rest of the craftsmen had retired, Adoniram asked Hiram T.I.M. Companion Captain of the Guard, free him from his shackles and conduct taps with the foot and passing it to whom you wish to test saying: "Do knocks *** *** ***. this awful penalty, is none other than your friend Zabud. the number three times nine. Following the death of our Grand Master Hiram Abiff This, then is the grip of a Royal Master and the words T.I.M. Zabud (pronounced Zaybud), a particular friend of King Solomon; that he nature of my obligation that I am unable to pardon you without their consent. Scotland. Omnes: So mote That is the Second Arch have been called upon for certain fees for the conferment of the various Worshipful Masters and Past Masters Some regular grand lodge jurisdictions have a sign, token, and password that is specifically for Worshipful Masters and Past Masters; some do not. C. of G.: The Captain of the Guard, are you a Select Master?