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Royal and Select Masters

Ritual for Select Master
1995

Officers of a Council of Select Masters:

1. Thrice Illustrious Master (T.I.M.)

2. Illustrious Deputy Master (D.M.)
3. Illustrious Principal Conductor of the Work (P.C.W.)
4. Chaplain
5. Treasurer
6. Recorder
7. Director of Ceremonies
8. Captain of the Guard
9. Conductor of the Council
10. Assistant Director of Ceremonies
11. Organist
12. Steward
13. Manciples (not more than four Manciples may be appointed)
14. Sentinel

The first three represent the Grand Masters Solomon, King of Israel;
Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff. They wear robes as in the Royal
Arch, with the Collars of their respective offices over their robes. On
the pedestals in front of them are placed three lighted candles in the
form of a triangle with the apex to the east. There is also a large lighted
candle at the right hand of each.
The Ark of the Covenant is veiled.
A sword must be provided for the Chaplain of the Guard.
The door is open, and unguarded, while Ahishar feigns sleep.
The candidate is instructed by the Conductor of the Council to enter the
Council, without any alarm. Candidate enters with the Conductor of the
Council following.

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Form of opening a Council of Select Masters

T.I.M. gavels once: Companions, assist me to open the Council

All rise.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, ascertain that the Secret Vault
is securely guarded.
C. of G.: Companion Steward, see that the Secret Vault is securely
guarded.
Steward goes to door, opens it and sees that the Sentinel is present. He
then closes the door.
Stwd.: Companion Captain of the Guard, the Secret Vault is securely
guarded.
C. of G.: Thrice Illustrious Master, the Secret Vault is secure.
T.I.M.: Illustrious Companion of Tyre, shall we resume our labour in the
Secret Vault?
D.M.: Thrice Illustrious King Solomon, it is my most ardent wish to see
the Secret Vault completed, and the sacred treasures safely deposited
therein, that I may return to my own country with the satisfaction of
having faithfully discharged my duty to the Craft.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, is our number complete?
C. of G.: I find the number three times nine.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, are you a Select Master?
C. of G.: I have been chosen as such, and have wrought my regular
hours.
T.I.M.: Then you will call the Companions to order as Select Masters.
All stand to order with the Sign of a Select Master
C. of G.: All are in order, Thrice Illustrious Master.
T.I.M.: Of how many is a Council of Select Masters composed?
C. of G.: There should not be less than nine, nor more than twenty-
seven.
T.I.M.: Your duty?
C. of G.: To assist the Thrice Illustrious Master in opening and closing
the Council, to see the Secret Vault securely guarded, and to pass none
but the faithful, worthy and select.
T.I.M.: The situation of the Principal Conductor of the Work?
C. of G.: On the left of the Thrice Illustrious Master in the East.
T.I.M.: Illustrious Companion Principal Conductor of the Work, your
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duty?
P.C.W.: The represent our Grand Master Hiram Abiff, whose great skill
in the arts and sciences caused him to be selected as the most suitable
person to carry out the plans for the building of God's Holy Temple,
also to proclaim the hour for refreshment and rest after the fatigues and
labours of the day.
T.I.M.: The situation of the Deputy master?
P.C.W.: On your right, Thrice Illustrious Master.
T.I.M.: Illustrious Deputy Master, your duty?
D.M.: To represent Hiram, King of Tyre, exhibiting the fellowship of
kings and to assist the Thrice Illustrious Master with counsel and
advice.
T.I.M.: The situation of the Thrice Illustrious master?
D.M.: In the East, Thrice Illustrious Master.
T.I.M.: His duty?
D.M.: As a representative of Solomon, King of Israel, to recite the
secret traditions, illustrate the morals of the order, dispense rewards,
confer honours and endeavour to inspire the select with the most
exalted ideas of the Supreme Grand Architect of the Universe.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, what is the hour?
C. of G.: Nine at night, the time when all prying eyes should be closed
in sleep
T.I.M.: It being nine at night, it is time to resume our labours. The
Companions will repair to their several stations and, after the regular
alarm of the mysterious nine, each will resume his labours as he may be
directed. Gavels once.
The Companions maintaining the sign of a Select Master and, within
the exception of the Steward, assemble in a circle round the Ark of the
Covenant, leaving an opening in the East.
Thrice Illustrious Master, Deputy Master and Principal Conductor of
the Work leave their chairs and complete the circle.
Chaplain: May the Supreme Grand Master graciously preside over all
our counsels, and directs us in such things as He may be pleased to
approve and bless. May our profession as Masons be the rule of our
conduct as men. May our secret retreat ever continue to be the resort of
the just and the merciful, the seat of all moral virtue, and the home of
the select.
Omnes: So mote it be.
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The Thrice Illustrious Master returns to his station. All other

Companions will remain at the Ark of the Covenant.
T.I.M.: Let the Ark of the Covenant be unveiled.
D.M. and P.C.W. take post respectively on the North and South sides of
the Ark of the Covenant. D.C. advances to the West of the Ark of the
Covenant. Together D.M. and P.C.W. remove the Veil from the Ark of the
Covenant, fold the Veil and hand it to D.C. D.M. and P.C.W. return to
their stations. D.C. disposes of Veil.
D.C.: Companions, resume your positions
All companions return to their stations
T.I.M.: In the name of God and King Solomon, I now declare this
Council of Select Masters to be opened.
All Companions discharge sign of a Select Master.
T.I.M.: gavels *** *** ***, repeated by D.M., P.C.W. and C. of G.
Steward goes to door and knocks *** *** ***.
Sentinel responds *** *** ***.
C. of G. opens V.S.L. at 1 Kings, chap. 7, and adjusts the Square,
Compasses and Trowel.
D.C.: Be seated, Companions.

Ceremony of Reception

The Conductor of the Council, in the ante room, informs the candidate
that in this degree he represents Zabud (pronounced Zaybud), a
particular friend of King Solomon; that he is to enter and, if
challenged, to answer: "a zealous Brother desirous of participating in
your labours".
Can. enters Council; C. of G. advances with drawn sword, which he
points at breast of candidate: Who comes here?
Can., replying as instructed: A zealous Brother, desirous of
participating in your labours.
C. of G.: Give me the sign and token of your entrance
Can.: I cannot.
C. of G.: An intruder, an intruder.
All rise.
T.I.M., gavels once: Companions, guard the Ark of the Covenant.
The Companions quickly form a circle round the Ark of the Covenant,
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facing outwards.
T.I.M.: What is the cause of this alarm?
C. of G.: An intruder has penetrated the Secret Vault.
T.I.M.: Put him to death immediately.
The C. of G. raises his sword to strike the death blow, when the
Conductor of the Council intervenes and prevents the blow.
C. of C.: Thrice Illustrious Master, are you aware that he, upon whom
you are about to inflict this awful penalty, is none other than your friend
Zabud.
T.I.M.: Zabud! Companion Captain of the Guard, bind him fast and
place him in security, and let him be forthcoming when called for, or
your life shall answer for his escape. Companions, be seated.
The Companions return to their stations and sit. The C. of G. returns his
sword, binds the hands of the Can. with chains, and leads him out of the
Council. The C. of G. returns alone. The three Principals consult.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, bring in the prisoner.
C. of G. leaves the Council and returns with the Can. Door remains
open.
T.I.M.: Unfortunate Zabud, your curiosity and disobedience have cost
you your life. I have consulted with my Companions and find them
inflexible, and such is the nature of my obligation that I am unable to
pardon you without their consent. You must, therefore, prepare for
death.
C. of C.: Thrice Illustrious Master, I pray you to remember my great
and sincere attachment to your sacred person, your service and your
secrets. Of late, finding a secret work going on with which I was not
acquainted, I feared I had lost your favour, and grieved in silence. At
length, unable to bear it longer, I humbly made known my fears, when
you directed me to remain content, for a door would soon be left open
for my reception. This assurance satisfied me. This evening, having
important business to communicate, I sought you as usual in your
private apartment and finding the door of the Secret Vault open,
assumed that it had been left open for my reception and entered; but I
pray you to believe that it was not curiosity or disobedience which led
me hither, but fervency and zeal in your service.
Ahishar continues to feign sleep.
D.M.: I find your friend is not guilty of the crime alleged against him.
His fault is owing to an imprudent remark of your own. He must
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therefore be pardoned, and admitted a member amongst us.

T.I.M.: My worthy Companion of Tyre, how can that be? Are not our
numbers already full?
P.C.W.: 'Tis true, Thrice Illustrious Master, our numbers are already full,
but Ahishar, the Steward, is no longer worthy of your confidence; he is
sleeping at his post. Let him be dismissed and banished, and Zabud be
appointed to the work.
T.I.M.: I thank my illustrious Companion for his advice. Let Ahishar be
dismissed and banished.
C. of G. seizes Ahishar and arouses him: Ahishar, you are dismissed
and banished for sleeping at your post. Come forth.
Ahishar, wildly: Mercy! Mercy!
C. of G.: There is none for such as thee. Leads Ahishar outside of
Council. C. of G. re-enters Council, without any alarm, and closes door.
He advances to the centre of the Council and salutes the Thrice
Illustrious Master.
C. of G.: Thrice Illustrious Master, your command has been obeyed. C.
of G. resumes his place alongside Can.
T.I.M.: Zabud, are you willing to take a solemn obligation never to
reveal the secrets of the Secret Vault?
Can.: I do
T.I.M.: Then, Companion Captain of the Guard, free him from his
shackles and conduct him to the pedestal.
C. of G. unshackles Can. and leads him for the pedestal. Conductor of
the Council takes charge of Can.; C. of G. returns to his station in the
West. Conductor of the Council instructs Can. to kneel on both knees
and place hands on the three great lights and trowel. Conductor of the
Council remains standing behind Can.
Thrice Illustrious Master gavels once.
All stand with hand on heart.
Thrice Illustrious Master leaves his chair and stands in front of
pedestal, facing West.
T.I.M.: State your several names at length and say after me: I, …, in the
presence of this illustrious Council of Select Masters, do hereby and
hereon solemnly swear never to reveal any of the secrets of this Degree
to anyone not entitled to receive them; and further, that I will not seek
to penetrate into the ninth arch without the sanction of the three Grand
Masters, nor reveal to anyone the existence of such a place as the Secret
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Vault. All this I swear to observe on my honour as a Mason. So help me

God and keep me steadfast in this my solemn obligation of a Select
master.
In testimony of your sincerity you will seal this with your lips once on
the Volume of Sacred Law on which your hands are resting.
All drop hand on heart. Thrice Illustrious Master takes Can.'s right
hand with his right hand and places his left hand on Can.'s left breast.
T.I.M.: Rise Zabud.
D.C.: Companions, be seated.
T.I.M. moves Can. slightly to the South, clear of the pedestal.
T.I.M.: The signs of a Select master are three in number and allude to
the traditional penalties contained in the former obligation.
The first asserts that you would rather have your eyes torn from their
sockets demonstrates and the second to have your hands chopped off
demonstrates than unlawfully divulge any of the secrets belonging to
this degree. This second sign should always be given when standing to
order, addressing the Thrice Illustrious Master, and when entering or
leaving the Council.
The third is the Grand Hailing Sign or Sign of Distress demonstrates,
that you would have your body quartered and the fragments thrown
over amongst the rubbish should you ever knowingly or wilfully violate
the obligation of a Select Master.
The Signs, by which you may proceed to the arches and in which you
deficient when first challenged by the Captain of the Guard, when you
entered the Council are as follows:
When challenged 'Who comes here?', the reply is Giblem. The Guard
then says 'advance and give the sign and token of entrance, to which the
reply is the Sign of Secrecy (left hand on heart). Both then give the
Sign of Silence (left hand over mouth) and Darkness (right hand over
eyes). With these signs you are now enabled to proceed to the first eight
arches.
This is the Grip of a Select Master demonstrates. Its name is Ish Sadi,
which signifies 'man of my choice', or Select Master.
The second Sign, thus demonstrates, is the Sign to be given on entering
or retiring from a Council of Select Masters, or when saluting the
Thrice Illustrious Master. When standing to order, or when addressing
the T.I.M., only the first part of the Sign is maintained.
Zabud, being obligated and entrusted, henceforth be blind and deaf to
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all you have seen and heard. You have now my permission to advance
through the first eight Arches.
Thrice Illustrious Master returns to his chair.
Conductor of the Council conducts Can. through the first eight Arches.
The steps should start at the North-West corner of the floor, and should
finish to the North of the Covenant and about two paces to the West of
it, that is just short of the ninth Arch.

1. Advance with Step and Sign of an Entered Apprentice. Can.

complies. That is the First Arch.
2. Advance another Step and give the password leading from the
First to the Second Degree. Can complies. That is the Second
Arch
3. Advance with the Step and Sign of a Fellow Craft. Can.
complies. That is the Third Arch.
4. Advance another Step and give the password leading from the
Second to the Third Degree. Can. complies. That is the Fourth
Arch
5. Advance with the Step and the full Signs of a Master Mason.
Can. complies. That is the Fifth Step.
6. Advance another Step Can. complies and give the Sign of a
Mark Master Mason. That is the Sixth Arch.
7. Advance another Step Can. complies and show the Hailing
Sign of a Royal Arch Mason. That is the Seventh Arch
8. Advance another Step Can. complies and give the Hailing Sign
of a Select Master C. of C. gives Sn.; Can. copies. That is the
Eighth Arch.
At the entrance of the Ninth Arch the C. of C. gives *** *** *** on the
floor with his right foot.
P.C.W.: Who comes here?
C. of C.: Zabud, the King's friend, having advanced through the first
eight Arches, now desires to be admitted to the ninth Arch.
P.C.W.: Thrice Illustrious Master, your friend Zabud, now desires to be
admitted to the ninth Arch.
T.I.M., after consulting with D.M. and P.C.W.: Let him be admitted.
C. of C. and Can. enter the ninth Arch by taking three paces forward
towards the East; they then pause.
After a few seconds they advance to the East, and stand in front of the
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T.I.M.
T.I.M.: I will now instruct you in the history of this Degree.
The C. of C. conducts Can. to the South-East, where both stand facing
North.
T.I.M.: Our three Grand Masters, Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King
of Tyre and Hiram Abiff, being in possession of the writings of Moses
and the Prophets, well knew that if the Children of Israel deviated from
the laws therein contained, their enemies would be let loose upon them,
their cities and Holy Temple sacked, ruined and destroyed and all the
sacred treasures contained in the Sanctum Sanctorum would be for ever
lost. In order to prevent this evil, they agreed to construct a Secret Vault
underground, leading from King' Solomon's most retired apartment and
ending under the Sanctum Sanctorum or Holy of Holies. This Secret
Vault was divided into nine Arches or Crypts. The ninth Arch was
constructed by our three Grand Masters as a place wherein to deposit
true copies of all the holy vessels and sacred treasures contained in the
Sanctum Sanctorum above, and also as a place wherein the three Grand
Masters could meet and confer the Degree of Master Mason when the
Temple had been completed.
There were employed to work on the other eight Arches, 22 men of
Gebal a city in Phoenicia, together with Adoniram and Ahishar, all of
whom were well skilled in the arts and sciences generally, but
particularly in sculpture.
Their hours of labour were from 9 at night until 12, the time when all
prying eyes were closed in sleep. During the construction of this vault
the circumstances of Zabud's attempted entry occurred; and upon this is
founded the Ceremony through which you have just been passed. When
the ninth Arch had been completed, our three Grand Masters deposited
therein an exact copy of the Ark of the Covenant, containing facsimiles
of the pot of manna and Aaron's rod, also a true copy of the Book of the
Law, or all writings of the Bible up to that period. And that it might be
known by whom and for what purpose it was deposited, they placed on
three sides of the Ark the initials of their names, and on the fourth, the
date, meaning deposited in the year of light 3,000 by Solomon, King of
Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff, for the good of the Craft
in general and of the Jewish nation in particular.
Companion, having attained this Degree, you have now passed the
Circle of Perfection in ancient Masonry. Let it be your constant care to
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prove yourself worthy of the confidence reposed in you, and of the

honour conferred in admitting you to this select Degree.
Let uprightness and integrity attend your steps, let justice and mercy
mark your conduct; so strive to fulfil the important duties allotted to
you, that after having wrought your regular hours, you may be admitted
to participate in all the privileges of a Select Master.
C. of C. leads Can. in front of T.I.M.
T.I.M.: As you have been called upon for certain fees for the conferment
of the various Degrees in this Order, it is right that you should know by
what authority we act. This is our Warrant of Constitution from the
Grand Council of Royal and Select masters which permits us to confer
this Degree as well as those through which you will pass in due course.
These are the Constitutions of the Order hands them to Can. and these
are the By-Laws of this Council hands them to Can. You should study
both of them for in them you will discover the duties you owe to the
Order in general and to this Council in particular.
The Can. should now be invested with the Jewel. The T.I.M. offers
congratulations to the Can.
T.I.M.: You are now entitled to take your seat in a Council of Select
Masters. C. of C. conducts Can. to suitable seat.

Form of Closing a Council of Select Masters

T.I.M. gavels once: Companions, I rise to enquire for the first time
whether any Companion has aught to propose for the good of Cryptic
Masonry in general or this Council of Select Masters in particular.
Companions, I rise to enquire for the second time…
Companions, I rise to enquire for the third to ninth time…
T.I.M. gavels once: Companions, assist me to close this Council.
All rise.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, you will ascertain that the
Sentinel is at his post, and the Secret Vault is securely guarded.
C. of G.: Companion Steward, You will ascertain the the Secret Vault is
securely guarded.
Steward goes to the door, opens it and sees that the Sentinel is present.
He then closes the door.
Stwd.: Companion Captain of the Guard, the Secret Vault is securely
guarded.
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C. of G.: Thrice Illustrious Master, the Secret Vault is secure.

T.I.M.: To order, Companions, as Select Masters.
All Companions stand to order with the Sign of a Select Master.
T.I.M.: Companion Captain of the Guard, are you a Select Master?
C. of G.: I have been chosen as such, and have wrought my regular
hours.
T.I.M.: What are the hours.
C. of G.: From nine at night till twelve, the time when all prying eyes
should be closed in sleep.
T.I.M.: Whom do you represent?
C. of G.: One of those who, for their fidelity and skill, were selected to
assist in building the Secret Vault.
T.I.M.: What is your name?
C. of G.: Giblem.
T.I.M.: What is your age?
C. of G.: Three times nine accomplished, or twenty seven.
T.I.M.: What are your implements?
C. of G.: The sword and the trowel
T.I.M.: How explained?
C. of G.: As the sword and trowel were used by our ancient Brethren for
defence and protection and to cement and complete the Secret Vault, so
should we, as Select Masters, devoutly guard the inestimable secrets of
our venerable Order and unite and cement the Brotherhood.
T.I.M.: What is the hour?
C. of G.: Low twelve.
T.I.M.: What remains to be done?
C. of G.: To retire in peace, practice virtue and maintain silence.
Chap.: May the Most High have us in His Holy Keeping until we meet
again in His Most Holy Name.
Omnes: So mote it be. All Companions discharge Sn. of Select Master.
T.I.M.: Let the Ark of the Covenant be re-veiled.
D.M. and P.C.W. move forward to the Ark of the Covenant, where D.M.
takes post on North side and P.C.W. on South side. D.C. advances to the
West of the Ark of the Covenant carrying the Veil, which he hands to
P.C.W. Together D.M. and P.C.W. spread the Veil to cover the Ark of the
Covenant. D.M., P.C.W. and D.C. return to their stations.
T.I.M.: Companions, this Council of Select Masters is closed. Gavels
*** *** ***, repeated by D.M. and P.C.W.
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C. of G. gavels *** *** ***, closes V.S.L. and replaces the Square,
Compasses and Trowel.
Stwd. Goes to door and knocks *** *** ***.
Sentinel responds *** *** ***.
D.C.: Companions, you will remain standing while Thrice Illustrious
Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work, and
distinguished Companions retire from the Council.

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