Provincial Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Worcestershire
Maintaining the Standard Royal Ark Mariner
Introduction
Overview
The Royal Ark Mariner Degree
The Lodge Room
The Principal Officers
Worshipful Commander
Senior Warden(Son Japeth)
Junior Warden(Son Shem)
Senior Deacon
Junior Deacon
Guardian
Director of Ceremonies
Preparation for a Lodge Meeting
Lodge Furniture
Candles
Jewels
Candidates
Signs
Sign of Reverence
Sign of Fidelity
Ceremony of Elevation: Ritual No. 1
Installation Meetings
Installation Nuances - Worcestershire Workings
Maintaining the Standard Royal Ark Mariner
Introduction
This document has been produced by Worshipful Brother Richard Green, Assistant Provincial Grand Master at the request of the Provincial Grand Master to ensure that the Province of Worcestershire maintains a high level of Ritual and associated procedures in both the Mark and Royal Ark Mariner Degrees.
Worcestershire, as a Province, is held in high esteem by Grand Lodge and testimony to this was demonstrated at the meeting of Provincial Grand Lodge on June 8th 2019 and the reception it received from numerous distinguished visitors.
With the foregoing in mind the Provincial Grand Master is anxious to maintain the standards within individual Lodges and has approved the following guidelines.
Overview
The Royal Ark Mariner Degree
Within the RAM Ritual No 1 in the Preface Section, there is detailed information which is probably never looked at by the Brethren as they are concentrating on learning the Ritual of their respective offices which is quite understandable. Therefore I have used some of the material in this section to illustrate what the Provincial Grand Master is seeking to achieve.
The Lodge Room
Within the preface section there is a Form of the Lodge; in a triangular configuration together with a listing of the officers and their respective positions within the Lodge. The Path of Perambulation is clearly shown and this should be the way the Brethren move around the Lodge.
The preface section explains the Furniture of the Lodge, the Triangle, Path of Perambulation, Point of Announcement, Olive Branch, Regalia etc.
The ceremony of Elevation when delivered correctly is a joy to watch and take part in, but this does require effort on behalf of the Lodge Officers to ensure this happens. Rehearsals are absolutely essential in any degree and it is accepted that modern working lives and domestic dynamics play a key part in overall time management.
The management of rehearsals should be under the direct control of the Lodge DC and the use of Ritual Books is discouraged in open Lodge. It is accepted that not all Brethren can learn, retain and deliver Ritual and in these cases discreet reference can be made, but not as is sometimes seen numerous sheets of A4 paper being used with a huge typeface!
This guide is therefore intended to concentrate on various aspects of Ceremonial procedure that do not appear in the ritual. It must be emphasised that this booklet is not a directive but a guide to help all Brethren whatever office they hold..
The Principal Officers
The traditional ‘Principal Officers’ generally referred to are the WC/SW/JW. This in reality empowers them to ballot on all key issues, but other Brethren can vote if they so wish, particularly if a Candidate is being balloted for, it would be normal for the Proposer and Seconder to vote also.
I now wish to focus on the Lodge Officers who play important roles in the Ceremony of Elevation and the Installation Ceremonies.
Worshipful Commander
The WC, by virtue of his position should be fully conversant with every aspect of the Degree, even if he is ‘in the chair’ for the first time. This will include the opening and closing of the Lodge, the Ceremony of Elevation and the Installation Ceremonies.
The opening and closing of Lodge should not be an issue as the WC should have filled, with some exceptions, every office prior to the achieving the Chair. The Ceremony of Elevation, in many Lodges, is now divided up between the Brethren. These tend to be the Signs and Secrets, the Working Tools, and in some instances the last nine steps, and If properly rehearsed, this takes some of the pressure off the WC and in the case of the Working Tools, gives some of the younger Brethren a chance to take part in the Ceremony. In many Lodges the Signs and Secrets are assigned to an experienced Commander.
Senior Warden(Son Japeth)
The Senior Warden or equivalent in many other degrees is in fact ‘the year in waiting’, but the Senior Warden does have his own responsibilities in respect of the Ceremony of Elevation, which are all included in the RAM No 1 Ritual. The highlights for him are:
1. Explaining the second point, namely Strength
2. Investing the Candidate as a Royal Ark Mariner, which should be carried out with sincerity and feeling, and as an observation, the investiture of the RAM member should be carried out by the SW on the actual floor of the Lodge and not from his Chair, but adjacent to it.
3. Explanation and symbolism of the nine steps.
Junior Warden(Son Shem)
The Junior Warden like the Senior Warden has a very important role in the Ceremony of Elevation and the highlights for him are:
1. Explaining the first point, namely Beauty.
2. Explaining the three points of distress and the significance of the hailing sign.
Senior Deacon
Although not a ‘principal officer’ in respect of Lodge seniority, the Senior Deacon is pivotal to the Ceremony of Elevation as he is in charge of the Candidate throughout the whole Ceremony.The Senior Deacon, like the WC, should have a thorough working knowledge of the Ceremony of Elevation as he is often alone with the Candidate and may be out of earshot for any prompt that may be required. This is one office where reading a ritual book would be totally inappropriate!
Junior Deacon
Whist a non-speaking part, the Junior Deacon should be as familiar with the Ceremony of Elevation as the Senior Deacon, as they are together virtually all of the time. In the natural progression of the offices, this years Junior Deacon could in all probability be next years Senior Deacon so a good apprenticeship for him! In the case of a double Elevation, the Junior Deacon is in charge of the second Candidate.
Guardian
The Guardian, in both the opening and closing of the Lodge, the Ceremony of Elevation and the Installation Ceremonies only has a small part to play.His response to the Junior Warden and the WM needs be audible, and clear and this can often set the tone of the meeting.
Director of Ceremonies
The DC is a quite literally ‘the Man for all Seasons’ and should have a thorough working knowledge of all aspects of the ceremonies, general procedures, protocol, lodge etiquette, salutations and of course the Festive Board. He should, unless otherwise agreed, be the main prompter..However with some of the larger Lodge rooms a prompter for the Wardens should also be considered. There is nothing dignified about a Past Commander sat in the North West or the North East bawling a prompt out for the Senior Warden at the other end of the Lodge room! Overall it is the DC’s responsibility to organise the prompts well in advance of the meeting.
Preparation for a Lodge Meeting
An early arrival at Lodge Meetings is essential. The DC should endeavour to arrive at least half an hour before the start.
Before the Lodge Meeting, the DC should check that everything required for the Ceremony is available and in its proper place. Although this is primarily the duty of the Tyler, the DC should check everything himself.
• Porphry Stone and small triangle
• Large Triangle
• Olive Branch(for Ceremony of Advancement)
• Volume of the Sacred Law(Small)
• Working Tools
• Constitutions & Regulations
• Tracing Board
• Apron & Jewel for use in the ceremony
• Ballot Box and Balls
• Warrant
• Sceptres
• Officers Collars
• Wands and Stands
It is the duty of the DC to ensure the Brethren, particularly visitors, are aware of the fire escapes and Assembly Points in the event of evacuation.
Lodge Furniture
Candles
Candles are not used in a Royal Ark Mariner meeting
Masonic Dress
It is the DC’s responsibility to ensure that the Brethren are properly attired. Generally this would include a white shirt, or a pastel shade with white collar and cuffs with the appropriate tie (or bow tie), black shoes and preferably dark socks.
Jewels
The only Jewels that are permitted to be worn in a Royal Ark Mariner Lodge are those appertaining to the Ancient and Honourable Fraternity of Royal Ark Mariners, namely the Breast Jewel, (including Past Commander’s Jewel and collarette for RAM Grand Rank and Provincial RAM Grand Rank) Collars. Members of the GMRAC will wear their appropriate collarette Jewel.
Rulers will attach their appropriate Collar Jewel to their Grand/Provincial Officer’s collar.
It is permissible to wear two collars at Installation Meetings when the Lodge collar will be removed prior to the Installation ceremony. An active Grand Officer should remove his chain before being invested as a Lodge Officer. Commanders of other Lodges should not wear their Commanders collar.
Candidates
A RAM apron and Jewel for each candidate are placed at the pedestal of the Senior Warden. The apron(s) having been adjusted to fit the candidate(s), before the Meeting.
The candidate must wear a Mark Master Masons apron, not Past Master’s apron. One should be provided in the ante-room, in case the candidate does not bring his own.
Signs
The correct sign is clearly explained in the Ceremony of Elevation, namely the imperfect Rainbow. or Hailing Sign in which there is no step. The Sign of Reverence is used at the opening of a RAM Lodge and during any prayers.
Sign of Reverence
The sign of Reverence is given with the right hand over the region of the heart, with the thumb close to the index finger. This sign should be shown during all Prayers. The Chaplain reads the prayers and Holy Writ, with a small bible in the palm of an open hand or from a lectern when available.
Sign of Fidelity
The sign of Fidelity is given with the right hand placed over the region of the heart with the thumb at right angles to the index finger.
Ceremony of Elevation: Ritual No. 1
The overall task of the Director of Ceremonies is to maintain the correct procedure for the Elevation Ceremony, as published in Ritual No 1, to see that the ceremonies are carried out with propriety and decorum at all times; without being too officious and if anything does need attention, to see to it as unobtrusively as possible.
Two Candidates for Elevation
There are two potential procedures for this situation:
1. Where more than one candidate is to be advanced, it is recommended that each candidate should be taken separately for the first part of the Ceremony to the point prior to the advancing by the nine steps. The second candidate should remain in the care of the Warder until the first candidate has reached the point of advancing by the nine steps. The Ceremony up to that point will then be repeated for the second candidate. Both candidates will then be advanced by the nine steps and entrusted with the signs, grips and words with the Junior Deacon taking charge of the second candidate. From this point both Candidates remain together.
2. There is an alternative procedure in Ritual Book 1, which could also be adopted. It is a Lodges’ decision on which method they wish to adopt.
Installation Meetings
The Installation Meeting is not only the highlight of the Lodge year but one in which the DC is most heavily involved. It requires a great deal of preparation and organisation.
The Commander Elect and the Installing Commander will both look to the DC for assistance and the benefit of his experience at such meetings. A pre-prepared typed set of “Commander’s Notes” to be read in accompaniment with the published Summons will prove invaluable to the Commander. For example, a note that details the names of the Installed Commanders who will be occupying the Wardens Chairs and the Guardian for the Inner Working.
The installing Commander should have been given a copy of the latest version of Ritual No 2 (Inner Workings) issued by the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons to present to the newly installed Worshipful Commander. This will give the new Commander sufficient time to learn and deliver the Installation Ceremony of his own successor.
It is quite in order for the Worshipful Commander (seated) to thank the Officers of his year, from their present seated positions, rather than inviting them to line up in the North in order of seniority. This not only saves time but it is much more orderly. Those Officers should leave their collars on the backs of their chairs.
The Installing Commander will invite Past Commanders to occupy the Warden’s Chairs and to undertake the office of Guardian during the Inner Workings for the new Commander. The Wardens and Guardian of the year, remove their collars and place them on the backs of their chairs and the two Wardens of the year proffer their Sceptres to the Past Commanders taking their chairs for the Inner Workings before being conducted to seats elsewhere. If one of the Wardens is the Commander Elect, he should be seated just West of the ADC.
Other officers, sometimes without invitation, continue to discharge their duties. Royal Ark Mariner No 2 gives clear and concise guidance for the shortened form of Installation of a Commander, who is already an Installed Commander (Induction), and the Proclamation of a Commander who is to continue in Office for a second year. In the event of a Proclamation, the escorting Provincial DC normally assumes responsibility for this part of the Ceremony.
It is advantageous to enlist the help of a second ADC during the investiture of Officers for the ensuing year, the Provincial DC will always assist with this.This will save time and ensure a smooth continuous investiture. The DC will ask the Commander whom he appoints to each office, from a point just East of the Triangle.
If a Dispensation is to be read, ensure that it is done and at the correct time. The DC does not salute as he has a wand in his hand, a court bow will suffice.
Installation Nuances - Worcestershire Workings
Worcestershire as a Province is probably unique across most of the major orders in Freemasonry in respect of Installation meetings, inasmuch, that in most cases the Rulers and senior active members of the Province will be in attendance . The Royal Ark Mariner Degree is no exception to this and at all Installation meetings a Ruler, Provincial Wardens and a Provincial DC will be in attendance.All play an active part in the Installation meetings and they are there to facilitate and assist wherever possible and to observe, as there may be a future Provincial Grand Master within the assembled Brethren!
In Worcestershire workings there are three addresses given at the completion of the Appointment Investiture of the respective Lodge Officers.
The address to the Commander is given by the Presiding Officer making reference to the Installing Commander, who carried out the Installation, in most cases this will be the outgoing Commander.
There are two further addresses, totally unique to Worcestershire and are to the Brethren as a whole. They are given by the acting Provincial Wardens respectively.
For completeness the addresses are appended below as they do not appear in any commercially available ritual book
Provincial Grand Senior Warden
“Now God commandeth Noah to make an ark of Gopher wood, instructing him how to fashion it, denoting the length, breadth and height thereof, with first, second and third storeys, door and window. Noah took 100 years to complete it. He was 500 years old when he began it and, consequently, 600 when it was finished. He entered into it with his wife, three sons, their wives and two and two of all flesh wherein was breath of life.
His father Lamech having died a short time before at the age of 777, there were no ancient patriarchs at the time of the flood with the exception of Methuselah, who attained the age of 969, and as no mention is made in the Holy Writ of his death, he is supposed to have perished in the deluge which destroyed most of the monuments of antiquity.”
Provincial Grand Junior Warden
“Enoch, son of Jared, sixth in descent from Adam, who had been instructed in the history of man since the creation, also in the liberal arts and sciences, with which we may be certain the first inhabitants of this world were well acquainted, perceiving that this knowledge was likely to be lost in the general destruction and being desirous of preserving the principles of the sciences for the posterity of those whom God should be pleased to spare, made two pillars, one of brass, and the other of marble, with hieroglyphics on each.
The brass pillar, having been placed securely in a cavern, was not discovered till a very long period afterwards, as we learn from tradition, when the hieroglyphics upon it signified that it was the depository of the liberal arts and of the history of the world to the period, written for the first time and handed down. Thus this pillar allowed to withstand the fury of the overwhelming waters and its contents providentially preserved for the benefit of future generations.”
In conclusion, excuse the pun; use this booklet as a guide. and its content is not intended to be yet another Book of Ritual.
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