8

8°

Intendant of the Building1981 Edition

HISTORICAL NOTESI. THE DEGREE SYSTEM OF THE SCOTTISH RITE

The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry forthe Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A., has a ritual systemof 33 degrees classified as follows:

1°- 3° SYMBOLIC DEGREES

Conferred in a Symbolic or “Blue’’ Lodge under the juris-diction of a recognized Grand Lodge of Masons.

4° - 14° INEFFABLE DEGREES

Conferred in a Lodge of Perfection.

15° - 16° HISTORICAL DEGREES

Conferred in a Council of Princes of Jerusalem.

17° - 18° PHILOSOPHICAL DEGREES

Conferred in a Chapter of Rose Croix.

19° - 32° TRADITIONAL AND CHIVALRIC DEGREES

Conferred in a Consistory of Sublime Princes of the RoyalSecret.

33° OFFICIAL DEGREE

The 33° — Sovereign Grand Inspector General — is con-ferred by the Supreme Council upon Freemasons of the 32° inrecognition of distinguished Masonic or public service. Byinvitation only. Cannot be applied for.

II. THE INEFFABLE DEGREES AND THE RITE

1. The Ineffable Degrees, 4°-14° inclusive, are linked his-torically with a system of 25 so-called “higher degrees’’ whichflourished in France in the 18th century and which came to beknown as THE RITE OF PERFECTION. In 1740, the first Ecossais

2 Eighth Degree

(Scottish) Lodge — Parfaite Harmonie — was organized inBordeaux, the oldest and most influential Masonic center inFrance. There is evidence that some of these advanced degreeshad an ancestral source in England and Scotland. In or about1763, these degrees were brought to the West Indies byStephen Morin of Bordeaux, under a Patent granted by theMasonic authorities in Paris. Before the end of the 18th centu-ry other degrees were added until the Rite had a ritual structureof 33 degrees.

2. Henry Andrew Francken (1720-1795) deputized byStephen Morin, organized a Lodge of Perfection in Albany,New York, in 1767. This was the beginning of what was tobecome the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in the UnitedStates. Within a few years, similar groups were formed inPhiladelphia, Charleston, South Carolina, Baltimore,Savannah, Troy, New York, and New York City. All of thesegroups were independent, with little official connections orcentralized supervision or control, except to agree that theirauthority came from Jamaica and Stephen Morin.

3. On May 31, 1801, THE SUPREME COUNCIL OF THE

THIRTY-THIRD DEGREE FOR THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA wasfounded in Charleston, South Carolina, in an effort to bringorder out of Masonic chaos. Hence the motto: Ordo ab Chao.A few years later (circa 1807) the name was changed to THE

SUPREME COUNCIL 33°, ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE.The Supreme Council of 1801 has had a continuous existenceas the Supreme Council for the Southern Jurisdiction. In 1813,the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdictionwas organized in New York City. By mutual agreement the ter-ritorial jurisdiction of each Supreme Council was adjusted in1827.

3Intendent of the Building

4. These Supreme Councils made slow progress in unify-ing the scattered degree-conferring groups and in standardiz-ing rituals. They were handicapped by pride in the local orga-nization and leadership jealousies; by the anti-Masonic agita-tion (1827-1840); by the Civil War and by periods of financialdepression. Until about 1845, rituals were fragmentary — withlittle more than a title, a few words and signs, an obligation anda lecture in question-and-answer form. It was not until theUnion of 1867 that the process of unifying independent groupsand competing Supreme Councils was completed in theNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction.

III. THE DEVELOPMENT OF RITUAL: EIGHTH DEGREE

(Based on the ritual research and notes of Ill. McIlyer H.Lichliter, 33°, Chairman of the Committee on Ritualsand Ritualistic Matter from 1944 to 1957.)

INTENDANT OF THE BUILDING

The word “Intendant” is French, from the Latin “intendere”,meaning to direct one’s thoughts to a thing. An “Intendant” is,therefore, a superintendent, one who has charge, direction or man-agement of some public business.

The title of the Degree is derived from the French —Intendant du Batiment.

Francken Ritual: 1783

Title: Intendant of the Building or Master in Israel (obvious-ly a reference to the Harodim or Masters among the work-men of the Temple.) Many French Lodges.

Setting: Middle Chamber of Solomon’s Temple. Hangingsred. 27 lights in 3 groups of 9. 5 other great lights at foot ofthe altar opposite the T.’.P.”.Master.

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Officers: Thrice Puissant Master representing Solomon.Senior Warden representing Tito, Prince Harodim. JuniorWarden representing Adoniram.

Apron-Jewels: Same as in ritual of 1941.

Opening: Solomon interrogates Tito as to tyling of the Lodgewho answers “We are very safe and secure here.” In replyto the question “What is the clock?” Tito says, “The breakof day.” Battery is given by gavel — also signs of surpriseand admiration.

Reception: A brief discussion with Tito concerning the loss ofHiram Abiff and duty of completing the secret chamber.Tito advises the appointment of 5 architects representingthe 5 orders of architecture. Tito and Adoniram are appoint-ed to seek these 5 chief architects.

Joabert — the Candidate — is found. Adoniram questionshim as to his zeal. He is led (barefoot) into the Lodge.Kneels.

Obligation: Brief. Pledge of secrecy and of obedience to reg-ulations. Penalty—Body cut in two and bowels torn out.

Discourse and Investiture: An address to the Candidate,rehearsing the meaning of the degree — the selection of anarchitect to superintend the completion of the secret cham-ber. After which the Candidate is raised by the Master’s gripunder a sprig of acacia.

Secret work: Words and three signs.

Lecture: Usual lecture in question-and-answer form, (4%pages of closely written manuscript). Note the followingwhich have influenced later rituals:

Q. Are you an Intendant of the Building?

A. I have taken the five steps of exactitude, I have penetrat-


ed into the innermost part of the Temple. I have seen theeffects of the great and resplendent light in the middle ofwhich I have seen, in Hebrew characters, the three mysteri-ous J.J.J. without knowing what they meant.

The lecture includes a rehearsal of the lessons of theSymbolic Degrees: 1° stands for moral virtue; 2° for politicalvirtue; 3° for heroic virtue. The symbolism of the steps isexplained, also the jewel, and there is an elaborate explanation ofthe triple triangle.

There follows an interpretation of the sides of the Temple:Left: Masonry under the law of signs and ceremonies. Right:Masonry under the law of grace and truth. After this — ananachronism. John the Baptist is mentioned as a forerunner of “thetrue Temple which the Lord has chosen to reside in.”

The various symbols are discussed — within their spiritualmeaning. For example: the 5 strokes of the gavel represent the 5points of Felicity: To walk, and intercede for, to pray, love, andassist the Brethren.

A further elaboration of symbols reveals the attributes ofDeity: Beauty, Wisdom, Boundless Mercy, Omniscience, Eternity,Perfection, Justice, Tenderness, Creation. The numerical equiva-lent of the letters in the Hebrew is 81 or 3 x 27, the “age” of thedegree. This is the Square in the triple triangle.

The lecture concludes with further elaborations of symbolsand a rehearsal of the action of the degree.

Closing: Brief ceremonial. “The day is at an end.”

Dalcho Ritual: 1801

This ritual in the handwriting of Frederick Dalcho is analmost veratim copy of the Francken ritual. The Secret Work isexplained in detail and certain corrections are made. For example,

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in Francken, one of the words is “Jachinai,” which has no mean-ing. Dalcho renders it “Shekinah.”

Billeaud Ritual: 1803

A copy of Dalcho. Nothing new is added.

Note: It is interesting to note that in the desire to have an accu-rate copy of the ritual, even misspellings are reproduced, e.g.“Council” was used for “Counsel” by Francken, copied byDalcho, copied by Billeaud.

Doszedardski Ritual: 1805-1809

The 8° appears only in the Roi du Sanctuaire and is in Frenchmanuscript.

No ritual text, merely an outline of the mechanics of thedegree: setting, officers, decorations, signs and words. As Dos-zedardski's sources were the old French rituals, the same source asFrancken used, the accuracy of the reference is established by twoindependent ritualists. Even the mistaken word “Jachinai” isfound in this ritual. Obviously a French error.

Van Rensselaer Ritual (Copied by Enoch Terry Carson in 1863)

No change in setting or personnel except that the presidingofficer is addressed as “Most Potent.”

Opening: More elaborate than in previous rituals. Definitionof station, duty and jewel of almost every officer.

Reception: The ritual follows traditional pattern with aneffort to make the details more striking — Alarm at door,vouching for the candidate, elaboration of “steps of exacti-tude.”

Obligation: Much longer than in previous rituals, a review ofpreceding degrees, avowal of loyalty to the Supreme


Council, 33°, N.M.J. Penalty: “Deprived of my hearing andsight.”

Discourse and Investiture: No substantive changes. Styleimproved and meaning clarified but no new philosophiccontent.

Lecture: Practically the same as in earlier rituals, an effort toclarify meanings of sacred words, but the “Jachinai” errorpersists in spite of Dalcho. Does this indicate that VanRensselaer depended on Francken and was not familiarwith Dalcho? Some new, and entirely irrelevant material, isadded at the close of the Lecture — a demonstration of aproblem in Geometry explaining the Pythagoras “Eureka.”

Starkweather Ritual: 1858

An almost verbatim reproduction of the Carson copy of VanRensselaer. Nothing new.

The Ritual of Albert Pike: 1855-1865

Title, decorations, apron, sash, and jewel — the same as inearlier rituals.

Officers: A definite break with the past. Master, styled “MostSkilful,” represents Adonhiram (sic) the son of Abda,President of the Board of Architects.

Senior Warden; Joabert, a Phoenician, Chief Artificer inbrass.

Junior Warden: Stolkin, a Hebrew, Chief Carpenter.

Senior Deacon: Selec, the Giblemite, Chief Stone-Mason.

Junior Deacon: Gareb, the Hebrew, Chief Worker in Silverand Gold, and Engraver.

Then during the Ceremony of Reception, the Master repre-sents Solomon; Senior Warden, Tsadoc the Priest; Junior Warden,

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Ahishar, Governor of the House. Senior Deacon acts as Master ofCeremonies, representing Zabud, the Son of Nathan.

Opening: Each officer introduces himself — and, in elaboratedetail, describes the early artificer he represents.

Reception: Elaboration in more dramatic form of the essen-tial theme in early rituals. New material — offering a moreadequate basis for later emphasis on the lesson. (The sourceof later rituals of N.M.J. Much remains in the Ritual of1941)

The 5 Architects are chosen. In the anteroom they arerequired to recite the lessons of preceding degrees.

Then follows an address on the responsibilities of the task.

Candidates invested with white robes — and again seekadmission.

Circumambulation: 5 circuits. Appropriate passages ofScriptures.

Obligation: Longer than in earlier degrees. Pledge of secre-cy. Vow of fidelity to duty. Pledge of charity and fair deal-ing.

Investiture — Charge — Lecture

Investiture and Secret Work are traditional. The Charge is achallenge to advance “toward the blazing star of truth, a step bystep advance toward perfection.” The Lecture reviews the sym-bolism of all the degrees 1°-8° inclusive, with practical applica-tions to contemporary problems, resistance to tyranny, liberty ofconscience, a personal life worthy of freedom, independent judi-ciary, relations between Capital and Labor.

Hays Ritual; 1860-1863

An “Introduction” which is a homily on the symbolism of the


degree which reveals the influence of cabalistic backgrounds. Nohint of Pike’s influence. Only a sketchy outline of the mechanicsof the degree. No ritual text.

Laffon-Ladebat Ritual: 1856

In French and English. Highly imaginative introduction withno relevance to the lesson of the degree. No ritual text. Signs aretraditional, but words are not found in any preceding ritual that isknown to us.

Hays-Raymond Rituals 1864

A brief, informative “History” explains the legend of thedegree.

Setting, regalia, jewels — as in Pike and earlier degrees.

Officers: As in Pike ritual.

Opening: Brief ceremony — adapted from earlier rituals.Official declaration for the first time.

Reception: Adapted from Pike ritual with certain additionswhich have been included in all later N.M.J. rituals. TheOde appears for the first time.

The passages read during the 5 circuits are an improvementover the Pike version. The “Steps of Exactitude” are included andexplained.

Obligation and Investiture: Long obligation as in the Pike rit-ual, a few minor verbal changes. Investiture slightly elabo-rated. The incorrect work “Jakinah” is perpetuated. (Dalchogave correct word “Shekinah”)

Revived Raymond Ritual: 1866-1867

In Book I of a four-book series: No change.

Union of 1867 Ritual

10 Eighth Degree

Another series of four books. 8° in Book I. No change in text.

Ritual of 1871

The Ineffable Degrees in one volume. No change.

Ritual of 1894

In Book I. No change.

Ritual of 1917

Separate ritual. A few verbal changes. No new material.

Ritual of 1941

Reprint of ritual of 1917. Two or three minor corrections,authorized in 1938.

Ritual of 1981

This revision follows the modern pattern of degree revisionadopted by the Supreme Council. The Ceremonial Sectionincludes the lesson of the degree and the Obligation andInvestiture. The allegory follows in which the legend of the degreeis preserved. The dramatic values are heightened by two scenes inKing David’s throne room concerning the individuals and dutieswhich the King wished his sons to follow and assume.


SACRED WORDS

An early tradition of the Ineffable Degrees provides for a“Sacred Word” in each degree from the Fourth to theFourteenth inclusive. Each Sacred Word, a substitute name forGod revealing one of his attributes, was intended to prepare theneophyte for the true Name of God symbolized in the 13° andrevealed in the 14° as the Grand Ineffable Word of a GrandElect Mason.

This tradition was revitalized on September 17, 1896 in the“secret and confidential” minutes of the Committee on Ritualsand Ritualistic Matter. The Sacred Words were revised andinterpreted. (Manuscript Minutes, Supreme Council 1879-1914, pp. 273-275.) It was assumed that each neophyte wouldwitness all the degrees 4°-14° inclusive in full ceremonial formand that these Sacred Words would “give him a loftier realiza-tion of his Heavenly Father.”

Few candidates now witness all these degrees in successionso that the sequence of lessons no longer is observed. The tra-ditional significance of the Sacred Words of the IneffableDegrees is as follows:

4° ELOAH My God. God in man.5° ADONAI Lord. The Master of Life.6° JEHOVAH Existing God. The God Who Is.7° JAHVE God Eternal. God of Wisdom.8° YOD, YOD, YOD Triune-Jah J.J.J.

God of Glory and PraiseGod — The Guide or LeaderGod — The Protector

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9° ACHAR Disconsolate. Sorrow for a people’s sins.10° OSEE God is our help.11° AL-OM The God of Strength.12° HAGIOS Holy. Consecrated.

In the 13°, the Sacred Word is a symbol — J.H.V.H., aHebrew tetragrammaton or four-letter word which is not pro-nounced. The Sacred Word of the 14°, is YAHWEH which isinterpreted as God the Speaker.

Note: The eleven Sacred Words and their interpretations arearbitrary selections for ritualistic purposes.


COSTUMING AND

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Ceremonial Section

Traditional Lodge of Perfection Officers dress or Tuxedos.Officers or Cast in costumes of Solomonic Period would be prefer-able.

Thrice Potent Master . . . . . . . . . . . . .King DavidDeputy Master . . . . . . . . . . .Hiram, King of TyreSenior Warden . . . . . . . . . . . .Nathan, the ProphetJunior Warden . . . . . . . . . .Zadok, the High PriestMaster of Ceremonies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AhisharCaptain of the Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zerbal

Additional Guards and Court Attendants

Dramatic Section

Same as in Ceremonial Section. Royal robes for members ofKing David’s Court.

Sons of King David:Adonijah SolomonShephatiah ElishuaIthream IbharZabdiel JaphiaShobab Eliada

Elishama

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SETTINGS AND PROPERTIES

Ceremonial Section

Traditional Lodge Room representing King David’s throneroom.

Triangular Altar with Square, Compasses, and Delta (gold equi-lateral triangle) on the open Bible.

In the center of the Triple Triangle in the East is the Hebrew let-ter YOD thrice repeated, surrounded by a blazing star with fivepoints.

APRON. — Triangular in shape, white, lined with crimson, andbordered with green. On the area is depicted a five pointed star, witha Hebrew Yod thrice repeated in the center, and over that a balance;on the flap in a triangle, with one of the following letters in eachangle, ftl, the initials of the words Ben Khurim, Achar, and Jakinah.

CORDON OR ORDER. — A broad crimson sash, worn from theright shoulder to the left hip; at the point is suspended the Jewel, by agreen ribbon.

JEWEL. — A golden triangle, similar to that described as on theflap of the apron.

STEPS. — Five grand steps, the heels to a square.

AGE. — Three times nine — equal to twenty-seven.

BATTERY. — ★★★★★

15Intendant of the Building

MANUAL OF PRONUNCIATION

Phonetic spelling, with the accented syllables in capital letters.

Abiathar AB-e-ay-thar Abital A-bi-tal Adonijah add-oh-NIGH-jah Bathsheba bath-SHE-buhEglah EG-lah Eliada EL-e-ay-duh Elishama e-LISH-uh-mah Elishua e-LISH-u-uh Enrogel en-ROW-gel Etruscans e-TRUS-cuns Gibeon GIB-ee-un Haggith HAG-gith Hiram HI-ram Ibhar IB-har Ithream ITH-ree-um Japhia JAF-eye-uhJedidiah JED-i-die-uh Magi MAY-jeyeMoabites MO-uh-bitesNaphtali NAF-ta-lie Nathan NAY-thon Philistines FILL-iss-teenz Shephatiah shef-uh-TIE-uhShobab SHOW-bab Uriah you-RYE-uh Zabdial ZAB-dee-ul Zadok ZAY-dockZerbal ZER-bal Zobah ZO-buh

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CEREMONIAL SECTION

OPENING — If the Lodge of Perfection has been formally opened,the Official Declaration and the Ceremonial Section may be omit-ted. If not, the Ceremony proceeds as follows.

The scene is King David’s throne room. The aged king is seated onhis throne, and seated on his right is Hiram, King of Tyre. Zerbal,the Captain of the Guard, is seated at the entrance, and Zadok, thepriest, and Nathan, the prophet, are standing facing King David atthe altar, which is center stage.

King David — Brother Zerbal, your station and duty?

Zerbal — In the North, Illustrious King David, and asChief of the Guards, to see that the Lodge is secure.

King David — Attend to that duty, so that I may open aLodge of Intendants of the Building. (Zerbal salutes andexits.) Brother Zadok, are you an Intendant of the Building?

Zadok — (Salutes) Illustrious King David, I have madethe five steps of exactitude; I have penetrated into the inner-most parts of the temple, and have seen the great light, inwhich is the mysterious character, Yod, Yod, Yod.

King David — Brother Nathan, what lesson are youtaught in this degree?

Nathan — That we should apply ourselves with zeal towhatsoever work may be allotted to us to do, ever remem-bering that the Lord seeth.

King David — Brother Zadok, what is the hour?

Zadok — This is the fifth hour, Illustrious King. It is thebreak of day.


King David — If break of day, it is time for us to com-mence our labor; for that purpose I will open a Lodge ofIntendants of the Building. May all govern themselvesaccordingly.

★★ To the glory of the Grand Architect of theUniverse, in the name and under the auspices of theSupreme Council of Sovereign Grand Inspectors General ofthe Thirty-third and Last Degree of the Ancient AcceptedScottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Northern MasonicJurisdiction of the United States of America and by virtueof the authority upon me conferred, I declare the works of___________ Lodge of Perfection opened.

★ Brethren, be seated.

Zerbal returns and all are seated.

RECEPTION

King David — Illustrious Brother Hiram of Tyre, theyears lay heavily upon my head. I no longer have the zealand the strength to carry on the work of Jehovah. So muchremains undone, I have decreed that today be set aside forthe appointment of one who shall assume the responsibili-ties connected with building a temple unto our God. Thisproject has always been nearest and dearest to my heart.

Hiram of Tyre — I have often heard of your desire, andhow you and your armies defeated the Philistines, theMoabites, the King of Zobah and the Syrians. The Lordgave victory to you wherever you went, and they allbrought tribute to swell your treasuries. I have wondered,

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deep in my mind, when you would begin to build this tem-ple to your God.

King David — Yes, the Lord has delivered me from thepower of all those who rose up against me; but I havesinned greatly and have been forbidden by Jehovah to builda house unto His name. My treasuries are filled to over-flowing with gold and silver and precious stones; but a manof peace, not a man of war, must build the House of theLord.

Brother Zadok, you will retire and present theExemplar before the altar.

Zadok salutes and retires.

Hiram of Tyre — Great King David, is this Exemplarduly qualified and found competent?

King David — He has been named Jedediah, becausehe is beloved of the Lord.

★★★★★

King David — Brother Zerbal, ascertain who knocks asan Intendant of the Building.

Zerbal salutes and crosses to entrance. He answers the five knocks(★★★★★). The Master of Ceremonies enters with the Exemplar.They stand just inside the entrance awaiting the questioning.

Zerbal — Who knocks as an Intendant of the Building?

M. of C. — Jedediah, who has been found duly quali-fied and competent. He awaits the orders of King David asto his new assignment.


King David — (Nods) Let him enter. Brother Zerbal.We have been awaiting his presence among us.

Zerbal — (Turns to the M. of C.) Let him enter andremain in the West.

Zerbal and the Exemplar cross to West of altar.

King David — (Rises, looks upward and raises his armsslowly.) Arise, O Lord, and enter your Temple with the Ark,the symbol of your power. Do not reject your servant David— the king you chose for your people.

(Psalms, 132: 8, 10)

King David resumes his seat and Zadok arises and crosses to theEast of the altar to address the Exemplar.

Zadok — My Brother, to become an Intendant of theBuilding, it is necessary that you be skilled as an architect,and learned in the knowledge of the East and of Egypt. Butit is equally necessary that you should be benevolent andcharitable, in order that you can sympathize with the labor-ing man and relieve his necessities. You should smooth forhim and for those who depend upon him, the rugged way oflife. Recognizing all men as your brethren, and yourself asthe almoner of God’s bounty, are you willing to performthese duties?

Exemplar — I am.

Zadok crosses to his seat and is replaced at the altar by Nathan,the prophet.

Nathan — Brother Master of Ceremonies, you willcause the Exemplar to recede by five steps, and then

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advance by five steps, after which you will place him inposition at the altar.

The M. of C. does so.

Nathan — My Brother you have already receded fromvice and advanced to virtue. These are called the five stepsof exactitude. Are you a Provost and Judge?

M.of C. — He is, and has ever proven himself to be justand impartial.

Nathan — To what has he devoted his studies?

M.of C. — To the arts and sciences — especially archi-tecture — and in the mysterious knowledge of the Magi andthe Etruscans. But his knowledge, in the light of KingDavid’s conferral of this new rank and title, he feels to besorely inadequate.

King David — (To Hiram of Tyre) He knows much whois conscious of his ignorance. (To the Exemplar) To assistyou in your new capacity, there will be a Grand MasterArchitect brought from Tyre. He will conduct a school ofarchitecture for our best artificers. These worthy and expertcraftsmen he will instruct in the art of working in brass, inwood, and in silver and gold. Will you take upon yourselfthe obligation of being the builder — the Intendant of theBuilding of the House of the Lord?

Exemplar — (In place at the altar, kneeling on bothknees, his hands resting on the Volume of the Sacred Law.)I will.


OBLIGATION

Nathan — (To the Exemplar) You will then say, “I” pro-nounce your name in full, and then remain silent, listeningto the Obligation. I, ___________, upon this Volume of theSacred Law, promise on my honor as a Mason, in the pres-ence of this Lodge of Intendants of the Building about meassembled, that I will apply myself with zeal to whatsoeverwork that may be allotted me to do, ever remembering thatthe Lord seeth; that I will practice the duties of benevolenceand charity to all mankind, and that I will dedicate myselfto the great work of erecting a Temple, wherein God maydwell. Amen.

M. of C. assists the Exemplar to rise and the Investiture proceeds.

INVESTITURE

King David — My Brother, the three mysterious char-acters — the Hebrew letter Yod thrice repeated — are theinitials of the three sacred words of this degree, which areto be found in the centre of the five-pointed star in the East,surrounded by the triple interlaced triangle.

The battery of five, the five lights on the altar, the fivesteps, the five-pointed star, and the travel five times aboutthe body of the Lodge, are all emblematic of the first fiveChief Architects.

The age is that of a Master Mason (9), multiplied bythat of an Entered Apprentice (3), representing that theArchitects, or Intendants, were thrice powerful as Masters

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and Chiefs of Architecture; hence the number of lights inthe Lodge.

My Brother, I now with pleasure decorate you with thecrimson Cordon, or Order, to which is suspended by a greenribbon a triangular plate of gold — the Jewel of the degree.The crimson is emblematical of that zeal which shouldcharacterize you as an Intendant of the Building; and thegreen, of the hope that you will honor and advance the Craftand fill, so far as in you lies the power, the place of ourlamented Grand Master Hiram.

I also decorate you with this triangular Apron, of white,lined with crimson and bordered with green. On it you willobserve the five-pointed star which shines in the East, withthe Hebrew letter Yod thrice repeated in the centre, which isto remind you of the threefold essence of the Deity and ofthe three sacred words of this degree. Over the star is theequipoised balance of Justice. On the flap of the apron youwill observe, as on the jewel, the three Hebrew letters, Beth,Aleph, Yod, one in each angle of the triangle — having ref-erence to Ben Khurim, Achar, and Jakinah.

The number five in this degree, my Brother, has manyallusions, some of which have already been explained toyou. It is also to remind you of the five points of fellowship.Such are the duties you are especially to observe and toteach to others, for they are the first ordinances of Masonry.

M. of C. assists Exemplar to a seat and confers with him.

M. of C. — Illustrious King David, the Exemplar is anx-ious to be allowed to depart. He wishes to ascend Mount


Gibeon, outside the city, and there at our highest altar,appeal to Jehovah for wisdom in performing this newresponsibility, which you have just conferred upon him.

King David — For such a noble purpose, he is of courseexcused.

M. of C. and the Exemplar exit.

King of Tyre — Who was that young man, great king?He is so humble, so self-assured, so zealous and anxious toreceive God’s blessing on his new assignment.

King David — He has been named Jedediah, becausehe is beloved of the Lord. His mother is Bathsheba, and shecalls him Solomon. He was chosen by Jehovah to build aTemple unto His name. (Slight pause, then adds with greatfeeling.) ..... And he is my son. (Rises) Brother Zadok, whatis the lesson of this degree?

Zadok — That we should apply ourselves with zeal towhatsoever work that may be allotted us to do, remember-ing that the Lord seeth.

King David — Brother Nathan, what is the hour?

Nathan — Close of day, Illustrious King David, andtime to close our labors.

King David — You will now give your attention to thePrologue of this degree.

CURTAIN

24 Eighth Degree

PROLOGUE

In the Eighth Degree, we will refresh your memories asto how Solomon ascended to the throne of all Israel andJudah.

We have learned how Solomon’s father, King David,conspired to have the great soldier Uriah, the Hittite, sent tohis certain death with a warring nation. This was done sothat David might acquire for himself Uriah’s beautiful wife,Bathsheba. But David greatly displeased Jehovah for hav-ing thus sinned against him, and He struck the child thatUriah’s wife bore to David and he died. Bathsheba becameDavid’s wife and she bore him another son, — and his namewas Solomon.

David had many sons throughout his long life, andmany of them aspired to reign after him and sit upon histhrone. As David grew old, the struggle among his sons forsuccession to his throne became more bitter and pro-nounced.

But among the youngest of David’s sons was the mildmannered son of Bathsheba, Solomon. He had no desire tosucceed his father as King of all Israel, and as he wasadvanced in rank, each new official capacity left him with afeeling of inadequacy.

You will now give your attention to the drama of theEighth Degree.


DRAMATIC SECTION

NOTE: If the Ceremonial Section has been omitted, the Prologueshould be presented at this point, in front of the curtain.

The scene is King David’s throne room. Zadok, the high priest, andNathan, the prophet, are standing on the riser in front of the throne.There are many young noblemen present, assembled around thethrone. They are all anxious for Zadok to begin reading the scrollhe holds in his hands. There is a general angry ad-lib.

SCENE I

General ad-lib — Commence the scroll, Zadok. . . .Read the scroll. . . . Yes, we are all present. . . . What doesour father wish of us? . . . Let us not wait any longer. . . .etc., etc.

Zadok — I tell you I do not see Adonijah yet. The sonof Haggith is not here yet. I should not begin until all arepresent.

Nathan — Your father, King David, King of all Israeland Judah, has written down his wishes and appointmentsto high offices for all of his sons to witness. All should bepresent to hear the assignments.

Zadok — Because of his advanced years, my lord KingDavid, will not appear in court today. But he has given untoNathan, the prophet, and unto me, as high priest, the scrollof duties and organization which he wishes his sons to fol-low and assume. The scroll is written in his own hand andsealed with his own seal, and as soon as Adonijah appears,I shall read to you your assignments in the realm.

Ithream — I am Ithream, the son of Eglah, the sixth son of

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my father. Like Adonijah, I, too, had to travel from Hebronaccording to my father’s wishes. I say if Adonijah cannotappear in King David’s court at the appointed time, then letus hear the scroll without him!

The rest of David’s sons angrily agree with this.

Shephatiah — I am Shephatiah, the son of Abital, thefifth son of David, and I think this is a waste of time. Whyshould we wait for the dramatic entrance of . . . “his lord-ship” Adonijah! The rest of us are present. Let us hear thescroll and be about our business!

Solomon — (Calmly) Why could we not hear theassignments King David has given each of us, and thenrepeat just that portion that pertains to Adonijah when hedoes arrive? He is the eldest living son of our father, youknow.

Zadok — (To Nathan) That sounds reasonable. Let’scommence the scroll. (To Solomon) Which son of David areyou?

Nathan — (To Zadok) He is Solomon, the fourth sonborn in Jerusalem. Solomon’s mother is Bathsheba.

Zadok — If you are agreed with young Solomon here,we shall take his suggestion and read you your assignments.When, and if, Adonijah graces the court with his presence,we shall tell him of his father’s wishes.

The sons all agree verbally and settle down.

Nathan — (Proclaiming) All attend now to the word ofKing David!


Zadok — (Reads from the scroll) I, David, King ofIsrael and Judah, in the fortieth year of my reign, do herebymake the following assignments of responsibilities andduties among my own sons, born in both Hebron andJerusalem, according to their abilities and worth to therealm. Because of my advancing years and poor health, andbecause of our many family troubles, each of my sons shallbe designated as a priest, none higher in station nor lowerthan another. All shall be princes of the sanctuary . . .princes of God. Some will be doorkeepers; some will bemusicians, each after his own talents; some will be officers;some will be keepers of the gates to the city; some will bejudges for outward business over Israel; some will have todo with the affairs of the king. Therefore, behold, these areyour assignments:

Adonijah, my eldest living son. Chief Officer of theTreasuries.

Shephatiah, son of Abital, divisions of gatekeepers.

Ithream, son of Eglah, musician over the choir of fourthousand.

Zabdiel, Chief of all the commanders of the army.

Shobab, Chief of those who do work in the field.

Solomon, Intendant of the building.

Elishua, Chief over the vineyards.

Ibhar, Chief over the stores of oil.

Japhia, Chief over the herds that pasture in Sharon.

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Eliada, Chief over the herds in the valleys.

Elishama, Chief over the olive and sycamore trees.

My sons, under the age of twenty years, are not listedor numbered, but they shall all become priests of the sanc-tuary in the service of God in their time, and they shall befruitful and multiply as there are stars in the Heaven. TheLord has promised me rest from all my enemies roundabout, and He has promised me that when my days are ful-filled He will raise up my offspring after me and will estab-lish His Kingdom.

Sealed with my ring, David, King of all Israel andJudah.

There is a general ad lib among the sons concerning their assign-ments.

Adonijah — (He is loud and domineering. He enterswith a flourish,) Well, my brethren, how fares the old man,my father?

Zadok — (Displeased with him) Adonijah, come andjoin with your brothers. We could wait no longer on yourpresence. I have just been reading them their assignmentsfrom your father, King David.

Adonijah — And if my father is to govern our lives byedicts and documents, why does he not appear in court andread them to us himself? Perhaps he fears our reactions tohis little proclamation. Where is the doddering old fool . . .still abed?

Nathan — Your father is very old and feeble, and late-


ly stricken with a malady. Surely you would not chide theking for the years upon his head? Will you hear the assign-ments of duties in the realm that he has made?

Adonijah — (Mean) Watch your tongue or I shall seethat it is cut out! No one scolds Adonijah! Cause not mywrath to come down upon your head. I will utter what Iplease concerning the senile old fool. I am the eldest son,mark that!

Solomon — (With quiet strength) The prophet has saidnothing that should offend you, Adonijah. We all came ourvarious ways to listen to what our father, King David, hasplanned for us. We waited for you. Possibly you weredetained on matters for the king. But no matter, we arepleased that you have come.

Adonijah — (Moderates a little) Why certainly, you allknow my many duties. (Pauses) Well, I am here. I havecome the long way from Hebron. Let me hear my assign-ment.

Zadok — (Commences from the beginning again) I,David, King of Israel and Judah, in the fortieth . . .

Adonijah — (Angry again) . . . Is it necessary Zadok,that you read me the whole scroll? I am no child. Have ren-derings made for each of us to take with us, and we can lis-ten to the sounds of our own voices.

Zadok — I was just complying with my orders fromKing David, my lord.

Shobab — (Trying to be helpful) . . . It just says that all

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of us are to be princes of the sanctuary, Adonijah, nonehigher and none lower than another. We all believe it to beboth just and fair. (The other sons agree.)

Adonijah — (With sarcasm) . . . Oh, very just and fairindeed, brother Shobab. And just what is to be your officialduty?

Shobab — (Proudly) I am to be Chief of those who dowork in the field.

Adonijah — Oh, that will be a fine place for you to play“Chief.” You may sit under a tree, with a skin of wine, andbe at your complete leisure. You may need an assistant tohelp you keep the grasshoppers and the flies away. (Looksfrom one to another) Are all your duties as contemptible andas trivial as Shobab’s? (No one offers an answer to him.)Rubbish! . . . And what is your duty to be Zabdiel? Do youcount the flies on brother Shobab?

Zabdiel — (As they all laugh uneasily). . . No, I am tobe Chief of all the commanders of the army. I believe it tobe a grand position.

Adonijah — (Sneering) And is our father so old that hewill no longer command his armies? . . . (Looks aroundagain) And you, Solomon, will you work diligently at yourduty like the others?

Solomon — I will do whatsoever is allotted me to do,Adonijah.

Adonijah — Oh, I have no doubt of it. And how willyou occupy yourself?


Solomon — I . . . do not know what my assignmententails, but I shall be Intendant of the Building and do what-soever is to be done.

Adonijah — (Laughing) What building? Here isDavid’s house. This is the only building, even the Lord hasonly a tent! Are you to be a house servant here and fetch theking’s sceptre when he desires it?

Solomon — I do not know what building, but I will carefor the affairs of some establishment. This is all that I know.If it is menial work, I shall perform my duties with prideand dignity!

Nathan — All of the sons of David will accept theirduties, thus assigned, and perform them with zeal,Adonijah. You are to be Chief Officer of the Treasuries,being the eldest of David’s sons still living.

Adonijah — Well I will have none of it! (Pauses foreffect) I am to be king!

There is a general ad lib of shock, dismay and disbelief.

Adonijah — I care not for the old man’s wishes andassignments! I will not sit among dusty treasures countingthe spoils of David’s wars! I will be king! I have preparedfor myself chariots and horsemen and fifty men to runbefore me!

Zadok — (Shocked) You have not been annointed!

Nathan — And your father, King David, still lives!How dare you exalt yourself like this?

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Elishua — Does our father know of your intentions?

Adonijah — He knows that I am the eldest son sinceAbsalom died, and he has never corrected my assumption.I will be king! (Changes his attitude) Come now, let usbreak up this mockery. We shall feast and celebrate. Weshall sacrifice sheep, oxen and fatlings by the Serpent’sStone, which is beside Enrogel. I invite all the official offi-cers of Judah. (He looks at Solomon and speaks with sar-casm) . . . but not the “His Eminence” Intendant of theBuilding! (He laughs at Solomon and strides out in a king-ly fashion,)

All but Zadok, Nathan and Solomon bow to Adonijah as he exitsand say: Hail Adonijah, King of Israel! All hail! All but the threefollow Adonijah out.

Zadok — (Shaking his head sadly) Thus did Absalomyour brother act before him. I fear for Israel.

Nathan — (Incredulous) Adonijah, the son of Haggith,has become king and our lord David does not even know it!I fear that this very night, while Adonijah and the rest arefeasting, we must rouse the king and advise him of this dis-turbing news.

Solomon — (Brooding thoughtfully) I am not disturbedby Adonijah’s ridicule. (Turns to Nathan) Nathan, do youknow what I shall do as Intendant of the Building?

Nathan — (Evasively) . . . I know that it is a mightytask, and that you, Solomon, were chosen by Jehovah toaccomplish it. It is a great honor.

Zadok — You see Solomon, when all the warring


nations had been conquered, and the terrible spilling ofblood was finally over, your father, King David, had it in hisheart to build a house of rest for the Ark of the Covenant ofthe Lord, and for a footstool for our God. Over the years ofbattle he has collected vast treasures and trophies, and hehas made complete preparations for the building of a splen-did Temple for Jehovah.

Nathan — But God said to David that he may not builda house for His Name, because he has been a warrior . . . afearsome, ruthless warrior, and has shed too much blood.

Zadok — However, God did take pleasure in yourfather and made him king. But God wanted a man of peaceto build His house and not a man of war.

Nathan — Of all of your brothers, and you have many,as you know, God has chosen you to sit upon the throne ofthe . . . “Kingdom of the Lord” . . . over Israel. The Lordsaid to David, “It is Solomon, your son, who shall build myhouse and my courts.”

Zadok — Take heed now, Solomon, for the Lord haschosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong anddo it!

Solomon — (Stands thinking for a moment, then speakshumbly) Then I shall head for the highest altar, up on the topof Mount Gibeon, to pray for wisdom to accomplish thisgreat task, which you say is before me.

Nathan — (To Zadok) And we shall rouse the king.

They exit as the curtain falls, or the scene blacks out.

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SCENE IIThe scene is the same, later that night. King Hiram of Tyre sits nextto the great throne of David. As the curtain rises, or as the lightscome up, Zadok and Nathan are assisting the old king into thethrone room. He has a shawl about his shoulders for warmth and heleans heavily on his two aides for support.

King David — (Irritated) I can manage, if you don’tmove so fast! These old legs cannot stand the pace that youtwo set . . . Now, place me on my throne . . . I want to situpon my throne once more. . . . Now then, turn me aroundso that I may sit down! There, that’s it. . . . (He sighs) . . .There, that’s fine. (He pats the arm of his throne) I’ve satupon this chair for forty years, another night should notharm me. (Notices Hiram beside him) . . . Well, Hiram, oldfriend! It is pleasant to have you beside me once more.

King Hiram — When they came to me with the newsthat they were going to rouse you from your bedchamber, Ithought I might be of some assistance. (Inspects him) Why,you seem like your old self.

King David — (His eyes twinkling) Your eyes deceiveyou, my friend.

Zadok — (Trying to get to the matter at hand) My lord,have you given any thought to the urgent matter aboutwhich we spoke this afternoon?

Nathan — As we explained, my lord, Adonijah is at thisvery moment feasting and rejoicing with the whole city, andproclaiming himself king! Have you considered the matter?

King David — (With a sly smile at Hiram) Why, of


course I have considered the matter.

Zadok — My lord, have you ever said, “Adonijah shallreign after me, and he shall sit upon the throne?”

King David — I called Bathsheba to my bedside, whenfirst I heard of Adonijah’s vain and pretentious boasting,and I swore to her saying, “As the Lord has redeemed mysoul out of every adversity, and as I swore to you by theLord, the God of Israel, saying, ‘Solomon your son shallreign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead’;. . . even so will I do this day.”

Zadok and Nathan kneel and bow to the king.

King David — (Pleased, but grumbling) Get up, get up.Stop this grovelling. (They rise) Take with you the servantsof your lord, and cause Solomon to ride upon my own mule,and bring him down to the spring at Gihon, and there youshall anoint him king over Israel; then blow the trumpet,and say, “Long live King Solomon!”, and he shall be kingin my stead; because I have appointed him to be ruler overIsrael and Judah. (Turns to Hiram) And it shall happenwhile I am yet alive, my friend. I shall see it with my owneyes! Adonijah shall be proven a boastful liar to all of Israeland Judah. You shall see.

King Hiram — May my lord, King David, live forever.

Nathan — As the Lord, Jehovah, has been with my lordthe king, even so may he be with Solomon, and make histhrone greater even than the throne of King David.

King Hiram — And where is Solomon this joyful day?

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Nathan — My lord king, Solomon this day received hisassignment of duty for this fortieth year of the reign of KingDavid. He wished to apply himself with zeal to whatsoeverwork that may be allotted him to do, remembering that theLord seeth. He has gone to Mount Gibeon upon which isour highest sacrificial altar to humbly pray to the God ofIsrael for wisdom.

King Hiram — (Impressed) And he is asking his LordGod for only this. (To King David) Then he shall prove him-self to be a wise and gentle leader of men. A wise choice,my old friend, to carry on your great work.

King David — May the bonds between Tyre and Israelbe as strong between my son, Solomon, and you, as theyhave been between the two of us.

Zadok — We shall seek out Solomon now, my lord, anddo your bidding.

Zadok and Nathan bow and exit.

King David — (Turning to Hiram) You know, greatking, Solomon, whom alone Jehovah has chosen, is youngand inexperienced, and the work is great, for the palace willnot be for man but for the Lord God. So I have provided forthe house of my God, as far as I was able, including thegold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, and all sorts of pre-cious stones and marble. All of these riches are to be for theuse of the craftsmen. The house that is to be built must beexceedingly magnificent.

King Hiram — My lord, in my far country of Tyre wehave an abundance of workmen: stonecutters, masons, car-


penters and all kinds of craftsmen without number. Thesewe shall send to Solomon to aid him in his great task ofbuilding the Temple to your God. Aye, and more. I know ofa Widow’s son, who bears my name, from the tribe ofNaphtali. He is a noble man with the loftiest of virtues andthe tenderest of sympathies. Under his guidance, and withhis many skills, your Temple shall be built.

King David — For this thoughtful assistance to my son,twenty cities shall be yours. I so decree.

Zadok — (Enters with Nathan and bows) My lord king,Solomon has arrived from Gibeon.

King David — (With pleasure) Show our new youngruler in.

Solomon — (Enters to the throne and bows,) My lord,King David.

King David — Arise, my son. (Solomon rises)Tomorrow the high rank of Intendant of the Building shallbe conferred upon you. Let this, my decree, go forththroughout the land; that Solomon, son of David, has there-by been chosen to build a house to the name of the Lord ourGod! My son, each new honor is meant to be a step towardperfection in the moral code; each a development of a par-ticular duty; and in the present you are taught benevolenceand charity. With these two virtues, man can best preparefor that future which lies in store for him.

Solomon — I shall apply myself with zeal, my lord,ever remembering that the Lord seeth.

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King David — There shall be another honor bestowedupon your head, if you persevere in remaining faithful toJehovah and His Commandments. The word of the Lordcame to me saying, “Behold, a son shall be born to you andhe shall be a man of peace. His name shall be Solomon, andI shall give peace and quiet to all of Israel for all of his days.He shall build a house for my name, and I shall establish hisroyal throne in Israel forever.” I decree that this shall cometo pass, ere long, and while these old eyes may yet beholdit.

Trumpet alarm.

Jonathan, Son of Abiathar, the Priest — (Rushes in andfalls on his knees,) Great King, we have rushed before you.Adonijah, fearing that Solomon would be made king, wentand caught hold of the horns of the altar, saying, “LetSolomon swear unto me this day that he will not slay hisservant with the sword when he becomes king.” We havebrought him here before you for fear he will destroy him-self.

King Hiram — (Speaks to King David) And whatshould be the fate of his arrogant brother, Adonijah, greatking, when Solomon is anointed in your place?

King David — Let Adonijah be brought before me.

Adonijah is presented by Jonathan before the King.

Adonijah — (Prostrating himself before the King)Mercy, I beg your mercy, my king.

King David — It is my nature to say you should not be


held guiltless! (Realizes he is being vindictive.) But my sonshall be a wiser king than I, and he will know when the timecomes what shall be done to you.

Adonijah turns to appeal to Solomon.

Solomon — If I am to learn benevolence and charity asyou have said, great king, then if Adonijah proves to be aworthy man, not one of his hairs shall fall to earth.Adonijah, our Father said, “Blessed is he whose transgres-sion is forgiven; whose sin is covered. Blessed is the manwhose sin the Lord does not count against him, and inwhose spirit there is no deceit.” My Brother, go in peace.

Adonijah rises, bows to King David and starts toward Solomon,hesitates, and then rushes from room.

King David — (Rises and beckons Solomon to comenear to him,) My son, (raises hand to bless him ondSolomon kneels) may the God of Israel be with you, so thatyou may succeed in all that He has spoken concerning you.Follow His Commandments as our new and wise Intendantof the Building.

BLACK OUT AND CURTAIN.

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