The Triple Tau

 

by ERIC A. PEISLEY (N.S.W., Australia)

       The Triple Tau is one of the most ancient of emblems.  It is translated from the Hebrew and is highly esteemed as “the emblem of all emblems.”  As the Grand Emblem of Royal Arch Masonry, it denotes that the wearer has been the recipient of a sublime but hidden wisdom received only in the Holy Royal Arch Degree.

     Like many other symbols, it is traced to a biblical origin.  It is supposed, in its simplest form, to be the sign and mark referred to by Ezekiel when he commanded the man with the ink-horn to go through the midst of the city of Jerusalem and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

Stated Meeting Notice

 

The next Stated Assembly of Houston Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, December 9, 2024.   

Several resolutions regarding the pending sale of the Masonic Hall and the relocation of the Council will be presented for discussion.  Members of the Council are encouraged to attend.  All Select Masters are welcome.

Proper attire is recommended.

Stated Meeting Notice

 

The next Stated Convocation of Washington Chapter No. 2, Royal Arch Masons, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 11, 2024.  Right Worshipful Companion J. Don Little, District Deputy Grand High Priest of Capitular District 6, will be making his second official visit to the Chapter, so the Officers should plan on being present and prepared to properly receive him.  Members of the Chapter are encouraged to attend.  All Royal Arch Masons are welcome.

Proper attire is recommended.

Stated Meeting Notice

 

The next Stated Assembly of Houston Council No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, will be held at the Masonic Hall at 4911 Montrose Boulevard at 7:00 PM on Monday, October 14, 2024.  Members of the Council are encouraged to attend.  All Select Masters are welcome.

Proper attire is recommended.

An Excellent Story about an Excellent Degree

 

By EDWARD R. CUSICK

    In the famous Geneva Bible published in 1560 there is an editorial comment which is of peculiar significance to all Past Masters and Royal Arch Masons.  It is a footnote in reference to the word "stonesquarers" used in Chapter five, verse eighteen of the First Book of Kings which tells the story of the building of the Temple.  This footnote reads:

    The Ebrew worde is -------- which some say, were excellent masons.

    It must be remembered that from 1560 until 1750 this edition of the Bible was the one most widely used and read by the people of England and America.  After 1750 the King James version rapidly replaces it.  However, its influence was wide and deep.  How many Free Masons must have paused and read with keen interest the foregoing quoted footnote?  Does it connote that the editor was a Free Mason?  But the word "excellent" with "masons" at such an early date is most intriguing.

    Let us move rapidly on to the year 1767 when we find a group of Royal Arch Masons of London, England, proclaiming a Charter or Compact of a Grand Chapter for the government of the Royal Arch.  Incidentally, this was the Mother Grand Chapter of the world and still exists as the Supreme Grand Chapter of England.  In this Charter or Compact we find the expression:

    We, the rest of the Excellent Companions of this Most Excellent Grand and Royal Chapter.

    In the Laws of this Grand Chapter, adopted in 1778, it is established that:

    To this exalted degree, none are to be admitted but men of the best character and repute; -- must have passed through the three probationary degrees of Craft Masonry; been regularly appointed and presided as Masters (to be justly entitled to, and have received the Past-master’s token and password); ….