by
Wallace McLeod
(1931 - 2020)
The central events
commemorated in the Degree of Most Excellent Master are the completion and the
dedication of the Temple that King Solomon erected in Jerusalem in G-d’s holy
service. In order to re-enact its
completion, the Brethren, who of course represent the workmen engaged in the
building, line up in two columns, which are led by the two Wardens. They march twice around the lodge room, that
is, the Temple, and then diverge, so that the Senior Warden’s column is ranged
along the South, and the Junior Warden’s along the North. They halt and turn inwards, facing the
Temple. Then the Master lays the
keystone in its place in the arch, and sets it firm with three strokes of his
gavel (which here serves as the setting maul).
We are left with the impression that his effort is the final touch,
binding together the principal arch and completing the sacred structure. The workmen are permitted to view the
interior of the magnificent edifice, and express their wonder and admiration
with appropriate gestures.
Then the
Ark-bearers set the Ark of the Covenant in its new permanent home in the Holy
of Holies, which is symbolically represented by the Arch. And you will note what a to-do they make about
easing the Ark into place by means of the staves alone, without themselves
touching it. Here you see a covert
reference to another episode in the Volume of the Sacred Law, the story of
Uzzah. On a previous occasion when the
Ark was being transported, the oxen that were pulling the vehicle stumbled, and
the Ark seemed a trifle unsteady. Uzzah
put forth his hand to secure it, and was struck dead for his pains. We conclude from this that the Ark is not to
be touched by human hands, unless you are specifically consecrated. You will find the story recorded in the Sixth
Chapter of the Second Book of Samuel.
At this
point in our proceedings the Senior Warden and the Junior Warden deposit their
aprons in front of the pillars of the Arch.
This may at first sight seem shocking, because we are brainwashed into
believing that a Freemason must always be clothed with his leather apron. Then, while the Wardens stand naked, as it
were, the candidate is received and acknowledged as a Most Excellent
Master. The Wardens resume their aprons,
and the Temple is dedicated. Now my
question is this: why all that business
about the aprons? The clue is provided
by the ode which was formerly sung at this juncture. You almost never see the musical ritual
performed in Chapter any more, but here it provides an essential clue to what
is going on. The first stanza runs like
this:
There is no
more occasion
For level or
plumbline,
For trowel
or gavel,
For compass
or square;
Our works
are completed,
The Ark
safely seated,
And we shall
be greeted,
As workmen
most rare.
And the previous ode had said:
The
cope-stone is finished,
Our labour
is o’er;
The sound of
the gavel
Shall hail
us no more.
That is, the
work is finished. The last stone has
been cut, and the mason cutters have left the quarries. The last stone has been laid, and the mason
setters have dismantled the scaffolding.
The implements of labor are ready to be laid to rest. All the masons can at last divest themselves
of the aprons they have worn for seven long years to protect their garments for
spot and stain. To be sure, it would
want too much time for every brother to actually remove his apron, so instead
the two leaders, the Wardens, act as their representatives. When they unclothe themselves, we are meant
to visualize all the Brethren removing their working garb. The Wardens place their aprons in front of
the completed structure, as a symbolic gesture that the labors are over.
It was on
this occasion, the Historical Lecture informs us, that “King Solomon determined
to bestow some distinguishing mark upon the skilful and zealous builders who
had been engaged in its construction.”
And so it is now, between the completion and the dedication of the
Temple, that the Order of Merit, the Degree of Most Excellent Master, is
conferred upon the candidate.
Then the
Wardens reclothe themselves. Once again,
they act upon behalf of all Masons, who are to be thought of as all resuming
their aprons. This time, however, it is
no longer for toil, but in order that, as builders whose task is done, clothed
in workmen’s uniforms of spotless white, they may observe and even participate
in the dedication of the Temple they have just finished building.
And that is
why the Wardens are permitted to stand unclothed in open lodge for a few
minutes, having deposited their aprons on the ground.
(Reprinted from an article from The Royal Arch Mason, Volume 20, Number 7,
Fall 2001, pages 203 – 204. From a talk
delivered in 1987)
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