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); ….
