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Order of the Secret Monitor | ||
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| Anglia Conclave 288 | |||
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The
Order, which is based on the remarkable friendship between David and
Jonathan, possibly originated in Scotland, was taken to New York and then
came to England in late 18th century.
For a time the Order came under the aegis of the Grand Council of the
Allied Masonic Degrees, but in 1931 some fresh understandings were reached
and the Grand Council of the Order of the Secret Monitor was officially
recognised.
The Order is administered from Mark Masons’ Hall. Candidates have to be Master Masons of good standing. The regalia is simple, consisting of a Breast Jewel suspended from a ribbon in the colours of the Order, purple and orange. The two colours of the ribbon are reversed for the second degree. The Jewel has two triangles interlaced with three arrows and charged with the letters D and J. |
Consecrated
1979
2nd Thursday - Jan, SEPT. |
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relatively unknown order, although small in numbers compared to the Craft,
Mark, and Royal Arch Masonry is steadily growing and flourishing in the UK
and throughout the world.
The correct title is "The Order of the Secret Monitor in the British Isles and Territories Overseas" and sub titled "The Brotherhood of David and Jonathon". The primordial origin of most masonic orders is usually based and veiled in obscurity and O.S.M. is no exception taking its theme from the book of Samuel in the Old Testament and the life of David and his remarkable friendship with Jonathon. The whole essence of the Fraternity is based on this friendship, with special officers appointed to maintain a personal contact with all its members and the rituals and ceremonies date from 1000 years before the building of King Solomon's Temple. The first degree - Induction as a Secret Monitor - recalls the quite remarkable friendship between David and Jonathon, through trying times and against strong opposition. The second degree -Admission as a Prince - recalls the persecution of David by Saul and the way in which David selected and proved his friends. The third degree- Installation and Commission as a Supreme Ruler - recalls the anointing of David as King and the opportunities and duties of leadership. The meetings are in Conclaves, set in Provinces under the control of the Grand Conclave based at Mark Masons Hall, London. The head of the Conclave is the Supreme Ruler and among the Officers are four Visiting Deacons with the unique role and responsibility of communicating with the members between each meeting. This is to put into practice the teachings and precepts of the three degrees; to make friendship and fidelity the fundamental aim and to show consideration, concern and care for other brethren. The Visiting Deacons then report during the meetings of their contact with absent brethren. The Order is truly a friendly one, relying on the response from all its members to the dedicated contact by the Deacons. Although it can rightly said that the only requirement of a prospective candidate is that he must be a Master Mason, it is equally correct to say that an essential qualification in every candidate is the willingness to offer a ready and responsive friendship'. Any Master Mason who is interested or wishes to know more, please contact the Secretary of Anglia Conclave 288 who is John Pike on 01376 331399 |
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