GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING A CLASS

Transcription

1 GRAND CHAPTER, ROYAL ARCH MASONS OF CALIFORNIA GUIDELINES FOR HANDLING A CLASS This document is a supplement to the 2008 Edition of the Ritual of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of the State of California and applies to Festivals/Pilgrimages only. This supplement, dated August 21, 2010, supercedes any and all other information and instructions which may have been previously issued on the conduct of Royal Arch festivals and pilgrimages. A class is four (4) or more. For a festival or pilgrimage it is highly important the schedule for the day and the necessary preparations be fully thought out and organized. It is suggested there be separate Companions designated to handle the several aspects of the day. As a minimum: # building availability and preparation # inventory, preparation and set-up/take-down of paraphernalia # food provision, preparation and service # candidate materials, handouts, etc. # listing and accounting for candidates # classroom and candidate instruction A well organized and executed festival/pilgrimage will provide a positive impression for the candidates. Nothing is less impressive than a poorly organized and executed event. Time is the most valuable thing a man can give you. He will usually give it if he believes it will be used well and productively. He will usually not give it if he believes it will be wasted. The cast members, the Class Captain and all other Companions handling the several aspects of the day must ensure events move smoothly and well and there are no delays which are preventable. You should be able to assemble, feed, instruct and exalt a class of candidates in six hours or less. The location of the class in the Chapter Room during the degrees may be adjusted to accommodate the conditions (size, layout, etc) of the space in which you have to work. Where there is a page and line number in parentheses it refers to the page and line in the 2008 edition of the Ritual. Where "CND" appears in the Ritual it is to be construed as "exemplar" unless otherwise noted herein. One exemplar at a time will be used in the first two degrees and in the first section of the third degree. The exemplar may be changed between the different sections of the degrees. Two exemplars are to be used in the second section of the Most Excellent Master Degree and three exemplars must be used for the Royal Arch Degree. In the degrees, where the candidate s name is used, the proper ritual will be "Brother (exemplar's name) and (number of other candidates in the class) others who have been regularly initiated, etc." This ritual is to be used the first three times the candidate is mentioned/introduced (by the RWM at the start of the degree, the JD at the door of the preparation room and the SD at the altar). Similar ritual is to be used by the High Priest at the beginning of the Royal Arch Degree, except the three exemplar's names are to be used. At all other times only the exemplar s name is to be used. A Class Captain is to be designated who will instruct, shepherd and account for the members of the class. He may have assistance but all must train together to ensure good organization. A room, separate from the room in which the degrees will be conferred, should be designated as a classroom in which the members of the class may be instructed and which will serve as a mustering point for instruction and at the beginning of each degree. Sufficient seating must be provided. Page 1 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated

2 Preview Lectures, if they are used, should be given in the classroom, in a quiet environment, where there is no other activity or distraction. Except for the Royal Arch Degree the candidates should be attired (aprons) prior to the delivery of the Preview Lecture. During the Obligations the Class Captain directs the candidates to place their right hand over their heart and place their left hand on the right shoulder of the candidate to their left. The candidate on the extreme left of the line will place both hands on a Bible held by the Class Captain or an assistant. In the PM, MEM and RAM Degrees, if there is more than one row of candidates, more than one Bible may be used or the candidate on the left end of the second and subsequent rows may place his left hand on the shoulder of the candidate in front of him. All Candidates repeat all obligations with the exemplar(s). In all cases, when the RWM gavels, the Class Captain should see the candidates respond accordingly. MARK MASTER DEGREE 1. When the Lodge is open and all is ready, the Class Captain leads the candidates into the lodge room via the preparation room door and seats them in the northeast. An appropriate number of seats must be reserved for the candidates. 2. The exemplar is to be left in the preparation room and told to wait there for further instruction. 3. When the JW gavels (page 14, line 28 and page 20, line 20) all stand, but the candidates do not respond to his order to assemble; the exemplar should be the only candidate involved in the pursuit of wages. The craftsman referred to should be cast members not side liners. 4. When the JW gavels (page 16, line 5 and page 20, line 22) all are seated, except those in the procession. 5. For prayer (page 19, line 25) and at other prayers, the Class Captain should see candidates stand and fold arms (as they have been instructed.) 6. Candidates, except the exemplar, remain at their seats, obeying the RWM's gavel, until the exemplar is in due form, RWM gavels up the lodge and the Marshal calls for two parallel lines (page 29, line 3.) 7. The Class Captain will direct the candidates to form as the northern parallel line, beginning at the east. In the event there are more candidates than can comfortable form the northern parallel line, the remaining candidates should be conducted west of the altar and form in the southern parallel line, again beginning at the east. The instruction to the candidates in a southern line will be the same as for the northern line and there will need to be an assistant to hold the Bible at the western end of this line. Companions, if necessary, form a second line on one or both sides of the room. At the end of the Obligation the Companion(s) holding the Bible(s) will pass down the line so the Candidates may kiss a Bible. 8. When the RWM begins the instruction regarding grips and words, (page 33, line 7) the Class Captain and assistant(s) should duplicate the work of the RWM and SD, if appropriate, positioning themselves to give the candidates the best view. 9. When the work at the altar is complete and the RWM returns to his station and raps (page 35, line 1) the Class Captain will direct the candidates to return to their seats. Page 2 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated

3 10. When the Questions and Answers of the Lecture are finished (page 44, line 28), the RWM should omit the instruction about rising and standing in front of the east (page 44, line 29.) The RWM will then exemplify the signs from the eastern dais or he may go to the floor and stand in front of the class. If appropriate, the Class Captain, and one or more knowledgeable assistants, are to duplicate the exemplification of the signs for the candidates. 11. When the RWM hands the exemplar a temporary token (page 45, line 29) he says nothing other than what is in the ritual. The Class Captain will have informed the candidates, in the classroom, they will receive a temporary token from their Chapter. 12. In the Third Section, the exemplar is the only candidate who joins the craftsman in the pursuit of wages. 13. When the RWM starts the Call Back (page 50, line 26) the Class Captain will conduct the class out of the room via the preparation room door without going west of the Altar and giving the sign. After the Call Back, the RWM will declare the Lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East. The jewels should not be broken. 14. In the classroom the Class Captain will explain the temporary token and either he, or representatives of each candidate s Chapter, will distribute temporary tokens and Mark Sheets. PAST MASTER DEGREE 1. When the Lodge is open and all is ready, the Class Captain leads the candidates into the lodge room via the preparation room door and seats them in the southeast. An appropriate number of seats must be reserved for the candidates. 2. The exemplar is to be left in the preparation room with instructions to wait there for further instruction. 3. When instructed by the RWM (page 59, line 1), the SD will bring the exemplar in through the ante room door and conduct him west of the altar. 4. When the exemplar is in due form, the RWM gavels up the lodge (page 59, line 24). The Class Captain directs the candidates to place their right hands over their hearts and left hands on the right shoulder of the candidates to their left as in the previous obligation. The candidates remain at their seats. All candidates are to repeat the obligation with the exemplar. The exemplar will kiss the Bible on the altar. The Class Captain carries (or passes) Bible(s) to each candidate for them to kiss. 5. When the RWM extends his right hand in token... etc., and directs the exemplar to "Arise" (page 61, line 9) the Class Captain and a knowledgeable assistant should duplicate the work of the RWM and SD, if appropriate, positioning themselves to give the candidates the best possible view. 6. When the work at the altar is complete, RWM returns to the East and gavels. (Ignore instructions on page 62, lines 11 and 12) 7. SD conducts exemplar to East via north side of altar. 8. Only the exemplar is invested with the jewel and seated in the Oriental Chair (page 62, lines 15-20). (Ignore instructions on page 63, lines 1-4) Page 3 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated

4 9. When the RWM completes his instruction on the dais and retrieves jewel, hat and gavel from the exemplar he instructs the exemplar...and take your place with the class (page 64, lines 19 and 20.) The Explanatory Lecture is delivered to all candidates at their seats. 10. When the RWM starts the Call Back (page 67, line 20) the Class Captain will conduct the class out of the room via the preparation room door without going west of the Altar and giving the sign. After the Call Back, the RWM will declare the Lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East. The jewels should not be broken. MOST EXCELLENT MASTER DEGREE In the event one lodge room is used for the conferring of this degree, the candidates should be conducted out of the lodge room while the paraphernalia is being set up for the second section. In the second section of this Degree two exemplars should be used, one for the Keystone and a second to assist in seating of the Ark. Pyrotechnic effects are optional (fire codes and building restrictions may preclude them or the necessary equipment may not be available.) King Solomon should be costumed prior to the start of the second section but should be inconspicuously seated without his crown on (e.g. in the easternmost seat of the back row on the north side.) 1. When the Lodge is open and all is ready, the Class Captain leads the candidates into the lodge room via the preparation room door and seats them in the northeast. An appropriate number of seats must be reserved for the candidates. 2. The exemplar is to be left in the preparation room with instructions to wait there for further instruction. 3. When the exemplar is at the altar in due form, RWM gavels up the lodge (page 84, line 8). Disregard the ritual and instructions on page 84, lines The candidates will remain at their seats and take the obligation as in the Past Master Degree. 4. The Class Captain directs the candidates to place their right hands over their hearts and left hands on the right shoulder of the candidates to their left as in the previous obligation. The candidates remain at their seats. All candidates are to repeat the obligation with the exemplar. The exemplar will kiss the Bible on the altar. The Class Captain carries (or passes) Bible(s) to each candidate for them to kiss. 5. After the RWM raises the exemplar to instruct him on the grip and word, the Class Captain and a knowledgeable assistant will duplicate the work of the RWM and SD, if appropriate, positioning themselves to give candidates the best view. 6 After all are seated by the gavel (page 87, line 4) the RWM will call the lodge to refreshment "for the purpose of setting up the lodge room for the second section of the Degree." The Class Captain conducts the candidates out of the lodge room via preparation room door. The jewels are not broken. 7. After the lodge room is set up or when second lodge room (already set up) is used the officers will assume their stations. The Class Captain will conduct the candidates, through the preparation room door, to seats in the north. The exemplars with the SD should be seated on the west end of the front row near the pillars. Page 4 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated

5 8. RWM calls the lodge from refreshment to labor, SD attends altar, JD informs Tiler. 9. At the MAR command "Craftsmen, you will form in procession,... etc." (page 87, line 29) the SD and the two exemplars get in line behind the divisions and the SD gives keystone to the first exemplar (page 88, line 9). All other candidates remain on the sidelines. 10. At the end of the first procession the SD instructs the first exemplar to give the keystone to the RWM. (page 89, line 12) 11. Following the RWM command that the Ark of the Covenant be seated in the sanctuary, the SD and the two exemplars go to the northwest sideline and procure the Ark, (page 89, line 27) the two exemplars carry the Ark behind the SD. 12. At the end of the second procession, the exemplars follow the SD and place the Ark on the pedestal located east of the arch (page 91, lines 29-33). 13. When the brethren kneel the SD and exemplars, remain standing. 14. When the RWM directs the brethren to be seated (page 98, line 25), the Class Captain will take the exemplars to seats reserved for them with the class. 15. The Lecture should be given from in front of the class. 16. At the completion of the lecture all candidates stand for the Charge. The Charge, like the Lecture should be given from in front of the class. 17. When the RWM starts the Call Back (page 102, line 17) the Class Captain will conduct the class out of the room via the preparation room door without going west of the Altar and giving the sign. After the Call Back, the RWM will declare the Lodge free from restraint until the sound of the gavel in the East. The jewels should not be broken. ROYAL ARCH DEGREE The candidates should not see the cast in robes and/or makeup until after they have entered the tabernacle. After the Preview Lecture (if used) the three exemplars should be properly attired. 1. All candidates must enter under the living arch. When the PS and the candidates have gone under the arch, the Class Captain will remove and collect the hoodwinks from all candidates except the three exemplars. Candidate seating will be pre-reserved in an area best suited to the circumstances of the facilities. A clear view of the projection of slides, if used, as well as the floor work, will affect the choice. 2. When the PS introduces the candidates at the door (page 124, line 11) he should replace the number three with the actual number of candidates in the class. 3. When the CofH assists the exemplars to kneel at the altar (page 125, line 27) the Class Captain will have the candidates rise and fold their arms for prayer. 4. After prayer, all except exemplars will be seated (page 128, line 8). Page 5 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated

6 5. When the CofH instructs the PS to place the candidates in due form (page 128, line 23) the Class Captain directs the candidates to rise and place their right hands over their hearts and left hands on the right shoulder of the candidates to their left as in the previous obligations. The candidates remain at their seats. All candidates are to repeat the obligation with the exemplar. The exemplars will kiss the Bible on the altar. The Class Captain carries (or passes) Bible(s) to each candidate for them to kiss. 6. The candidates are to repeat the obligation with the exemplars. 7. The CofH will demonstrate the penalty to each exemplar. The penalty is not demonstrated on candidates on sidelines. 8. The CofH does not begin the journey with the three exemplars until the class is seated. Arise..." (page 130, line 31) 9. When the HP gavels three times, the Class Captain will see the candidates rise (page 156, line 24) and that they are seated when HP gavels once (page 158, line 7.) 10. When the HP says "The council will now instruct you" (page 158, line 28) the Class Captain will direct the candidates to rise and move onto the floor for the forming of the triangles. The triangles should be formed in accordance with the instructions on page 158, lines Knowledgeable companions from the sidelines will probably have to be used. If the class is large the procedure may have to be repeated a second time. 11. After all candidates are instructed, all candidates will be directed to return to their seats (page 159, line 32.) 12. When the HP begins the exemplification of the signs (page 160, line 12) he may do so from the eastern dais or he may step down on the floor in front of the class. If appropriate, the Class Captain and assistant(s) should duplicate the work of the HP, positioning themselves to give the candidates the best view. 13. After the Candidates have turned their aprons around they will remain standing for the Charge. 14. Since all candidates may not be from the host Chapter, instead of being directed to sign the by-laws (page 168, line 32) all newly greeted RA Masons should be directed to contact their respective Chapter Secretaries (who should be pointed out) for signing of the by-laws after closing 15. Before closing either the ritual HP, or the actual HP, will introduce the Inspector and such introductions as are considered appropriate will be accomplished. 16. The candidates participate in the closing ceremony. Page 6 of 6 RAM Ritual Supp Dated