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Past (Mark) Master Degree
The Royal Arch considered the following system very similar to a rite: 1. EA 2. FC 3. MM 4. MMM
5. Past Master
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6. Excellent Master 7. Royal Arch
The Past Master degree which had various names (Master Passed the Chair, Pass Master, Chair Master, etc) is different from an installed master of a Craft lodge. The degree was made to allow non-PMs to join the chapter as a Royal Arch Mason. Prior 1790s, only brethren who had been the master of a lodge could join a chapter. By 1796, Ayr had examples of this degree working under Grand Encampment charters.
This consisted of the candidate being placed in the JW’s chair who was absent, then the SW was mysteriously called away and he took that chair and finally the master temporarily vacated his chair for the candidate to be installed as a master of the lodge and receive the secrets of an installed master. The lecture given was related to the building of King Solomon ’s temple and unlike the lecture in the resent Installed Master’s degree in a lodge.
SGRAC of Scotland was formed in 1817 and its Book of Ceremonies included the Past Master degree thus having the seven degree system above. Remember Cryptic and RAM were much later additions to SGRAC. It wasn’t until 1872 that the degree was removed from its Constitution completely. It is still in use under the American York Rite.
Whether the original intention was to increase the size of the Order or increase revenue (or both), the idea came to fruition and the ‘virtual’ past master became a degree. Today this degree has become the installed mark master degree given to either First principals or PZs.
Old Irish Jewel
Lodge No. 979 was founded under a Warrant issued by Seton on the 6th Februry, 1806, for the toll-n of Armagh. The Warrant was subsequently confirmed by the Grand Lodge of Ireland. The Lodge registered 50 members between 1806 and 1822, and was cancelled the 7th July, 1825. The medal can thus be dated between 1806 and 1822. On the side representing the entry into the vault of the Royal Arch will be noticed on the right emblems of the veils and the Burning Bush, still preserved in the Irish R.A. ritual. On the other side, in addition to easily recognisable Templar emblems, will be found the hand holding the balance, emblem of the Chair or Installed Master.
