Allied Masonic Degrees - A.M.D.
The Allied Masonic Degrees, like the Masonic Rosicrucian's (MSRICF), is
an organization based on interest and ability in Masonic research
and scholarship. Membership is by invitation and is open to Companions
who have completed
the Chapter
degrees. The local bodies are styled "Councils", and the national
supervisory body is the Grand Council. Councils are presided over
by a Sovereign Master, who is assisted by eight other officers. The
structure and office titles of the Council are very similar to corresponding
offices
and ritual in the Blue Lodge. The maximum number of active members
of any Council is limited to 27. Some Councils are very selective,
and
in some
cases, only two invitees per year are selected. Papers and discussions
of Masonic and related topics are typically held at Council meetings.
The AMD controls 10 degrees, but which ones (if any) are actually "worked" is
decided by each Council for itself.
Upon joining, the candidate is given a preliminary lecture on the history,
aims, and purposes of the AMD, then introduced into the Council room, takes
a "blanket" obligation, and is taught the necessary signs. This
is sufficient to make him a member of the AMD. The insignia of a Brother
of the AMD is shown at left. Any degrees that are conferred follow the
obligation ceremony
SOME OF THE DEGREES CONTROLLED BY THE AMD
St. Lawrence the Martyr
The candidate is requested to undergo a signal test of his courage,
after which he is obligated, instructed in the history of St. Lawrence,
and given the signs and words of the degree. Also explained are the significance
of the gridiron and hackle, the special symbols of the degree.
Secret Monitor
This degree typifies the beauties of brotherly love, as exemplified
in the example of David and Jonathan. It is based on their story and
is semi-dramatic in character. The candidate receives an obligation,
signs, and words and a lecture relating to the degree. The special symbol
is the arrow.
Royal Ark Mariner
This degree is set in the time of Noah and his sons, and relates
events prior to, during, and after the Flood. The degree is interesting
because much of it is set in unrhymed meter, and because axes are used
in place of gavels and undressed aprons for lambskin ones. The candidate
receives the customary obligation, signs, words and a lecture. The lesson
taught is one of trusting in God's goodness and mercy. Earlier in AMD
history, separate Lodges of Royal Ark Mariners were attached, or "moored",
to a particular Council, but this is no longer practiced.
Knight of Constantinople
This degree teaches the important lessons of humility and equality.
It is set in the time of the Emperor Constantine, in the city of Constantinople.
Two haughty Roman nobles learn the lessons previously cited in a most
striking manner. Again, an obligation is administered and signs, word,
and a lecture given.
Grand Tilers of Solomon
This degree bears a close affinity to the Select Master Degree of
the York Rite Council. Like the latter, it is set in a subterranean vault
and relates the story of an unwitting intruder into a secret council.
The degree teaches that all Masons must be effective tilers and guard
their Lodges against the unworthy and the irreligious.
Excellent Master
This degree is somewhat reminiscent of the Royal Arch Degree and
Illustrious Order of the Red Cross. The candidate represents a Jewish
sojourner freed from Babylonian captivity, who desires to return to Jerusalem
and labor on the new Temple. He passes four veils in order to gain admission
to the Sanhedrin sitting in Council.
Master of Tyre
This degree has three sections. The first takes place in the court
of Hiram, King of Tyre who agrees to assist Solomon in building his Temple
by sending men, materials, and Hiram Abiff. The second section takes
place in a quarry near Jerusalem and involves Craftsmen discussing a
conspiracy. The third section occurs back in Hiram's court at Tyre, where
in memory of the deceased Chief Architect this degree is instituted as
a memorial. There are several lectures throughout the course of the degree.
Architect
In this degree, the candidate states his abhorrence of the crime
against GMHA, and is asked to participate in a memorial to the Chief
Architect. After being obligated, he receives two catechisms.
Superintendant
This degree concludes the trilogy of Architect, Grand Architect,
and Superintendant. Now, Moabon (the candidate) is elevated to the exalted
station of Chief Architect (or Superintendant) to replace the one lost
to treachery. He assumes an obligation, and is given a catechism on the
furniture and adornment of the Temple.
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