I

THE

MYSTIC SHRINEAN

ILLUSTRATED RITUAL

OF THE

AncientArabic OrderNoblesof the Mystic Shrine

REViSED EDITION

EZRA A. COOK PUBLICATIONS, Inc.

P. 0. Box 796 Chicago,III 60690

1975

PREFACE

COPYRIGHT, 1975

By

EZRA A. COOK,Publisher(Incorporated)

_____ T5F1

Ezra A. Cook, who founded this publishing busi-nessin 1867, was unalterablyopposedto secretorders.While manyof our publications reflect his spirit, ourbooks have beenextensivelyadoptedas text books inconferring thesecret‘work of all standardorders,andthe publishers,in continuingtheir sale,believe theyarefilling a much felt want.

In further justification, we submit the followingfrom the pen of a noted Masonic authority. Thisquotation ‘will naturally apply to treatises uponother secretorders:—

“The objection to treatises and disquisitions onMasonic subjects, that there is danger through themof giving too much light to the world without, hasnot the slightestsupport from experience. In Eng-land, in France,andin Germany,scarcelyany restric-tion hasbeenobservedby Masonic writers, exceptasto what is emphatically esoteric; and yet we do notbelieve that the profaneworld is wiser in thosecoun-triesthan in our own in respectto the secretsof Free-masonry. In the face of these publications, the worldwithout has remained as ignorant of the aporrhetaof our art, asif no work had ever been~viitten on thesubject, while the world within—the craft them-selves—havebeen enlightened and itistructed, andtheir views of Masonry, (not as a social or charitablesociety, but as a philosophy, a science, a religion),have beenelevatedand enlarged.

PREFACE

‘The truth is that men who are not Masonsneveri-ead authentic Masonic works. They have no inter-est in the topics discussedand could not understandthem, from a want of the preparatory educationwhich the Lodge alone can supply. Therefore,werea wrtrer even to trencha little on what may be con-sidered as being really the ‘arcana’ of Masonry, thereis no dangerof his thus making an improper revela-tion to improper persons

Mackey, Encyc.of Freemasonry,1887 ed., p. 617.

Chapter 1.

THE MYSTiC SHRtNEA BRiEF HiSTORY or THE ORDER

The Anueiit Arabic Order, Nobles of the MysticShrine, was itistiruted at Mecca, Arabia, in the year5459, or ilu year of Otir Lord 1608 The ritual wasprepared ,tiid issued at Aleppo, Arabia, by LottisMaracti, the great Italian translator of Mohammed’sAlkoran ‘1 lie order was revised antI establishedatCairo, Egypt, in 5598. (Jtine 14, 1837 Freemasonshave bei n .rcciistontedto dateall of their actsand in-strumentsaccording to the Hehiew Calendar

The primary potposeof the Ancient Arabic Order,Nobles of thc Mystic Shrine, was the formation ofan Aralii,iii anti Egyptito Ini

1tiistrion, or VigilanceComniiitec ‘1 lie order ssas composedof the braveand upright men of the time, who performed theirduties featlessly It is saul to have been an organi-zatioui itiiirhi like the \‘igtlaui tes of California, whoat t lie time of the rttslt to the gold fields, before anylegil goseinment sas ~t’r organuied there, assumedthe duties of captors,jtidges, ]urors, and executionersof eruininals

Suite the courts of jtistiee are now able to copewith l,ns’lessness,anti vigilance committees are noteon~itht’rod netessity in niodemn times, the AncientArabic Order, Noblesof the Mystic Shrine, hasadopt-ed other interests The Shrine pin, liowexer, is still

5

‘H

6 THE MYSTIC SHRiNEA BRLFF HiSTORY OF THE ORDER 7

considereda badgeof true antI honorablemanhood,devoted to high ideals. In various cities of Europe,Temples of the Mystic Shrinewere instituted sonicyearsago, and theyare thriving charitableand socialorganizations.

In 1871 one of the foreign representarhesof theorder brought the ritual to America and l)hacedit inthe hands of Dr. Walter M. Fleming, 33rd degree,SovereignGrand Inspector-General,Ancient and Ac-cepted Scottish Rite, and Eminent CommanderofColumbia CommanderyNo. I, Knights Teitiplar, NewYork. Dr. Fleming, with other 33rd degree Masons,(including William J. Florence,Edward Fddy, S. C.Campbell, Oswald Merle DAubigne, C. XV. Miller,John A. Moore, William S Patterson,John XV. Sim-mons and Albert P. Moriarty) and nearly all theKnights Templar of Columbia Commanderv No Iinstituted Mecca Temple No 1, of the Mystic Shrinein New York. Dr. Fleming was unanimously chosenas Grand Potentate (or presidingofficer) -

For several years this Temple remained inacti~e,owing to the death of some of the leaders,and thelack of interestof the others In 1875 W. J. Florencebrought from Europe the Oriental Ritual of the or-der as it was worked in foreign countries. In 1876he called together the remaining members of theoriginal Mecca Temple No 1. A committeeunder hisleadershipwas appointed to draft a constitution andritual for the order in America. The constitutionwas adoptedJune 6, 1876

Since Mr Florence, the chairman of the coinniit-tee, and Dr. Fleming, Grand Potentate,were at thattime membersoF the old burlesqueassociationknownas the Sons of Malta, a portion of the ritual of thatorder was used. Part of the work was adaptedfrom

the higher degreesof the Rite of Memphis and theScottishRite, and also the Royal Arch and Templardegrees,York Rite, and it was then decidedthat onlyMasonsof the 32nd degreeby the Scottish Rite, orKnights Templar by the York Rite shouldbe eligibleto admissionto the order.

The Mystic Shrine in America is a charitable andsocial organitation devoted to the welfare of Free-masonry. The Imperial Council is the governingbody, with subordinate branches called TemplesThere are now about one hundred fifty Temples inthe United States.

One adverse vote or blackball will reject a can-didate for the term of thirteen weeks The initiationfee was originally placedat ten dollars as the mini-mum sum, and the dues were not less than two dol-lars annually. These sums are smaller than theamounts requiredby themajority of Temples at thepresent time.

The Mystic Shrine is called an Arabic Order, butit is only in a spirit of frolic that Shiiners assumethegarb and role of Arabs. They do not worship theMohammedanAllah, and they do not accept the re-l~gion of Islam. Shrinersare all Masons,believing indeity, and they are all liberty-loving Americans

Organiced for fun, the Shrine is called a “play-ground for Masons”. Its principles are pleasure,liospiritliry and jollity, without intemperance,coarse-ness or rudeness.It is a mistake to call the MysticShrine the highest degreeof Freemasonry. It is nota pait of the Masonic Lodge, but it is perhapsthebestloved of all the non-Masonic bodiescomposedofMasons. The order in the United States ntrmbersthousandsof members, all enthusiastsat the Shrineof fraternal affection and good-fellowship.

A BRIEF HiSTORY OF THE ORDER 98 THE MYSTIC SHPiNE

RANK, TiTLES AND POSiTiONS OF OFFiCERs; THEIRCOSTUMES AND JEWELS

illustrious Grand Potentate, first officer, in theEast

Costume—Velvetpurple robe or domino; flowingslee~es,tiimmed with yellow or gold braid, yellow orgold colored sash, high purple and yellow silk oisatin turban, with crescentof gold and jeweled, jew-eled sceptrewith crescentat top.

Jewel of Office—Pyramid,with large, gold surfacedsun, with rays and a frowning face, or visage, in thesun, suspendedfrom left breast

Illustrious Chief Rdbban, second officer, in theXVest.

Costume—Velvet bright green robe, or domino,full flowing sleexes. trimmed with purple, and broadpurple sash; green and purple turban, with crescentat front

Jewel of Office—Pyramid, with silver moon, faced.suspendedat left breast.

Illustrious Assistant Rabban, third officer, in theSouth.

Costume—Velvetblue robe, or domino; large flow-ing sleexes,trimmed with orange,broad orangesash,blue and orangeturban, with crescentin front.

Jewelof Office—A gold-faced pyramid,coxeredwithsilver stats.

Illustrious Mott High Prophet and Piie~t, fourthofficer, right of East.

Costume—Robemade of woven metal cloth, giltwith stEer, and coxered like damask;flowitig sleeves,and fringed, broad gold and yellow turbrn, crownshaped,yellow, gold and black jeweled; and carries acrozier.

Jewel of Office—Large gold form of book, or scroll,with pyramid on one page, in silver, and crescentontheother, suspendedabout the neck, hangingon frontof breast,

Jllustrzou.sOriental Guide, fifth officer, right of theEast.

Costume—Orangerobe, or domino, trimmed withpurple; broad purple sash, belt and sword; orangeand purple turban, crescent in front; carries longArab staff or spear, trimmed at spear-headwithorangeand purple ribbon.

Jewel of Office—Pyramid with gold-suifaced, pan-ther bodied, female headedSphinx, suspendedfromleft breast.

lllustrrou.s Treasurer, sixth officer, right of East.Illustrious Recorder, seventh officer, left of Eastillustrious First Ceremonial Master, eighth officer,

right of West.Illustrious Second Ceremonial Master, or Stand-

ard-Bearer,ninth officer, left of West.Illustrious Captain of the Guard, tenth officer,

inside door.illustrious Outside Guard, eleventh officer, out-

sidedoor.The first seven officers are elected annually, and

the remaining four appointed by the Grand Poten-tate.

ENTHRONEMENT

Previous to the enthronementof a Potentate-ei~et,the Imperical Council requireshis assent to the fol-lowing ordinances,viz..

1. Do you solemnly vow, upon your honor, thatyou will exertyour bestendeavorsto promotethetrue

10 THE MYSrIC SHRiNE

happiness of your brother Nobles of the MysticShrine?

2. That you will endeavorto promote the generalgood of the order and preservethe solemnityof ourceremonieswith profound respectand reverence?

3 That you will not acknowledge,or have inter-coursewith, any Temple which doesnot work underconstitutional authority, as recognizedby the Imper-ial GrandCouncil?

4. That you will ever maintain and support theauthority of the Imperial GrandCouncil of the Unit-edStates,and enforceobedienceto its statutes,edictsandregulations?

Do you submit to all the ordinances,and promiseto observeand practice them faithfully?

ChapterII.

THE Mvsrrc SHRINE ILLUSTRATED,FURNITURE AND OPENING CEREMONIES.

The Lodge Room is termed the Temple and thefurniture is similar to the Masonic with someaddi-tions, the room being draped with black alpaca orwhite, edgedwith purple and blue.

FURNiTURE.

A Canopyor tent in a cart, a Pedestalwith Gavel,largeCymitar acrossthe Pedestal,Altar of Obhigari~ncoveredin black, having on it the Bible and the Kor-an, the Black Stoneor Holy Stone of black marble,one foot squareor more, and two CrossedSwords;right of East, Altar of Incensewith burning incenseof myrrh, etc.; left of East,Bier and Coffin, eachhalfway betweenEastand Altar of Obligation; Layer ofWater in the South;Organ,etc. The Working Tools,etc. are a large Cylinder of Tin or SheetIron about30 feet long, and 3 feet in diameterand constructedso as to telescopetogether when not in use; a Gal-vanic Battery, an Altar on which is placed a GoldBook with crossedswordson it; threeGavels; Blockand Tackle; Hoodwinks and Blindfolders, Boxinggloves; a short Ladder, four pair of Drawers, threepair of Hand Cuffs; a Bumper, sort of Desk six feet

12 THE MYSTIC SHRINE13

high constructedso as to fall to pieceswhenrequiredfor s-york, a large five gallon Sponge,several Chairsfrom ~tiree to six feet long a Chinese Gong. HorseFiddle and any other instrument on which a hideousnoisecan be produced; twelve Suits of Uniform withsabeisfor Arabic soldiers; severalMasks or false faces,a Rough and Rugged Road made of Ropes, etc.;Budge of Sighs, three small syringes, Dolman; San-dals. Fire Arms; Collapse, and any other uncouthdi-ess or figure to create terror or fear to the candi-date

OPENiNG CEREMONIES

Grand Potentate—(One blow with gavel, or scep-tre), Chief Rabban,that no interloper or spy may in-trucle upon the ceremoniesof our Mystic Shrine,it ism~ command that you summon your proper officersand receive from them our mystic pass,dispersethemwith alacrity in and about our Temple, to receivethe same from all within our portals, and communi-tate to you, that you may give me the assurancethatrio ignoble here intrudes.

Chief R6bbair—(Two raps,) First andSecondCere-coonaslMasters,approachthe Orient.

They arise and approachthe EastHave you youi Mystic pass?First and Second Ceremonial Masters—ChiefRab-

uan. we have.Chief Rabban—Approachand give it.Fiist and Second Ceremonial Masters approach,

a~~d each whispersMecca.Chief Rabban—It is the commandof our Grand

PoterLtatethat you forthwith receive the mystic passfrom each andevery one in or aboutthe body of theTemple, and return the same to me, that I maygive

OPENING CEREMONIES

assurancethat no ignoble spy intrudesupon the cere-monies of our Mystic Shrine.

First and SecondCeremonial Masters, each on oneside of the Temple, receive the mystic pass,‘Mecca,”in a whisper, and returning, communicatethe sametothe Chief Rabban, if one be presentwithout the pass,the C. M. announcesaloud ‘An intruderl”

Member arises, is vouched for, or expelled.Chief Rabban—GrandPotentate,our Mystic Shrine

is secureand free from jeopardy, thereare nonepres-ent saveNobles of our rite

Grand Potentate—(To assistant Rabban.) Assist-ant Rabban, inform the Captain of the Guard, andhe his comrade,the outer Guard, that our Temple isnow duly and regularly opened for the businessandceremonies,and both take heedwho enters.

Captain of the Guard informs the Outer Guard asabove,and reports (after closing the door-)

Captain of the Guard—Noble Assistant Rabban,our outer Guard standsinstructed and under doubleguard, picketed by a tried and trusted officer withorir,one who knows his duty, vigilantly assistedby theCaptain of the Guard within.

AssistantRabban—IllustriousGrandPotentate,oursacredTemple is under a doubleand trristy Guard.

Grand Potentate—Tiswell. Since all present areNobles of the Mystic Shrine,and our Temple secure-ly guarded, I proclaim this Temple regularly openfor businessand ceremony,and herebyforbid all con-fusion and discord that may mar our mystic rites.

Regular business is now in order, as usual in allsuch bodies conducted on Parliamentary law andrules [f an initiate presents himself, the Recorderand Treasurerdischargetheir duties respectively.

INiTiATiON 15

Chaptcr HI.Ti~ Mvsnc SHRINE ILLUS1~RATED

iNiTiATION

Temple is now darkened officers in their places,whex~ grand Potentatesays First Ceremonial Masteryou wi]UI retire to the outer walls and ascertainif anynoviceawaits our pleasrire.

Fj-st Ceremonial Master retires, ascertains,and re-turning beforethe Altar, reports aftergiving thesign.

GRAND HAILING 5ALAAM,

Given by facing the Orient,

leaning forwaid as if making a low

bow, Arms raised and extendedpalmsout, headthrown forward in

a reverential and beseechingman-

ner, like cut except leaning fot-

ward more.

First Ceremonial Master—Illus-

ti ious Grand Potentate, there are

without (one, two or three) Sons

of the Desert who seek admission

to our Mystic Shrine

Grand Potentate—”Illustrious First and SecondCeremonial Mastersaccompaniedby our Grand Mar-shal, you will retire without the Temple and preparethose novicesfor reception in our Mystic Shrine.”

They salute and retire, and preparecandidatesbytaking off the shoes,coat, collar and vest and cloth-ing them in white dominoesand slippers,handcuffed,or tied at the wrist loosely.

When the candidates (one, two or three) is ready,the Ceremonial Masters take charge of him. Threeloud knocks at the outer door of the temple call theOriental Guide to admit them The responseis, in-side,a horrible clatter, the raspingof iron rings overan iron bar and the withdrawal of several largebolts.then the doorsopen ‘What is the causeof this clam-orous alarm? Who dares intrude upon the ceremo-nies of our Mystic Shrine?’ asks the Oriental Guide.

First Ceremonial Master—” (one, two or three)poor Sons of the Desert, who are weary of the hotsandsand the burning sun of the plains and humblycrave shelterunder the protecting domeof the Tem-ple.”

Oriental Guide—How may we know them to beworthy and not of treacherousor ignoble purpose?

First CeremonialMaster—’Their charactershavingbeen canvassedand coming within the bounds ofgood report, they have passedthe ordeal of the Se-cret Ballot of our Mystic Shrine unsoiled, and I es-pouse their causeand sanction their reception withthe SecretPass.’

Oriental Guide—Giveme the pass.”First Ceremonial Master advances and whispers

‘Mccca”.Oriental Guide—”Tis well, let them enter,”14

INITtATtON16 THE MYSTIC SHRINE

They enter,precededby Marshal, Ceremonial Mas-ters, etc, conducting them, the guide leading all.

Grand Potentate—(three raps, all rise) Gongsoundsonce,organ music. They marchtwice around,organ or singing or both, the gong soundswhen theypass the East and when they halt there the secondtime aiound Grand Potentatestrikes once, all areseated. Candtdareshalt.

Grand Potcntate—”Whatstrangeintrudershave wehere?Our pleasutci were most perfect and should besacredfrom this turmoil and display”

Previous to the entranceof the candidate,the cap-tam of the Guardchoosestwelve memberswho dresslike Arabic soldiers with large broad Cymitars, andare stationed outside; drill, and are ready for dutywhen wanted. The candidatesare seizedandcarriedout by the soldiers in a rough manner,at which theOriental Guide supplicatingly answers

Oriental Guide—”lllustrious Grand Potentate “tisI who have usheredin (one, two or three) poor Sonsof the Desert, who being weary of the hot sandsandburning sun of the plains, humbly crave that sacredboon to theweary and thirsty traveler, a cup of waterand shelterunder the protecting domeof our goodlyTemple. I do commendthem to your favor, havingfound them worthy and not of treacherousor ignoblepurpose,each having passedthe ordeal of the SecretBallot of our Mystic Shrtneunsoiled and vouchedforby a Noble with our secretpass.

Grand Potentate—MostNoble Guide, know youthe penalty of broken faith and do you standforth asransom for them all?”

Oriental Guide—”Illustrious Grand Potentate, Ido”

Grand Potentate—”Sobe it, then. Conduct themonce again aboutour Slirine and to our Most HighPriest, that he may imprint upon the tablets of theirmemoriesa knowledgeof the duties they do hereas-sume

Candidatesare conductedaround to the Prophetand Priest, who is robedand weartng a niitre.

Priest—”Smrangeis.are your motives for consingamongus honorable,pureand free frons hopeof gainor pride of knowledge?

Candidates—Theyare,Priest—Have you a belief in the existence of a

Deity, future rewaidsand punishments?Candidates—Ihave.Priest—Haveyou a desire to promote justice and

suppresswrong?Candidates—Ihave.Priest—Haveyou a due regard for female virtue?Candidates—IhavePrie~t—Are you willing to

1eoparditeyour life, ifneed be, to punish the guilty and protect the inno-cent and labor in the causeof justice, truth and corn-mon humanity?

Candidates—Iam.Priest—Haveyou still a desire to unite with us in

the inseparablebonds of the Mystic Shrine for thepurposesto which you have assented?

Candidates—Ihave.High Priest—If you have answeredin sincerity and

in truth us thesereplies I can assureyou that no con-flmcmrng sentimentnor requirementherewill mar yourprinciples nor your dories in the outer world, bethey what theymay Our allianceor the Rite of ourNiviric Shrine is ancient, honorable, benevolentandsecret. It is devotedto the causeof justice, truth and

18 THE MYSTiC 5HRtNC

niercy Ii is ancient as the corner-stoneof Mohani-med’s Temple of Mecca, as secretasthe Nlo~lem thatbound the tribes of Arabia to Allah or their god, ashonorableas the Christian, and the tenets to which itis dedicatedwhen otlee assumedcannot be eschewedor castaloof We know no tetrogiession,justiceis ourescutcheon,charity beyondreason we do not expect.virrrie mustbe regardedfor its peerlessworth andmo-rality observed for the general good of all We re-quire absolutesecrecyand desire all our disciples tohold an interest in our noble causeand a just observ-anceof the tenetsof our faith Let these preliminaryteachitigsbe deeply graveu upon your hearts. They~ire pricelesssuhen ssell obsersedand attributes thatcannot be bought with paltry, soidid gold By theexistenceof Allah and the creed of Mohammed, bythe legendary sanctity of our Tabernacleat Mecca,we greet you, and in coinmemotatronof the Arab’sfaith in purity and innocence,we accept your an-swers as sincere, and you will now be permitted toproceed in the rites and ceremoniesof the MysticShrine The Oriental Guide and escort will nowconduct you onward, while you will reverently lendan attentive ear to our [aleparatory service.

Gong,music, verse Candidatesproceed.Grand Potentate—Whois he who hath professed

to haxe conversed in person with the Supreme andmaketh hiunsclf mightiest of his Mohammed, theProphet of the Arab’s creed?

Cong. music and short verseChief Rabban—Whobut Mohammed mingled Isis

religion with his Hourii and said Ate not these thetrue sourcesof happiness?

Gong. music, verse.~1ssistant Rabban—Whatshall befall them who

iNITIATiON

have reflectedwith abhorrencethat which the Proph-et hath revealed? Wherefore their works shall notavail, do they not travel through the earth and seethe end of thosewho were before them?

Gong, music, versePriest—Whydo unbelieversindulge themselvesand

eat as beasts, shall not their portion be a toiment?Appeal to the Prophets for the truth.

Gong, music, verseGrand Potentate—Towhom shall be meted out

the boiling watersto drink, that they shall burst theirbowelsand shall be cast into molten lava to be con-sumed? The infidels who wait until the last hourof justice.

Gong, music, verse.Chief Rabban—Letus be of the number of those

who bathe in the fountain of incorruptible watersand rivers of milk, the taste whereof changethnot,and rivers of wine, pleasant and purifying to thosewho drink, andenter into the vineyardswhere fruitsrare and plenty ever abound, and no evil exists.

Gong, music, verse.AssistantRabban—Hewho follows the plain decla-

ration of his dictator will ever avoid those whoseevil works have been dressedfor them by the deviland who follow up their own lusts.

Gong, music, verse.Priest—There are Moslems among us: there are

others who swerve Irom propriety; but whossoseek-eth Islam earnestly seeks true direction, but thosewho swerve from truth and justice shall merr~ andreapabundaisceof chastisement.

Gong, music, veise.Grand Potentate—Letus purify oneanother,There

are two highwaysto good and evil, attempt not the

20 THE MYSTIC SHRINE INITiATION 21

city of destruction Be ye all possessedof the facultyof distinguishing and the power of choosingwicked-nessand piety For the punishmentof each will beequal to the measureof his sin.

Gong and music, until the candidates,arriving atthe East, halt.

Grand Potentate—Sonsof the Desert,you have ad-vanced through the preliminary ceremoniesof theNobility of the Mystic Shrine,as tar as it is possible,unobligated. Before adsancingfuither in our courseyou will be required to assumea most powerful andbinding oath, inseparably uniting yourself with us,andwhen once taken it can never be retractedor de-parted from. But, I assureyou, therein is not con-tained a sentiment exceptionable to all that may be-come an honest, upright man, be his beliefs whatthey may. Are you willing to assumesuchan obliga-tion?

Candidates—fam.Candidatesare conductedaround to the West and

to the Altar of Obligation amid soundof gong, chumand music Kneel at altar with bound arms leaningupon the top, headsbowed Grand Potentatestrikesthrice to call all around the altar, and then to candi-dates:Repeatafter me.

OBLIG AflON

i’—, of my voluntary desire, uninfluenced and offree accord, do hereassume,without reserve, the Ob-ligation of the Nobility of the Mystic Shritie, as (lidthe elect of the Temple of Mecca, the Moslem andthe Mohammedan. I do hereby,upon this Bible, andon the mysterious legendof the Koran, and its dedi-cation to the Mohammedanfaith, promise and swearand vow on the faith and honor of an upright man,

come weal or woe, adversity or success,that I willneverreveal any secretpart or portion whatsoeverofthe ceremoniesI have alt eady received,that are aboutto be communicated to me or that 1 m-y hereafterbe instructed in, to any personin the world, exceptit be to a well-known memberof the Order of Noblesof the Mystic Shrine, and I, knowing to an absolutecertainty that he or they be truly and lawfully such,and of good standing with such Nobility. That I willnot be present,aid or countenancethe conferring ofthe Order of the Mystic Shrineupon any personwhois not a Masonic Knighr Templar or a thirty-seconddegreeA andA Scottish Rite Mason in good stand-ing.

I further promiseand vow that I will not willfullywrite, cur, speak or portray any detail that might beconstrued into even a clue to the same, except forofficial Temple work.

Furthermore,I do hereregister a sacredvow, prom-ising, should I live to become a meniber, I will im-partially cast a black ballot without fear or favoragainstfriend or foe applying for membershipin theNobility of the Mystic Shrine,whom I believe to bedisgraced,dishonored,a thief, a perjurer, a murderer,a lunatic, an idiot or a criminal. And should I undis-mayed pass safely through the Moslem test and befound worthy the confidenceof my fellows albeit I donot actively espousethe cause,still I do promise lobe silent, even if neutral, and not oppose the pur-posesof the order.

I further promiseandvow that I will obey the lawsand submit to the decreesof the ParentTemple, theImperial Grand Council of the United States ofAmerica, and that I will not acknowledge,recognizenor be present in any other body of Nobles of the

INITIATION 2322 TIlE MYSTIC SHRINE

Mystic Shrine, claiming to be Superior in authority,nor be present in any clandestine1 emple not hold-ing constitutional authoriiy from the Imperial GrandCouncil of the Mystic Shrine

“I furthermore promIse and vow that to the fullmeasureand of my ability I will never swerve fiom]ustIce nor duty ihat I will respect virtue; protectthe innocent, assistthe distressed,promote rhe incul-cation of honor and integrity and dispense reason-able charity That I will protect and defend the un-sullied honor of any Noble of the Mystic Shrine,when absent, if assailed, antI now upon this sacredbook, by the sincerity of a Moslem’s oath I hereregis-ter this irrcsocable ow, sitb~cribing myself boundthereto as well as binding myself by the obligationof the prere

1uisite to this rnembei-ship, that of aKnight Teniplar or that of a thirty-second degreeA.and A, Scottish Rite Mason In willful violationwhereof may I incur the fearful penalty of havingmy eyeballs pierced to the centerwith a three-edgedblade,my feet flayed and I beforced to walk the hotsandsupon the sterile shoresof the Red Seauntil theflaming sun shall strike me with li~id plague, andmay Allah, the god of Arab Moslem and Moham-medan,the god of our fathers, stipport me to the en-tire fulfillment of the same,Amcn, Amen, Amen”

Grand Potentate—in token of your sincerity sa-lute the SacredBook, the Biblc

Priest—Unbind the Sons of the Desert They arenow of noble birth The rays of the hot, flamingsun upon the sterile shoresof the Red Sea arestiongand more scathing than the hempcn thong”

Nobles are all seared by the Grand Potentate’sstriking once Candidatesare ordered to alise andtheir wrists are unbound

Priest—”Our Oriental will now conduct the Sonsof the Desert to our purifying cavern In the South.It is the fountain of Mecca Let them there washtheir handsin innocency,cleansing themselvesof thesnares of sin and ~‘ice that roay have surroundedthem, and let thens be returned to us free from thestains of iniquity.”

Conducted to fountain or urn, with music andversesthen conductedto the East.

Grand Potentate—’My friends, it is with pleasurethat 1 extend to you the greetingof the Noblesof theMystic Shrineand congratulateyou upon having thustar passedthe ceremoniesof our order, bear bravelyup to the Moslem test and prove your fidelity to ourcause. Although vague may appear the prospect inortr eeremonyand the aspectof our purpose, let meassureyou that thereis a deep andformidable mean-ing in it all, and when you shall have passedun-flinching and undismayedour final test of your fidel-ity, nerve and courage then will you, indeed, beworthy to espouseotir cause,but, mark well, shouldyou ultimately decline to enlist in active part you arestill bound by the strongest ties to remain neutral.Rememberthis and continue faithful to the death,but ere we impart to you our formidable purpose,you must proveyour fidelity and courage. We do notexpect all to join in active part, but thosewho donot unite in the task must applaud our deeds,or bysilence favor not an adversefaction to gain sway.

With this admonition I yield you up to our Guideand his cohorts, who will conduct you to the ante-room and blindfold you, and one by one you will besub]ectedto the Moslem test of courage And shouldan unforeseendisastercome we are in duty bound tohonor and protect thosewho are left near and dear

24 THE MYSTIC SHRINE INITIATION 25

to you. Ere you depart we bid you God-speedandadieu”

Priest (approaching to East and raising bothhands)—“Aiid may Allah protect and support you,that you be not cast into ‘al hotama’ (hell). Now letour secret~aulrs open to their width, that the vaporsof damp stagnationmay passaway. Open the pas-sage to the desert and disperse our trusty Arabs infull array for the Moslem test. Awayl’~

Candidatesconductedout under solemn music tobe preparedfor the secondsection.

Each candidateis in the custodyof an Arabic sol-dier. They are seatedand a drawing of lots takesplace if therAss~more than one candidateand eachtakes his tt(rn for-initiation. They are put throughblindfolded, 1, 2, and 3 etc. accordingto number, sixbeing the highest number actually initiated any onenight. The others if any are secretly taken aside, theblinder removed, and they witness the initiation ofthe othersandhave only to take the obligationsthem-selves

In the Pieparation Room they are told: A roughand rugged road is before you, and it is beset withdangerand with difficulties Your life will be threat-ened, and you may lose it. But remember thosewho die in the faith, will be resurrectedin glory;therefore summon to your aid courage—that trulyMasonic qualification, that puts on a fearless andcourageousattitude, that scorns the acts of a coward,who but apesthe condtict of a hero Thereforesufferyourselvesto be initiated with all the forms and cere-moniesof this ancient and honorableinstitution Doyou all assent to this trial of fortitude—that trulyMasonic qualification?

Candidates—Ido.

Nos 1, 2 and 3 are first led into the room withhandspinioned behind them,blindfolded- when theyare put on the journey over the “Hot Sands,~’ [rug-ged road] each with an Arab Soldier on each side,pricking him wtth his saberto hurry him along, andwhen one falls down, a whack with the flat of a sabercauseshim to arise. After they have gone aroundtwo or threetimes, two are selectedto escapeenemieswho they are told are approachingon a mission ofmurdering all who have not passed“The Bung HoleTest.”

THE BUNG HOLE TEST

The largemetal cylinder is then produced,stretch-ed out about 30 feet Each candidateis asked if hewas ever called a coward, or turned his back on anenemy. He is promptedto say No, I perform all I un-dertake andneserback down or out They are then)led to oppositeends of the big cylinder, causedto en-ter and aretold to hurry up asthe enemy is approach-) Ing. The centerof the cylinder containsa strong net-work of cord or wire, preventing either from passingthrough. They meet in the middle of the cylinderand strive to passeach other while the Arabs poundon the outside with clubs and swords till they axesatisfied, when they slide an opening in the door andask if they wish to go on or back out They of courseback downand out, when they aregi’.en a lectureontheir assurance,and told never to be too sure of athing till they have tried it They are one by onetaken into anotherapartment,often stretchedout ona plank to rest. While in this position a small dogor one who can imitate a dog, is causedto give asharpyelp, just after a few dropsof warm water hasbeen squirted on the candidate’s face, with the re-

26 THE MYSTIC SHRINEINITIATION 27

marli, “Take that dog out, he has just pissed in theface of Mr. ——-——, when a generallaugh takesplaceand the candidateis shownthe trick.

The “Btimper” is next used. A box aboutsix feethigh; perpendicularon one side,and concaveon theother side A ladder is then placed on the concaseside. The candidateascendsthe ladderand is seatedon the top, Isis legs hanging over the coticave side.Then he is told to take hold of the end of a largelope, abouttwo feet long: held up by a smaHstringor thread. He is told under no circumstancesto letgo of the rope, which he firmly grasps,whets tire boxfalls to pieces,and he is shot down the concavesideof the box thumping his headand buttockson a par-tition that is fixed to receive him. lIe is then con-ducted to the Grand Potentate,whom he is cor”r-manded to approach with humble and great reier-ence, stooping very low on his knees, his head near

the ground, hisbuttocks elevated,where he receives

the ‘‘GrandSalaam~’ that is a

blow on his but-tocks with two piecesof board betweenwhich areplaced some torpedoesthat explode with a loud re-port when they come together. This is called theGrandSalaamor strokeof introduction. He is thenintroduced to the Grand Potentate,near whom is aGalvanic Battery, so arranged (under the carpet)that when the candidate is introduced to the GrandPotentate,he receives a severe electric shock. Allthose to whose lot it fell, in the casting of lots, areallowed to come into the room andbe seated.

After a social meeting with the members, each ofwhich passaround the room and are personally in-troducecli to the officers and memberspiesent as x~ehlas the Arabian soldiers, two of the best boxers areleft with the candidatetalking sThen one says to theother, I will bet you a dollar that I can guessnearerto this brother’s age than yoti can ‘-I he other takesthe bet. The money is placedin the handsof anotherNoble. The bettor, after they liaxe made some i(hic-ulous guesses,asks the age of the peison \\‘hen hetells his age, they get into a quarrel about it, eachgives the other the lie A challenge is then gisen andaccepted A ring is formed, tr~o of the candidatesarcchosenas seconds,and as soon as the gloses arc pio-duced, (large hoxing glovcs) the C,rand Potentateappears,stops the fight, fines each of the fighteis OiicHtindrecl Dollars, and declares that the seu)irdls(candidates) must fight it out for their i espe(ti~e

clients That is, supposingA and B to be the pi ofes-sional boxers, A’s second niust fight ~ itls B, and il’ssecondwith A A ring is formed and the noviec can-didates meeting of course x~ith some skilled Noble,get somerather hard knocks, svh~chi the Nobles andother candidatesenjoy.

While the fighting is going on, some Noble makescomplaint that he has been robbed, his pocket pick-ed. He had previously put a package,or somexalu-able article in the pocket or clothes of one of thecandidates A general scaich follorss, the stolen prop-erty is fotind on a candidates~ho has not been ex-ercisedmuch and he is at once chirged ‘s ith the theft,is pitched on to by tiso or threeof rise Nobles, rough-ly hustled out of tire roons for trial, stripped of hisclothing except a paii of drarsers, he is then blind-folded, andafter being cdl aiound the ioom, is seated

28 THE MYSTIC SHRINE INITIATiON 29

on a large sponge filled with ice water, when thenews comes that he has been forgiven on accountofIsis good character,which has]ust been received bytelegraph,he is led out aiid investedwith his formerclothes

While the foregoing is being enacted, candidateswho have escapedthe Prize Fight etc are conductedinto another room, where they either find severalmembersdisguisedas women,or find them discussingan expectedsisit of “Lady Nobles of the Shrine” orthey ale squarehytold that there is to be such a visitthat e~eningand a committee may be appointed toreceive them in a proper manner.

Candidateis strippedto shirt, drawersandslippers,blindfolded, and led arouind the room several timeswhen he is halted

Conductor—(to candidate) Thus is the placewhere our brethren stop io sprinkle the Devih’s Passwith urine You will contribute a few dropsof urineto commemoratethe time and place where all whopasshererenouncethe wiles andl evihs of the world toworship at the Shrine of Isham. Only a few dropswill do.

Candidate begins to obey instructions when theblinder us jerked from his eyesand he beholdsbeforehim a group disguised as women, with bonnetedfaces and capesshowing, the rest of theur bodies hidby a screen He is alhowed to escapefrom the roomamud a roar of laughter Irom the on-lookers.

Meanwhile,and during thesescenes,anotherDramatakes phace,while the last is going on as follows:

Some member goes out and calls the most timidcandidateaside, or if there be but one, some delaytakes phace, and he is left ahone with the memberwho should be bus friend. The member then hastily

endeavorsto encouragehim, and tells him confidentially that he will not be harmed; that it is all ceremony, etc. and although organizedas a vigilance inquisition abroad, in this country it will becomeentirely a social order Then he gives him the pass-word, signs, etc, hastily, in confidence and in full.

When fully confided, he is discoveredby someof-ficer or memberwho becomesenragedat the memberso ‘disclosing and they have some sharp words, andthediscovererdeclares that he will report him to theGrand Potentate for censure.

Member replies, “Do as you please” (this all out-side) - It is then wh~spercdabout so that the rest ofthe candidatescan hear it (if more than one) andopinions are expressedthat there will be trouble forsuch exposuresbefore the candidatesees the end ofthe ceremonies,ete, or that it was unhawful informaltion given before the candidateis through the initia-tion.

(This candidateis then left until last, if therearemore thaTsone) -

Meantime the friend (member) who has betrayedthe signs departs to another room, divests himself ofall but his shut, pantsand shoes Whitening his faceand at proper time bound at the wrists, blackenedunder the eyes and on the lips to give him a ghastlyappearance.Keepsout of sight and awaits the com-ilug ceremonyor clothes himself with a domino andmaskandwaits until reqtiired (all this should occupybut a shoit space of time) - Furthermore, anothermember, a slender, fragile, smooth-fadedyoung man(preferable) is selectedto be robed as a woman orArab girl In white or brown flowing robes, gather-ed tightly at the waust, bare arms and neck, femalewig or striped silk handkerchiefabout the head,lace

SO THE MYSTIC SHRINE INITIATION

painted pale (with zinc and bismuth), eyebrowsblackened and arched, under eyelids penciled withIndia ink to disguise as much as possible. He is cov-eredwith domino and masked to enter the Templeand seatedwith a member of light weight or spareman, one not t03 prominent or well known.

This member hasa domino on, beneathwhich hehas his coat, vest, etc , and white shirt; under theshirt is buckled a scide, soft padded belt fastenedaround undur the armpits with two straps from Irontof shoulderspassingoser the back and two from theshoulder blades, behind all four unite in a ring orswivel at the back of the neck, ready for harmlessexecution by hangingat their proper time.

These disguised members, being all prepared,sitaside in doniinoes and niaskech in some obscurecor-ner to await the cesemonies. Officers and membersall robed and masked

Arrangementsof the temple Immediatelyafter thecandidatesleave the Temple loom a large banquettable is

1)laced in the position of the Altar, providedwith iunclieon 01 banquiet (as can best be done, invariety, according to ability of body) ; when all isproperly set a frame is placed upon the table, vizFour squiute sticks, forming a post for each corner,about Toni recti inches or more Isight, with bars fromeach corner, forming a squire fraiste the size of theLuble All this is abose rIse banquet.andthe supportsa black cloths or coser,elevated in the center, osten-sibly loi mii:g a tomb The cloth is ornamentedwithsphinx, rim, crescents,etc , and should i-each to tIreIloor on all siJesand be hinged, this concealsall thetable andl banquet

The L~ver, Altar of !ncenseand all the furniturearc placed abouit the Temple on each side. Its the

North a scaffold us erected of two upright and onehorizontal jousts, painted black and strong enough tosupport the weight of a man when suspended,a holeus in the centeroh the hoiizontal bar and a pulley onthe right corner for a rope to slide over, alsoa strongpeg on the center of the right perpendicularbar orpost on which to fasten the rope after elevating theman,with a clasp on the end of the noose in the cen-ter to hook into t lie i ing at the back of the culprit’sneck.

The gibbet shouldl be high enough to enable theexeeutioneu-sto laise the extieinities about thice feetfrom the floor and leave a spaceof two or three feetabove the headl (all theseappointmentsneed cost buta small sum, the whole equipment has been so ar-rangedas not to be too expensive,tiiiless extravagantproh)eities :tre deslied)- A member with white robe,skull and skeleton-facedmaskstands front of scaffoldto adjtist nooseat proper time Two strong membersat the side of scaffold, robed in black, to elevate theculprit. (Scaffold may have black curtains about itif desired to conceal the execuitionersat the side)

Furthermore,a headsman’sblock is placed in theSouth coveredwith black. A heaclsmanwith a carvedblade battle ax, clothed in a scarletrobe gatheredatthe waist, with belt audI sssord, weai ing scaulet niask,presides at the block Beside the block lies a falseheadon the floor with a black cloth dovering it (witha beard to tesemhulea member, if dle’~ircdl) A smallbowl or dish should also be in readuiresson a St,sndl

for the ceremoniesof bleedingThe gong should be attendledl by some competent

member and the orgaoust at his l)ost All is now inreadiness for second sectioli, the rough or ArtificialDesert.

32 THE MYSTIC SHRiNEINITIATION 33

SECOND 5H~TiON

The rough or Artificial Desert, etc., is then pre-pared as follows ~Iiue caodidhstesare hoodwinkedand in stocking feet enter dfter three loud alarms(violent blows from theruv~ullc’t) At first they proceedone by one on carpet, then upois a spread of cornhusks, then a Stril) of stair coscr or sheetingstrewnwith pebbles,followed by a ladlder with close rounds,canup stools folded and a roller or any rough roadmost conveuuiently prepared out through hallways,etc accoidungto facilities During this intercoursedrum, fife, golug, organ, rattle, bugle,etc, etc or anyhideous pandemonium instruments desired. Thenpersecuiteand test candidatesas much as they willstand Finally they are returned,one by one, to theTemple again amid the din, overpowered,laid in ahammock or canvasand folded in and swung fromside to side or thrown upward, carried hastily aboutand finally placetl in some otiter aparrmctutto awaitthe other candidates When all have passedthus or-deal, collect them together in the ante-room,removethe relics of due dlCuert antI at once place the Tenuplein order for the last ceremonyor third section.

All being in readiness,ofhicers shuotild be at theirposts, executioners at scaffold, skeleton masked infront of sanuc, and hueadsnuauuat the block, etc , Infront of Eastsevenseatsarc preparedl for sevenmencalled ‘‘Council of the liit

1uisitionBefore the alarm the Potentatecalls seven officers

or meusbersfor iIidlti isutoi s to the East l~otcntatc oc-cupies the center, two Rabbans (one on each side)the Priest occupiesthe chair in rIte East,wielding thesceptre~all maskedexceptPotentateand Priest, roomquite dark. Ceremonial Mastersare outside with can-

didates, clothed in white robes or dominoes, withshoeson and not hoodwinked

THIRD SECTION

First Ceremonial Master—(Outside, strikes thriceloudly upon the door with a woodenmallet). Orien-tal Guide, inside, returns the alarm, opensthe wicketand says:

Why this clamorousalarm?Ceremonial Master—(One, two or three) candi-

datespursuing the secretsof the Mystic Shine.Oriental Guide—Havethe Mystic Pass?Ceremonial Maater—Whispers. Nemesis.Oriental Guide—Let them enter.Chains drawn, gong sounds low: organ music and

door is opened. Candidatesconducted to front ofWest and seated.

Grand Potentate—”My friends, having passedthrough the ordealof traversingthe hot sandsof thedesert undismayed, you are now returned for thefinal ceremonies But we find ourselves compelledmost unexpectedly, to hold a secret inquisition tojudge and executeupon a traitorous element withinour Temple. I must, however, stay thoseproceed-ings to briefly invest you with the knowledge of oursecrets.

If it be your desire to decline the active part youare sacredly bound to secrecyand silence.

Our mission is to succor the distressed,relieve theoppressed, protect the innocent and punish theguilty, equalize station, establish harmony in allcreeds,ci-uTh fanaticism and intoleranceand perpetu-ate the welfare of mankind.

Crime is running rife over the land; our laws aredeemedinadequatefor the emergencyandwe areex-

34 THE MYSTIC SHRINEINITiATION 35

ponentsof a vigilance inquisition to promptly exe-cute and punish the malefactor, the thief, the mur-deser, the despoiler of innocence and virtue, theviolator of obligation and the desecratorof Masonicvow. Our purpose is to struke terror to the heart ofthe criminal class by bringing them speedily andwithout mercy to the block or to the bowstring of theMystic Shrine•

“To arrest,judge and executewithin the hour, andthus take the law within our own grasp and summar-ily punish the malefactor. Blood for blood and lifefor life, and as our fleet-footed justice overtakesandpunishes the evil-doer, aye, even in the heat of misdeed, it will be a lesson to those who remain andknow not the fate of the departed.

‘The day is not far distant when the nameand theescritcheonof the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine willstrike a pallid terror to the wild devouringelementofcrime, and the thankful prayers of the un

1urotecredwill attestthe justuce of our cause.

“I will now invest you with the salutation5~signs,grips and passwordsof out order”

WORK or SHIRD SECTION

Captain of the Guard (Discoveringa memberwitha female in the Temple in disguise. shouts)—“MostNoble Prophetand High Priest, a spy, an intruder, atrairol is in the Templel”

All arise; confusion. Officers of Ceremonies,Guideand Priest proceedto the scene

Captain of the Guard—MOstNoble Priest, I havebut now discovered an intruder accompanied by awoman both without SecretPasshave gained admis-sion into Temple”

Pointed out and maskremoved:

Priest—”By our faith, Nobles, we are betrayedl”Both are seizedby the Oriental Guide and Marshal

and surrorindedby Inquisirors, exclaiming:“To the executionerwith rheml”Potentate—Holdlstaiud all apart; disrobeour man-

tle from that female form; bind and hold her fast.”Domino and hood taken off and the woman stands

held fast, robed in white and dismayed; bare armsand neck.

Potentate (pointing to male member) —“Strip andhang that spy without delay.”

Officers roughly strip member to shirt and pants(he is previouslx painted pale and haggard and is

preparedfor executionas before directedPotentate—Stranger,have you no defense?If not,

you must meet the death of a spyCulprit shakeshis head (No)Potentate--Thenlet the culprit be exectired1-le is hrirrued to the sdaffold, the executioner, in

skeleton mask, adjusts the noose. He has a looserope then placedabout the neck (to appear real) -

Priest (kneels before the gallows)—“Thus do weyield up thy life for our own security and may jus-rice, peaceand mercy abide with thee.”

Executioner placeson the black cap, Priest arisesandholds up handkerchiefand drops it, gong sounds,and the victim is suspendedtn the air. He strugglesan instant andhangssilent and apparently lifeless.

Potentate—Thusperish all our enemies. NobleGuide, seat that miscreant woman by the block andcut a deep crescentupon her naked breast. We can-not tuhue her life,”

She swoons and falls in chair or arms.Ortental Guide—”Ihlustrious Grand Potentate,she

has alreadyswooned”

36 ‘IHE SSYSTiC SHRINE

Potentate—Thebetter still, shewill nor know herpains. Cut the crescenton her breast and drag herhom our Temple. She’ll not foiget the Nobles of theMystic Shrine.”

She is dragged in a chair to the block, a bowlbrought, her breast bared and a knife is seen in theofhicer’s hand The bowl is held in front and anofficer from behind holds tinder the arm a rubberbulb with stem, that holds a pint of red wine; a cut,a groan and the blood (wine) flows into the bowl.The bowl is set on the block, a blood-stainedtowelis also thrown down,and sheis borne from the Tem-ple in the chair to an outet chamber.

Priest (taking sip the bowl) —Most Noble Councilof the Inquisition, now, in testimony of the justiceof our catuse, let us in this maiden’s blood seal thealliance of otur bond of secrery and silence. And letthis day’sbloody work in the deepestrecessesof everyNoble’s heart be buried

(Priestand sevenInquisitors drinkCurtain in front of scaflold may bedrawn and the

executedlet down for rest. The officer who detectedthe nuember exposing the work now arises hastily(the member being all preparedwithout)

Priest—Illustrious Grand Potentate,I now demandcensureor punishmentupon a member (mentioningname) upon whose case thus Inquuisiuor’s Tribunalhasdeliberatedfor the crime of treason in our midst,exposingour secretsto a friend and candidatewithinour very Temple

Potentate—”Let hum be brought before us”Secondculprit brought in, stripped (as described)

to shirt and pants.Po,entate—”Sir, you have been openly accusedof

treasonand betrayal of our faith, not only herebut

INITiATION

F—

57without our Temple’s walls The Vigilance Inquisi-tion have tried, judged and sentencedyou; what isyour defense?”

Oriental Guide—”Grand Potentateand Inquisitorsof our Council. let me appeal to this tribunal to tem~per justice with mercy, and in slight extenuationofthis crime, her me offer this defense- Being loose oftongue when plied with wine and most earnestlyim-portuned by his best beloved friend, he, in part, didyield, all in good nature, but intent on friendshipand not meaningharm, fri’.olotisly related who andwhat we were and the object of our cause And tisishis friend and companion,now comesto beard us inour lair and exoneratehimself by the assumptionofour vows. Therefore, I do opine, their punishmentshould be equal and each to assumethe wrong or letthe novice assumeit all, for ‘tis monstrousto leasehis friend to perish for a crime promptedby himself’~

Potentate (to candidate)—“Stranger Knight thusaccused,arise. Vt’hat say you to this grave charge~”

Candidateanswers (no matter what) -

Culprit member—”By my Moslem oath, IllustriousGrandPotentate,all that hasbeensaid by our NobleGuide is true. Thai I have erred I cannotdeny, butall that 1 in confidence imparted to him I am in-formed that he has loosely brawled about, luence Imust suffer for his crime”

Potentate—”Hold, enough! Most High ProphetandPriest, to you do I appeal for judgment. Althoughour councul has before decuded,still do I appeal toyou.~’

Priest (advancingon the floor) —“Grand Potentateand Council of Inquisimors, our cause is sorely tried,our Temple and our Shrine in jeopardy, the crescentturns perpendicular, point and point, and spills its

38 ThE MYSTIC SHRINE

mystic blood; the hourii weepand Justhe dropsherscale,for by their fault spieshave fallen in our midst.Our safety commandsjudgrrsent on them both. Letthe first in fault and his fellow go to the block to-gether.

All the Inquisitors arise and exclaim: “To theblockl to the headsmanl”

First and secondCeremonialMasiers seizeculpritmember and conduct him to the block, then seizecandidateand conduct him to the West. Take offhis robe, coat, collar, etc., except pants and shirt,sameas culprit member,and bind his hands.

Potentate—Let the traitor suffer first”Culprit is hurried to the block, blindfolded and

madeto kneel, headon block (a falsewax or carvedheadlies besideblock, with black cloth over it, outof sight) -

Priest (holding up sceptre)—“And now may jus-tice, peaceand mercy abide wuth you. Strikel” Theatte falls, culprit tumbleson floor, executionerstoops,lifts black cloth from false headand coversheadofculprit, seizesfalseheadby hair, raisesit to view andetuclaims:“Nemesish”

Candidateis hoodwinked and made to approachthe block andlay his headupon it.

Priest—”Holdl Executioner, mark this stranger’sneckwith the scimeter,but do not slay him.”

The headamanslaps the candidate on the neckwith a damptowel and he is at once takenby forceand placed in the hammockor canvas,carriedandplaced in a coffin at the East endof the catafalque.while the culprit andtheheadareborneinto an out-erroom. Officers all return.

Potentate—”Thuisdoth the evil doerandthemale-factor meetwith ‘Nemesis’at the Inquisition of Mys-

KINITIATION 59

tic Shrine and it now becomesour duty to deposittheresultof our vigilancein the tomb, isolatedfromthe eyesof the meddling world, a fit abiding placefor the remainsof the unlaithful. Most Noble Ori-entalGuide, Jestthe secretclaspof ow- Mystic Cata-falque be permaturelyknown to ow- novices, letthem be againhoodwinked,that their heartsmay betaughtsecrecyandtheir tonguessilencederetheyareentrustedwith the secretsof the Mystic Shrine.

Candidatesall blindfolded. The coffin is thenstood on end or placed at an angle with headonchair, at end of tableor tomb, toward the East; theblock andexecutionerplacedat the West side. Theculprit again elevatedby the noose, skeletonexecu-tioner at his side; the woman seatedat the North;offices-s and membersgatheredaround the table intableauxandlights turned up; black cloth andframeremovedfrom banquet table and all L~ in readinessfor the finale.

Grand Potentate~”Nowlet us rejoice that iniquityhaslain herproud idol in thedust and that justicehas triumphedover sin. And ever thuslet our lightso shinebeforemeworks.” n that they maybehold our good

Gong; hoodwinksremoved;musicandgeneraljubi-lee as banquet. Candidateis providedandeatsanddrinks from coffin, theculprit also from the gallows,asalsothe female,still in costume,at theNorth, etc.,etc.

After general banquetthe meeting is closedin aformal manner.

After ageneralbanquetbut beforethe meetingisformally closed,candidatesarerequiredto sign name,occupation,residenceandagewhen theyare instruct-ed in thesecretwork as follows:

‘I

40 THE MYSTIC SHRINE

THE SALUTE

Graspheft hands,shake, and raiseright hand to side of the face as ifto brushoff a fly

GRAND hAiLING 5ALAAM.

The sign is gixen by facing theOrient, leaning forward as if makinga how bow, arms raised and extend-ed palms out, head thrown forwardin a rexerential and beseeching man-ncr body bent more than shown incut.

This sign must be given on entering ~ind retiring.Word of entrancegixento Outer Guardian.Mecca.Word of entrance given to Inside Guardian.

Nemesis.

THE END

N. 13. In different places, this is worked in differ-ent ways, and not always atcording to the rime num-ber of candidates etc. given here. This is the Stand-ard Work.

J

1~y-L.aws.ARTICLE I.

THE TEMPLE.

SEc’rIoN i. Name and style of this Temple isOF THE ANCIENT ARABIC ORDER

oF NOBLES OF THE MYSTiC SHRINE, at

ANNUAL sESSiON.

SEe. 2 The Annual Sessionof this Temple,atwhich the elective officers shall he elected, shallhe at the regular session in December in eachyear.

SEC. 3. Stated Sessionsof this Temple shall beheld each month in the year.

SPECIAL SESSION.

SEc 4. Special Session may he called by theIllustrious Potentate, when iii his ludgniciitthe good of the Temple will be promotedthere, but no business can be tran~acted at a

Special Session eacept such asis specitied in the

call. And no petitions for the Order of Noblesof the Mystic Shrine or applications, can he re-ceived, nor can the ballot be spread for candi-dates,nor can the funds ot the Temple be votedaway at Special Session.

ARTICLE II.

OFFICERS.

Sac. ~. The names of officers of this Templeshall be as follows:

a Illustriousa

Potentate.Chief Rabbs.ii.

“ Assistant Rabban.i~ig~sPriest and Prophet.4 “ oriental Guide.

5 ‘• Treasurer.

67 “ Recorder.

who shall be electedannually by ballot, andB Illustrious First CeremonialMaster.

“ SecondCeremonialMasterandStandardBearer.

“ Marshal,a’ Captain of the Guard.

“ Outer Guard.who shall he appointed by the IllustriouS

Potentate, and removed at his pleasure.The Officers may be installed as soon as prac-

ticable alter election.

DUTIES 01 THE ILLUSTRIOUS POTENTATE.

SEc. 6. The Illustrious Potentate is speciallycharged to seethat the By-Laws of this Temple axeduly observed,as well as the Constitubon, Statutesand Regulations01 the Imperial Grand Council; thataccuraterecords are kept and just accounts rendered.that regular returnsarc madeto the Imperial Council;

43and that the annual dues are promply paid , and notlessthantwo sessionsare heldannually,of which oneshall heheld in December.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS.Sac. 7. The dutiesof the officers of this Temple

shall be those assignedthem in the ritual, and astraditionally appropnaled to them respectively, asalsodefined in the statutes.

COMPENSATION OF O~FiCERs.

SEC. S. The Illustrious Recorde’md the Illustri-ousOuterGuard shall receive such i ompensationfortheir servicesasthe Temple may at ar, annual sessiondetermine, and shall he e,xempt from dues whileactingas such.

ARTICLE III.FINANCE.

SEc. g. The Illusinous Treasurer shall receiveand dishurse the funds of this Temple under irsdirections from time to time, and sha~i immediatelypay over to his successorall funds rem..Ining in his

handsundisposedof.COMMITTEE ON FINANCE.

Sac ro. The Illustious Potentate,the Jllustiiou5

Chief Rabbanand the Illustrious Assrstant Rabtianshall constitute a Committee on Finance, ti. whomshall be referied at a Stated Session all d~ ‘nand5

against the Temple. and who thall audr. t’ie

Treasurer’s and Recorder’s accounts and reportin writing at the annual sec;on.

42

44VIS5URESMXNTS.

SEC. ii. All disbursements of the funds of theTemple shall be made hy the Illustrious Treasuierby order drawn by the Illustrious Potentate,at-tested by the Recorder on the direction of theTemple. and not otherwise.

ARTICLE IV.

PETITIONS FOE INITIATION.

Sic. 12. Every candidate for initiation must beproposedby at least two nobles of this Temple at aStated Session,when a ballot shall be taken on thequestion: “Shall be he proposed?”and if one negativeballot appears,no recordthereofshall be made;shouldthe ballot he clear, the petition shall be referredto a

Committeeof investigationconsistingof threeNobles,who shall thereon at the next Stated Session. At thetime of presentation dollars shall accompanythe petition, and the balance of the fee shall bepaid before the confemng of the order. If thecandidate is rejected, or if it be decided that heshall not be proposed, the deposit shall he returned;but if elected and the candidate neglects to presenthimself for initiation within six monthsthereafter,the deposit shall become forfeited to the use ofthe Temple.

NOTIFICATION,

Sac. 13 Thenameof eachcandidatefor initation,together with his age, occupation and residence, and

45thenamesof the membersproposing him, shall bestatedin thenotice for theStatedSessionat which heis to heballoted for, ar-.d that nol ice shall hedeliveredto every Nohle~ personally or by mail~ at least oneweek previous to taking suchballot.

SEC. 14 One negative ballot shall reject, but ifthere shall appear hut one negative,a second may hetakcn,but no more, upon the appearanceof a negativeon such second ballot, the candidate shall be declaredrejecred~ and stand disqualified from making asecond application for thirteen weeks.

SEC. 15. Objection to a petitioner afterelectionshall have the same force and effect as a rejectionof his application.

SEC. x6. Every candidate for membership in the

Temple shall be proposed through the IllustriousPotentateat a Staied Session.

AFFILIATION

SEC. 17. The petition for affiliation must be

accompanied by the petitioner’s demit from the

Temple of which he was formerly a memher, andthe ballot shall be taken in the same mannerasan application for initiation

SEc. IS. No person shall become a memberof this Temple until he shall have had conferredupon him the degreesof the order, paid the feeand subscribedto these By-Laws.

TERMINATION OF ME5iBER5H~p

SEC. 19. Membership may be terminated byvoluntary demission,on payment of all indebted-

t

46flees to the Temple, or by expulsion after duetrial, and a vote of three-foUrths of the memberspresent when the vote is taken.

Ssc. go. The suspension or expulsion of aKnight Templat by his Commandery or a thirty-second degree S. P. R. S. by his Consistoryshall ipse fato cause his suspension or expulsionfrom this Temple. His reinstatement by hisCommandery Ar Consistory, restores him to hisprevious standing in his Temple.

HONORAXY MEMBEESISIP.

SEC. 2!, Honorary membership may be confer-red upon any member of this order, by a majorityvote of those present, as a compliment, but suchmembership confers no rights or privileges.

ARTICLE VI.

FEES AND DUES.

Ssc. 22. The fees for conferring the Degreeshy this Templeshallbe dollars.andthefee for affiliation shall be — dollars.

Sitc, 23. The dues of this Temple shall be fivedollars per annum, payable on or before theStated Session in December.

SUSPENSIONS.

SEc. 24. Any noble of this Temple who shallremain in arreaxS for dues for one Stated Session,shall be notified by the Illustrious Recorder to

47pay his dues, and if, after being thus notified, heremains in arrears at the second Stated Sessionthereafter, he may be suspended.

RESTORATION.

SEc. 25, Any noble who has been suspendedfor non-payment of dues may be restored tomembership upon making application, which shalltake the same course as an application underSection 17, and upon payment of all arrearagesat the time of suspension, and the application lee.

ARTICLE VII.

DISCIPLINE.

Ssc. 26. When a Noble is to be disciplined forany cause other than for non-payment of dues.it shall be done only upon written chargespre-ferred by a Noble of this Temple at a StatedSession. When charges are preferred against aNoble, they shall be referred by the IllnstriousPotentate in open session to a Committee of threeNobles to hear proofs in support of, and opposi-tion to the charges, and to report the same withtheir conclusion and recommendationsthereon ata Session of the Temple in the preimses.

In case of the expulsion of a member underthis Article, the expelled member shall be ineligibleto make application for restoration for six monthsthereafter.

LZ7~ ----~ -

ARTICLE VIII.OIer)ER OP SUSINESS.

Ssc, 27. The order of husinessat StatedSessionsshall be as follows:

I Reading of records.2 Receivingand referring petitions.3 Report of Commitiees on petitions.4 Balloting.S Unfinished business.6 Miscellaneous business.7 Work.

MAJORITY VOTE.SEc. 28. A majority of votes shall determine

all questionsnot already provided for in theseBy-Laws.

SEc.29. In case a vote shall be a tie thePresiding Officer may give the casting vote.

NO APPEAL.SEC. 30. No appeal shall be madeto the Session

from the decision of the Illustrious Potentate.

ARTICLE IX.AMMENDMENTS.

SEC. 3!. Proposed alterations or axnmendmentsto these By-Laws shall be submitted in writingat a Stated Session, and shall be referred to aSpecial Committee to be appointed by the 111w;-trious Potentate, who shall report at the ne ;tStated Sessionwhen they may be acted on. Atwo-thirds vote of all present shall be requiredto adopt the same.

THE

AncientArabic Order

OFTHE

Nobelsof the Mystic Shrine

FORNORTH AMERICA

48

SHRINERSRECOGNITIONTEST

Q. Then I presumeyou area Noble?

A. I am soacceptedby all men of Noblebirth.

Q. Have you traveledany?

A. I have.

Q. From whereto what placehaveyou traveled?

A. Traveledeastover the hot burningsandsofthe desert.

Q. Wherewereyou stoppedat?

A At the devil’s pass.

Q What wereyou requestedto do?

A. I wasrequestedto contributea fewdropsofurine.

Q. Why wereyou requestedto do this?

A. As atoken of my renounctngthe wiles andevilsof theworld andgrantedpermissiontoworshipat the Shrine.

SHRINERSRECOGNITIONTEST

Q. At whatShrinedid you worship?

A. At the Shrineof Islam.

Q. Did you ride?

A. Yes, I rode a camel until I pausedtodismount.

Q. Thenwhat did you do with your camel?

A. I tied him.

Q. Where did you tie him?

A. I tied him to to a date tree, whereall TrueShrinersshoulddo so.

Yes, I pulled theCord, rodethehump,I havetraversedthehot aridsandsoftheDeserttofind Peaceandrestin thequiet shadesof the Oasis.