Shriners Ritual Details
This specific chapter of Job must be displayed when the Holy Bible is opened on the Altar of Obligation during ceremonies.
What is Chapter 1?
This highest-ranking officer in the Shrine gives the command to "receive the Mystic Pass from each and every one in or about the body of the Temple."
Who is the Illustrious Potentate?
This sacred book is opened to the Book of Job, Chapter 1, and placed on the Altar of Obligation along with the Koran.
What is the Holy Bible?
This curved Middle Eastern blade on the Shriner emblem represents the members and strength of the fraternity.
What is the scimitar?
This headwear, along with white gloves, must be worn by all members when the Illustrious Potentate announces "Let us be clothed."
What is the fez?
The ceremonial prayer asks to be made "steadfast never to desert" this specific "post of duty" that members are assigned to.
What is "the post of duty"?
This officer informs the Captain of the Guard that the Temple is about to be opened for business and ceremonies.
Who is the Assistant Rabban?
These two curved weapons are crossed, right hilt over left, and placed on the Altar of Obligation.
What are scimitars?
Formed by two claws on the Shriner emblem, this crescent shape signifies both the fraternity and its philanthropic efforts.
What is the crescent?
This secret word is exchanged between officers during the opening ceremony to ensure no "ignoble or spy" intrudes upon the ceremonies.
What is the Mystic Pass?
According to the ceremony, the Illustrious Potentate performs this specific action exactly three times after announcing "behold the Orient and attend the signs."
What is rapping (or giving raps)?
This officer "uncovers the furniture" and arranges the Holy Bible, Koran, and scimitars on the Altar, then salutes the Illustrious Potentate with the Sign of Salutation.
Who is the Oriental Guide?
This black object is positioned left side centered in front of the Recorder and draped in black cloth.
What is the Black Stone?
This ancient Egyptian creature on the Shriner emblem represents the governing body of the Shriners.
What is the sphinx?
This officer commands that the Temple be summoned for proper officers and asks the Chief Rabban if they have the Mystic Pass.
Who is the Illustrious Potentate?
The prayer specifically asks to avoid being "made contemptible by" this vice, along with being "wantonly proud by riches" and "in love with anything in this world."
What is beggary?
This officer goes to the inner door, opens it, and instructs the Outer Guard, then closes the door and gives a specific number of raps which are answered from outside.
Who is the Captain of the Guard?
This ceremonial object contains burning incense and is positioned right of center between the Black Stone and the Altar of Purification.
What is the Altar of Incense?
This celestial symbol with five points on the Shriner emblem represents the thousands of children helped annually by Shriner philanthropy.
What is the five-pointed star?
During the opening ceremony, this officer informs the Outer Guard that the Temple is "under a double-guard; picketed by a tried and trusty officer."
Who is the Assistant Rabban?
The ceremonial text specifies that when the Ceremonial Master approaches the Noble, "the Noble will stand, shake hands with" this specific hand, "and whispers the pass in the ear."
What is the left hand?
According to the ceremony, this officer stands at the East side of the Altar and offers the prayer beginning "Father and Creator, who hast given us life and being."
Who is the High Priest and Prophet?
The Koran on the Altar of Obligation is specifically opened to this numbered Surah, while the Bible is opened to Job Chapter 1.
What is the 38th Surah?
This ancient Middle Eastern city is referenced in the opening ceremony when the Illustrious Potentate invokes "the legendary sanctity of the Temple" of this holy place.
What is Mecca?
The ceremony concludes with Nobles forming this shape while opening towards the Orient as the High Priest and Prophet goes to the Altar on the East side.
What is a semicircle or a crescent?