As a bit of background recall that, in 2016, the Committee on Education of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Oklahoma developed thirty-five Lessons on Capitular Masonry, in an effort to foster more opportunities for educational presentations during Chapter meetings. Each of these thirty-five lessons outlines a self-contained educational presentation. The material for these lessons is drawn from two readily available sources:

THE COURSE — The Capitular Masonry Education Course, which was published in 2014 by the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Oklahoma.

THE RITUAL — The Ritual of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Oklahoma, as adopted in 1932, with subsequent amendments.

Every other month we will suggest one of these lessons that a High Priest may use, if he so desires, as an educational presentation in his Chapter meeting.

This month’s suggested lesson for Chapter meetings is “Most Excellent Master Lesson #3,” which is found on p. 20 of the Lessons on Capitular Masonry.

Outline of the Lesson:

(i) Read (or exemplify) the excerpt of the Most Excellent Master ritual regarding the “Dedication of the Temple” found on p. 67-72 of THE RITUAL.

(ii) Notice that the verses II Chronicles 6:1-21, 6:41-42, 7:1-3 found in THE BIBLE are sources for the excerpt from THE RITUAL exemplified in part (i).

(ii) Read the sections on the “Removal of Aprons,” “The Reception,” and “The Dedication of the Temple” found on pp. 73-75 of THE COURSE.

Discussion Questions:

(i) Answer questions 11 and 12 on p. 83 of THE COURSE.

(ii) Discuss the esoteric merits in removing one’s apron as a part of this degree. Do you think aprons should be removed in any Lodge setting?

(iii) The descent of fire from heaven is a most dramatic symbol of the Divine presence. Discuss instances of fire in other Masonic degrees and its relationship to the Divine.

These questions are only meant to begin the discussion and to hopefully spark further discussion and interest in the chosen topic.