The Order of the Secret Monitor

 

or

Brotherhood of David and Jonathan

 

The Order of the Secret Monitor, which developed from a still more ancient degree, is the Brotherhood of David and Jonathan and is in its way older than Freemasonry itself. Its principles and its watchwords being founded upon those grand examples set by two worthy Hebrew Princes around 1000BC as recorded in the Jewish history of the Bible.

This is a Society framed upon the principles of mutual trust, watchful brotherly care; of warning in time of danger; solace in time of sorrow; and skilful and effective friendly advice in every circumstance of life: A Society that meets a great and crying need in human affairs and is calculated to benefit those who act up to its tenets.

If a Brother be in sorrow the Conclave will afford him sympathy; if in danger his Brethren will give him assistance; if in distress the Visiting Deacons will bring him consolation; if in poverty he will find aid.

Within Craft Freemasonry we are taught, at an early stage, that it has for its Principles, ‘Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth’. In no other Order in Freemasonry, than that of The Order of the Secret Monitor, can there be found a greater emphasis on those fundamental Masonic Virtues, for the teaching of those Principles is a dominant part of our Ceremonial and Ritual, and enables us to put them into practice.

This Order in Freemasonry is based on the friendship of David and Jonathan.

 

Over the past 65 years the Order has flourished in England, Wales and Scotland, and altogether there are now over 400 Conclaves in the English Constitution that includes many in India and South Africa, several in Europe and around the globe. France and Australia were formerly part of the English Constitution but were granted independence.

The English constitution of the Order has its central administration in Mark Masons’ Hall, St James, London. With the U.K. being divided into Provinces and the rest of the world into Districts, each is ruled over by a Provincial or District Grand Supreme Ruler.

Entry to the Order

For Induction, candidates need only be Master Masons in good standing. There are Three Degrees, including the Chair. Regalia for the first two degrees is a breast jewel and upon Installation, having received a delightful and personal commissioning ceremony, the Supreme Ruler is invested with a sash, collaret and robe. Provincial and Grand rank bring with them distinctive sashes of blue and crimson respectively, each accompanied by a collaret and jewel.