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Architect
The Grade of Architect is the first of a trilogy of Grades
expanding upon the Solomonic lessons of architecture. The structure of
the degree is Continental in character, resembling certain Rites of
the French and German grades, but incorporating the use of
trestleboards as used in English and Scottish Masonry. Not
surprisingly, it is first found attached to the Early Grand Rite of
Scotland under the same name, as the VII° of the Blue Series. It is
noteworthy in its interpretations as "extensions" or elaboration of
the Master Mason degree. For this reason, it is assumed, it is not
practiced or sanctioned by the English Masonic bodies, appearing only
in the American and French variants of the Allied Masonic Degrees. The
Grade was attached to the Grand Council of the AMD of the United
States as an Active Grade in 1934.
The actual degree itself is rather short, with the work resembling
that performed in Craft Masonry. The lecture or explanation, however,
takes the form of catechism between the principal officers. The ritual
is also punctuated with excessive circumabulations and floorwork,
which if followed verbatim as prescribed by ritual would make the
Grade most unworkable. The use of extensive paraphernalia and
properties also mark this Grade with the affinities exhibited by many
of the early Rites, which required large auditorium settings with
elaborate backdrops. This places it at a disadvantage, as
exemplification of the work requires greater amounts of preparation
and staging.
The Jewel of the Grade is a flaming star, containing the letter "G,"
all of which is within a triangle, in gold.
The Apron of the Grade is white, edged in deep red.
The Sash of the Grade is deep red, approximately four inches wide. It
is worn from the right shoulder, resting on the left hip.
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