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Master of Tyre
The Grade of Master of Tyre is a modern one, originating in North
Carolina, USA, and is no doubt the product of the fertile minds of the
Masonic brethren in the western area of that state; they being the
originators of the Allied Masonic Degrees themselves. It does not
appear in any of the early rituals of that body, and was later
incorporated into the working along with the Grades of Superintendent,
Architect, and Grand Architect.
It was worked initially under the title "Masons of Tyre," with the
idea being to function as a separate body of Freemasonry, the initial
qualifications of membership requiring only good standing in the
Craft. The organization was to operate under the direction of a
Supreme Quarry, whose function was only to coordinate and charter new
Quarries of the body. Problems arose with the Grand Lodge of North
Carolina, which viewed the body as an alternate Masonic organization
that encroached on the sovereignty of the Grand Lodges jurisdiction.
To avoid any further dissension, the organization placed itself under
the government of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the
United States.
The degree is somewhat awkward, being set around long lectures, which
detract somewhat from the central lesson of the degree. The emphasis
on the Tyrian connection of Masonry, however, makes it unique from the
perspective of the majority of Masonic degrees. The main lesson taught
is duty.
The Apron of the Grade is in the form of a triangle and is royal
purple, edged with gold.
The Jewel of the Grade is a Square and Compasses, containing in the
center a crown, and at the tips of the Compasses and the apex of the
Square three interlaced triangles containing the letters "M," "O," and
"T," suspended from a purple ribbon.
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