Secret Monitor

Secret Monitor

The origins of this Order is framed around readings taken from 1 Samuel, Chapter 20. Nearly 300 years after the Exodus people demanded that Israel should have its own king and Samuel, the reigning Judge at the time , anointed Saul, of the Tribe of Benjamin. In the beginning he was a wise and successful ruler who consolidated the kingdom but eventually he fell victim to the corruption of absolute power developing into an unjust and feared tyrant which caused great discontent. Accordingly, Samuel was commanded by God to appoint a new leader and he secretly anointed David son of Jesse, a shepherd boy, the Psalmist of the King, who was to prove himself to be an accomplished warrior.
Saul was outraged by the success of his servant, whom he saw as a threat to his throne, and determined that David should die. The king’s son Jonathan, who was well aware of the treacherous designs of his father, warned David of the impending danger which enabled him to escape to a refuge in the wilderness. Such selfless acts of Jonathan described in the Old Testament demonstrate an unparalleled strength of loyalty and Brotherly Love, that of placing the interests of another above those of oneself; the intrinsic attribute that should characterise every virtuous Freemason.

The Order of the Secret Monitor or Brotherhood of David and Jonathan in the British Isles and its Territories Overseas

The Order, which is based on this remarkable friendship between David and Jonathan, possibly originated in Scotland, was taken to New York and then came to England in late eighteenth century. For a time the Order came under the aegis of the Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees, but in 1931 some fresh understandings were reached and the Grand Council of the Order of the Secret Monitor was officially recognised. The Order is now administered from Mark Masons’ Hall.

The regalia consists of a  Member’s Jewel comprising two gilt equilateral triangles interlaced with three arrows, and charged with the letters D and J – the emblem of the Order. It is suspended from a ribbon with three equal stripes of Violet –Yellow – Violet. The sash worn by 1st degree officers is of Crimson with two gilt interlaced triangles on the frog and a gold fringe.
The jewel of a Prince of the Order is identical to that of the previous degree but is suspended from a ribbon with three equal stripes of Yellow – Violet –Yellow. The 2nd degree officer’s sash has two outer Yellow stripes and two inner Violet stripes with a central Crimson stripe bearing a gilt motif on the frog. It also has a gilt fringe.
A Supreme Ruler wears the Jewel of the Order suspended from a collarette in the colours of the 2nd degree, together with a similar sash embroidered with the letters S.R. in silver and the name of the Conclave beneath. He also wears a violet robe with gold facings. Brethren who advance to the rank of Provincial Officer continue to wear the Jewel of the Order suspended from a collarette of blue together with a similar sash bearing the name of the Province embroidered above the emblem of the order and the initials of the office held.
The regalia of a Grand Officer comprises the Jewel of the Order framed in a pointed oval worn from a collarette of Yellow bordered with Crimson, while his sash is of Crimson bordered and embroidered in gold with the Emblem, surmounted by the initials of the wearer’s rank and a Celestial Crown.There are eight Conclaves meeting within the area of the Masonic Province of East Kent.

The nearest Conclaves for members of Loyal and True are:

The Medway Towns Conclave No 333, at Manor Rd. Chatham.

Meetings are held on the second Friday in March, the fourth Friday in August and the third Friday in November.

The Paddock Wood Conclave No 316, in Hoo.

Meetings are held on the second Thursday in March, June and September.

Contact Details  

Name: Trevor Harrison

Position: Provincial Grand Recorder

Telephone: 01634 362196

Email: Trevor Harrison

Website: non

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