by H.G.Crosby » Fri Mar 04, 2011 10:49 am
FIRE
The staggered rhythm of the knocks and the rhythmic clapping in
Masonic "Fire", however, have only rhythm as a common basis. The
"Fire" is attributed to a military or regimental source and was adopted
as a form of applause for after-dinner toasting. A lucid account of
Masonic "Fire" is given in the French ritual exposure, Trahi, 1745:
"They first strike two blows close together but they leave a slightly
longer interval between the second and third, the latter being somewhat
louder too. All this is repeated three times. The same graduations of
force and speed are observed at table, when they clap their hands after
drinking."
ROYAL ARCH
Another case of difficulty for many Brethren is the placing of the Royal
Arch in the Masonic system. As the Third Degree grew out of a two-
Degree system, so the Royal Arch emerged as a logical development
from that and should be viewed as an integral part. It was practised by
the Antients under the authority of their Craft Warrants as it was, to
them, literally, a Fourth Degree. The premier Grand Lodge, however,
doggedly adhered to a stand of non-recognition of the Royal Arch,
although most of their senior Grand Officers were members of it and
set up a Grand Chapter to control it: they were able to enjoy the best
of both worlds.
Once I noticed I was on fire, I decided to relax and enjoy the fall™