The Operatives

The Operatives

Or more correctly the Worshipful Society of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers

Founded in 1913 the order is more archaic in form than speculative masonry. Of particular interest is the fact that the ritual contains practical instruction barely hinted at in the speculative rituals.

There are seven degrees in the order: 

1° Indentured Apprentice 

II° Fellow of the Craft 

III° Super Fellow Fitter and Marker

IV° Super Fellow Setter Erector

V° Intendent, Overseer, Superintendent and Warden

VI° Passed Master 

VII° Passed Grand Master Mason. 

The bodies, called assemblages, are made up of one lodge for each degree from the Fourth to the First ruled by a Deputy Master Mason. A Senior Passed Master is the local representative of the three Grand Master Masons.

A lodge of the V° has its own Deputy Master Mason while the VI Lodge is under the direct control of the Grand Master Masons while the VI° lodge is presided over by the Senior Passed Master.

The three Grand Master Masons are the sole members of the VII° Lodge, all others being said to be of the VII° honoris causa. The number of VII° Lodge members is limited and membership is conferred only on the approval of the three Grand Master Masons.

Admission to the order is by invitation and is restricted to those who are Royal Arch companions in good standing. To be raised to the VI° a member must also be an Installed Master in the Craft and hold the Mark Degree.