Prather Council #125 Knight Masons

What are the Knight Masons?

The Knight Masons arrived in this country in May, 1936 when three Councils were chartered in North Carolina by the Grand Council in Ireland. The degrees of Knight Masonry were anciently styled the “Green Degrees”. In the 1960’s control of these degrees in the U.S. passed from the Grand Council in Ireland to a Grand Council in the U.S.A., which meets annually during the Allied Bodies Meeting in Washington, D.C. Membership is by invitation, the qualification for joining is being a Royal Arch Mason for one year, and is predicated on membership in a Royal Arch Chapter. The degrees conferred are:

• Knight of the Sword: The candidate, representing Zerubbabel, seeks admission to come before King Cyrus. The King relates the details of a dream to his courtiers, and then permits Zerubbabel to enter. Zerubbabel requests liberty for the captive Jews and gives a signal demonstration of his fidelity. The King, being impressed, grants Zerubbabel and his company permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. He invests him with a sash, a sword, and a password

• Knight of the East: The time is now 16 years after the action of the previous degree. Zerubbabel now returns to Persia from Jerusalem to request of King Darius continued support in building the Jewish Temple, and his aid in driving away the enemies who are frustrating their efforts. Darius grants the request and appoints Zerubbabel a palace guard. Before retiring, the King proposes the discussion of the relative strengths of wine, women, or the king. Zerubbabel and two other guards contend via argument, with Zerubbabel coming out the victor. He is then escorted safely back to Jerusalem.

• Knight of the East and West: In this degree, Zerubbabel returns in triumph to Jerusalem and reports to the Sanhedrin, or Jewish Council. As a recognition for his valor and constancy, he is created a Knight of the East and West, and is invested with a sash and apron.

Mission of Prather Council Knight Mason

• Promote, encourage, and provide opportunities for Masonic Education
• Perpetuate the Degrees associated with the Knight Masons
• Provide the opportunity to participate in a formal Festive Board
• Serve as a more formal York Rite Body for those looking for a less casual Masonic Experience