Grades of Rank for the Brothers Serjeant

of the Jerusalem Temple

The Turcopole Ranks:

These were commoner soldiers who would fight alongside the Knights. Many of
these were locals native to the Holy Land. The Turcopole rituals take place in a
Garrison dependent on a Preceptory. Those in the Turcopoles are not yet full
members of the Order. They have a voice in discussion, but do not have a vote.
1 -- Footman
2 -- Mariner
3 -- Archer
4 -- Fugitive

After a period of no less than 6 months, the Fugitive is reviewed and may receive
the White Girdle elevating him to Serjeant. Serjeants are full members of the
order and are granted full membership privileges in the Preceptory.

Serjeant Preceptory Grades

4 – Serjeant
5 – Man at Arms
6 -- Yeoman
7 -- Escuier

The Titular Elect

8 -- Preceptory Master of Serjeants
9 -- Serjeant of the Realm Commandery
10 -- Grand Serviente

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

Form of opening a Garrison for Ritual

MS: seated, knocks *, repeated by Sen and Mar: Brethren Serjeants and
Turcopoles, assist me to open this Garrison. Knocks **.
All rise.
MS: Brother Seneschal, what is the first duty of every Brother of the
Jerusalem Temple?
Sen salutes: To guard against intrusion from Saracens, Infidels, and any other
who would interfere with our sacred duties.
MS: Direct the posting of the Watch.
Sen: It shall be done. To U. Sen: Brother Under-Seneschal, Post the Watch.
U Sen: Brother Warder, is the Garrison guarded from intrusion?
Wdr goes to door, opens it and sees that the Stl is present; he then closes the
door and returns to his station: Brother Under Seneschal, the Sentinel has
posted himself without. He shall challenge all whom approach, welcoming
friends and repelling foes. I stand guard at the gate allowing passage to none,
neither in nor out, without leave of the Master of Serjeants.
U Sen knocks once; addresses Sen: The Watch has been posted.
Sen salutes: Honoured Master, the Garrison is secure from intrusion.
MS: It is well, what is the next duty?
Sen: To ensure none but Brethren are present.
MS: See that this is so.
Sen: Brother Under-Seneschal, assist me know our brethren.
Sen and U Sen will receive g & p from each person present. Sen checking the
South, U Sen the North. The two meet across the altar and exchange the g & p.
U Sen returns to post.
Sen salutes: Honoured Master, all present are recognized as Brethren of the
Jerusalem Temple.
Visiting Brethren will be announced at this time.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 MS: Brother Clerk, we are informed the Sentinel and Warder are at their
posts. How many ritual officers besides these are called to duty in our Garrison?
Clk, saluting: Besides these, eight officers and the Chaplain.
MS: Brother Under Mareschal, your post and duties?
U Mar, saluting: My post is in the Southwest. My duties are to convey orders
from the Master of Serjeants to the Brethren and to make them accountable for
their actions.
MS: Continue then the call of the roll.
U Mar: Brother Mareschal, your post and duties.
Mar: My post is in the Northeast of the Garrison. I am the Serjeant-at-Arms.
My duties are to prepare and conduct the candidate, assist the Turcopolier, and
prepare the equipment.
U Mar: Brother Under Seneschal, your post and duties.
U Sen: My post is in the Southeast. I am the Serjeant of the Guard. My
duties are to ensure the watch is posted and announce all whom enter and leave
the Garrison.
U Mar: Brother Seneschal, your post and duties.
Sen: My post is in the Northwest. I am the Standard Bearer. It is my duty to
try the Candidate.
U Mar: Brother Turcopolier, your post and duties.
Turc.: My post is in the West before the Master of Serjeants. It is my duty to
oversee the training of the Turcopoles, lead the March, and command the
Serjeants in Battle.
U Mar: The Ritual posts are filled. Brother Drapier, your post and duties?
Drap: My post is at the Table. My duties are the disbursement of funds, the
placement of furniture in the Hall, the preparation of refreshment, and the
provision of attire to the Brethren.
U Mar: Brother Clerk, your post and duties?
Clk: My post also is at the Table. My duties are receipt of all funds,
documentation of all activities of the Garrison, and maintenance of the rolls of
membership.
U Mar, saluting: The ritual and business officers are at their posts Honoured
Master. It remains for thee to post thyself and our Chaplain.
MS: As the Master of Serjeants of this Garrison, my post is in the West. My
duties are to command the Garrison and see that all work conducted is in
accordance with the Rule & Ritual.
This leaves but one office to account for. Brother Chaplain, please state your
post and Holy duties.
Chap: My post is in the South. My duties are to prepare and administer the
sacraments, to obligate the candidate and offer the prayers of the Brethren to the
Almighty.
MS knocks ***: Brother Chaplain, please invoke the blessings of our Most
Holy Commander.
Chap Moves to altar, opens Bible to Psalm 91: Brethren, let us pray:
Chap: He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under
the shadow of the Almighty. We will say of the Lord:

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Breth: He is our refuge and our fortress; our God; in Him will we trust.
C: Surely He shall deliver us from the snare of the fowler, and from the
noisome pestilence. He shall cover us with his feathers, and under His wings
shalt we trust:
B: His truth shall be our shield and buckler.
C: We shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by
day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that
wasteth at noonday.
B: A thousand shall fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand; but
it shall not come nigh us.
C: Only with our eyes shalt we behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because we have made the Lord, which is our refuge, even the most High, our
habitation;
B: There shall no evil befall us, neither shall any plague come nigh our
dwelling.
C: For He shall give his angels charge over us, to keep us in all our ways.
They shall bear us up in their hands, lest we dash foot against stone. We shalt
tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt we trample
under feet.
All: Because we hath set our love upon Him, therefore will He deliver us; He
will set us high, because we hath known His name. We shall call upon Him, and
He will answer us; He will be with us in trouble; He will deliver us, and honour us.
With long life will He satisfy us, and shew us His salvation. Amen
Chaplain returns to station.
MS: Brother Under-Mareschal, I Order the opening of this Garrison.
U Mar: Brethren, this ________________ Garrison # ______ of the
Jerusalem Temple is now open for any missions that may be requested of it.
MS Knocks *. All sit.

Form of closing a Garrison

MS seated, knocks once with sceptre, MS. rises: Does any Brother have
aught to propose for the good of the Brethren in general or of this Garrison in
particular?
MS knocks ***: Brethren, assist me to close the Garrison.
All rise.
MS: Brother Seneschal, what is our constant duty?
Sen, saluting: To guard our actions against intrusion.
MS: Direct that duty to be done.
Sen: Brother Under Seneschal, inspect the Watch.
U Sen: Brother Warder, prove that the Garrison is secured.
Wdr goes to door and knocks for rank worked; Sentinel replies; Wdr returns to
his station: Brother Under Seneschal, the Garrison is secured.
U Sen., knocks *: Brother Seneschal, the Watch passes inspection.
Sen, saluting: Honoured Master, the Garrison is secured.
MS: Brother Mareschal, what is the next care?

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Mar: To see that all present are Brethren.
MS: To order, Brethren, as [rank worked].
All give appropriate sign.
MS: Before the Garrison is closed, let us beseech the Most Holy Commander
of the Universe.
Chap: At last, all-powerful Master, You give leave to your servants to go in
peace, according to your promise. For our eyes have seen Thy salvation which
you have prepared for all nations, the Light to enlighten and give glory to your
people. Amen.
All: Amen.
MS: Brother Seneschal, the mission being completed, you have my command
to close this Garrison.
U Mar: Brethren, in the name of the Most Holy Commander of the Universe
and by command of the Master of Serjeants, I close this Garrison. Brother Under-
Seneschal, recall the Watch and command the gate be swung wide to allow the
Brethren to go forth.
U Sen: Brother Warder, swing wide the gate, allowing the Brethren to go forth.
Advise the Sentinel he is relieved of his duties for the present.
Wdr goes to door and knocks for rank. Sentinel replies. Wdr opens door.
Chap goes to front of altar, closes Bible and returns to his place.
MS knocks thrice. All salute.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Serjeants of the Jerusalem
Temple

Ritual of the First Rank

Being that of

Footman
• The altar is presented as the Stone of Moriah. Upon it rests a small casket
of soil represented as taken from Mount Moriah in Jerusalem.
• The Chaplain will have the Sacraments prepared for the Communion.
• The Chiurgeon will have the necessary tools to perform his duties.

Raise to Footman
MS: Brother Turcopolier, I place this Garrison under your command for the
purpose of drilling the Turcopoles.
Turc salutes and knocks **: We will now muster a Garrison of Footmen.
Brother Under Mareschal, what is the Altar for a Garrison of Footmen?
Sen: The Stone of Moriah.
Turc: I presume there are traditions with reference to the Stone of Moriah
sufficiently important to justify its use as the altar upon which a Footman Garrison
should be opened?
U Mar: There are.
Turc: Relate them.
U Mar: This stone fell from Lucifer's diadem when he was cast from heaven.
As such, it has the special ability to absorb the taint of sin and was one of the
items Adam was permitted to carry when he was evicted from Eden. It served as
the ballast stone in Noah's Ark. Upon this stone did Abraham offer his son. His

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

son Ishmael took a fragment of the stone and set it at the place of pilgrimage in
the wilderness. As a pillow, this stone supported Jacob’s head when he saw the
Ladder of Angels ascending unto the Heavens. It was the Foundation Stone of
Solomon’s temple upon which sat the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies.
From this same stone, the Christ ascended to the Almighty.
Turc: In the name of Our Most Holy Commander, I declare this Garrison of
Footmen of the Jerusalem Temple duly mustered.
Turc knocks * *, which is repeated by U Sen, Wrd on the door, and Stl. Chap
goes to front of altar, places Casket, opens to Gen 28:22 and reads: “And this
stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house” Chap salutes Turc. and
returns to his place.
Turc knocks *: Be seated, Brethren.

Ceremony of Initiation
Turc seated: Brother Mareschal, you will retire to the anteroom and prepare
Mr. A. for entrance. Mar salutes and retires.
Turc: Brethren, we are about to undergo a solemn ceremony of initiation.
That the candidate may have an experience worthy of our cause, I charge you to
observe the utmost decorum.
Mareschal sees that candidate is prepared by being dressed in a tunic and
apron. If not done previously he is asked to sign the statement professing his
faith and humility. When Candidate is prepared Mareschal knocks * *.
Wdr, rises and salutes: Brother Under Seneschal, there is a report.
U Sen, seated, knocks **. Wdr goes to and opens wicket.
Wdr: Who comes here?
Mar: The Mareschal with a Craftsman who seeks employment in the works at
the Temple.
Wdr. Is he properly prepared, Humble, and of the True Faith?
Mar: I have received his Profession of Faith and Humility, and seen that he is
clothed appropriately.
Wdr. I will notify the Turcopolier. Closes wicket, salutes: Brother Turcopolier,
there is a Craftsman at the gate seeking employment in the repairs of the
Temple.
Turc: We have need of skilled Craftsmen in our works at the Temple. Has he
professed his Faith and Humility?
Wdr: Our Brother Mareschal assures that he has.
Turc: Admit him, but see he is bound and blinded until he has been found
true.
Wdr: It shall be done. Returns to wicket: The Craftsmen may be admitted,
but must be bound and blinded until proven true.
Mareschal binds hands and places hood over candidate. Wdr watches
through wicket then opens door.
Mar leads candidate once around garrison, stops west of altar. Turc
advances to altar and receives profession from Mar. Looks to verify it has been
signed.
Turc knocks ***, all rise.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Chap: “Blessed be the Lord God who has come to his people and set them
free. Through his holy prophets God promised of old to save us from our
enemies, from the hands of all that hate us, to show mercy to our ancestors, and
to remember his holy covenant. This was the oath God swore to our father
Abraham: to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him
without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.”
Turc: Mr. A, you have expressed a desire for employment in our works at the
Temple. I have in my hands your profession of faith and humility. Before,
however, you be allowed to engage in the work you must take an oath of fidelity
to our Brotherhood. Being assured it will in no way interfere with your loyalties to
your faith, family or nation, are you willing to take such an oath?
Cand: I am.
Turc knocks ***; all stand: Then you will kneel and have your hands placed
upon the Altar Stone. Assisted by Mar. Our Chaplain will administer the Oath.
Chap: I [state your full name] make this solemn oath, of my own free will,
in the presence of God and this Garrison, upon my honor as a free man, to
never reveal the business of this or any other regularly formed body of the
Brothers Serjeant of the Jerusalem Temple. I will not discuss the rituals of
the Order with anyone whom I cannot prove to be genuine member. Nor
will I allow them to be written, copied, recorded or communicated to a non-
member in any form. I will inform the Supreme Council of any organization
outside its control that is engaged in conferring the Rites belonging to this
Order.
When mustered in Garrison, I will at all times conduct myself with
dignity and demand the same of my Brethren. I will avoid discord with my
Brethren and accept the command of the Master of the Garrison without
question as per the Rule of the Order.
I will comply with the Rule of the Order, the Ritual, and all governing By-
Laws of my Garrison and will remain loyal thereto. I will never attempt to
wrong or bring discredit upon the Order nor any member thereof. Nor will I
permit any wrong to be done to either should it be in my power to prevent.
Further, should my affiliation with the Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple
cease in any way, I will consider this Oath perpetually binding as though I
had remained a member in good standing.
If I should willingly fail in this my oath, may I suffer no less a
punishment than that my veins may spill forth my life upon the barren
ground, yea, even unto the very last drop. So help me God.
Chaplain places hand upon candidates head: “And you, child, shall be called
the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,
to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of all their sins. In
the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high [Chap pulls off hood]
shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of
death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Turc knocks *: Mr A, you may now rise. Brother Mareschal you may release
his bonds.
Mar moves forward, but is stopped.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 U Sen: Brother Turcopolier! I respectfully object! All members here are first
and foremost warriors; joined in the defense of this Brotherhood, our Faith, and
Equality among mankind. This Craftsman must be assigned weapons and
instructed in their use if he wishes to join with us.
Turc: This seems reasonable and right. Craftsman, are you willing to serve as
a Footman among these Brethren?
Cand: I am.
Turc: Brother Mareschal, assign Mr A his weapon.
Mar removes bonds and places spontoon into left hand of candidate. “They
which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, with
one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held a weapon”.
Turc: Mr A, I now declare you to be a Footman of the Jerusalem Temple.
Sen: Brother Turcopolier! I also respectfully object. An oath is insufficient.
Assigning arms may be dangerous. The enemy is skilled in the art of deceit.
Lies are not considered sinful among the infidels. He may be a spy sent to
infiltrate our order.
U Mar: And how then shall we prove his loyalty? He has taken the same
oath that all here assembled took when they joined this order. If he be a spy,
then the same might be said for any here assembled, including thyself Brother
Seneschal. How may we know that thou art true?
Sen: I, like all here assembled, have proven my loyalty to my faith, this order
and its values by the blood I have shed. Many are the Brethren who have shed
even their last drop of blood on the soils of the Holy Land. This craftsman must
show he also is willing to shed his blood.
Turc: Our Brother Seneschal speaks wisely. Mr. A, are you willing to shed
your blood for your Faith, the principles of Equality, and your new Brethren?
Cand prompted, replies in the affirmative.
Turc: Brother Chiurgeon, see to your duties and bleed this new Footman that
he may be proved true. Brothers Mareschal and Brothers Seneschal, you will
aide the Chiurgeon by securing the Footman’s limbs.
Mar takes spontoon and sets it aside. Candidate is laid upon the Chiurgeon’s
table. Limbs are held by the Mareschals and Seneschals at their respective
corners. The Chiurgeon bares the candidates left arm.
Chiur: In previous times, you would have been bled until you became faint.
We no longer take so much blood from you. I will ask of you three drops to be
taken using this thorn. Please give me your right hand.
Cand extends right hand. Chiurgeon uses sterile lancet to obtain a drop from
the candidates thumb. The Turc catches this drop in the chalice, saying: In
defense of the Faith.
Chiurgeon pierces index finger. Turc catches drop on statement saying: In
defense of Equality among mankind.
Chiurgeon pierces middle finger. Turc catches drop in casket saying: In
defense of our Brotherhood.
Turc: You are now one with us.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Chap raising Chalice: This is your blood and our blood which we have shed
for Him even as the Christ shed for us. Let us drink that we may always
remember.
The Chaplain drinks then passes the cup to the Turc, Mar, U Mar, Sen, U Sen,
then around the Garrison until all members have shared in the cup. When the
cup is returned to the altar, it is passed to the new Footman that he may drink
last.
Turc: You are now indeed a Turcopole among the Serjeants of the Jerusalem
Temple. Our Mareschal will now escort you to the Seneschals who so recently
voiced objection that they may instruct you on the secrets of a Turcopole and this
degree.
Mar escorts the candidate one full time around Garrison stopping at post of
the Under Seneschal.
Lecture
U Sen: Welcome to our Garrison. To gain admittance to this or any Garrison
of Turcopoles of the Jerusalem Temple you will be required to prove your
membership to the sentinel by a sign, a grip, and a password. The sign is given
thus: demonstrates. The grip is given as such: demonstrates. The password is
Qrhf Ihyg, meaning Tbq jvyyf vg. This was the war-cry of the First Crusade. The
password is always given in conjunction with the grip as you have just received it.
I will now instruct you in identifying yourself as a Footman of the Jerusalem
Temple. To gain admittance to a Garrison in session as Footmen, you must
further prove yourself. This is done by a sign, a grip, and a password. The sign
is given thus. The three fingers being those from which you proved your loyalty.
The grip is given thus with the same fingers. The password for the degree is
Fnat rg Fby, given in two parts, the challenger leading with Fnat, and the reply
being rg Fby.
Our Mareschal will now escort you to the Seneschal who will give you further
instruction.
Mar escorts candidate to station of Seneschal
Sen hands spontoon into left hand of candidate: It pleases me to return your
weapon. The altar on which you took your oath represents the Stone of Moriah.
This stone, tradition says, fell from Lucifer's Diadem when he was cast out of
heaven. As such it has the ability to absorb the taint of sin. After the sin of Adam
and Eve, they were so overcome by shame and grief they fell upon their faces as
if dead. God took pity on them and permitted them to carry the stone with them
from Eden. While the stone did not provide forgiveness for their sin, it did absorb
some of the associated shame, allowing them to continue their lives.
Upon this same stone the Patriarch Noah rested from his daily labours during
the building of the Ark, and he placed this Stone as ballast when the Ark was
finished. Upon this Stone, Noah made his first offering to the Lord in
thankfulness for his safe deliverance.
Knowledge of the Stone passed to Abram, who was willing to sacrifice his son
upon it. Ishmael took a fragment of the Stone to the site of pilgrimage in the
wilderness where the Muhammadans still revere it today. As a pillow, the Stone
supported Jacob’s head when he saw the Ladder of Angels ascending unto the

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

Heavens. It was the Foundation Stone of Solomon’s temple upon which sat the
Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies. From this same Stone, the Christ
ascended to the Right Hand of the Almighty.
The device used to draw your blood represents a Sacred Thorn from the Tree
of Life in the Garden of Eden. Remember well the three drops of blood upon this
thorn.
The small casket contains soil from the Holy Land; you have indeed shed
your blood upon the Holy Land's soil.
The three fingers form the sign of the trinity – being God the Father, God the
Son, and God the Holy Ghost. Man also exists in a trinity: Spirit, Body, and Soul.
It will serve you well to think on this comparison.
You will now take your seat among the Turcopoles for the closing of the
Garrison
Salutes Turcopolier: Brother Turcopolier, the new Footman has received his
instruction.

Close according to the closing ritual of a Garrison.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

Ritual of the Second Rank

Being that of

Mariner
The altar is presented as the Cup of Life.
• Before the ceremony, the candidate dressed in a tunic and trousers. He is
given a sealed document which he is told is from the Commander of the Kingdom
of Jerusalem to the officers of the Order in France.

Raise to Mariner
MS: Brother Turcopolier, I place this Garrison under your command for the
purpose of drilling the Turcopoles.
Turc: We will now muster a Garrison of Mariners. Footmen! knocks **, all
Footmen stand and salute the Turcopolier. Footmen, you are dismissed. Brother
Under Seneschal, order the gate opened for the passage of the Footmen from
the Garrison.
U Sen: Brother Warder, swing the gates and give the Footmen passage.
When all Footmen have left, Turc: Brother Seneschal, do you know all
present as Mariners of the Jerusalem Temple?
Sen if unsure of any present will test them then report: Brother Turcopolier, I
know all present to be my Shipmates as Mariners of the Jerusalem Temple.
Tur: Brother Under Mareschal, what is the altar for a Garrison of Mariners?
U Mar: The Cup of Life.
Turc: I presume there are traditions with reference to the Sacred Cup
sufficiently important to justify its use as the altar upon which a Mariner Garrison
should be opened?

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 U Mar: There are.
Turc: Relate them.
U Mar: When Lucifer was cast from heaven, his crown fell to the earth landing
in the fountain at the foot of the Tree of Life where the waters of the river which
fed the four quarters of the Earth flowed from its roots. The crown was re-forged
in its falling as a basin and was one of the items permitted to be carried forth by
Adam when he was cast out of Eden. It was one of the treasures granted to
Abram by the Priest-King Melchizedek. It was the silver cup given to Joseph and
used to identify himself to his brothers. It was the cup on the table of shewbread
in the tabernacle.
It played in important role in Christ's last supper. It was this cup in which St.
Joseph of Arimithea caught the water from the wound in the side of Christ. It has
since been hidden.
Turc: In the name of Our Most Holy Commander, I declare this Ship of
Mariners of the Jerusalem Temple duly mustered.
Turc knocks sceptre * **, which is repeated by Sen, U Sen, Wrd and Stl. Chap
goes to front of altar places basin of salt water, opens to Gen 8:21 and reads
“and the Lord said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for
man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I
again smite every thing living, as I have done.” Chap salutes Turc and returns to
his place.
Turc knocks *: Be seated, Brethren.

Ceremony of Embarkation
Turc.: Brother Mareschal. Mareschal rises. You will retire to the anteroom and
examine Brother A. as a Footman of the Temple and prepare him for his trials.
Mar salutes and retires.
Turc: Brethren, we are about to undergo a solemn ceremony of initiation.
That the candidate may have an experience worthy of our cause, I charge you to
observe the utmost decorum.
The Can is examined by Mar, who demands the s, g, & p of a Footman. The
Can is then hoodwinked. The Stl knocks * **.
Wdr: Brother Under Seneschal, there is a report.
U Sen, knocks **:
Wdr goes to and opens wicket: Who seeks to board?
Mar: Brother Mareschal returning with a Footman tried and proved. He bears
a sealed document for the Officers of the Order in France.
Wdr: Let him wait patiently while a report is made to the Turcopolier.
Wdr closes door: Brother Turcopolier, we are hailed from ashore.
Turc: Who seeks to board?
Wdr: Our Brother Mareschal returns with a Footman tried and proved, who
bears a sealed message for the Order in France, and requests passage.
Turc: Permit them to come aboard.
Can is introduced, Wdr closes door behind him. Mar leads candidate twice
around the Ship stopping at the altar
Mar: Give the Turcopolier the sign of a Footman.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Can gives sign.
Turc. Knocks ***, all rise.
Chaplain: “Oh Lord help us, for we have no strength to bear this evil that hath
encompassed us, for the waves of the waters have surrounded us, mischievous
torrents have terrified us, the snares of death have come before us; answer us, O
Lord, answer us, light up thy countenance toward us and be gracious unto us,
redeem us and deliver us. Amen.”
All: Amen.
Turc: Footman, you must take a solemn obligation if you are desirous of
becoming seaworthy. Are you willing to do so?
Can prompted by Mar: I am.
Turc: You will stand erect with your legs spread for balance against the rolling
of the seas [The candidate is made to stand upon a platform; to the bottom
center of which is fastened a ~4” hemisphere as a balance point. Small blocks
may be used to brace the platform while the candidate takes his place]. Give me
your hands, which I now place in the Cup of Life.
Can complies. Turc knocks ***; all stand to order with Mariner sign.
Chap: State your names at length, and repeat after me:
I, [state your full name], in the presence of God, and before this Ship of
Mariners of the Jerusalem Temple, of my own free will and accord, declare I
will keep the secrets of the Mariners. I will hold all knowledge of the
Mariners close and will pass this knowledge only when commanded to do
so by the Master of Serjeants of my Preceptory.
I will be a faithful Shipmate. I will defend the life and character of a
Shipmate so far as may be consistent with my duty to God, my neighbour
and myself. I will view my Shipmates as my family, for while blood be
thicker than water, the water of the bilge be also thick. I will treat my
Shipmate's family with respect, recognizing his wife as my own sister, his
children as my children and aiding them to the best of my ability if need
should arise.
I will answer all communications and perform any assigned duties
faithfully when in my power to do so. I further re-affirm that I will continue
to hold valid any and all oaths I have taken previously as a member of the
Brothers Serjeant of the Jerusalem Temple.
All this I solemnly promise and swear under no less a penalty than that
of being overwhelmed by the waters and swept from off the face of the
earth. (At words “overwhelmed by the waters”, Sen dowses candidate with salt-
water).
So help me God.
Mar, remove Can's hands from Altar.
Chap placing hand on candidate's head “Father, if thou be willing remove this
cup from me [removes hood] nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done.”
Turc: Shipmates be seated. Knocks *
Turc, still standing: Brother A, you have in your possession a sealed
document from the Commander of the Kingdom of Jerusalem for the officers of
the Order in France. It is your duty to safeguard this document during your

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

voyage. Let no harm come to it, nor allow it to pass from your possession until
we reach the port at La Rochelle.
Brethren, I now grant you a period of liberty to go ashore for refreshment
before we get underway. Brother Under Seneschal, lower the gangplank that the
Mariners may go ashore.
U Sen: Brother Warder, inform the sentinel we are coming ashore and lower
the gangplank.
Warder goes to door and knocks * **, returned by Sentinel. Warder opens
door: Brother Turcopolier, the gangplank is lowered.
Turc: Brethren, you may go ashore.
During the refreshment, the Turc will advise the candidate to go talk with the
Clerk to ensure his information is accurately recorded in the rolls. The Clerk
during his talk with the candidate will offer to take the message from the
candidate, telling him “it is no longer needed”. After the conversation between
the candidate and the Clerk has concluded and all are refreshed, the Turc will
announce: Brother Under Mareschal, it is time we sail. Recall the Mariners to
the ship and prepare to get underway.
U Mar: Brethren return to the ship and take your posts.
When all have returned to the meeting room and taken their posts, the door is
closed and U Sen states: Brother Warder, raise the gangplank that we may be
underway.
Warder goes to door and knocks * **, returned by Sentinel. Brother Under
Seneschal, the gangplank is raised.
U Sen: Brother Turcopolier, we are ready to get underway.
Turc: It is well.
Brothers Mareschal, bring Brother A to post at the mast.
Mar escorts candidate to altar.
There are now two ways for the ceremony to go dependent on whether the
candidate gave up the message or retained it in his possession.
If the candidate retained possession:
Turc: Brother A, I commend you on your sense of duty in performing your
assigned mission and keeping the secrets of the Order. You will now receive
instructions on the secrets of a Mariner from the Seneschals of this ship. See
lecture below.
If the candidate gave up the message:
Turc: Brother A, you were given an important mission and specific
instructions to perform that mission. You have betrayed the trust of the Order by
allowing the sealed message placed in your care to pass into the hands of
others. As captain of this ship, I sentence you to receive thirty lashes at the mast
for your punishment. Brother Under Mareschal, do your duty.
U Mar: Brother Mareschal, please assist me.
The Mareschals remove the candidate's shirt and bind his hands before him.
U Mar: Brother A, you have been declared guilty of betraying the trust of the
Order and as the captain of this ship, the Turcopolier has sentenced you to
receive thirty lashes. As the Under Mareschal, it is my duty to hold you
accountable for your actions. This is the flog with which you will receive your

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

lashes [Shows “flog” consisting of a short handle with multiple strips of rag cloth
attached. There are to be NO knots or other items attached to the cloth strips].
Brother Mareschal, if you will make the count.
Mar: One!
With each count, the Under Mareschal will lay the “flog” across the
candidate's back. When the count of thirty is reached, the candidate's hands are
unbound and he is redressed in his shirt.
U Mar: Brother Turcopolier, Brother A has received his punishment as
ordered.
Turc: It is well. Brother A, you are forgiven and this matter will be forgotten
by the Order, but may it remain in your memory. You will now receive instructions
on the secrets of a Mariner from the Seneschals of this Ship.
The new Mariner is led twice around the Ship stopping at the post of the
Under Seneschal

Lecture
U Sen: I will now instruct you on reporting to a Ship of Mariners in session.
You will identify yourself to the Sentinel of the Ship with the password: Zranpurz.
This is the name tradition says was given Noah by the patriarch Lamech who
said “This one shall comfort us in our works and miserable toil in the earth, which
God has cursed.” The sign of a Mariner is given such [demonstrates]
representing the drinking from a cup. The grip is given [demonstrates] as if to
steady a shipmate on the rough seas.
The Mareschal will now escort you to the Seneschal who will give you further
instruction.
Mar escorts candidate to station of Seneschal.
Sen: Welcome aboard. The altar in this ceremony bore a basin which
represents the Cup of Life. Tradition states that when Lucifer was cast from the
Heavens, his crown fell to earth being reforged as a basin. This basin came to
land in the fountain at the foot of the Tree of Life where the rivers which watered
the four quarters of the Earth flowed forth. This basin was one of the items Adam
was permitted to carry forth from Eden and in part, draughts from this cup
account for the long life-spans of the patriarchs. The cup was included in the
share of treasure granted to Abraham by the Priest-King Melchizedek. Joseph
came into possession of the cup and used it when he identified himself to his
brothers in Egypt. The cup held a special place of honour on the table of
shewbread in the Tabernacle. It was on the table during the last supper of Christ
and was used by his uncle, Joseph of Arimathea, to catch the water which flowed
from the wound in the Christ's side. It has since been kept hidden, but many
stories have been told concerning its fate.
As water washes the body, the Spirit washes the soul. So Christ told the
Pharisees “cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside
of them may be clean also.”
The message you bore represents the knowledge you are given in these
ceremonies. At present time, these are sealed messages; you do not yet have
the full authority or understanding to read them and share them with others. In

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

time you will gain understanding and be able to open the messages and pass
them on to those entitled to receive them.
If lashes were not received: If you had given up this message, the
Turcopolier, as captain of the ship, would have ordered you to receive thirty
lashes at the mast with this flog. This number is the same as the number of
silver pieces Judas Iscariot received for his betrayal of the Christ.
If lashes were received: The thirty lashes you received were the same in
number to the number of silver pieces received by Judas Iscariot for his betrayal
of the Christ.
Brother Turcopolier, Brother A has received his instruction.
Turc: It is well, for we approach the port of La Rochelle. Brother A, you may
take your place among the Mariners as we pull into port and close this ship.

Close according to the closing ritual of a Garrison.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

Ritual of the Third Rank

Being that of

Archer
The altar is the Living Stump.
• The candidate is dressed in tunic and trousers

Raise to Archer
MS: Brother Turcopolier, I place this Garrison under your command for the
purpose of drilling the Turcopoles.
Turc.: We will now muster a Garrison of Archers. Footmen and Mariners!
knocks **, all Footmen and Mariners stand and salute the Turcopolier. You are
dismissed. Brother Under Seneschal, see the gate opened for the passage of
the Footmen and Mariners.
U. Sen.: Brother Warder, swing the gates and give passage.
When all footmen and mariners have left, Turc.: Brother Seneschal, do you
know all present as Archers of the Jerusalem Temple?
Sen. if unsure of any present will test them then report to Turc: Brother
Turcopolier, I know all present to be Merry Men of a Glade of Archers and
Brothers of the Jerusalem Temple.
Turc.: Brother Under Mareschal, what is the altar for a garrison of Archers?
UMar.: The Living Stump.
Turc.: I presume there are traditions with reference to the Stump sufficiently
important to justify its use as the altar upon which an Archer Garrison should be
opened?
UMar.: There are.
Turc.: Relate them.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 UMar.: The tree whose stump we use as an altar had a most Holy pedigree.
Its greatest ancestor was the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden where the winds
of God’s own breath rustled amongst its leaves. God granted Adam a living rod
from the Tree when he was cast out from Eden. Wood grown from an offshoot of
this rod was used by Noah to frame the doorway of his Ark. The rod given to
Adam was later found and pulled from the stone in the garden of Pethro by
Moses. This same rod was carried by Aaron when the Hebrew were led forth
from Egypt. The rod would come down to Joseph who used it to perform the
miracle by which he was chosen as to be betrothed to Mary, mother of the Christ.
The rod flowered and took root to grown into a tree. This tree would later provide
the wood for the Cross upon which the Christ was crucified, fulfilling its mission
indeed as the Tree of Life. Tradition holds that Josephus of Arimathea, Uncle of
the Christ, planted a sprig when he brought the Faith to Britannia. The living
stump of that tree is now our altar.
Turc.: In the name of Our Most Holy Commander, I declare this Garrison of
Archers of the Jerusalem Temple duly open.
Turc. knocks * ***, which is repeated by U. Sen., Wrd. on the door, and Stl..
Chap. goes to front of altar, places arrow fletchings and opens Bible to Jer 51:11;
Chap reads “Make bright the arrows; gather the shields; the LORD hath raised
up the spirit of the kings of the Medes.” salutes Turc.. and returns to his place.
Turc.: Be seated, Brethren.

Ceremony of Elevation
Turc., seated: Brother Mareschal and Senechals, you will retire to the
anteroom and examine Mr A. as a Mariner of the Temple and prepare him for his
trials. Mar. and Sens. salute and retire.
Turc: Brethren, we are about to undergo a solemn ceremony of initiation.
That the candidate may have an experience worthy of our cause, I charge you to
observe the utmost decorum.
The Can. is examined by Mar., who demands the s, g, & p of a Mariner. The
Can. is then hoodwinked and bound. The Stl.. knocks * ***.
Wdr.: There is an alarm.
Turc.: Who seeks to penetrate our Glade at this unseemly hour? Ascertain the
cause, good Warder.
Wdr. opens the door and says: Our leader bids me inquire the cause of this
commotion in the glades of the forest!
Mar.: It is I, Little John, the Mareschal, and with me are Will Scarlet and
Midge, the Miller’s son, Seneschals of our Glade. While strolling in the forest we
happened upon a stranger, who could give no good account of himself, and we
straightway seized and bound him, and have brought him hither.
Wdr.: Has he a name?
Sen.: He has, but he refuses to give it!
Wdr.: Wait ye until I have informed our leader of this tale.
Wdr. leaves the door open and addresses the Turc.: Brother, the commotion
outside the portal is caused by Little John, our Mareschal, and Will Scarlet and

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

Midge, the Miller’s son, our Seneschals, who, finding a stranger in the glades of
the Forest, have brought him hither to be interrogated.
Turc.: A stranger in our forest! Bring him in that we may hear what tale he has
to tell!
Wdr.: By command of our Chief Ranger, you will advance into the Glade.
The Mar.. and the Sens resume their positions beside the Candidate, the Mar.
grasping his right arm. They walk slowly around the room thrice, and halt in front
of the altar.
Turc.: How now, Little John? Who is this stranger whom ye bring into our
Glade of Archers? He is not of our band, and for aught we know, may be a spy
sent by the Sheriff. Where was he found, and what doth he seek?
Mar.: While wandering and seeking news we fell across this stranger. He
refused to give his name, but said he was seeking Robin Hood, and thinking he
might be a spy, we bound him and brought him here that you might question him.
Turc.: You did well, Little John! To Sen: And you Will Scarlet, what say you
concerning our prisoner?
Sen: I say he is a spy and should meet the same fate the Sheriff has
threatened upon our Brethren. Let us dangle him as fruit from yon mighty oak
and find whether his tongue can be loosed.
Turc.: You speak well Will; Midge, erect for us a gallows ladder and fix a rope
about this trespassers neck.
The rope is run through a block affixed from the ceiling and the noose is
placed around the candidates neck. The candidate is made to climb upon the
altar stump. The other end of the rope is held by the USen just tight enough to
cause tension. AT NO TIME SHALL THE ROPE BE TIED OFF.
Turc: Now strange fellow, will you state your business in our forest? Or will
you suffer to hang as fruit upon the tree of death?
Mar: He says his business is with the outlaw called Robin Hood.
Turc: You seek Robin Hood, the outlaw, you say? Know, then, that I am Robin
Hood, and all around me are the Merry Men who remain loyal to our oaths and to
our God-appointed king.
Mar: Our prisoner says that if you are truly Robin Hood, he has come to seek
you as Qrhf Ihyg.
Turc: Prisoner, are you a Brother of the Jerusalem Temple?
Can, prompted: I am
Turc: It is long since we have had news of our Brethren. What is your
position in the Brotherhood?
Mar: He claims he is a Mariner recently landed on our shores.
Turc: If this is true, then what name was given to “One who shall comfort us
in our works and miserable toil in the earth, which God hath cursed”?
Can, prompted: Zranpurz
USen: He knows the keys of the Brotherhood, but we must ensure our
preceptory here remains under the rose.
Sen: He is indeed a Brother. Shall he be our Good Fellow as well?
Turc: Brother stranger, will you take our oath and join with our glade here in
the forest?

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 Can: I will.
Turc: Good Friar Tuck, please administer our oath to this Brother from
Outremer.
Chap: I, [state your full name] in the presence of God, and before the
Merry Men here assembled in this Glade of Archers of the Jerusalem
Temple do make this oath to never reveal the secrets of the Glade unless
commanded so by the Master of Serjeants of the Preceptory.
I will be a Good Fellow to all Archers of the Jerusalem Temple. I will
hold the secrets of all Merry Men of the Glade as if they were my own,
keeping private the identity and personal information of all Good Fellows.
As a free man of the forest, I swear to fight tyranny, give charity to the
poor, shelter to the old and helpless, and to protect the weak. I will fight for
my legitimate sovereign against all oppressors.
Should the legitimate government falter, I will work to prepare myself
and my family to sustain during periods of oppression or unrest so that a
legitimate government may be re-established without undue suffering.
I re-affirm that I will continue to hold valid all oaths I have previously
taken as a Brother of the Jerusalem Temple and shall continue to do so
even though my affiliation with the Brotherhood should cease.
(increased tension is placed upon the rope at this point) This oath I swear
under no less a penalty than to hang by the neck until the last breath of life
be squeezed from out of my body. So help me God.
Turc: Merry Men, are you satisfied?
All: Aye
Turc: Little John, take him down and release his bonds.
Mar removes rope and hood from candidate and steps him down from the
altar.
Sen: Now, Good Fellow, please introduce yourself and state your business
with our Robin Hood.
Mar: His name is A.B. He says that the Grand Master has learned of our
status and has informed His Majesty, King Richard, of our troubles. King Richard
has agreed to grant all Good Fellows of the Glades pardon if they are loyal to the
Crown.
Turc: Like you have just done, I have sworn as a Free Man of the Forest ***
all stand and recite: to fight the oppressor, give charity to the poor, shelter to the
old and helpless, to protect the weak. I will fight for my legitimate sovereign
against all oppressors! *
Turc: It is our tradition upon taking a new member of our Glade to bestow
upon him a new name. Hiding our identities is essential to protecting our
families. Little John here was once known as John Little, Will Scarlet was once
Will Scathelocke and I was once known as Robert the Earl of Huntingdon. But I
gave up that title to live free among these Good Fellows. Now I ask you to dine
with us and then we will grant you a new name as well.
Merry Men, let us sit to banquet and welcome our new Good Fellow. Brother
Under Seneschal, open the Glade that we may go forth to our Forest Feast.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

 U Sen: Brother Warder, inform the Sentinel we are opening the Glade for the
feast.
Warder goes to door and knocks * ***, returned by Sentinel. Warder opens
door: Brother Turcopolier, the Glade is opened.
Turc: Brethren, you may go to the Feast.
When all are refreshed, the Turc will announce: Brother Under-Mareschal, it
is time we attend to the christening of our newest member.
UMar: Brethren, return to the Glade and take your posts.
When all have returned to the meeting room and taken their posts, the door is
closed and U Sen states: Brother Warder, see that the Glade is secure.
Warder goes to door and knocks * **, returned by Sentinel. Brother Under
Seneschal, the Glade is secure.
U Sen: Robin Hood, we are ready to for the christening.
Turc: It is well.
Little John, bring Brother A to the altar stump.
Mar escorts candidate to altar where he is made to kneel.
Turc: Friar Tuck, come forward and perform the ceremony.
Chaplain advances to the altar with basin.
Chap: Who presents this babe?
If the candidate’s sponsor is present, he will stand in as the God-parent. If the
sponsor is not present, the the Mar replies: I do.
Chap placing his hand on candidates head and says: In your former life you
were known as A. B. Today we mourn the passing of A. B. and celebrate your
birth. I hereby christen you as C.D. new name should be similar to or a pun on
the persons real name. In the name of the Father sprinkle, and of the Son
sprinkle, and of the Holy Ghost sprinkle, rise as a man newly born remainder of
water is dumped over candidates head.
Turc: Brother C.D., You will now receive instructions on the secrets of an
Archer from the Seneschals of this Glade.
The new Archer is led three times around the Glade stopping at the post of
the Under Seneschal

Lecture
U Sen: I will now instruct you on reporting to a Glade of Archers in session.
You will identify yourself to the Sentinel of the Glade with the sign as such
[demonstrates]. This represents drawing an arrow from the quiver. The sentinel
will ask where you seek refuge, to which you will answer Fho Hzoen Nynehz
Ghnehz, Wrubin with this grip which represents the drawing of the bow-string.
The Mareschal will now escort you to the Seneschal who will give you further
instruction.
Mar escorts candidate to station of Seneschal.
Sen: Welcome. The tree whose stump we use as an altar had a most Holy
pedigree. Its greatest ancestor was the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden where
the winds of God’s own breath rustled amongst its leaves. Tradition states that
God granted Adam a living rod from the Tree when he was cast out from Eden.
Wood grown from an offshoot of this rod was used by Noah to frame the doorway

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple

of his Ark. The rod given to Adam was later found and pulled from the stone in
the garden of Pethro by Moses. This is likely the source of the story of Arthur
pulling the sword from the stone. The rod was then carried by Aaron to perform
miracles when the Hebrew were led forth from Egypt. The rod would come down
to St. Joseph who used it to perform the miracle by which he was chosen to be
betrothed to Mary, mother of the Christ. The rod flowered and took root to grow
into a tree. This tree would later provide the wood for the cross upon which the
Christ was crucified, fulfilling its mission as the Tree of Life. Tradition holds that
Joseph of Arimathea, Uncle of the Christ, planted a sprig of the tree when he
brought the Faith to Britannia. The living stump of that tree is now our altar.
The tree is often identified as a species of flowering thorn. The thorns sprang
forth as protection upon the tree after Adam and Eve committed the sin of eating
the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.
The story of Robin Hood as told in this ritual is based on many varying
traditions. Historians cannot agree on who Robin Hood was, when he lived, or
even if he really lived at all. One version of the stories is that Robin Hood was a
Knight Templar. Upon his return to Britain after fighting in Outremer, he found
that his father’s lands had been taken by Prince John and his elder brother had
been slain. He found that many Serjeants of the Temple had returned to find the
houses they served usurped by the crown. Robin Hood gathered these
Serjeants together and they lived as outlaws in the forests of Britain by an
adjusted version of the Templar rule. Although Richard pardoned these outlaws
on his return to Britain, many returned to the forest life upon his death. This
Brotherhood of Templar Serjeants living in the forests would prove beneficial
when the Templar Order was outlawed by Philip IV of France and Pope Clement
V. The practice of changing a new member’s name also proved valuable after
the arrest of the Templar order.
Brother Turcopolier, Brother C.D. has received his instruction.
Turc:. Brother C.D., you may take your place among the Archers as we close
this Glade of Archers

Close according to the closing ritual of a Garrison.

© 2010, Serjeants of the Jerusalem Temple