Author Archives: ambryant

Part 5: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

From Malta’s location, it has always been a strategic position for any expanding power moving either east or west through the sea lanes or as a stepping stone  north / south route to or from the Italian peninsula.   In 1560’s, … Continue reading

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Part 4: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

The geographical location of the island of Malta is the key to its significance. This island located in the straits between North Africa and the island of Sicily,  with its magnificent natural harbor on its northeast coast, has drawn attention … Continue reading

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Part 3: The Order of St. John of Jerusalem

Malta !   This battle, along with the naval battle at Lepanto, was one of the most heralded victories  that took place in the the struggle against the expanding power of the Ottoman Empire. It represents the high tide of the … Continue reading

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Part 2: Order of St. John of Jerusalem

In this presentation, our subject is the Order of St. John of Jerusalem,  a/k/a Knights Hospitaller; Knights of Rhodes and Knights of Malta, and specifically their role in the Great Siege of  Malta in 1565 and a brief look at … Continue reading

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Jewish Shekel

We hear of the Jewish Shekel and Half Shekel mentioned many times during King Solomon’s reign and the building of the Temple. During King Solomon’s time the Shekel and Half Shekel were used as a weight or measure. It was … Continue reading

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The Royal Arch Banners

Banners Much difficulty has been experienced by ritualists in reference to the true colors and proper arrangements of the banners used in an American Chapter of Royal Arch Masons. It is admitted that they are four in number, and that … Continue reading

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The Mysteries

The Mysteries existed for a simple reason: to satisfy the desire of those who wished to know the truth of who we are, what happens at death and what Divinity is. Certain Mysteries achieved widespread fame: those of Demeter and … Continue reading

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The Mark Degree And It’s Origin

Writing is comparatively speaking, of recent origin. A painter, artist, author, columnist or sculptor attaches his signature to the finished product, indeed all works either bear the signature of the author or some distinguishing trade mark. In olden times however, … Continue reading

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The Contents of the Scroll

This gives us the key to the Vault in which the Principal Sojourner is about to descend. The whole scene is changed; it is no longer the Hell, whether of the “After death” or of the “Mystic,” but the abyss … Continue reading

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The Captivity

The Lodge in which we as M.E.M. now work, and in which we confer the Degree of M.E.M. on those who are found worthy, is presumed to represent the Grand Lodge of Excellent Master which existed In Babylon during “the … Continue reading

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