History and Description of the Order:

Since the consecration of Scarlet Cord Conclave No 500 in London in December 2006 marking the revival of the Order of the Scarlet Cord, its growth has been phenomenal. Many Scarlet Cord Consistories were formed in the British Isles and in other parts of the world in the ensuing years.

Such has been its success that the Order, originally under the Order of the Secret Monitor, became a separate sovereign body in July 2010 with its own constitutions and regulations.

The new Order is known as The Ancient and Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord and was inaugurated on 21st July 2010.

The Province of Hampshire, IOW and The Channel Islands consists of sever Consistories

Regalia in the Order

The regalia in the Order is minimal. The Badge of the Order is a tasselled Scarlet Cord, initially worn around the waist and in the Third Grade worn as a sash over the right shoulder.

Together with the position of the sash, the status of each member is indicated by the wearing of either a jewel suspended from the neck by a Scarlet Cord, as in the First and Second Grades, or a breast jewel in the Third Grade.

There is also a splendid Tie of the Order available which may be worn after joining the Order. 

The Ritual

The Order was derived from the Order of the Secret Monitor, and it remains very closely associated with it. Only Princes of the Order of the Secret Monitor are eligible to join, and there are three initial Grades in the Order, equivalent to the three degrees in Craft Masonry.

Upon their Induction, Companions initially become Ostiarii or Doorkeepers within the Order, and thenceforth may designate themselves as Companions of the Scarlet Cord.

The Second and Third Grades are also conferred in a Consistory, when the candidates become Lectors and Fellows respectively.

An unusual feature of the Order, is that a Companion may be elevated to a higher Grade in any Consistory, so long as there are 28 days between his respective ceremonies.

Further preferment within the Order is only conferred upon candidates at the invitation of the Grand Summus.

Like most Masonic Orders, the Order of the Scarlet Cord’s ceremonies are based upon biblical allegory, centered around incidents found in the Old Testament.

Each inspiring ceremony is derived from a different, and at first an apparently unrelated biblical incident, which are ultimately bound together in an informative and dramatic climax in the Third Grade.

All the ceremonies involve participation by a relatively large number of Consistory members, and whilst there is every opportunity for keen ritualists to shine, there are also many possibilities for less practiced Companions to participate in a rewarding and meaningful manner.

Each Consistory is presided over by a President who is elected annually. Uniquely after being elected, the President Elect is then prepared for the Office of President in a Preparation Ceremony, following which he becomes an Eminent Companion. After his Installation, he becomes a Distinguished Companion.

As there are only a very few Consistories in the Province, there is a small, but exclusive membership, which inevitably forms strong bonds of friendship. Visiting is also a strong feature of the Order, and visitors are always very warmly welcomed. Visiting other Provinces is also encouraged, and much reciprocal visiting takes place, thus forming lasting friendships which would not otherwise occur.

The qualifications for a candidate to become a member of the Order are that they are Master Mason and Prince of the Order of the Secret Monitor.

All enquiries to the Provincial Grand Recorder: recorder@osmci.org.gg