History and Origin
The Order of the Scarlet Cord has its foundations in a series of 18th‑century manuscripts preserved in the Masonic archives of Amsterdam. Although these early documents provided the inspiration, the Order itself was formally shaped in 1889 through the efforts of His Honour Judge F. A. Philbrick K.C., a distinguished leader within the Order of the Secret Monitor. His intention was to create a body that could support the Fund of Benevolence associated with that Order, while also enriching its ceremonial landscape.
During its early years, the Order operated on a modest scale. It was centred around the Metropolitan Consistory in London, supported by four subordinate Consistories both in England and abroad. This structure functioned actively until the outbreak of the First World War, when the Order was forced into a period of inactivity. Although revived after the war, it eventually fell dormant again in 1929.
More than eighty years later, the Order entered a new era. On 21 July 2010, at Freemasons’ Hall on Great Queen Street in London, the Ancient Masonic Order of the Scarlet Cord was formally inaugurated. This historic event included the Constitution, Dedication, and Consecration of the Grand Senatus, as well as the Installation of the Grand Summus. Since that moment, the Order has expanded rapidly and now comprises more than eighty Consistories across England, Wales, and international jurisdictions including India.
The Order administers six progressive Grades:
- Grade 1: Ostiarius or Doorkeeper
- Grade 2: Lector
- Grade 3: Fellow or Healer & Exorcist
- Grade 4: Councillor
- Grade 5: Keeper of the Hidden Secret
- Grade 6: Prince of Jerusalem
Structure and Qualification
Membership in the Order of the Scarlet Cord is open exclusively to subscribing Princes of the Order of the Secret Monitor. Assemblies within the Order are known as Consistories, and the internal structure varies according to the Grade being worked.
Members who hold the first three Grades are known collectively as Companions. Those preparing to assume the office of President are styled Eminent Companions, and once installed, they become Distinguished Companions. Holders of the Fifth and Sixth Grades receive the honorifics Very Distinguished or Right Distinguished, reflecting their elevated status.
To qualify as a Grand Officer, a member must have attained the Fourth Grade. The Fifth and Sixth Grades are reserved exclusively for the Grand Summus to bestow, and they are conferred only upon Companions who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the Order.
Regalia
1st Grade – Ostiarius or Doorkeeper
The regalia for this introductory Grade consists of a scarlet cord worn around the waist, its tassels resting on the left hip. A bronze key, crafted in the style of an ancient artefact and suspended from a scarlet thread, is worn around the neck. These elements symbolise vigilance, discretion, and the safeguarding of sacred knowledge.
2nd Grade – Lector
For the Lector, the scarlet cord remains at the waist, though the tassels now fall on the right hip to mark the Companion’s advancement. The neck jewel becomes a small bronze scroll inscribed with the Greek phrase “Apa ye yivwokeis”, again worn on a scarlet thread. This change reflects the Companion’s growing understanding and their recognition among the Chosen.
3rd Grade – Fellow, Healer or Exorcist
At this stage, the scarlet cord is worn diagonally across the body from the left shoulder, with the tassels resting on the right side. A black ribbon bearing a miniature skull and crossbones is worn on the breast, serving as a reminder of mortality and spiritual fortitude. When a Companion serves as President, a silver anointing horn is added to the centre of the ribbon, signifying the authority and responsibility of that office.
4th Grade – Councillor
Eligibility for this Grade requires prior service as President of a Consistory, a qualification also necessary for Grand Office. The scarlet cord is now worn over the right shoulder with the tassels falling to the left, reversing the arrangement of the previous Grade. The breast jewel features a tricoloured ribbon of red, white, and black, from which hangs a gilt representation of the Ark of the Covenant, symbolising the Companion’s new role as a guide and counsellor.
5th Grade – Keeper of the Hidden Secret
The regalia for this distinguished Grade consists of a striking sixteen‑pointed silver star bearing the image of the Ark. Its design reflects the deeper mysteries entrusted to those who have reached this level and the solemn responsibility of preserving sacred knowledge.
6th Grade – Prince of Jerusalem
The highest Grade of the Order is marked by a breast star similar in form to that of the Fifth Grade, but rendered in gold rather than silver. This golden emblem signifies the culmination of the Companion’s journey and the honour associated with the Order’s most exalted rank.
Provincial and District Grand Officers
Those serving in Provincial or District roles wear a yellow sash four inches wide, edged in scarlet and embroidered with the name of their Province or District. Beneath this appears a roundel of olive‑green oak leaves with a black centre, upon which rests a golden key entwined with a scarlet cord. A matching yellow collarette with scarlet edging, from which a golden key is suspended, completes the regalia.
Grand Officers
Grand Officers are distinguished by a four‑inch scarlet sash richly braided in gold. It bears the name of the Order above an embroidered Ark of the Covenant set within a roundel of golden oak leaves. A scarlet collarette trimmed with gold braid, supporting a golden Ark of the Covenant, accompanies the sash and signifies the senior authority of the wearer.
The Grades
1st Grade – Ostiarius or Doorkeeper
This ceremony recounts the biblical episode in which Israelite spies seek refuge in Jericho. Rahab shelters them from the king’s soldiers and enables their escape, securing the gratitude of the Israelite nation for herself and her descendants. The investiture with the scarlet cord symbolises discretion, loyalty, and the safeguarding of secrets.
2nd Grade – Lector
The narrative of this Grade centres on Naomi and the steadfast devotion of her daughter‑in‑law Ruth, who later marries Boaz, the great‑grandfather of King David. The ceremony marks the candidate’s advancement as one of the “Chosen and Elect,” emphasising loyalty, commitment, and spiritual kinship.
3rd Grade – Fellow, Healer or Exorcist
In this Grade, the candidate symbolically takes the place of one who seeks perfect spiritual illumination. Drawing inspiration from the courage of the Maccabees, the ceremony emphasises perseverance through adversity, the strengthening of faith, and contemplation of death and resurrection. It challenges the aspirant to confront difficulty with steadfastness and spiritual resolve.
4th Grade – Councillor
This Grade reflects the journey of the Israelites as they transport the Ark of the Covenant across the River Jordan and ascend to Gilgal. Their eventual possession of Jerusalem under Joshua’s leadership forms the backdrop for the candidate’s formal recognition in this new office. The ceremony affirms the Companion’s readiness to guide, advise, and uphold the sacred traditions of the Order.
5th Grade – Keeper of the Hidden Secret
Set within the broader Masonic tradition surrounding King Solomon’s Temple, this Grade explores the decline of a united Israel and the Babylonian oppression that followed. Despite these hardships, the Ark of the Covenant remains preserved. The ceremony imparts lessons of steadfast faith, dedicated service, and unwavering perseverance in the face of adversity.
6th Grade – Prince of Jerusalem
The culminating Grade celebrates the triumph of the Jewish people under the leadership of the Maccabees, whose courage revitalised their nation and faith. This ceremony represents the highest point of the Order and reinforces a deep belief in the enduring power and guidance of Almighty God. It stands as the spiritual summit of the Scarlet Cord journey.
Officers of a Consistorie
The Office structure varies according to Grade.
Grades 1–3
| President |
| Primus of Lectores |
| Primus of Ostiarii |
| Episcopus |
| Registrar |
| Treasurer |
| Recorder |
| Director of Ceremonies |
| Lecturer (4) |
| Deputy Director of Ceremonies |
| Organist |
| Herald |
| Guarder |
| Stewards |
| Watchman |
Grades 4–6
Consistories within the Order are organised into Provinces or Districts, and it is from these senior bodies that a specially appointed group of high‑ranking Companions is authorised to bestow senior grades upon Members considered worthy of such distinction. The highest grades of the Order are granted personally by the Grand Summus, or by an appointed representative acting on his behalf.