History and Origins
The Order of the Secret Monitor has a long and fascinating history, shaped by international influences and decades of development. Its earliest known references appear in Dutch sources, where it was associated with the ancient and symbolic bond between David and Jonathan. Although the concept originated in Europe, the degree as we recognise it today first gained real momentum in the United States. There, it was regarded as a “side degree” — a form of additional Masonic instruction that could be conferred informally by any Mason who had previously received it.
The Order was introduced to England around 1875 by Dr. I. Zacharie, who had encountered it during his time in America following the Civil War. Recognising its potential and the beauty of its teachings, he became a driving force behind its establishment in Britain. Under his leadership, a Grand Council was formally constituted in 1887. During this period, the ritual was expanded and refined, and two additional degrees were incorporated, one of which related specifically to the office of Supreme Ruler.
As the Order grew in popularity, it also encountered significant challenges. At the same time that Dr. Zacharie’s Grand Council was flourishing, the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees — authorised by an American body of similar name — began conferring its own version of the Secret Monitor degree. This overlap led to a prolonged dispute, with the Allied body asserting exclusive authority over the degree and denouncing the work of Dr. Zacharie’s Council. Despite this tension, the Order continued to thrive and attract new members.
For more than 37 years, both organisations conferred their own versions of the Secret Monitor degree, creating confusion and division. Fortunately, this long‑standing conflict was finally resolved in 1931. At that time, C.W. Napier‑Clavering held the unique position of being both Grand Supreme Ruler of the Order of the Secret Monitor and Grand Master of Allied Masonry. His dual authority allowed him to negotiate a lasting settlement. An agreement was reached transferring full rights to the Grand Council of the Order of the Secret Monitor, and the degree was subsequently removed from the list of degrees worked by the Allied body.
Today, the Order comprises three distinct degrees:
- Secret Monitor
- Prince
- Supreme Ruler
Structure and Qualifications
The Order is organised into units known as Conclaves, each presided over by a Supreme Ruler. This title reflects both leadership and pastoral responsibility, as the Order places great emphasis on care, support, and fraternal duty.
A unique feature of the Order is the office of the Visiting Deacons. These officers have a special and deeply meaningful role: they are charged with offering comfort, assistance, and guidance to brethren who may be experiencing hardship, distress, or danger. Their responsibilities embody the central themes of the Order — friendship, loyalty, and mutual protection.
Membership is open to all Master Masons, with no additional prerequisites. Conclaves are grouped into Provinces, each overseen by a Provincial Grand Supreme Ruler and supported by a full complement of Provincial Officers who assist in the administration and ceremonial life of the Order.
Regalia
Secret Monitor (1st Degree)
The regalia of the First Degree features a gilt jewel composed of two interlaced equilateral triangles, symbolising unity and harmony. Three arrows are incorporated into the design, along with the letters D and J, representing David and Jonathan. The jewel is suspended from a ribbon in the Order’s colours: purple–orange–purple.
Officers
Officers wear a crimson sash, four inches wide, finished with a gold fringe. The frog of the sash displays the emblem of the interlaced triangles in gilt metal.
Prince (2nd Degree)
The jewel of the Second Degree is identical in design to that of the First Degree but is suspended from a ribbon of orange–purple–orange. The sash is four inches wide with a purple edging, two outer orange stripes, two inner stripes, and a narrow central crimson stripe. The frog again bears the interlaced triangles and gold fringe.
Supreme Ruler
The Supreme Ruler wears the jewel of the Order suspended from a collarette in the colours of the Second Degree. His sash bears the initials SR and the name of his Conclave in silver. In addition, he wears a purple robe with orange or gold facings, signifying his office.
Provincial Officers
Provincial Officers wear a crimson sash, four inches wide, bordered with gold cord. The sash features a gilt embroidered celestial crown above the initials of the officer’s rank and the interlaced triangle emblem of the Order, along with a gold fringe. Their jewel is suspended from a one‑inch collarette in Indian yellow with crimson borders.
The Degrees of the Order
1st Degree – Secret Monitor
The first degree centres on the profound and enduring friendship between David and Jonathan, as recorded in biblical tradition. During the ceremony, the candidate learns the moral obligations associated with brotherly care — particularly the duty to guide, protect, and warn a fellow Mason who may be in danger or acting against his own best interests. The degree imparts a powerful lesson in loyalty, compassion, and fidelity.
2nd Degree – Prince
The second degree draws again from the Book of Samuel, recounting the period during which King Saul sought the life of David. The ceremony explores the strategies and acts of devotion that helped preserve David from harm. It reinforces themes of courage, vigilance, and the protective bonds of friendship.
3rd Degree – Supreme Ruler
The third degree is distinctive in that it is conferred during the Installation of a Supreme Ruler. It relates to the Kingship of David and focuses on the responsibilities of leadership within a Conclave. Embedded within this ceremony is the act of commissioning, which grants rank and authority throughout the Order. Recipients receive a certificate acknowledging their status and responsibilities.
Offices of a Conclave
The Officers vary according as to whether either the First or Second Degree is to be worked. All general business, however, is dealt with in the First Degree.
| Secret Monitor | Prince |
|---|---|
| Supreme Ruler | David |
| Immediate Past Supreme Ruler | Jonathon |
| Counsellor | |
| Guide | Abishai |
| Chaplain | Chaplain |
| Treasurer | |
| Secretary | |
| Director of Ceremonies | Director of Ceremonies |
| 1st Visiting Deacon | Adino |
| 2nd Visiting Deacon | Eleazar |
| 3rd Visiting Deacon | |
| 4th Visiting Deacon | |
| Organist | Organist |
| Almoner | |
| Guarder | Shammah |
| Steward | |
| Sentinel | Sentinel |