This degree is based upon the story of Noah and his ark. The presiding officer of a Royal Ark Mariner lodge, the Commander, represents Noah, and the Senior and Junior Warden his sons Shem and Japheth. The ritual emphasizes the cardinal virtues, using the triangle and the working tools with which Noah built the ark - axe, saw, and auger - to point the moral lesson.
The principal emblems of the degree are the triangle, rainbow, and a dove with an olive branch in its beak. The earliest record of the degree being worked comes in Bath in 1790. Today in our Jurisdiction, Royal Ark Mariner lodges are "moored" to most Councils - due to the long distances between Councils Select Masters who receive the Royal Ark Mariner Degree may then wear the "Rainbow" jewel.
It is a beautiful and very interesting degree. More importantly, the Companions are wonderful.
Looking forward to being more active in the York Rite Bodies after my term as Grand Master. Cyrus Council No 2 might be the first Body I will affiliate with.
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