CEREMONIAL HALL SET UP

Proper hall set up is very important to the overall experience received by the candidates. Whether you are hosting a First or Second Degree, it is important that you follow the hall set up for that degree. We understand that in some instances, Councils and/or Districts may be limited to the space available in which to hold a degree. In those instances, the Warden of the Degree Team will consult with the Degree GK or DD and the Team Captains (if different) to discuss alternatives. However, all efforts should be made to conform, as much as possible, to the prescribed hall set up.

The following diagrams will show the proper set up for a First and Second Degree. NOTE: These diagrams are also available in the front of each degree book.

                          First Degree Hall Layout                                          Second Degree Hall Layout



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


                                                                 
                                                                    DEGREE MATERIALS

Each Degree has its own set of required dress and paraphernalia to be used in the execution of the degree. All materials should be in proper condition for doing a degree. Any item that is not presentable or in proper working order should be replaced at once. All items can be obtained from Supreme.

First Degree Materials:

Council Grand Knights are responsible for all First Degrees in their Councils. The GK should ensure that all paraphernalia for the First Degree are in presentable, working order; that all Degree Team members are dressed similarly (robes, sashes or dress clothes) and that all team members, councils and candidates know the proper time to arrive and where to go upon arrival.

The following materials are required to be present for all candidates during a First Degree:
•  Properly Prepared First Degree Kit:*
•  Rosaries for all candidates
•  Rosary prayer card
•  Membership pin
•  The book “These Men They Call Knights”
•  A blank form 100 
•  Membership Card
•  Council “Constitutional Roll” for the candidate to sign*
•  Any other materials (i.e. Shining Armor information) the council may give to new members (some councils have a
      membership kit they give to each new member)*
•  Compass of Virtue
•  Degree Rosary
•  Skull and Cross Bones
•  Order’s Perpetual Watchword Banner
•  Candles for Head Table
•  Matches
•  Degree Music
•  Flashlight for Music Person

NOTE: When a candidate is attending a First Degree at another council, the VISITING COUNCIL should provide all items marked for their candidates with (*); a First Degree Kit, Constitutional Role. Visiting councils should not expect host councils to provide all materials.


It is imperative that each candidate taking their First degree:
• Must have paid his dues and initiation fee or made arrangements with the council FS to do so over a period of time.
• Must have been interviewed by the council admissions committee (the application for membership has a place at the bottom for the admissions committee chairman to sign).
• The completed and signed application must be read and approved by the membership prior to taking the degree. If necessary, this can be done prior to starting the First degree and before handing over the gavel to the degree team GK.
• Must be told what the proper dress code is for the degree. It can be business casual or tie and jacket.


Second Degree Materials:

District Deputies are responsible for all Second Degrees in their Districts. The DD should ensure that all paraphernalia for the Second Degree are in presentable, working order; that all Degree Team members are dressed similarly (robes, sashes or dress clothes) and that all team members, councils and candidates know the proper time to arrive and where to go upon arrival.

The following materials are required to be present for all candidates during a Second Degree:
• Membership Card for Second Degree *
• Fibers
• Cable
• Orders Perpetual Watch Word
• Compass of Virtue
• Degree Rosary
• Silver Plate
• Cross and light
• Columbus Picture
• Candles for Head Table
• Matches
• Degree Music
• CD Player for Music
• Flashlight for Music Person

NOTE: Membership Cards are to be supplied by the council of the candidate for the Second Degree. Host Councils are not required to provide this item.

It is imperative that each candidate taking their Second Degree:
• Must have paid his dues and initiation fee or made arrangements with the council FS to do so over a period of time.
• Must be a member in good standing in the First Degree of our Order.
• Must be told what the proper dress code is for the degree. It can be business casual or tie and jacket.

Degree Team Dress:
Regardless of whether you are conducting a First or Second Degree, Degree Teams should be dressed appropriately and similarly to exemplify any degree. The appropriate dress is a follows:
• Ceremonial Robes – All members must be in robes if they are to be used. All robes need to be presentable and free of holes, tears, rips and other such deformities that would deter from their look.
• Ceremonial Sash – Ceremonial Sashes can be used in place of robes, with each member dressed in white shirt, tie, and dark pants (black or gray), and jacket, and black socks and shoes.
• Council Jewel – Team members can dress in the same outfit for using the Ceremonial Sash, but in place of the sash, council jewels can be worn.