There are many traditions that we as Masons in general, and Scottish Rite Masons in particular, observe and don’t give a second thought. The distinguished history of the Scottish Rite of Arkansas has made for a number of these particular traditions that are still observed a century later. One of the most obvious to come to mind is the recitation of the “Rose Poem” called “A Garden of Roses by Fred H. Yaple at the conclusion of the light chamber of the 18°’. After the poem the Wise Master, assisted by the Camp Guard, are presented with roses as a reminder how much they are loved and appreciated. This tradition has been observed in Arkansas for the last century and has become a beloved tradition.
Likewise after the 32° in an ode to the country that affords us the freedoms so easily taken for granted we celebrate those freedoms with the “Goddess of Liberty.” This is a special part of our Reunion where a brother’s family member holds the Scales of Justice and Declaration of Independence while all in attendance sing, “America the Beautiful.”
After the constituting of the new Particular Consistory in Arkansas Bros. Henry Sovereign Grand Inspector General (S.G.I.G.) and Rosenbaum set about working on the vision of performing degrees in dramatic form as well as forming new service unit to add flair and distinction to the 32° “The Camp Guard of Arkansas Consistory.” Officially the unit was in place and had already begun its work by 1899 when Bro. Rosenbaum was serving as Deputy to the Supreme Council and commander of the Camp Guard. Two years Bro. John Fraser was appointed to serve as the first Captain of the Camp Guard and that same year Bro. Rosenbaum was crown S.G.I.G. of the Orient of Arkansas. Now, 125 years later every Reunion in Little Rock since its formation the Camp Guard has assisted in the degree work and worked the 32° drill.
However, there is yet another tradition present at every Reunion in Little Rock that is obstructed from view, unless we watch the actions of the property room very closely. We see it when we gaze at the altar and notice an ornate Scottish Rite sword. The sword I’m referring to isn’t just one of the generic swords used by the ritualists or the Camp Guard. This sword is a true relic of the “Golden Age of Fraternalism”, and we believe it was presented in 1901 shortly after the Biennial of the Supreme Council before the “Golden Age” had achieved its fullness. This is the personal dress sword of Illustrious and Most Worshipful Brother Charles E. Rosenbaum 33°, SGIG for the Orient of Arkansas, and Lieutenant Grand Commander for the Southern Jurisdiction, but, the specifics of this sword are unknown, however we can ascertain a few details from its appearance and a few more being students of the Scottish Rite History here in Arkansas.
Officially the Camp Guard was in place and had begun its work in 1899 with Bro. Rosenbaum serving concurrently as Deputy of the Supreme Council and Commander of the Camp Guard. Two years later Bro. John Fraser was appointed to serve as the first Captain of the Camp Guard and that same year Bro. Rosenbaum was crowned S.G.I.G. of the Orient of Arkansas. As an expression of extreme gratitude and congratulations the Camp Guard purchased a custom dress sword for Bro. Rosenbaum. It was engraved with Bro. Rosenbaums’s name, degree, and office along with various Scottish Rite symbols. The luxuriousness of this sword does not end with the engravings or castings though. This sword also was enameled around all the engravings to add the last bit of definition and splendor.
Sometime after the presentation of this sword to Bro. Rosenbaum it was entrusted into the care of our Property Room where it was mandated to become a staple on the altar during the degrees requiring a sword on the altar. This sword has shared the altar with many hundred brethren over the last century, and not a few red roses as well.
Through the rest of the tenure of our illustrious brother and the tenures of our successive S.G.I.G’s Bro. Rosenbaum’s sword has been on our altar. Bro. Rosenbaum’s sword is another living piece of history sharing our hallowed spaces in the temple built by the very man who carried it. This sword sits as a quiet yet fierce reminder of the greatness that Freemasonry can reveal in a man who is willing to embrace her precepts and live them.
This article was published in the April 2024 centennial edition of the Voice of the Orient.
Comments