The Oldest Masonic Rituals in the World

This paper examines the oldest known Masonic rituals: the Edinburgh Register House MS (1696); the recently discovered, Airlie MS (1705) and the Chetwode Crawley MS (c.1710) and discusses their place in the chronology of the earliest Masonic documents (1598 and earlier.) What can the oldest Masonic rituals in the world tell us about the people who performed these early ceremonies? Is there any esoteric content? What is the meaning of the words used? What relationship is there with modern Masonic ritual?

The author shows that these rituals were designed to serve a number of functions and that Masonic lore was firmly embedded in these first known rituals. They serve also as a starting point from which to examine subsequent developments and elaborations of Masonic ritual. This paper is deemed essential for the correct understanding of the origins of Freemasonry and subsequent elaborations of Masonic ritual, ceremonies and esoteric content.

The above armorial bearings (or 'coat of arms') are of the Earls of Findlater (family name Airlie) who owned the Airlie MS of 1705 which is the second oldest Masonic ritual in the world and is the only one of that period which is known to have been the property of a particular family.