CHIEF OF TT-Ill TABERNACLE. The 23d degree of the Ancient and Accepted rite. This is the first of a series of three degrees giving a full description of the setting up of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, its form, materials, furniture, etc., the sacerdotal and sacrifical ceremonies per formed by the Priests in their worship of the Deity, as described in the instructions delivered to Moses in Exodus xxix and xt. The ceremonies of this degree commemorate the institution of the order of the High-Priesthood in Aaron and his sons Eleazar and Ithamar. Assemblies in this degree are styled Courts. The hangings are white, sup ported by red and black columns, by twos, placed at intervals. The court represents an encampment of the twelve tribes, in the desert, near Sinai. The standards of the tribes, made after the accompanying model, are planted round the room near the walls, in the following order: In the east, that of Judah; the color of the standard being crimson, in stripes or waves; and the device a lion, couchant, between a crown and scepter. Next to Judah, on the side toward the north, that of Issachar ; color, greenish yellow ; device, an ass, couchant, beneath its burden. Next to Judah, on the side toward the south, that of Zebulon ; color, light green ; device a ship. Next toward the south, that of Simeon; color, yellow; device, a naked sword.
In the south, that of Reuben; color, a brilliant crimson; device, a man. Next to Reuben, on the side toward the west, that of Gad; color, bluish-green; device, a field covered with stars.
Next toward the west, that of Manasseh; color, variegated, like agate; device, a vine running over a wall. In the west, that of Ephraim; color, variegated, like opal; device a bull. Next toward the north that of Benjamin; color violet; device a wolf. Next toward the north, that of Asher; color, blue; device, a tree in full leaf. In the north, that of Dan; color, that of the gold-stone; device, an eagle, holding a serpent in his beak. Next to
Dan, toward the east, that of Naphtali; color, bluish-green; device, a female deer running at speed. In the center of the Court is a representation, reduced in size, of the Taber nacle of Moses, described in Exodus, chapters xxvi and KUM. The furniture of the Court consists of an altar al sacrifice; a laver, or large basin of bronze, filled with water; the table of shew-bread; the seven-branched candlestick; an altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant. On the altar of incense are the roll of the Book of the Law and a poniard ; and on the Book of the Law, the square and compasses. The presiding officer sits in the east, represents Aaron, and is styled Most Excellent High Priest. The Wardens sit in the west, and represent his two sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, and are styled Excellent Priests. The Orator, Secretary and Treasurer sit on the east of the tabernacle, the Master of Ceremonies on the west of it, the Captain of Guards on the south of it, and the Sentinel on the north. The other officers and members sit on the north, south and west of it. All except the three first officers are styled Worthy Levites. Aaron is dressed in full priestly robes. The Wardens wear the same dress, except the breastplate and the miter, instead of which they wear plain turbans of white liner. The High-Priest and Wardens do not wear aprons. The other officers and members wear white aprons lined with scarlet, and bordered with red, blue and purple ribbons. In the middle is painted or embroidered the golden candelabrum with seven lights: They also wear a red leather belt, fringed along the lower edge with gold; from which hangs a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, with a long handle, the end whereof, on which the cup sits, is shaped like an open hand. This is also the form of the jewel of the degree. For receptions an extra apartment is required, with an altar, a feeble light, and other appropriate emblems.