About OSM East Midlands
The East Midlands Province of the Order of the Secret Monitor is composed of the five Masonic Craft Provinces of Derbyshire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire. Each meeting area is formed into a Conclave, with meetings being held at:
Leicester, Mansfield, Lincoln, Littleover, Bourne, Louth, Gainsborough, Chesterfield, Ashby de la Zouch, Rushden, Lutterworth, Syston, & Belper.
THREE DEGREES OF THE ORDER
A candidate for induction into the Order must be a Master Mason in good standing, and member of a regular Craft Lodge under a recognised Constitution. The Order of the Secret Monitor or Brotherhood of David and Jonathan in the British Isles and its Districts and Conclaves Overseas is one of the fastest growing Masonic Orders in the United Kingdom and is administered at Mark Masons’ Hall in London. As with many orders in Freemasonry, the ceremonies typically surround a biblical story or legend and this Order is based upon the remarkable friendship which existed between David and Jonathan as can be found in the Bible – First book of Samuel. There are three Degrees in the Order of the Secret Monitor as follows:
First Degree - Induction Ceremony
In the Induction Ceremony, the story reflects on the powerful bond between David and Jonathan, son of Israel’s first king, Saul. David, a courageous warrior and devoted servant, soon became the target of Saul’s jealousy as Saul grew envious of his success and aimed to kill him. In the First Degree of our Order, this story is vividly portrayed when Jonathan, true to his loyalty, discreetly warns David—thus, the term Secret Monitor—against returning to Saul’s household. This narrative underscores lasting themes of friendship, loyalty, and unwavering support.
Second Degree - Princes Degree
The Second Degree, or Princes Degree, introduces candidates to an Assembly of Princes, where they learn of David's escape from King Saul's plot, aided by his friend Jonathan. Jonathan developed a secret communication system to inform David of court events. When Saul discovered their alliance, he launched a ruthless search, killing many he suspected of helping David. Despite this, David survived and later became Israel's king. This degree also highlights how David welcomed a survivor of Saul's massacre, teaching powerful lessons of friendship, loyalty, and support.
Third Degree - Installation of Supreme Ruler
The final Degree involves the Installation of a Supreme Ruler, symbolising King David’s role within a Conclave. This Degree features a special Commissioning ceremony, endowing the Supreme Ruler with authority and status across the Order, enabling them to confer the Degree in any conclave. A certificate validates the office holder's Commissioned status. This ceremony, unique in its kind, fosters a supportive network of practical friendship and care among members, making each ritual deeply meaningful.