Among the many degrees and orders within Freemasonry, the Order of the Red Cross stands out as one of the most symbolic and ancient. It is the first of the three orders conferred in the Chivalric Orders of the York Rite, preceding the Orders of Malta and the Temple. While not a Christian order like those that follow it, the Order of the Red Cross teaches timeless moral and philosophical lessons rooted in faith, integrity, and the triumph of truth.
Historical Background
The story of the Order of the Red Cross takes place during the time of the Jewish captivity in Babylon, long before the era of the Crusades that inspire the later Masonic Orders of Knighthood. It centers around Zerubbabel, a prince of the House of David, who seeks to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem after the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, permitted the Jews to return to their homeland.
When Darius, successor to Cyrus, temporarily halts the rebuilding, Zerubbabel courageously travels to the Persian court to plead for the continuation of the work. There, he takes part in a contest of wisdom before the king and the assembled princes — a debate over what is strongest: wine, the king, women, or truth. Zerubbabel’s defense of truth as the mightiest force wins him favor and freedom for his people, as well as the right to resume rebuilding the Temple. The color red and the emblematic cross symbolize courage and unwavering faith in the power of truth.
Symbolism and Moral Lessons
The Order of the Red Cross is rich in allegory and instruction. It teaches that truth and fidelity will ultimately prevail over injustice and oppression. The story also emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith in one’s convictions, even in the face of authority or adversity.
The candidate symbolically travels with Zerubbabel on his journey, learning lessons about courage, loyalty, and perseverance. In the context of Freemasonry, this journey represents the moral path toward enlightenment and the rebuilding of one’s own spiritual “temple” through virtue and truth.
The Order also introduces the Green or Red Cross of the Order, which serves as an emblem of the victory of truth over error. Its motto, “Magna est veritas et praevalebit” — “Great is truth, and it will prevail” — captures the essence of its teaching.
Relationship to the York Rite System
In the structure of the York Rite, the Order of the Red Cross belongs to the Commandery of Knights Templar, though it is not itself a Christian order. Instead, it serves as a moral and philosophical bridge between the symbolic and Capitular Masonry of the earlier degrees (such as the Royal Arch) and the explicitly Christian Orders of the Temple and Malta that follow.
Candidates for the Commandery first receive the Order of the Red Cross to learn the value of truth and faith in divine justice before advancing to the chivalric lessons of Christian knighthood in the later Orders.
Modern Significance
For the modern Freemason, the Order of the Red Cross offers a profound reflection on moral courage and the eternal pursuit of truth. It reminds every Mason that while titles and power may fade, truth is immortal and unconquerable.
Participating in the Order provides not only a deeper understanding of Masonic philosophy but also an appreciation for the ancient narratives that connect Freemasonry to humanity’s enduring quest for wisdom and virtue.
