Degrees of Masons
There are few fraternal organizations that inspire as much intrigue as the Freemasons. Often depicted in popular culture as a shadowy or secretive organization, Freemasonry boasts more than 6 million members worldwide. Despite the image portrayed in popular media, Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that primarily focuses on charitable work locally and beyond, moral uprightness and the development of fraternal friendship. Within the Masonic Lodge's Blue Lodge, there are three degrees of Freemasonry. The Blue Lodge is the main group of Freemasonry, although additional groups exist for those who reach the Master Mason rank in the Blue Lodge.
Other People Are Reading
-
Entered Apprentice
-
An Entered Apprentice, the first degree Freemason, is the initiate to the life of a Freemason. In order to become an Entered Apprentice, a candidate must meet several requirements. He must be a man of at least 21 years of age, with a clean criminal record and a reputation of good moral character. He must also profess a belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul to be considered as an Entered Apprentice. Once a candidate is selected, he must pass through a number of rites and ceremonies to officially be inducted into the Lodge and become an Entered Apprentice. As an Entered Apprentice, his responsibility is to learn everything he can about the tenets and beliefs of Freemasonry, and to keep the organizations secrets dutifully.
Fellowcraft
-
Those who have sufficiently studied as Entered Apprentices can participate in the rites and ceremonies to become a Fellowcraft. This intermediate degree in Freemasonry is symbolic of the growth into adulthood. Fellowcraft Masons are offered a wider understanding of Masonic principles and symbolism. A Fellowcraft is expected to study diligently and apply what he learns to his life. He earns the right to sit in a lodge as a Fellowcraft accompanied by a Master Mason who already sits in lodge with him. He also earns the right to be instructed and examined by others in the lodge and, if considered proficient enough, he can request the right to be advanced to the third degree -- Master Mason.
-
Master Mason
-
Master Mason is the highest degree the Blue Lodge of Freemasonry offers. At this level, a Mason has demonstrated great dedication and commitment to the highest level of the organization. Master Masons enjoy a number of rights previously unattainable. This includes the right to sit in at any Masonic Lodge, as long as he can prove he is a Mason in good standing and no members of the Lodge he is visiting objects. He also is eligible to receive Masonic Relief in times of difficulty, wherein the Lodge or the Grand Lodge will offer support for his home or family. Widows and orphans of Master Masons may also apply for that assistance. Master Masons also are eligible to receive a Masonic Funeral Service. Master Masons also cast ballots in all voting decisions, examine visiting Master Masons, investigate petitioners who wish to join or advance and vouch for petitioners.
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
-
Master Masons also can advance into further teaching. There are several different groups that can confer this additional training. The Scottish Rite offers an additional 30 degrees of teaching for a Master Mason and additional titles as a result of this training. Members of the Scottish Rite can pass through four different divisions as they advance. From fourth degree to 14th degree, they are considered members of the Lodge of Perfection. From the 15th to 18th degree, they are considered members of the Chapter of Rose Croix. From the 19th to 30th degree, they are members of the Council of Kadosh; the final three degrees make up members of the Consistory. The degrees of the Scottish Rite are not considered an elevated rank above the Blue Lodge's third degree, Master Mason.
York Rite
-
Additionally, a Master Mason may enter into the York Rite. Like the Scottish Rite, the York Rite furthers the teachings and lessons of the Blue Lodge and its additional degrees do not rank members beyond their Blue Lodge Master Mason status. York Rite participants are also divided into three divisions: the Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, the Council of Royal & Select Masters and the Commandery of Knights Templar. The York Rite is primarily focused on the history of Freemasonry, dating back to medieval times.
Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine
-
Also known simply as "Shriners," members of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine are Master Masons who have petitioned and been accepted into the Order. Shriners are a very public arm of Freemasonry, active in providing clubs, events and functions. They also support Shriners Hospitals for Children, which are hospital services for burned and crippled children. These medical services are provided to the children at no cost.
-
