You have now completed the first two degrees of Masonry
and are ready for the final step into our fraternity-the Sublime Degree of a
Master Mason. This is the highest honor Freemasonry can bestow. In it are found
the most profound lessons taught in our gentle craft.
This degree, like the two preceding, presents its lessons rapidly, and at times
almost casually, as if in passing. The scope of Freemasonry is so great; the
teachings of each degree could not be fully expounded or comprehended in many,
many evenings. In fact, a number of Masonic scholars and authorities have
devoted much of their adult lives to the study of Masonry and have felt that
such a lifetime afforded them only a beginning in their work.
You will find this degree, and more especially the second section, is more
dramatic than the first two degrees. In the Master Mason degree you will see the
symbols of some of the most soul searching questions ever asked by philosophers
and wise men down through the ages. Our beliefs in the omnipotence of the
Supreme Being, in eternal life, in piety, fidelity, moral conduct, and
faithfulness, are dramatically stated in a ceremony so beautiful you will
remember it for the rest of your lives.
A legend exclusive to Masonry will be presented. While this particular legend is
found only in speculative Masonry, it has its counterpart in some form in the
legends and folklore of practically all peoples of the world. Always- this
legend takes a similar form- death by treachery, a search, discovery, and
reward. Its origins in Masonry are unknown as it predates any written history
about our fraternity. The message is absolutely timeless.
As in the other degrees, you are encouraged to pay close attention to not only
the orations and activities that take place, but also to the many and varied
symbols which are presented. As before, many will be explained. The enormous
scope of the symbolism cannot be absorbed in so short a time as this one-day
class. It may be many years before you will be satisfied that you have seen and
understand all the symbols in these degrees. Only then will you realize that a
lifetime of study can merely scratch the surface of the wonderful body of
knowledge and lore contained in the first three degrees of Ancient Free and
Accepted Masonry.