What are The Degrees of Freemasonry?
As a candidate’s first experience with the ceremonies of the fraternity, this degree is intended to be an introduction to Masonry. The “First Degree” is like all Masonic ceremonies, a solemn and meaningful event. The Entered Apprentice is entrusted with secrets of the Masonic Order, which are all moral and ethical in nature, and is expected to honor them in accordance with Masonic law. Once a candidate completes the Entered Apprentice degree, he takes his first step as a Freemason and enjoys the title of “Brother.”
First Degree
Entered Apprentice
Fellowcraft was a term used by the ancient Guilds of Operative Masons marking a craftsman’s progression from an apprentice to a journeyman, signifying a deeper understanding of the craft and its teachings. In Freemasonry it symbolizes the transition from youth to adulthood. Where a Brother further refines his skill, knowledge, and moral character preparing him to take his place in the world as a good citizen, friend, and family man. This ceremony above all, teaches the Fellowcraft to be just with all mankind.
Second Degree
Fellowcraft
As the final and highest honor in Freemasonry, the Master Mason degree symbolizes man’s maturity through increased knowledge and wisdom. It is the culmination of all he has learned through the first degrees, including how to prepare for spiritual enlightenment through the craft’s teachings. In the third degree, a candidate now learns to act with courage, fidelity, and devotion to his God. The Master Mason ritual emphasizes the immortality of man’s soul and encourages us to contemplate how this should influence our actions and decisions.
Third Degree
Master Mason
Freemasonry degrees serve as milestones in a Mason’s journey, representing increased knowledge, wisdom, and responsibility. Thes degrees connect Freemasons across generations and provide a shared experience that binds them together in brotherhood. By understanding the nature and purpose of Freemasonry degrees, one can appreciate the depth and richness of this ancient organization and its pursuit of self-improvement, camaraderie, and moral virtue.
The experience of becoming a member of a Masonic lodge is divided into three ceremonial stages known as “degrees.” These three degrees are loosely based upon the journeyman system, which was used to educate Medieval craftsmen. At each educational stage, a craftsman was required to achieve proficiency before moving to the next stage. Symbolically, our Masonic degrees represent the three stages of human development: youth, manhood, and age.
It is through these degrees that Masonry passes its teachings and principles from generation to generation. The degree ceremonies are intended to be sources of knowledge, inspiration, and pride for the candidate and the lodge members. These ceremonies also serve as a shared experience that binds men to a closer brotherhood. A candidate receives the utmost respect during all three ceremonies, and he is never made to feel uncomfortable.