A new member of Freemasonry goes through three 'degrees', namely:
1st Degree: Starting Student;
2nd Degree: Fellow Craft; And
3rd Degree: Master Bricklayer
At each "degree," the new member is exposed to ceremonies, moral teachings, and wisdom developed over the years. In addition to the above, the other 'degrees' range from 4th to 33rd degree, but are not considered higher in rank and importance; rather, they expand upon the teachings of the first three "degrees." The majority of the fraternity remain Master Masons, i.e. they do not go beyond the 3rd degree.
Freemasons today do not meet as operative but symbolic Freemasons. The ceremonies performed during meetings are based on the customs of the past. The name "Entered Apprentice" refers to a person who needs to learn the skills of the trade, a beginner taking his first steps and bonding with an experienced master. Freemasonry today is an allegory of life and the entered apprenticeship represents the first step in the experience.
In ancient times, the agents used words and signs to identify themselves when traveling from building to building to protect against unlawful representation. The mystique of the so-called "secrets" of Freemasonry, therefore, are the words and signs of identification.
When a member is inducted as an Enrolled Apprentice Freemason, he is clothed in a plain white lambskin apron, representing the purity of life and action required of all who call themselves Freemasons.
Freemasonry is based on the principles of brotherly love, charity and truth. It is not a religion or substitute for religion, has no prescribed dogmas or religious doctrines, and the lodges are not places of worship.
The ceremonies performed at meetings draw the parallels between the construction of a building and leading a good life. A good building requires a solid foundation, so a good life must be based on virtue.
Freemasons are expected to be charitable in thought, word and deed; to love fellow human beings, to be charitable to those in need, and to deal fairly and ethically in society.
Comments
Post a Comment