As you prepare to receive your Master Mason degree, you may be wondering what to expect during the ceremony.
This is the final degree in the Blue Lodge, and it is a significant milestone in your Masonic journey.
In this article, we will provide an overview of how to prepare and what to expect during your Master Mason degree.
TLDR: During the degree ceremony, you will participate in a series of symbolic rituals and lectures that will teach you important lessons about Masonry and the nature of humanity.
You will be required to demonstrate your proficiency in the work and answer questions from the Worshipful Master.
The ceremony will culminate in the conferral of the degree, at which point you will be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.
An Overview of the Master Mason Degree
Congratulations on reaching the pinnacle of the Blue Lodge!
The Master Mason Degree is the highest degree in Freemasonry and is often considered the most important (and I agree).
Each of these degrees before this (the EA and FC) builds upon the knowledge and experience gained in the previous degree, and together they form a comprehensive system of moral and ethical instruction.
In the Master Mason Degree, you will be presented with the working tools of a Master Mason, which include:
- the Skirret,
- the Pencil, and
- the Compasses.
During the degree, you will also be introduced to the legend of Hiram Abiff, the master builder of King Solomon’s Temple.
This legend is central to the Masonic tradition and is used to illustrate the importance of fidelity, loyalty, and perseverance.
Preparation for the Degree
Just like you did for your Entered Apprentice degree, before you attend your Master Mason Degree, it is important to prepare yourself both mentally and physically.
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Mental Preparation
Study and Memorize: Make sure you have thoroughly studied and memorized the required materials for the degree. This will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Meditate and Reflect: Take some time to meditate and reflect on the significance of the degree. This will help you focus and prepare yourself mentally for the experience.
Visualize the Ceremony: You should already be familiar with the temple and the “way things go,” so it helps to visualize yourself in the lodge and imagine yourself succeeding. This will help you feel more prepared and confident.
Physical Preparation
In addition to mental preparation, it is also important to prepare yourself physically.
Here are some things you can do:
Get Enough Rest: Make sure you get enough rest the night before the degree. This will help you feel more alert and focused during the ceremony.
Eat a Healthy Meal: The Master Mason degree can take a while, so eat a healthy light meal before the degree ceremony to ensure that you can endure it without any discomfort.
Dress Appropriately: It’s a big day, so make sure you dress appropriately for the degree. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident during the ceremony. The lodge officers will also help you “get ready” before entering the Lodge.
The Responsibilities of a Master Mason
As a Master Mason, you have certain responsibilities to uphold.
These responsibilities include charity and philanthropy, Masonic education, leadership, and mentorship.
Charity and Philanthropy
One of the core values of Freemasonry is charity.
As a Master Mason, you have a responsibility to give back to your community and help those in need.
This can be done through donations, volunteering, or organizing charitable events.
Remember, charity is not just about giving money; it’s about giving your time and effort to make a difference in someone’s life.
Masonic Education
As a Master Mason, you have a responsibility to continue your Masonic education.
This means studying the history and teachings of Freemasonry, attending lectures and discussions, and participating in Masonic rituals.
By doing so, you will deepen your understanding of the craft and become a better Mason.
Leadership
As a Master Mason, you have a responsibility to be a leader in your lodge and in your community.
This means setting an example for others to follow, taking on leadership roles within your lodge, and being a positive influence on those around you.
Remember, leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about inspiring and guiding others to achieve their full potential.
Mentorship
This means sharing your knowledge and experience with those who are new to the craft, helping them to understand the teachings and traditions of Freemasonry, and providing guidance and support as they progress through the degrees.
Remember, mentorship is about building relationships and helping others to grow and develop as Masons.
As a Master Mason, you have a responsibility to uphold the values and traditions of Freemasonry, to give back to your community, to continue your Masonic education, to be a leader, and to mentor and guide others.
By fulfilling these responsibilities, you will become a better Mason and contribute to the growth and success of the craft.
What to Look Forward to as a Master Mason in Freemasonry
During your Master Mason degree, you will experience a strong sense of fellowship and brotherhood.
This is because Freemasonry is built on the foundation of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
You will feel a sense of camaraderie with your fellow Masons, and you will find that you share many common values and beliefs.
As a Master Mason, you will be welcomed into a community of like-minded individuals.
You will have the opportunity to participate in various social and charitable events, where you can bond with your fellow Masons and work together to make a positive impact on your community.
One of the most important aspects of fellowship and brotherhood in Freemasonry is the support system that it provides.
As a Master Mason, you will have the support of your fellow Masons during both good times and bad.
Whether you need help with a personal problem or just someone to talk to, you can count on your fellow Masons to be there for you.
Becoming a Master Mason is a significant achievement, and you should be proud of yourself.
You have gained a deeper understanding of the principles and values of Freemasonry, and you are now part of a brotherhood that spans the globe.
As a Master Mason, you are now eligible to participate in all the activities and events of your lodge.
Remember, the journey of Freemasonry is never-ending.
There is always more to learn and explore.
As you continue your journey, keep an open mind and a humble heart.
Embrace the values and principles of the Craft, and strive to live up to its high ideals.
