American Freemasonry remembles two sets
of stairs that begin and end together, as this chart of Masonic
structure shows. A Mason's first step is to become an Entered
Apprentice. He climbs to the third step where most Masons stay.
If he wants to go in the Masonic hierarchy, he enters either
the Scottish or York rites. Many authorities say the Scottish
Rite was begun by Scots emigre's in France; the York Rite is
named after York, England where, by legend, the first Masonic
body was organized.
In the Scottish Rite a Mason climbs 30 steps,
or degrees. The name he takes on at each degree is written on
each step in the chart. Where there are two names the top is
used by northern Masons, the italicized one by southern Masons.
Some figures a Mason meets in Rite ceremonies stand on the steps
(from bottom): King Solomon, King Cyrus, acolyte, George Washington,
Sultan. Each degree teaches a moral. To earn a degree candidate
learns the moral and participates in ceremony dramatizing it.
A 32 degree is the
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- highest degree a Mason can earn. The
33 degree is awarded by the Supreme Council, ruling body of the
Rite.
- A Mason in York Rite advances 10 degrees,
known by name and not by degree number. On the chart arc figures
he meets at each degree or the degree symbol. Figures are temple
workman, Past Master (Virtual), Israel tribesman, High Priest
of Jews, King Hiram of Tyre, Knight of Malta, Knight of Templar,
equal in prestige to 33 degree in Scottish Rite.
- Under the arch are organizations allied to
Freemasonry. Master Mason are eligible for Grotto and Tall Cedars
of Lebanon. Girls with a Mason in the family can join Job's Daughters
or Rainbow Girls; women, the Eastern Star; boys, DeMolay. Only
32 degree Masons or Knights Templar can join the Shrine. Shriner's
wife can be a Daughter of the Nile.
- Most important of many Masonic symbols are
the open Bible with square and compass on it (left); Solomon's
temple (below Bible); and G with the all-seeing eye inside (upper
right). In the U.S. the G stands for God.
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