For centuries, men seeking a deeper sense of purpose, community, and self-improvement have turned to Freemasonry. But if you are new to the world of the Craft, you may have heard terms like “Entered Apprentice” or “Master Mason” and wondered what they actually mean.
Becoming a Mason isn’t just about joining a club; it is a progressive journey of self-discovery. This path is divided into three distinct stages, known as Degrees. Each degree uses symbols and allegories to teach important life lessons.
Here is a breakdown of the three steps on the path to becoming a Master Mason.
1. The Entered Apprentice: Laying the Foundation
Every Mason begins his journey as an Entered Apprentice. This first degree represents the stage of “youth.”
In the Entered Apprentice degree, the focus is on the fundamentals of Freemasonry. Just as a builder must first learn how to use his tools before he can raise a cathedral, a new Mason learns the basic principles of the Craft: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
- The Focus: Character building and morality.
- The Symbolism: Being “brought to light.” It is about a man’s initial entrance into the fraternity and his commitment to improving his own life.
- The Takeaway: This stage reminds us that we are all “rough ashlar” (unhewn stone) that needs work and refinement to fit into the structure of society.
2. The Fellow Craft: The Pursuit of Knowledge
Once a man has mastered the basics, he passes to the Second Degree: the Fellow Craft. If the first degree represents youth, the second represents the “manhood” of our lives.
The Fellow Craft degree is an intellectual journey. It encourages Masons to study the “hidden mysteries of nature and science” and to appreciate the arts and education. It is about moving from the foundation of character to the cultivation of the mind.
- The Focus: Education, skill, and the five senses.
- The Symbolism: The “Winding Stairs.” This represents the climb toward wisdom and the effort required to gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.
- The Takeaway: This degree teaches us that a Mason’s work is never done; we must always be learning and seeking to be more useful to our communities.
3. The Master Mason: The Summit of the Craft
The Third Degree, or Master Mason, is the highest honor in a symbolic Lodge. It represents the “age of maturity” and is the most profound and solemn of the three steps.
The Master Mason degree focuses on the concept of integrity and the ultimate bond of brotherhood. By becoming a Master Mason, a man proves his dedication to the Craft and gains the full rights and privileges of the fraternity—including the ability to hold office and travel to other Lodges worldwide.
- The Focus: Integrity, mortality, and the eternal nature of the soul.
- The Symbolism: The Hiramic Legend. This degree uses a powerful story to illustrate that a man of honor should remain true to his word and his principles, even in the face of great trials.
- The Takeaway: Reaching this level isn’t the “end” of the road; it is the beginning of a lifetime of service and leadership alongside a global brotherhood.
Your Personal Journey
The path to becoming a Master Mason is one of the most rewarding experiences a man can undertake. It is a commitment to yourself, your family, and your community to be the best version of yourself.
Here in the Grand Lodge of Ohio, we are taking a special interest in our Commitment to the Craft this year under the leadership of Grand Master Shawn Johnson. Revisiting these degrees is a great way to renew your loyalty to the fraternity.
New here? Contact a local Lodge or fill out an interest form to take the next step in your journey.