Higher levels of Masonry

[dconaway]

What is the process/steps to further advance in Masonry beyond the 3rd degree?


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[Winter]

There is no higher degree than the Third, or Master Mason, Degree. But you can join various Appendant Bodies like the York Rite or Scottish Rite that will confer additional degrees and provide more opportunities to grow in Masonic knowledge. The idea of "higher" degrees in Masonry is a myth as these bodies only have the potential to make a Mason more educated. To join the two main bodies, York and Scottish Rites you only need to be a Master Mason and apply to them for membership. And pay more initiation fees and annual dues. Some appendant bodies are invitational only, and some have specific membership requirements. For example, The Royal Order of Scotland requires you to be a Master Mason and a Trinitarian Christian.

 

[dconaway]

There is no higher degree than the Third, or Master Mason, Degree. But you can join various Appendant Bodies like the York Rite or Scottish Rite that will confer additional degrees and provide more opportunities to grow in Masonic knowledge. The idea of "higher" degrees in Masonry is a myth as these bodies only have the potential to make a Mason more educated. To join the two main bodies, York and Scottish Rites you only need to be a Master Mason and apply to them for membership. And pay more initiation fees and annual dues. Some appendant bodies are invitational only, and some have specific membership requirements. For example, The Royal Order of Scotland requires you to be a Master Mason and a Trinitarian Christian.

Thank you, I am confused though as I often times hear of 33rd degree Masons. Does this not actually exist?


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[Keith C]

Thank you, I am confused though as I often times hear of 33rd degree Masons. Does this not actually exist?


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The appendant bodies (York Rite and Scottish Rite, etc) Assign numbers to their Degrees. There is a 4th Degree in York Rite Chapter as well as a Scottich Rite 4th Degree in the Lodge of Perfection, as an example.

The 33rd Degree is the Final Degree in the Scottish Rite system. It is only conferred on a very select group of Individuals who have made significant contributions to Freemasonry in General or the Scottish Rite in Particular. Virtual everyone who becomes part of Scottish Rite gets the 32nd Degree conferred on them. Every 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason I know would in no way consider themselves "Higher or Better" than other Brethren. I will say what was told to me; One sure way to never achieve the 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite is to ask how to achieve it!

 

[dconaway]

The appendant bodies (York Rite and Scottish Rite, etc) Assign numbers to their Degrees. There is a 4th Degree in York Rite Chapter as well as a Scottich Rite 4th Degree in the Lodge of Perfection, as an example.

The 33rd Degree is the Final Degree in the Scottish Rite system. It is only conferred on a very select group of Individuals who have made significant contributions to Freemasonry in General or the Scottish Rite in Particular. Virtual everyone who becomes part of Scottish Rite gets the 32nd Degree conferred on them. Every 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason I know would in no way consider themselves "Higher or Better" than other Brethren. I will say what was told to me; One sure way to never achieve the 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite is to ask how to achieve it!

Thank you, I have considered the Scottish Rite in the past but currently need to confer with the local lodge about proceeding. Again thank you for the enlightenment on the topic


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[MarkR]

Thank you, I have considered the Scottish Rite in the past but currently need to confer with the local lodge about proceeding. Again thank you for the enlightenment on the topic


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I see you're in Arizona. That would be part of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite. There will probably be someone in your lodge who can help you pursue Scottish Rite, but you can also go to https://scottishrite.org/about/how-to-join/

 

[Glen Cook]

… Every 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason I know would in no way consider themselves "Higher or Better" than other Brethren. I will say what was told to me; One sure way to never achieve the 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite is to ask how to achieve it!

I‘m not better. Just better looking.

Simply asking to achieve the 33 isn’t an impediment.

It is offered for public contributions.

 

[MarkR]

I‘m not better. Just better looking.

Simply asking to achieve the 33 isn’t an impediment.

It is offered for public contributions.

Article IV, Section 8 of the Statutes of the Supreme Council: "The Thirty-third Degree shall never be asked for, directly or indirectly, and if asked for, shall be refused."

 

[Glen Cook]

Indeed, it does. As the Utah attorney for the Orient and the Foundation, my first familiariization with the statutes came from the possible prosecution of a PGM, 33, Past Int’l President of Demolay. luckily, I only testified at his Masonic trial, wherein he was suspended, leading to loss of his AASR honors.

I do draw the line between,
“Tell me how one qualifies’ or “I sure would like that hat Br cCook is wearing, how does that happen?” (just go to Lauderer and gitcherself one is how I respond)
and
“I would like a Red/White/Sripey hat, I could fund the remodel of the auditorium if that would help.

Simple inquiry has never been a bar in my experience, which isn’t to say a hat doesn’t come after such donation.

 

[dconaway]

Article IV, Section 8 of the Statutes of the Supreme Council: "The Thirty-third Degree shall never be asked for, directly or indirectly, and if asked for, shall be refused."

Though I have been a MM for many years, there is still so much I need/want to learn. Thank you brother.


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