The Master Mason: Freemasonry’s Third and Final Degree
To the uninitiated, the world of Freemasonry can seem shrouded in mystery, a labyrinth of symbols, rituals, and archaic titles. Yet, at its core, it is a journey of self-discovery, a progressive path of moral and philosophical education. The pinnacle of this initial journey, the ultimate goal for every man who knocks on the lodge door, is to become a Master Mason. This title is not merely a label, it is a profound state of being, representing the culmination of foundational Masonic teaching and the beginning of a lifetime of enlightened participation in the world’s oldest and largest fraternity.
What follows is not an exposé of secrets, but an illumination of meaning. We will explore the substance of this crucial degree, understanding what it represents, the lessons it imparts, and the responsibilities it confers upon the man who earns the right to be called a Master Mason. It is the key that unlocks the full potential of the Masonic experience.
What Is the Significance of the Three Degrees?
The three degrees of Freemasonry, known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, represent a structured and progressive journey of personal development. Each degree is a distinct stage of learning, using allegory and symbolism to impart essential moral and philosophical lessons, with each building upon the lessons of the last.
Think of it as an allegorical apprenticeship in the art of living. The Entered Apprentice is the novice, learning the foundational tools and principles of the Craft. He is taught to subdue his passions and begin the process of shaping his own character, much like a stonemason learns to handle the gavel and chisel to shape a rough stone.
The Fellow Craft degree represents the next stage, a focus on intellectual pursuit and the application of knowledge. Having learned the basics, the Mason is encouraged to expand his mind through the study of the liberal arts and sciences, applying reason and logic to understand the world and his place within it. He is no longer just chipping away at the stone, he is now learning the geometry and architecture needed to build a worthy structure.
What Defines a Master Mason?
A Master Mason is a full and complete member of the Masonic fraternity, having successfully completed the third and final degree of Symbolic, or "Blue Lodge," Masonry. This status grants him all the rights and privileges of membership, marking the culmination of his initial education in the core tenets of the Craft.
To be raised to the "sublime degree" of a Master Mason is to be fully integrated into the brotherhood. It signifies that the individual has been tested, has proven his fidelity, and has received the complete foundational teachings of Masonic morality and philosophy. He is now considered a peer among his Brethren, capable of participating in the governance of his lodge and qualified to represent the fraternity in the wider world.
However, it is a profound mistake to view this achievement as an end point. In truth, becoming a Master Mason is the true beginning of one’s Masonic life. It is like receiving a university degree, you have completed the curriculum and earned the qualification, but the real work of applying that knowledge throughout your life has only just begun. The Master Mason has been given the complete set of symbolic tools, and now he is expected to use them.
What Does the Master Mason Degree Involve?
The Master Mason degree is a deeply symbolic and dramatic ceremony that imparts the most profound and solemn lessons in Blue Lodge Masonry. It is an immersive allegorical play in which the candidate is the central figure, designed to teach him about fidelity, integrity, and the certainty of mortality.
Unlike the preceding degrees which focus on the preparation and intellectual development of the individual, the third degree confronts the candidate with the realities of life, loss, and the nature of human character in the face of adversity. It is a powerful and moving experience that stays with a Mason for his entire life, serving as a constant source of reflection and moral guidance. The lessons are complex, layered, and intended to be contemplated for years to come.
What Is the Central Allegory of the Degree?
The central allegory of the Master Mason degree is based on the biblical story of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, specifically focusing on the fate of its principal architect, a figure named Hiram Abiff. This narrative forms the framework for a dramatic presentation of loyalty, conspiracy, and ultimate sacrifice.
Within the Masonic tradition, Hiram Abiff is portrayed as the master craftsman who possessed the ultimate secrets of the builder’s art. The story revolves around his unwavering fidelity to his obligations, even in the face of extreme danger from those who would steal his knowledge for their own selfish gain. His steadfastness serves as the ultimate example of integrity and honor.
The purpose of this dramatic allegory is not historical reenactment. It is to impress upon the candidate the importance of truth, honor, and duty. The story of Hiram Abiff becomes a personal metaphor for every Mason’s own journey, a reminder that his integrity is his most valuable possession and that he must be prepared to defend it.
Why Is Mortality a Key Theme?
The degree uses the symbolism of mortality to teach Masons about the finite nature of human life and the importance of living virtuously to build a worthy legacy. By confronting the candidate with the allegorical representation of death, the ceremony forces a powerful moment of introspection on the most fundamental questions of existence.
This focus on mortality is not meant to be morbid or frightening. Instead, it serves as a powerful catalyst for self-improvement. It reminds the Mason that his time to work, to learn, and to contribute to the world is limited. This understanding encourages him to make the most of his life, to act with purpose, and to build a "spiritual temple" in his own heart that will endure beyond his physical existence.
The lesson is one of perspective. When one truly contemplates their own mortality, petty grievances, selfish ambitions, and material obsessions fade in importance. What comes to the forefront is the desire to live a life of meaning, to be a man of character, and to leave a positive mark on the world and in the hearts of those who knew him.
What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of a Master Mason?
Upon becoming a Master Mason, an individual is invested with the full spectrum of rights and responsibilities that come with membership in the fraternity. These are two sides of the same coin, privileges earned through demonstrated commitment, and duties accepted as part of that elevated status.
He is no longer a passive learner but an active participant, a custodian of the Craft’s traditions and its future. This transition marks his full acceptance into a global community, with the expectation that he will contribute to its welfare and honor its principles in all aspects of his life. His journey is now self-directed, and his potential for contribution is immense.
What Privileges Does a Master Mason Gain?
A Master Mason gains the full privileges of Masonic membership, including the right to vote on all lodge business, to hold an elected or appointed office within the lodge, and to "travel" by visiting other recognized Masonic lodges around the world. He also gains the ability to petition for membership in appendant Masonic bodies.
The right to vote and hold office empowers him to take an active role in the governance and direction of his own lodge. The right to travel is one of the most cherished privileges, allowing him to be welcomed as a Brother in any regular Masonic lodge anywhere on the globe, instantly connecting him to a universal network of men. Furthermore, he can now choose to explore deeper philosophical teachings by joining organizations like the Scottish Rite or the York Rite, which require a Mason to be a Master Mason first.
What Is Expected of a Master Mason?
A Master Mason is expected to be a mentor to newer Masons, to live as an exemplar of the moral principles taught in the degrees, and to be an active and contributing member of his lodge and community. He is expected to continue his own education and embody the virtues of the Craft.
Mentorship is a key responsibility. A Master Mason should be ready and willing to offer guidance and support to the Entered Apprentices and Fellow Crafts who are following the path he has just completed. In his daily life, he is expected to be a man of his word, to act with integrity, and to practice charity and brotherly love, thereby representing Freemasonry honorably to the public. Finally, he is expected to be a student for life, always seeking "more light" through study, reflection, and participation.
Is Becoming a Master Mason the End of the Masonic Journey?
No, becoming a Master Mason is not the end of the journey, it is the commencement of a lifetime of Masonic exploration and participation. It provides the essential foundation and the complete set of symbolic tools, but the work of using them has only just begun.
Imagine it as graduating from a foundational school of philosophy. You now possess the core vocabulary and concepts, but the great libraries of thought are now open for you to explore. The Blue Lodge degrees give a man a framework for a moral and ethical life, a blueprint for self-improvement. The rest of his life is the construction project.
A Master Mason can spend a lifetime plumbing the depths of the symbolism and philosophy contained within just the first three degrees. He can dedicate himself to leadership within his lodge, he can mentor new generations of Masons, or he can seek further light and knowledge in the many appendant and concordant bodies. The path is his to choose, and the journey truly never ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Master Mason? The time it takes varies significantly by Masonic jurisdiction and the individual’s own pace, but it typically takes anywhere from a few months to a year. This period involves learning the lessons of each degree and demonstrating proficiency in them before advancing to the next.
Do all Freemasons become Master Masons? The overwhelming majority of men who join Freemasonry do become Master Masons, as this is the intended goal of the Blue Lodge journey. It is considered the completion of the primary Masonic experience, and very few stop at the first or second degree.
Can a woman become a Master Mason? In traditional, mainstream Freemasonry as recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Lodges in the United States, membership is exclusively for men. However, separate and independent organizations, often called Co-Masonic or women’s obediences, do exist and offer similar degree structures for women or for both men and women together.
What happens after the Master Mason degree? After being raised a Master Mason, a Brother can continue his Masonic journey in many ways. He can remain active in his Blue Lodge, take on leadership roles, become a mentor, or choose to explore the vast esoteric, philosophical, and chivalric teachings offered by appendant bodies such as the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and the Shrine.
The journey to becoming a Master Mason is a transformative one, a structured education in virtue, morality, and self-knowledge. It is not about acquiring power or worldly status, but about the quiet, internal work of building a better self. To be a Master Mason is to be a work in progress, equipped with the tools to build a life of integrity, purpose, and brotherly love.
For the modern seeker and the dedicated Brother, the journey to becoming a Master Mason is only the first great step into a larger world of knowledge. The symbols, allegories, and philosophies of the Craft hold endless depths for those willing to look. At Esoteric Freemasons, we are your trusted guide on that continuing quest. Our mission is to illuminate the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft, revealing the true light of Masonic knowledge that lies beyond the surface. Your journey for more light has just begun, and we are here to help you navigate the path.
