Ascending to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason
The journey through Freemasonry is a profound pilgrimage of the self, a structured ascent from the foundational lessons of initiation to the illuminated plateau of mastery. While the path begins with the Entered Apprentice and progresses through the Fellow Craft, it culminates in the solemn and deeply moving experience of the Master Mason degree. This is not merely another step, but a transformative arrival, a moment when the allegorical structure of a man’s life is fully and unforgettably revealed.
For the uninitiated, it is a mystery shrouded in speculation. For the Mason, it is the heart of the Blue Lodge experience. It is here that the core tenets of the Craft, brotherly love, relief, and truth, are tested against the ultimate challenges of life. The Master Mason degree is where a man symbolically confronts his own mortality to truly understand how to live. It represents the pinnacle of ancient Craft Masonry, providing the full measure of its light and the essential keys to its wisdom.
What is the Master Mason Degree?
The Master Mason degree is the third and final stage of initiation within a symbolic Masonic Lodge, often called the Blue Lodge. It is the culmination of the lessons begun in the first two degrees, completing the foundational Masonic education and granting a Brother the full rights and privileges of membership in the fraternity.
After being initiated as an Entered Apprentice and passed to the degree of a Fellow Craft, a Mason must prove his proficiency in the preceding lessons before he can be "raised" to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason. This is not an ending. Rather, it is the true commencement of a Mason’s life in the Craft, equipping him with the complete set of symbolic tools and philosophical insights necessary to build his inner temple and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Why is the Third Degree Considered “Sublime”?
The degree is called "sublime" because it deals with the most profound, elevated, and awe-inspiring themes of human existence, namely the confrontation with mortality, the virtue of fidelity, and the philosophical hope of immortality. Its lessons transcend the practical and intellectual focus of the earlier degrees, ascending into the realm of spiritual and moral contemplation.
Where the Entered Apprentice degree symbolizes birth and the first steps into a life of learning, and the Fellow Craft degree represents the productive labor of adulthood and intellectual development, the Master Mason degree confronts the inevitable conclusion of that life. It does so through a powerful allegorical drama that is both solemn and beautiful. The experience is designed to be deeply personal and moving, leaving an indelible mark on the candidate’s heart and mind, elevating his perspective on his own life and his obligations to others.
What is the Central Allegory of the Master Mason Degree?
The central allegory is the story of the construction of King Solomon’s Temple, focusing specifically on its principal architect, Hiram Abiff. This narrative forms the basis of a dramatic ritual in which the candidate plays a central role, allowing him to experience the story’s lessons firsthand rather than simply hearing them told.
The legend recounts that Hiram Abiff, the master builder, possessed certain secrets of the craft that were known only to him and two others. Ruffians conspired to extort these secrets from him, and upon his steadfast refusal to betray his trust, they murdered him. The story of his unwavering integrity in the face of death, and the subsequent efforts of his brethren to find him and bring his assailants to justice, forms the allegorical core of the degree. It is a timeless parable of loyalty, sacrifice, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Who was Hiram Abiff?
Hiram Abiff is the central character in the allegorical drama of the Master Mason degree, portrayed as the brilliant and faithful master craftsman of King Solomon’s Temple. He is the personification of virtue, integrity, and unwavering fidelity to one’s sacred obligations.
It is important to distinguish the Masonic figure of Hiram Abiff from the historical and biblical figures named Hiram, such as Hiram, King of Tyre. While inspired by biblical accounts of the Temple’s construction, the Masonic narrative is an allegory, not a literal historical record. In the context of the ritual, Hiram Abiff becomes a stand-in for every good man who lives a life of purpose and integrity, whose legacy of virtue outlives his mortal frame.
What Do the Working Tools of a Master Mason Symbolize?
The primary working tool of a Master Mason is the Trowel, which is used to symbolically spread the cement of brotherly love and affection. These are the sacred bonds that unite the individual members of the fraternity into a single, strong, and supportive structure.
The Trowel teaches a Mason to smooth over discord and to build connections based on mutual respect and genuine care. It reminds him that while other tools are used to prepare and perfect the individual stones, the Trowel is what binds them all together into a beautiful and enduring edifice. In a broader sense, all the implements of Masonry become the tools of a Master Mason, as he is now expected to have learned their symbolic uses and to apply them skillfully to the great project of his own life.
What Lessons Does a Master Mason Learn?
A Master Mason learns the fraternity’s most profound lessons regarding the principles of fidelity, the certainty of death, the importance of a well-spent life, and the philosophical assurance of immortality. These lessons are not taught through a simple lecture but are imparted through the immersive experience of the degree’s ritual drama.
The unwavering fidelity of Hiram Abiff serves as the ultimate example of Masonic integrity. A Mason learns that some principles are worth defending even unto death, and that a man’s honor is his most valuable possession. The degree forces the candidate to contemplate his own mortality, not to inspire fear, but to instill a sense of urgency in living a life of virtue, meaning, and service.
Finally, the allegory concludes with a powerful symbol of resurrection and triumph over death. This is not presented as a specific religious dogma but as a universal hope for the survival of the human soul and the immortal nature of a good man’s influence. It teaches that while the body may perish, a legacy of virtue is timeless.
What Are the Rights and Responsibilities of a Master Mason?
Upon being raised, a Master Mason is granted the full rights and privileges of the Craft, which include the right to vote in lodge meetings, to hold an elected office, and to visit other recognized Masonic lodges around the world as a Brother. He also assumes a greater share of responsibility for the health and integrity of his lodge and the fraternity as a whole.
His rights are balanced by his responsibilities. A Master Mason is expected to be a mentor to the newer brethren in the lodge, guiding them on their own Masonic journey. He has a duty to uphold the ancient landmarks of the order, to contribute to its charitable efforts, and to conduct himself in his community in a way that brings credit to the institution. He is, in essence, a full citizen in the republic of Freemasonry, with all the freedoms and duties that entails.
Is Being a Master Mason the End of the Masonic Journey?
No, becoming a Master Mason is not the end of the journey, but rather the end of the beginning. It provides the foundational knowledge upon which a lifetime of learning can be built. The ceremony of being raised confers the title, but true mastery of the Craft’s principles is a continuous, lifelong pursuit.
A popular Masonic saying states that the ritual makes a man a Master Mason, but only he, through his own efforts, can make himself a Mason. The third degree opens the door to further light and education. It is the prerequisite for joining appendant Masonic bodies, such as the Scottish Rite and the York Rite, which expand upon the allegories and philosophies introduced in the Blue Lodge. The most important work of a Master Mason begins the moment he leaves the lodge room, as he endeavors to apply its sublime lessons to his daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Master Mason? The time it takes to become a Master Mason varies greatly depending on the Masonic jurisdiction, the individual lodge’s schedule, and the candidate’s own pace. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more to progress through the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.
Can anyone become a Master Mason? No, the path to becoming a Master Mason begins with meeting the basic requirements to petition a Masonic lodge. A petitioner must be a man of lawful age, believe in a Supreme Being, be of good moral character, and come well-recommended. He must then be investigated, voted upon, and accepted by the lodge before he can be initiated and begin his journey through the degrees.
Do Master Masons have secrets? Yes, Master Masons are bound by a solemn obligation not to reveal the specific modes of recognition, such as passwords and handshakes, and the detailed workings of the degree rituals. These "secrets" serve to protect the integrity of the ceremony and create a unique, shared experience for all members. The moral and philosophical teachings of Freemasonry, however, are not secret and are openly discussed in Masonic literature.
What happens after the Master Mason degree? After being raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, a Brother can continue his Masonic journey in many ways. He can become active in his lodge’s leadership, serve as a mentor, or simply enjoy the fellowship. He also becomes eligible to explore appendant bodies like the York Rite, which includes the Royal Arch and Knights Templar, and the Scottish Rite, both of which offer further degrees that elaborate on the themes of the Blue Lodge.
Your journey as a Master Mason is a lifelong quest for light. The raising is not a destination, but the lighting of a torch to illuminate your path forward.
At Esoteric Freemasons, we are dedicated to feeding that flame. We go beyond the surface to reveal the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft.
Continue your ascent from the darkness of ignorance to the true light of Masonic knowledge. Explore with us.
