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The whole system is transmitted to initiates through the medium of Masonic ritual, which consists of lectures and allegorical plays. [2] Common to all of Freemasonry is the three grade system of Craft or Blue Lodge freemasonry, whose allegory is centred on the building of the Temple of Solomon, and the story of the chief architect, Hiram Abiff. [3]
The Standard Scottish Rite is a Masonic rite that originated dealing with the 32 further degrees in Freemasinry. It is considered one of the oldest rites in Freemasonry, with origins dating back to the late 16th century. [1]
The Chain of Union is one of the oldest and most significant practices in Freemasonry. It consists of a ritual formation where Freemasons join hands in a circle, symbolizing the universal brotherhood of the craft. The practice dates back to operative masonry and appears in the earliest known Masonic ritual documents. [1]
The basic unit of Freemasonry is the Masonic Lodge, [3] which alone can "make" (initiate) a Freemason. Such lodges are controlled by a Grand Lodge with national or regional authority for all lodges within its territory. A masonic lodge confers the three masonic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft (or Fellow Craft), and Master Mason. [4] [5]
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is a rite within the broader context of Freemasonry.It is the most widely practiced Rite in the world. [1] [2] [3] In some parts of the world, and in the Droit Humain, it is a concordant body and oversees all degrees from the 1st to 33rd degrees, while in other areas, a Supreme Council oversees the 4th to 33rd degrees.
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In Continental Freemasonry, the tale is slightly different: a large number of master masons, and not just Hiram, are working on the Temple, and the three ruffians are seeking the passwords and signs that will give them a higher wage. The result is the same, but this time, it is Master Masons who find the body.
William Preston's system of Lectures, developed from 1772 onwards, and John Browne's Master Key, first published in full in 1801, were the first to reach a broader audience. By the time the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) was formed in 1813 there were at least three systems of Masonic Lectures current in the London area. [2]