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Except for rare exceptions, Masonic rites are most of the time under the control of Grand Lodges for the first three degrees then under the control of a concordant body for any upper degrees. [2] [3] The most practiced rite in the world from the Entered Apprentice degree is the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. [4]
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]
Hiram Abiff (also Hiram Abif or the Widow's son) is the central character of an allegory presented to all candidates during the third degree in Freemasonry. Hiram is presented as the chief architect of King Solomon's Temple. He is murdered inside this Temple by three ruffians, after they failed to obtain from him the Master Masons' secrets.
Members of the Northern Jurisdiction are required to have achieved the third degree or Master Mason degree in their local lodges before they can apply to join the Scottish Rite. The Northern Jurisdiction offers 29 additional degrees, with a final 33rd degree conferred as an honor for service to the fraternity and society.
[2] [3] [4] Some tradition maintain that the third degree legend was part of the second degree, while some other claim that it was a mystery played during feasts. [5] Apprentice, Entered Apprentice or Apprentices to the Craft of Free Mason (first degree): This initial degree represented the beginning of a mason's journey, typically lasting ...
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 rite consists of six further degrees after the degree of Master Mason (commonly known as the third degree). They are fourth degree (Approved Master), fifth-degree (Knight of the Secret), sixth-degree (Knight of the Mexican Eagle), seventh-degree (Perfect Architect), eighth degree (Grand Judge), and ninth degree (Grand Inspector General). [2]
Individual lodges have autonomy over their practices. However, the rite's essential rituals, teachings, and symbolism remain consistent. [4] Some key characteristics include: [3] [4] Blue lodge degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, often conferred in a single session. Deacons who guide candidates through degree rituals.