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These catechisms became known as "Lectures of the Craft" [1] and were gradually developed into a comprehensive instructional system that covered not only the ritual and symbolism, but also the spirit and morals of Freemasonry. [2] Like the actual Lodge rituals, also the Lectures were revised from time to time as Freemasonry developed. [1]
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.
[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 Adonhiramite Rite is a Masonic system consisting of 33 grades or degrees, The founding of the Adonhiramite Rite is traditionally attributed to Louis Guillerman Saint-Victor, a French Freemason who, in 1781, published the first significant work on the rite, entitled "Recueil Précieux de la Maçonnerie Adonhiramite" (Precious Compilation of Adonhiramite Freemasonry). [1]
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]
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]
In the U.S., this degree forms part of the Allied Masonic Degrees. In Canada, the Royal Ark Mariner degree is conferred by a Council of Royal and Select Masters. Scotland – The Mark degree is conferred in a Craft lodge and is seen as the completion of the Fellow Craft Degree, but the candidate for Advancement is required to be a Master Mason.
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.