This course is taken from a copyrighted Syllabus of Masonic Study prepared by The National Masonic Research Society of St. Louis. 40 lessons in the course, cover 8 per year – 5 years to complete course of instruction as presented to the lodges between 1962-1973 by the Cleveland Masonic Library.
The Lodge – Foundations and Fundamentals;
Masonic Halls and Temples, Lodge Rooms and Orientation
Laws, Rules and Regulations
Study of the Laws, Landmarks, By-laws and Regulations of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and the Lodge
The Officers and their Duties
Their various rights and duties
Ceremonies of a Lodge;
Opening; Closing; Calling Off; Calling On; Due Form; Dedications; Installations; Processions; Refreshments; and Lodge Meetings – “Regular” – “Stated” – “Called” - “Special”.
Ceremonial and Symbolical Masonry
The Work of a Lodge
2020 Update
Proposing and Recommending
Recommending and Qualifications of a Canidate
Election of a Candidate
When it may be had; The Ballot; Black Balls (cubes) and white balls;
The Lodge record of the Ballot.
The Degrees
Entered Apprentice Fellow Craft, and Master Mason;
Initiation in general;
Ritual (Uniformity of, and The "Webb-Preston" work in America);
Rites; and Side Degrees.
The Lodge and the Candidate
2020 Update
Preparation: Physical (1. Clothing, 2. Discalceation, 3. Hoodwink, 4. Cable Tow) Mental (Motives: a. Freewill and accord and b. Taking Masonry seriously); Proper treatment of candidate in preparation room; and Symbolical meaning of ceremony as a whole.
Entrance and Reception (sought by Candidate)
Prayer (a) Every important undertaking begins with prayer. (b) Candidates participation is his first act in the Lodge. (c) Kneeling posture. (d) "Amen" “So mote it be” (e) Trust (faith) (f) History of the use and evolution of prayer. (g) Suggest questions provoking a discussion of the meaning and value of prayer to the brethren.
Circumambulation (a) History of the rite of Circumambulation. (b) Opportunity for inspection by the Craft. (c) Obstructions Offered. (d) Foreglow of other rites of Freemasonry. (e) Reaffirmation of freewill. (f) Co-operation with the forces of nature the real significance of this as of all other ritualism.
Approaching the East
Orientation
Approach
The Altar
History, Importance and Purpose
Obligation
Oath, Secrecy and Obligation
The Lights
Bible, Compasses, Fixed Lights, Lesser Lights, Greater, Square and Compasses
Signs, Words, Tokens, Salutations
Symbolic and Real purpose
The Apron
History, evolution, symbolism and comparison
The Northeast Corner
North East
Upright Posture
Symbolic Cornerstone
Apprentice, a Cornerstone of Masonry
Working Tools Having shown the candidate his place and his proper function we provide him with the following working tools: Gavel - Hammer with a cutting edge. Twenty-four gauge. Jointly they give us symmetry (but not uniformity) Read the history of the twenty-four-inch rule. Is it Modern? When did our 12- inch foot originate? Is it older than Masonic tradition? What connection between the 12 inches and the 12 hours of the day? Is this symbolism entirely artificial?
The Entered Apprentice Degree
2020 Update
Passing
(a) The old manner of passing.
(b) Preston's work in recasting the degree.
(c) Requirement for passing.
Reception and Scripture Reading
(a) Mode of Reception
(b) The Scripture Reading
Oblong Square, Due Form
(a) The Oblong Square
(b) Due Form
Working Tools – Fellowcraft
(a) The Plumb
(b) The Level
(c) The Square
(d) The Ashlar
Middle Chamber
Myth, location and transition
The Two Pillars
Globe, Pillars of Cloud and Fire, Pillars of the Porch
The Winding Stairs
Myth, number and allusion
Builders and Building Tools
construction, adornment, threshold, materials, gauge, gavel, walls
The Liberal Arts and Sciences, Ammonitish War, Corn, Wine and Oil
The Letter “G”
a. Confusion attending this symbol
b. Various interpretations
c. Places of Geometry in the Ancient Charges
d. The lost meaning
e. Connection with the Kabbala
f. Story of the Lost Words
g. How the two meanings were submerged
The Fellowcraft Degree
2020 Update
Raising
a. Architectural Symbolism, how changed
b. Origin
Reception
a. Method
b. Our interpretation of the compasses
c. Application of the formula of modern life
d. The Scripture reading
The Lost Word
The Trowel
Symbolic meaning
Why is this instrument reserved
The Hiramic Legend
Story, symbolism and interpretation
Eternal Life
Immortality of the Soul
The Lion’s Paw
a. In Folklore
b. Historic Significances
c. Interpretation
The Five Points
The Lecture (Part 1 of 5)
The Temple, Weeping Virgin and Master’s Carpet
The Lecture (Part 2 of 5)
The Bee, Book of Constitutions and Cowans
The Lecture (Part 3 of 5)
The Lecture (Part 4 of 5)
The Lecture (Part 5 of 5)
The Master Mason Degree
2020 Update
Freemasons are united in the common goal of becoming better men. If you’re ready to find more, fill out the form below and a Freemason representative will reach out to you shortly.
A Freemason is a man who has taken an obligation to uphold our timeless principles of Brotherly love, relief, and truth. Beyond these basics, being a Freemason means so much more. A Freemason is a man who is committed to bettering himself and his community, having taken a solemn vow to help and mentor his Masonic Brothers do the same. A Freemason is a man eager to be part of something bigger than himself, with a reverence for history, compassion in his heart, and a desire to create a better future.
There are three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason. Most men advance to the level of Master Mason, some over the course of months; others may accomplish this goal over years. But once a man has taken his first obligation as an Entered Apprentice, he is, once and forever, a Freemason.