The Ancient Rites of

FREEMASONRY

The free man must first know from the inward pull of his heart that he desires a deeper understanding of his life. He must have a thirst for knowledge and have a yearning to find his truths; he must first seek out our ancient order on his own. When a man does this, he is ready to receive light in the mysteries of Freemasonry.

While Masonry is not a religious organization, a belief in God or deity is required to fully embrace the mysteries. Masonry is of no light or trifling character but is of great importance. Our sacred ceremonies are dignified in their nature and presentation, which if done properly, impart wise and serious truths which lead a man to a better way of life.

The Fellowcraft Degree symbolizes one’s stage of adulthood in his life where he is cognizant of his responsibilities and his duties on earth. In this degree, the man receives knowledge which he will apply to the building of his character and helping his fellow creatures in his community.

It is a beautifully demonstrated degree which in its simplicity expresses its complexity. In this degree, a man sees how interconnected Freemasonry is with all of life and society. With the tools of a Freemason, a man makes his life better to help society.

When the candidate has learned to balance his inner passions and has formed them into the proper relationship with the more elevated and spiritual part of himself, he has reached his proficiency.

His physical essence has been purified and is more highly developed. His character is of stability and he has a strong sense of himself. He has a sharp mind and his perception has expanded.

The candidate is now prepared to advance to the portal that is the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

"Seek and ye shall find. Ask and it shall be given unto you. Knock and it shall be opened unto you."

To be prepared to receive the degrees of Blue Lodge Masonry, one must submit to being subject to certain conditions. He is to be furnished with a garment given from on high and is to divest himself of the rags of his riches showing that Freemasonry cares only for a man's internal qualities and regards no man for worldly wealth or titles. By submitting to these conditions, the candidate solidifies to the lodge, the sincerity of his actions.

The candidate is not to bring into the Lodge room his passions or prejudices, lest that harmony, which is one of the chief concerns of Masonry, be destroyed.

When the Entered Apprentice takes upon himself his first step into our Lodge room, he enters into a New World: the world of Masonry. He leaves behind him the darkness, helplessness, and destitution of the former world for the light and warmth of his new existence. This is not a mindless formality, but a truly genuine experience, the beginning of a new career in which duties, rights, and privileges are real. 

Freemasonry gives no privileges or rewards except to those men who earn them; it places working tools, not playthings, in the hands of its members. To become a Mason is a solemn and serious undertaking.

The candidate enters the Lodge of the Master Mason in darkness; he has not witnessed the Light of this Degree before. However, the difference of this entrance from that of the others is that he is now in a state of equilibrium and is prepared to walk on sacred ground. He becomes fully committed to the Fraternity and completely puts his faith on the Three Great Lights.

And as our legend is completely and absolutely consistent with some of the august Mystery Schools of antiquity, we are communing with the archetypal forces that are the foundation of our ancient tradition.