A new member to Freemasonry progresses through three ‘degrees’ being:
1st Degree: Entered Apprentice; 2nd Degree: Fellow Craft; and 3rd Degree: Master Mason
At each ‘degree’, the new member is exposed to ceremonies, moral teachings, and wisdom developed over the years. Besides the above, the other ‘degrees’ goes from the 4th to the 33rd degree, but they not regarded as higher in rank and importance; rather they expand on the teachings of the first three ‘degrees’. Foundation Repair . The majority of the fraternity remain as a Master Mason i.e. they do not go beyond the 3rd degree.
Freemasons meet today not as operative but symbolic Masons. web application development services . green gifts . The ceremonies performed during meetings are based on the customs of former times. The name “Entered Apprentice” refers to a person to be taught the skills of the craft, a beginner taking his first steps, and bonded to an experienced Master. Freemasonry today is an allegory of life and the Entered Apprentice Degree represents the first step in the experience.
In ancient times, the operatives used words and signs to identify themselves when travelling from building to building to guard against unlawful representation. The mystique of the so called “secrets” of Freemasonry is therefore the words and signs of identification.
When a member is initiated as an Entered Apprentice Freemason, he is invested with a plain white lambskin apron, representing the purity of life and action required of all those who call themselves Freemasons.
Freemasonry is founded on the principles of Brotherly Love, Charity, and Truth. It is not a religion or substitute for religion, has no prescribed dogmas or set of religious doctrines, and its Lodges are not places of worship.
The ceremonies performed during meetings draws the parallels between the construction of a building, and the living of a good life. A good building requires a firm foundation, so a good life must be founded on virtue.
Freemasons are expected to be charitable in thought, word, and deed; to love fellow humans, be charitable to those in need, and to deal honesty and ethically in society.