The highest rank in the Freemasonry is that of the 33rd Degree Mason, which is also referred to as a Sovereign Grand Inspector General. The 33rd Degree is an honorary degree conferred by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite.
To become a 33rd Degree Mason, one must first be a Master Mason, then involved in Masonic leadership, and demonstrate a commitment to the ideals of the fraternity.
The holder of the 33rd Degree is part of an elite group in Freemasonry and is given more privileges than the lower ranks. 33rd Degree Masons have the authority to preside over any Masonic body below the Supreme Council, and can act as inspectors general for their regional jurisdictions.
They also have the privilege of being invited to attend a special bi-annual conference of delegates from the various Supreme Councils around the world. The “Class A” degree is bestowed on those who have achieved prominent leadership in the 33rd Degree Lodge, and those who have earned this degree wear a different jewel, or distinctive symbol.
The rights and privileges of 33rd Degree Masons are many, including an honorary title, the opportunity to serve at higher levels of the organization, access to Masonic scholarship funds, and the right to vote on any changes proposed within the organization.
They are generally regarded as the highest-ranking members of the Freemasonry.
What does it mean to be a 33rd Mason?
Being a 33rd Mason is an honor that refers to members of the highest level of Freemasonry, an ancient and influential fraternal organization that promotes a system of morality, equality, and brotherly love.
The 33rd Mason, also known as a Master Mason, has reached the highest level of Degrees in the organization, which can only be conferred to members of the fraternity. 33rd Masons are obligated to seek out truth and knowledge, grow in wisdom, and share their knowledge with their brethren.
They must also practice charity and compassion, demonstrating respect for their fellow man, and practice the values of tolerance, justice and peace. 33rd Masons work to shape their character and strive to become better versions of themselves each day.
Furthermore, being a 33rd Mason requires a deep level of commitment and devotion to the fraternity and its foundational principles.
How many 33 degree Masons are there?
The highest recognition a Mason can receive is from his or her peers. This award is known as the 33rd Degree of the Scottish Rite, and is awarded to those who have exemplified the highest ideals of Masonry.
While there is no definitive number, the National Masonic Organization estimates that they have conferred more than 600,000 33° awards since 1843 when it was initially founded. There is also no definitive list of 33° Masons since the awards are known to be given in secret ceremonies and are not necessarily made public.
What happens after the 33rd Degree of Masonry?
After achieving the 33rd Degree of Masonry (the highest degree conferred by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite Masons), members who reach that exalted level continue to serve as masons with no further distinctions or advancement.
Although there are many honors and titles that can be bestowed upon masons, the 33rd degree is the highest honor. It is a recognition of distinguished service in the cause of Freemasonry, which can include elevated participation in masonic activities and organizations, such as the York Rite and the Scottish Rite, as well as other service-oriented activities.
At this highest degree of Masonry, members continue to enhance their knowledge through lectures and research, as well as through opportunities to engage with other members of the Masonic fraternity. Many members of the 33rd degree will also become active in their local lodges as well as nationally and internationally.
Decision-making roles, such as Lodge Masters and Worshipful Masters, offer them additional opportunities to serve and to lead. They may also become representatives or ambassadors of their lodges at Masonic conferences and conventions, or engage in the lecture circuit.
In addition to furthering their education and participation in Masonry, 33rd Degree Masons can join the Grotto, an organization for fun and fellowship for Masons, or become involved in Masonic charities for youth, elderly or those in need.
The 33rd degree also allows masons to pursue additional studies in Masonic history and philosophy and to contribute their knowledge in the spirit of honor and service.
How long does it take to become a 33rd degree Mason?
A Mason must go through three degrees to become a Master Mason, and from there, each degree advances him closer to his goal. After the third degree, a Mason can become a Royal Arch Mason, then a Cryptic Mason, and then a Knight Templar.
After the 3rd degree and these three additional degrees, the candidate is eligible to become a 33° Mason, which is the highest degree a Mason can reach. This process typically takes between 6 and 10 years, depending on the individual’s progress and commitment.
To become a 33° Mason, the candidate must display the highest moral character with a commitment to serve the fraternity, and must demonstrate a great amount of knowledge and finesse in the understanding of the symbols and principles of Freemasonry.
Becoming a member of the Scottish Rite is also necessary for achieving the 33rd Degree. Once a Mason earns his 33rd degree, he becomes part of a select group of Masons with the highest degree of honor and distinction.
What is the significance of being a Mason?
The significance of being a Mason is deeply personal and varies from individual to individual. However, there are some core, shared principles that bring all Masons together. Membership in the Masonry means joining a centuries-old fraternity that is dedicated to the practice of brotherly love, relief, and truth.
Masonry is often described as a “way of life” that challenges members to keep their minds and hearts open to knowledge, to respect others, and to live a life of moral excellence. As Masons, members dedicate themselves to promoting peace and harmony in their communities and the world, helping those in need and protecting the rights of individuals.
The core values of Masons have been the foundation for countless charitable acts of kindness, and for countless acts of leadership throughout history. The layered system of Masonry is designed to promote self-improvement and support members in their growth and understanding of these core principles.
This journey may offer members a deeper meaning in life, and the opportunity to better themselves and their communities, as a result of their engagement with Freemasonry.
Which is higher a Mason or a Shriner?
The terms “Mason” and “Shriner” both refer to members of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization with a long history. Within the Freemasons, there is no actual hierarchy or distinction between a Mason and a Shriner; the two are considered to be equally important and respected.
Becoming a Shriner, however, does require additional qualifications. In order to become a Shriner, a Mason must first complete all of their regular Masonic degrees and go through a process of selection and invitation from a Shrine Potentate.
Therefore, in terms of qualifications, a Shriner is “higher” than a Mason, although there is no actual hierarchical distinction between the two.
What finger do Masons wear their ring on?
Masons vary in how they choose to wear their ring and most of the time it is personal preference. Some Masons prefer to wear it on their pinky finger, others wear it on the ring finger of their left hand.
Still, some Masons may choose to wear their ring on the middle finger of their left hand. The most traditional way for a Mason to wear their ring is on the ring finger of their right hand. This symbolizes the importance of the fraternity to them.
Though there are varying opinions on which finger is the best one to wear the ring on, it ultimately comes down to the individual’s preference.
How many levels does Mason have?
Mason currently has over 115 levels spread across 4 different chapters. Each chapter has roughly 20 levels, and each level is unique, with different objectives that must be completed in order to progress.
The earlier levels focus on teaching the basics of the game and getting used to the mechanics, while the later levels focus on more difficult challenges that require the player to truly master their skills in order to beat the level.
With each chapter, the levels become increasingly difficult, making progression within the game more complex. Knowing that each level is designed to test a different skill or ability, Mason features a large variety of interesting levels to make the gaming experience as engaging and exciting as possible.
Do Freemasons have ranks?
Yes, Freemasons have ranks within the organization. Freemasons recognize the following ranks: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, Master Mason, Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Mason.
These ranks are based on levels of Masonic knowledge, as every rank is associated with a particular degree, and each degree must be passed in order to ascend to the next rank. Generally, the first three degrees are known as ‘symbolic’ degrees and are the entry point for all Masonic members.
Those wishing to attain higher ranks must join an ‘appendant body’ and complete more specific training. The higher degrees are more spiritually oriented and involve progress within a body of knowledge known as ‘the higher mysteries’.
In addition to the traditional ranks, in recent years the membership of some Lodges has expanded to include Grand Masters, Grand Wardens, Prelates, Chaplains, Organists, and Stewards. There are also multiple Masonic-related organizations which have their own unique systems of ranks and titles, such as the Order of the Eastern Star, which has the ranks of Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron.
Are Shriners and Masons the same?
No, Shriners and Masons are not the same. The Masonic Lodge and the Shrine are both part of the Freemasonry network, but they are distinct organizations and serve different purposes. The Masonic Lodge is an organization of men and women dedicated to the study and practice of Freemasonry, or the principles of morality, brotherly love, and charity.
Members of the Masonic Lodge learn and practice the esoteric rituals associated with the order. The Shrine, on the other hand, is a fraternal organization that focuses on charitable works and benevolent activities.
Its sole purpose is to serve the community and provide relief for those in need through fundraising, donations, and other initiatives. The members of the Shrine are known as the “Nobles of the Mystic Shrine”, and they select projects that support children and facilitate medical care, research, and education.
Unlike the Masonic Lodge, membership to the Shrine is open to men of good character who have been raised to the rank of Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge.
Why do Masons wear aprons?
Masons wear aprons for a number of reasons. Aprons were originally worn by stonemasons during the Middle Ages to protect their clothing from dust, debris, and other materials used during their craft.
This is why aprons are still seen today as one of the most essential pieces of formal masonic attire.
The apron also serves as a symbol of Masonic work. To a Mason, the apron signifies labor, protecting a Mason from life’s unnecessary hardships. The apron distributes the labor of life an equal duty to all men, calling all Masons to constantly pursue perfection in their daily life.
Additionally, the apron serves as an outward sign of an inward trust. An apron serves as an emblem of innocence and friendliness, showing the respect and trust between Masons and all mankind. The apron communicates to all that the wearer is a Mason fully dedicated to the fraternity and its teachings of faith, hope, and charity.
Aprons are an integral part of masonic tradition and are held in high regards. For many, the masonic apron is seen as a badge of honor, one that all Masons should proudly wear.