Reames Chapter #28, Royal Arch Masons of Oregon

by Jeff Day

A new Companion recently asked me a question about how the various Masonic Degrees could be put in chronological order to better tell their story. I think the resulting story would make an interesting lecture or presentation, but I felt that the question itself needed more exploration.

As members of a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, this lack of chronological sequence probably became apparent to us the very first time we stepped into a Lodge of Mark Master Masons, being once again dressed as Fellow Craft Masons. The question, therefore, is a natural one for any Royal Arch Mason to ask.

First of all, we must consider that there is more than one chronological sequence to be arrived at. The most obvious method is to place the degrees in the order of the legend which they relate to us, and this has already been done. There is a little book called "Manual for Cryptic Masons, 1982 2nd Edition" put out by the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons, International, and available for $1.50 each. (Supply Information Here) It is a good manual for all York Rite Masons. In fact, it even covers some Scottish Rite and Eastern Star subjects. I'm amazed at how much information is packed into one small booklet. But I mention it here because it contains a list which represents a good effort to list the degrees (or their component sections) in this chronological order. I believe there are a couple of mistakes, but it is generally well done.

Comprehending the sequence of the Legend is a worthy goal, and can increase the depth of our Masonic understanding. I myself have pursued a thorough understanding of it for personal esoteric reasons. But, there is still another sequence to consider, which is also chronological: The order in which the degrees were developed (or invented, assembled, revealed, or however you choose to consider it.) While the previous sequence almost leaves out the Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Degrees entirely (as they contain no real "events" but represent classes of Operative Masons that existed simultaneously to all of the other events), by contrast, this one places the Entered Apprentice Degree and the Fellowcraft Degree first, and almost makes them appear to be supreme, followed by the Past Master Degree (in the form of the ancient ceremony of Installing a Master to preside over a Fellowcraft Lodge.) The Master Mason degree and Royal Arch are here seen as later innovations (though much appreciated) and the Most Excellent Master Degree must be admitted to be the last in the sequence, as it is entirely modern (in comparison), being the newest development of all.

Both of these chronological sequences provide their own insights and value, but the degrees of Masonry serve a deeper purpose than merely telling a story or recounting history, and that purpose is the teaching of philosophical, moral, and spiritual concepts, to improve the individual Mason.

Our obligations in several of the degrees forbid us from rearranging the order in which they are conferred, but I will entertain the idea here, anyway: Suppose we were free to arrange the degrees in chronological order. If we did so, they might make a beautiful story, but their philosophy would become diverse instead of properly focused, and the effect which they have upon the development of the candidate might utterly fail. While there are allied degrees featuring Noah and David, and even Masonic stories of Enoch, the primary legend of our Craft centers on the building of King Solomon's Temple, and if we were to tell the story in its chronological Order, we would be forced to start with King Solomon as he begins to organize the Craft to build the Temple. But the character of King Solomon, one of our Ancient Grand Masters, well known for his Wisdom, is not the appropriate place to begin an initiatic process. The new candidate, in his Masonic infancy, is not yet prepared for the Wisdom which a study of Solomon might offer. He must first learn much, and labor in the quarries to prepare himself, before he will some day be worthy to wield Solomon's scepter (in the form of a gavel.)

Now we shall examine the order in which our degrees are actually conferred. The focus of our degree work, with few exceptions, increases gradually, beginning from common things and advancing to those which are Most Holy. The Entered Apprentice learns basic moral precepts and is given an opportunity to prove his integrity, the Fellowcraft studies the arts and sciences, and the Master Mason studies life, death, and spiritual things. The Most Excellent Master takes part in the completion and dedication of the Temple (although this is overshadowed by the loss of the Word), and the Royal Arch Mason obtains the Word (but does so without the Temple). Those of us who move on to the Cryptic Degrees get to enter the Holy of Holies in the Royal Master Degree, and witness the Deposit of the Word in the Select Master Degree in the presence of all three of our Ancient Grand Masters. And, as I understand it, those who proceed into the Knights Templar begin to travel down that path by joining the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, where, acting as Zerubbabel, they go on a journey to obtain permission from Darius to rebuild the Temple and the City of Jerusalem without further hindrance. This allows for the Temple to be completed while the Craft is in Possession of the Word, the first time this happens in the Masonic legend. As you can see, our degrees are placed in a good sequence for initiation. The obligations to God and to our Brethren, and the philosophy and moral principles taught to us, likewise advance as one progresses through the rite.

We have now reviewed three sequences for examining the degrees. Like many things, what you're searching for will affect what type of lens you want to look at it through. There is, of courses, nothing wrong with looking through the lens of chronology, and I don't want to discourage you to do so. It certainly helps me in my studies. But that may not be the right lens for you to achieve your ultimate goals in Masonry. Try examining the degrees from a variety of perspectives, and use the one perspective, or the several perspectives, that best suit your needs.