* Deceased
THE LODGE OF PERFECTION DEGREES
The degrees of the Lodge of Perfection are commonly called the Ineffable Degrees.
Many references, scenes, and characters recall and amplify the three Symbolic (Blue) Lodge Degrees.
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4° Master Traveler. The Fourth
Degree introduces the candidate to the totality of the Scottish Rite experience. The candidate encounters some of the characters, philosophy, and dramatic situations that he will experience on his journey through the Scottish Rite. Moral challenges or dilemmas are posed, but the resolution is left to his witnessing the particular degree in which it is addressed.
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5° Perfect Master. This degree teaches that
trustworthiness is more precious than life and is the foundation of
Masonic Honor. Also, we must pay due respect to the memory of a
deceased worthy Brother. |
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6° Intimate Secretary. This degree teaches that
devotion to one's friends and zealousness in performing one's
duties are rewarding virtues. |
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7° Provost and
Judge. This degree teaches us to judge righteously, without
respect to person, and that one law and one custom shall apply to
all. Let justice be impartial, tempered with deserved mercy.
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8° Intendant of
the Building. This degree teaches that each new honor is meant
to be a step toward perfection in the moral code; each a development of
a particular duty; and that benevolence and charity are necessary
virtues of leadership. |
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9° Master Elect of
Nine. The lessons taught in this degree are that we should be
careful not to be too zealous in executing justice, even in a good
cause, and that we should avoid injuring or harming any person by hasty
or irresponsible action. |
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10° Elect of
Fifteen. This degree teaches that a violator of his
obligations and commitments will not go unpunished and, further, that
excuses, rationalizations, and other evidences of lack of repentance,
will very likely increase the severity of the penalties. |
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11° Sublime Master Elected. This degree dwells on
good citizenship. Evil doings should be punished. Honesty
and respect for others should be rewarded. Be earnest, honest and
sincere. |
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12° Master of Mercy. This degree teaches that
the Mason, as he learns to use the tools and instruments of his trade
and skill, also learns to contemplate the many aspects of life and deal
with them as a child of God, steadily advancing to those heights of
experience which we call perfection. |
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13° Master of the
Ninth Arch. This degree teaches that difficulties and dangers,
however great, should not deter the true and faithful brother from
progressing onward to perfection. It teaches the great truth that
the finest things in life come only as the result of constant and often
painful effort. |
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14° Grand Elect
Mason. In the Scottish Rite, this degree is the summit of
Ancient Craft Masonry. As the crowning degree of the Lodge of
Perfection, its essence is the holiness of God and reverence for His
Holy Name. God will not hold him guiltless that taketh His Name in
vain.
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