AFTER RAISING - Berkshire Freemasons€¦ · our three degrees. I hope that, when you feel you are ready, your Lodge will encourage you to participate in the ritual and progress into

The Berkshire Mentoring Programme

The Journey of a new Mason

Stage 4

AFTER RAISING

Published by

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Berkshire

JONM.Stg4.Sept 14 - 1 -


Third Degree Tracing Board



The Journey of a New Mason – Stage 4 CONTENTS The Third Degree Tracing Board. Page 2 Foreword 4 Contents 5 Your Third Degree Ceremony 6 Symbolic explanation of the Ceremony of Raising. 8 Life as a Master Mason 10 The Lodge of Instruction 11 Ritual 11 Grand Lodge Certificate 14 Talking about Freemasonry 15 Relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch? 17 Other Orders 19 Conclusion – Being a Mason of the World 20 Further Reference Information 21 Experience Record Sheet No 3 26

Notes page 27


FOREWORD Congratulations on being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. The ceremony called upon you to consider your own mortality, but let me be one of the first to wish you a long and happy life, enriched by your membership of our Order. The learning process will, no doubt, continue in the years to come. I hope that you will find many lessons and illustrations to help and guide you through the peaks and troughs of our mortal existence, and that Freemasonry will lead you to a better understanding of yourself and your place in the Great Architect’s grand design. You are now a Master Mason and entitled to a full participation in all our three degrees. I hope that, when you feel you are ready, your Lodge will encourage you to participate in the ritual and progress into office to serve your brethren in the Lodge and ultimately Freemasonry in general. As our Pro Grand Master said in an interview in ‘Freemasonry Today’, “Freemasonry provides a strong support network in an unstable world. But if you want to go further it can point you in the right direction; your progress is up to you, for within Freemasonry you can only move to a better understanding through your own efforts.” Your Personal Mentor is there to help guide you to your chosen goals. It is with great pleasure that I again welcome you to our Masonic family here in the Province of Berkshire. Enjoy your Freemasonry to the full, and I hope that in due time you will seek a better understanding of the hidden mysteries and genuine secrets of a Master Mason by extending your membership to a Chapter of the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem at a time which you feel is appropriate. RWBro. Martin Peters - Provincial Grand Master. Berkshire


YOUR THIRD DEGREE CEREMONY Congratulations on becoming a Master Mason. First let us look at what you experienced in the Third Degree. I’m sure you will agree that it was a most profound experience. The Lodge was opened in the First Degree; Minutes were read and the Lodge opened in the Second Degree. You were then taken to the East and answered the ‘Questions’; you then agreed, as before to conceal the Secrets of the Degree after which, the Worshipful Master entrusted you with the p..s g..p and p..s w..d leading from the Second to the Third Degree. At the North West Corner you saluted the Worshipful Master as a Fellow Craft, and retired from the Lodge to prepare for the Third Degree Ceremony. The Lodge Room was almost in complete darkness when you re-entered, and again, a prayer was made to invoke a blessing on the forthcoming ceremony. During the first perambulation you were examined as an Entered Apprentice at the Junior Warden’s pedestal. In the second perambulation you were examined as a Fellow Craft Freemason at the Senior Warden’s pedestal. During the third perambulation you communicated the p..s g..p and p..s w..d to the Senior Warden who than presented you to the Master as a Candidate prepared to be raised to the Third Degree. You will recall that you were instructed to approach the pedestal in a particular way. At the pedestal you took the Obligation of a Master Mason and agreed forever, to conceal the Secrets of the Degree. The Exhortation and Traditional History were then related to you, during which you played a part in a very dramatic presentation to the assembled Brethren and you were shown the f..e p…ts of f…o...p. Shortly after this, the lighting of the Lodge Room was restored. Towards the end of this presentation the ‘Substituted Secrets of a Master Mason’ were then partly explained, after which you retired from the Lodge Room.


Having restored yourself to your personal comfort, you returned to the Lodge Room, advanced and saluted the Worshipful Master in the Three degrees and you were then invested with your Master Mason’s Apron. The Worshipful Master then addressed you about your duties as a Master Mason. Alternative Version The second half of the Traditional History was then related to you, with some explanation of how certain Secrets came into being. Next the full five signs and secrets were demonstrated to you in great detail. Finally the tools of a Master Mason were presented to you. You then were moved to the North West Corner, where you saluted the Worshipful Master as a Master Mason, and took your seat in the Lodge. So what was the Ceremony attempting to convey? The Third Degree Ceremony is the most dramatic of the three. The ceremony teaches us to die with honour and dignity and expresses our hope for life after death. Death is inevitable and we learn to meet it face on with dignity. At the end of the ceremony you were told that the ‘Secrets of a Master Mason’ were lost. What secrets? These secrets are not handed to you on a plate, therefore you must search further. Freemasonry is all about searching and researching. In the fullness of time you will be encouraged to complement your Master Masons Degree by joining a Royal Arch Chapter. Your Mentor will be able to give you all the information which you require on this degree. This degree is the next step on the path of Pure Ancient Masonry and reveals how the genuine secrets of a Master Mason came to be rediscovered and again there are important moral lessons to be learnt. As a new Master Mason it is hoped that you will wish, in a short while, to embark on an exciting ladder of progression within your


Lodge, culminating in years to come with your Installation as Worshipful Master. To be installed as Worshipful Master of his Lodge is the pinnacle of a man's Masonic Career. However, for the moment the key words are, Watch, Learn, and Listen. Acquire and read a Book of Ritual and browse through the Book of Constitutions. Constantly question your Mentor; he will be pleased to talk with you. Visiting is another joy of Masonry and now that you are a Master Mason you will be able to visit any Lodge, witness how they perform all three degrees and, hopefully, extend your Masonic friendships. SYMBOLIC EXPLANATION OF THE CEREMONY OF RAISING It was no doubt obvious from the outset that this Ceremony is the most dramatic of the three through which you have progressed. It is also the one that has the deepest meanings, so take time to review the Ceremony. In the Exhortation you were encouraged to reflect on the previous degrees in order to prepare yourself for the teachings of this degree. You are told that its peculiar objects are to reflect on death. This is so, and no doubt forms an appropriate conclusion to the study of yourself that is encouraged in the Charge. The ceremony teaches us to die with honour and dignity and expresses our hope for life after death. Death is inevitable and we learn to meet it face on, with dignity. However, there is so much more to it and reflection over time will lead you to consider many points. You are introduced to the legend of King Solomon, King Hiram and Hiram Abif. Clearly there is a genuine secret that they possess, but that is lost following the death of Hiram Abif. A highly dramatic and poignant moment occurs when you represent him, following which you are Raised on the Five Points of Fellowship. You should discuss in detail with your Mentor the Five Points of Fellowship, as


they are not only a key part of this degree, but also of the whole Masonic structure. Through your preparation in the earlier two degrees you are now capable of being raised to a new sublime level of speculative thinking. This will lead you to consider why you need to improve yourself. The purpose of improvement lies in a personal need to search for that Supreme Being for whom you have been, and continue to, build the Temple. Through our work and especially through the Light received from the Volume of the Sacred Law, we are now able, on the centre, to contemplate this most important of matters. Now you have been raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason, it means that you are permitted to take part in all of the ceremonies of Craft Freemasonry with the exception of the Esoteric Board of Installed Masters. With due diligence and careful preparation, that will surely come in the fullness of time. Applying the Principles to our everyday lives The ceremony seeks to demonstrate a noble principle, that often it is better to die rather than be subjected to any falsehood and dishonour. This was dramatically shown when you became the representative of one who did just that. It also taught you loyalty to your fellow men; a sense of not wishing to let them down. However, you have been made aware this loyalty must never be misplaced, for whilst you have promised to keep the Masonic secrets safe, you have an overriding obligation to act as a dutiful citizen at all times and obey both the civil and moral law. As quoted in an earlier degree, you need to do your duty to God, your neighbour and to yourself. By now you should realise that there is a strict code of conduct to which all Masons are required to adhere in their every day lives.


LIFE AS A MASTER MASON As a new Master Mason it is hoped that you will wish, in a short while, to embark on an exciting ladder of progression within your Lodge, culminating in years to come with your installation as Worshipful Master, which is the pinnacle of a mason's career. But for the moment, you would be well advised to remember the motto of Grand Lodge ‘Audi, Vide, Tace’ meaning ‘Watch, Learn and Listen’ for these are key words not only for newly made masons, but for us all. You should now be in possession of a Book of Ritual and should not be embarrassed to ask your Mentor or, in his absence, more experienced members of the Lodge what passages actually mean, if their meaning is not clear to you. Try to make occasional visits to other Lodges, as each Lodge approaches the ritual in a different manner, some of which are most interesting and original. Volunteer to undertake Stewarding duties if the opportunity arises, as this helps you get to know the other Brethren in your Lodge. In many Lodges, new Brethren are encouraged to do small pieces of work, such as the Working Tools, on the floor of the Lodge. Mention to the Lodge Director of Ceremonies that you would be interested in learning and delivering a small piece of ritual. You may well wonder at the long pieces of ritual committed to memory by some Brethren which are then delivered on the floor of the Lodge, in front of an audience, with great aplomb – remember, each one of those Brethren probably started his Masonic career learning just a short piece of ritual as you will do. Be interested in everything that is going on in your Lodge. Become involved as an active and useful member, but do not overburden yourself. The true test is always – am I still enjoying myself


LODGE OF INSTRUCTION If your Lodge has a Lodge of Instruction, or shares one with another Lodge, then you are indeed fortunate, for not every Lodge has this facility. The Lodge of Instruction is often referred to as the LOI; although in some parts of the country it is referred to as ‘Junior Lodge’. It is where ceremonies or Ritual are practised and rehearsed and it enables you to gain confidence about the part you have to play when your time comes to participate in a ceremony. A good Lodge of Instruction will not limit itself to rehearsing ritual and ceremonies, but will also devote time to research. It is an opportunity to learn not only what we do, but why we do it. The Lodge of Instruction, where one exists, is presided over by a Preceptor who is in charge of the work, and your Mentor will certainly introduce you to him. RITUAL

Craft Ritual book Historically, by not reading the Ritual, all were enabled to take part, even those of low standards of literacy. Additionally, not committing the Ritual to print emphasised its secrecy which was fashionable at that time. Neither can it be denied that the ceremony has far more impact on the Candidate when delivered from memory. Freemasonry endeavours to teach moral lessons and self-knowledge to new members, however, it is one thing to have aims and ideals and quite another to impress them upon the minds of the members. So, in our Lodge rooms we enact, for the benefit of the new member, what can be likened to the scenes from a play. The


scenes are called degrees, because Freemasonry is a progressive system. The play is centred on the building of King Solomon’s Temple where every part of the building and every implement used is given a deeper moral or spiritual interpretation, which is explained to the new member. In many Lodges, a Candidate does not have access to the printed ritual until he is presented with, or allowed to purchase, a ritual book following the completion of his Third Degree. It is highly unlikely that the candidate will then have either the time or the energy to study all three ceremonies, so he should be provided with a copy of the ritual immediately after each ceremony, that he may read it and raise any questions while the events are reasonably fresh in his mind. He should be made aware that there are many versions of Masonic ritual, with differences not only apparent at a national level owing to language, but also regionally and even between Lodges meeting in close proximity to each other. Very different ceremonials have evolved often with distinct signs, movements and customs (and regalia is also extremely varied throughout the world, from plain and simple to highly colourful and elaborate). All Masonic ritual, however, has the same purpose – to make Masons and to educate them further in the tenets of the Craft and their derivation. Originally, each Lodge in England seems to have had its own ritual, more or less following a common pattern but, since many relied on memory rather than the precise written word, differing in content. After the union of the two Grand Lodges – the Ancients and the Moderns – in 1813, the Lodge of Reconciliation (which had been formed to bring the union about) continued its work by agreeing one set of ceremonies for acceptance by the united body. It was approved by Grand Lodge in 1816 and is, essentially, the ritual still in regular usage today, further refined by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement founded in 1823. Though very many private Lodges may have their own idiosyncrasies, of word or movement


here and there, it is primarily the Emulation working that is in common use throughout the English Constitution. Impress upon the Candidate that the Ritual is a book to be studied, since it carefully provides not only the words and an idea of the movements to be used in the ceremonies, but also an insight into the thinking and intentions that inspired Freemasonry. This is part of the reason why each participating Mason is required to learn his words rather than simply reading them – by the repetition and concentration that the learning entails, understanding and appreciation grows. And with greater familiarity comes recognition, acceptance and enjoyment so the process of learning is an essential part of the Freemason’s education into the Craft and, hopefully, his subsequent lifestyle. An integral part of the ‘beneficial effect’. Thus, it is important that time and effort be assiduously given when learning is to be done, so that the ceremony can be given as flawlessly as possible. For this reason too, attendance at rehearsals is essential. A well conducted ceremony not only impresses the candidate, but also demonstrates to him his importance, shown by the fact that so many of his new-found Brethren have gone to such lengths for his benefit and to ensure his welcome amongst them. It does of course also provide them with huge satisfaction in a job well done with skill and co-operation. However long or short the piece of ritual, you should always endeavour to deliver it with clarity and sincerity. If mumbled or garbled, the message will be lost and with it the purpose, not to mention the recipient’s attention and interest. Having said that, it is acknowledged that very few of us are professional actors, so all that is expected is that members try their hardest, do their very best and accept the guidance of the Director of Ceremonies.


GRAND LODGE CERTIFICATE At a meeting soon after you have been raised to the Third Degree, you will be presented with your Grand Lodge Certificate and asked to sign it. As a Master Mason, you are entitled to receive from Grand Lodge such a Certificate, stating that you have been regularly Initiated, Passed and Raised. The presentation may be made by the Worshipful Master, a learned Brother designated by him, a visiting Representative of the Provincial Grand Master, or indeed a visiting Ruler. The Certificate is a sort of ‘passport’ to regular Freemasonry and may be used within the Craft as documentary proof of your membership. Nevertheless, it is clearly stated on the Certificate that it does not, in itself, entitle you to gain admission to a Lodge, other than one to which you belong, without due examination. In effect, this means you may well be called upon to ‘prove’ yourself should you visit a Lodge where you are not known, and you would normally do this by answering questions on Freemasonry. You should keep the Certificate with your regalia. It should not be framed and must not be displayed either privately or publicly. There is no formal ritual for the presentation of a Grand Lodge Certificate. Indeed, you may well hear it done differently on every occasion you witness one being presented. However, a presentation that follows an outline of the Lecture on the First Degree Tracing Board is very appropriate, as it identifies and explains the meaning of the many symbols on the Certificate. Visiting other Lodges. This is one of the most enjoyable parts of Freemasonry and, if invited, you should certainly accept if you are able to do so. It provides an opportunity to make new friends and see how other Lodges conduct their ceremonies. It is fair to say that no two Lodges are exactly alike!


If you are in any doubt about the ‘Regularity’ of the Lodge to which you have been invited, you should ask your Lodge Secretary to confirm that it is recognised, something which is mandatory if the Lodge is located overseas. Whilst visiting is extremely enjoyable, you should not engage in it to the extent that it becomes detrimental to your family or working life. The same common sense rule applies to every part of your Masonic activities. TALKING ABOUT FREEMASONRY What can I tell my family? Freemasonry is not a Secret Society and there is very little of your experience as a Freemason which cannot be discussed with your family. It is a very good idea to share your experiences, so that family members understand what happens at a Lodge meeting and how you yourself participate in it. It is also important that those close to you, especially your wife or partner, if you have one, has a good understanding of what Freemasonry is and why you are prepared to devote some of your time and money to it. Can I tell my friends I am a Freemason? You are encouraged to do so and hopefully it will be something of which you are very proud. There is no good reason for not letting your friends and colleagues know that you have become a mason and it is only natural that you will wish to tell them about those aspects of it which you find most enjoyable and intellectually rewarding. Remember, the friend in whom you confide may one day be interested in becoming a Freemason, so feel comfortable in what you will say to a prospective Candidate. You may wish to address the following issues and many more -` � What is Freemasonry? � Who is eligible to join? � What are the characteristics of a good mason?


Is there anything I cannot talk about? The only things you must not disclose are the modes of recognition i.e. the Signs, Tokens and Words of the Degrees, because you have promised in your obligations not to do so. If pressed on the subject, you should advise that they are wholly symbolic and used as a means of recognition only within the confines of the Lodge Room. There will of course be other things about which you cannot talk for lack of knowledge, not because they are secret in any way. When talking to family or friends, do not be afraid to admit that you are on a steep learning curve and that your understanding of Freemasonry is, as yet, far from complete. Tell them you will find out the answers they require before you next meet. A brief conversation with your Mentor will doubtless provide the necessary information to satisfy your friends whilst, at the same time, enhancing your own knowledge of Freemasonry. What if I encounter bias? Some of our detractors are biased through plain ignorance of the aims and objectives of Freemasonry. If you come across this, try asking the individual to keep an open mind and not be swayed by the misinformation and pure sensationalism that surfaces from time to time. Give them copies of the Grand Lodge booklets you yourself received before Initiation, invite them to a Lodge Open Day or to a Lodge social function. The number of both vociferous detractors and scurrilous articles published about Freemasonry has noticeably decreased in recent times, owing to the work of the Communications Department of Grand Lodge that leaves no such matters unchallenged. Nevertheless, there are still detractors and you may well come across someone who has no intention of changing their preconceived opinion.


THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CRAFT AND THE HOLY ROYAL ARCH Introduction The Order of the Holy Royal Arch, often referred to as Chapter because each unit meets under the title of Chapter rather than Lodge, is an important step in pure Ancient Freemasonry. For many years it was described as the completion of the Third Degree which, as the Grand Master said in April 2004 “implies that neither the Third Degree nor the ceremony of Exaltation is complete which is surely untrue.” He further made the point that “a man only becomes a complete Mason when he takes the very important additional step into” the Royal Arch. The Holy Royal Arch is thus an Order with its own independent status as may be seen in the foreword to the Book of Constitutions, which states specifically that it is “an extension to, but neither a superior nor a subordinate part of the Degrees which precede it”. It may therefore be seen as a completion of a journey in pure Ancient Freemasonry. History The history of the Royal Arch is somewhat complicated. It is probably enough to say that the legend upon which the Order is based, does go some way towards explaining what the Third Degree appears to leave out. You will know that before 1813 there were two Grand Lodges, and that they differed in certain key respects. The Ancients practised the Royal Arch as an appendage to the Third Degree and regarded it as a fourth degree conferred in their Lodges. The Moderns did not. Indeed, if it was performed it was unofficial and without the blessing of Grand Lodge and thus, in time, this led to the formation of separate Royal Arch Chapters. It was not until after the Union of the two Grand Lodges in 1813 that it was declared to be an official and universally accepted part of pure Ancient Masonry – but delivered in separate Chapters, thus pleasing both Grand Lodges.


The Holy Royal Arch - an Extension of the Craft, or different from the Craft Our journey in Freemasonry, as you will have learnt, is a quest for philosophical and spiritual growth. Whereas the Craft ceremony, and in particular the five points of fellowship which you learnt in your Raising, deal with your relationship with your fellow men, so you will find that the Royal Arch and its peculiar five signs is concerned with man’s relationship with God. In effect, it puts pure Antient Masonry into the context of the eternal and eternity. The Story of the Ceremony To do this, it bases its ceremonies on the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem when the Jews were allowed to return from Babylon many years after they had been taken there following their defeat and the destruction of the original Temple by Nebuchadnezzar. The ceremony is quite beautiful and moving – something which, as with one’s Initiation, one never forgets. The Organisation Many Lodges have Chapters attached to them, bearing the same number as the Lodge and often the same name. When you feel ready, you should enquire about being Exalted, as it is called, into this Supreme Order. It does not have to be in the Chapter attached to your Lodge if there is one. Your Mentor, or any Brother wearing the Royal Arch jewel, will be happy to help you. In general, it would be sensible to wait for a few months before you join Holy Royal Arch, in order that you may be able to digest what you have already experienced and enjoy the pleasures of visiting as a Master Mason. But, be assured that once you do take that next step you will be welcomed as warmly as you were into your Lodge.


OTHER ORDERS It is worthwhile pointing out that as well as completing your journey in pure Ancient Freemasonry, which is what the Craft and Royal Arch are called, you will now find that you are eligible for entry into a number of other Orders and Degrees. You will perhaps have heard mention of these at the Festive Board when, in general conversation, reference is made to the Temple, Mark and Royal Ark Mariners, Red Cross and Rose Croix. Each of these is, in its own special way, a further means of teaching lessons and philosophising upon the values and virtues which always merit greater understanding, amplification and investigation, Faith, Hope and Charity being prominent. (For further reading see “Beyond the Craft” by Keith B Jackson)

Whilst these Orders and Degrees throw a valuable and interesting light upon our philosophies, one must never lose sight of the fact that it is the Craft and the Holy Royal Arch upon which all rests.

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CONCLUSION – BEING A MASON IN THE WORLD Freemasonry is a wonderful experience and something that will be of benefit throughout your life, but it is true with Freemasonry, as it is with life, that you will only get out of it what you put in. It is hoped therefore, that you will use those ‘talents wherewith God has blessed you’, to the benefit of your Lodge. A Lodge has the need for many services in addition to those provided by Officers invested by the Worshipful Master. You may find your niche as Lodge Auditor, Librarian, Building Surveyor, Caretaker or Barman. It has to be recognised that some Brethren, although wishing to be actively involved in the life of the Lodge, find it difficult to learn ritual. It is possible for them to offer their services as Treasurer, Secretary, Almoner or Charity Steward, as these offices are not restricted to Past Masters of the Lodge. Whatever the service you provide to your Lodge and whatever the office you hold – remember it is but a step in your complete understanding of Freemasonry. You will undoubtedly encounter Brethren with a greater knowledge of Freemasonry than you, being impressed by the knowledge of your Mentor, the skills of your Worshipful Master or the confidence shown by Past Masters and Provincial and Grand Officers. Always remember that, like you, they continue to seek a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. Freemasonry does not aim to make you better than the next man, but does hope to make you better than you were. To make you someone who cares not just for his family, although this is your first duty, not just for the brethren in your Lodge, but also for the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society. As a Freemason in the modern world, we can give you no better advice than to do unto others as you would have them do unto you and to do all in your power to relieve the suffering of the less fortunate, wherever you are able so to do. Join in, be involved and enjoy your Freemasonry.

Provincial Grand Mentor.

JONM.Stg4.Sept 14 21

FURTHER REFERENCE INFORMATION – Masonic Library’s & World Wide Web (www) Literally thousands of books have been written on the subject of Freemasonry over the course of the last 300 years and, in more recent times, the WORLD WIDE WEB has greatly added to the volume of material available. Not all of it is good; indeed not all of it is comprehensible! Of the most regular are the following: Our own Berkshire websites www.berkspgl.org.uk Berkshire Provincial Grand Lodge with a separate members Masonic link (log-in required) www.berkshireprovincialgrandchapter.org.uk Berkshire Provincial Grand Chapter (The Royal Arch) UK websites

www.ugle.org.uk United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE)

www.grandcharity.org The Freemasons’ Grand Charity

www.freemasonry.london.museum Library and Museum of UGLE

www.rmtgb.org The Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys

www.rmbi.org.uk The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution

www.msfund.org.uk The Masonic Samaritan Fund

www.freemasonrytoday.com/ Official journal of the UGLE

www.grandchapter.org.uk

Official website of the Royal Arch Masons of England

www.freemasonry.dept.shef.ac.uk Sheffield University Centre for Masonic Research

http://www.berkspgl.org.uk/

http://www.berkshireprovincialgrandchapter.org.uk/

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.ugle.org.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.grandcharity.org

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.freemasonry.london.museum

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.rmtgb.org

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.rmbi.org.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.msfund.org.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.freemasonrytoday.com/

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.grandchapter.org.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.freemasonry.dept.shef.ac.uk


www.canonbury.ac.uk Canonbury Masonic Research Centre

www.cornerstonesociety.com The Cornerstone Society

www.ukmason.org.uk/faq.htm UK Masonic mailing list

www.letchworthshop.co.uk Letchworth’s, the shop at Freemasons Hall

www.bradford.ac.uk/webofhiram An electronic database of Masonic material at Bradford University

www.internet.lodge.org.uk The Internet Lodge, a good starting point for information

www.quatuorcoronati.com The Premier Research Lodge

Please Note – internet sites and web addresses are subject to change so these addresses are given only as a starting point for Masonic research on the ‘net’. As with any internet sites, always take care and remember that at your initiation you were taught to be cautious.

Freemasonry also has its own “MENTORING” website, which virtually covers most aspects of the Mentoring Initiative in Masonry. A MUST for every Master Mason to browse!

www.masonicmentoring.org.uk The Mentoring website.

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.canonbury.ac.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.cornerstonesociety.com

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.ukmason.org.uk/faq.htm

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.letchworthshop.co.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.bradford.ac.uk/webofhiram

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.internet.lodge.org.uk

http://www.3rlibrary.org.uk/redirect.php?target=www.quatuorcoronati.com

http://www.masonicmentoring.org.uk/


Suggested Reading List

There are many Masonic Library’s throughout, all with many varied but interesting books to discover and digest, one of the finest is located here in the Sindlesham Masonic Centre, Wokingham, Berkshire, and you can borrow or buy books to suit, spend time viewing the many Masonic artifacts in the museum or even buy all your Masonic regalia as well. If you can find the time to visit it is well worth it. (Contact Tel: 01189 9795104) for more details.

Some of the popular books are shown below which are worth obtaining a copy to read. Your mentor may be able to help you here. It is important to ensure that you do not get not inundated with large amounts of information you may be unable to understand. Start your researches slowly.

Peterborough Booklets

Sandbach, R.

Notes for a Candidate for Freemasonry After the First Degree After the Second Degree After the Third Degree Letter to a Master Elect Why Join the Royal Arch Notes for a Newly Exalted Companion

There is probably no better place to start than the series of "Peterborough Booklets", these wonderfully useful booklets are brief guides that provide valuable guidance for a Masonic candidate’s first steps in Freemasonry. They were written by Richard Sandbach when he was the Provincial Grand Master for Northamptonshire and Huntingdonshire and are regularly updated by him. They are cheap and readily available from Quatuor Coronati Correspondence Circle Ltd or from your local


Masonic library. They are very complimentary to “The Journey of a New Mason” series of booklets

Daily Advancement Booklets

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Following on, there are good booklets available which provide a Daily Advancement in Masonic Knowledge and books available giving information on other Orders.

A fairly comprehensive list of reading material is also available on the ‘Mentoring’ website www.masonicmentoring.org.uk

Finally, we have the ‘Free’ Masonic magazines which are sent direct to our homes, namely:

‘Freemasonry Today magazine’

The official Journal of the United Grand Lodge of England

‘The Berkshire Link magazine’

Published in and for Berkshire freemasons.

Both publications make for very interesting reading, one on ‘general’ topics worldwide and the other more related to local ‘Berkshire’ news and events. These magazines are produced for us.

http://www.masonicmentoring.org.uk/


EXPERIENCE RECORD SHT No 3. Candidate Bro……………………………

(Stage 4 After Raising) Mentor Bro…………………………… Item Subject Bro(tick) Mentor(tick) date

1 Third Degree Tracing Board 2 Contents 3 Foreword 4 The Third Degree ceremony 5 Symbolic explanation of the Ceremony of Raising. 6 Life as a Master Mason 7 The Lodge of Instruction 8 Ritual 9 Grand Lodge Certificate 10 Talking about Freemasonry 11 Relationship between the Craft and the Royal Arch? 12 Other Orders 13 Conclusion – Being a mason of the World 14 Further reference reading/websites 15 Experience Record Sheet No 3 Any Comments…………………………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………….. Inform Lodge Mentor……………………………………………………date……..



Notes_________________________________________




Copies of this publication are available from the:

The Provincial Grand Secretary's office at Sindlesham Masonic Centre, Mole Road. Sindlesham,

Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5EA Tel: 0118 9787625

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AFTER RAISING - Berkshire Freemasons€¦ · our three degrees. I hope that, when you feel you are ready, your Lodge will encourage you to participate in the ritual and progress into