“Whom virtue unites, death cannot separate”

Keith McKeon, © 2022 Bob Hahn

Muhlenberg Lodge of Perfection – In the Lodge of Perfection, the Mason consecrates himself to the Masonic endeavor – character building. He is taught to venerate the virtues of the dead and emulate those of the living; to respect the rights of others, to strive to render service to his fellow man, to refrain from assuming prerogatives and powers that are not his, to be not overzealous in a good cause, to reverence Deity, avoiding disrespect, and to control his tongue by maintaining in his mind purity of thought. He is taught Perfection is but one of the fundamentals of character. The other two are Self-respect and Integrity. These lessons learned and applied to life are absolutely essential to a complete character structure. The Degrees presented are the 4°-14°.…

“A new Commandment I give unto you, that you, love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

Mickey Michael © 2022 Bob Hahn

The 17º, Knight of the East and West, and the 18º, Knight of Rose Croix of H.R.D.M., known as the Philosophical and Doctoral Degrees of the Scottish Rite are conferred in a Chapter of Rose Croix. They open a new development of Masonic teaching and are a distinct departure and advance from the symbolism of the Symbolic Lodge and of the preceding Scottish Rite Degrees. These deal with the teachings of Jesus; as Teacher, Prophet and Martyr. Whatever your religious faith, you are encouraged to ponder the philosophy and teachings of the Nazarene, especially the doctrine of fraternal love and service toward all mankind. You will learn how the three cardinal virtues of Freemasonry, Faith, Hope and Charity were so beautifully illustrated in the life of Christ. These lessons give spiritual underpinning to the central Masonic concept of “The Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God.” The Rose Croix Degrees are the spiritual center; among the most important in the body of Freemasonry.

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“Great is Truth and mighty above all things”

John Redstreake © 2021 Bob Hahn

The 15º, Knight of the East and the 16º, Prince of Jerusalem Degrees of Scottish Rite Masonry are often referred to as the historical degrees and constitute an allegorical narrative presenting the story of a captive people who, “wept beside the rivers of Babylon.” when liberated they were consecrated to the task of building the second Temple or rather rebuilding the Temple of Solomon. The entire pageantry and symbolism of Freemasonry revolves around the construction of the four Temples of Jahweh, by a brotherhood dedicated to the erection of a perfect edifice at Jerusalem and later building a Temple in the hearts of men. Contrasted with hauteur of imperious monarchs, is the humility of the little group of those born to bondage pleading for the redress of an ancient wrong. The lessons in the 15º and 16º are from these elements of the historical drama which transpired during the reigns of of the Great Kings, Cyrus and Darius.…