What is the Process of Progressing in Freemasonry?
To progress in Freemasonry is to engage in a "progressive science" where a member advances through a series of degrees—Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. This journey is not merely about attending ceremonies; it is a dedicated system of Masonic education designed to improve a man's moral and intellectual character. By studying the symbolism of Freemasonry and applying its lessons to daily life, a Brother moves from the "First Degree," which focuses on morality, to higher levels of knowledge and "Practice and Theory." True progress requires perseverance and application to transform ritualistic instructions into a way of living.
A Legacy of Masonic Light: Macoy’s 175+ Year History
For over 175 years, Macoy Publishing & Masonic Supply Co. has been the primary custodian of the literature that fuels this progression. Founded in 1849 by Robert Macoy, our company has remained dedicated to providing the Craft with the "Light" necessary for self-improvement. We understand that the formal language of our ancestors holds timeless truths. Our 175+ year history ensures that when a Brother turns to us for a Masonic ritual or a historical text, he is receiving a resource vetted by generations of scholars. We believe that the same principles that guided men 300 years ago remain the most effective tools for building a better man today.
How to progress in Freemasonry - Answers from Masonic Scholars
Published by Stephen McCall
How to progress in Freemasonry.
Perseverance by William Preston
William Preston lived in the 1700’s and was instrumental in writing the lectures we use today in lodges. The words he uses are challenging to read but they are included because it may enlighten you on why we use the words we do in ritual. It also connects you with the long history of Freemasonry. If the men 300 years ago thought these principles were worth studying and forming their lives around, then it might have some positive impact on you. Take the time to read these wordy and awkwardly phrased ideas so you can get to the meaning of what they are trying to say. There will be a quick summary before this and other long-winded passages.
Summary:
Freemasonry is progressive and divided into degrees to give men knowledge. In the 1700’s that knowledge could be the liberal arts or more esoteric thinking. Preston says some lessons may seem unimportant, but he encourages you to be disciplined. He suggests that, although perfection in this knowledge may seem insurmountable, we should apply what we learn to our daily lives. It is this trial and error that we will come to value the lessons we are taught.
MASONRY is a progressive science, and is divided into different classes, or Degrees, for the more regular advancement in the knowledge of its mysteries. According to the progress we make, we limit or extend our inquiries; and, in proportion to our talents, we attain to a lesser or greater degree of perfection. Masonry includes almost every branch of polite learning under the veil of its mysteries, which comprehend a regular system of virtue and science. Many of its illustrations may appear unimportant to the confined genius; but the man of more enlarged faculties will consider them in the highest degree useful and interesting. To please the accomplished scholar and ingenious artist, the institution is well suited; and in the investigation of its latent doctrines, the philosopher and mathematician may experience equal satisfaction and delight.
To exhaust the various subjects of which Masonry treats, would transcend the powers of the brightest genius: still, however, nearer approaches to perfection may be made; and the man of wisdom will not check the progress of his abilities, though the task he attempts may, at first, seem insurmountable. Perseverance and application will remove each difficulty as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures will open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attend his researches. In the diligent pursuit of knowledge, great discoveries are made; and the intellectual faculties are wisely employed in promoting the glory of God and the good of mankind.
Such is the tendency of all the illustrations in Masonry. Reverence for the deity and gratitude for the blessings of heaven are inculcated in every degree. This is the plan of our system, and the result of our inquiries. The First Degree being intended to enforce the duties of morality, and imprint on the memory the noblest principles which can adorn the human mind; the Second Degree extends the plan, and comprehends a more diffusive system of knowledge. Practice and theory are united, to qualify the industrious Mason to share the pleasures which an advancement in the Art necessarily affords. Listening with attention to the opinions of experienced men on important subjects, the mind of the Craftsman is gradually familiarized to useful instruction, and he is soon enabled to investigate truths of the utmost concern in the general transactions of life. From this system proceeds a rational amusement. While the mental powers are fully employed, the judgment is properly exercised: a spirit of emulation prevails; and every brother vies, who shall most excel in promoting the design of the Institution.
--William Preston, Illustrations of Masonry (Masonic Publishing and Manufacturing Co., 1867), 37
Commentary: You’ve got to stick with it. Preston wrote this in the early 18th century. Although the wording is formal and verbose, the message is still true today. “Perseverance and application will remove each difficulty as it occurs; every step he advances, new pleasures will open to his view, and instruction of the noblest kind attend his research.” The benefits of being a Freemason are not realized by having gone through a degree. They are only realized by learning the lessons and then applying them daily until you are proficient in their teachings.
Common Questions
Why is Freemasonry called a "Progressive Science"?
The term "progressive science" refers to the way Freemasonry reveals its lessons. Rather than providing all knowledge at once, it is divided into degrees. Each degree builds upon the last, moving from basic Masonic morality to more complex philosophical and scientific inquiries. This ensures that the candidate has a strong foundation before moving to "more diffusive systems of knowledge."
Who was William Preston and why is he important?
William Preston was a Masonic scholar in the 1700s whose work, Illustrations of Masonry, helped standardize the lectures and rituals used in many English-speaking jurisdictions. His focus on the Liberal Arts and Sciences emphasized that a Mason should be an educated man, using his intellect to promote the "good of mankind."
How can I apply Masonic lessons to my daily life?
As Preston noted, perseverance and application are key. This means taking the symbols you see in the Lodge—like the Square or the Plumb—and using them as mental reminders to act with integrity and rectitude in your business and personal relationships. Self-improvement is the result of constant "practice and theory."
What are the three degrees of Freemasonry?
The three degrees are Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The first focuses on the "duties of morality," the second extends into "knowledge and science," and the third represents the maturity of the Masonic character, uniting practice and theory into a complete system of virtue.
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