APPENDIX B
Glossary
Albert Pike
The Sovereign Grand Commander of the Southern Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite from 1859 to 1891.
Blue Lodge
One of the most commonly used terms in Freemasonry for lodges conferring the first three degrees. It is primarily used in the United States and Canada.
Cable Tow
Also a measure of distance, it symbolically binds each Mason to all of his brethren. The tie is as strong and lengthy as an initiate and the abilities he brings to the Craft.
Chapter of the Rose Croix
The second division of the Scottish Rite system that includes the fifteenth through eighteenth degrees.
Circumambulation
In a lodge there is a central object or point (an altar), which the initiate must walk around. This ancient practice is meant to show that an initiate is prepared to embark on his fraternal journey.
Commanderies of Knights Templar
Also called Chivalric Masonry, it includes three orders including the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple.
Compass
One of the most important and prominent symbols of Freemasonry, it represents virtue as a measure of one’s life and conduct. It also signifies restraint, skill, and knowledge.
Consistory Degrees
The fourth and final division of the Scottish Rite system which includes the thirty-first and thirty-second degrees. The thirty-third degree, though part of the Consistory, is honorary.
Council of Kadosh
The third division of the Scottish Rite system which includes the nineteenth through thirtieth degrees.
Council of Cryptic Masonry
Often called Cryptic Masonry, it is the second body of the York Rite which confers three degrees including Royal Master, Select Master, and Super Excellent Master.
Craft
A common term which simply refers to Freemasonry.
Degree
A level of Freemasonry to which individuals can ascend.
Entered Apprentice
The first degree of Craft Masonry where an initiate is introduced to the Craft. It symbolizes an individual’s spiritual birth into the fraternity, and begins his quest for “light,” or knowledge.
Fellowcraft
The second degree of Craft Masonry which signifies an initiate’s adult phase into the Craft where he seeks to acquire the knowledge and spiritual tools necessary to build character and improve society.
Four Cardinal Virtues
Temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice.
“G,” the Letter
Symbolically it stands for “geometry” or “God.” It also commonly refers to God as the Grand Architect of the Universe or Grand Master of the Universe.
Grand Lodge
The governing body which oversees all regular lodges under its jurisdiction.
Grand Lodge of England
The first Grand Lodge formed in 1717, when four lodges united in England. It is generally accepted that this marked the start of organized Freemasonry.
Grand Master
The highest ranking individual of a Grand Lodge. It is an elected position and one of great prestige within the Craft.
Hiram Abiff
The architect and Master Mason who oversaw the building of the Temple of Solomon. His legend is referred to throughout Freemasonry.
Hoodwinked
Initiates to the Craft are hoodwinked, or blindfolded, which represents the veil of silence and secrecy that surrounds the mysteries of Freemasonry.
Knights Templar
A military and religious order of warrior monks founded in 1118 by French Knight Hughes de Payens. The Templars fought during the Crusades.
Lodge
A two-fold term referring to both a group of Masons and the building in which they meet. Masonic buildings are often called temples.
Lodge of Perfection
The first division of the Scottish Rite system which includes the fourth through fourteenth degrees. Usually referred to as “ineffable” degrees.
Master Mason
The third degree of Craft Masonry which symbolically links a Mason’s soul and his own inner nature and belief system.
Operative Masonry
Operatives refers to stonemasons who were part of the actual trade.
Pillars on the Porch
Symbolically linked to Solomon’s Temple, they stand at the entrance to the Temple. The left pillar is called Boaz, and the right is named Jachin.
Royal Arch Chapter
Part of the York Rite, Royal Arch Masonry consists of four degrees, including Mark Master, Past Master, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch.
Scottish Rite
A concordant body of Freemasonry, it offers thirty-three additional degrees.
Also called the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.
Speculative Masonry
Speculative refers to Freemasons who were not part of the actual trade of masonry.
Square
One of the most prominent symbols of Freemasonry, it represents morality and truthfulness.
Supreme Being
The Masonic reference to Deity. Given that Masonry is nonsectarian, each Mason’s Supreme Being may be different. The more commonly used term among the brethren is Grand Architect of the Universe.
Thirty-Third Degree Mason
One who has completed the first three degrees of Craft Masonry and the thirty-two degrees of the Scottish Rite. The thirty-third degree is honorary and the candidate must be voted upon.
Three Great Lights of Masonry
The square, compass, and Volume of the Sacred Law.
United Grand Lodge of England
The union of two Grand Lodges in Britain in 1813. Today the Lodge is formally known as the United Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England and informally called the United Grand Lodge of England.
Volume of the Sacred Law
The most prominent of the Three Great Lights. Members of the Craft practice many different religions, so the sacred text of choice varies. In general, it is the Holy Bible.
Working Tools
Each degree of Masonry has certain symbolism associated with its level which represent the morals and forces necessary in building and rebuilding the nature of humankind.
Worshipful Master
The highest ranking member of a lodge or blue lodge. Also called a Right Worshipful Master. He is elected and serves a one-year term.
York Rite
A concordant body of Freemasonry originating from the English city of York.
It offers additional degrees within its three bodies—the Royal Arch Chapter, Council of Cryptic Masonry, and Commanderies of Knights Templar.