Dear friends,

As I try to better understand freemasonry and its benefits, I became curious about the structure of the degrees and what requirements mandate to be upgreaded up the masonic scale.

From the moment a petetion is accepted and granted, could someone tell me what are the steps required to become a master mason. I understand that a master mason of the 3rd degree is the highest degree given to a mason, and degrees beyond that are sort of specialized degress granted against your committment and dedication to masonry (basically you get out of it what you put into it). But what does it really take and how long does it take to become a 3rd degree master mason?

Thanks a million.

Good question.  The exact time varies from state to state, and from lodge to lodge. Some states have a “one day class”, where the entire course of craft masonry is completed in one day. You walk into the lodge at 0600am, eat a breakfast meal, then you walk out at 7pm a Master Mason. In Europe, some lodges require one year, between each degree. In Kentucky, the time between the degrees, must be at least one month.

I will add a more complete answer in a later post. You are correct: The Master Mason degree is the highest degree in Masonry, it is the “Black Belt” of Masonry.

That is a great and often asked question. Specific regions of the “masonic world” have their own nuances to the answer. Individual Lodges within an area may also differ. Here is the norm: It will take on average 5 months to complete the various elements of the pre-degree stages and the degrees. The application process is about a month to recieve the paperwork and meet the Officers. Then there is the reading the application to members of the lodge during a regular Meeting, the posting of the name of the applicant in a regular communication to all members, and the investigation of the data and references are contacted, and all takes a month. At the end of that month a vote takes place. Assuming a degree “class” is composed, the next month starts the first degree, the second for the fellowcraft, and the third for the Master Mason degree. Lastly the signing of dues card and the Lodge records. Again, some jurisdictions may allow for acceleration of less than a month between degrees or may establish a “one-day-class” event. The Grand Master is able to govern the rules on timing. Many Lodges prefer to get to know their candidate and offer opportunity to have the man join in service to the lodge. Most candidates enjoy this service. Hope this helps. Roald Doucette- Moderator