That which was lost

[bboy]

Just sitting at the computer deep in thought, running over a few books and other references on Freemasonry.

Could it be that the real secret of a Master Mason was how to form a square? In terms of building, a square, or right angle, is extremely important espacially in the middle ages. Could this have been what was taught to a craftsman when he was made a Master Mason?

Just a thought!

[Eldberg]

An interesting idea, but one which - if it's true - has left little mark in the geometric symbols used in Freemasonry today.

Also, in the operative masonry, there were only two "degrees", apprentice and craftsman. The Master was simply the boss of a team of masons. Only later in speculative Freemasonry was "master" made into a degree that all members of the lodge could attain. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Åke

[bboy]

I think historically both terms of Fellow Craft and Master were used but it appears only after 1717 that the 3rd degree, as we know it, was added.

Not sure how what you mean by not leaving a mark in the symbols used today?

It's the reference to the compasses in the third degree, after the obligation, that could hold the key! Don't want to say too much on an open forum.

[lew finnis]

May I suggest a perusal of the first part of Neville Barker Cryer's book 'The Royal Arch Journey'? He examines in some detail the development of the 3rd Degree etc. His conclusions may not meet with universal approval but are very thought-provoking.

[Chestnut]

Just sitting at the computer deep in thought, running over a few books and other references on Freemasonry.

Could it be that the real secret of a Master Mason was how to form a square? In terms of building, a square, or right angle, is extremely important espacially in the middle ages. Could this have been what was taught to a craftsman when he was made a Master Mason?

Just a thought!

I don't think the square is the secret of a MM, these secrets are different and are touched on in the MM degree and in HRA.

However the formation of a square and the ability to be able to try or prove that square are essential for early operatives. The most important part of FM which is often overlooked is the importance of Geometry and the ability to make a square. This is seen by the jewel worn by the IPM which is the jewel appended by the 47th problem of Euclid.

If you research this piece which in Andersons Constitiutions is mentioned as the most important element in Masonry. It is from this problem that we see why the EA is placed in the NE part of the Lodge. Also how important the square is and the fact that it has so many meanings.

[Peter Taylor]

I think historically both terms of Fellow Craft and Master were used but it appears only after 1717 that the 3rd degree, as we know it, was added.

Just to be precise:
Sometime after 1725, a third degree, the Master Mason's degree, began to be worked in London lodges. Its origins are unknown. While it may be older than its recorded appearance indicates, it does not appear in the records of any lodge until April 1727 (its actual conferral does not appear in the records of any lodge until March 1729). Exposures of Masonic ritual, which began to appear in 1723, refer to only two degrees until the publication of Samuel Pritchard's "Masonry Dissected" in 1730, which contained the work for all three degrees. The Master Mason's degree was not official until the Grand Lodge adopted Anderson's revised Constitutions of 1738.

Indeed in Scotland many Lodges continued to work only 2 degrees until the The Unlawful Societies Act of 1799.

[Trouillogan]

Here's a matter for you to consider: Before the Hiramic legend, there was the Noachic one. As to the square, consider the three Grand Originals. It matters not whether they were Noah and his sons, or those of the later legend.

[Joe]

May I suggest a perusal of the first part of Neville Barker Cryer's book 'The Royal Arch Journey'? He examines in some detail the development of the 3rd Degree etc. His conclusions may not meet with universal approval but are very thought-provoking.

Lew - I was just thinking this........... given its currently the book I'm reading. Different viewpoint from other theories - and probably maybe as relevant.
Joe