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DEGREES OF THE CHAPTER OF
ROYAL ARCH MASONS
Mark Master Degree
The Mark Master degree, like that of the Master Mason degree, has a religious significance, although this has
been somewhat overlooked in both instances. This degree teaches that our handiwork, the way we behave and
conduct our lives, should be acceptable to the Great Overseer; that this handiwork should fit harmoniously into
the building of the better spiritual Temple; that the laborer is worthy of his hire. This degree by stressing
individual initiative and the dignity of labor, which places it in opposition to the concept of the welfare
state, has economic and political application to the contemporary world scene.
Past Master Degree
This Degree, once part of the Symbolic Degrees of the Blue Lodge and originally conferred on those who had served as
Masters of a Masonic Lodge, is truly a sublime ritual of spiritual and mental preparation for the earnest seeker
of further Light in Masonry. Those receiving the degree are designated "virtual" Past Masters, as distinguished
from "actual" Past Masters. Here, as an indispensible prerequistite to exaltation to the Royal Arch Degree, the
candidate is taught that he must first learn to obey before he can rule, and to govern himself before he can
govern others.
Most Excellent Master Degree
This degree, splendid and expressive in itself, and replete with history and philosophic significance, is an American
degree. King Solomon's Temple, which was begun so auspiciously and halted so dramatically in the Third Degree, is
completed amid much rejoicing and great splendor. The labors of the Craft are given the blessing of the Lord, who
descended as fire from Heaven. King Solomon, in his gratitude, received and acknowledged them Most Excellent Masters,
empowered to travel and receive Master's Wages, and charges them with the responsibility of sharing their Masonic
Light and Knowledge with those less informed.
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