Newly Raised Brothers pose for a picture
On Monday, April 18th, 2011, Brothers Enio Bodden, Andrew Maurizio, and Peter Rizzolo were raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. In this degree are the deepest secrets and the most profound teachings of our fraternity. Although its background continues to be architecture and its action takes place in and about the Temple, it is a spiritual symbolism of life and death. Principally, it teaches immortality. The Sprig of Acacia, a symbol of our faith in the immortality of the soul, plays a central part in this degree. When man erroneously permits himself to be buried under the rubbish of sins and passions, if he has learned the secret of the spiritual life and with the help of the Great Architect of the Universe, it is possible for him to rise into a new life.
The Hiramic Legend has its roots in many of the Mystery Schools of ancient times. The drama of the Egyptian God Osiris and his tragic death, the search for his body, and its discovery and restoration sound all too familiar to us as Masons. This story line is ancient. It is the concept of the sacred king, who is destined for sacrifice so that the earth might become regenerated and uplifted by divine power. As Hiram was the “Son of the Widow,” so too, the Egyptian God Horus, child of Isis and Osiris, was also the son of a widow.
As we speak about wages, so too we speak about traveling, because the goal of our ancient operative Brethren was to become masters, so they might possess those secrets which would enable them to practice the art of the master architect, no matter where they traveled - even in foreign countries. The term “foreign countries” is used symbolically in speculative Masonry, and is not meant to refer to a specific geographical location. Freemasonry itself is a foreign country to those not initiated into its rites. To fully appreciate and enjoy the privileges of the Craft, each of us must become familiar with the territory of Freemasonry by learning its language, customs, and history, and stretching our minds to interpret and use its symbols so that they teach us important moral lessons. After receiving the Sublime Degree of Master Mason, we are expected to continue our journey toward a deeper understanding of the Craft and continue to search for truth wherever it may be found. The term “foreign countries” also is a metaphor for the spiritual worlds. Ancient people concerned themselves with vast spiritual worlds and their method of gaining admission through various spiritual spheres was through secret passwords, grips, signs, and holy words. This degree will forever be studied, interpreted, and held sacred by its students for generations to come.
