Missouri Masonic Lodge of Research

Grand Lodge of Missouri

5998 Anno Lucis


One Approach To Studying Freemasonry

The proper study of Freemasonry can become a lifelong labor of love. No other institution offers its initiates the breadth and depth of ethics, tenents, morals, dogma and lessons for living in a turbulent world.

Each newly made Freemason is admonished to seek Masonic Light as he proceeds through each of the succeeding degrees. And even the most senior Past Master has more to learn about beautiful system of morals offered only in the lessons of our Beloved Ancient Craft.

So where can you begin? There is no single approach as the interests and needs of each Brother varies. However, we can offer the following as a starting point. We strongly encourage each Freemason to customize the following to suit his requirements. You may even wish to print out this page and save it for your personal files or share it with another Brother Freemason.

Where do you start your course of study? Why not go to any of the major Encyclopedias on Freemasonry. You will be able to find information on any of the topics listed below. There are obvious ommissions to the lists shown below, but you will also find those topics listed in most publications on Freemasonry. And, of course, checking more than one source will only serve to increase your knowledge about the world's oldest and largest Fraternity -- Freemasonry.


Foundation Principles

General foundations of Masonic knowledge beginning with the fundamentals may be obtained by first examining what is said about each of the following:

Antiquity of Freemasonry Primitive Freemasonry
Definition of Freemasonry Speculative Freemasonry
Ethics of Freemasonry Symbolism, Science of
Mysteries, Ancient Traveling
Origin of Freemasonry


Ritual

Next, investigate the work performed in Masonic labor as designated by:

Degrees Ritual
Esoteric Freemasonry Secret Societies
Initiation Side Degrees
Oral Instruction Symbolic Degrees
Rite

Religion

To understand the religious aspects of Freemasonry, seek out articles and topics on:

Apocalyptic Degrees Resurrection
Bible Scriptures
Christianity of Freemasonry Speculative Freemasonry
Crusades Spurious Freemasonry
Patron Saints of Freemasonry Templar Origin of Freemasonry
Religion of Freemasonry

Related Topics

After examining the above topics, you will next want to investigate:

Alchemy Morality of Freemasonry
Bridge Builders Mysticism
Comacine Masters Philosophic Degrees
Ecossism Progressive Freemasonry
High Degrees Scottish Rite
Ineffable Secret Doctrine
Jacobins Stone-Masons
Jesuits Strict Observance
Legends Stuart Freemasonry

Degrees, Rites & Ceremonies

A general study of the various rites, ceremonies and ritualistic systems may now be begun. A list of interesting and very informative topics is shown below. While the number of these items is large, the study of the introductory references already given will enable the student of Freemasonry to make a selection of the topics that most appeal to him.

Ablution Grand Pontiff
Adonhiramite Masonry Harodim, Prince of
Adoption, Masonic Heredom
Alliance, Sacred Hermetic Art
Apocalyptic Degrees Hermetic Rite
Auxiliary Degrees High Degrees
Cumulation of Rites Holy City, Knight of
Detached Degrees Holy Sepulchre, Knight of
East and West, Knight of Honorary Thirty-thirds
Ecossais H.R.D.M.
Ecossism Ineffable Degrees
Elect, Grand Ineffable Triangle
Elect of Fifteen I.N.R.I.
Elect of Nine Intendant of the Building
Elect of Perignan Intimate Secretary
Elect of Truth, Rite of Jurisdiction of Supreme Council
Elect, Perfect & Sublime Mason Kadosh
Elect Philosopher Knight (numerous references)
Grand Orient Mizraim, Rite of
Mother Council Sacred Asylum of High Masonry
Mustard Seed, Order of Saint Germain
Napoleonic Freemasonry Scottish Rite
Naochite Secret Master
Oath Secret Vault
Order Select Master
Order of Knighthood Senatorial Chamber
Osiris Mysteries Seneschal
Paschal Feasts Serpent, Knight of Brazen
Patents Seth
Patriarch, Grand Side Degrees
Patriarch of Crusades Sovereign
Philalethes, Rite of Step
Philosophic Degrees Stone-Mason
Postulant Stone Worship
Practicus Strict Observance, Rite of
Preparation of Candidate Stuart Masonry
Priest Sublime Knight Elected
Primitive Rite Sun Worship
Prince of Jerusalem Supreme Council
Proofs Sword
Reformed Rite Talmud
Robes Temple, Order of
Rose Croix, Prince of Teutonic Knights
Rosicrucianism Wardens
Royal Arch of Solomon Watchwords
Royal Order of Scotland Will
Sabaism Zadok

Masonic Law

A study of the unique system of Masonic jurisprudence is suggested for any Brother seeking a more indepth knowledge of our Fraternity.

Absence Constitution of Lodge
Accuser Crimes
Acquittal Debate
Active Member Declaration
Adjournment Dedication
Admission Definition of Freemasonry
Admonition Demit
Affiliated Freemason Dimit
Affirmation Dispensation
Age, Lawful Due Examination
Aid and Assistance Election
Amendment Emergency
Ample Form Equivocation
Annual Communication Examination
Appeal, Right of Expulsion
Arbitration Free-born
Arrest of Charter Free-will
Assembly Grand Lodge
Atheist Honorary
Ballot Incorporation
Ballot-box Infringing
Ballot, Unanimity of Inherent Rights
Behavior Jurisdiction
Beneficiary Landmarks
Blackball Legend
Book of Constitutions Lewis
Business Lodge
By-laws Motion
Candidate Oath
Casting Vote Secret Societies
Processions Statutes
Qualifications Trials
Regalia Unanimous Consent
Religion Vacancies
Revival Wives, Widows & Daughters

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