2007-01-17 07:46:29 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
A 32nd degree Mason is a Freemason who has recieved the highest degree attainable by Masons, except for the 33rd, which is an honorary title for those who exhibit service and excellence. Contrary to popular belief, however, a 32nd degree Mason has no more say or clout than a 3rd degree Masons. It simiply means that the Mason has joined the Scottish Rite body of Masonry, where they continue to confer degrees (each with a different moral lesson) that expands on the original three. In that sense, the 32nd degree usually denotes an increased understanding of the principles, tenants, and workings of the fraternity.
2007-01-19 07:33:52 · answer #1 · answered by maboot24 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 32nd degree mason refers to one of the degrees of the "Scottish rite" in Freemasonry. The scottish rite confirs degrees starting from the 4th until the 33rd. The scottish rite is a part of regular freemasonry. With regular freemasonry, one can obtain from the 1st to the 3rd degree with the 3rd degree making him a "Master Mason". Once a Mason is at the 3rd degree, that person is at the highest degree in regular Masonry. The scottish rite is only one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry. Getting more degrees in freemasonry does not make the person "higher" than a Master Mason in any way.
As a note, up until 2000, if someone finished either the scottish rite or the york rite (another appendant body) then the person can be a shriner. But now any Master Mason can be one.
2007-01-17 08:36:14 · answer #2 · answered by Big Daddy Jim 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is the highest step you can take. when join the Masons you work your way from one degree to another to 32nd This also prepares you for the Shriner's.
2007-01-17 07:55:10 · answer #3 · answered by lakelover 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
It is the highest rank of free mason that can be achieved, FDR was one.
2007-01-17 07:49:30 · answer #4 · answered by Grant H 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋