CRAFT DEGREES

The three Degrees of the Craft as administrated by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) are the 'root, heart and marrow' of Freemasonry and also the foundation of the Consolidated Rite.

Members working the three Craft Degrees meet as a Lodge, which alone can initiate a Freemason. The Craft Degrees are sometimes described as the 'first three degrees in Freemasonry', which reflects a double meaning: On the one hand, they are the initial or foundation degrees in Freemasonry as every Candidate is required to attain all three before he may consider himself a Master Mason. On the other hand, they are the pre-eminent or principal degrees in Freemasonry as they contain the fullness of the moral and spiritual principles of Freemasonry. Attainment of the 3rd Degree, which is commonly known as the 'Sublime Degree of Master Mason', may therefore be viewed as having arrived at the substance of Freemasonry itself.

As a Brother participating in the Consolidated Rite, you are invited to extend your understanding of Freemasonry by progressing to the College of Instruction and, in due time, beyond the Degrees of the Craft. The College of Instruction comprises extensions to each of the three Craft Degrees and prepares you for the Rose Croix Degrees.