Brother seeker of enlightenment,

We have completed our first class of the College of the Consistory, Valley of Orlando Chapter, and if you speak to any of the graduates of the class I’m sure they will enthusiastically tell you how much they enjoyed it. Now is your chance to get in on the ground floor as we will be starting a brand new class in February. Our second educational series got off to a great start. The seminar will be on the third Wednesday, Mar 21st at 7:00 p.m. at Winter Park Lodge, #239, next door to the former Scottish Rite Building. A light dinner will be provided at 6:30 p.m. We will be starting the series of degrees known as the Lodge of Perfection or Ineffable degrees. As before the resource material for this and all subsequent degrees is as listed below. It is suggested you bring your copy of “A Bridge to Light” to class and study the 5th degree beforehand at home.

Important Symbols:

  • Square, compasses, gavel and rule
  • Acacia
  • The color green
  • Three circles enclosing cube on apron
  • The coffin
  • The Master Hiram

Lessons:

  • Be industrious and honest
  • Life is uncertain; death may call at anytime
  • The noblest portion of humanity is virtue for virtue’s sake
  • Measure your age not by years but by good deeds
  • A life well lived prepares one for death

Topics for Discussion:

  • This degree teaches that the significance of our lives is the effect we have on the future. How can ordinary people make a difference in the future and do things that outlive us?
  • Idleness is the burial of a living man. Explain this statement in reference to the lessons of this degree.
  • You own a profitable company although you could increase profits by letting go some employees who have been faithful workers for many years. What do the lessons of this degree tell you to do?
  • In the story of this degree each year a Master Mason is selected to represent Master Hiram in a symbolic death and rebirth and thereafter lives as a Perfect Master, i.e. live a perfect life in imitation of H.A. What does it mean to live a perfect life?
  • The main color motif of the jewel, apron and working tools of this degree are green and gold even though it is set in sorrow at the anniversary of the death of Master Hiram. What do these colors represent and what does it teach us about the nature of death?
  • What is the symbolic meaning of the items deposited in the coffin and how do they relate to Blue Lodge tradition? What are they supposed to teach us?
  • Death is a normal part of life yet modern society seems either morbidly fascinated with the subject or in denial and avoidance of the idea of death. How do you explain this dichotomy?
  • Give a contemporary view of the teachings of this degree.
  • There is a great deal of death imagery in the Scottish Rite. What is the meaning of death in this degree and what is the Scottish Rite view of death?
  • “No man knows the hour of his passing.” Discuss this statement as to the pattern of your relationship to death and the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared.”
  • King Solomon and King Hiram may be seen as symbols of unity (both kings, both have suffered a great loss, both share in the ceremony), or symbols of duality (one is a Phoenician, one Jewish; one believes in multiple Gods, one is monotheistic; one is noted for wisdom the other for wealth; one is a warrior the other a man of peace). Which one is correct or are both? How does this relate to the meaning of the degree and what is the meaning or lesson here?

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill:. Harry Eisenberg, 33°