The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

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Chapter 10 - Conclusion
exclusively, to Symbolic Masonry. Such terms as "higher degrees,"
"higher Masons," are misleading. They are not only in bad taste but also
indicate a lack of knowledge upon the part of the brother who gives
expression to them. We should get the fact, and grip it, that Symbolic
Masonry stands independent and alone, sufficient and supreme in
itself. Any claim asserted to other kinds of Masonry is a confession that
the brother making the claim has failed to understand the symbolism
and the allegories of the Craft. 2069
In the same oration, McColloch states a marked distinction between
Symbolic Freemasonry and the "Higher degrees" which are also called
"Capitular" or "Cryptic" degrees: Symbolic Masonry presents Masonic
philosophy, whereas the latter relate Masonic history, traditions, and legends. He
defines the Higher Degrees thus:
To fasten in the mind the events of masonic [sic] history is the purpose
of these degrees, and this is done by spectacular pictures, dramatic
situations, impressive and beautiful scenes. Some may claim this has
symbolic character, but it remains true that its sole design is to convey
that which is masonic [sic] history, rather than the masonic [sic]
philosophy as it is explained only by the symbols and allegories of the
Craft. 2070
Taking up the idea of impressive and beautiful scenes, one has to consider the
change that took place when the degrees began to be conferred instead of
communicated, the choice of words already indicating the rise of dramatization.
Communication is the mere transfer of meaning through language, but conferral
includes the staging of the story. Thus, for the first three quarters of the 19 th
century, the Scottish Rite initiation rituals were just "personalized if formulaic
ceremonies that combined role playing, mysticism, and symbolism." 2071
They derived much of their significance from lengthy and sometimes
obscure texts that were read aloud. Products of eighteenth-century
sensibilities and intellect, these rituals relied heavily on initiates' ability
and willingness to attend to the spoken word and to decipher the
meanings of symbols and allegories. 2072
From the 1880s on, however, this old-style ritualistic form began to be
replaced by spectacular theatrical performances, the shift starting to take place in
new cities in the American West. The advent of electrical lighting as an
important theatrical innovation, as well as the professionally painted sets
2069 Myler (compiler), Jewels of Masonic Oratory, p. 82; bold print added.
2070 Myler (compiler), Jewels of Masonic Oratory, p. 83.
2071 Cf. Brockman, p. 21.
2072 Ibid.