Fifth Degree, Perfect Master
Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
PO Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070
Photo: Original oil painting by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°
The symbolic reenactment of the funeral of Hiram the Builder forms the theme of the 5°. We are told of the legend that each year, on the anniversary of his burial, a worker was selected to represent the Grand Master Hiram, was briefly entombed and then brought forth, and was expected to live his life thereafter by the very highest standards of excellence of behavior. Hiram is the great archetypical hero of Masonry. Books have been written exploring the meanings of Hiram as symbol and image. But, at the most basic level, he represents the best of humanity- a hero because of his values, his knowledge, and his determination not to do what he believes to be wrong, even at the cost of his life.
In the regalia of the 5°, the crossed pillars represent Jachin and Boaz, which Biblical literature informs us Hiram named and set up on the porch of King Solomon's Temple. In addition to their traditional Masonic meanings, they here represent Hiram himself. Resting upon them is a cube, symbol of the finite universe. But, as the Temple is considered, among its other meanings, to be a model or representation of the universe or of life, the cube also represents the Temple of Solomon or the work of Hiram.
Surrounding the cube (the Temple or the universe) are three circles in orange, blue, and red. The circle is, of course, one of the oldest symbols of God, and here represents His Wisdom, His Power, and His Beneficence.
The green border, lining and flap of the apron, and the green cordon represent spring or rebirth-the coming again of life after the death of winter. The Compasses, which form the Jewel of the Degree, are open on a quadrant to 60° to represent the other ancient symbol of God, the equilateral triangle.
Again the lessons of the Degree center around death, not as a negative or destroying force, but as the door through which we must pass to have eternal life. Thus, while the border of the apron of the 4° is black, this border represents moving past death into new life. The Degree also reinforces the ancient Masonic obligation to see our Brethren decently interred.
Here Pike also reminds us of the great importance of work and of doing that work well. The Degree teaches that it is honorable to leave behind us tasks well and truly accomplished, just as it is shameful to leave nothing. Each of us, in his own way, can participate in the heroic nature of Hiram.
We owe a debt to posterity; it is only in fulfilling that debt that we can repay the debt we owe to our predecessors.
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Jim Tresner |
Scottish Rite Regalia Photos And Prints
Illustrations of the Scottish Rite regalia paintings by Brother Robert H. White, 32°, (Fifth Degree, Perfect Master, painting pictured above) are available in two formats:
(1) individual
8" x 12" or 11" x 14" color photographs and
(2) grouped photos in a color 22" x 33" poster.
To order individual photographs, please contact Brother Bruce A. Dehlin, K.D. Enterprises, 10114 Farmington Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030–2049. Credit cards accepted. Tel. (703) 591-5318; Fax: (703) 591-6026; E-mail: dehlinb@cais.net
To order color posters picturing all the regalia paintings, Fourth through Thirty-third Degrees, including the K.C.C.H. and Grand Cross, use VISA or MasterCard or send a check (domestic only) for $20.00 payable to The Supreme Council, 33°, S.J., USA to:
Grand Executive
Director's Office
1733 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009–3103
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