As a bit of background recall that, in 2016, the Committee on Education of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Oklahoma developed thirty-five Lessons on Capitular Masonry, in an effort to foster more opportunities for educational presentations during Chapter meetings. Each of these thirty-five lessons outlines a self-contained educational presentation. The material for these lessons is drawn from two readily available sources:

THE COURSE — The Capitular Masonry Education Course, which was published in 2014 by the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Oklahoma.

THE RITUAL — The Ritual of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Oklahoma, as adopted in 1932, with subsequent amendments.

Every other month we will suggest one of these lessons that a High Priest may use, if he so desires, as an educational presentation in his Chapter meeting.

This month’s suggested lesson for Chapter meetings is “Past Master Lesson #3,” which is found on p. 17 of the Lessons on Capitular Masonry.

Outline of the Lesson:

(i) Read the “Lecture” and “Charge” of the Past Master ritual found on pp. 41-42 of THE RITUAL.

(ii) Read the section on “Symbolism” found on pp. 60-62 of THE COURSE.

Discussion Questions:

(i) Answer questions 7-8 on p. 64 of THE COURSE.

(ii) What is Moral Geometry? Give examples of numbers and geometrical shapes commonly referred to in Masonry and discuss their symbolic meanings.

(iii) Give your thoughts on whether an actual Past Master should be exempt from being a candidate in this degree. Give a reason why no brother should be exempt from receiving the degree. Should the Past Masters who are candidates be recognized before this degree is conferred?

These questions are only meant to begin the discussion and to hopefully spark further discussion and interest in the chosen topic.