Post Revolutionary US Degrees

The word “degree” comes from the Latin “gradus” why some faculties issue MA (Master of Arts) as meaning ‘a step’, and the origin of an undergraduate degree rather than a BA ‘grade’ (ranking), and ‘gradual’ (step by step). (Bachelor of Arts) whereas the MSc (Master of Oddly, it is also the origin of temperature meas- Science) is a higher degree than BSC. urements and the points of the compass, because ancient astronomers wrongly calculated the Their graduation is not by subject, but by college, ‘circle of the year’ to be 360 days, not 365. That is with many ‘Degree Days’ throughout the year and why a circle now has 360 degrees, or steps, smaller and more intimate ceremonies. Candiaround the circumference. dates come clothed in the gown of the highest deHence, a degree is a step towards something, and the degree to which they seek admission; whilst in Freemasonry each degree represents a step those without a degree wear their Undergraduate along a pathway designed to teach us the values Gown to show they have yet to progress. On enof brotherly love, relief and truth. Hence, when we tering the Senate House, they remain at a diswitness a ceremony, we should think of ourselves tance, while the Praelector takes an oath on their as taking part, as our presence is an essential part behalf, attesting that they are of sound morals and of the candidate’s experience. So, in a very real learning; similar to our ‘tongue of good report’. He sense, every degree ceremony is a then extends his right hand and new step for each of us; part of a leads them forward in a human Masonic chain extending through chain, each holding the hand of the time and held together by the per- one in front. formance of the ritual. siding Officer, who admits them collectively to gree they already hold, together with the hood of This is followed by another act of The word ‘candidate’ comes from medieval symbolism, showing huthe Latin word ‘candidus’ meaning mility and submission, as each can‘bright shining white’, a reference to didate comes to kneel before the the robe worn by anyone of worth Presiding Officer and brings their and integrity, who sought public hands together in a sign of prayer; office as a ‘candidatus’. In Freema- just as we, as Masons, kneel and sonry white is still worn, signifying place a hand on the Volume of the innocence and purity of intention. Sacred Law. The Presiding Officer An interesting question is whether our ceremoni- then places his hands over theirs and confers the al bears any resemblance to that of a University degree in Latin, in a form known as ‘Epiclesis’, an Degree, itself a mark that the recipient has made ancient Greek word meaning a ‘drawing down’; in steps along a particular path of knowledge. like manner to the Worshipful Master touching Modern academic degree ceremonies seem to ly then can each candidate rise, return to their have little in common with Masonic ones. They college, and put on the gown of the degree they are usually large-scale events where the new received, ‘restoring themselves to their personal ‘Graduands’ are presented en-masse to the Pre- comforts’. our hands, whilst saying ‘hereby and hereon’. Ontheir degrees, before they come forward individu- Given that Freemasonry has had its present three ally to be congratulated. However, in the ancient degree system since the 1720s, it is arguable that Universities things are done differently such as the degree ceremonies of the oldest Universities Cambridge. may have influenced the shape and form of our ceremonies. Both emphasise the progress made in Another example is The University of Glasgow in learning, which for Freemasons means a life-long 1451 which was ‘chartered’ from Bologna to per- journey, making a daily advancement in Masonic mit theology, law and art degrees and explains knowledge.