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HAUTS GRADES ACADEMY
Intendent of the Building 8TH DEGREE
by William P Fenty III, 32°, Valley of Rockville Centre, NY
In deciding on which degree to select for my second essay, I decided to choose one that struck me as unremarkable, but after further investigation, revealed a deeper meaning. In attending the degrees, I have found some—those whose message and moral were obvious to me—that caused an immediate emotional response. There have also been degrees where I was left confused and wondering if I had missed the meaning or the symbolism in the degree. The 8th degree was such a degree for me. After spending some time contemplating the degree and re-reading the script more carefully, I believe I have found a deeper meaning.
After my first viewing, my thoughts on this degree were only on the outcome of how Solomon had become King. As we learn in this degree, King David was coming to the end of his reign and was leaving roles for those of his sons who had reached 20 years of age. We then meet Adonijah, the oldest living son of David. He immediately makes an impression with his arrogance and demeaning treatment of his brothers. The story explains how Adonijah continues his almost childish behavior, until ultimately, David decides to anoint Solomon as King. While there clearly is a lesson in my abridged understanding regarding how our actions can lead to our undoing, I think I missed the more critical lesson in this degree.
This degree represents the Scottish Rite Core Value of Service to Humanity. I decided to re-read the degree with this Core Value in mind. In doing so, I found much more meaning in the degree than at first. I had missed so much in this degree, because I had made a conclusion based on the story’s outcome without considering the story itself. Within the context of the Scottish Rite, service can take on many meanings: service to our country, service to God, service to our Brothers. It can also mean service in leadership. This degree took on a whole new meaning for me when I looked at it through the lens of leadership.
In contemplating his end as King, King David faces the daunting task of determining which son is ready to take on this role. He decides to give each equal responsibilities and assigns roles without identifying any of them as King. We then are given a view of how each handles their new leadership responsibilities. Most of the brothers, when contemplating their new position, only consider how this position will affect them. Is it a position worthy for them? Will it bring them honor or glory by fulfilling it? Adonijah clearly demonstrates that he is not interested in service. He dismisses what he is offered, as if fulfilling his assignment is below him. He puts himself ahead of the needs of the people. His arrogant and shameful boasting proves that he is less interested in being a leader than a despot.
Solomon, however, has an entirely different reaction. When first queried on how he will attend to the new responsibilities, Solomon responds with, “I will do whatsoever is allotted me to do.” Solomon’s first thoughts are not what’s in it for me but rather for the greater good. We then learn Solomon isn’t even entirely sure what the position “Intendent of the Building” entails. To the viewer who understands our history, it is apparent that the building is the temple that Solomon was to build as foretold to David by God. Still, Solomon isn’t aware that that is his destiny. He is demonstrating one of the key behavioral attributes of a leader: the ability to serve where he is needed and to do what must be done.
In the conclusion, we are taught our final lesson on leadership: benevolence and charity are two of the essential traits of a leader. Solomon then demonstrates this when faced with how to handle his wayward brother Adonijah. Solomon decrees that so long as Adonijah is a worthy man, no harm will come to him, demonstrating his benevolence in dealing with a direct threat to his authority.
For me, this degree turned from being quite unremarkable to quite remarkable. Hidden within the story are valuable lessons we can apply both within and without Masonry. In my professional life, I have been leading teams for more than 20 years, and I am still learning the art and science of leadership. This degree teaches that service, benevolence, and charity are key attributes of any good leader. I have found this true as I have applied my trade. In Masonry, as I head East in the chairs of my lodge, it further confirms what I have learned. A good leader realizes that he is in service to his Brethren as he travels to the East. He must look at problems and challenges and contemplate, as Solomon did, how best to serve those he leads, the body of Masonry, and God. Are my actions benevolent? Am I being charitable in my actions? Have I sought God’s guidance with tough problems, especially if I’m unsure of the answer?
It is through service that we learn to lead. The 8th degree provides us examples from our history on these lessons that are as relevant today as they were in the time of Solomon.
To learn more about HGA and sign up for the waitlist, visit ScottishRiteNMJ.org/ hauts-grades-academy