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For many
years this degree was conferred upon
those who had served as Masters of
Masonic Lodges. In some states this
practice is still maintained, yet in
America, with probably one exception, it
is conferred upon all those who have
attained the degree of Mark Master. In
English lodges the degree is known as
that of Installed Master.
There is no
Past Master degree in English, Scottish
or Irish chapters. The degree deals
primarily with administration, retaining
some of the old instruction once given
to those who were actually chosen to
preside.
The gavel is
very properly used as the emblem of this
degree, because it has very generally
been accepted as an emblem of power. The
gavel is used in all deliberative bodies
today more as a means of calling for
order than demonstrating the power
vested in its user. The degree teaches
the value of Harmony and Justice. |
