Mitchell M. Waring Sr., 32°
3408 Robin Lynn Drive, Ashland, Kentucky 41102-6769

Original oil painting by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°

No Degree is higher than a Master Mason. The 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, while larger numerically than the 3° of the Ancient Craft Masonry, does not make its fortunate possessor any more a Mason than he was when he was raised to the Sublime Degree.

The Degrees of the Scottish Rite, because they are scholarly, educational, and thought-provoking experiences, will enrich his life. But a man becomes as much a Mason as he ever will be when he takes to his heart and adopts as a rule of life the magnificent teachings of the 3°.

What is true of the Scottish Rite Degrees is also true of the Royal Arch Chapter, Council, and Commandery ceremonies; they amplify the Masonic story, add to knowledge, and increase interest. But, as they cannot make more complete that which is already perfect, they cannot be considered "higher" than the Master Mason Degree.