The Historical Degrees ( 15° – 16° )

The two historical degrees conferred in a Council Princes of Jerusalem cover the period from 538-516 BC. They deal with people and events connected with the end of the Babylonian Captivity of Israel, the return of some of the captives of Jerusalem, and the rebuilding of the temple.

The 15th degree, Knight of the East, and the 16th degree, Princes of Jerusalem, are often referred to as historical degrees in Scottish Rite Freemasonry. They constitute an allegorical narrative presenting the story of a captive people who “wept beside the rivers of Babylon” when liberated.

They were consecrated to the task of building the second Temple or rather rebuilding the Temple of Solomon. The entire pageantry and symbolism of Freemasonry revolve around constructing the four Temples of Yahweh, by a brotherhood dedicated to the erection of a perfect edifice at Jerusalem. Later, building a Temple in the hearts of men.

Contrasted the hauteur of imperious monarchs is the humility of the group of those born to bondage pleading for an ancient wrong redress. Lessons in the 15th and 16th degrees are from these elements of the historical drama that transpired during the Great Kings, Cyrus’, and Darius’ reigns. For more information, visit www.scottishritenmj.org.