The legend of the Masonic Third Degree has been considered of such importance that it has been preserved in the symbolism of every Masonic rite.

No matter that modifications or alterations the general system may have undergone -- no matter how much the ingenuity or the imagination of the founder of the rites may have perverted or corrupted other symbols, abolishing the old, and substituting new ones -- the legend of the Temple Builders has ever been left untouched to present itself in all the integrity of its ancient mythical form.

The idea of the legend was undoubtedly borrowed from the Ancient Mysteries, where the lesson was the same as that now conveyed in the third degree of Masonry.

Viewed in this light it is evident that it is not essential to the value of the symbolism that the legend should be proved to be historical. Whether considered as a truthful narrative during the building of King Solomon's Temple, or simply a myth, embodying the utterance of a religious sentiment, the symbolic lesson of life and death and immortality is still contained in its teachings, and commands our earnest attention.

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[LODGE HISTORY]