MILESTONES – Introduction
Central to Building Together is the principle that a candidate joins Freemasonry as a whole, not simply an individual Lodge. It is a journey comprising four ceremonies: three within the Craft and one within the Royal Arch. Building Together reinforces the understanding that the Royal Arch is the natural and final completion of this journey in pure and antient Freemasonry.
To help manage a candidate’s expectations throughout this journey, Lodges are strongly encouraged to introduce ‘Milestones’ at the completion of each Ceremony. These Milestones are sometimes referred to as ‘Contextual Narratives’ and have already been introduced with considerable success in several Provinces.
It is important to note that these Milestones are NOT RITUAL! Their use is entirely voluntary and remains at the discretion of each Lodge. However, the Province strongly encourages Lodges to adopt their use.
The Milestones are very brief and take only a few seconds to deliver. The recommendation is that the Worshipful Master (preferably), or alternatively the Mentor or Royal Arch Representative, delivers (or reads) the relevant Milestone at the point when the candidate is congratulated on completing his Ceremony, specifically after the demonstration of the test questions.
If you would prefer you can download and print a copy of these Milestones by pressing
1st Degree - Initiation
Brother __________
Many congratulations on taking your first step in Freemasonry this evening.
Since the Union of 1813, it has been established that Freemasonry consists of three degrees — Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason — together with the Royal Arch.
Your journey has now begun, and I can assure you that the brethren of this Lodge, which you have joined tonight, will be very happy to support and guide you as you progress along that path. We hope you enjoy every step of the journey ahead.
2nd Degree - Passing
Brother __________
Congratulations on taking your second step in Freemasonry this evening.
You may remember during the Ceremony that I drew your attention to the Square and Compasses, where one point was hidden and one revealed, symbolising your midway progress in the Craft.
Tonight, you have taken the Degree of Fellow Craft. Two further steps remain — the Third Degree, when you will be raised to a Master Mason — and finally, the Royal Arch.
3rd Degree - Raising
Brother __________
Congratulations on completing your third step in Freemasonry this evening.
You have now been raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason and entrusted with the substituted secrets, the genuine having been lost following the untimely death of our Master, Hiram Abiff, — until time and circumstance shall restore the genuine ones.
The Royal Arch is the natural and final completion of your journey in pure and antient Freemasonry, where that which was lost now awaits your discovery — but only when you are exalted as a Companion of the Royal Arch at a time, in a place, and in a Chapter of your choosing.