Tazewell Strategies

The Pyramid Poems are inspired by and derived from the York Rite degrees as conferred in Virginia - Entered Apprentice through Royal Arch. Masons from other jurisdictions will note the inclusion of the Select and Royal Masters Cryptic degrees. These have been part of the Grand Council of Royal Arch Masons in Virginia since 1841. At that time their order was reversed to better suit their inclusion in the Virginia Blue Lodge and Royal Arch degrees.

The degree sections in this book are in conferral order to honor our traditions. In chronological order according to the events they portray, however, they would be Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Mark Master, Select Master, Royal Master, Master Mason, Most Excellent Master, and Royal Arch Degrees. Not included in this publication is the Past Master degree, exemplified to maintain an ancient custom requiring all Royal Arch Masons to have previously served as Master in the East, although some of the Old Charges from that degree are in the ＂What Came Before＂ section. Also not included is the Super Excellent Master degree, which in Virginia is an honorary degree conferred at Grand Chapter convocations. If positioned in the chronological lineup it would be between the Most Excellent Master and Royal Arch Degrees.