8th Degree: Intendant of the Building

Way of the Hermit

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the 8th Degree in the Scottish Rite, "Intendant of the Building." Set in the period after Hiram's death, the narrative of the degree revolves around the challenges faced in continuing the construction of King Solomon's Temple. It focuses on the collaborative effort and the selection of five individuals to assume Hiram's responsibilities, emphasizing themes of unity, shared knowledge, and collective endeavor. Key themes discussed include stoicism, charity, benevolence, and the virtue of contentment. The episode also explores Masonic symbols like the beehive, representing collective effort and unity.
David & Gene emphasize the importance of reflecting on life as a divine blessing, encouraging Masons to find contentment and practice charity. The overarching message is that Masonry teaches practical virtues applicable to everyday life, emphasizing the significance of personal development and ethical conduct in both Masonic and worldly contexts.
This series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Diagrams:

• Emblems of God (names of God on Tree of Life)
• Letters on the Triangle (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)

Overview

• Introduction (01:15)
• Mythological Setting (02:13)
• Morals and Dogma (04:08)
• Emblems of the Degree (10:47)
• Signs of the Degree (12:27)
• Mankind Seeks the Truth (13:19)
• Masonry Preserves Faith (14:08)
• Hoc Opus, Hic Labor Est (15:45)
• Masonry Does Not Dogmatize (19:34)
• Mankind Has Both Duty and Destiny to Fulfill on Earth (20:36)
• Life is a Divine Blessing (23:45)
• The Virtue of Contentment (24:44)
• Enjoy the Blessings of the Day (27:49)
• Principles Require Practice (29:24)
• Conclusions (30:45)

Links:

• The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, Volume 1 (Amazon)
• The Creed of Christendom by William Rathbone Greg (Amazon)
• Discourses on Various Subjects by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
• Discourses on the Nature of Religion; And on Commerce and Business by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
• Intendant (Wikipedia)
• Oc opus, hic labor est (SubSubLibrarian)
• Stoics and Moral Philosophy - The 8 Principles of Stoicism (ThoughtCo)
• Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up (YouTube)

Chapter

1. 8th Degree: Intendant of the Building (00:00:00)

2. Introduction (00:01:15)

3. Mythological Setting (00:02:13)

4. Morals and Dogma (00:04:08)

5. Emblems of the Degree (00:10:47)

6. Signs of the Degree (00:12:27)

7. Mankind Seeks the Truth (00:13:19)

8. Masonry Preserves Faith (00:14:08)

9. Hoc Opus, Hic Labor Est (00:15:45)

10. Masonry Does Not Dogmatize (00:19:34)

11. Mankind Has Both Duty and Destiny to Fulfill on Earth (00:20:36)

12. Of Human Society (00:22:20)

13. Life is a Divine Blessing (00:23:45)

14. The Virtue of Contentment (00:24:44)

15. Enjoy the Blessings of the Day (00:27:49)

16. Exercise Charity and Beneficence (00:28:44)

17. Principles Require Practice (00:29:24)

18. Conclusions (00:30:45)