This Degree is based on the history of the Knights Templar and the martyrdom of the last Templar Grand Master, Jacques DeMolay

The term Pontiff, as used here, has nothing to do with the Pope, but is derived from the Latin words pontus  (bridge) and facere (to make).  Thus, a pontiff is a bridge builder.

The primary lessons taught are that truth, justice, and toleration are indispensable qualities for the Master of the Lodge and that the Master should lead by example, since that is the best teaching method.

The Tower of Babel was built by descendants of Noah, termed Noachites, and their King, Phelag.  This Degree originally was part of the Rite of Perfection, a French Masonic body, and originated in about 1750.

The Tower of Babel was built by descendants of Noah, termed Noachites, and their King, Phelag.  This Degree originally was part of the Rite of Perfection, a French Masonic body, and originated in about 1750.

The Mysteries were further divided into Lesser and Greater Mysteries, the Lesser Mysteries dealing with basic virtues appropriate for the masses of the people, while the Greater Mysteries were reserved for the nobility or more enlightened classes, and provided insights into universal truths and the nature of Deity.

This Degree deals with the Greater Mysteries, and is not confined to the Hebrew interpretation of the Mysteries, but includes deities from various ancient cultures.

In this Degree, some Islamic doctrine is presented through the recreation of initiation into the Druse Sect.  

This Degree continues with a discussion of the Greater Mysteries, as did the preceding two degrees.  However, the 26th Degree used the mysteries of ancient Christianity also disseminated its truths in stages.

During the Middle Ages there was a fairly standard process in the making of a knight.  

 The symbols of this Degree are derived from alchemy, and the Jewish mystical tradition know as the Kabalah.

Knight Kadosh, which is chivalric in nature.