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NUGGET
Five steps
Summary: The five steps taken in the Second Degree and their association with the five noble orders of
architecture.
During the Second Degree ceremony, we ascend five steps, which are associated with the five noble
orders of architecture.
The Tuscan is said to represent a sturdy labourer dressed in homely apparel. There is beauty associated
with its simplicity. The Doric represents a full-grown man, similar to the Tuscan, but with some
ornamentation.
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These orders are considered lacking in grace and elegance, the want of which led to the creation of the Ionic
order, formed after the model of a beautiful young woman. Creativity continued, and the Corinthian order
was invented, and is known as the richest of the orders. The inspiration was the tomb of a young lady, with a
basket of toys left beside it covered with a stone. Plants grew up around it, covering it with leaves. From this
we might infer the attribute of sympathy. Masonry then held forth her torch and illumined the whole circle
of arts and sciences, resulting in the fifth order, the Composite. It is so-called as it has elements of the other
four. It is chiefly used in structures where strength, elegance and beauty are all to be displayed.
Thus, our progression up the five steps of the winding staircase, which we climb before taking our obligation,
represents our progress. [Take position in front of Worshipful Masters pedestal, facing South, so that the five
steps can be taken; take a step as each order is mentioned].
• The Tuscan represents us when we first enter the masonry, simple but strong
• The Doric reflects the development in ourselves as we begin to improve and refine our behaviour, through
self-discipline.
• The Ionic reflects the further progress we make, adding grace and elegance to our character; the feminine
side.
• The Corinthian reflects the growth of sympathy and charity in our character.
• And the Composite represents the perfection achieved, where all of these characteristics are brought
together.
The completed buildings were then decorated, furnished, beautified and adorned with many masonic
emblems, none of which shone with greater splendour than brotherly love, relief and truth.
In this sense, the five noble orders represent the development of our characters, as we are guided by the
precepts of Masonry, emblematically depicted by these five important steps.
© UGL of E 2024 Solomon – Fostering Curiosity, Developing Understanding
Recommended use of Nuggets
Nuggets offer a short, simple and readily absorbed means of progressing Masonic knowledge and an easy
way to introduce learning to Lodges and Chapters. It is hoped that they will become a regular feature of
Lodge and Chapter meetings as well as a source for private-study.
Nuggets can be included as an item in the summons and read at most Lodge/Chapter meetings.
They can be:
• Read by either a new or an experienced Mason with the minimum of preparation and practice; though
ideally, they need to be read a few times beforehand.
• Themed with the meeting or activity.
• Used to initiate a discussion within a Lodge/Chapter, LOI/COI, or group.
• Read at home and shared as a topic for a future discussion.
• Used as a focus for an unplanned, informal discussion.
*Note: All biblical passages are taken from the Authorized King James version unless otherwise specified.
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Acknowledgement:
UGLE gratefully acknowledges Dickon Sandbach as the author of this document, which is an extract from
‘Interval Talks’, and for his permission to publish it in this form.
Disclaimer:
Every reasonable effort has been made to contact known copyright holders, but if there are any errors or
omissions, The United Grand Lodge of England will be pleased to insert the appropriate acknowledgment.
The views or interpretations contained in this article are those of the author. UGLE recognises there are
many different interpretations of ritual, symbolism and history.
Copyright:
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and
retrieval system, without permission from The United Grand Lodge of England in writing.
© UGL of E 2022 NUGGET: Five steps 3
