NOTE: The materials in this section are intended exclusively for instructor-led classes. If your district is conducting Masonic Development Course (MDC) sessions through the HIRAM platform, your Staff Officer must provide you with a course key to participate. This section is not intended for general access. For general reference, please consult the relevant content in the Lodge Resources area.
The Masonic Development Course 2.0 consists of seven core sections, covering each Degree of Masonry—before the Degree, after the Degree, and the Personal Trestleboard. It is designed to deepen the understanding of newly Raised Masons while also serving as a meaningful refresher for seasoned Master Masons.
This is where you register to take the Masonic Development Course series. You will be required to supply the COURSE KEY provided to you by your DISTRICTS STAFF OFFICER. Once you have successfully registered here, you will be required to read a brief introduction to Hiram and take a sample quiz. The introductory information contained here will help you navigate the system, view your progress and completion as well as review any quizzes you have taken.
Please complete the reading and sample quiz as soon after becoming registered so that your instructor can begin the class for ALL participants as soon as possible.
We hope you enjoy using Hiram!
- Enrolled students: 11
Class for pre-degree candidates
- Enrolled students: 20
MDC 2.0 – The Journey Begins serves as an introductory guide to Freemasonry, developed by the Leadership and Educational Services Committee, its primary objective is to provide a foundational understanding of Freemasonry’s history, purpose, structure, and core values. It explores the evolution from operative to speculative Masonry, outlines the significance of Masonic rituals, symbols, and ceremonies, and clarifies the roles within a Lodge. Emphasis is placed on the moral and spiritual development of members, promoting principles such as brotherly love, relief, and truth. The course section reinforces Freemasonry as a character-building fraternity—not a religion or secret society—and outlines the qualifications for membership, stressing the importance of personal integrity and belief in a Supreme Being.
- Enrolled students: 3
The Personal Trestleboard serves as a structured and introspective tool for each Mason to chart his personal growth within the Craft. Rooted in the foundational tenets of Brotherhood, Relief, and Truth, the Personal Trestleboard is both a planning and accountability guide. It encourages reflection on one’s Masonic experiences and the formulation of specific goals—ranging from increased fellowship and ritual participation to acts of charity and continued education. Masons are guided to define annual objectives, quarterly milestones, and action steps while regularly reviewing and adapting their plans to align with their evolving journey. The Trestleboard transforms Masonic philosophy into a living, actionable document, fostering purposeful progress in the spiritual and communal life of the Brother.
- Enrolled students: There are no students enrolled in this course.
Masonic Development Course 2.0 - Entered Apprentice Book Two is a comprehensive educational guide prepared by the Leadership and Educational Services Committee. It serves as the second book in the Masonic Development Course (MDC) series and is intended to deepen the understanding of Freemasonry’s foundational degree. The content explores the symbolic meaning, responsibilities, and spiritual significance of becoming an Entered Apprentice, including historical context, moral teachings, and ritual explanations. It covers essential concepts such as obedience, humility, and self-improvement, and explains key symbols like the Lambskin Apron, Common Gavel, and the Twenty-Four Inch Gauge. The manual also includes quizzes, discussion questions, and practical guidance for Masonic conduct, all aimed at helping new Masons integrate Masonic values into daily life and prepare for further advancement within the Craft.
- Enrolled students: 5
The Masonic Development Course 2.0 Fellowcraft Degree is the third volume in the Masonic Development Course 2.0 series, prepared by the Leadership and Educational Services Committee of the Grand Lodge of New York. It serves as a comprehensive guide for understanding and reflecting on the Fellowcraft Degree within Freemasonry. Designed for use by lodges and individual Brothers, the text explores the symbolism, history, moral lessons, and practical applications of the Second Degree. It emphasizes the journey of intellectual and spiritual growth, with key concepts such as the Five Senses, the Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Winding Stairs, and the symbolic wages of corn, wine, and oil. The document provides historical context for operative versus speculative Masonry, explains working tools and emblems, and underscores the importance of personal development, education, and wisdom. Included are discussion questions, a detailed quiz, and reflections to help deepen the Mason’s engagement with the degree's teachings
- Enrolled students: There are no students enrolled in this course.
The Journey Continues – is the fifth book in the Masonic Development Course series prepared by the Grand Lodge of New York's Leadership and Educational Services Committee. It serves as an in-depth continuation of a Brother’s journey in Freemasonry, reinforcing the commitment to moral development, spiritual enlightenment, and Masonic conduct. It covers a rich historical overview of Freemasonry in the Empire State, the evolution from operative to speculative Masonry, and the foundations of Masonic teachings, including ancient landmarks, qualifications, etiquette, and ritual practice. It also explores the structure and responsibilities of Masonic leadership at the district level and provides guidance on decorum, public behavior, and ceremonial protocols. This comprehensive volume is both a reflective and practical guide designed to deepen the understanding of Masonic values and uphold the integrity and harmony of the Craft.
- Enrolled students: 15
The Masonic Development Course 2.0: Master Mason Degree is the fourth and final volume of the Masonic Development Course 2.0 series produced by the Leadership and Educational Services Committee of the Grand Lodge of New York. It is an in-depth educational resource focused on the Master Mason Degree, known as the Sublime Degree, and is designed to help newly raised Master Masons understand the spiritual, moral, and philosophical lessons embedded in Masonic ritual.
The text explores the Hiramic Legend, the symbolism of Solomon’s Temple, and powerful allegories surrounding immortality, resurrection, and the pursuit of divine truth. It examines key elements such as the Sprig of Acacia, Setting Maul, Beehive, and the Lost Word, emphasizing their deeper meanings and relevance to the Mason’s personal development.
The course also details the rights, duties, and privileges of Master Masons, including expectations for Lodge attendance, voting, visitation, and ethical conduct. A comprehensive quiz and discussion section reinforces learning, while the document concludes by reaffirming the core Masonic values of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, as outlined in the Grand Lodge’s vision for moral leadership and fraternal growth.
- Enrolled students: There are no students enrolled in this course.