Free and Accepted Masons were summoned to an occasional lodge either to admit men as apprentices or fellows of the craft. The most experienced mason present acted as Master and everyone dined afterwards at the expense of the new members. As lodges began to meet regularly in some places a Master was often elected for a six month term.

These two degrees were modelled on the Guild system. Apprentices were freemen who paid a Master to learn the trade or craft. Fellowcraft or journeymen were trained workers, who were entitled to a daily wage.

During the Eighteenth century, the Master Mason or third degree ceremony was developed. Some of the material from the fellowcraft ceremony was used together with additional material.

The popularity of the idea of symbolic masonry lead to the invention of many ceremonies based on moral lessons and the history of building. Some of these ceremonies were briefly popular and a few continue to be of interest to some freemasons. The Mark continues the theme of building King Solomon's Temple and the Ark Mariners reflect on the story of Noah's ark. The Holy Royal Arch reflects on the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem after the return from Babylon of Ezra, Nehemiah and Zerubabel. The Knights Templar use St Paul's allegory of the armour of Christ.