I think 32nd degree means he was near the top of the echelon in the Masons. According to the new Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol, I think 33rd degree is the highest degree a Mason can achieve, and at that point they are entitled to know all the secrets or something. So that would be an impressive achievement, and mean he was very well regarded. I hope others can answer your other questions. Susan On Mon, Dec 28, 2009 at 5:43 PM, SR <russell2855@bellsouth.net> wrote: > My g-grandfather, Samuel Hunt Weaver of Lowell / Chelmsford died in 1890. > > His obit lists him as being a member of Lowell Lodge, Knights of Pythias. > He was also a member of William North Lodge, Mr. Horeb Arch Chapter, and > the Pilgrim Commandery of Masons. > > He was also a 32nd degree Mason. > > Can anyone tell me anything about these Lodges or what 32nd means? > > Thanks for any help anyone can provide. > > With best regards, > Susan in Georgia