[Pirate AM™ (Not Hated)]

33rd degree in the scotish rite (the only one that grants that number of degrees) is an honorary degree, given for massive community service or outstanding contributions to humanity; it is not a degree that you "earn" like other degrees. It is also given to non-Masons.

In the Freemasons, there are only three degrees, after you get your 3rd degree you can go on and join other organizations or "rites", these do not make you any "higher" or more "powerful", they are just additional learning.

Joseph Smith grew up in a highly masonic town while Masonry was the "in thing" i.e. just like now most men belong to one or more sports leagues.

His home town, while he was likely there, was where one of the most notorious Masonic scandals happened, so it is very likely that he was deeply involved or very aware of Masonry.

It is also very evident to any Mason that LDS is strongly based on Masonry. Just a look at their undergarments, shows the 3 major symbols of masonry; the beehive is also a Masonic symbol. Aprons, even if they are green, are also Masonic in orgin as are many of the Mormom Rituals.